Mahindra, Tata Overtake Hyundai in April Auto Rankings

The Indian automobile market witnessed a big shake-up in April 2025, with Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors surpassing Hyundai in car sales. While Maruti Suzuki remains firmly in the lead, the real news this month is that Hyundai dropped out of the top three. Mahindra, for its part, notched a healthy 28% increase in unit sales to a total of 52,330. SUVs continue to drive this automaker's growth, with models like the ScorpioN and the brand's other unibody SUVs, including the XUV lineup and the BE6. Meanwhile, the electric XUV9e is also maximizing momentum.

Tata Motors took the third spot with 45,199 units, although it recorded a 6% dip in sales. Hyundai was not too far behind at 44,374 units, with its sales nosediving by 12%. This is not the first time Mahindra has come ahead of Hyundai; it notably surpassed the Korean company in sales back in February of this year.

SUV Strategy Shields Mahindra from Broader Slowdown

When the compact car and sedan segments push hard against the overall car market, it is Mahindra's focus on SUVs that appears to be hyper-driving it into a parallel universe where it is totally unaffected by the slowdown weighing upon those other segments. Demand for rugged, off-road-capable vehicles that are also suitable for use in everyday life seems to be growing too strong for the company to ignore.

Different from Hyundai and Tata, which have a much more varied range of products including hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs, Mahindra has directed its attention almost entirely to the SUV segment. This high-demand SUV focus has proven to be more resilient lately, especially since sedans seem to be losing popularity with consumers. Market analysts that follow Mahindra say its product positioning and design strategies are bettering the brand's chances of making a noticeable impression in the market.

Ranking Volatility Expected to Continue

Given the uncertain market conditions, automakers are being careful. With geopolitical tensions and potential developments over international tariffs affecting consumer sentiment, many companies are putting short-term volume gains behind their efficient inventory management priorities.

April's reshuffling may not be a one-off event, observers in the industry believe. The competitive terrain among Mahindra, Hyundai, and Tata Motors is set to remain fluid for the foreseeable future. Sales performance may see-saw as each contender adapts its strategy, rolls out new models, and reacts to market demand.

Mahindra's leadership underscores a clear strategic focus: It's going after revenue market share in the SUV segment, which it defines as "adventure ready," instead of overall passenger vehicle volume leadership. In the meantime, other automakers, including Toyota, Kia, Skoda, and JSW MG, saw gains in April, indicating that upward movement for specific brands is still achievable, even in what is an overall hesitant climate.