The Indian automobile sector saw a major change in its retail landscape as the February 2025 report from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) revealed that Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors muscled their way to take second and third position respectively after Maruti Suzuki. This meant spelt bad news for Hyundai as it was pushed down from second to fourth place in the monthly retail ranking.

Battle for second spot 

According to the FADA February 2025 report, Mahindra registered sales of 39,889 units with a market share of 13.15%, which is a major improvement YoY as it managed 11.74% in February 2024. Tata Motors recorded 38,696 units, a share of 12.75%. Hyundai lost major ground last month as it could muster 38,156 units with a 12.58% share. The South Korean company saw a massive drop in numbers from January’s 59,858 units to last month’s. 

Mahindra has been working on an SUV offensive strategy since 2021 when it launched its flagship ICE vehicle, the XUV700, followed by the Scorpio N in 2022. The momentum continued in 2024 with the debut of the Thar Roxx and 3X0. In 2025, Mahindra made a bold move into the EV space, introducing two electric SUVs — the BE 6 and the XEV 9e.

Tata Motors has been on the front foot since the launch of the Punch in 2021. The micro-SUV was the best-selling vehicle in 2024 becoming the first non-Maruti Suzuki vehicle to achieve this feat in forty years. The Indian automobile manufacturer also had the first mover’s advantage by introducing a slew of affordable EVs including the Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Punch EV and the Nexon EV. 

Even though Maruti Suzuki continues to be the number one automobile manufacturer by a couple of miles, it also saw a drop in monthly sales numbers. In January 2025, Maruti Suzuki recorded 2,11,074 and a market share of 45.30%, but February witnessed 1,18,149 units as it shrunk to 38.94%.