The Indian automotive industry entered February 2025 with a steady yet nuanced performance, as Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) grappled with market dynamics, seasonal trends, and evolving consumer preferences. Total passenger vehicle sales for the month reached 390,604 units, reflecting a marginal 0.32% Year-on-Year (Y-o-Y) growth from February 2024’s 389,739 units, but a 2.68% decline Month-on-Month (M-o-M) from January 2025’s 401,538 units. This report analyzes the sales figures of leading OEMs, highlighting key trends, top performers, and challenges shaping the market.
February 2025 Sales Data
| Rank | OEM | Feb’25 | Feb’24 | Y-o-Y Growth | Jan’25 | M-o-M Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti Suzuki | 160,791 | 160,272 | +0.32% | 173,559 | -7.36% |
| 2 | Mahindra | 50,420 | 42,401 | +18.91% | 50,569 | -0.29% |
| 3 | Hyundai | 47,727 | 50,201 | -4.93% | 54,003 | -11.62% |
| 4 | Tata | 46,347 | 51,270 | -9.60% | 48,075 | -3.59% |
| 5 | Toyota | 26,414 | 23,300 | +13.36% | 26,178 | +0.90% |
| 6 | Kia | 25,026 | 20,200 | +23.89% | 25,025 | +0.00% |
| 7 | Honda | 5,616 | 7,142 | -21.37% | 6,103 | -7.98% |
| 8 | Skoda | 5,583 | 2,254 | +147.69% | 4,133 | +35.08% |
| 9 | MG | 4,002 | 4,532 | -11.69% | 4,455 | -10.17% |
| 10 | VW | 3,110 | 3,019 | +3.01% | 3,344 | -7.00% |
| 11 | Renault | 2,676 | 4,080 | -34.41% | 2,780 | -3.74% |
| 12 | Nissan | 2,328 | 2,755 | -15.50% | 2,404 | -3.16% |
| 13 | Jeep | 293 | 331 | -11.48% | 310 | -5.48% |
| 14 | Citroen | 268 | 421 | -36.34% | 470 | -42.98% |
Key Highlights: Leaders and Laggards
- Maruti Suzuki: Steady at the Top
Maruti Suzuki maintained its market dominance, selling 160,791 units in February 2025. With a modest 0.32% Y-o-Y growth, the company held firm despite a 7.36% M-o-M decline from January’s 173,559 units. Popular models like the Swift, Baleno, and Ertiga, supported by hybrid and CNG variants, continued to drive demand, though seasonal slowdowns impacted monthly figures. - Mahindra: SUV Strength Shines
Mahindra reported a robust 50,420 units, marking an impressive 18.91% Y-o-Y increase and a near-flat 0.29% M-o-M drop from January’s 50,569 units. Its SUV lineup, including the Thar, Scorpio, and XUV700, underpinned this growth, reinforcing Mahindra’s leadership in the utility vehicle segment amid rising consumer interest in SUVs. - Toyota: Consistent Growth
Toyota sold 26,414 units, achieving a strong 13.36% Y-o-Y growth and a slight 0.90% M-o-M increase from January’s 26,178 units. The Innova Hycross and Fortuner continued to attract buyers, with Toyota’s focus on hybrids and premium offerings ensuring steady demand. - Kia: Sustained Momentum
Kia maintained its upward trajectory with 25,026 units, posting a 23.89% Y-o-Y growth and remaining stable M-o-M (0.00% from January’s 25,025 units). The Seltos and Sonet, backed by competitive pricing and recent updates, solidified Kia’s position as a key player in the compact SUV segment.
Challenges for Major Players
- Hyundai: Facing Headwinds
Hyundai’s sales dipped to 47,727 units, reflecting a 4.93% Y-o-Y decline and an 11.62% M-o-M drop from January’s 54,003 units. While the Creta and Venue remain strong, growing competition in the SUV space from Mahindra and Tata, coupled with a shift toward EVs, poses challenges. Hyundai’s upcoming electric vehicle launches may help reverse this trend. - Tata: Struggling to Regain Ground
Tata sold 46,347 units, down 9.60% Y-o-Y and 3.59% M-o-M from January’s 48,075 units. Despite the popularity of the Nexon and Punch, the brand faces pressure from SUV competitors. Tata’s focus on electric models like the Nexon EV and Tiago EV remains critical for future growth. - Honda: Persistent Decline
Honda’s sales fell to 5,616 units, with a 21.37% Y-o-Y drop and a 7.98% M-o-M decline from January’s 6,103 units. The brand’s reliance on sedans like the City and Amaze, amid declining sedan demand, highlights the urgent need for an SUV expansion to stay competitive.
Rising Stars and Strugglers
- Skoda: Remarkable Surge
Skoda achieved a standout 147.69% Y-o-Y growth, selling 5,583 units, though it saw a 35.08% M-o-M increase from January’s 4,133 units. This leap suggests growing appeal for models like the Kushaq, positioning Skoda as a niche leader. - MG: Mixed Results
MG sold 4,002 units, down 11.69% Y-o-Y and 10.17% M-o-M from January’s 4,455 units. While its EV focus (e.g., ZS EV) holds promise, supply chain issues and seasonal dips impacted performance. - Renault, Nissan, Citroen, Jeep: Steep Declines
Smaller players struggled significantly. Renault (2,676 units, -34.41% Y-o-Y), Nissan (2,328 units, -15.50% Y-o-Y), Jeep (293 units, -11.48% Y-o-Y), and Citroen (268 units, -36.34% Y-o-Y) faced sharp drops, with M-o-M declines ranging from 3.74% to 42.98%. These brands need innovative strategies to regain market relevance. - VW: Modest Growth
VW edged up 3.01% Y-o-Y to 3,110 units but dropped 7.00% M-o-M from January’s 3,344 units, indicating inconsistent demand.
Market Trends and Insights
February 2025’s sales data underscores the continued dominance of SUVs, with Mahindra, Kia, and Skoda leading the charge. The market’s shift toward sustainable mobility—evident in Toyota’s hybrid success and Tata and MG’s EV efforts—remains a key driver. However, seasonal slowdowns post-January, coupled with competition and supply chain challenges, contributed to the M-o-M decline. Maruti Suzuki’s stability and Mahindra’s SUV prowess highlight their adaptability, while Hyundai, Tata, and Honda face pressure to pivot toward emerging trends.
Looking Forward
The Indian automotive landscape in February 2025 reflects a market in transition. While leaders like Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra hold strong, others must innovate—particularly in SUVs and electric vehicles—to capture growth. With economic growth forecasts of 6.3%-6.8% for 2025 and rising consumer interest in eco-friendly options, OEMs aligning with these trends are poised for success, while laggards risk falling further behind in this competitive arena.