Auto Sales Record Strong January Growth Ahead of Budget 2026: Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Lead

India’s leading automakers released their January sales data, offering an early view of demand trends at the start of 2026. Multiple manufacturers reported double‑digit growth across domestic and export markets, signalling steady consumer interest.

Passenger vehicle makers, tractor manufacturers, and commercial vehicle producers all posted strong numbers for the month. More automakers are expected to announce their sales performance throughout the day.

Hyundai Motor India Posts Record Monthly Sales

Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 73,137 units in January, marking an 11.5% year‑on‑year increase. The company had sold 65,603 units in January last year, reflecting sustained demand for its passenger vehicle portfolio.

Domestic dispatches stood at 59,107 units, up 9% compared with 54,003 units in the year‑ago period. Exports also expanded to 14,030 units, rising from 11,600 units in January 2024 and contributing to the company’s strongest monthly tally.

SML Mahindra Records Broad‑Based Growth in January

SML Mahindra reported total sales of 1,337 units in January, an increase of 30% from 1,025 units a year earlier. Cargo vehicle sales rose 31% to 500 units, compared with 383 units in January last year.

Passenger vehicle sales increased 30% to 837 units, up from 642 units in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. For the April–January period of FY26, total sales stood at 12,672 units, representing a 19% rise from 10,618 units a year ago.

Tractor Sales Surge for Escorts Kubota

Escorts Kubota said its Agri Machinery Business sold 9,799 tractors in January 2026, reflecting a 46.9% increase from 6,669 tractors sold in January 2025. Domestic tractor sales rose to 9,137 units, up 50.8% from 6,058 units in the year‑ago period.

Export tractor sales increased 8.3% to 662 units from 611 units last year. For the April–January period of FY26, total tractor sales reached 1,11,212 units, a 16.3% rise from 95,590 units in the previous financial year.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Reports Strong Retail and EV Demand

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported total sales of 71,066 units in January 2026, compared with 48,316 units in January 2025. Domestic passenger vehicle sales, including EVs, rose 46.1% to 70,222 units from 48,076 units a year earlier.

International business sales increased to 844 units from 240 units, marking a growth of 251.7% year‑on‑year. EV sales across domestic and international markets stood at 9,052 units, up 72.7% from 5,240 units in January 2025 and contributing significantly to overall growth.

Read More: India’s Automobile Sector Strengthens on Rising Demand, Exports and Policy Support.

Conclusion

India’s auto market opened 2026 on a strong note, with major manufacturers reporting substantial gains across segments. Hyundai, Tata Motors, Escorts Kubota, and SML Mahindra all recorded healthy year‑on‑year increases in January dispatches.

Growth was visible in passenger vehicles, electric vehicles, commercial units, and tractors, supported by steady domestic demand. Further announcements through the day will provide a more complete picture of the sector’s momentum.

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