Tata Motors has moved up to the second position in the Indian passenger vehicle market for September 2025, surpassing both Mahindra and Hyundai in overall sales after 5 months. According to retail data, Tata achieved its highest-ever monthly sales of 60,907 units in September 2025, a sharp rise of about 47 percent (YoY). This surge allowed Tata to push past Mahindra, which posted 56,233 units, and Hyundai, which recorded 51,547 units. Maruti Suzuki continued to hold its traditional lead, with sales comfortably at 1,32,820 units. Tata’s jump at 47% YoY is one of its strongest monthly performances in recent years, consolidating its presence in both the internal combustion and electric vehicle categories.
Competition Tightens In The SUV Space
The key driver behind Tata’s strong numbers has been its SUV portfolio, with models like the Nexon, Punch, and the relatively new Curvv generating consistent demand. Tata’s strong rise could largely be attributed to the recent price cuts caused by GST revision. The Nexon was its best-selling model, selling over 22,500 units in September 2025. Mahindra, which has also built a reputation around SUVs, also posted its best ever monthly sales, recording a 10 percent YoY growth. Hyundai, on the other hand, posted a 0.9 percent YoY growth, highlighting the increasing competition in the recent years. Tata even managed to recorded 17,800 sales of CNG cars, its highest so far, witnessing a 105 percent growth compared to the previous quarter. The narrowing gap between Tata and Mahindra shows how competitive the SUV-focused segment has become.
Electric Vehicles Add To Tata’s Momentum
Another important factor in Tata’s climb to second place is its electric vehicle lineup. Tata’s EV sales, at 9,191 units, hit a record high, recording a 96 percent YoY growth. The Nexon.ev, Punch.ev and Tiago.ev together accounted for a majority of the company’s growth in September. This hints at rising acceptance of EVs in the Indian market. Its latest offering, the Harrier.ev, has also gained interest among buyers. While Mahindra does have feature-loaded electric offerings, its volumes are still modest. Hyundai, too, has struggled to expand its EV portfolio beyond premium imports. With charging infrastructure slowly expanding, Tata’s first-mover advantage in the EV space seems to be supporting its performance in the EV market.
What The Numbers Indicate
The September 2025 sales rankings underline the shifting balance of power in India’s passenger vehicle industry. In July 2025, Hyundai had reclaimed the 2nd spot, but now Tata takes it back. Mahindra’s steady volumes suggest that it remains a serious contender, while Hyundai’s slight decline signals the need for new strategies. For now, Tata’s position as the second-largest player strengthens its power and confidence to expand production capacity. With the festive season ongoing, the coming months will reveal whether Tata can sustain this momentum or whether Mahindra and Hyundai can mount a comeback.
