Key Takeaways
- India auto sales in August 2026 rose 36%, with passenger vehicle dispatches reaching 4.5 lakh units.
- Maruti Suzuki recorded 34.8% domestic sales growth to 1.76 lakh units.
- Electric two-wheeler sales at TVS Motor surged 137% year on year.
India auto sales in August 2026 rose 36% year on year to 4.5 lakh units, as passenger vehicle manufacturers increased supplies to dealers ahead of the festive season. The sharp rise came against a weak base last year, when buyers delayed purchases ahead of changes in the goods and services tax structure.
Passenger vehicle dispatches rise ahead of festive demand
The August increase followed industry sales of 3.3 lakh units during the same month last year. Automakers are now preparing for higher showroom activity as the festive period approaches, beginning with Navratri in North India on October 11 and continuing through Diwali.
Maruti Suzuki reported domestic sales of 1.76 lakh units in August, up 34.8% from 1.31 lakh units a year earlier. Its total sales, including exports, light commercial vehicles, and sales to other original equipment manufacturers, reached 2.19 lakh units, compared with 1.80 lakh units previously.
The company said August sales were lower than its July record of 2.41 lakh units because the month had around 3 fewer working days. Maruti also reported pending bookings of nearly 1.8 lakh vehicles, while network inventory stood at about 16 days.
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles retained the second position, recording combined domestic and international sales of 67,753 units, a 56% increase from 43,315 units.
Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 65,796 units, up 8.8%. Domestic sales increased 23.6% to 54,396 units. Mahindra & Mahindra recorded a 50% increase in domestic utility vehicle sales to 59,257 units.
Kia India dispatched 29,042 units during August, marking a 48.1% increase from 19,608 units a year earlier. JSW MG Motor India reported wholesale sales of 7,508 units, up 14%.
Honda Cars India recorded total sales of 7,508 units, compared with 6,774 units in August last year. Domestic sales increased 40% to 5,385 units, while exports declined 27.4% to 2,123 units.
India auto sales also see two-wheeler growth
The two-wheeler market also reported higher volumes during August as manufacturers prepared for the festive period.
TVS Motor Company recorded total sales of 6.17 lakh units, up 21% from 5.10 lakh units. Two-wheeler sales increased 21% to 5.91 lakh units, while domestic two-wheeler sales rose 18% to 4.34 lakh units.
Electric two-wheeler sales at TVS more than doubled, rising 137% to 59,453 units from 25,138 units. Its international business grew 29% to 1.74 lakh units, while three-wheeler sales increased 34% to 25,103 units.
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India reported total sales of 5.79 lakh units, an 8% increase. Hero MotoCorp recorded 5.68 lakh units, up about 2.7%, although it said retail momentum increased 19%.
Bajaj Auto reported total sales of 5.35 lakh units, up 28%. Domestic two-wheeler sales increased 10% to 2.01 lakh units, while exports in the segment rose 53% to 2.41 lakh units.
The strong India auto sales in August 2026 reflect increased dealer dispatches ahead of the upcoming festive season.
VE Commercial Vehicles reported sales of 8,434 units, up 17.7% from 7,167 units. The figure included 8,162 Eicher vehicles and 272 Volvo vehicles.Overall, India auto sales in August 2026 showed strong year-on-year growth, although the pace could moderate as the comparison base strengthens.
Automakers expect the strong festive demand to support sales in the coming months, although the year-on-year growth rate is expected to moderate as the comparison base strengthens following last year’s GST-related demand recovery.
