GaadiWaadi –
In January 2026, the auto market recorded wholesales of over 27,20,881 units with PVs contributing to approximately 4.55 lakh units
The auto market delivered an exceptional performance in January 2026 by recording aggregate wholesales of over 27,20,881 units across segments excluding Telangana. The outcome indicated the strongest January showing since the pandemic disruptions – surpassing 23,21,692 units posted in January 2025. Passenger vehicles accounted for a substantial share of this volume.
Industry estimates place the segment at approximately 4.55 lakh units for the month. The surge came against the backdrop of supportive macro conditions. Demand benefited from the GST reduction announced in September 2025 along with recent income tax relief which together helped stabilise purchasing sentiment.
Combined with improved stock availability, these factors enabled January 2026 to emerge as the highest-selling January in the last 4 years. Maruti Suzuki maintained its position at the top of the industry hierarchy. Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches stood at 1,85,943 units – broadly unchanged from the previous year. When exports, light commercial vehicles and OEM supplies are included, total volumes reached a record 2,36,963 units.
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The company also reported a 25 per cent increase in bookings while flagging potential price adjustments amid rising input costs linked to metals. Tata Motors delivered one of the most pronounced year-on-year expansions in the market. January volumes climbed to 70,222 units with a growth of 46.1 per cent. Key nameplates such as the Nexon and Punch contributed in majority.
Mahindra & Mahindra sustained its upward trajectory as its domestic SUV sales reached 63,510 units with a 25 per cent growth while total vehicle volumes including exports stood at 1,04,309 units with a surge of 24 per cent. Hyundai reported its best-ever January with total volumes rising 11.5 per cent while exports increased 20.9 per cent to 14,030 units.
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Toyota Kirloskar Motor followed with 30,630 domestic units as against last year’s 26,178 units while JSW MG Motor posted 9 per cent growth courtesy of the Windsor EV. Looking ahead, the industry is projected to sustain a 6–7 per cent annual growth rate supported by infrastructure-based demand and localisation efforts across EV and battery supply chains.
But, rising raw material costs and geopolitical uncertainty remain key risks to margin stability even as January 2026 establishes a strong baseline for the year.
The post Passenger Vehicles Drive Indian Auto Sales To New January High In 2026 appeared first on Gaadiwaadi.com – Latest Car & Bike News by Surendhar M.