Historic Shake-Up: Mahindra Overtakes Hyundai to Become India’s Second-Largest Carmaker in 2025 Sales
Mahindra car sales, Mahindra overtakes Hyundai, Indian passenger vehicle market, Mahindra SUV dominance, and Tata Motors ranking surged in 2025 as the homegrown SUV specialist claimed the coveted second spot behind Maruti Suzuki for the first time ever.
In a landmark shift for the Indian auto industry, Mahindra & Mahindra has ended 2025 as the country’s second-biggest passenger vehicle manufacturer, surpassing Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors in annual registrations.
This breakthrough marks the first calendar year an Indian brand focused primarily on SUVs has outsold diversified rivals with broad hatchback and sedan portfolios.
According to Vahan portal data, Mahindra registered approximately 5.81 lakh to 5.94 lakh units in calendar year 2025, reflecting robust double-digit growth from the previous year.
Tata Motors secured third place with around 5.52 lakh units, while Hyundai slipped to fourth with about 5.50 lakh to 5.57 lakh registrations—its first drop from the long-held second position.
Industry analysts attribute Mahindra’s ascent to relentless demand for its SUV lineup amid a nationwide shift toward utility vehicles.
Models like the Scorpio-N, Thar Roxx, XUV700, and Bolero delivered consistent volumes month after month.
The five-door Thar Roxx alone contributed significantly, helping the Thar family cross the one-lakh mark annually.
Mahindra also made inroads in the electric segment with its Born Electric range, including the BE 6e and XEV 9e, adding over 36,000 units and capturing 17% of India’s EV market.
Experts note that Mahindra outperformed Hyundai in 10 of 12 months, showcasing sustained momentum fueled by timely launches, facelifts, and strong rural-urban appeal.
Public reactions on automotive forums highlight excitement over homegrown brands dominating, with many praising Mahindra’s rugged, feature-packed offerings.
One analyst remarked that this reshuffle underscores the “vibrancy and competitive intensity” of India’s passenger vehicle sector, projected to hit 4.6 million units in 2025—up over 10% year-on-year.
For U.S. readers interested in global auto trends, this development signals the rising prowess of Indian manufacturers in a market increasingly favoring SUVs and EVs, mirroring American preferences for versatile, high-riding vehicles.
It also reflects broader economic growth in emerging markets, where affordable yet capable SUVs are boosting personal mobility and lifestyle choices.
Hyundai, facing slower product cycles and intense rivalry, saw flat or marginal growth, relying heavily on stalwarts like the Creta.
Tata Motors maintained strong EV leadership with 38% share but couldn’t match Mahindra’s overall surge in internal combustion models.
As the industry heads into 2026, expectations point to continued SUV-led expansion, with Mahindra poised to defend its new ranking through upcoming models like the XUV 7XO.
This historic overtake highlights how strategic focus on consumer trends can redefine market hierarchies.
With Mahindra car sales leading the charge alongside Tata Motors ranking gains, the Indian passenger vehicle market closes 2025 on a high note of domestic triumph over established foreign players like Hyundai.
By Mark Smith
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