Passenger vehicle sales stay flat in May; Utility vehicles drive growth: SIAM

Mumbai: Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches counted as sales, remained largely unchanged in May 2025, rising just 0.8% year-on-year to 3,03,099 units from 3,00,795 units in the same month last year, as a decline in car sales offset strong growth in the utility vehicle segment. According to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), car sales dropped 12.2% to 93,951 units, while utility vehicles (UVs) rose 7.6% to 1,96,821 units. Vans, which form a smaller portion of the market, posted a 12.5% increase to 12,327 units.

“The overall passenger vehicle segment showed a marginal growth as the decline in passenger car sales balanced out the robust performance in UVs,” said Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM. “The UV segment continues to be the growth driver for the PV market, with several new models and strong customer preference for SUVs sustaining the momentum.”

The data shows a continued shift in consumer preferences toward larger vehicles, particularly compact and mid-size SUVs. Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest carmaker, recorded a modest increase in overall PV sales to 1,35,962 units in May 2025, aided by strong demand for its Fronx and Brezza in the UV category. However, sales of its compact and mini cars such as Alto and Swift remained under pressure. Hyundai Motor India reported a total of 58,133 units in May, with over half of them coming from its popular Creta, Venue, and Exter models. Mahindra & Mahindra continued its strong run in UVs, posting domestic sales of 52,431 units during the month, up from 43,218 a year ago.

Kia India also reported robust growth, with May sales rising to 22,315 units from 19,500 last year. Toyota saw sales increase to 24,279 units, compared to 19,289 in May 2024, driven by models like the HyRyder and Innova HyCross. Skoda, which has pivoted towards UVs through the Kushaq and Slavia, posted 5,801 units in May, a sharp increase from 1,342 in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, three-wheeler sales fell 3.3% to 53,942 units, despite an 18.9% rise in production. Passenger carriers declined marginally, while goods carriers continued their subdued performance. In contrast, exports of three-wheelers surged 36.7% to 31,084 units, reflecting growing demand from international markets.

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Two-wheeler sales remained subdued, inching up just 2.2% year-on-year to 16,55,927 units. While scooter volumes rose 7.1% to 5,79,507 units, motorcycle sales were flat at 10,39,156 units. Electric two-wheeler sales saw steady gains, led by TVS, Bajaj, and Ather. “The two-wheeler segment is still facing challenges in rural demand, but the urban premium and electric sub-segments have shown better traction,” Menon said.Total vehicle production in May stood at 25,82,207 units, marking a 5.2% growth over last year. Exports across categories rose 22.8% to 4,79,538 units. While domestic demand trends remained mixed, manufacturers are leaning on exports to sustain volumes in the face of a high base and evolving market dynamics.With the monsoon expected to be normal and new launches lined up in the coming months, the industry remains cautiously optimistic for the rest of the fiscal year.

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