Indian Auto Industry Records Strongest-Ever May Sales Performance in 2026: SIAM

New Delhi, India, June 15, 2026: The Indian automobile industry delivered a stellar performance in May 2026, with passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers registering their highest-ever sales for the month of May, according to the latest data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Total domestic vehicle sales across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and quadricycles stood at 23.53 lakh units during May 2026, representing a healthy 16.8% year-on-year increase compared to 20.14 lakh units sold during the same month last year.

Passenger vehicle sales surged by 27.3% year-on-year to 4,38,854 units, compared to 3,44,656 units in May 2025. Utility vehicles continued to drive growth, recording sales of 2,73,186 units, up 14.7%, while passenger car sales rose 6.3% to 1,45,451 units.

The three-wheeler segment emerged as one of the strongest performers, posting a 31.1% increase in domestic sales to 70,720 units. Passenger carriers accounted for the bulk of volumes at 57,649 units, while goods carriers registered an impressive 35.3% growth.

India’s largest vehicle segment, two-wheelers, also witnessed strong momentum. Domestic sales rose 14.8% year-on-year to 19,02,209 units. Scooter sales jumped 27.4% to 7,39,667 units, while motorcycle sales increased 7.2% to 11,13,973 units. Moped sales climbed 30.3% to 48,569 units.

Total vehicle production across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, three-wheelers and quadricycles reached 29.28 lakh units during the month, marking a 13.3% increase over May 2025. Exports also showed healthy growth, rising 30.5% to 6.26 lakh units.

Commenting on the industry’s performance, SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon said passenger vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers recorded their highest-ever May sales in 2026, supported by a lower base effect, reduced GST rates and easier financing conditions that continued to stimulate demand.

Among passenger vehicle manufacturers, Maruti Suzuki remained the market leader with domestic sales of 1,90,337 units during May 2026, followed by Mahindra & Mahindra at 58,021 units, Hyundai Motor India at 47,837 units and Kia India at 27,586 units.

In the two-wheeler segment, Hero MotoCorp led domestic sales with 5,36,784 units, ahead of Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India at 4,59,611 units and TVS Motor Company at 3,84,565 units. Bajaj Auto reported domestic sales of 2,09,528 units during the month.

For the April–May 2026 period, cumulative domestic vehicle sales rose 22.1% year-on-year to 46.74 lakh units, while exports grew 34.1% to 12.54 lakh units, underlining the strong recovery and sustained momentum in India’s automotive sector.

May 2026 Domestic Sales Snapshot

Key Takeaways

• Highest-ever May sales recorded for passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
• Passenger vehicle sales crossed 4.38 lakh units.
• Three-wheeler sales grew over 31%.
• Two-wheeler sales exceeded 19 lakh units.
• Vehicle exports jumped 30.5% year-on-year.
• Industry benefited from lower GST rates, easier financing and improving consumer demand.