Auto Sales Report of September 2026

On 1 October, India's auto industry released its September 2026 numbers. Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors, Hyundai Motor India, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Auto and Eicher Motors were among the big names expected to report. Others, including JSW MG Motor India and Ashok Leyland, also shared their figures.

August car sales trend had been shown a strong month for many carmakers, so September's overall numbers looked slightly softer than expected. Underneath that headline, though, the picture is more interesting: record highs, strong export growth, a commercial vehicle boom, and one clear soft spot in domestic two-wheelers.

This post covers what each company reported.

Maruti Suzuki India: The Volume Leader Delivers a Big Jump

Maruti Suzuki reported 236,013 units in total sales for September 2026, up 24.4% from 189,665 units in September 2025.

• Domestic passenger vehicles (minis, compacts, mid-size cars, utility vehicles and vans) rose from 132,820 units a year ago to 181,838 units. That is roughly a 37% jump year on year.
• Exports grew about 5% to 44,219 units, a steady contribution from overseas markets.

Maruti's domestic passenger vehicle growth was the standout number of the day.

Hyundai Motor India: An All-Time High

Hyundai Motor India posted its highest-ever monthly sales, with total volumes (including exports) of 77,916 units, up 10.8% year on year.

• Domestic sales: 57,166 units, up 10.9%
• Exports: 20,750 units, up 10.4%

Domestic and export demand grew almost in step, which suggests broad-based strength rather than reliance on one market. Exports now make up roughly a quarter of Hyundai's total volume.

Mahindra & Mahindra: SUVs and Commercial Vehicles Both Grow

M&M's total vehicle sales, including exports, rose 15% year on year to 114,874 units.

• Utility vehicles (domestic): 64,092 units, up 14%
• Commercial vehicles (domestic): 30,420 units, up 14%

M&M grew in both its SUV and commercial vehicle businesses at the same pace, which gives its numbers a balanced look.

JSW MG Motor India: Electrified Models Draw Interest

JSW MG Motor India's wholesale sales rose 19% year on year to 8,018 units. The company credited continued customer interest across its portfolio, including the recently introduced MG Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV versions. It has also begun supplying the Hector Tomahawk EV to dealers across India, so that model's contribution may grow in coming months.

Bajaj Auto: Strong Exports, Weaker Home Market

Bajaj Auto's report shows two different stories.

• Total sales (including exports): 538,443 units, up about 5% from 510,504 a year earlier.
• Total domestic sales (two-wheelers and commercial vehicles): 294,456 units, down 9% from 325,252.
• Domestic two-wheelers: 239,771 units, down 12% from 273,188.
• Two-wheeler exports: 211,723 units, up 34% from 157,665.

Overseas demand more than made up for the domestic decline, lifting the company's overall numbers. Exports were the clear growth engine for Bajaj this month. Domestic two-wheelers were the soft spot.

Ashok Leyland: The Commercial Vehicle Story

Ashok Leyland reported one of the strongest growth rates of the day.

• Total sales: 24,049 units, up 28%
• Light commercial vehicles (LCV): 7,861 units, up 12%
• Medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV): 16,188 units, up 37%

M&HCV sales usually track freight movement, infrastructure activity and business confidence, so a 37% rise is an encouraging sign for the wider economy. Together with M&M's 14% growth in domestic commercial vehicles, it points to healthy demand in the segment.

September 2026 at a Glance

Key Takeaways

1. Passenger vehicles are in good shape. Maruti's domestic passenger vehicle jump of about 37% and Hyundai's record month show strong car demand.
2. Exports are a growth driver. Bajaj's two-wheeler exports rose 34%, and Maruti and Hyundai also grew overseas volumes.
3. Commercial vehicles are strong. Ashok Leyland's M&HCV surge and M&M's 14% domestic CV growth point to solid freight and business activity.
4. Domestic two-wheelers are the weak spot. Bajaj's 12% decline in home-market two-wheeler sales was the one clear negative.
5. Electrified models are gaining attention. MG's Hector Tomahawk EV and PHEV are worth watching.

Conclusion

September 2026 was a mixed month by overall industry expectations, but most major players reported solid year-on-year growth. The main concern is Bajaj's domestic two-wheeler decline, and the main bright spots are Maruti's passenger vehicle numbers, Hyundai's record, rising exports and the commercial vehicle surge.

All figures above are company-reported numbers for September 2026 compared with September 2025. Percentages for Maruti's domestic passenger vehicle growth and Bajaj's figures were calculated from the reported unit volumes.