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The April car sales data for 2025 paints a vivid picture of India’s changing automobile market. Buyers are steadily turning toward premium features, sustainability, and rugged mobility. This has buoyed SUVs and electric vehicles (EVs), while small cars—the former soul of Indian automotive demand continue to wobble.
Here, we chart the performance of car segments in April 2025 and look into trends as well as the sales outlook of cars in India.
SUV Sales: Commanding the Road
The SUV category remained the shining star of April sales. Once aspirational, SUVs are now increasingly becoming the preferred vehicle for families and urban professionals in India.
SUV Segment Performance – April 2025
|
Manufacturer |
Units Sold (SUVs) |
Year-on-Year Growth |
Key Models |
|
Mahindra & Mahindra |
41,000 |
+28% |
XUV 3XO, 5-door Thar |
|
Hyundai |
45,000 |
-11.6% |
Creta, Venue |
|
Tata Motors |
36,000 |
-5.1% |
Harrier, Nexon (ICE) |
|
Total SUV Sales |
Above 197,000 |
+12% |
Across all brands |
Why Are SUVs Winning?
- Adaptability to Indian road conditions
- Perception of safety and durability
- Feature-rich variants even at mid-range pricing
- Good resale value and increasingly accessible financing options
Mahindra & Mahindra made big gains, being ahead of its competitors with the latest launches. Up until April, this stellar performance lifted them to second place in the overall car sales rankings.
Also Read: Lamborghini Temerario India Launch Price ₹6 Crore
EVs: Powering Ahead
In the month of April, electric vehicles made record-breaking inroads into the automobile market, registering a 58% growth year-on-year. Greater choice of models, longer battery life, and improved charging infrastructure are responsible for this growth.
Electric Vehicle Sales – April 2025
|
Manufacturer |
EV Units Sold |
Market Share (%) |
Year-on-Year Trend |
|
Tata Motors |
4,440 |
36% |
-14% (decline) |
|
Mahindra & Mahindra |
3,002 |
24% |
Highest-ever sales |
|
JSW MG Motor |
3,460 |
28% |
Strong growth |
|
Others (BYD, Hyundai) |
1,428 |
12% |
Steady performance |
|
Total EV Sales |
12,330 |
100% |
+58% YoY growth |
Growth Drivers of EVs
- Increase in fuel prices forced cost-conscious buyers to EVs
- State and central government subsidies and road tax waivers
- High EV-specific financing and battery leasing options
- Wider acceptance across urban and semi-urban markets
Noteworthy is the best-ever monthly EV sales for Mahindra, fueled by BE 6 and XEV 9e. On the other hand, JSW MG Motor has found traction on account of its Windsor SUV and battery rental option that reduces upfront purchase costs.
Small Cars: Struggling for Relevance
A common sight in every Indian home, small hatchbacks and compact sedans today have become almost extinct on the April car sales chart. Shrinking demand, fewer launches, and higher costs have pushed this segment into decline.
Small Car Segment Overview – April 2025
| Manufacturer | Units Sold (Est.) | Market Share (%) | Year-on-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maruti Suzuki | 10,500 | 52% | Flat with marginal 0.6% growth |
| Hyundai | 5,200 | 26% | Declining; reduced segment focus |
| Tata Motors | 4,500 | 22% | Stable but low demand |
| Total | 20,200 | 100% | Overall segment under pressure |
Challenges Faced by Small Cars
- Lack of relevant innovation and upgrades
- Diminished consumer perception of value and safety
- Price-sensitive buyers shifting toward entry-level SUVs
- Somewhat less financing support and fewer variants as compared to SUVs
Maruti Suzuki is still somewhat active in the segment, but the lack of new launches and enhanced safety technologies have almost deadened it. Analysts feel that this segment may really get revived if pricing policies pamper it or if policy intervention is carried out.
Market Trends: Evolution in Buyer Behavior
The trend of car sales in April reflects this broad-based change in consumer life priorities and automotive strategies in India.
Key Takeaways
- SUVs and EVs are no more an oddity—they are firmly in the mainstream
- Buyers want value for their money—but not at the expense of features or safety
- Manufacturers are choosing margin and tech integration
- EVs are opening to exploration among urban audiences
April Sales of Cars: Segment-Wise Summary Table
|
Segment |
Performance of Sales |
Key Insights |
|
SUVs |
197,000+ units |
Maintains double-digit growth, strong market leader |
|
Electric Vehicles |
12,330 units |
Best-ever April for EVs, up 58% YoY |
|
Small Cars |
Flat or Declining |
Falling demand and fewer product innovations |
What Is in Store for Car Sales in India?
April car sales trends are expected to continue throughout the year, with several additional dynamics likely to play a role.
Upcoming Trends
- Festive Season Launches: Automakers plan to introduce compact SUVs, hybrids, and mid-range EVs to capture festive demand
- Financing Innovation: EV subscription models, lease options, and battery rentals are gaining traction
- Policy and Infrastructure Support: Continued government focus on reducing GST and boosting EV infrastructure will influence adoption
- Rural Expansion: Entry-level SUVs and EVs may become viable in non-urban regions with better awareness and financing
Conclusion
Dated back to the April car sales report, this definition will forever signify consumers in India changing their demand from what is being produced. SUVs present comfort, safety, and pride, whereas EVs speak of a cheap and green future. Small cars have started losing out on their once dominant position as buyers upgrade their expectations.
In essence, for auto companies, it means rapid adaptation and constant innovation with smarter segmentation. For consumers, it is going to be a diversified car market that's competitive and exciting in India.
Also Read: Maharashtra Electric Vehicle Policy 2025: Major Incentives and Advantages for EV Owners
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