If you thought the New Year hangover would slow down the Indian automobile industry, think again! January 2026 has kicked off with an absolute bang, shattering records and setting a thunderous pace for the rest of the year. From historic sales figures to the comeback of legendary SUVs, the first month of 2026 has given petrolheads (and EV lovers) plenty to cheer about.

Leading the charge are industry giants like Tata Motors and Hyundai, both clocking their highest-ever monthly numbers. Meanwhile, Renault is making headlines with the return of a cult favorite, and Toyota has finally entered the mass-market EV chat.

If you missed the numbers amidst the noise, don’t worry. We’ve crunched the data, analyzed the trends, and compiled everything you need to know about how your favorite car brands performed this January. Buckle up!

Tata Motors: Breaking Records & Crossing Milestones

The homegrown giant continues to be the unstoppable force of the Indian market. Tata Motors has reported a staggering 47.1% Year-on-Year (YoY) growth, delivering a total of 71,066 units in January 2026. This isn't just a good month; it is their highest-ever monthly sales in history.

The Growth Engine

• Domestic Dominance: A massive chunk of these numbers came from domestic sales, which stood at 70,222 units—a leap of 46.1% compared to Jan 2025.
• Export Explosion: While the base is small, exports skyrocketed by 251.7%, shipping 844 units compared to just 240 last year.
• EV Leadership: Tata’s bet on electric continues to pay dividends. They sold 9,052 EVs, marking a 72.7% jump. They remain the undisputed king of the EV segment.

Star Performers

• Nexon: The compact SUV king achieved its best-ever sales of over 23,000 units. Even more impressive? It has now crossed the 10 Lakh cumulative sales milestone.
• Punch: Following closely, the Punch clocked over 19,000 units (its highest ever) and became the fastest SUV to hit 7 Lakh sales (in just 4 years and 3 months).
• Tiago: The friendly hatchback also joined the 7 Lakh club.

Note: The recently launched Tata Sierra (deliveries began in Jan) and the updated petrol-powered Harrier and Safari are already creating long waiting periods, fueling this growth further.

Hyundai India: Highest-Ever Sales & A New Captain

Hyundai isn't letting Tata take all the glory. The Korean auto giant recorded its highest-ever total monthly sales of 73,137 units, registering a solid 11.5% YoY growth.

Key Highlights

• Domestic Power: Domestic sales reached an all-time high of 59,107 units (up 9.5%).
• Export Hub: Exports grew by a healthy 20.9%, with 14,030 units shipped globally.
• New Leadership: January marked the first month under Mr. Tarun Garg, the first Indian MD & CEO in HMIL’s 29-year history.

Hyundai’s strategy is aggressive. They have announced a roadmap to launch 26 new models by FY30, starting with the new-generation Venue. This long-term vision aims to not just defend their market share but to aggressively expand it.

Renault India: The Duster Effect!

Renault is back in the game, and they mean business. After a quiet spell, the French carmaker posted a robust 33.6% YoY growth, selling 3,715 units in January 2026.

What’s Driving Growth?

• Budget Kings: The growth is currently fueled by the Kiger and Triber, which saw a combined surge of 45.3%.
• The Big Reveal: The real buzz, however, is about the New Generation Duster. Unveiled on January 26th, this SUV has ignited massive consumer interest.

The New Duster: A Quick Look

Renault has confirmed that the new Duster is 90% localized for India.

• Engines: It brings three options—a 1.0L Turbo, a powerful 1.3L Turbo (163 PS), and a segment-shaking 1.8L Strong Hybrid.
• Features: It boasts a 700L boot, Google built-in multimedia, and 5-star safety engineering.
• Mr. Francisco Hidalgo (VP, Sales) stated that this marks a "new beginning" for Renault India, with the Duster leading their International Gameplan 2027.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor: 15% Growth & An Electric Debut

Toyota is known for steady, reliable growth, and January was no different. The Japanese giant posted a 15% YoY growth, selling 33,880 units.

The Electric Surprise: Urban Cruiser Ebella

The highlight for Toyota wasn't just the sales numbers; it was the launch of their maiden EV for India—the Toyota Urban Cruiser Ebella.

• Design: Muscular bonnet, aerodynamic alloys, and a sculpted look similar to the global e-Vitara but with distinct Toyota styling.
• Battery & Range: It comes with two battery options (49 kWh and 61 kWh). The larger battery offers a range of 543 km and packs 171.6 hp with AWD capabilities.
• Mr. Sabari Manohar (EVP, Sales) highlighted that this launch reinforces Toyota's commitment to a greener future while maintaining their "reliable" brand image.

Kia India: Consistent Double-Digit Growth

Kia continues its smooth run in the Indian market with a 10.3% YoY growth, dispatching 27,603 units.

The Winning Formula

• Seltos & Sonet: The updated Seltos remains a mid-size SUV favorite, while the Sonet continues to bring in volume.
• The 'Clavis' Factor: Kia’s focus on the "Recreation Vehicle" space is paying off. The Carens Clavis and the new Clavis EV are attracting buyers who want versatile, family-friendly mobility.
• Network: With 841 touchpoints across 376 cities, Kia is ensuring that service is never too far away.

Head-to-Head: January 2026 Sales Report

Here is a quick snapshot of how the brands stacked up against each other this month.

Which Brand Is Best For You in 2026?

With so much action, choosing your next car might feel overwhelming. Here is a quick guide based on the latest trends:

• Go for Tata Motors if: You want a safe, feature-loaded EV or SUV. The Nexon is a proven beast, and if you have the budget, the new Sierra is the ultimate lifestyle flex.
• Go for Renault if: You are willing to wait a few months for the best adventure SUV. The upcoming Duster Hybrid promises to be a game-changer for those who want mileage and power.
• Go for Toyota if: You want reliability with a touch of future tech. The Urban Cruiser Ebella is perfect if you want an EV that will last you a decade, or stick to the Hyryder for worry-free hybrid driving.
• Go for Hyundai if: You want a premium cabin experience and vast service support. With their new leadership and aggressive plans, expect the service quality to only get better.

Final Thoughts

January 2026 has proven that the Indian automobile story is far from slowing down. We are seeing a clear shift: legacy brands are embracing EVs (Tata & Toyota), dormant giants are waking up (Renault), and the market leaders are smashing their own records.

If this is how 2026 begins, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds.