M&M Beats Hyundai Motor India to No.2 Rank in India: A New Era of Relentless Innovation
Are you ready to witness a significant shift in the Indian auto industry’s pecking order? Mahindra & Mahindra, a leading Indian automaker, has reportedly seized the no.2 spot in India’s passenger vehicle (PV) market, pushing Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) to the third place. This remarkable move is expected to revolutionize the way we think about the Indian automotive landscape.
Relentless Innovation: The M&M Secret Sauce
But how did M&M achieve this feat? The key lies in its relentless focus on innovation, product refreshes, and timely model launches. While Hyundai has relied heavily on its Creta model to capitalize on India’s SUV boom, M&M has been busy launching multiple models, such as the Thar ROXX, XUV500, and Scorpio N, targeting niche and mass segments alike.
This multi-model strategy has allowed M&M to cater to varied customer preferences, from rugged utility to premium features, giving it a broader foothold in the competitive SUV market across India. In contrast, Hyundai’s more cautious approach has often banked on Creta updates rather than bold, frequent model introductions, limiting its adaptability in a dynamic market.
The Shift: From Hatchbacks to SUVs
India’s passenger vehicle market has witnessed a dramatic surge in SUV sales after the COVID period, reshaping the automotive landscape and eclipsing the once-dominant hatchbacks and sedans. This shift in consumer preferences has benefited both M&M and Hyundai, but the Indian automaker has been favored more, as it does not have any models in the hatchback or sedan segments.
The Indian market has seen a significant increase in demand for SUVs, driven by shifting consumer preferences for versatility, higher ground clearance, and bold styling suited to India’s diverse terrains and improving road infrastructure. Models like the Mahindra Scorpio N, Hyundai Creta, and Tata Harrier have fueled this boom, with sales jumping from 10.02 lakh units in 2021 to over 20 lakh in 2024.
A New Era of Exports
As global markets continue to show strong interest in Hyundai’s Indian-manufactured vehicles, Hyundai plans to further optimize its export strategy to strengthen its position as a major export hub for Hyundai Motor Company. This comes as the company is expected to ship over 11,000 units abroad in February 2025, representing a 6.8% year-on-year growth.
In contrast, M&M reported a remarkable 99% year-on-year increase in exports, with 3,061 units shipped overseas in February 2025. This export growth highlights increasing global demand for Hyundai’s Made-in-India vehicles and further reinforces the company’s position as a key manufacturing hub for its parent company.
The Road Ahead: A Glimpse into the Future
As the Indian auto industry continues to evolve, it is clear that the future belongs to those who are willing to adapt and innovate. M&M’s relentless focus on innovation, product refreshes, and model launches has paid off, propelling it to the no.2 spot in India’s PV market. As the industry continues to shift towards SUVs and away from hatchbacks and sedans, it will be exciting to see how these trends play out in the years to come.
Will you be a part of this exciting journey? Share your thoughts with us and find out how Hyundai and M&M are gearing up for a new era of growth and innovation in the Indian auto industry.
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