Automobiles

June 2025 marked a significant turning point in India’s automotive sector, with electric motor car sales soaring over 1,200% year-on-year, even as traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) passenger car sales declined amid subdued consumer sentiment. Truck rentals maintained strength, buoyed by private sector demand and export-driven freight, registering a 5% year-on-year growth. Meanwhile, fuel consumption trends reflected a mixed yet structurally positive outlook, with petrol rising 6.4% and diesel growing 1.2% compared to June 2024.

Global automotive group Stellantis is doubling down on its India strategy, with a renewed call for long-term, consistent, and nationwide policy frameworks to enable strategic planning, especially in the electric mobility and taxation domains. Through its Citroën and Jeep brands, Stellantis aims to expand its footprint by significantly enhancing its sales network, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas.

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest automobile manufacturer, has introduced substantial consumer benefits across its Arena portfolio this July, offering discounts of up to Rs. 1.10 lakh on select models. Both petrol and CNG variants are part of the promotional campaign, which includes cash discounts, exchange bonuses, and rural sales incentives. The Swift AMT leads the pack with the highest discount, while popular models like the Alto K10, Wagon R, and Celerio also receive generous offers.

Mahindra & Mahindra is doubling down on its ambition to redefine itself as a leading manufacturer of premium utility vehicles. With a renewed focus on design, performance, and technology, the company is preparing to roll out a slate of new internal combustion engine (ICE) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) models by 2030. Notably, three major SUV launches are set for 2025: a refreshed Mahindra Thar, an updated XUV700, and a brand-new electric SUV — the XEV 7e.

The Delhi government’s recent enforcement of a ban on refueling older petrol and diesel vehicles—specifically petrol vehicles over 15 years and diesel vehicles over 10 years—has ignited widespread public dissent. Implemented to curb pollution through automated surveillance technology at fuel stations, the policy has faced sharp criticism from vehicle owners who question its fairness and financial implications. Many argue that the policy contradicts the duration for which road tax is collected, reigniting a broader debate over the purpose of multiple taxes levied on vehicle owners.

From July 1, high-end car buyers in Maharashtra will face steeper road tax costs following the state government’s decision to revise the one-time vehicle tax cap. Previously limited to Rs. 20 lakh, the ceiling has now been increased to Rs. 30 lakh. This move directly affects premium vehicle purchases—such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series—potentially increasing on-road costs by up to Rs. 10 lakh. While tax slab percentages remain unchanged, lifting the cap significantly impacts the affordability of ultra-luxury models.

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG, has introduced a new range of BharatBenz trucks—HX and TorqShift series—targeted at India’s rapidly expanding construction and mining industry. The launch, held at the company’s manufacturing facility in Oragadam, Tamil Nadu, follows six months of rigorous field trials involving nearly 200 units across multiple job sites.

BMW Group India has delivered a robust performance in the first half of 2025, reporting a 10% year-on-year increase in total passenger vehicle sales across its BMW and MINI brands, reaching 7,774 units. The company also recorded 2,569 motorcycle deliveries under the BMW Motorrad banner. Leading the charge was its luxury electric vehicle portfolio, which saw a staggering 234% growth, cementing BMW’s dominance in India’s nascent premium EV market.

Hyundai Motor India’s flagship SUV, the Creta, has claimed the top spot in India’s passenger vehicle market for June 2025, selling 15,786 units and outpacing long-time segment leaders from Maruti Suzuki. This milestone coincides with the Creta’s 10th anniversary in India, reinforcing its position as a dominant force in the SUV category. Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire and Brezza followed closely, with 15,484 and 14,507 units sold, respectively.

TVS Motor Company has introduced an upgraded variant of its flagship electric scooter, the iQube, priced at Rs 1.03 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Designed for everyday urban commuting, the new iQube comes equipped with several advanced features, including Hill Hold Assist and a 3.1 kWh battery offering a certified range of 123 km per charge. This launch builds on the brand’s strong momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) space, having already sold over 6 lakh units of the iQube.