India’s automotive industry is experiencing significant growth, with a wide range of car companies operating within the country. Selecting the appropriate car brand is of utmost importance, as it directly impacts the quality, performance, long-term reliability, and resale value of your vehicle. Some of the leading car companies in India include Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland.
Through leveraging technological advancements and prioritizing sustainability, the car companies in India are consistently driving innovation and expanding their reach in both domestic and international markets.
There are a lot of car companies out there now, which makes it easier to choose, but it can still be hard to decide.
This guide lists the best car companies in India to keep an eye on. I’ll tell you more about their pros, the models they offer, and the way people generally feel about their brand. This will help you make a great choice.
Whether you want the best gas mileage, the newest technologies, roomy interiors, or a build that will last a very long time, you have come to the right place.
So, take a deep breath and get ready to start the journey to find the most famous car companies in India!
Overview of the Indian automobile market
According to the latest report from SIAM, the Indian auto market witnessed a substantial 23.2 percent increase across all segments in January 2024. Passenger vehicles experienced a significant increase of 13.8%, while two-wheelers saw a remarkable surge of 26.2%.
In March 2024, the Indian auto industry recorded a production of 2,325,959 units, encompassing Passenger Vehicles, Three-wheelers, Two-wheelers, and Quadricycles.
The Indian Automotive Market had a valuation of USD 108.10 Billion in 2022 and is projected to increase from USD 116.86 Billion in 2023 to USD 217.90 Billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the forecast period (2024-2031).
What factors should be considered in the selection of a car?
Company Reputation and Trust: Customer reviews are essential when choosing a car company. Read reviews to assess satisfaction and common issues.
Vehicle Variety and Selection: Whether you like stylish sedans, tough SUVs, or solid trucks, a car company’s selection should satisfy your needs.
Costs and affordability: Buyers on a budget should compare base models to upgrades. Make sure the price increase matches the features.
Support and Customer Service: A trustworthy dealer network can make all the difference. Choose a well-known brand with reliable service centers for peace of mind.
Top 10 Car Companies in India
1. Maruti Suzuki India Limited
Maruti Suzuki has taken up a significant spot on our list of the top auto brands in India, with a 42.75% market share. They were well-known for their unwavering commitment to producing designs that are practical, long-lasting, and reasonably priced.
Nonetheless, Maruti Suzuki was able to effectively adjust to the shifting market conditions. They launched the Nexa sub-brand, which quickly became well-known among the general public, in response to the rising demand for luxury automobiles.
The Maruti 800, launched in 1983, gained immense popularity as it became the first car to be mass-produced in India. Currently, Maruti Suzuki dominates the Indian car manufacturing industry with an impressive 50% market share.
It provides a diverse selection of vehicles, ranging from small hatchbacks such as Alto and Swift to compact SUVs like Vitara Brezza.
Popular Cars: Some of the popular car models include Swift, Alto, Baleno, Ertiga, Wagon R, and Celerio.
Manufacturing: Maruti Suzuki operates three manufacturing plants in India.
Market Share: 41.6%
2. Hyundai Motor India Limited
Based in Seoul, Hyundai Motor Company, also known as Hyundai, is the second largest car manufacturer in India.
Hyundai Motors was founded in 1996 as Hyundai Motors India. It currently holds the largest number of shares, surpassing even Maruti Suzuki. Hyundai embarked on a promising path with its inaugural vehicle, the Hyundai Santro.
The car quickly gained popularity among the Indian population. Hyundai offers a diverse range of vehicles, including sedans, hatchbacks, SUVs, and EVs. Hyundai offers a wide range of vehicles with prices that span from 9.91 million to 65 million.
Popular Cars: the Elantra, the Eon, the i10 Grand, the i10, and the Tucson.
Manufacturing: It currently has two manufacturing plants in Chennai that are equipped with the best production technology and testing tools in their classes.
Market Share: 14.9%
3. Tata Motors Limited
Tata Motors, which is part of the Tata Group, made its first commercial car, the Tata Sierra, in 1991. This brand became one of the best in this area when Indica came out. All of the car models are very well made.
It’s a global company based in Mumbai that makes cars for a huge number of people in 26 different countries. Father Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata started the business in 1945. Tata first came into the market by making trains, but they have recently started making cars as well.
Popular Cars: The Hexa, Tiago, Indica, Safari, Storme, Nano, and Bolt are all well-known cars.
Manufacturing: In India, the company owns 15 production sites and 3 research and development sites.
Market Share: 12.3%
4. Mahindra & Mahindra Limited
Mahindra & Mahindra was founded in 1945 as a steel trading business. In 1947, they started working on cars by putting together Willys Jeeps in India. With its main office in Mumbai, Mahindra & Mahindra is a well-known global car company in India that is known for making high-quality cars.
The XUV700, Scorpio, XUV300, XUV400 EV, Thar, and Bolero are some of the most popular Mahindra models in India. They all show the brand’s bold spirit and rugged appeal, which make them very popular with buyers.
In India, the company has nine cars: four SUVs, one MUV, one car in the MUV class, and four compact SUVs.
Popular Cars: Scorpio, Bolero, Thar, XUV500, and Xylo are all well-known cars.
Manufacturing: The company has set up 11 state-of-the-art factories all over India, with its main office in Mumbai.
Market Share: 11.4%
5. Honda Cars India Ltd.
Honda Motors made its entry into the Indian market in 1995. Honda Motor Co. Ltd is a prominent Japanese automobile manufacturing company headquartered in Tokyo. While it has a strong presence in global markets, its market share in the Indian car market is currently only 2.6%.
They subsequently developed a comprehensive customer service network to improve their post-sales support. Honda’s lineup of popular models in India includes the City, Amaze, WR-V, and Jazz, demonstrating their dedication to providing practical and enjoyable driving experiences.
Honda remains committed to advancing hybrid technology and is currently exploring the potential introduction of electric vehicles in the Indian market.
Popular Cars: Some of the popular car models include Honda City, Amaze, Brio, Accord, Civic, and Jazz.
Manufacturing: The company currently operates two manufacturing plants in India, with the ability to produce between 60,000 and 100,000 units per year.
Market Share: 2.7%
6. Toyota Kirloskar Motor
In 1997, a Japanese car manufacturer entered the Indian market by forming a partnership with the Kirloskar Group. Initially, it was founded as a division of Toyota Industries by Mr. Sakichi Toyoda, the father of the founder Kiiichiro Toyoda.
Now, both of the companies are part of the Toyota Group, a highly respected global corporation. Toyota entered the Indian market in 2000 by introducing the Qualis, which was a huge success.
Toyota has established a strong reputation for its outstanding reliability, durability, and commitment to customer support after the purchase. The company offers a range of popular models including the Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and the Glanza.
Popular Cars: Top car models include the Innova Crysta, Urban Cruiser, Glanza, Camry, Fortuner, Hilux, and Vellfire.
Manufacturing: Toyota Kirloskar Motor operates two manufacturing units in Bidadi, located near Bengaluru in Karnataka.
Market Share: 6.1%
7. Kia Motors India
Kia Motors, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, made its foray into the Indian market in 2019 by introducing the Seltos. Kia is a globally recognized automobile company headquartered in Seoul. It is one of the leading automobile manufacturers in India, with impressive sales growth of 44% in FY 2022-23.
The company has gained a reputation for its cutting-edge designs, forward-thinking features, and competitive pricing. Kia is consistently broadening its range of products to meet the varying demands of its customers.
India is a lucrative market for Kia because its Indian division generates more than 6% to the global company. Kia Europe was founded in 1991 to sell in Europe. Kia America was formed in California in 1992. Kia also established Kia Central and South America Corporation in Florida to serve 43 nations.
Popular Cars: Some of the popular car models include the Carnival, Seltos, Carens, and Sonnet.
Manufacturing: Kia India’s manufacturing plant is located in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh.
Market Share: 5.5%
8. Renault India Pvt. Ltd.
This French automobile manufacturer has introduced numerous successful models, establishing itself as one of the leading car companies in India at present. The car manufacturer has a widespread global presence, with operations in 128 countries.
The headquarters of the India division is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Renault, established in 1899, is a renowned automobile manufacturer with a global presence. This renowned car company was established by Louis, Marcel, and Fernand Renault, who are highly respected figures in the industry.
It manufactures a wide range of vehicles, including cars, vans, tractors, buses, trucks, tanks, and various other models.
Popular Cars: KWID, Triber, Kiger.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh.
Market Share: Approximately 3%
9. MG Motor
MG Motor is a British marque that has been acquired by the Chinese company SAIC Motor Corporation. MG Motor India was founded in 2017, and the company introduced its inaugural vehicle, the Hector, in 2019.
MG Motors has a range of popular models in India, such as the Hector, ZS EV, Gloster, and Astor. These vehicles are designed to provide a unique driving experience and cater to a wide range of customer preferences.
Manufacturing: Manufacturing facility in Maharashtra.
Popular Cars: Hector, ZS EV, Gloster, and Astor are popular MG Motors cars in India, each delivering a unique driving experience and catering to different client requirements.
Market Share: 1.4%
10. Skoda Auto
Skoda, a prominent car manufacturer in India, is headquartered in the Czech Republic. As of September 2023, it holds a market share of 1.1%. During a comparable month in the current fiscal year, Skoda Auto India Pvt. Ltd. experienced a sales figure of 4,032 units, primarily driven by the popularity of its flagship SUV model, the Kushaq.
Skoda has introduced several notable models in India, such as the Rapid, Octavia, Superb, and Kushaq. These vehicles exemplify Skoda’s dedication to providing high-quality cars that combine style and performance.
Popular cars: Kushaq, Slavia, Rapid, Octavia, and Superb.
Manufacturing plants: Currently, it has two manufacturing plants.
Market Share: 1.1%
Conclusion
Based on a comprehensive analysis of the top 10 car companies in India, it is clear that these companies are well-positioned for a prosperous future marked by achievements.
Every brand, regardless of its size or experience, contributes its distinct influence to India’s automotive industry. When buying a car in India, it’s crucial to get car insurance since it’s mandated by the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988.
Our coverage options provide extensive protection for accidents, theft, and damages, guaranteeing the security of your investment. Having car insurance is crucial to prevent incurring expensive traffic fines, facing license suspension, and dealing with potential legal complications.
FAQs
What are some of the top car companies in India?
Some of the top car companies in India include Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Honda.
How many car companies are there in India?
There are numerous car companies in India, ranging from domestic manufacturers to international brands with a presence in the country.
Which car company in India offers the most affordable vehicles?
Maruti Suzuki is known for offering some of the most affordable vehicles in India, catering to a wide range of customers.
What is the market share of Indian car companies in the automotive industry?
Indian car companies hold a significant market share in the automotive industry, with brands like Maruti Suzuki leading the way in terms of sales and popularity.