Passenger vehicle retail sales in India recorded their highest-ever Feb Car Sales 2026 performance, highlighting strong consumer demand across segments.
According to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations, retail sales reached 3,94,768 units in February 2026, representing a 26 percent year-on-year increase compared to the same month last year.
While the continued popularity of SUVs remained a major factor behind the surge, rural markets emerged as an equally significant contributor to overall growth. Sales in rural areas grew by 34.21 percent, noticeably higher than the 21.12 percent growth recorded in urban markets.
The Feb Car Sales 2026 data also highlights how different manufacturers are navigating shifting buyer preferences in the Indian passenger vehicle market.
Also Read: Tata Motors February 2026 Sales Analysis: 63,331 Units, Nexon and Punch Lead Growth
Feb Car Sales 2026 – Top 10 Automakers (Retail Sales)
| Rank | Automaker | Feb 2026 Sales | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maruti Suzuki | 1,54,095 | +28.40% |
| 2 | Tata Motors | 56,447 | +42.90% |
| 3 | Mahindra & Mahindra | 53,281 | +25.63% |
| 4 | Hyundai | 45,615 | +15.87% |
| 5 | Toyota | 26,392 | +13.36% |
| 6 | Kia India | 25,031 | +28.50% |
| 7 | Skoda Volkswagen Group | 7,615 | +12.36% |
| 8 | Honda Cars India | 4,774 | -10.83% |
| 9 | JSW MG Motor India | 4,548 | -6.15% |
| 10 | Renault India | 3,248 | +27.52% |
Maruti Suzuki Maintains Market Leadership
Maruti Suzuki retained its dominant position in February 2026 with 1,54,095 retail units sold, translating to a market share of around 39 percent.
Despite the broader industry shift toward SUVs, Maruti continues to derive a substantial share of its volumes from hatchbacks and compact sedans. Models such as the Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Maruti Suzuki Baleno, and Maruti Suzuki Dzire remain key contributors.
The company’s ability to maintain strong sales in smaller towns and rural markets continues to support its leadership position.
Tata And Mahindra Strengthen SUV Momentum
Tata Motors held the second position with 56,447 units sold, reflecting an impressive 42.9 percent growth compared to February 2025. The brand’s expanding SUV portfolio remains a central driver of its performance.
Models such as the Tata Nexon and Tata Punch continue to rank among the most popular vehicles in the country.
Close behind, Mahindra & Mahindra reported 53,281 units in retail sales. Its SUV lineup, led by the Mahindra Scorpio N, Mahindra Thar, and models from the XUV series, remains the backbone of its sales performance.
These numbers underline the continued strength of the SUV segment in the Indian market.
Hyundai, Toyota And Kia Maintain Steady Growth
Hyundai Motor India secured the fourth position with 45,615 units, although its market share declined slightly compared to last year.
The Hyundai Creta remains the company’s top-selling model, supported by steady demand for the Hyundai Venue and Hyundai Exter.
Meanwhile, Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported 26,392 units, securing fifth place. The Toyota Innova Hycross and Toyota Urban Cruiser Hyryder remain key contributors to the company’s monthly volumes.
Kia India followed closely with 25,031 units, supported by the continued popularity of the Kia Seltos and Kia Sonet.
Mid-Segment Brands Show Mixed Performance
The Skoda Auto Volkswagen India alliance reported combined sales of 7,615 units, with models such as the Skoda Kushaq, Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Taigun, and Volkswagen Virtus supporting volumes.
In contrast, Honda Cars India saw a decline in sales, reporting 4,774 units in February. Its lineup currently includes the Honda City, Honda Amaze, and Honda Elevate.
Similarly, JSW MG Motor India recorded 4,548 units, with the MG Windsor EV emerging as the brand’s highest-selling model.
Also Read: Suzuki Motorcycle February 2026 Sales: 1.23 Lakh Units, 37% YoY Growth
Renault Rounds Out The Top 10
Renault India secured the tenth position with 3,248 units, registering 27.52 percent growth compared to last year.
The company is expected to strengthen its presence in the coming years with the introduction of the new-generation Renault Duster and other upcoming products.
Outside the top 10, Nissan Motor India sold 1,622 units, while the Stellantis group reported 1,009 units across its brands. Emerging players such as VinFast and BYD recorded smaller but notable sales volumes.
Rural Markets Become A Key Growth Driver
One of the most significant trends from the Feb Car Sales 2026 data is the stronger growth in rural markets compared to urban areas.
Rural passenger vehicle sales grew by over 34 percent, highlighting rising purchasing power and improving mobility needs in smaller towns. Affordable hatchbacks and compact SUVs continue to attract buyers in these regions.
This shift indicates that automakers may increasingly focus on expanding dealer networks and product offerings tailored to non-metro markets.
Conclusion
The Feb Car Sales 2026 figures underline the continued resilience of India’s passenger vehicle market. Record retail volumes for the month reflect strong consumer demand supported by SUVs, expanding rural markets and competitive product offerings across segments.
While established manufacturers continue to dominate the market, evolving buyer preferences and new product launches are expected to reshape the competitive landscape in the coming years.
If current trends persist, India’s passenger vehicle market could continue its steady growth trajectory, with SUVs and rural demand likely to remain key drivers.
Note: Feb Car Sales 2026 figures mentioned are based on retail data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Retail numbers represent vehicle registrations reported by dealers and may differ from manufacturer dispatch figures for the same period.
Also Read: Toyota February 2026 Sales: 34,034 Units Sold, Registers 20% YoY Growth
Raj Prajapati is a senior automobile content writer at How2Guidess.in with over 3 years of experience in auto news, vehicle launches, comparisons, and EV updates. With a background in Computer Science & Engineering, he focuses on research-based, clear, and reader-friendly automobile content.