April Auto Sales 2026: Hero MotoCorp Sales Jump 85% to 5.66 Lakh Units; Maruti Suzuki Hits Record 2.39 Lakh Units

India’s automobile sector kicked off FY27 on a strong note in April 2026, led by robust growth in two-wheelers and steady momentum in passenger vehicles. Automakers such as Hero MotoCorp, Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra reported healthy year-on-year growth, supported by favourable base effects and improving rural demand. However, commercial vehicles and tractor segments showed signs of moderation due to seasonal factors and macroeconomic headwinds. Auto stocks are expected to remain in focus when markets, including the Nifty 50, reopen on May 4.

Leading the pack, Hero MotoCorp reported total sales of 5.66 lakh units in April, marking a sharp 85 per cent increase from 3.05 lakh units in the same period last year, though slightly below estimates of 5.77 lakh units. Domestic sales rose 85 per cent to 5.32 lakh units, while exports nearly doubled to 33,653 units. Motorcycle sales climbed 75 per cent to 5.01 lakh units, and scooter sales surged to 64,295 units from 19,317 units a year ago.

Maruti Suzuki posted its highest-ever monthly sales, with total volumes reaching 2.39 lakh units, up 33 per cent from 1.79 lakh units year-on-year and well above estimates of 2.13 lakh units. Domestic sales rose 31 per cent to 1.99 lakh units, while exports jumped 44 per cent to 40,054 units. Passenger vehicle sales grew 35 per cent to 1.87 lakh units, driven by strong demand for SUVs and small cars, the latter registering a 74.4 per cent rise. The company also reported record CNG vehicle sales, with one in every four cars sold powered by CNG, and rural penetration exceeding 52 per cent. Management highlighted tailwinds from GST reforms, income Tax cuts, and repo rate reductions, while noting ongoing uncertainty due to global geopolitical tensions.

Among other automakers, Hyundai Motor India reported total sales of 65,610 units, broadly in line with estimates, with domestic sales rising 17 per cent to 51,902 units, marking its highest-ever April domestic performance. Tata Motors recorded a 31.12 per cent increase in passenger vehicle sales at 59,701 units, with electric vehicle sales surging 72.1 per cent to 9,150 units. Mahindra & Mahindra posted total sales of 94,627 units, up 14 per cent year-on-year, supported by strong tractor sales growth of 21 per cent.

In the two-wheeler segment, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India reported a 17 per cent rise in total sales to 5.63 lakh units, with exports growing 37.4 per cent. Eicher Motors saw Royal Enfield sales rise 31 per cent to 1.13 lakh units, though exports declined 14 per cent. Ola Electric stood out in the EV segment with a 20 per cent month-on-month increase in registrations to 12,166 units, even as the broader electric two-wheeler market declined.

Passenger vehicle makers also posted steady gains. Toyota Kirloskar Motor reported a 17 per cent increase in total sales at 32,086 units, while Kia India recorded a 16 per cent rise to 27,286 units, its highest-ever April sales. Renault India more than doubled its domestic sales to 5,413 units, driven by strong demand for its newer models. Nissan Motor India reported total sales of 5,388 units, including 3,203 units in the domestic market.

In the commercial vehicle space, VE Commercial Vehicles, a joint venture of Eicher Motors and Volvo Group, reported a 6.9 per cent increase in sales to 7,318 units. Meanwhile, Escorts Kubota exceeded expectations with total sales of 10,857 units, up 27.6 per cent domestically, although exports declined 21 per cent.

Fuel prices remained largely stable across India in May 2026, with petrol priced at Rs 94.77 per litre in New Delhi and Rs 103.54 per litre in Mumbai. Diesel prices stood at Rs 87.67 per litre in New Delhi and Rs 90.03 per litre in Mumbai, reflecting minimal daily revisions.

Overall, April auto sales reflected strong underlying demand in two-wheelers and passenger vehicles, supported by rural recovery and policy tailwinds. However, moderation in commercial vehicles and tractors, along with geopolitical uncertainties such as tensions in West Asia and rising crude oil prices nearing USD 126 per barrel, may weigh on sentiment in the near term.

Disclaimer: The article is for informational purposes only and not investment advice.