Car manufacturers appear to be more than happy to release new models for buyers as long as people are still interested in buying new cars. It may seem that there are endless choices for a car, but how does one decide which one to buy? The obvious choice is to select a car manufactured by a country’s best manufacturer, right? So, in this blog, you are going to look at some of the top car brands in India.
Your choices reveal a lot about you, whether you like it or not. In the same way, the world also reflects your choices. Multinational brands are no exception. Brand ideologies may not be a new concept, but they often appear in nearly every aspect of a company’s life. Marketing can be great, but stereotypes are often created as a result. Cars with only four wheels and a roof may not be the best for your taste, however, the brand speaks volumes! As a result, the first thing that defines a car is definitely is its brand, which indicates its quality, features, and standard that separate one car from another. Without further ado, here is a list of the best car brands in India.
List of some of the top car brands in India
Since India is considered one of the world’s largest markets for automobiles, car sales have been increased at a rapid rate in India over the last few years. While many foreign and domestic car brands are doing rather well in India, a few others are losing ground primarily due to competition. The following is a list of some of the most popular car brands in India.
01. Tata Motors
In recent years, the Indian brand Tata is definitely seeing some good and rapid growth due to this shift in customer sentiment. Indian carmaker Tata Motors is owned by the renowned Tata group. In terms of volume, it is India’s third-largest carmaker. The majority of Tata cars receive a five-star rating in Global NCAP because of their safety features. It is a feeling beyond words to own something made locally. Tata Motors is still worth checking out, no matter how much you chase foreign manufacturers. And that’s what makes Tata so special. It doesn’t matter whether it’s an SUV, hatchback, or sedan, Tata Motors makes cars that are truly Indian. As part of Tata’s brand evolution, Tata Motors can now proudly say that its vehicles can compete with those made by foreign giants. It is in the top 10 car brands in India due to its safety ratings and upgraded features.
02. Maruti Suzuki
It isn’t easy to become a popular car brand in India. As one of the largest manufacturers of automobiles in India, Maruti Suzuki India Limited was founded in 1981. Despite this, it remains the biggest brand in India and offers superior and affordable family cars. The company’s affordability has also helped it maintain its impressive share of the market in India. Swift is the brand’s best-selling compact hatchback and compact SUV in both its line-up and across the country. There is a sense of hospitality at Maruti Suzuki that seems to come from within. Maruti Suzuki is expected to remain at the top of the heap for the next few years at least with their upcoming models. Suzuki is a great option for budget-conscious buyers looking to get the most from their money
03. Hyundai Motors
After Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motors is another car brand in India which sold 52,600 units. Hyundai is also a very popular brand in India. In India, the likelihood of buying a Maruti or a Hyundai is very high. The top car manufacturers in terms of sales remain Maruti and Hyundai, even as people are moving towards Tata. In India, Hyundai currently offers 11 models, including 2 Sedans, 4 SUVs, 3 Hatchbacks, 1 Compact SUV, and 1 Compact Sedan. Hyundai India has a total of two production facilities located in Tamil Nadu, one in Sriperumbudur and the other one is in Irangattukotai with a total combined capacity of 9 lakh cars per year, which makes it one of the biggest car brands and also manufacturers in India.
04. BMW
BMW is considered one of the top luxury car brands in India. One of the most popular brands of cars in India is BMW or Bayerische Motoren Werke AG. A subsidiary of BMW is Rolls-Royce. Chennai is the manufacturing plant unit facility for BMW and the project was launched in India in 2007. On the Indian market, a variety of car models are available, including the popular X and GT models.
05. Rolls Royce
The masterpiece you’ve been waiting for is here! Its name is as sophisticated as its cars, exuding quality and royalty. The London-based Rolls-Royce car company was formed from the merger of BMW AG with Rolls-Royce. It needs class and status to own a Rolls-Royce, which is why only a small number of units have come out in India. They are definitely worth the price, however. Besides producing cars, this car manufacturer in India also manufactures aerospace, power system products, and defense.
06. Jaguar
There is no doubt that Jaguars are among the most desirable luxury cars! With its classy and innovative features and being a part of Tata Motors, this luxury car brand in India has been gaining more and more traction every year. There is a pouncing Jaguar on the Jaguar logo of Jaguar cars made in India. The Jaguar brand is sold in India as sedans, sports cars, and SUVs. In addition to offering online booking, this brand comes out in vivid colors.
07. Land Rover
Since 2008, Tata Motors has been the owner of Land Rover, manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover. In India, this automobile brand offers both compact SUVs and luxury. There are three Land Rover car families sold in India: Discovery, Defender, and Range Rover. These cars hold a special place in the hearts of many Indians. People are attracted to these Indian cars because of their special charm.
08. Mahindra
When it comes to automobiles in India, this is a name that you cannot miss. A top twenty listed company in India, Mahindra & Mahindra was founded in 1945. Mahindra vehicles are known for their durability, ruggedness, and spaciousness, and you get those qualities from every single vehicle they produce. The reason why their market share is approximately 4.99 percent is that not everyone is looking for a vehicle that can handle all terrains. While Mahindra continues to produce some of India’s most powerful vehicles, they are committed to staying true to what they know best.
09. Nissan India
Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd is basically a subsidiary of Nissan Motor corporation limited, Japan. In India, the company has a wide range of exciting and innovative products spanning hatchbacks, MUVs, SUVs, and sedans. Datsun and Nissan are Nissan’s two portfolio brands in India. As part of its global alliance with Renault, Nissan and the Government of Tamil Nadu signed an MoU in February 2008 for the establishment of a manufacturing plant in Chennai for an overall investment of about 46 billion over seven years.
10. Skoda
It is everyone’s dream to own a luxury car. However, acquiring one is a complex process. It involves a lot of hard work. The only brand that can truly and beautifully satisfy both your desire for luxury and within your budget is Skoda. Luxury vehicles are a Czech automaker’s specialty, with engines that can compete with even full-blown luxury brands like BMW or Audi. Skoda cars are completely capable of competing with some of the major luxury brands at a fraction of what the giants demand, no matter what they are, be it the classic Laura or the upcoming Taigun. Definitely a brand stereotype worth living up to.
11. Renault India
French multinational automaker Renault is a company whose foundation dates back over a century, among the dominance of western and Japanese firms. Rallying and Formula 1 are two of the motorsport sectors where this car brand plays a major role. Using mathematical curves to model car bodies has contributed to computer graphics as well. As well as right-hand-drive markets, Renault India exports the Duster. With an overall capacity of about 440,000 units per year and three shifts per day, Renault cars are built in Chennai. Renault’s new models have not met with much success, although they have met critical acclaim. Nonetheless, Renault’s success in the Indian market is mainly due to the Duster, a compact SUV. Kwid and Kiger are now performing well in the market. Nonetheless, they rely heavily on after-sales services for support. Renault appears unable to resolve its reliability issues despite improving its built quality over the years. The Renault brand is one of the most popular brands in India. It is ranked as one of the best car companies in India.
12. Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a subsidiary of Daimler AG and a German automotive manufacturer. Luxury car brand founded in 1994 in India. The luxury brand showcases a number of models to demonstrate the performance and sporty qualities of its products. Mercedes-Benz is most likely on your shortlist of luxury automobile brands to consider if you are in the market for one. Mercedes me connect, electric mobility, MBUX multimedia features, and the intelligent driver assistance system are some of its innovative features.
13. Honda
Among the most popular cars in India in 2021 will be Honda, a Japanese multinational car manufacturer. Around 80,074 units were sold by the manufacturer in the fiscal year 2021. There are five Honda models available in India, two in sedan segments, one in hatchback segments, one in compact sedan segments, and one in compact SUV segments. A manufacturing facility is located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and the second one in Rajasthan, India. In addition to manufacturing cars, Hondo also manufactured some of the most advanced engines as well. A legacy of over two decades has been built up by the VTEC engine since it was introduced in India in 2000. You don’t have to believe us. Just get behind the wheel of a Honda and feel its V-TEC kick in as you go vrooom.
14. Kia
There are only a few manufacturers who have been able to compete in a market as competitive as the Indian Automotive Sector. It is not easy for a car manufacturer to make its mark in this competitive market. There is a reason behind the disappearance of brands like Opel and Chevrolet, etc. The one newcomer that can truly be credited with leaving a significant impression on the market is undoubtedly KIA Motors. As a new entrant to the market, the South Korean manufacturer has already clawed its way into a considerable share in two years. In the Indian market, Kia Motors stands out as a game-changer and a newcomer. Its three offerings include the Seltos, Carnival, and Sonet.
15. Volkswagen
Compared to the Germans, they cannot match their ability to build vehicles. There is nothing better than a well-built German car when it comes to quality, innovation, or durability. Owning a Volkswagen in India is a great way to experience pure German bliss. The Volkswagen brand represents the quintessential German quality, from flawless construction to balanced interiors. Currently, the manufacturing plants in Aurangabad and Pune produce some of the world’s most beloved cars, maintaining the Group’s mantle of superior engineering. The range of cars on the road includes everything from small, low-consumption vehicles to luxurious vehicles. It is one of India’s most popular car brands. The logo “Go Further” of Volkswagen emphasizes that the company is moving forward, and Volkswagen offers well-known models such as the Polo, Vento, and T-Roc. In every sense, the brand is a stereotype.
16. Toyota
As the name synonymous with quality, Toyota has become a household name. A long waiting list and the high premium price do not prevent Innova from being the market leader in the market. The Innova has been one of the most popular products among Indian owners and drivers. However, the success has been largely dictated by the approach of the automaker in Japan to the Indian market. The company has mainly focused on large vehicles and SUVs, avoiding the small car segment. Innovas, Fortuners, or Corollas are some examples. Toyota cars have a reputation for outrunning their owners. This feat is rarely accomplished by any other car manufacturer in the world. Quality, durability, and robustness are hallmarks of the Japanese manufacturer, which blends sheer quality in everything it does. It is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to quality that Toyota vehicles can clock over 10 lakh kilometers with no problem.
17. Lexus
It is based in Japan and is part of Toyota automotive’s luxury division. Japan’s best-selling product and tenth-largest brand in the world. In addition to luxury sedans, performance cars, SUVs, and hybrids, this car brand gives you a choice of performance cars, SUVs, luxury sedans, and hybrids. Lexus India is expanding its line-up of compact, midsize, and fully luxurious vehicles. It is also becoming one of the top-selling car brands in India
18. Fiat
Indians are well familiar with Fiat which is one of the oldest car brands in India. A subsidiary of FCA Italy, Fiat is an Italian automobile manufacturer. Fiat and Tata now jointly operate the company. Linea and Punto are famous models among its various models in India; it is the ninth-largest selling manufacturer in the country. Fiat has also made its place in India as well and is considered as one of the most top-selling car brands in India.
19. Morris Garage
Morris Garage has been recently established its foothold in India with its innovative and technologically updated car brand. Since Morris Garage (MG) entered India in 2017, it has managed to be one of the top 10 most selling brands despite the COVID epidemic. Innovation and development drive Morris Garage as a brand. MG’s vision is to provide consumers with vehicles that are connected to their daily lives. Therefore, each and every model they provide is equipped with the latest features and 50 connected car technologies that were and are the driving force behind their success. The development of MG cars has resulted in well-designed, practical, and smart vehicles that can be easily bought by Indian consumers. A capable EV is on the horizon, so MG does indeed represent the future.
20. Audi
Every car lover’s dream car is an Audi! Audi is a major automotive manufacturer operating in many countries and belonging to the Volkswagen Group. Lamborghini and Ducati are two of its well-known subsidiaries. In India, this brand exhibits cars with electromobility, sports models, and classy and luxury models such as the A6, A8, etc.
Which is India’s most popular car?
The Indian car market keeps on witnessing changing trends of what are the favorite models at the moment. It all depends on tastes and preferences. According to recent sales data for January 2024, the current best-selling car in India is the Maruti Suzuki Baleno. As seen in the table below, Maruti sold 19,630 units of the Baleno last month, making it the top-ranked car in terms of sales volume.
| Rank | Car | Unite Sales: January 2024 |
| #1 | Maruti Baleno | 19,630 |
| #2 | Tata Punch | 17,978 |
| #3 | Maruti Wagon R | 17,756 |
| #4 | Tata Nexon | 17,182 |
The Baleno, Maruti’s premium hatchback model, first launched in 2015 and has since dominated the hatchback segment. One of the main factors behind its evergreen popularity is its modern European design, roomy interiors, fuel efficiency and a price that is low enough to make it affordable for many people.
The Tata Punch secures second place with 17,978 units sold in January 2024. As Tata’s latest compact SUV offering, the Punch seems to be resonating well with the demands of Indian consumers. Its tall-boy design, fully equipped interiors and four-star safety rating make it an appealing overall package.
Long-time favorite Maruti Wagon R takes the third spot with sales of 17,756 units. Known for its compact size, fuel economy and ease of driving, the Wagon R continues finding many first-time buyers as well as families looking for a reliable second car. Rounding off the top 4 is Tata Motors’ Nexon compact SUV which sold 17,182 units. With its eye-catchy design, spacious cabin and powerful engine options, the feature-rich Nexon seems to be dominating the compact SUV space. The heat of competition will continue to unfold in future months and only time will tell it how the rankings will be. But the January 2024 sales data provides a clear snapshot of buyer preferences towards hatchbacks and compact SUVs in the Indian market presently. Carmakers will certainly be taking notes to guide their future product planning.
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