One of the largest automotive markets in the world, competition from carmakers in India is stiff. From affordable hatchbacks to luxury SUVs and EVs, there is nonstop innovation from carmakers to impress Indian customers. Some of the brands are old, but others are relatively new and have earned their place through stylish designs, luxury technologies, and strong after-sales support.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 auto manufacturing companies in India, their unique characteristics, standout products, and the factors contributing to their success amidst intense competition.
| Company | Founded / Origin | Popular Models | Segment Focus | Market Reputation |
| Maruti Suzuki India | 1981 / Japan–India JV | Alto K10, WagonR, Swift, Baleno, Brezza | Entry-level hatchbacks, compact SUVs | Market leader, affordable & reliable |
| Tata Motors | 1945 / India | Nexon, Harrier, Punch, Tiago EV | Passenger cars, EVs, commercial vehicles | Strong Indian brand, innovation in EVs |
| Mahindra & Mahindra | 1945 / India | Scorpio-N, XUV700, Thar, Bolero, XUV400 (EV) | SUVs, off-road, EVs | Rugged design, strong SUV presence |
| Hyundai Motor India | 1996 / South Korea | Creta, Venue, i20, Verna | Hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs | Consistent #2 in sales, feature-rich |
| Kia India | 2019 / South Korea | Seltos, Sonet, Carens, EV6 (CBU) | SUVs, MPVs | Fast growth, modern design & tech |
| Toyota Kirloskar | 1997 / Japan–India JV | Innova Hycross, Fortuner, Camry, Glanza, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Vellfire | Premium SUVs, MPVs, and hybrids | Reliability, premium positioning |
| Honda Cars India | 1995 / Japan | City, Elevate, Amaze | Sedans, premium compact cars | Reliability, strong brand trust |
| MG Motor India | 2019 / UK–China | Hector, Gloster, ZS EV, Comet EV | SUVs, EVs, connected cars | Tech-driven, EV-friendly |
| Renault India | 2005 / France | Kwid, Triber, Kiger | Budget hatchbacks, compact SUVs | Affordable, practical, value-driven |
| Volkswagen India | 2007 / Germany | Virtus, Taigun, Tiguan | Sedans, SUVs | German engineering, premium appeal |
Table of Contents
Maruti Suzuki India
When you name the largest 10 players in automobiles in India, Maruti Suzuki figures automatically first on your list. Maruti was established in 1981 as a joint venture with the Government of India and the Suzuki Motor Company of Japan. Maruti has gone on to achieve the leadership position in the passenger car sector marketplace of India with more than 40% market share. Maruti’s automobiles are renowned for their affordability, reliability, and improved fuel efficiency, and consequently, the brand is the first preference of millions of Indian homebuyers.
Popular Models
- Alto K10
- WagonR
- Swift
- Baleno
- Brezza
Key Strengths
- Widest sales and service network in India.
- Excellent fuel efficiency across most models.
- Affordable cars that cater to first-time buyers as well as families.
- Strong resale value and low cost of ownership.
Market Reputation
Maruti Suzuki has earned an unprecedented level of trust among Indian customers through its easy-to-maintain automobiles and its extensive network of services across IndiBeing attuned to customer needs has kept it firmly at the top of the ranking among the best 10 auto companies in India.
Tata Motors
Out of the top 10 largest car companies in India, Tata Motors is a true homegrown giant. Starting from 1945, Tata began with commercial vehicles and subsequently diversified into passenger vehicles. In the last couple of years, it has rebuilt its brand with stylish designs, improved safety norms, and one of the best EV portfolios in the country. Tata’s success with products like the Nexon and Punch has positioned it among the fastest-growing players in the automobile sector of India.
Popular Models
- Nexon (including Nexon EV)
- Harrier
- Safari
- Punch
- Tiago EV
Key Strengths
- Pioneer in the electric vehicle space in India.
- Strong SUV lineup appealing to modern Indian buyers.
- Focus on safety, with several 5-star Global NCAP ratings.
- Wide presence in both passenger and commercial vehicle segments.
Market Reputation
Tata Motors successfully shifted the company’s mindset from a value-centric to a design, safety, and innovation-led approach. It now ranks first among the largest 10 car companies in India and is admired for merging Indian heritage with global quality.
Mahindra & Mahindra
When SUVs and all-terrain vehicles are mentioned, the mind automatically returns to Mahindra & Mahindra. Founded in 1945, Mahindra began with the assembly of Willys Jeeps in India and has gradually evolved to become a significant player in both domestic and global markets. Popular with high-powered, all-terrain, and rugged SUVs, Mahindra has also diversified its interests to include electric vehicles and tractors, thereby solidifying its position as a multi-purpose automobile company. With an emphasis on utility and innovation, a strong position among the top 10 automobile companies in India is ensured.
Popular Models
- Scorpio-N
- XUV700
- Thar
- Bolero
- XUV400 (EV)
Key Strengths
- Specialises in rugged, off-road capable SUVs.
- Strong presence in rural and semi-urban markets.
- Early mover in the EV space with models like eVerito and XUV400.
- Expanding global footprint with acquisitions like SsangYong (past) and partnerships in EV technology.
Market Reputation
Mahindra has a history of manufacturing rugged, usable, and roadworthy vehicles capable of withstanding Indian terrain. With new products like the XUV700 and Scorpio-N, it has been able to shift its brand position from being a utility company to a new-age SUV champion. It has secured a place among the Top 10 automotive companies in India.
Hyundai Motor India
One of the largest players in the automobile industry in India since 1996, Hyundai Motor India has firmly established itself as the second-largest passenger-vehicle manufacturer in the country. For their fashionable appearances, feature-rich automobiles, and strong after-sales support, Hyundai has consistently earned the trust of Indian consumers. Their automobiles tend to set benchmarks in their respective markets, offering a combination of affordability, technology, and luxury experience, which is why Hyundai remains part of the Top 10 automobile companies in India.
Popular Models
- Creta
- Venue
- i20
- Verna
- Alcazar
Key Strengths
- Pioneer of modern, feature-rich cars in India.
- Strong SUV lineup, especially with the Creta leading the segment.
- Wide product portfolio catering to hatchback, sedan, and SUV buyers.
- Robust service network and high resale value.
Market Reputation
Hyundai has been positioned as a young, reliable, and aspirational brand blending value with luxury attributes. The company’s uniform quality across divisions, in manufacturing high-quality automobiles, enables it to stay firmly among the top 10 Indian automobile companies.
Kia India
One of the latest players, Kia India, has made considerable ground since its entry in 2019. Backed by their parent company, Hyundai Motor Group, Kia impressed Indian customers with its aggressive looks, high-quality interiors, and feature-rich products. As a new player, the brand has been steadily present in the nation’s best-seller lists, reflecting strong market acceptance. Its rapid growth over such a short time assures Kia’s place amongst the first 10 automobile companies in India.
Popular Models
- Seltos
- Sonet
- Carens
- EV6 (premium EV)
Key Strengths
- Striking designs and youthful appeal.
- Loaded with segment-first features like ventilated seats, 360-degree cameras, and connected car tech.
- Competitive pricing across popular segments.
- Early push into EVs with the imported EV6 crossover.
Market Reputation
Kia has established a reputation for offering luxury cars at affordable prices. With stylish SUVs and MPVs satisfying both young customers and families, Kia has secured a position among the top 10 automobile companies in India in just a few months.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor
Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation and India’s Kirloskar Group have formed a joint venture, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, which has been operational in India since 1997. Well-known for its reliability, long-lasting quality, and high-end brand equity, Toyota has built a customer base that is renowned for its loyalty. Some of their offerings, such as Innova and Fortuner, are household names which are considered status symbols. Maintaining an interest in developing hybrid technologies, such as those in their Camry Hybrid and Innova HyCros, does help rank Toyota among the top 10 auto companies in India.
Popular Models
- Innova HyCross
- Fortuner
- Camry Hybrid
- Glanza (rebadged Maruti)
- Urban Cruiser Hyryder (hybrid SUV)
Key Strengths
- Globally renowned for reliability and low maintenance costs.
- Strong SUV and MPV portfolio with segment dominance.
- Early mover in hybrid technology in India.
- Premium brand perception compared to mass-market rivals.
Market Reputation
One of the best long-term reliability track records and best resale values. With high-end SUVs and hybrids, it is a brand of preference both among Indian families and fleet owners, which makes it one of the largest automotive enterprises in India’s Top 10.
Honda Cars India
Ever since it arrived in India in 1995, Honda Cars India has been renowned for its high-quality engines, smooth performance, and excellent reliability. Best known as a sedan company, Honda built its brand with products like the City, Elevate and Amaze, which were aspirational for most Indian customers. Although its portfolio has declined over the last few years, Honda’s emphasis on refinement and safety makes it robust enough to rank among the top 10 auto companies in India.
Popular Models
- Honda City
- Honda Amaze
- Honda Elevate
Key Strengths
- Smooth and fuel-efficient i-VTEC petrol engines.
- Strong reputation for quality and long-term reliability.
- Focus on safety and premium features across models.
- Strong presence in the sedan segment, especially with the Honda City.
Market Reputation
Honda still maintains a reputation for being a quality and high-end brand, particularly with its sedan products. Even with fewer products in their lineup compared to their rivals, their long history and loyal customer base have enabled them to remain among the top 10 vehicle companies in India.
MG Motor India
A British brand with Chinese support from China’s SAIC Motor, MG Motor India arrived in the Indian market in 2019. In a short time, it has managed to impress customers with tech-focused, high-end vehicles that place a significant focus on connected technologies and electric powertrains. Through SUVs like the Hector and high-end EVs like the ZS EV, it has emerged as a serious competitor and secured a spot among the top 10 automotive companies in India.
Popular Models
- MG Hector
- MG Astor
- MG Gloster
- MG ZS EV
- MG Comet EV
Key Strengths
- Pioneer in connected car technology in India.
- Strong EV portfolio with the ZS EV and Comet EV.
- Premium positioning with bold designs and feature-rich cabins.
- Focus on safety, with features like ADAS in select models.
Market Reputation
MG Motor India has achieved swift recognition as a new-age and aspirational brand. By virtue of its tech-premium mentality and first-mover EV play, MG connects with urban customers who seek innovation, and has established a stronghold among the country’s leading 10 automotive players.
Renault India
Renault India, the Indian subsidiary of the French automotive major Renault, entered the Indian market in 2005 and established a niche with affordable yet stylish automobiles. Renault struck gold with the Renault Kwid, making it among the most sought-after entry-level hatchbacks all over IndiRenault has built a reputation for selling value-based cars to Indian families, offering practical products like the Triber and subcompact SUVs like the Kiger. Its stable track record makes Renault rank among the top 10 auto companies in India annually.
Popular Models
- Renault Kwid
- Renault Triber
- Renault Kiger
Key Strengths
- Strong focus on affordability and practicality.
- Compact, fuel-efficient cars tailored for Indian buyers.
- Attractive design and features at competitive prices.
- Growing popularity in smaller cities and towns.
Market Reputation
Renault has been a smart choice amongst value-conscious customers who do not want to compromise on features or looks. With reliable products and significant success in the subcompact segment, Renault remains among the top 10 automobile companies in India.
Volkswagen India
Renowned for its German engineering and solid build quality, Volkswagen entered the Indian market in 2007. Over time, the company has established a brand renowned for producing robust automobiles with high driveability and a superior level of safety. Although it is nowhere near the volume of sales of mass-market giants, Volkswagen has established a niche among customers who value high performance, refinement, and European looks. By virtue of high-end orientation, it has established a position amongst the largest automobile companies in India’s top 10 league.
Popular Models
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Volkswagen Taigun
- Volkswagen Tiguan
Key Strengths
- German engineering with a focus on safety and build quality.
- Turbo-petrol engines delivering strong performance.
- A premium design language that appeals to urban buyers.
- Solid driving dynamics and reliability.
Market Reputation
Volkswagen has an image of making safe, sturdy, and convenient-to-drive vehicles. Although having a more niche customer base, its quality- and performance-based focus earns it a ranking among the top 10 automobile companies in India.
Conclusion
The automotive sector in India is multifaceted and competitive, encompassing a range from entry-level hatchbacks to high-end SUVs and electric vehicles. The top 10 players in the automobile industry in India, including giants such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Hyundai, and Mahindra, dominate the country with their widespread presence and reliability factor. At the same time, new entrants like Kia and MG have also changed customer expectations with feature-rich designs and cutting-edge technologies.
Their strength lies in their ability to respond to changing customer needs, from affordable transportation for families to value-oriented SUVs, and next-generation hybrids and EVs. Individually, they are the best in reliability, innovation, and customer trust and leaders in India’s thriving automotive marketplace.
FAQs on the Top 10 Automobile Companies in India
Q. Which is the No. 1 automobile company in India?
Maruti Suzuki is currently the No. 1 car manufacturer in India by sales and market share, making it the leader among the top 10 automobile companies in India.
Q. Which Indian automobile company makes the safest cars?
Tata Motors is widely regarded for its focus on safety, with models like the Nexon, Punch, and Harrier achieving strong Global NCAP ratings.
Q. Which company sells the most SUVs in India?
Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai are among the top SUV sellers, with models like the Scorpio-N, XUV700, and Creta driving demand.
Q. Are all the top 10 automobile companies in India making electric vehicles?
Not all, but several brands like Tata Motors, MG Motor, Hyundai, and Mahindra have already launched EVs, while others like Maruti Suzuki and Honda are working on future EV plans.
Q. Which foreign automobile companies are successful in India?
Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Renault, Volkswagen, and MG Motor are among the foreign brands performing strongly in the Indian market.
Q. Why is Maruti Suzuki the most popular brand in India?
Maruti Suzuki offers affordable cars, strong fuel efficiency, and the widest service network, making it the most trusted choice in India.
Q. Which company offers the best resale value in India?
Brands like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, and Hyundai are known for offering the best resale value thanks to their reliability and wide demand.
Q. Which company focuses most on premium cars in India?
Toyota, Volkswagen, and Honda focus more on premium and luxury models compared to mass-market brands.
Q. Which automobile company in India is growing the fastest?
Kia India has seen one of the fastest growth trajectories since its entry in 2019, consistently ranking among the top five carmakers.
Q. How do these top 10 automobile companies in India differ from each other?
While some brands like Maruti Suzuki and Renault focus on affordability, others like Toyota and Volkswagen target premium buyers. Tata, Mahindra, Hyundai, and Kia strike a balance between value, features, and innovation, while MG brings a tech-first approach with EVs.
