Maruti, Tata plan 30 plus car launches in 2026

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) are among India's top carmakers preparing to introduce more than 30 vehicles in 2026-highest in the last five years. The flurry of launches is expected to inject further momentum in the market, experiencing a demand spurt after tax cuts last year.Road ShowWhile Renault is set to take covers off the next generation Duster SUV on January 26, Maruti Suzuki will commence sales of its first electric vehicle, the e-Vitara SUV, next month.Notably, electric cars are poised to dominate the launch portfolio in the coming months, with Tata Motors introducing two new models, including the Sierra EV next quarter. Also, on the cards, are three new models from Vietnamese electric carmaker VinFast, two from Chinese EV maker Leapmotor-which in partnership with France's Citroen is set to foray into the Indian market later this year, and an electric SUV from Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM). 127325285 Overall, as many as 31 new vehicles are set to hit roads by December, up from 19 in CY25, and 10-11 vehicles introduced every year since CY21.Tapan Ghosh, CEO, VinFast India confirmed the company's plan to introduce three new models this year. "We will begin the year by launching a seven-seater MPV," he said. "This is a premium, yet practical electric MPV developed with both family and commercial use in mind. It reflects how we see EV adoption evolving in India, not only as a personal choice, but also as a shared and fleet-based solution. Beyond that, additional models will follow, each addressing different segments and needs."VinFast is also working on doubling its distribution network this year to tap into latent demand for electrics in India.Ravi Bhatia, president at automotive consultancy firm Jato Dynamics said despite the heavy launch activity, consumer demand in 2026 is likely to stay stable rather growing sharply. "Most launches are facelifts/refreshes, especially among large OEMs, which should help defend market share and improve mix, not materially lift industry volumes," he said. "SUVs-particularly mid-size and premium SUVs-will continue to drive demand, but increasing crowding in these segments will mean intense competition and share splits, limiting outsized volume growth. Small cars/hatches are likely to stay weak."SUVs on TopOn electric vehicles, Bhatia expects the new launches to help shape product portfolios more than near-term demand. "In CY26, EVs (share will) remain low single-digit in (total) volumes, though they form a rising share of new launches," he said. "Adoption will stay urban and premium-skewed, with limited disruption to ICE (internal combustion engine) demand near term."Passenger vehicle sales rose 27% year-on-year in December, boosting total volumes by 5% to a record 4.49 million units in CY25. December was the third straight month of a double-digit growth in sales post cuts in goods and services tax (GST) with effect from September 22. SUVs contributed as much as 56% of industry sales last year.Shailesh Chandra, president, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), said earlier this month that while 2025 had begun with a subdued first half, and the industry continued to navigate supply side challenges, multiple structural policy reforms including the income tax relief, successive repo rate cuts, and the rollout of GST 2.0 laid foundation for a positive demand environment."The reduction of GST (goods and services tax) rates made vehicles more affordable and injected fresh momentum into the sector", he said, adding, that the industry expects the positive momentum to continue well into the new year, too.

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