Commercial vehicle (CV) sales in India posted a healthy year-on-year gain of 6.6% in June 2025, with a total of 73,367 units sold, according to the latest data from the Federation of Automotive Dealers Association (FADA). However, the monthly figures told a different story, as sales slipped by nearly 3% from May, hinting at short-term headwinds for the sector.
The numbers reflect a mix of optimism and challenges. While new product launches helped pull YoY figures upward, factors like rising ownership costs, regulatory burdens, and newly introduced air-conditioning mandates for truck cabins are starting to weigh on monthly buying sentiment.
Tata Motors Loses Grip on Top Spot Momentum
Tata Motors remained the leading CV brand by volume in June—but the pressure is mounting.
The company reported retail sales of 24,436 units, which is a drop from 26,031 units in June last year. That’s not just a numerical slip—it translated into a market share fall from 37.82% to 33.31%.
What’s causing the drop? Industry insiders point to higher input costs, intensified competition, and the gradual market shift towards alternate fuel options like CNG and EVs.
Tata’s own response came last month with the launch of the Tata Ace Pro in multiple variants—petrol, CNG, and electric—all offering better payload options. But it may take a few more months for these models to really show up on the sales board.
Interestingly, even compared to May 2025, Tata saw a dip—down from 26,100 units. That’s two months of downward motion.
Mahindra Continues to Climb
Mahindra had a different kind of June.
The company reported 19,683 units sold—up from 17,435 in June 2024. That pushed its market share to 26.83%, a solid jump in what is otherwise a fairly slow-moving segment.
The boost comes on the back of newer entries like the Bolero Maxx Pik-up. With more payload range and improved mileage, it’s giving Tata’s offerings stiff competition.
This is Mahindra’s second consecutive month of gains, and dealers say fleet operators are showing growing preference for its offerings, especially in last-mile logistics and rural areas.
Also worth noting—unlike Tata, Mahindra didn’t see a MoM fall. That’s rare in this cycle.
Mid-Field Heat: Ashok Leyland, VE, and Maruti Surge Ahead
Ashok Leyland held the No. 3 spot with 13,049 units sold in June 2025, compared to 11,399 last year. That’s a clear YoY growth and a sign of regained confidence in heavy CVs and intercity carriers.
VE Commercial Vehicles also made its mark. With 6,901 units sold—up from 5,943 in June 2024—it’s showing slow but steady traction.
One company that surprised analysts? Maruti Suzuki.
Though not traditionally a heavyweight in the CV segment, Maruti clocked in at 3,296 units this June. That’s a jump from 2,891 last year. Its market share, too, nudged up from 4.20% to 4.49%.
And yes, this happened despite the company having a limited lineup in this space.
Force Motors wasn’t left out either, with 2,036 units moved in June 2025, compared to 1,542 the year before.
Who’s Up, Who’s Down: A Quick Look at the Numbers
Sales momentum was mostly positive across brands, but a few still saw red.
Daimler India managed a modest rise from 1,502 to 1,641 units, while SML Isuzu reported a slight dip from 1,654 to 1,636 units. These aren’t game-changing shifts, but they show the delicate balance of demand and price sensitivity in the segment.
Others (combined smaller OEMs) collectively contributed 686 units this June—a leap from just 428 in June 2024.
Here’s a quick snapshot of the key players:
Brand | June 2025 Sales | June 2024 Sales | YoY Growth (%) | Market Share (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tata Motors | 24,436 | 26,031 | -6.13% | 33.31 |
Mahindra | 19,683 | 17,435 | +12.88% | 26.83 |
Ashok Leyland | 13,049 | 11,399 | +14.47% | – |
VE Commercial | 6,901 | 5,943 | +16.10% | – |
Maruti Suzuki | 3,296 | 2,891 | +14.02% | 4.49 |
Force Motors | 2,036 | 1,542 | +32.07% | – |
Daimler India | 1,641 | 1,502 | +9.25% | – |
SML Isuzu | 1,636 | 1,654 | -1.08% | – |
Others | 686 | 428 | +60.28% | – |
Air-Conditioning Norms, Taxes Raise Eyebrows
Despite the YoY rise, dealer groups and transporters are sounding alarm bells.
From April 2025, all new commercial trucks are required to have air-conditioned driver cabins—an important step for driver welfare, no doubt, but one that’s added up to ₹30,000 to ₹40,000 to the vehicle cost, according to FADA estimates.
Throw in revised registration taxes in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, and the net cost of ownership has jumped by over 8% since January.
Buyers are weighing their options more cautiously now.
One Pune-based fleet operator said, “Earlier we’d buy three vehicles in one go. Now it’s one at a time—we can’t afford to keep up with these costs.”
The Road Ahead
Even though June showed a YoY rise, the 2.97% month-on-month dip from May (75,615 units) to June (73,367 units) is a signal that headwinds are stiffening.
Much of the June growth was driven by fresh launches, inventory push, and mid-year government procurement orders. But as fuel prices inch back up and cost pressures stay high, manufacturers will need to balance innovation with affordability.
With the festive season approaching and new vehicle launches expected, the next quarter will be crucial for gauging sustained demand in the commercial vehicle sector.