The Indian automobile market is evolving fast. While electric and hybrid cars are getting attention, the real hero of FY2025 is still the petrol car. Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, which include petrol, diesel, and CNG cars, are still leading the sales chart.
This blog shares complete details about the car sales in India for FY2025 and explains why petrol cars are still the top choice of Indian buyers.
Total Car Sales in FY2025 Crossed 43 Lakh Units
In the financial year 2025, India’s top 14 car brands together sold more than 43.20 lakh vehicles.
Here’s the breakdown:
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94.89% of total cars sold were petrol, diesel, or CNG
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Only 5.11% were electric and hybrid vehicles
This proves that traditional fuel options are still trusted more by the public compared to newer technologies.
Petrol Cars Had the Highest Share in Sales
Among all types of cars, petrol vehicles had the highest sales in 2025.
Petrol car sales in FY2025:
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24.84 lakh petrol cars were sold
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This made up 57.5% of total vehicle sales
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That means every second car sold was a petrol car
Petrol cars are still the top choice for small to mid-size families in Indian cities due to their affordability and easy maintenance.
Maruti Suzuki Leads the Petrol Segment by a Huge Margin
Maruti Suzuki continues to be the leader in petrol car sales in India.
Top-selling petrol cars by Maruti in FY2025:
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Alto
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Swift
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Baleno
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Brezza
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Fronx
Total Maruti petrol cars sold: 11.48 lakh units
This shows that almost half of all petrol cars sold came from Maruti Suzuki alone.
CNG Cars Are Gaining Popularity Due to Low Running Costs
With fuel prices rising, CNG cars have become a smart choice for many buyers, especially in metro cities.
CNG car sales in FY2025:
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8.38 lakh units sold
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19.4% market share
Why people prefer CNG:
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Lower cost per km than petrol or diesel
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Environment-friendly option
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Available in both small and sedan segments
Maruti Suzuki again leads in this category with 5.91 lakh CNG cars sold in one year.
Diesel Cars Are Declining But Still Strong in the SUV Market
BS-VI norms and high pollution levels have made diesel cars less popular. However, SUVs with diesel engines still have a strong hold.
Diesel car sales in FY2025:
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7.73 lakh units sold
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Mostly in the SUV segment
Top diesel SUV sellers:
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Mahindra (4.25 lakh units)
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Scorpio-N
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XUV700
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Thar
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Even though fewer diesel cars are being made, they are still a strong option for people who travel long distances.
Electric Vehicles Are Growing Faster Than Ever
EV sales are still low compared to ICE cars, but the growth is solid and steady.
EV car sales in FY2025:
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1.15 lakh units sold
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EVs crossed hybrid car sales for the first time
Top EV brands and models:
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Tata Motors (61,443 EVs sold)
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Nexon EV
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Tiago EV
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Punch EV
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Buyers are starting to trust electric cars more due to better battery life, government schemes, and improved charging infrastructure.
Hybrid Cars Are Also Becoming a Trusted Option
Hybrid vehicles are slowly becoming popular for those who want fuel efficiency with less pollution.
Hybrid car sales in FY2025:
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1.04 lakh units sold
Popular hybrid models:
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Hyundai Tucson
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Hyundai Verna
Hyundai sold 82,848 hybrid units, becoming the top brand in this segment.
Why Indian Customers Still Prefer Petrol Cars
Even with the rising buzz around EVs and hybrids, most Indians still go for petrol cars.
Main reasons:
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Affordable prices
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Easy maintenance
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Trusted engines
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Better resale value
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Wide network of service centers
Most petrol cars also have better compatibility with India’s current road and fuel conditions.
What’s Stopping People from Buying EVs in 2025
Though electric cars are rising in popularity, several issues are still slowing down their adoption.
Challenges:
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High starting price of EVs
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Limited number of charging stations
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Long charging times
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Battery replacement costs
For smaller cities and towns, owning and maintaining an EV is still a challenge.
Problems With Hybrid Cars in India
Hybrid cars offer a middle ground but come with their own set of issues.
Why buyers hesitate:
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High pricing similar to EVs
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No subsidy or government benefit
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Confusion around maintenance and battery life
Many people still don’t fully understand how hybrids work.
CNG: A Growing Trend Among Budget-Friendly Buyers
CNG cars are the bridge between fuel savings and environmental care.
Benefits of CNG cars:
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Lower pollution
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Less running cost
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Easy conversion from petrol models
Auto rickshaws, taxis, and budget family buyers prefer CNG vehicles, especially in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Diesel Still Strong in Rural and Commercial Use
Diesel vehicles may be declining, but they are still popular among:
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Long-distance travelers
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Commercial fleets
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Rural buyers who need power and durability
SUVs with diesel engines remain a top choice in many Indian regions.
EV and Hybrid Cars Will Grow, But Slowly
The future belongs to cleaner vehicles, but the path is slow.
What’s helping the EV push:
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Government schemes like FAME II
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Growing EV charging infrastructure
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Battery price drop over time
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Rising climate awareness
More companies are planning to shift to full-electric by 2030.
Top 5 Selling Car Brands in FY2025 (Across All Segments)
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Maruti Suzuki
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Tata Motors
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Hyundai
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Mahindra
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Kia
These companies dominated across petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric segments.
Car Buying Trends That Defined FY2025
Observations:
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Families still prefer hatchbacks and sedans
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Young buyers are leaning toward EVs
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Small business owners are choosing CNG for cost savings
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SUV craze is strong in all segments
What To Expect in FY2026 Auto Market
Predictions:
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More EV models under ₹10 lakh
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Hybrid technology in compact cars
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CNG stations in more cities
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Strong competition in compact SUV space
Petrol cars may still lead, but EVs will close the gap.
India’s Auto Industry Is At a Turning Point
Petrol cars may have the lead today, but slowly, EVs and hybrids will catch up. Buyers are exploring new options, and manufacturers are preparing to launch cleaner, smarter cars. FY2025 was a strong reminder that India is moving forward — but with tradition still in the driver’s seat.
FAQs
Q1. Why are petrol cars still the best-selling in 2025?
Petrol cars are cheaper, easier to maintain, and offer better resale value compared to EVs or hybrids.
Q2. Which company sold the most petrol cars in FY2025?
Maruti Suzuki sold 11.48 lakh petrol cars, the highest in India.
Q3. Are EVs growing in India?
Yes, EVs crossed hybrid sales in FY2025, but ICE vehicles still dominate the market.
Q4. Is CNG better than petrol or diesel?
CNG is cheaper and cleaner but offers less power. It’s ideal for city use and short travel.
Q5. Will EVs beat petrol cars in sales soon?
Not immediately, but within the next 5–10 years, EVs are expected to see a big jump in sales.
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