Hyundai Motor India sustains SUV momentum, CRETA Electric leads new growth chapter

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, ended the financial year 2024–25 on a high, cementing its place as India‘s second-largest passenger vehicle manufacturer. With cumulative sales of 7,62,052 units and a renewed focus on electric vehicles and utility models, HMIL continues to play a pivotal role in Hyundai’s global strategy.

The company sold 5,98,666 vehicles domestically, reinforcing its second-place standing in India, while exports stood at 1,63,386 units, maintaining Hyundai’s lead as India’s top passenger vehicle exporter. These figures reflect both domestic resilience and global demand strength, positioning Hyundai India as a critical manufacturing and export hub for its South Korean parent.

CRETA becomes India’s top SUV as electric debut accelerates growth

In a major highlight of Q4 FY 2024–25, the Hyundai CRETA became India’s best-selling SUV, recording 52,898 unit sales between January and March 2025. The launch of the CRETA Electric, Hyundai’s first fully localised electric SUV, was key to this performance.

The electric variant marks a turning point in Hyundai’s India strategy, aligning with the government’s push for electrification and consumer demand for affordable, tech-rich EVs. The CRETA brand, with its strong brand equity and updated design language, continues to drive Hyundai’s visibility in the intensely competitive mid-size SUV market.

SUV-led portfolio crosses major milestones

Hyundai’s portfolio diversification towards SUVs continues to pay off. SUVs accounted for 68.5% of Hyundai Motor India‘s total domestic sales, underscoring Indian consumers’ strong preference for higher ground clearance, sporty design, and perceived safety.

Two major cumulative achievements were also announced: Hyundai has now sold 2.5 million SUVs in India and abroad, and 1.5 million units of the CRETA model across all markets. These benchmarks highlight how deeply embedded the CRETA is in India’s automotive landscape and signal ongoing scalability for Hyundai’s SUV playbook.

Export strength enhances Hyundai’s global strategy

With 1,63,386 units exported in FY 2024–25, Hyundai Motor India retained its position as India’s leading passenger vehicle exporter. Vehicles built in India continue to serve markets in Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, where Hyundai enjoys strong demand.

The export numbers reflect Hyundai’s well-optimised production ecosystem and its ability to adapt Indian operations to global needs, further insulating it from demand volatility in any single geography.

March 2025 closes strong, signalling momentum for FY 2025–26

Hyundai closed March 2025 with 67,320 total vehicle sales, up 2.6% year-on-year, comprising 51,820 units sold in India and 15,500 units exported. The strong finish, led by SUV sales and the early traction of the CRETA Electric, indicates a healthy start to the upcoming financial year.

Industry observers suggest that if fuel prices remain stable and EV subsidies continue, Hyundai could gain further share in urban and premium compact SUV segments.

Leadership view: EV strategy and SUV focus driving trust and volumes

Commenting on the performance, Tarun Garg, Whole-Time Director and Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor India, attributed the growth to the strong trust placed in Hyundai by Indian customers and the strategic depth of its SUV lineup. He noted that the introduction of the CRETA Electric and the refreshed ALCAZAR enabled Hyundai to set new benchmarks in innovation and consumer engagement.

He also emphasised Hyundai’s long-term commitment to electric mobility in India, with more localised EV models expected to follow.

Investor Insight: Hyundai Motor Company (KRX: 005380) Stock Sentiment & Forecast

Hyundai Motor Company, listed on the Korea Exchange under ticker KRX: 005380, has seen its stock gain over 12% year-to-date in 2025, outperforming broader auto indices in Asia. The company’s performance in India, particularly through its arm Hyundai Motor India, is contributing meaningfully to this bullish sentiment.

In recent weeks, global brokerages including Nomura and Citi have maintained a “Buy” rating on Hyundai, citing strong fundamentals, high-margin SUV exports, and early EV traction in key emerging markets like India and Brazil. The CRETA Electric launch in India is being seen as a litmus test for Hyundai’s broader localisation strategy in EVs.

Sentiment Score (April 2025): Positive

Drivers: Robust Indian volumes, expanding SUV margins, CRETA Electric traction, EV localisation tailwinds.

Risks: Korean won fluctuations, rising commodity costs, intense EV competition from Tesla, BYD, and domestic Indian players like Tata Motors.

Buy/Sell/Hold Tip:

For investors focused on long-term EV and SUV market penetration, Hyundai remains a Buy, with upside potential supported by strategic localisation, strong export mix, and first-mover advantage in electrified SUVs. The India unit’s performance—especially CRETA’s dominance—serves as a powerful growth engine.

Strategic Outlook: Hyundai’s EV-SUV dual play is reshaping India’s car market

With Indian consumers increasingly prioritising EV readiness and SUV utility, Hyundai’s portfolio strategy is proving resilient and forward-looking. The company’s localisation of EVs, successful mid-size SUV offerings, and strong export orientation give it a balanced growth platform for FY 2025–26.

As more OEMs enter the mid-size electric SUV space, Hyundai’s brand loyalty, nationwide dealer network, and product innovation will be crucial to sustaining momentum. Analysts believe Hyundai will benefit from early EV policy clarity, especially if upcoming fiscal subsidies favour OEMs with local manufacturing.