India becomes Hyundai's second-largest market, overtaking South Korea

India has become Hyundai Motor Company's second-largest market in the world, overtaking South Korea, according to a report. The change is being seen as significant for the Indian automobile sector. Rising demand in the Indian car market and the popularity of the company's vehicles have given India an important place in Hyundai's global business.

Between January and June 2026, Hyundai's sales in India rose 7% to about 306,000 vehicles. In South Korea, the company's sales fell 11%. This is why India took the second spot in Hyundai's global markets.

Demand for SUVs and premium cars is rising in India, and customers are choosing vehicles from different segments according to their budgets. Models such as the Creta, Venue, Exter and Grand i10 Nios have helped Hyundai reach different kinds of customers. With competition increasing in the SUV segment in particular, the company is focusing on offering new features and technology in its models.

Although Hyundai's parent company is based in South Korea, India's car market has become a major centre of its global business. Rising vehicle sales in India, models available at different price points and a growing inclination to buy a new car are cited as the reasons. However, whether the ranking is based on sales volume, revenue or some other measure needs to be understood in the context of the figures concerned.

Meanwhile, the company is preparing to strengthen its presence in India through its new production plant at Talegaon in Maharashtra. The plant was inaugurated on October 14, 2026. The company has announced an investment plan of about Rs 11,000 crore there, aimed at increasing production and speeding up its export business. The plant can build vehicles for the domestic market as well as for international markets. The company plans to raise the annual capacity of its Pune plant to 320,000 vehicles, from the current 170,000.

In the Indian car market, Hyundai competes with companies such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Kia. New models, the right pricing and features suited to customers' needs will be important for the company. India could become an even bigger centre for the company's production, sales and exports in the coming time.