India tops Japan to become world's No. 3 auto market

Sales rebound from COVID lows and production disruptions

Cars parked at Maruti Suzuki's plant in Manesar, India. Along with Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors and other Indian automakers saw sales grow last year. © Reuters

RYOTARO YAMADA and RYOSUKE HANADA, Nikkei staff writers

January 6, 2023 03:15 JST

TOKYO/NEW DELHI -- India eclipsed Japan in auto sales last year, according to the latest industry data, making it the third-largest auto market for the first time.

India's sales of new vehicles totaled at least 4.25 million units, based on preliminary results, topping the 4.2 million sold in Japan.