Indian Car Brands: Who Makes Cars in India and What’s Truly Made Locally?

When you think of Indian car brands, automobile manufacturers based in India that design, assemble, and often source parts locally. Also known as Made in India cars, these are the vehicles you see on every street—from Mumbai traffic to Himalayan highways. But here’s the real question: how many of these cars are actually 100% Indian-made? It’s not just about the logo. It’s about where the engine is built, where the steel is stamped, and who assembled the final unit. The answer surprises most people.

Two names dominate this space: Tata Motors, India’s largest homegrown automaker, known for the Nexon, Harrier, and the iconic Nano, and Mahindra, the rugged SUV specialist behind the Thar, Scorpio, and XUV700. These aren’t just brands—they’re factories. Tata runs plants in Pune, Sanand, and Jamshedpur. Mahindra’s main hub is in Kandivali and Chakan. Both source over 80% of parts locally, and their newer EVs like the Tigor EV and XUV400 are built from the ground up in India. But what about Hyundai, Maruti, and Toyota? They’re also major players here, but they’re foreign companies with local plants. That’s why the line between "made in India" and "Indian brand" gets blurry. The government’s PLI scheme pushes for higher local content, and now even Ford’s old plants are being taken over by Indian firms like Ola Electric. This isn’t just about cars—it’s about national manufacturing ambition.

What you’ll find below isn’t just a list of names. It’s a breakdown of who actually builds what, which models cross the 100% local threshold, and how the rules are changing in 2025. You’ll see data on production volumes, supply chain roots, and what’s coming next in electric mobility. Whether you’re buying your first car or just curious about India’s industrial pulse, this collection cuts through the marketing and shows you the real story behind the wheels on your road.