A quiet but powerful transformation is taking place in India’s auto industry — one that is increasingly being shaped by women. Once seen primarily as influencers in family car decisions, Indian women are now asserting themselves as independent car buyers, steering a fresh wave of growth in the automotive market.

According to a 2024 report by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), women accounted for 28% of new car purchases in urban India — up from just 11% a decade ago. In metros like Bengaluru, Pune, and Chennai, the figure is even higher, with some dealerships reporting close to 35% of sales coming from female buyers.
 

Empowered and Informed
 

The growing financial independence of women, especially in dual-income households, is a key driver of this trend. Women are not only earning more, but also taking full control of financial decisions, including vehicle purchases.

“Today’s woman is informed, confident, and clear about what she wants,” says Nidhi Sharma, Sales Manager at Nexa Arena, Delhi, one of Maruti Suzuki’s premium dealerships. “We often see women walking in alone or with a friend, asking detailed questions about safety ratings, after-sales service, and tech features. They’re not waiting for a father, brother, or husband to guide the process anymore.”

The role of women is not just growing in metros. In Tier-II cities like Indore, Coimbatore, and Bhubaneswar, dealerships have seen a 20–25% year-on-year rise in women customers. Localized finance schemes, online research tools, and social media have all contributed to empowering women even in smaller towns.

Take Ritika Menon, a 32-year-old software engineer from Kochi, who recently purchased a Tata Punch. “As a solo traveler and city commuter, I wanted something compact, safe, and stylish. The 5-star Global NCAP safety rating of the Punch and its high ground clearance sealed the deal for me,” she says.

Brands Shifting Gears

Auto companies are adapting swiftly to meet this rising demand. Hyundai, Tata Motors, and MG Motor India have all reported significant upticks in female customers and are tailoring their offerings accordingly.

“We’re seeing a shift in customer profiles, especially with models like the Hyundai i20 N-Line and Venue,” says Tarun Garg, COO, of Hyundai Motor India. “Women buyers now account for 30% of Venue sales in urban clusters.”

Meanwhile, MG Motor India has been vocal about its gender-inclusive approach — both in marketing and dealership experience. Its flagship SUV, the MG Astor, offers an AI-based personal assistant and Autonomous Level 2 features, which appeal strongly to tech-savvy women buyers.

To further support the trend, Tata Motors recently launched a women-centric campaign titled #HerDriveHerWay, spotlighting stories of women from different walks of life choosing Tata cars for their independence and aspirations.

Safety, Convenience, and Tech Drive Preferences

Unlike the traditional buying lens focused on mileage and engine power, women buyers prioritize safety features, ease of driving, automatic transmission, parking assistance, and infotainment systems. The popularity of AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) vehicles, especially in the hatchback and compact SUV segments, has surged among women.

“Rear-view cameras, 360-degree sensors, and connected car tech are no longer luxuries. They're essentials, especially for women navigating city traffic daily,” notes auto journalist Radhika Kapoor, who covers mobility trends for Autocar India.

Driving Into the Future

The implications of this trend go beyond sales numbers. With more women behind the wheel, driving culture itself is evolving. Auto schools are seeing increased female enrollment, insurance providers are offering gender-specific premiums, and startups are launching car maintenance services targeted at women.

The road ahead looks promising — and increasingly feminine. Experts project that by 2030, women could comprise over 40% of all new car buyers in India. As brands, dealerships, and infrastructure continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the Indian woman isn’t just along for the ride anymore — she’s driving the change.