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Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), India’s apex body of automotive retail, has released the latest Dealer Satisfaction Study (DSS) results. This study was conducted in association with the Singapore-based consulting firm PremonAsia. 2026 is the sixth edition of the same, and this time, JSW-MG, Mahindra and Tata Motors have topped the charts with their index points (in the mass-market four-wheeler segment). JSW-MG scored 865 points, whereas Mahindra and Tata Motors scored 853 and 836 points respectively. These dealers, according to these results, are the happiest!

This year, the Dealer Satisfaction Study (DSS) received 2045 valid responses from dealers during the period July-August 2026. The scores were calculated based on these. In terms of Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) points, the four-wheeler mass-market segment, in general, showed a notable improvement. The segment average moved up by 39 points to 810.

In it, JSW-MG Motor India stood first, with 865 points. Mahindra took the second spot with 853 points. Tata Motors scored 836 points and took the third spot. Interestingly, these three companies had scored identical rankings last year as well. Back then, the scores were different though (MG: 868, Mahindra: 832, Tata: 812). It should be noted here that last year’s study received just 1,800 responses. This shows a significant increase in participation this time.

Circling back to the rankings, Kia stood fourth with 812 points, while Toyota scored 778 points and took the fifth spot. These two recorded the strongest year-on-year gains, among ranked automakers. Hyundai scored 766 points. India’s largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, stood seventh in DSS rankings, with just 670 points. At the eighth position is Renault India with 597 points.

In the luxury four-wheeler segment, BMW India scored 779 points. The segment average stood at 758 points.

The two-wheeler segment average stood at 827 points- an improvement of 35 points. Royal Enfield scored the highest- 878 points. Hero Motocorp stood second with 873 points. At the third place is TVS Motor Company with 689 points- a notable margin with the second-sitter’s score. Suzuki Motorcycle India scored 666 points and stood fourth. Honda Motorcycles is at the fifth position with 631 points. Bajaj Auto scored 570 points and took the last spot in this list.

The study also analysed the commercial vehicle segment. The segment average in this case was 782 points. Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles vertical scored the highest- 800 points. Ashok Leyland landed in the second spot with 795 points- a difference of just 5 points! Eicher stood third with 732 points.

Among EVs, Ather energy scored 864 points in the electric two-wheeler category. Vinfast scored 858 points in the electric passenger vehicle category.

To measure dealer satisfaction levels with accuracy, a 1000-point scale was used- same as last time. Regression analysis techniques were used to measure the impact of different factors on dealer satisfaction.

Commenting on the results, FADA President Sai Giridhar said the DSS 2026 reflects how the relationship between dealers and vehicle manufacturers is evolving. The record participation in this year’s study, he said, shows that dealers continue to see the survey as an important platform to communicate their expectations and concerns.

Product quality, reliability and model range remain strong areas for the industry. However, he stressed that greater attention is now needed on dealer viability. Sustainable margins, inventory management, vehicle buyback policies and sharing of training costs are becoming increasingly significant for dealers.

PremonAsia Director and COO Rahul Sharma pointed to another important finding from the study. The Overall Dealer Satisfaction Index increased by 29 points compared with 2025, indicating an improvement in overall dealer sentiment. At the same time, the factors influencing satisfaction are changing.

Sharma said that while the product remains the strongest pillar of dealer satisfaction, after-sales, sales and order planning, and business viability and policy are now becoming increasingly important.