The present study empirically investigates the impact of “internal environmental management” (IEM) practices on sales growth within the Indian automobile market, specifically focusing on the post-pandemic recovery period. The research aims to understand how green operational strategies contribute to enhanced sales performance in a rapidly evolving market landscape. Utilizing a quantitative technique, data was collected from a total of 153 employees working in either automobile OEMs or tier 1 suppliers to OEMs across the Delhi-NCR region. The hypothesized relationships between IEM practices (including support from CEOs and Middle management, cross-functional cooperation, and certification to ISO: 14001 or any other EMS) and sales growth were tested using SmartPLS 4 v 4.1.1.2 software. The findings suggest a significant positive relationship between robust IEM practices followed by the firm and sales growth of the firm. Specifically, the study demonstrates that companies prioritizing resource efficiency and fostering employee participation in environmental initiatives experienced notable improvements in sales figures during the post-pandemic recovery. These results provide valuable insights for automobile manufacturers, management, key decision makers, environmental activists, and the government seeking to leverage sustainable practices for competitive advantage in the Indian market.