April Sees Robust Record Automotive Retail Sales In India
- By MT Bureau
- May 05, 2026
The positive momentum for the Indian automotive industry continues to accelerate in the new fiscal year. In what comes as a record retail sales registration across categories, the total automotive sales in April 2026 reached a whopping 2.61 million units, up 12.94 percent, as compared to 2.31 million units last year.
The record retail sales were witnessed across two-wheelers, which saw retail registrations at 1.91 million units, up 13 percent YoY, three-wheelers at 106,908 units, up 7.19 percent YoY, passenger vehicles at 407,355 units, up 12.21 percent YoY, tractors at 75,109 units, up 23.22 percent YoY and commercial vehicles at 99,339 unit, up 15.02 percent YoY.
Barring construction equipment at 6,348 units, down 2.25 percent YoY, all categories were in the green.
Sai Giridhar, President, FADA, said: “This clearly underlines that the structural demand momentum which defined the second half of FY2026 has carried into the new financial year. The sequential MoM softness of -3.01 percent reflects the customary post-March seasonal reset rather than any erosion in underlying demand.”
He stated that the demand engine remained broad-based with Urban markets growing 14.07 percent YoY and Rural markets growing 12.30 percent YoY.
The industry body attributed this performance to improved rural liquidity following a healthy rabi season, the extended marriage-season tailwind that runs through May and June, and continued affordability gains carried over from the GST 2.0 framework. Furthermore, the performance could have further grown, if the industry did not witness supply constraints for selective models in certain commuter and premium variants.
In terms of electrification in the two-wheeler segment, it saw moderation at 7.76 percent, as compared to 9.79 percent last month.
Commenting on the commercial vehicle performance, Giridhar said, “From a market mix standpoint, Rural markets grew a striking 20.25 percent YoY versus Urban at 10.22 percent YoY, highlighting that logistics-led demand is no longer concentrated in metros. Dealers across regions reported sustained freight movement, infrastructure-linked goods activity, school-bus replacement demand, and steady single-owner operator confidence as the principal drivers. The MCV sub-segment continued its standout run at 27.07 percent YoY, while LCVs grew 17.76 percent and HCVs 8.25 percent — reflecting participatory growth across sub-segments. Some dealers, however, flagged elongated financing turnaround time, sporadic variant-level supply gaps and a degree of caution induced by external geopolitical developments as monitorables.”
Coming to the passenger vehicle segment, the segment has seen demand firing on all cylinders. Interestingly, Rural PV growth at 20.40 percent YoY, was nearly three times the Urban pace of 7.11 percent YoY.
“This confirms the structural broadening of personal mobility into Tier-3 and rural India, supported by a small-car revival, sustained SUV demand and a richer alternative-powertrain product mix where CNG share held firm at 22.62 percent and EV share improved further to 5.77 percent. Dealers cited improved affordability post-GST 2.0, the Reserve Bank of India's supportive rate stance, which has translated into stronger EMI comfort, and a healthy marriage-season pipeline as the principal demand drivers. PV inventory levels have moved up modestly to a range of 28–30 days, marginally above March'26's around 28 days but well within the healthy band that we view as constructive. We continue to encourage PV OEMs to maintain disciplined dispatches in the coming weeks so that channel inventory stays anchored close to FADA's recommended 21-day benchmark, particularly as we move into the seasonally softer May-June window,” added Giridhar.
The near-term outlook for May 2026 is cautiously optimistic, with over 55 percent of dealers expecting continued growth. Momentum is expected to be maintained by the peak of the marriage season and residual buying from festivals like Akshaya Tritiya. However, monitorable factors include potential heatwaves, geopolitical tensions in West Asia that could impact fuel prices, and selective supply constraints. Over the next three months, dealer confidence remains steady as the industry transitions toward its mid-year phase.
Going forward, the industry body expects that demand for CVs, two-wheelers and passenger vehicles will continue to be positive. For CVs, he attributes the same to residual buying triggered by Akshaya Tritiya in select northern and western markets, the new financial-year OEM scheme cycle and sustained replacement demand in the CV segment.
The two-wheeler segment will continue to reap the benefits of improving rural cashflows, agri-cycle preparation purchases and continued post-GST 2.0 affordability in the rural market, while passenger vehicles are likely to benefit from healthy booking pipelines, refreshed product launches and improving small-car traction.
“That said, the India Meteorological Department's forecast of an above-normal heatwave across several states, the geopolitical situation in West Asia and its potential pass-through to fuel prices, selective supply constraints on running models remain factors to watch,” he concluded.
| AUTO RETAIL SALES IN INDIA | ||||||
| Category | Apr '26 | Apr '25 | Change (in units) | Change (in %) | Mar '26 | Change (in %) |
| YoY | YoY | MoM | ||||
| Two-wheeler | 1,916,258 | 1,695,638 | 220,620 | 13.01% | 1,951,006 | -1.78% |
| Three-wheeler | 106,908 | 99,741 | 7,167 | 7.19% | 109,777 | -2.61% |
| E-Rickshaw (P) | 28,154 | 39,504 | -11,350 | -28.73% | 28,946 | -2.74% |
| E-Rickshaw with Cart (G) | 7,742 | 7,447 | 295 | 3.96% | 7,425 | 4.27% |
| Three-wheeler (Goods) | 13,133 | 10,322 | 2,811 | 27.23% | 14,006 | -6.23% |
| Three-wheeler (Passenger) | 57,767 | 42,326 | 15,441 | 36.48% | 59,283 | -2.56% |
| Three-wheeler (Personal) | 112 | 142 | -30 | -21.13% | 117 | -4.27% |
| Passenger Vehicle | 407,355 | 363,028 | 44,327 | 12.21% | 440,144 | -7.45% |
| Tractor | 75,109 | 60,956 | 14,153 | 23.22% | 82,080 | -8.49% |
| Construction Equipment | 6,348 | 6,494 | -146 | -2.25% | 6,906 | -8.08% |
| Commercial Vehicle | 99,339 | 86,364 | 12,975 | 15.02% | 102,536 | -3.12% |
| LCV | 55,949 | 475,120 | ###### | -88.22% | 59,379 | -5.78% |
| MCV | 9,177 | 7,222 |
Simon Stephan Takes Over As Head Of Mubea India
German family-owned automotive component supplier Mubea India has appointed Simon Stephan as Chief Executive Officer to direct the company's business strategy, operational development and regional growth. Stephan will execute this function alongside his existing global responsibilities as Head of Strategy and Regional Development Asia for the Mubea Group. He holds a master's degree in engineering from RWTH Aachen University and an Executive MBA from the Washington University-Fudan University joint programme in Shanghai. Stephan comes with over 25 years of experience in the automotive and steel industries, having previously held senior positions at ThyssenKrupp Steel and Kirchhoff Automotive. At present, Mubea India employs 940 full-time equivalent workers across three production facilities and a central service office, manufacturing chassis and powertrain components for the automotive sector. In CY2025, the company clocked revenue of over EUR 3,600 million with the largest contribution or 34 percent business coming from chassis, 30 percent from body components, 17 percent from powertrain, 12 percent from aviation and 3 percent from general industrial applications. "MUBEA India has grown significantly over the past decades. Today we employ 940 FTE at 3 production sites and a central service office. We engineer and produce parts for the automotive industry, in particular Chassis and Powertrain components. In the function of interim CEO I’m glad to lead the company together with our local management team to the next level,” said Simon Stephan. BendPak Unveils MaxJax MAX7 Portable Two-Post Lift At SEMA Show 2026
BendPak Inc. unveiled the MaxJax MAX7 portable two-post lift at the SEMA Show 2026, marking the first MaxJax model to incorporate the company's exclusive Automatic Swing Arm Restraint System (ASARS). The patent-pending ASARS is significantly more robust than traditional swing arm restraint mechanisms, providing a full 360-degree locking interface with 10 times the holding force to secure lift arms firmly beneath the vehicle, helping prevent unintended swing arm movement during lifting, lowering and service. The MAX7 rises three inches higher than earlier models, reaching a maximum lifting height of 50.25 inches for additional under-vehicle clearance while retaining a compact profile suited to low-ceiling spaces. Its open design allows direct access to brakes, suspension, exhaust and other undercar components, and a 7,000-pound rated load capacity accommodates a wide range of cars, trucks and SUVs. The lift also features seven safety locking positions and an upgraded, easy-to-use lock release. MaxJax, the original patented portable two-post lift, combines two-post undercar access and lifting capability with removable columns and power unit. Each column bolts securely to floor anchors recessed permanently in the concrete during use, then can be unbolted and rolled away afterward, leaving the floor completely clear. An optional Motorcycle and ATV Adapter Kit adds powersports service capability.
Because customers frequently add adapters, rolling work seats and other accessories, BendPak offers four MAX7 packages. The Standard includes the lift assembly, power unit with tow-cart, standard anchor bolt kit, round lift pads and medium adapters. The Deluxe adds a rolling work seat and portable oil drain; the Supreme features everything in the Deluxe plus frame cradle pads and tall adapters and the Ultimate maximises ergonomics by replacing the standard rolling work seat with the MaxJax Ergonomic Height-Adjustable Creeper Seat. Sean Price, Director – Quality Control and Product Development, BendPak, said, “Garage space is premium real estate, whether you’re running a busy shop or wrenching at home. The MAX7 stands out for its versatility. It delivers commercial-grade lifting power for enthusiasts without permanently sacrificing parking space while enabling professional shops to quickly increase service capacity during peak hours. The MaxJax MAX7 unlocks maximum utility without requiring a permanent footprint.” Auto Retail Sales Clock Second Best October Performance On A High Base
Indian automotive retail sales saw their second-best-ever performance last month, with a total of 3.17 million vehicles sold, up 25.05 percent over the previous month, but a 23.8 percent YoY decline, albeit from a high base a year ago. As per the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), the shift in the festive calendar accounted for the year-on-year drop, as Navratri fell in October while Dhanteras and Diwali shifted into November. The data pointed out that two-wheeler retail sales reached 2.32 million units, reflecting a 29.67 percent MoM increase and a 28.35 percent YoY decline. Passenger vehicle retails totalled 507,768 units, rising 18.86 percent sequentially while dropping 14.23 percent compared to the previous year. Inventory levels for passenger vehicles remained between 43 and 45 days. Commercial vehicles recorded 115,140 units, up 2.29 percent YoY and 11.19 per cent MoM, driven by a 28.95 percent increase in heavy commercial vehicles and a 21.16 percent rise in medium commercial vehicles. Three-wheeler registrations grew 3.97 percent YoY to 141,420 units, with electric variants accounting for approximately 63 percent of the total. Tractor sales rose 3.10 percent to 79,285 units, while wheeled construction equipment recorded a 22.07 percent YoY increase to 7,434 units. Overall electric vehicle registrations reached 355,000 units, representing an electric mobility penetration rate of 11.5 per cent. Sai Giridhar, President, FADA, said, "October is India’s largest retail month of the year, and this year it must be read with the calendar firmly in mind. The YoY decline is almost entirely optical. Last October was an exceptional month that carried both Navratri and Deepawali together, over and above the pent-up demand released after the GST 2.0 rate cuts of 22nd September 2025; this year Navratri fell in October while Dhanteras and Diwali move into November." "What the year-on-year numbers conceal is where the decline sits. The sharpest falls are precisely in the most Deepawali-dependent pockets – rural two-wheelers, down 33.97 percent against urban’s 20.77 percent, and the Northern markets — the very segments and regions our dealers there now expect to lead November. To our mind this is the signature of demand deferred by the festival calendar, not demand destroyed: the rural, two-wheeler-led buying that powered last October is set to land in this year’s November print." added Giridhar. "The clearest bright spot was electrification. EV retails touched an all-time high of about 355,000 units, up 44.88 percent YoY, lifting overall EV penetration to roughly 11.5 percent from about 6 percent a year ago – a best-ever October for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles alike. Tellingly, demand ran ahead of supply this month: with petrol and diesel prices continuing to remain elevated, electric vehicle driving ranges now materially improved and EV prices increasingly at par with comparable petrol and diesel models, buyer pull strengthened to the point where availability – not demand – became the binding constraint," concluded Giridhar.
Marelli Appoints Laurent Favre As CEO Following Chapter 11 Restructuring
European tier 1 supplier Marelli has confirmed the appointment of Laurent Favre as Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, succeeding Frederick ‘Fritz’ Henderson, who concludes his tenure as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Favre takes over leadership as the company prepares to complete its Chapter 11 restructuring process. Separately, the Ad Hoc Group of Lenders to Marelli announced plans to appoint Bram Schot as Chair of the Board of Marelli upon emergence from Chapter 11. Previously Chief Executive Officer of Audi, he has held senior leadership roles at Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group and holds advisory and board roles across Shell, Richemont, Cognizant and Signify. On the other hand, Favre brings over two decades of automotive industry experience, having previously served in executive positions at ThyssenKrupp, ZF, Benteler and as CEO of Plastic Omnium (later renamed OPmobility) from 2020 to 2025. Dinesh Paliwal, Executive Chairman, Marelli, said, "Fritz stepped into the role at a demanding moment and has led Marelli with judgement, clarity and commitment. On behalf of the Board, we thank him for everything he has done for the company, its customers and its people. Laurent brings deep knowledge of the global automotive industry and a strong record of leading complex international businesses. He understands the operational discipline needed to deliver for customers and the opportunities ahead for Marelli’s products and technologies.” Laurent Favre said, "I am honoured to lead Marelli at this pivotal point in its history. I want to thank Fritz for his leadership and for the progress he and the Marelli team have made during a challenging period. Our immediate priority is to complete the work required for a successful emergence from Chapter 11. Emergence is a critical milestone, but the turnaround must continue beyond it. We will focus on restoring Marelli’s financial strength, improving performance across the business and strengthening customer confidence through consistent delivery." "Beyond emergence, our ambition is to build a financially stronger, more competitive Marelli, combining operational excellence with focused innovation and profitable growth. We have talented people, strong technologies and longstanding customer relationships. I look forward to working with colleagues across Marelli to turn those strengths into lasting results and build a business our people are proud to be part of," added Favre. Fritz Henderson said, "It has been a privilege to lead Marelli during this important period. I am proud of the progress our colleagues have made and grateful for their commitment to the business and its customers. Laurent brings extensive automotive experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry. I wish him and the entire Marelli team every success as they take the company forward." Bram Schot said, "Marelli has the talent, technology and customer relationships to succeed. I look forward to supporting Laurent and the team when I will take up the role as Chair following emergence from Chapter 11. Our long-term focus is clear: deliver on our commitments, strengthen customer partnerships and build a stronger, more competitive and sustainable Marelli." Current IssueSubscribe For NewsletterEventsPopular news
| |||
Comments (0)
ADD COMMENT