The automotive retail sales numbers for September 2024 show a decline in demand for two-wheelers, passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Barring three-wheelers with a flat growth and tractor segment with 14 percent growth, sales have declined both on a month-on-month basis as well as year-on-year basis.

The overall auto retails came at 17,23,330 units, which is a decline of 9.26 percent over last year. This includes 12,04,259 two-wheelers (-8.51% YoY); three-wheelers 1,06,524 units (0.66% YoY); 2,75,681 passenger vehicles  (-18.81% YoY); 62,542 tractors (14.69% YoY) and 74,324 commercial vehicles (-10.45% YoY).

C S Vigneshwar, President, Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) said, “The 2024 southwest monsoon recorded 8 percent above-normal rainfall—the highest in four years—which has boosted Kharif sowing by 1.5 percent YoY. This increase in agricultural productivity has positively impacted rural demand and economic sentiment. Despite the onset of festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam, Dealers have reported that the performance has been largely stagnant. This suggests that overall market sentiment during these festive periods has been underwhelming, with a trend leaning towards flat or negative growth. The Shraddh period further impacted sales negatively, leading to a YoY decline in retail sales across various categories.”

He further stated that while discounts and offers have been introduced across segments to stimulate demand, but they have “yet to translate into a significant improvement in sales.”

Vigneshwar said that the two-wheeler sales decline can be attributed to low consumer sentiment, poor inquiries, and reduced walk-ins. Seasonal factors like the Shraddh period, Pitrapaksha, and heavy rains further impacted demand, resulting in delayed purchases and a subdued market environment.

The three-wheeler sales showed marginal growth of 0.99 percent MoM and 0.66 percent YoY, driven by positive customer engagement and increasing demand for e-rickshaw options. However, overall demand remained subdued as many customers deferred purchases in anticipation of the upcoming festive season and heavy rains impacted walk-ins and sales activity.

The commercial vehicle segment reflected a mixed performance, while there was positive sentiment and marginal growth in regions supported by infrastructure projects, overall demand remained weak due to low government spending, extended monsoon delays and seasonal challenges. Despite some improvement in fleet purchases, the market conditions remain subdued.

The passenger vehicle segment has been a case of worry with an alarming trend of declining consumer demand and deteriorating market sentiment. Seasonal factors such as Shraddh and Pitrapaksha, coupled with heavy rainfall and a sluggish economy, have exacerbated the situation, leaving dealers with historically high inventory levels of 80-85 days—equivalent to 7.9 lakh vehicles worth INR 790 billion.

“Given the critical festive season around the corner, FADA urges OEMs to take immediate corrective measures to avoid a financial setback. FADA also calls on the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to issue an advisory to banks, mandating stricter channel funding policies based only on Dealer consent and on actual collateral, to prevent dealers from facing additional financial pressure due to unsold stock. This is the final opportunity for PV OEMs to recalibrate and support market recovery before it's too late!”

Going forward, FADA’s near-term outlook for automobile retail is cautiously optimistic as both Navratri and Diwali fall in the same month, creating strong expectations for a surge in vehicle sales.

With healthy water levels in reservoirs and improved crop yields supporting rural demand, the festive season is expected to drive a substantial boost in two-wheeler, passenger vehicle, and tractor sales with new launches been planned for the month. However, the passenger vehicle segment faces a critical situation due to high inventory levels at dealerships.

Vigneshwar cautions that if sales do not pick up as expected in October, dealers could face significant financial pressure from unsold stock piling up in their warehouses.

While dealers and OEMs are betting on robust festive sales, especially in rural markets where positive cash flow and better agricultural conditions are expected to spur demand, the outcome remains uncertain.

He states that a successful October is essential to clear out excess inventory and set a positive growth trajectory for the remainder of FY2025. With rising inquiries and optimistic dealer sentiments, the outlook leans towards optimism, but high stakes and dependency on October’s performance warrant a cautious approach.

“If the anticipated sales do not materialise, it could shift the outlook to pessimistic, putting dealers as well as OEMs in a difficult position heading into the new year,” he concludes.

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Japanese automotive brand Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced the upcoming global debut of its Pajero cross-country SUV this autumn.

The new Pajero will now feature a Multi Meter, a digital triple meter display that tracks driving conditions. It provides data including altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, pitch angles, roll angles and torque distribution. The system displays information intended to assist drivers on inclines, mountain roads, trails, rocky terrain and muddy conditions.

First introduced in 1981, the Pajero has been one of the most successful for the Mitsubishi brand, selling over 3.3 million units, in its 40-year run.

Now in its fifth generation, the Pajero SUV, is set to mark a comeback for the popular model after a five-year hiatus.

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German luxury automotive brand BMW Group extends its approach to sustainability to vehicle derivatives with the BMW X5, with an aim to optimise the vehicle lifecycle and minimise the carbon footprint across the supply chain, production, use phase and recycling.

Decarbonisation across the supply chain remains a lever for reducing CO2e emissions. The BMW Group focuses on renewables, recycled materials, and process innovations. During the product development process, CO2e emissions of the BMW X5 fell by 40 percent.

The body uses flat steel, of which 50 percent is electric arc furnace steel (EAF steel) with recycled material content, produced using renewables. This share of steel results from collaboration with suppliers in North America.

The BMW X5 uses recycled materials in components, including aluminium wheel rims, swivel bearings, wheel supports, rear axle supports and brake callipers.

Renewables power the electrolysis and production of these components. The aluminium for the doors contains 35 percent recycled material from the press shop at BMW Spartanburg. The material for the yarn of the headliner fabric consists of 100 percent recycled PET. In the BMW iX5 60 xDrive, one third of the vehicle consists of recycled materials, equivalent to a weight of 940 kilograms.

The Gen6 battery cells in the battery of the BMW iX5 include recycled materials in the cobalt, lithium and nickel content. Renewables power the production of anode materials, cathode materials and cell manufacturing. Compared with the Gen5 cell in the BMW iX, CO2e emissions fell by 28 percent per watt-hour.

The EfficientDynamics technology package optimises vehicle efficiency across subsystems during the use phase. This includes aerodynamics, lightweight construction, wheels, tyres and energy management.

The BMW iX5 features the ‘Heart of Joy’ from the BMW iX3 and BMW i3, with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control driving stack developed in-house. The system enhances efficiency: during deceleration, energy is recovered through recuperation down to a standstill.

Depending on the drivetrain variant, mileage and electricity source for charging, the BMW iX5 60 xDrive achieves a CO₂e advantage over a model with an internal combustion engine after one to two years of use.

The sustainability approach extends to vehicle manufacturing at Plant Spartanburg. Power for production at Plant Spartanburg comes from renewables. Between 2006 and 2025, energy consumption per produced vehicle decreased by 66 percent. The volume of waste sent to landfills fell by 88 percent over the period. The battery assembly plant in Woodruff runs without fossil fuels in operation.

The BMW Group will publish the Product Carbon Footprint for the BMW X5, validated by the German Technical Inspection Association (TÜV), to accompany the series launch. The report, including the calculation methodology, will be available to the public. The BMW Group provides transparency regarding raw materials and CO2e emissions across the vehicle lifecycle.

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German luxury carmaker BMW India has launched the new X6 M60i xDrive, a performance Sports Activity Coupé (SAC) as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) at INR 17.79 million (ex-showroom).

At the heart of the new X6 M60i is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine featuring a 48V mild-hybrid system. The powertrain delivers 530 hp and 750 Nm of torque, enabling the SAC to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 4.3 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 250 kmph.

The SAC comes is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic with paddle shifters, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with an M Sport differential. For handling it gets integral Active Steering and Adaptive M suspension with electronically controlled dampers. The stopping power comes with M Sport braking system with red-painted callipers.

The exterior features a coupe silhouette, slim Adaptive LED headlights with M Shadowline accents and an M-specific kidney grille. The vehicle comes standard with 21-inch M light-alloy wheels.

The interior is anchored by the BMW Curved Display, which houses a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display under a single glass surface. The cabin is upholstered in Sensafin and includes features such as Harman Kardon surround sound, ventilated comfort seats with memory functions, and an ambient light bar. Customers can further personalise the vehicle with optional BMW Individual paint finishes and Merino leather upholstery.

The X6 M60i xDrive runs on BMW iDrive Operating System 8.5 and includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Connected features provided through the My BMW app include Digital Key Plus, remote services and real-time traffic information.

Driver assistance systems include a 360-degree surround view for parking assistant, reversing assistant, which records and executes the last 200 metres of steering input. Safety suite features Six airbags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Through BMW India Financial Services, customers can access BMW SMART Finance, which includes an assured buyback offer of 60 percent after three years or 10,000 km. Financing packages for service, secure advance and extended warranties are also available.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, said, “The new BMW X6 M60i xDrive is an absolute powerhouse engineered to command the road with an unmistakable, muscular stance. Positioned at the pinnacle of expressive luxury, this sports activity coupé is crafted for individuals who demand a distinct lifestyle. At its heart lies the legendary V8 engine, offering raw, emotional power.”

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Renault India has introduced four variants to its Kiger SUV range, updating the model’s powertrain and trim options. The changes include the addition of an Evolution+ variant and an expanded selection of turbo-powered models.

The French automaker has added the Evolution+ trim across its naturally aspirated (manual and AMT) and turbo (manual) engines. Features included in this variant comprise a keyless entry and start system, driver seat height adjustment, smartphone replication, automatic climate control and fabric upholstery.

Additionally, Renault has expanded its turbo-powered range from three to five options by offering the Techno trim with a 5-speed manual transmission. The naturally aspirated range has increased from six to eight variants.

With these updates, the Kiger turbo-powered line-up now starts at INR 789,000 (ex-showroom). The base price for the Evolution+ variant is INR 699,000 (ex-showroom).

Francisco Hidalgo, VP – Sales and Marketing, Renault India, said, “At Renault, our focus has always been on making innovation and mobility more accessible to customers. With the New Kiger range, we are taking this commitment further by bringing turbo performance, premium features, and greater choice within easier reach. As customer expectations continue to evolve, accessibility today goes beyond price—it is about enabling a more complete and rewarding ownership experience. This update reflects our effort to democratise features and technologies that matter most, while staying true to Kiger’s core promise of performance.”

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