The automotive retail sales in India is back in the green, and for October 2024, the convergence of Navratri and Diwali has helped register robust growth across segments.

According to the latest data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), a total of 2.8 million vehicles were registered last month, up 32.14 percent YoY, compared to 2.14 million vehicles sold last year.

This included 2 million two-wheelers (+36.34 percent YoY); 122,846 three-wheelers (+11.45 percent YoY); 483,159 passenger vehicles (+32.38 percent YoY); 64,433 tractors (+3.08 percent YoY) and 97,411 commercial vehicles (+6.37 percent YoY).

C S Vigneshwar, President, FADA stated that festivities traditionally account for 30–35 percent of total annual auto sales. The industry was keenly observing how October would unfold.

He said, “With dealers entering this crucial period fully committed and carrying all-time high inventory levels, the month did not disappoint!”

FADA shared that the rural market once again played a leading role in driving growth, particularly in the two-wheeler and passenger vehicle segments. Additionally, the Government of India's announcement of an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops further boosted market sentiments.

The two-wheeler sales were driven by festive schemes, discounts along with new model launches that drove consumer interest. The dealers were able to support the demand on the back of better stock availability and suppliers from OEMs.

In the passenger vehicle segment too, aggressive offers, attractive schemes and new model introductions further stimulated demand.

“Enhanced vehicle availability and strong market interest, especially for SUVs and new products, also contributed to the exceptional sales. However, despite strong sales, PV OEMs continue to heavily stock dealers, resulting in inventory levels decreasing by only five days, with overall inventory still at a high of 75–80 days. This may thus lead the season of substantial discounts to continue until the end of the calendar year,” cautioned Vigneshwar.

The commercial vehicle segment growth was driven by various factors such as supportive agricultural markets and bulk purchases, particularly for container movements.

FADA states that however dealers faced challenges such as slow demand, sluggish construction activities, financial issues among customers and increased vehicle prices leading to higher EMIs.

“Overall, while there were areas of growth, the CV market faced headwinds that tempered its overall performance,” he shared.

Great Indian wedding

While the automotive industry has been seeing a mixed results in terms of retail demand, the expectation for the rest of the calendar year remains positive. An estimated 4.8 million weddings are scheduled across the country in November and December 2024. This is expected to bring an ‘unprecedented surge’ in demand for wedding-related goods and services.

For the automotive industry this could further amplify demand for two-wheelers and passenger vehicles. In the CV segment, while supportive agricultural markets and continued bulk purchases may contribute positively, dealers remain vigilant due to factors like sluggish construction activities, financial constraints among customers and an anticipated decrease in demand post-festivities.

But on the other hand, for the passenger vehicle segment, there are apprehensions about potential slowdowns caused by customers postponing purchases in anticipation of better year-end discounts. FADA also urges, PV OEMs to further rationalise supply.

The auto retail body states that while the industry is optimistic about near-term growth driven by the wedding season and favourable market conditions, dealers are mindful of potential challenges that could affect sales momentum as the year concludes.

‘The mixed sentiments reflected in the survey highlight the need for strategic planning and cautious optimism as the auto sector navigates the remaining months of the year,’ the note concluded.

Representational image courtesy: TomFlick/Pexels

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Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL), the country’s largest passenger vehicle manufacturer, has opened bookings for the 2026 Brezza, which is set to be launched on 24 July 2026.

The SUV can be reserved at Maruti Suzuki ARENA showrooms or via the company website for an amount of INR 11,000. Since its launch in 2016, the company has sold over 1.4 million units of the Brezza.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, "Brezza's extraordinary journey since its introduction in 2016 has made it India’s highest selling compact SUV. In 10 Years, Brezza has won the trust of over 1.4 million customers which is a testament of its product supremacy and segment domination. In 2026, The new Brezza will represent a perfect synthesis of customer’s love and unlock a new dimension of excitement. We invite customers to book the new Brezza today and be among the first to experience it."

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Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that the Carens SUV family has reached a cumulative sales milestone of 300,000 units, which includes the Carens, Carens Clavis and the Carens Clavis EV.

At present, the Carens lineup sales consist of 60 percent petrol, 30 percent diesel and 10 percent electric. The Carens Clavis EV is available with two battery capacities: a 51.4 kWh option providing a 490 km range and a 42 kWh option with a 404 km range. The EV features fast charging, capable of reaching 80 percent charge from 10 percent in 39 minutes, and is powered by motors delivering 255 Nm of torque.

Sunhack Park, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, said, “The 300,000-unit milestone for the Carens underscores its position as a segment leader and a true gamechanger in the MPV space. This achievement is a direct result of our product-led strategy, our sharp understanding of customer needs, and our unwavering focus on quality. It strengthens our conviction that the Carens is the benchmark for its class, and we are energized to build on this momentum as we accelerate our growth journey."

Furthermore, for Carens the top trim levels account for 18 percent of total sales.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has handed over a 10-hectare ecological restoration project in the Herbivore Safari Zone of Bannerghatta Biological Park to the Zoo Authority of Karnataka. The initiative is part of the company's ‘Harmony with Nature – Green Wave’ projects and its commitment to biodiversity and sustainability.

The restoration involved weed removal and the planting of native saplings to improve habitat quality and forage availability. Protective measures include solar fencing, which will remain around the area for two years to prevent grazing on the new plantings. The project also includes a borewell equipped with a solar-powered pumping system to provide water during dry seasons.

A V Surya Sen, Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, said, “Public-private partnerships play a crucial role in strengthening conservation efforts across Karnataka. This initiative by Toyota Kirloskar Motor demonstrates how the industry can actively contribute to restoring ecosystems and enhancing wildlife habitats. The integration of renewable energy solutions further reflects a responsible and sustainable approach to environmental stewardship.”

B Padmanabha, Executive Vice-President & Director, Manufacturing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “At TKM, we believe that biodiversity conservation is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. This project reflects our commitment to the Harmony with Nature initiative under the Toyota Environmental Challenge 2050. By implementing scientific weed management, native afforestation, protective measures for young plantations, and renewable-energy-powered infrastructure, we seek to restore ecological balance and foster a resilient, self-sustaining ecosystem.”

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European automaker Renault India has launched the Duster Adventure Edition, with prices beginning at INR 1.29 million (ex-showroom). The vehicle was unveiled by Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India and Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India.

The Adventure edition is available in three powertrain options: Turbo TCe 100 MT, Turbo TCe 160 MT and Turbo TCe 160 DCT. Exterior features include decals with topographical contour lines and the geographical coordinates of Leh. On the inside, the vehicle includes floor mats and various technology and convenience features.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, "Iconic vehicles are remembered not simply for what they do, but for the place they earn in people's lives. Duster belongs to that rare category. Over the years, it became part of countless journeys and lasting memories for customers across India. The Adventure Edition celebrates the enduring connection that people continue to have with the Duster nameplate."

The new prices are as follows: Adventure Turbo TCe 100 MT at INR 1.29 million, Adventure Turbo TCe 160 MT at INR 1.39 million and Adventure Turbo TCe 160 DCT at INR 1.53 million, ex-showroom, respectively.

The Duster comes with Full LED headlamps and 43.18cm (17-inch) alloy wheels, electric panoramic sunroof, electric powered tailgate and automatic dual zone air conditioning.

On the inside, it gets 25.65cm (10.1-inch) multimedia system and connected car services via the My Renault app. And Adventure Branding on the decals, embellishers and floor mats.

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