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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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has announced its sales results for February 2026, recording total sales of 63,331 units, marking a 35 percent YoY growth, compared to the 46,811 units sold in February 2025.

Domestic passenger vehicle (PV) sales reached 62,329 units, a 34 percent rise over the 46,435 units recorded in the same month last year. International business (IB) for the segment saw the highest rate of growth, increasing by 167 percent to 1,002 units.

The total sales figures include the performance of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility. Combined domestic and international electric vehicle (EV) sales stood at 8,385 units for February 2026, which marks a 57 percent increase from the 5,343 units sold in February 2025.

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JSW MG Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported its wholesales of 4,957 units in February 2026, up 24 percent YoY.

The company attributed the demand to the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. During the period, the company introduced India’s first D+ SUV – the MG Majestor.

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced its wholesales for February 2026, recording total sales of 34,034 units. This figure represents a 20 percent increase compared to the 28,414 units sold in February 2025.

The monthly total includes 30,737 units sold in the domestic market, up 16 percent YoY and 3,297 units exported, up 65 percent YoY, rising from 2,000 units in the same month last year.

For the first two months of the 2026 calendar year (January–February), Toyota Kirloskar Motor has sold 67,914 units, an 18 percent increase over the 57,785 units recorded during the same period in 2025.

The company noted demand across its product portfolio, specifically citing the response to the ‘Tech Package’ for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder.

Sabari Manohar, Executive Vice-President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Our sales performance in February 2026 reflects the continued customer trust in Toyota’s quality, reliability and ownership experience. The sustained demand across product portfolio reaffirms our unwavering focus on delivering value-driven mobility solutions aligned with customer expectations. Furthermore, the recently launched Tech Package for the Urban Cruiser Hyryder received positive customer response towards enhancing the overall in-cabin experience with advanced comfort and convenience features. We thank our customers and dealer partners for their continued confidence and support.”

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Kia India has recorded its highest February sales since commencing operations, with 21,610 units sold, up 10.3 percent YoY, as compared to 25,026 units sold last year.

The sales performance marks the second consecutive month of double-digit growth for the Korean automaker.

Kia India stated that the demand was distributed across its portfolio, led by the Seltos and the Sonet SUVs. The Carens and Clavis SUVs maintained volume in the family mobility segment, while the Clavis EV and the Carnival MPV addressed the electric and luxury segments respectively.

The company attribute its performance to a strategy integrating design with safety technologies, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and connected car features.

During FY2026, the company has expanded its retail network to 849 touchpoints across 382 cities. It has 122 Certified Pre-Owned outlets now operational.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “Our record February performance is a testimony to the growing trust of Indian consumers in Kia brand. The strong response across our portfolio – including all-new Seltos, Sonet and the Clavis line-up highlights our well-thought-out strategy and the agility to adapt with the evolving customer aspirations, including the shift towards electric mobility. We are not merely responding to market trends, but shaping them through innovation, premium design, advanced technology and a relentless focus on delivering customer value.”

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