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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Auto Hangar, a Mercedes-Benz India retail partner, has expanded its network in Mumbai with the opening of a showroom in Kandivali and a service centre in Charkop. The expansion targets the western corridor of the city, including Borivali, Malad and Andheri.

The Kandivali showroom follows the Mercedes-Benz ‘MAR 2020’ global retail design framework. The facility integrates digital tools with physical displays to facilitate vehicle customisation.

Key features of the showroom include:

• Digital Car Configurator: Allows customers to select paint finishes, alloy designs, and interior trims virtually.
• Model Range: On-site display of vehicles including the GLC, A-Class Limousine, and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
• Finance Integration: Access to STAR Agility+ programmes for vehicle financing.

The Charkop facility provides maintenance and repair services using Mercedes-Benz diagnostic systems. The centre is designed to meet the manufacturer's ‘Ambition 2039’ sustainability targets.

The service centre includes:

• Quick-Service Bays: Staffed by certified technicians for routine maintenance and electronic calibrations.
• Logistics: Pick-up and drop-off services for residents in the surrounding suburbs.
• Environmental Systems: Integration of solar-powered systems, waste segregation, and water recycling technologies.

“This expansion is about more than new locations, it’s about redefining the Mercedes-Benz experience for Mumbai’s west. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, sustainable practices and a customer-first approach, we are ready to serve a new generation of luxury car buyers,” said the company in a statement.

The company maintains an existing network across Mumbai, with locations in Hughes Road, Prabhadevi, Lokhandwala Circle, Lower Parel and Sakivihar.

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Honda Motor Co, is set to showcase a series of concept models and racing machines at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, scheduled for 9–11 January at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.

Under the theme of ‘Honda Sports DNA’, the company will demonstrate the transfer of technology from motorsports into production vehicle development and manufacturing.

The display will feature three world premieres developed in collaboration with Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) and Honda’s engineering teams:

Civic Type R HRC Concept: A concept based on the current Civic Type R. Developed by HRC, the vehicle incorporates racing expertise to refine the performance of the sports model.

Prelude HRC Concept: A customised version of the new Prelude, which launched in September 2025. The model features HRC-designed components intended to adjust driving dynamics.

Civic e:HEV RS Prototype: A prototype of a new trim for the hybrid Civic. This model will be the second vehicle, following the Prelude, to feature Honda S+ Shift control technology.

According to the company, the booth design and choice of vehicles represent ‘Honda Sports DNA,’ which expresses how Honda technology and passion to pursue driving performance – with motorsports as its ultimate proving ground – have been carried forward uninterrupted throughout all Honda activities, from racing to automobile development and manufacturing.

The use of red as the theme colour for the booth is intended to signal the OEM’s focus on performance and automobile engineering.

The exhibition will include additional racing machines from Honda’s global motorsports programmes, highlighting the connection between track testing and commercial vehicle production.

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Citroen India, in partnership with its dealership La Maison Nanavati, has completed the handover of 51 Citroen C3 CNG vehicles to the Luthra Group. The ceremony took place at the Luthra Group’s headquarters in Surat.

The delivery is part of Citroen's strategy to expand its presence in tier-II and tier-III markets by providing mobility solutions to businesses and individuals.

The Citroen C3 CNG is designed for high-usage environments and daily commutes. The model includes several features tailored for the Indian market, integration of a factory-fitted CNG kit to manage running costs. A suspension system tuned specifically for local road conditions. Provisions for cabin space and air-conditioning systems designed for high-ambient temperatures.

The handover to Luthra Group represents the brand's focus on cost-efficient transportation. By targeting the regional business sector, Citroen India aims to strengthen its footprint in Gujarat and the broader Indian mobility market.

The C3 CNG is positioned as a solution for users requiring reliability and low operating expenses without compromising on ride comfort.

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Maruti Suzuki India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, a regional rural bank, for vehicle retail financing partnership on new cars, pre-owned vehicles and commercial vehicles.

This collaboration marks the 50th retail finance partner for Maruti Suzuki India. The partnership is intended to use the bank’s network to provide credit options to a range of customer profiles, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions.

The partnership aims to increase the accessibility of Maruti Suzuki products through, tailored finance schemes designed for rural and regional customers.

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said, “Our partnership with Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank marks a significant milestone as we onboard our 50th retail finance partner. This reinforces our commitment to making car ownership simpler and more affordable for customers across India. By expanding our reach through this strategic alliance, we aim to empower buyers with competitive, customer-friendly financing solutions that enhance the overall purchase experience. We remain focused on delivering seamless, tailored finance options, and this collaboration strengthens our vision of providing the Joy of Mobility to aspiring Indian consumers.”

Yadav S. Thakur, Chairman, Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, said, “At Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank, empowering customer aspirations is at the heart of everything we do. Our partnership with Maruti Suzuki, a leader in the automotive industry, is a strategic step towards enhancing our service offerings and delivering greater value to our customers. This collaboration aligns with our 'Customer-First' mission, enabling us to provide accessible and affordable vehicle financing solutions. We look forward to helping more individuals and families across the country realise their dream of owning a Maruti Suzuki vehicle.”

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