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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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has announced pricing for the updated Slavia sedan, starting at INR 999,900 (ex-showroom) for the base Classic manual variant to INR 1.88 million for the top-spec Monte Carlo 1.5 TSI automatic model.

The Slavia is built on the MQB-A0-IN platform and is available across six trim levels: Classic, Classic+, Signature, Sportline, Prestige and Monte Carlo. The deliveries are set to commence next week, with an additional Cappuccino Beige colour variant scheduled for release in December 2026.

The sedan retains its existing petrol powertrain options, offering a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. On the other hand, the 1.5-litre TSI engine variant is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and includes rear disc brakes.

Exterior updates include redesigned light units, revised front and rear sections, sequential rear indicators, and new alloy wheel options.

On the inside, the Slavia gets a rear-seat massage function on higher trim levels, alongside a 360-degree camera system, front and rear parking sensors and a digital instrument cluster measuring up to 26.03 centimetres.

The 25.6-centimetre infotainment system incorporates a voice assistant powered by Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, supporting wireless smartphone integration. Safety equipment includes six airbags and standard electronic assistance systems across the range, maintaining its 5-star rating from Global NCAP testing.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia has become an important part of Skoda Auto India’s sedan legacy, bringing together the design, driving experience, safety and engineering that customers associate with our brand. The new Slavia builds on that strong foundation with a more striking presence, greater comfort, smarter technology and an all-new eight-speed automatic. That is the essence of Says it All: a sedan that does not ask customers to choose between aspiration and practicality, performance and comfort, or technology and peace of mind. It brings these strengths together in one confident, complete package, making the sedan experience even more relevant and desirable for a new generation of customers.”

The vehicle comes with a four-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty, four years of roadside assistance and four routine labour-free services. Warranty coverage can be extended up to six years.

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German luxury car brand Mercedes-Benz India has launched the Mercedes-Maybach S 580e 4MATIC, introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain to its Maybach range in India at INR 33.5 million. The company has introduced the Maybach S 580e with an initial allocation limited to 30 units. 

It combines a 3.0-litre petrol engine delivering 443 hp and 560 Nm of torque with an electric motor producing 160 hp and 480 Nm. Together, the system generates a total output of 585 hp and 750 Nm of torque via a nine-speed transmission and all-wheel drive.

Powered by a 22 kWh usable battery, the saloon provides a WLTP-certified electric range of up to 98 km and reaches 100 kmph in 4.8 seconds, with a top speed limited to 250 kmph. Charging options include up to 11 kW AC and up to 60 kW DC fast charging.  

The interior features a four-seat layout with individual rear seats and a central console. Equipment includes air suspension using navigation data, rear-axle steering up to 10 degrees, 15 airbags, and a 31-speaker sound system. Digital interfaces operate on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System, incorporating a front-passenger display screen and driving assistance functions.

Santosh Iyer, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, "The Mercedes-Maybach S 580e perfectly reflects our strategy of offering the most desirable luxury portfolio, while offering customers the freedom to choose the technology that best suits their lifestyle. We are seeing rising demand for Plug-In-Hybrid among our top-end customers, and the Maybach S 580e combines the timeless exclusivity, handcrafted luxury and iconic luxury of a Maybach with the convenience of a plug-in hybrid technology. With ICE, BEV and PHEV models in our portfolio, Mercedes-Benz is uniquely positioned to offer diverse luxury mobility solution, ensuring performance, sustainability and luxury."

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Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo Auto India has appointed Karan Arora as Director of Marketing and PR. He joins the luxury automaker with over 15 years of leadership experience across the luxury automotive and luxury real estate sectors.

Arora previously worked in the luxury automotive industry, spending over six years at Audi India as Head of Marketing Communications and Experiential, where he managed product launches, events and customer engagement initiatives. He also held the role of Regional Business Manager for North India at Jaguar Land Rover.

In addition to his automotive background, Arora has led marketing teams in the real estate and home solutions sectors. His previous roles include managing premium and luxury residential marketing portfolios at Godrej Properties, Central Park and Smartworld Developers, as well as overseeing marketing for GROHE and American Standard at LIXIL India. Most recently, he served as Vice-President of Marketing at Krisumi Corporation.

Arora holds a Master of Business Administration from the International Management Institute, New Delhi and a Bachelor of Technology from Panjab University.

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German automotive luxury brand BMW India and BMW Motorrad India have opened pre-orders for the ‘100 Jahre Nurburgring’ edition vehicles to mark the upcoming 100th anniversary of the Nurburgring racetrack in 2027.

The limited collection includes five BMW M car models – the BMW M2 Coupé, BMW M3 Sedan, BMW M4 Coupé, BMW M5 Sedan and the BMW M5 Touring – alongside the BMW M 1000 R motorcycle. The release marks the entry of the BMW M5 Touring into the Indian market.

The edition models feature specific paint finishes in Nurburgring Green and Sapphire Black metallic with green accents, incorporating the ‘100 Years’ logo, Nurburgring since 1927 lettering and the Nurburgring circuit outline.

Exterior details include carbon fibre roofs, model-specific graphics and green wheel accents across select models, while the M5 Touring features a steel roof with custom stripes. Interior specifications across the car lineup include black leather with green and white stitching, door sills, carbon fibre trims, M Carbon bucket seats with individual upholstery, and an M Alcantara steering wheel with a 12 o'clock marker.

The BMW M 1000 R motorcycle features a painted fuel tank with the Nurburgring outline, an airbox cover with ‘one of 100’ numbering, carbon wheels with green accent stripes, an Alcantara seat with embroidered ‘100’ logos and black components for the rear swingarm and frame.

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