India's automobile retail sector has entered a ‘golden festive phase,’ according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), which detailed vehicle registrations for September and the Navratri festival period in 2025.

The data reveals overall September retail sales came at 1.82 million vehicles, up 5.22 percent YoY, but the highlight was the unprecedented 34 percent surge in vehicle retail sales during the Navratri festival, which FADA dubbed a ‘Bachat Utsav’ (Savings Festival). Interestingly, compared to August 2025, the retail sales dropped by 6.98 percent.

On the other hand, the Navratri period delivered a historic high for the sector, with overall retail sales soaring by 34 percent YoY. Every major segment registered strong double-digit growth, except for Construction Equipment (CE), which declined due to heavy rains slowing activities.

• Two-wheelers led the charge with a 36 percent increase, driven by improved affordability and festive offers.
• Passenger vehicles saw a robust 34.8 percent rise, as new buyers and upgraders took advantage of lower prices.
• Commercial Vehicles (CV) grew by 14.8 percent, reflecting optimism in infrastructure and easier financing.

The remarkable festive growth is being attributed to the 'GST 2.0' tax reforms, which lowered Goods and Services Tax rates on vehicles, effectively boosting affordability for consumers.

September 2025 proved to be an unusual month, with sales remaining muted for the first three weeks. However, demand dramatically revived after 22nd September, coinciding with the implementation of the new GST rates and the start of Navratri.

Sai Giridhar, Vice-President, FADA, said, "September 2025 was an exceptionally unique month for India’s automobile retail industry. The first three weeks were largely muted, with customers holding back in anticipation of the GST 2.0 reforms. However, the dynamics changed dramatically in the final week as Navratri festivities coincided with the implementation of lower GST rates, reviving customer sentiment and accelerating deliveries across most vehicle categories."

Passenger Vehicle (PV) dealers also used the final surge to replenish stock, pushing inventory levels up to approximately 60 days in preparation for the upcoming peak sales season of Dhanteras and Deepawali.

Giridhar hailed the performance, said, "Navratri 2025 will go down as one of the most memorable chapters in India’s automobile retail journey — a true ‘Bachat Utsav’ unleashed by the visionary GST 2.0 reform. For the first time ever, dealerships across the nation witnessed record-breaking footfalls and deliveries."

Robust Outlook

FADA is highly optimistic about the near-term outlook, predicting that India is on track for its best-ever festive season. The combination of favourable factors – including an above-normal monsoon, a strong harvest, stable policy rates and the transformational impact of GST 2.0 – is set to boost consumer purchasing power across rural and urban markets.

The momentum is expected to carry through October, with Dhanteras and Deepawali forecast to deliver all-time high sales figures, ushering the Indian auto retail sector into a new phase of growth.

Lead image: For representational purposes only.

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Czech automaker Skoda Auto India has added two dual-tone colour options, Shimla Green and Steel Grey, to the Slavia Monte Carlo range. The limited edition is restricted to 200 units and will be available in the 1.0 AT and 1.5 DSG variants.

The Monte Carlo version features blacked-out exterior styling elements and a black and red interior theme. Customers can select between a 1.0-litre TSI engine paired with a 6-speed torque converter automatic transmission and a 1.5-litre TSI engine paired with a 7-speed DSG. The 1.5-litre unit includes Active Cylinder Technology and Plasma-Coated Cylinder Liners.

Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Skoda Auto India, said, “The Slavia Monte Carlo has been well received by customers for its distinctive design, premium appeal, engaging driving dynamics and strong connection to our motorsport heritage. We are further enhancing the individuality and desirability of the Monte Carlo range, offering customers greater choice and exclusivity. The Slavia Monte Carlo continues to embody the perfect blend of style, performance, and modernity. We will continue to strengthen our sedan portfolio, in line with the evolving aspirations of our customers.”

The Monte Carlo trim pays homage to Skoda's involvement in the Rallye Monte Carlo.

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Stellantis-owned French automotive brand Citroen India has announced the launch of the Basalt X Comfort Edition, priced from INR 875,000.

The new edition is introduced as part of the brand's 108th anniversary celebrations and marks the extension of Citroen’s Comfort philosophy to the Basalt lineup.

The Basalt X Comfort Edition features Metropolitan Beige Leatherette Seats as standard and introduces curated Comfort AXS Packs. These packages include equipment such as JBL Audio, dash cameras, a reverse parking camera, a wireless charger and a 10-inch Android touchscreen.

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director – Automotive Brands, Stellantis India, said, "At Citroen, comfort has always been at the heart of everything we do. As we celebrate Citroen's 108th anniversary globally, the introduction of the Basalt X Comfort Edition further reinforces our commitment to bringing comfort-led innovation to Indian customers. Following the encouraging response to the Aircross Comfort Edition, we are extending this philosophy to the Basalt, making premium comfort features more accessible across our portfolio. The Basalt X Comfort Edition combines premium factory-fitted interiors with thoughtfully curated Comfort AXS Packs that enhance convenience, technology and personalisation – delivering greater value and an ownership experience that truly reflects Citroen's Advanced Comfort philosophy."

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has announced that its myHyundai app provides access to over 30,000 EV charging points across India through partnerships with Charge Point Operators (CPOs).

The platform offers charging facilities within an average radius of 25 km across highways and cities. In addition to the partner network, Hyundai Motor India operates 183 DC fast-charging stations across 105 cities, with plans to expand to 600 stations by 2030. The company's charging stations are open to electric vehicles of all brands and offer capacities ranging from 60 kW to 240 kW.

Tarun Garg, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “With charging infrastructure being a key catalyst for EV adoption in India, Hyundai Motor India is committed to creating an ecosystem that makes electric mobility practical, convenient and accessible to all. Through the integration of over 30,000 charging points on the myHyundai app, we are empowering EV users with one of India's largest charging networks accessible through a single platform. Importantly, the platform is open to EV owners across brands, reinforcing HMIL’s commitment to developing India's broader EV ecosystem. HMIL will more than triple its proprietary DC fast public charging network from 183 stations today to 600 stations by 2030, bringing India's charging infrastructure closer to global benchmarks.”

The myHyundai app provides features for location discovery, navigation, advance booking, and digital payment. Since January 2023, HMIL-owned charging services have supported over 300,000 EV users, delivered more than 5 million kWh of energy, and contributed to saving 3.5 million kg of CO2 emissions.

Hyundai Motor India plans to enter the mass-market electric vehicle segment with the introduction of an e-SUV within the current financial year.

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Italian supercar maker Ferrari has introduced the Amalfi Spider in India through a series of showcase events in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.

The vehicle, a 2+ spider powered by a front-mid-mounted twin-turbo V8 engine, is being presented to customers and enthusiasts as part of its regional launch. The first event took place in Mumbai, hosted by official distributor Navnit Motors. Subsequent events in Bengaluru and New Delhi were hosted by Select Cars.

The Amalfi Spider features a soft-top roof that opens in 13.5 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 60 kmph. When folded, the roof occupies 220 mm of space, leaving luggage capacity of 255 litres with the roof closed and 172 litres with the roof open. The roof is constructed from five layers of fabric to provide insulation.

The Amalfi Spider is powered by a 640 hp turbocharged V8 engine. The interior layout features a dual-cockpit design, a steering wheel with buttons, a start button and a central display. The 2+ configuration includes rear seats and it is equipped with an integrated wind deflector. The design includes an active spoiler, forged wheels and carbon fibre elements.

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