New Delhi: Passenger vehicle retail sales surged 35 per cent year-on-year during the nine-day Navratri period this year, boosting overall registrations for September by 6 per cent. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) attributed this growth to a muted performance in the first 21 days of the month, followed by a sharp pickup after the rollout of new GST rates on September 22.
During the Navratri period, passenger vehicle retails reached 2,17,744 units, compared to 1,61,443 units in the same period last year. This robust festive demand contributed to a total of 2,99,369 passenger vehicle sales in September, marking a modest 6 per cent increase over 2,82,945 units in September 2024.
“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,” said FADA Vice President Sai Giridhar.
As a result, September ended with an overall 5 per cent year-on-year growth, with all segments except three-wheelers and construction equipment showing positive momentum. The Navratri period witnessed record-breaking footfalls at dealerships and subsequent deliveries, driven by a combination of GST rate reductions and festive demand.
FADA noted that renewed enquiries and bookings surged following the GST cuts, although limited billing days in the month restricted the full rebound potential. The momentum gained in the closing days of September is expected to carry forward into Deepawali, marking a promising end to the 42-day festive season.
**Two-Wheeler Sales**
Two-wheeler retail sales also recorded solid growth, standing at 12,87,735 units in September—a 7 per cent increase compared to 12,08,996 units in the same month last year. During the Navratri period, two-wheeler sales rose 36 per cent to 8,35,364 units against 6,14,460 units in the prior-year period. This growth was powered by affordability improvements, festive offers, and pent-up demand translating into strong retail performance.
**Three-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Sales**
Three-wheeler retail sales declined 7 per cent year-on-year to 98,866 units in September, down from 1,06,534 units in September 2024. However, Navratri sales saw a 25 per cent jump to 46,204 units, compared with 37,097 units a year ago.
Commercial vehicle sales rose 3 per cent to 72,124 units last month versus 70,254 units in September 2024. The segment’s performance during the Navratri period also reflected growth, with a 15 per cent increase to 33,856 units.
**Tractor Sales**
Tractor retail sales increased 4 per cent year-on-year to 64,785 units in September. During the Navratri period, tractor sales witnessed a 19 per cent jump to 21,604 units compared to 18,203 units in the same period last year.
**Overall Performance**
Overall automotive sales last month across all segments stood at 18,27,337 units, a 5 per cent rise over 17,36,760 units in September 2024. Likewise, overall Navratri sales climbed 34 per cent to 11,56,935 units against 8,63,327 units in the previous year.
FADA highlighted that India is poised for what could be its most spectacular 42-day festive season in history. The GST 2.0 rate cuts have significantly improved affordability and boosted consumer confidence across income groups, ushering in an unprecedented growth phase for the auto retail sector.
“The combination of above-normal monsoon rains, a strong kharif harvest, and stable policy rates have boosted both rural and urban purchasing power. This unique alignment of favorable economic, climatic, and policy factors is set to propel sentiment to record levels,” FADA stated.
Affordable prices post-GST 2.0, alongside aggressive OEM offers and easy finance options, have attracted a fresh wave of first-time buyers, while upgraders are opting for premium variants. Provided the logistics and transport ecosystem operates smoothly, this could be the best festive retail season India has ever experienced, with supply chains meeting the nation’s celebratory demand.
Representing over 15,000 automobile dealerships with more than 30,000 outlets, FADA remains highly optimistic about the near-term outlook for October 2025. Economic resilience, festive enthusiasm, and GST 2.0 reforms combine to herald a golden phase for Indian auto retail.
*Disclaimer: This story is from a syndicated feed. No changes have been made except for the headline.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/business/passenger-vehicle-retail-sales-shoot-up-35-during-navratri-registrations-grow-6-fada