Retail climbed to 4.27 L units in September, a 32.10% jump from last year, and up 6.17% from August. Urban and rural markets mirrored each other, each posting a 32.1% rise, a rare symmetry in Indian sales.
Petrol and ethanol accounted for 41.27% of sales, while alternative fuels—CNG/LPG, hybrids, and EVs—shared 41.0%. EVs nudged past 8% of the market, up from 7.63% in August, signaling a steady shift toward zero‑emission options.
Maruti Suzuki led the pack with 169,132 units, grabbing a 39.59% slice of the pie. Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors followed closely, each around 57,000 units and 13.4% market share, while Hyundai added 50,201 units at 11.75%.
Dealer inventories swelled to 43‑45 days, well above the 21‑day benchmark FADA recommends. About 60% of dealers reported higher stock as festivals loom, hinting at potential price drops or promotional pushbacks.
FADA foresees pending bookings converting during Navratri and Dussehra, buoyed by fresh launches and festive schemes. OEM supply constraints, October price hikes, and uneven rainfall will keep an eye on the market pulse.
With the fiscal year‑end approaching, buyers should watch for the next wave of launches, especially in the EV segment, and monitor how the upcoming festivals influence pricing and inventory clearance.