According to FADA data, two-wheeler retail sales topped the automotive retail growth chart with an impressive 13.79% increase during the 42-day festive period, spanning from the first day of Navratri to 15 days after Dhanteras. Sales rose to 33,11,325 units, driven primarily by robust rural demand.
Commenting on 42-days festive period retails, FADA President, Mr. C S Vigneshwar said, “I am delighted to announce that the automobile retail sector has achieved a new milestone, surpassing last year’s festive records. We witnessed a remarkable surge in numbers since the beginning of Navratri, nearly hitting our forecasted target with 42.88 lakh vehicles registered during this period—a growth of 11.76% over last year’s 38.37 lakh units.”
“As anticipated, passenger vehicle sales rebounded strongly after a slowdown, rising by 7.10% to 6.03 lakh units, driven by pent-up demand and exceptional market discounts”, noted Mr C S Vigneshwar.
However, the festive season performance also faced some headwinds. “We could have fully met or even exceeded our targets of 45 lakh units if not for the unseasonal heavy rains in South India, especially in Bengaluru and Tamil Nadu, and the cyclone Dana that affected Odisha,” Vigneshwar explained.
As the festivities conclude, FADA anticipates passenger vehicle stock levels will reduce further from what we reported in our October retail data press release. However, FADA advises caution as the complete picture on inventory will emerge by month-end.
With 1.5 months remaining before the calendar year ends, FADA urges OEMs to focus on liquidating 2024 stock so that Dealers can enter 2025 with ideal FADA-recommended 21 days of inventory.
Looking ahead, the auto industry is yet to fully benefit from a government push in infrastructure spending, which we expect will bolster commercial vehicle sales. Additionally, tractors should perform better, supported by good rainfall and the government’s increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of crops, putting more money into farmers’ hands.
The data, collected from 1,368 out of 1,430 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across India, excludes figures from Telangana. The festive period analysis covered sales from October 3 to November 13, 2024, encompassing the peak selling season from the first day of Navratri to 15 days post Dhanteras.
Established in 1964, FADA represents over 15,000 automobile dealerships with more than 30,000 outlets across India.
Chart showing Vehicle Retail Data for 42 days Festive Period
| CATEGORY | Festive’24 | Festive’23 | Growth % |
| 2W | 33,11,325 | 29,10,141 | 13.79% |
| 3W | 1,59,960 | 1,49,764 | 6.81% |
| CV | 1,28,738 | 1,27,436 | 1.02% |
| PV | 6,03,009 | 5,63,059 | 7.10% |
| TRAC | 85,216 | 86,640 | -1.64% |
| Total | 42,88,248 | 38,37,040 | 11.76% |
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