India’s automobile industry kicked off 2026 on a strong footing, with passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers recording their highest-ever January sales, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Friday.
Passenger vehicle sales rose 12.6 per cent year-on-year to 4,49,616 units in January 2026, compared with 3,99,386 units in the same month last year. Three-wheeler sales grew sharply by 30.2 per cent to 75,725 units, while two-wheeler sales increased 26.2 per cent to 19,25,603 units.
Total production across passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers and quadricycles stood at 29,27,394 units during the month.
Segment-wise performance
Within the two-wheeler segment, scooter sales surged 36.9 per cent to 7,50,580 units, while motorcycle sales rose 20.3 per cent to 11,26,416 units. Moped sales increased 16.1 per cent to 48,607 units, reflecting sustained urban demand and improved consumer sentiment at the start of the year.
In the three-wheeler category, passenger carriers posted a 30.4 per cent growth to 60,881 units, while goods carriers rose 33.4 per cent to 13,374 units. E-rickshaw sales declined 7.9 per cent to 925 units, whereas e-cart sales increased 18.5 per cent to 545 units.
Industry outlook remains positive
Commenting on the performance, Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM, said the industry entered the new calendar year with strong momentum, supported by sustained demand following GST rate reductions.
“Passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers posted their highest-ever January sales in 2026, recording double-digit growth compared to January 2025. The new year has begun on a positive note, extending the strong momentum seen in the previous quarter,” Menon said.
He added that the initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026, aimed at strengthening India’s manufacturing base, along with existing policy tailwinds, are expected to deliver long-term benefits for the sector and support growth in the medium term.
