Auto Retail Defies Post-Festive Lull In November, PV Sales Jump 20%: FADA

India’s auto retail sector delivered a stronger-than-expected performance in November, defying the usual post-festive slowdown, according to data shared by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations

(FADA), Moneycontrol reported.

Overall retail registrations across all vehicle categories rose 2 percent year-on-year, reflecting steady consumer confidence despite a high base.

FADA president CS Vigneshwar said November typically sees demand cool off after the festive rush, but this year was an exception. Most festival-linked purchases were completed in October, unlike last year when Diwali and Dhanteras fell later, pushing a bulk of registrations to November 2024 and expanding the base.

He added that GST rate cuts and ongoing OEM–dealer retail offers helped sustain showroom footfalls even after the festive period. “Price reductions across categories, which boosted buying in October, continued to aid conversions in November as well,” he noted.

Passenger vehicles (PVs) posted a strong 20 percent YoY rise to 3.94 lakh units, supported by GST benefits, marriage-season demand, smoother supplies of high-waiting models and continued interest in compact SUVs. PV inventory levels dropped sharply to 44–46 days from 53–55 days a month earlier, indicating better demand–supply alignment.

Two-wheeler registrations, however, slipped 3 percent YoY to 2.54 million units. FADA said the decline should be viewed in the context of robust festive buying in October, delayed crop payments and uneven availability of popular models. Despite this, dealers continue to report healthy walk-ins, supported by GST cuts and marriage-season demand.