GST cuts, rural demand drive festive auto sales to new high

AUTOMAKERS WITNESSED THEIR best festive season performance during the 42-day period beginning September 22, the onset of Navratri, and November 2, 15 days after Dhanteras, riding on strong demand across vehicle categories.

- NITIN KUMAR

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) on Friday said the overall retail sales grew 21% yearon-year to about 5.24 million units during the period, aided by improved affordability under the GST rejig,recoveryin rural sentiment and renewed urban consumption.

FADA President CS Vigneshwar said that GST 2.0 reforms helped expand the buyer base, particularly in the entry and mid-segments, and strengthened confidence across urban and rural markets alike.

Passenger vehicle (PV) registrations rose to around 766,918 units from 621,539 units a year earlier, recording a growth of about 23%.