Making auto-retail ecosystem resilient

Why dealers need to focus on digitisation

- CS VIGNESHWAR

INDIA'S AUTO-RETAIL sector isn't just a transactional ecosystem—it's the backbone of our economy, driving employment and innovation, and it stood at ₹9 lakh crore (FY25).

There are 9,000 dealer principals, leading 15,000 authorised dealerships and over 30,000 outlets spanning two- and three-wheelers, passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, construction equipment, and tractors. This expansive footprint generates 5 million direct jobs—without uprooting communities—thanks to on-the-job training and deep rural penetration. For every role at an OEM plant, the auto-retail ecosystem creates 18 downstream positions in sales, service, logistics and finance, underscoring the sector's employment multiplier effect.