India Vehicle Retails Hit Second-Best October on Record
India recorded 3.17 million vehicle retails in October, with electric vehicle sales hitting an all-time peak despite a year-on-year decline caused by festival calendar shifts.
India recorded 3,172,466 total vehicle retails in October 2026, marking the second-highest October on record. While this represents a 25.05% increase over September, registrations fell 23.80% compared to October 2025. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations attributed this decline to the festive calendar, noting that major holidays like Deepawali and Dhanteras shifted into November this year.
Electric vehicle sales reached an all-time October peak of approximately 3.55 lakh units, increasing penetration to 11.5%. Electric two-wheeler sales rose 48.49% to 224,064 units, led by TVS Motor Company with 60,490 units, followed by Bajaj Auto and Ather Energy. Electric passenger vehicle registrations surged 76.47% to 37,049 units. While commercial vehicles, three-wheelers, and tractors achieved their best-ever October results, entry-level cars remained weak.
FADA President Sai Giridhar expressed concern over passenger vehicle inventory, which remained steady at 43 to 45 days despite record wholesale dispatches. He also noted rural stress caused by deficient rains and a weak kharif crop. Despite these challenges, 51.65% of surveyed dealers expect sales growth in November as the festive season continues.
