India's Auto Retail Sales Decline 23.8% in October as Two-Wheeler Sales Fall, Says FADA

Automobile retail sales in India fell 23.8% year-on-year to 3.172 million units in October, according to Business Standard news report citing data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).  

Two-wheelers saw the biggest fall among the major vehicle categories, while passenger vehicle registrations also declined. The fall came against a high base in October 2025, when Navratri and Diwali both took place in the same month.  

Sales last year had also received a boost from purchases following the GST rate cuts announced on September 22, 2025. This year, Dhanteras and Diwali fall in November. 

Two-Wheeler Sales See Sharpest Fall 

Two-wheeler retail sales dropped 28.35% to 2.321 million units in October. Rural registrations were down 33.97%, while urban sales declined 20.77%. 

Passenger vehicle registrations fell 4.23% to around 508,000 units. FADA President Sai Giridhar said the difference in festival dates had affected the year-on-year comparison, as the main festive buying period has shifted to November this year. 

Electric Vehicle Sales Touch Record High 

Electric vehicle sales reached around 355,000 units in October, the highest monthly figure recorded so far. EV penetration rose to 11.5% from 6% in October 2025. 

CNG, hybrid and electric vehicles together accounted for 41.83% of vehicle sales during the month. Petrol vehicles had a 41.6% share, putting alternative fuel vehicles slightly ahead. 

Commercial Vehicles, Three-Wheelers and Tractors Grow 

Commercial vehicle registrations increased 2.29% to 115,000 units. Three-wheeler sales rose 3.97% to 141,000 units, while tractor sales increased 3.10% to 79,285 units. 

Construction equipment with wheelers recorded sales of 7,434 units, up 22.07% from a year earlier. 

FADA said October was the second-highest October on record for overall retail sales. Commercial vehicles, three-wheelers and tractors each recorded their highest October sales. 

November Festive Sales in Focus 

Retail sales increased 25% over September. Dhanteras falls on November 6, followed by Diwali on November 8, 2026. 

FADA said sales in December and January would depend on year-end offers, new vehicle launches and the availability of required variants. 

Read More: Government Considers Asset Monetisation Proposals Worth Over ₹1,100 Crore! 

Conclusion  

While overall vehicle registrations fell in October, commercial vehicles, three-wheelers and tractors recorded growth. The festive period in November will be reflected in the next month's sales figures. 

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