Buoyed by robust festive demand, domestic passenger vehicle dispatches breached the record 5-lakh mark in October, with leading automakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Mahindra & Mahindra recording their highest-ever monthly sales.
Domestic passenger vehicle wholesales in October are estimated in the range of 5.25-5.3 lakh units, against 4.6 lakh units in October 2025, representing growth of around 13-15% year-on-year despite a high base.”My take is, the industry should be between 5.25-5.3 lakh units,” said Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer at Maruti Suzuki.
Market leader Maruti Suzuki reported domestic dispatches of 2.12 lakh units, up 20% year-on-year. Tata Motors recorded 21% growth to 73,894 units, while M&M posted a 2% rise to 73,338 units. Hyundai posted a 16.7% increase to 62,799 units.
With Dhanteras and Diwali in the first half of November, October wholesales largely reflect OEMs stocking up dealers ahead of peak festive deliveries.
October’s growth comes on a high base. In 2025, sales from mid-August to mid-September were subdued as buyers held off purchases expecting a GST cut. After lower rates took effect in the last week of September, demand rebounded.”Strong festive demand, coupled with healthy momentum in both domestic and export markets, helped us set this new sales record,” said Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO Tarun Garg.
Mahindra & Mahindra’s Automotive business President Velusamy R also noted that October was a landmark month with the festival season and a refreshed portfolio keeping demand strong.
The industry has maintained robust momentum since GST rates were cut last year. Lower borrowing costs have improved affordability, while recent income tax reforms have left consumers with more money to spend. In the first half of the current financial year, domestic passenger vehicle sales grew 28.3% to 20.55 lakh units.
