The Navratri season has begun on a positive note for the automobile industry, boosted further by the rollout of GST 2.0 reforms. Together, these factors have lifted customer confidence and generated strong momentum in vehicle sales. Car dealers across the country reported a surge in footfall as buyers rushed to showrooms to make the most of reduced prices.
The recent GST rate cuts have lowered the cost of both passenger and commercial vehicles. This move has not only improved affordability for customers but also given a much-needed push to the automobile sector and the broader economy. Dealers have welcomed the reforms, calling them a timely intervention that has increased purchasing power during the festive period.
Maruti and Hyundai Lead the Surge
Maruti Suzuki revealed that its retail sales were set to cross 30,000 units on the first day of the GST rationalisation. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) also achieved nearly 11,000 dealer billings, marking its highest single-day performance in the last five years. According to Tarun Garg, whole-time director and COO at HMIL, this milestone highlights strong festive sentiment and customer trust in the brand.
Customer Response Exceeds Expectations
Demand for small cars has risen sharply, with bookings increasing by nearly 50 percent. Maruti Suzuki alone reported close to 80,000 enquiries on the opening day, reflecting the overwhelming interest from buyers. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) confirmed that dealerships across India experienced heavy rush as customers queued up to book or purchase their preferred models.
Dealers Praise Reforms and PM Modi
Industry leaders believe that GST 2.0 reforms have given the sector a fresh lease of life. Dealers also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing the measures during the festive season. They noted that the reforms not only made celebrations more joyful for customers but also provided a significant growth boost to the Indian auto market.
