The Indian automotive industry witnessed significant growth in vehicle deliveries during the Dhanteras festival, with major manufacturers reporting high numbers. Leading companies like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors saw robust demand across various segments including passenger cars and two-wheelers. Industry experts noted that sales during this period typically surge to five times the volume of average business days, marking a strong festive performance for the sector.
Major Manufacturers Report High Delivery Numbers
Maruti Suzuki India, the country’s largest carmaker, expressed high expectations for this year’s Dhanteras. The company anticipated delivering more than 30,000 vehicles on Friday alone. To provide context, during the previous year when Dhanteras was celebrated over two days, the company had managed to deliver approximately 50,000 units. The current figures suggest that despite the high base set last year due to pending demand following GST rate cuts, the consumer sentiment remains highly positive in the current market environment.
The retail performance of Maruti Suzuki has shown a steady climb throughout the festive window. From the start of Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 until the day of Dhanteras, the company’s retail sales have successfully crossed the 4 lakh unit milestone. This is a significant jump from the 3.46 lakh units recorded during the same period in the previous year. This data highlights a consistent upward trend in consumer interest and the effectiveness of festive marketing strategies employed by the manufacturer to attract buyers during auspicious periods.
Hyundai and Tata Motors Performance Insights
Hyundai Motor India has also projected a healthy growth trajectory for this festive season. Tarun Garg, the Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, stated that the company expects a 14 percent increase in vehicle deliveries during the Dhanteras and Diwali period. The company aims to reach a delivery figure of approximately 16,000 units. This growth reflects the brand’s strong position in the market and the high demand for its latest models among Indian consumers who prefer purchasing new vehicles during the Diwali festivities.
Tata Motors is another key player that has seen a remarkable response from customers. The company expects to deliver 12,000 vehicles on Dhanteras. Amit Kamat, the Chief Commercial Officer of the passenger car business at Tata Motors, commented that the customer reaction has been exceptional. He further noted that the auspicious window for vehicle deliveries will extend until Wednesday, coinciding with the Diwali celebrations. The company remains optimistic that this buying momentum will not fade quickly and will continue to drive numbers in the coming days.
Inventory Status and Dealer Feedback
The inventory situation at dealerships reveals the intensity of the demand. Rajesh Jejurikar, the Executive Director and CEO of Mahindra and Mahindra, shared that the stock for most of their models at the dealership level is nearly exhausted. Currently, dealers are left with less than 8 to 9 days of stock, excluding the units that are presently in transit. This low inventory level is a direct result of the high volume of bookings and the rapid pace at which deliveries are being executed to meet the festive deadlines.
Vinkesh Gulati, the former president of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA), provided an industry-wide perspective on the significance of Dhanteras. He mentioned that sales on this specific day are generally five times higher than what is observed on normal business days. Sai Giridhar, the current President of FADA, corroborated this by stating that demand is strong across all segments, including two-wheelers, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. However, he did point out that there are some delivery hurdles specifically within the electric two-wheeler and electric car segments that need to be addressed.
Infrastructure Developments and Future Outlook
In a related development that impacts the automotive sector, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has established new standards for the design and infrastructure of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection system. This initiative is designed to streamline traffic and eliminate the need for vehicles to stop at toll plazas. By implementing these standards, the NHAI aims to make highway travel more efficient, which complements the growing number of vehicles on Indian roads. This technological advancement is expected to improve the overall driving experience for new vehicle owners.
The overall market sentiment remains upbeat as the industry moves further into the Diwali week. The strong delivery numbers from Maruti, Tata, and Hyundai, combined with the low inventory levels at Mahindra, suggest a very successful period for the Indian auto industry. Despite the challenges in the electric vehicle segment mentioned by FADA, the traditional internal combustion engine segments continue to dominate festive sales. Manufacturers and dealers alike are looking forward to maintaining this pace until the conclusion of the festive season, ensuring a robust finish for the quarter.
Source / स्रोत: India TV
