The first day of Navratri, coinciding with the implementation of reduced GST rates on passenger vehicles, gave India’s carmakers a massive sales boost. Maruti Suzuki reported around 80,000 enquiries and close to 30,000 deliveries, while Hyundai recorded 11,000 units in dealer billings on Monday, marking one of the strongest single-day performances in recent years.
Exceptional Response from Customers
Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Officer for Marketing & Sales, Partho Banerjee, noted, “The response from customers has been phenomenal—something we haven’t seen in 35 years. Deliveries are expected to reach 30,000 very soon.” Hyundai Motor India’s Whole-time Director and COO, Tarun Garg, added that the auspicious start of Navratri, combined with GST 2.0 reforms, has created strong market momentum.
Discounts and Pricing Strategies
Automakers are passing on the full benefit of the GST cut to consumers, with many also offering additional discounts. Maruti Suzuki has reduced prices across its lineup, with cuts of up to Rs 1.29 lakh, making the S-Presso its most affordable car. Mahindra lowered Bolero variants by up to Rs 2.56 lakh, while Tata Punch and Kia Syros prices dropped up to Rs 1.6 lakh.
Surge in Bookings
Since September 18, Maruti Suzuki has received 75,000 bookings, with roughly 15,000 per day—about 50% higher than usual. Demand for small cars is especially strong, with booking growth nearly 50% compared to typical levels. Hyundai expects a highly active festive season fueled by these GST cuts, calling the period “a mayhem” of car sales.
Cultural and Rural Impact
The festival season is a critical period for carmakers, as consumer spending rises significantly. Rural buyers, especially farmers, often have more disposable income post-harvest, driving substantial sales volumes. Tata Motors also reported higher showroom footfall, strong conversions, and increased bookings.
Industry Outlook
The domestic passenger vehicle sector had struggled with weak sales in recent months, with full-year growth initially projected at 1–4%. The GST reduction is expected to lift growth to 5–7%, with S&P Global Mobility revising its 2026 forecast to 8.5% from 4.1%, highlighting renewed optimism for the industry.
