Dhanteras drives Record Auto Sales: Maruti Suzuki & Hyundai Report Festive Surge
Dhanteras, the auspicious day for new purchases in India, has delivered a important boost to the passenger vehicle (PV) sector. Leading automakers Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai Motor India are reporting substantial sales increases, fueled by recent GST reductions and a resurgence in consumer confidence. This year’s festive season is proving to be a pivotal moment for the industry.
Maruti Suzuki Poised for Historic Dhanteras
Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, is on track to achieve its highest-ever Dhanteras sales figures. The company anticipates exceeding 50,000 units delivered – a first in its history. As of 6 pm on Saturday, the first day of Dhanteras, they had already delivered 38,500 vehicles, with expectations of reaching approximately 41,000 by day’s end.
This represents a considerable jump from last year’s two-day total of 42,000 deliveries, which previously held the record. Partho Banerjee, Senior executive officer (Marketing and Sales) at Maruti Suzuki India, highlighted the impact of the “GST 2.0 magic” driving this demand.
* Record bookings: Over 450,000 bookings have been received in the month following the GST relief.
* Strong Retail Sales: 325,000 vehicles have been retailed during the same period, demonstrating robust post-reform demand.
* Extended Hours: Showrooms remained open late into the night to accommodate the influx of customers.
* Customer Rituals: many dealerships hosted religious ceremonies with multiple priests, allowing customers to choose auspicious delivery times.
Maruti suzuki’s momentum has been building since Navratri, with daily bookings averaging around 14,000. Small car sales specifically reached approximately 94,000 units, contributing to a total retail figure of 350,000.Production teams are working throughout the Dhanteras weekend to fulfill the overwhelming demand.
Hyundai Motor India Sees 20% sales increase
Hyundai Motor India is also experiencing a significant uptick in sales. They anticipate delivering around 14,000 units during the extended Dhanteras period (spanning Saturday and Sunday). This represents a roughly 20% increase compared to last year’s performance.
Tarun garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor india Ltd (HMIL), attributes this positive trend to several factors:
* Festive Spirit: The inherent celebratory mood associated with Dhanteras.
* buoyant Market: A generally optimistic economic surroundings.
* GST 2.0 Impact: The positive effects of the recent Goods and Services Tax reforms.
The GST 2.0 Effect: A Key Driver of Demand
The recent GST revisions appear to be a major catalyst for the surge in auto sales. The reduced tax burden has made vehicles more affordable,encouraging consumers to make long-awaited purchases. You’re likely seeing this reflected in the increased foot traffic at dealerships and the higher booking numbers reported by both Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai.
What This Means for You
If you’ve been considering purchasing a new vehicle, now might be an opportune time. The combination of festive offers, GST benefits, and increased production capacity means you may find better deals and quicker delivery times. However, given the high demand, its advisable to book your vehicle as soon as possible to secure your preferred model and delivery date.
The strong Dhanteras sales signal a positive outlook for the Indian auto industry, suggesting continued growth and innovation in the coming months. This festive season is not just about celebrating tradition; it’s a clear indicator of a revitalized automotive market.
