FADA Releases September’25 and Vehicle Retail Data

FADA reports 34% rise in Navratri vehicle sales 2025. Strong growth in Tractor segment with latest Mahindra Tractor price.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) has released its highly anticipated vehicle retail data for September 2025, along with a comprehensive snapshot of vehicle sales during the Navratri festive period. The numbers reveal a dramatic upswing in the second half of the month, thanks to GST reforms and seasonal buying. Navratri, in particular, recorded the highest-ever vehicle retail sales in India, with double-digit growth across most segments — including tractors, passenger vehicles, and two-wheelers.

September 2025 Retail Performance Overview

Retail vehicle sales for September 2025 stood at 18,27,337 units, up 5.22% year-on-year compared to 17,36,760 units in September 2024. This modest but meaningful growth was largely the result of delayed purchases earlier in the month, which converted into strong retail activity after the rollout of GST 2.0 on September 22.

Consumers who were waiting for price corrections post-GST reforms finally made their purchases, especially during the Navratri period, creating a significant sales bump in the last 10 days of the month.

Segment-Wise Retail Sales Breakdown

Here’s how each vehicle segment performed in September 2025:

• Two-Wheelers (2W):
  Sales rose by 6.51% YoY, with 12,87,735 units sold compared to 12,08,996 in September 2024. Entry-level commuter bikes and electric scooters led the growth, especially in Tier II and III cities.
• Passenger Vehicles (PV):
  The PV segment sold 2,99,369 units, showing a 5.80% increase. Compact SUVs and hybrid models saw a significant rise in demand due to tax incentives and aggressive festive offers.
• Commercial Vehicles (CV):
  With 72,124 units sold (up 2.66%), the CV segment saw stable movement, supported by fleet replacement demand and last-mile delivery growth.
• Tractors:
  One of the standout performers, the tractor segment registered 64,785 units in retail sales, up from 62,527 in 2024 — a 3.61% YoY growth. Lower input costs, good rainfall, and better tractor price brackets post-GST were key contributors.
• Three-Wheelers (3W):
  Sales declined by 7.20%, settling at 98,866 units, due to competitive EV penetration and urban transport restructuring.
• Construction Equipment (CE):
  The CE segment continued to struggle, falling by 19% YoY to 4,458 units, possibly due to paused infrastructure projects and seasonal delays.
• Others:
  Marginal at 65 units, the “Others” category dropped by 25.29%.

Navratri 2025: Strongest Festive Surge in Recent Memory

Navratri 2025 emerged as a defining period for the automotive industry, posting a massive 34.01% YoY growth. Total retail sales during the festival reached 11,56,935 units, surpassing expectations across the board.

Navratri Segment-Wise Sales:

• Two-Wheelers:
  8,35,364 units sold (+35.95%)
• Passenger Vehicles:
  2,17,744 units sold (+34.87%)
• Commercial Vehicles:
  33,856 units sold (+14.84%)
• Tractors:
  21,604 units sold (+18.68%)
• Three-Wheelers:
  46,204 units sold (+24.50%)
• Construction Equipment:
  2,163 units sold (–18.16%)

The tractor segment performed exceptionally well during Navratri, buoyed by pre-harvest rural income cycles and strong dealership networks. Farmers responded positively to festive-season offers, and many were influenced by adjusted tractor price brackets under GST 2.0.

Tractor Segment Insights

With over 21,000 tractors sold during Navratri alone, the segment showed strong rural buying sentiment. Apart from the economic factors, brand loyalty played a crucial role in purchase decisions.

Two brands, in particular, stood out:

• Mahindra Tractor price variants saw increased interest due to flexible financing, robust after-sales service, and a wide portfolio catering to both small and large landholdings. Mahindra’s market leadership in the rural segment was clearly reflected in its Navratri numbers.
• Swaraj Tractor price offerings also gained traction, especially among small and mid-acreage farmers. The brand’s positioning as a cost-effective, durable solution for farming needs made it a go-to choice during the festive season. Its regional promotions and seasonal cashback offers further helped convert enquiries into sales.

With improved affordability, easy financing, and improved awareness, both Mahindra and Swaraj contributed significantly to the tractor boom this season.

Fuel Preferences and EV Growth

FADA also highlighted shifting consumer preferences toward greener fuels and electric mobility.

• In the passenger vehicle segment:
  • Petrol/ethanol: 48.19%
  • Diesel: 17.42%
  • CNG/LPG: 21.95%
  • Hybrid: 7.31%
  • Electric: 5.12% (up from 2.2% YoY)
• Electric three-wheelers now account for 61.74% of the segment
• In two-wheelers, EV penetration hit 8.1%, a modest rise reflecting consistent momentum

While EVs gained ground, diesel and hybrid tractor options also saw an uptick, particularly in states offering incentives or local subsidies.

Brand and OEM Highlights

Several leading OEMs capitalized on the seasonal boom:

• Maruti Suzuki led PV sales with over 41% share
• Tata Motors surged in SUV and EV categories
• Hero MotoCorp and Honda remained dominant in the two-wheeler space
• In the tractor category, Mahindra retained the top spot, with Swaraj (a Mahindra Group brand) also seeing a record festive season

Dealer Sentiment and Inventory Readiness

Auto dealers entered the festive season with high inventory levels, especially for two-wheelers and PVs. Inventory days for PVs reached around 60 days. Post-GST implementation and festive discounts triggered a surge in customer footfalls and lead conversions.

Dealer confidence surged in late September and is expected to stay high through Diwali. Across rural and semi-urban India, dealerships reported increased interest in Mahindra Tractor price points as farmers found new variants to be more affordable than last year’s offerings.

Similarly, dealerships in Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra reported that Swaraj Tractor price schemes were particularly well received in cooperative farming and FPO-led procurement.

Outlook for October and Diwali 2025

Following the historic success of Navratri, FADA expects October and November to outperform previous years. With Diwali approaching, the industry anticipates sustained demand driven by:

• New vehicle launches
• Festive discounts and exchange offers
• Strengthening rural incomes
• Better EMI options and low interest rates

Tractor sales are expected to remain strong in states with active sowing and harvesting cycles. Moreover, the ongoing Kharif procurement will likely inject more liquidity into the hands of farmers, increasing the likelihood of upgrades or fresh purchases.

Brands are expected to push offers centered around tractor price flexibility, with additional focus on zero-down-payment schemes and long-term warranties.

Final Thoughts

FADA’s September 2025 and Navratri data confirms a strong recovery trajectory for the Indian automobile industry. The tractor segment, in particular, stood out — thanks to policy changes, rising rural income, and smarter pricing strategies. Increased visibility of Mahindra Tractor price and Swaraj Tractor price brackets online and offline helped buyers make informed decisions, strengthening the brands’ positions.

With the festive season far from over and Diwali just around the corner, the auto sector seems well-positioned to close the year with record-breaking numbers — especially in rural and semi-urban markets where vehicle ownership is both aspirational and utilitarian.

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