Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s passenger vehicle industry recorded its strongest-ever July performance, with wholesale dispatches to dealers surging by around 33 per cent year-on-year to a record high of nearly 4.7 lakh units. Robust consumer demand, improved affordability and strong performances by leading automakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra drove the sharp rise, signalling sustained momentum in the domestic automobile market.
Maruti Suzuki emerged as the biggest contributor to the growth, posting its highest-ever monthly domestic sales of about 2 lakh units, a 43 per cent increase over the same period last year. Hyundai also achieved record monthly sales, while Tata Motors reported a 58 per cent jump in passenger vehicle sales to 62,611 units. Mahindra & Mahindra continued its strong run in the SUV segment, reflecting the growing preference among Indian buyers for utility vehicles.
Industry experts attributed the surge to a combination of sustained consumer demand, fresh model launches, attractive financing schemes and tax incentives that improved affordability. The reduction in GST on passenger vehicles, along with aggressive pricing strategies adopted by manufacturers, encouraged buyers to advance purchases, helping the industry achieve an all-time monthly sales record.
SUVs remained the primary growth engine, with manufacturers expanding their product portfolios to cater to evolving consumer preferences. Tata Motors also witnessed a sharp rise in electric vehicle sales, indicating increasing acceptance of EVs alongside conventional fuel-powered models.
The record-breaking July performance follows a strong first quarter for the industry, during which domestic passenger vehicle dispatches reached their highest-ever level. With festive-season demand expected to pick up further in the coming months, automakers remain optimistic that the current growth trajectory will continue, supported by healthy bookings, improving production capacity and resilient consumer sentiment.