Auto makers clinch strong March sales; double-digit percentage growth in PVs, two- and three-wheelers

Auto makers registered an overall growth of 16 per cent in passenger vehicle sales in the country last month over the corresponding period a year ago, according to data from industry body SIAM. They sold a total of 4.43 lakh passenger vehicles during this period. With that, the industry closed FY26 with PV sales growth of 8 per cent at 46.4 lakh, the data showed.

SIAM noted that although the auto space witnessed strong overall trends in FY26, some pressure was witnssed owing to disruptions linked to the West Asia crisis. The year began on a muted note but the central government's GST 2.0 reforms -- prompting auto makers to lower their prices -- aided activity in the sector, leading to a pick-up in the second half of the year.

Besides, interest rate cuts and a robust domestic demand cycle also supported demand for automobiles across segments.

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Here are key takeaways from the latest data set:

March 2026

• In two-wheelers, domestic sales increased 19.3 per cent on a year-on-year basis to 19.8 lakh. Out of those sales, motorcycle sales rose 13 per cent to 11.7 lakh units, while scooter sales surged 29.8 per cent to 7.61 lakh units.
• In the three-wheeler segment, sales increased 21 per cent to 7.62 lakh units.
• In the commercial vehicle category, total passenger carrier sales increased 23 per cent to 61,264 units during the month.
• In the same category, goods carrier sales grew 15 per cent to 13,367 units.
• In the e-rickshaw space, total sales declined 9 per cent to 972 units.

• The industry witnessed strong growth in foreign markets, with total vehicle exports zooming 23 per cent to 17.5 lakh.

• Out of the total exports, the passenger vehicles segment saw growth of 22 per cent to 2.34 lakh, with two-wheeler exports up 21 per cent at 13.8 lakh units and three-wheeler exports up 45 per cent at 1.13 lakh.

FY26

• Total vehicle sales saw a 10 per cent year-on-year increase to 2.83 crore in the year ended March 31.
• During the year, total vehicle production expanded 12 per cent to 3.47 crore.
• Out of the total sales, exports grew 24 per cent to 66.5 lakh during the year, with PV exports up 18 per cent at 9.05 lakh.