Automakers have reported that customers are arriving with intent rather than hesitation, backed by easier financing and renewed confidence post the GST 2.0 announcement.
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The Indian car market has entered peak festive mode, and this year’s Dhanteras—spread across two auspicious days, has triggered one of the strongest delivery surges seen in recent times. All three major carmakers, Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, report healthy retail traction backed by what industry is calling the “GST 2.0 sentiment boost.”
Also Read : GST cut fuels Maruti Suzuki’s best festive season in a decade
Maruti Suzuki targets highest-ever Dhanteras retail
For market leader Maruti Suzuki, the momentum is clearly visible on ground. Despite some hesitation among buyers due to it being a Saturday, the company has already completed 38,500 deliveries and expects the number to touch 41,000 units by tonight.
“We are expecting another 10,000 customers to take deliveries tomorrow, which means we should end Dhanteras with around 51,000 deliveries, our highest ever, almost 10,000 units more than last year,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki.
To keep pace, Maruti has kept its production lines active even through the festive weekend, with the sales network extending operating hours. “Our showrooms will stay open late into the night. Since our price revision, 4.5 lakh bookings have come in, including 1 lakh small car orders, and daily bookings are averaging 14,000 units. Retail has already crossed 3.25 lakh units, more than 50% higher than the same festive window last year, and we are still counting,” Banerjee added.
Hyundai posts 20 per cent growth
Hyundai Motor India is also riding high on festive energy. The company expects to complete around 14,000 deliveries during the Dhanteras window, a 20 per cent rise over last year. Similar to Maruti, Hyundai has also staggered deliveries over the two-day mahurat to cater to customer preferences.
The carmaker is witnessing a healthy customer turnout, buoyed by festive optimism and an encouraging market conditions. GST 2.0 has added clarity and confidence to the purchase journey, so we are coordinating with dealerships to manage the handover efficiently. It reported strong urban retail pull, particularly in the compact SUV and premium hatchback segments, which continue to anchor Hyundai’s festive performance.
Also Read : Hyundai India unveils FY30 growth plan with 30 new models and 8 hybrids
Tata Motors banks on Tier-II festive demand
At Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, the momentum is equally robust. The company expects to deliver over 25,000 vehicles during the Dhanteras-Diwali window, backed by strong traction from emerging markets.
“This year, deliveries are spread over two to three days in line with regional mahurats. Demand has been consistent, and GST 2.0 has added a positive demand push, particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities, where festive buying remains deeply traditional,” said Amit Kamat, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles.
Tata’s SUV lineup and growing EV acceptance have helped the brand sustain high enquiry-to-delivery conversion rates through the week.
Indian auto retail finds its pulse
Across OEMs, one pattern is clear, festive retail this year is not a symbolic spike but a sentiment-driven recovery. Dealers report that customers are arriving with intent rather than hesitation, backed by easier financing and renewed confidence post the GST 2.0 announcement.
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First Published Date: 19 Oct 2025, 11:28 am IST
