Automakers see strong Diwali demand, with GST 2.0 giving an extra boost to Dhanteras deliveries.Strong festive momentum has carried into Dhanteras, with the GST 2.0 reforms adding a fresh sparkle to Diwali deliveries of auto manufacturers. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India are witnessing a sharp surge in retail sales as robust demand across segments reflects renewed consumer confidence and stronger buying activity this festive season.
India’s largest auto manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, expects to deliver around 51,000 vehicles during the two-day Dhanteras period ending October 19 – nearly 10,000 units more than last year’s festival period, when it sold about 41,500 vehicles.
The country’s largest car maker, which recorded its highest-ever Navratri sales, expects similar momentum during Dhanteras, aided by the new GST regime that has reduced prices across key segments.
“This year, many customers, because of the GST 2.0 magic, are enthusiastically coming to buy vehicles. Traction is very good. Since the day we announced reduced prices, we have received 4.5 lakh bookings, and of this, 1 lakh is for small cars,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India.
To meet the festive demand, Maruti is operating through the weekend. “We are running short of vehicles across models,” Banerjee added.
South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor India is also anticipating strong demand. The company expects a 20 per cent increase in deliveries to around 14,000 units during the Dhanteras period, said Tarun Garg, Executive Director, Hyundai Motor India.
With strong consumer enthusiasm and improved affordability, this festive season could appear to be record-breaking.
