Automakers Report Strong October Sales in India on Back of GST Reforms

New Delhi: Leading automakers, including Kia India, Skoda Auto India, Nissan Motor India, and Mahindra’s Trucks and Buses, reported robust sales in October, buoyed by festive demand and the positive impact of recent GST reforms.

Kia India achieved its best-ever monthly performance, selling 29,556 units in October — a 30 per cent year-on-year increase from 22,735 units in October 2024. The company said the milestone reflects Kia’s strong and sustained growth in India’s highly competitive automotive market.

Skoda Auto India recorded its highest-ever monthly sales, delivering 8,252 units in October. Between January and October, the company sold 61,607 cars, achieving an all-time high annual figure in just 10 months. The growth was led by its first sub-4m SUV, the Kylaq, along with continued demand for the Kodiaq, Kushaq, and Slavia models.

Nissan Motor India posted 9,675 units in total sales, marking a 45 per cent month-on-month growth. Domestic wholesales stood at 2,402 units, while exports reached 7,273 units, reinforcing India’s role as a global export hub for the brand. Nissan said the strong performance was fueled by festive demand for the New Nissan Magnite during Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali, as well as the positive consumer response following the GST rate cut.

The company also celebrated the export of its 1.2 millionth vehicle, underlining its “Make in India, Make for the World” commitment.

Mahindra & Mahindra’s Trucks and Buses division, including SML Mahindra Limited, reported overall sales of 2,034 units (including exports), a 14 per cent year-on-year increase from 1,791 units in the same month last year.

The recent GST 2.0 reforms — which placed small cars and two-wheelers up to 350cc in the 18 per cent tax slab and introduced a flat 40 per cent rate for large cars (eliminating the earlier compensation cess) — have made vehicles more affordable. The resulting price reductions for small cars and large SUVs have spurred a significant rise in enquiries and sales across segments, especially during the festive season.

With inputs from IANS