Record auto sales in FY26

India’s auto industry shipped a record 2,82,65,519 vehicles to dealers in the financial year ended March 31, 2026, the strongest all-segment performance in seven years. (siam.in) The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers said annual wholesales rose 10.4% from 2,56,09,399 units in 2024-25. Passenger vehicles reached 46.43 lakh units, up 7.9%, while two-wheelers rose to 2.17 crore units, up 10.7%. (siam.in) Commercial vehicles climbed to 10.80 lakh units, up 12.6%, and three-wheelers rose to 8.36 lakh units, up 12.8%. The industry body said every major segment posted its highest-ever annual sales in a fiscal year. (siam.in) The rebound came after a weak first half. The Tribune reported that sales accelerated in the second half as tax changes, easier financing and stronger consumer sentiment lifted demand. (tribuneindia.com) Exports added another leg to the recovery. The Economic Times reported outbound shipments rose about 24% in 2025-26, helped by demand from markets in the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. (economictimes.indiatimes.com) Passenger vehicles had already been running near record levels, but 2025-26 pushed the category to a new high. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers said utility vehicles and steady export demand supported the segment through the year. (siam.in) Two-wheelers remain the industry’s biggest volume engine by far, and 2.17 crore units in 2025-26 moved the segment past its previous peak from 2018-19. That matters in India because scooters and motorcycles dominate personal mobility outside the top end of the car market. (siam.in) Shailesh Chandra, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, said the outlook for 2026-27 remains positive on economic fundamentals, while warning that a prolonged West Asia war could hit demand, supply chains and vehicle production. (thehindu.com)