Automobile sales surge 12% during festivities

Automobile retail sales increased nearly 12 per cent during the 42-day festive period from the year before, led by two wheelers and passenger vehicle.

According to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) data, as many as 42.88 lakh vehicles were sold compared to 38.37 lakh for the corresponding period in 2023, registering a growth of 11.76 per cent. The season started on the first day of Navratri and ended 15 days after Dhanteras — October 3 to November 13.

According to the data, two-wheeler sales were particularly robust, registering a 13.79 per cent growth to reach 33.11 lakh units, largely driven by strong rural demand. Last year during the festival season, the industry sold 29.10 lakh units.

Similarly, sales of passenger vehicles bounced back after a lull, growing by 7.10 per cent to 6.03 lakh units, spurred by pent-up demand and unprecedented discounts available in the market.

Mercedes to hike prices by 3%

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz on Friday said it will hike prices of its vehicles in India by up to three per cent on its entire model range January 1, citing a rise in input costs, inflationary pressures and higher operational expenses.