Indian automakers log stronger September sales ahead of festive season

Oct 1 (Reuters) - Indian automakers posted higher sales in September as dealers stocked up ahead of the festive season.

Automakers typically increase dealer inventories and offer discounts, new models and financing deals ahead of the festive period, when vehicle sales usually rise.

Here are some details:

• The rise in sales comes despite major automakers implementing multiple price hikes this year to offset higher raw material costs, even as fuel price volatility risks dampening consumer appetite for new vehicle purchases.

• Hyundai Motor India HYUN.NS posted its highest monthly sales, up 10.8% from last year, and added that it expects "sustained customer enthusiasm" during the season.

• Hyundai Motor also benefited from opening of bookings for its upcoming Hyundai Bayon launch.

• Mahindra and Mahindra MAHM.NS reported a 14% rise in domestic sales for September, underpinned by strong demand for its sports utility vehicles, although a drop in tractor sales weighed.

• Escorts Kubota ESCO.NS also flagged a weakness in tractor sales, attributing it to a tougher comparisons following GST rate reduction in September 2025

• It also said patchy monsoon conditions and relatively lower Kharif sowing impacted sales