India Records Strongest February Automobile Sales

Metro India News | New Delhi

India’s automobile industry reported its best-ever February wholesales in 2026, with passenger vehicles, two-wheelers, and three-wheelers all showing double-digit growth compared with February 2025, according to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Passenger Vehicles, Two- and Three-Wheelers See Growth

Passenger vehicle wholesales reached 4.18 lakh units, up 10.6% year-on-year. Two-wheeler wholesales rose sharply by 35.2% to 18.71 lakh units, while three-wheeler sales increased 29% to 0.75 lakh units.

Within passenger vehicles, vans posted modest growth, with domestic sales up 1.1% to 11,620 units. Motorcycle sales climbed 30.8% to 10,96,537 units, and scooter demand surged 42.3% to 7,29,774 units. Rajesh Menon of SIAM said the sector is experiencing strong positive sentiment but warned that geopolitical tensions in West Asia could affect supply chains and exports.

Retail Sales Also Surge

Retail vehicle sales also grew significantly in February, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Overall retail sales rose 25.62% year-on-year to 24.09 lakh units. Segment-wise:

4 Two-wheelers: 17,00,505 units, up 25.02%

4 Passenger vehicles: 3,94,768 units, up 26.12%

4 Commercial vehicles: 1,00,820 units, up 28.89%

4 Three-wheelers: 1,17,130 units, up 24.39%

4 Tractors: 89,418 units, up 36.35%

4 Construction equipment was the only segment to fall slightly, down 1.22% to 6,721 units.

Inventory Levels and Market Outlook

Passenger vehicle inventory levels improved to 27–29 days, approaching the recommended 21-day benchmark, indicating better alignment between wholesale and retail demand. FADA noted that the market is shifting from a sharp rebound to a more stable growth phase.

Electric Vehicle Sales 

on the Rise

Electric passenger vehicle sales grew 44% year-on-year to 13,733 units in February, though they were down 25.65% month-on-month from January. Tata Motors led the segment with 5,568 units (+38.5%), Mahindra & Mahindra saw the fastest growth at 2,913 units (up from 508), while JSW MG Motor India sold 3,312 units (-5.1%). FADA said the February slowdown is typical due to the shorter month and a high January base, and the long-term EV growth trend remains strong.