India’s passenger vehicle (PV) retail market ended calendar year 2025 on a firm footing, supported by a strong year-end performance and rising demand beyond major urban centres. Data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) shows PV retail sales outpaced overall auto market growth, aided by improved affordability and renewed consumer sentiment in the second half of the year.
PV retail volumes in CY2025 stood at 44,75,309 units, registering a 9.70 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase from 40,79,532 units. December 2025 capped the year with a sharp surge, as PV sales rose 26.64 per cent YoY to 3,79,671 units, marking one of the strongest monthly performances of the year. Earlier this number stood at 3,96,483 units in December 2024.
CY2025
CY2025 unfolded in two distinct phases for passenger vehicles. While demand remained uneven between January and August due to cautious consumer spending and selective financing approvals, sentiment improved materially from September onwards.
C. S Vigneshwar, President at FADA, attributed the rebound to GST 2.0 rate rationalisation, which reduced prices in key mass-market segments, including small cars, improving affordability and boosting showroom conversions.
Rural markets emerged as a key growth driver, with rural PV retail rising 12.31 per cent, compared to 8.08 per cent growth in urban areas, highlighting the expanding footprint of personal mobility outside metros.
(Also read: Indian two-wheeler retail ends CY2025 on a high post GST reset and festive demand)
December 2025
December delivered a strong finish for the PV segment as customers advanced purchases ahead of expected price increases in January. Year-end schemes, improved model availability and spillover bookings helped dealers accelerate conversions during the month.
Rural demand again outpaced urban markets, with rural PV growth at 32.40 per cent, reinforcing the broader demand base. Dealers also focused on liquidating MY2025 stock, supported by better supply alignment and attractive offers.
FADA noted that PV inventory levels eased to around 37–39 days in December, down by about seven days from the previous month, indicating healthier channel inventory heading into 2026.
(Also read: FADA: EV two-wheeler market shrinks in November 2025 as retail volumes fall 18.70%)
Outlook Remains Positive
Dealer sentiment around passenger vehicles remains upbeat in 2026, backed by improving rural cash flows, festive and marriage-season demand, and supportive macro conditions. FADA, however, cautioned that affordability sensitivity, timely stock allocation and faster finance approvals will be critical to sustaining PV retail momentum in the months ahead.