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Solid reason for GST reduction on two-wheelers

Two-Wheelers, Tractors to Outpace Cars, Trucks by FY27

Two-Wheelers, Tractors to Outpace Cars, Trucks by FY27

The report of Jefferies, an investment banking and financial services company stated that the volume of two-wheelers (2Ws) and tractors will increase by 13 to 15 percent of the compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). It will surpass passenger vehicles and trucks in the financial year 2025-27.

CAGR Projection
According to the report, the two-wheeler’s CAGR is expected to increase strongly by 13 percent and the CAGR for tractors is expected to grow by 15 percent during the financial year 2025-27. While, the two-wheelers and tractors’ CAGR is estimated to grow by 12 percent and 6 percent in the financial year 2025.

The report also states the volume growth for passenger vehicles and trucks segment is estimated to increase at a rate ranging from 5 percent to 8 percent. It is comparatively lower than the growth rate of two-wheelers and tractors.

Further, the report states that the CAGR of passenger vehicles and trucks is estimated to grow at 8 percent and 5 percent over the financial year 2025-27. While, the CAGR estimations for the financial year 2025 for passenger vehicles and trucks is positive growth by 2 percent and negative growth of 4 percent, respectively.

Growth Rebound
The growth prospects for two-wheelers between the financial year 2021 and 2023 were not good due to weakened demand. Its demand was lower than the passenger vehicle’s demand. The reasons for the slow demand were disruptions caused due pandemic and also increase in regulatory costs. It resulted in making two-wheelers less affordable for lower-income class people. The regulatory costs such as the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) led to an increase in production costs, increase in commodity and input prices and also third-party insurance premiums hike for two-wheelers with engines bigger than 150cc. The Covid-19 pandemic was a period of financial difficulties for many people. This made it difficult, especially for people of lower income groups to purchase and maintain two-wheelers along with the issue of new regulations.

In the financial year 2024, the volume of two-wheelers in wholesales strongly bounced back. It increased by 14 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth, which exceeded the 8 percent of passenger vehicles growth.

Despite the two-wheelers’ recovery in the financial year 2024, it remained 13 percent lower than its peak growth in the financial year 2019. On the other hand, passenger vehicles were able to surpass its growth of the pre-pandemic level. Its volume surged by 25 percent above its pre-pandemic levels.

The tractor segment in the Indian automobile industry is showing signs of cyclical recovery. Indicating another good thing for the automobile industry in India. For the financial year 2025-27, the growth for the two-wheelers and tractor segments is estimated to be 12 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

In contrast to these growth prospects, the passenger vehicles and trucks segments is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR of 8 percent and 5 percent, respectively, during the same period.

Company-wise growth
The markets of traditional lead companies such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai observed a fall in the PV segment of around 12-year lows in the first half of the financial year 2025. In the midst of this shift in position in the automobile industry, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) is leveraging its position and is anticipated to surpass Hyundai as the second-largest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in Passenger Vehicles by the financial year 2027.

Market shares of Electric Vehicles
According to the report, the market share of electric vehicles in two-wheeler sales has become sluggish in the range of 4 percent to 7 percent for the previous two years. Despite this, the period observed launch activity of lower-priced vehicles by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The reasons for this weak demand was the growing concerns regarding the reliability, longevity and the resale value of the vehicles.

In contrast to this, the sales of electric vehicles in the two-wheelers segment is estimated to rise by 10 percent over the financial year 2027. The companies such as Bajaj Auto and TVSL are considered the leader in this segment.

On the other hand, the electric vehicle adoption in the passenger vehicles segment is considered to remain weaker at 2 percent growth rate. In this, Tata Motor is considered as the leading company in the midst of the rising competition.

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November 2024 Auto Sales: A Market in Flux

November 2024 Auto Sales: A Market in Flux

The Indian automobile industry in November 2024 presented a vivid contrast, with the passenger vehicle (PV) segment grappling with challenges while the two-wheeler (2W) market enjoyed a resurgence. Data from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) highlighted a 14% decline in car sales juxtaposed with a 16% growth in two-wheeler sales, reflecting a tale of two distinct consumer behaviors.

Passenger Vehicles: A Slowdown Post Festive Highs
Passenger vehicle sales slumped in November, marking a sharp decline from the record-breaking October sales fueled by festive demand during Dussehra and Diwali. The steep fall points to an exhausted pent-up demand, signaling market normalization after the seasonal high.

Segmental Challenges:
While SUVs and utility vehicles (UVs) performed well during October’s festivities, sedans and hatchbacks saw waning interest. The UV segment has increasingly captured market share, accounting for nearly half of the total PV sales, as highlighted by robust October growth rates of 13.9% year-on-year (YoY). However, this shift may have temporarily disrupted supply chains, contributing to November’s downturn.

Rising Costs and Interest Rates:
Higher vehicle prices, coupled with elevated interest rates on auto loans, deterred prospective buyers. Rising input costs, particularly for essential components like steel and semiconductors, have driven automakers to hike prices, impacting affordability for middle-income consumers.

Inventory Challenges:
Dealers struggled with high inventory levels post-festivals, especially in Tier-II and Tier-III markets. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) noted that the increase in wholesale dispatches ahead of festivals did not translate into sustained retail demand, leading to overstocking.

Two-Wheelers: Resilience Amid Adversity
In contrast to passenger vehicles, two-wheelers emerged as a growth story in November, continuing their festive-season momentum. The 16% YoY growth reflects strong rural demand, affordability, and evolving urban mobility needs.

Rural Demand Drives Growth:
The revival of rural demand, aided by improved agricultural incomes and targeted financing options, played a significant role in boosting sales. Hero MotoCorp and TVS Motors capitalized on this trend, registering robust sales growth during the month.

Shift to Electric Vehicles (EVs):
Electric two-wheelers continued gaining traction, reflecting changing consumer preferences for sustainable and cost-efficient options. Companies such as TVS Motors reported a 45% YoY surge in EV sales during October, and the trend likely continued into November.

Affordability and Accessibility:
Two-wheelers remain the preferred choice for middle-income households due to their affordability. Rising fuel prices have also nudged consumers toward scooters and motorcycles, which are economical and convenient for daily commutes.

Broader Market Implications
Export Markets Thrive:
Both PV and 2W manufacturers reported significant growth in export markets. Royal Enfield witnessed a 150% jump in exports, leveraging its strong brand presence in South Asia and Latin America. Similarly, Bajaj Auto and Hero MotoCorp achieved double-digit export growth, diversifying revenue streams amid domestic challenges.

Urban vs. Rural Divide:
The urban-rural split continues to shape the auto market. While urban centers saw a slowdown in PV demand due to economic uncertainties, rural regions fueled two-wheeler growth, aided by better monsoon outcomes and favorable MSP (Minimum Support Price) policies for crops.

EVs Gain Momentum:
Across segments, the focus on electric mobility intensified. Automakers expanded EV portfolios to cater to rising demand, driven by government incentives, lower running costs, and growing environmental awareness among consumers.

Policy Recommendations
Credit Support:
Policymakers should enhance credit access for consumers, particularly in rural areas, to sustain two-wheeler demand. Interest rate subsidies or targeted financing schemes could address affordability challenges in the PV segment.

EV Incentives:
The government should continue supporting EV adoption through subsidies and infrastructure development, such as expanding charging networks. Addressing bottlenecks in EV component supply chains could further accelerate growth.

Rural Development:
Strengthening rural infrastructure and enhancing income opportunities will indirectly boost auto demand. Policies targeting improved road connectivity and last-mile mobility solutions can create new opportunities for automakers.

Conclusion
November 2024’s auto sales highlight the complexities of India’s automobile market. While passenger vehicles face short-term challenges, the two-wheeler segment’s robust performance reflects resilience and adaptability. For stakeholders across the value chain, understanding these dynamics and aligning strategies accordingly will be critical. Investors, in particular, should focus on long-term themes such as electrification and rural penetration to navigate the sector’s evolving landscape.

The Indian auto industry stands at a crossroads, with opportunities in sustainable mobility and export growth offering a pathway to future resilience. By leveraging these trends, the sector can weather current headwinds and emerge stronger in the years to come.

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