Auto Sales Hit Record High in January, Passenger Vehicles Up 12.6%

India's automobile industry began 2026 on a strong note, with passenger vehicles (PVs), two-wheelers and three-wheelers posting their highest-ever January sales, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Friday. 

Passenger Vehicle Sales Rise

According to the data, passenger vehicle sales rose 12.6 per cent year-on-year to 4,49,616 units in January 2026, compared with 3,99,386 units in January 2025.

Three-wheeler and Two-Wheeler Sales Surge

Three-wheeler sales grew 30.2 per cent to 75,725 units during the month, while two-wheeler sales increased 26.2 per cent to 19,25,603 units. Total production of passenger vehicles, three-wheelers, two-wheelers and quadricycles stood at 29,27,394 units in January 2026.

Within the two-wheeler segment, scooter sales rose 36.9 per cent to 7,50,580 units, whilst motorcycle sales increased 20.3 per cent to 11,26,416 units. Moped sales grew 16.1 per cent to 48,607 units.

The strong performance reflects sustained urban demand and improved consumer sentiment at the start of the year.

In the three-wheeler category, passenger carrier sales climbed 30.4 per cent to 60,881 units, whilst goods carriers rose 33.4 per cent to 13,374 units. E-rickshaw sales declined 7.9 per cent to 925 units, whereas e-cart sales increased 18.5 per cent to 545 units.

Rajesh Menon, Director-General, SIAM, said passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers recorded their highest-ever January sales in 2026, supported by sustained demand following GST rate reductions.

"The new year has begun on a positive note, extending the strong momentum seen in the previous quarter. The initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026 to strengthen India's manufacturing base, along with existing policy tailwinds, are expected to deliver long-term benefits for the sector and support growth in the medium term," Menon said.

SIAM noted that the industry enters the new calendar year with firm momentum, supported by policy measures aimed at boosting manufacturing and improving affordability, which are expected to sustain growth in the coming months.