Indian Auto Sector Posts Double-Digit Growth in September 2025: Exports Surge, Two-Wheeler Sales Jump: SIAM

The Indian automobile sector witnessed strong uptick in September, riding on the back of increased manufacturing output and strong export momentum, even as certain passenger vehicle categories experienced slower domestic uptake. Latest data by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) revealed that vehicle production across all segments totalled 30,73,654 units during the month, thus, representing a 10.8 per cent year-on-year increase compared to 27,73,039 units produced in September last year. 

Domestic vehicle sales climbed 5.6 per cent to reach 25,57,757 units versus 24,21,368 units recorded in the corresponding month last year. Meanwhile, export volumes demonstrated exceptional strength with a 19.8 per cent surge, climbing to 5,58,768 units from 4,66,409 units year-over-year.

PV Sales Show Divergent Trends

The passenger vehicle (PV) category saw a contrasting performance during September 2025, with domestic sales showing marginal decline while overseas shipments grew substantially. Domestic PV sales reached 3,12,791 units, reflecting a minor 0.9 per cent dip from the 3,15,689 units sold in September 2024. In sharp contrast, passenger vehicle exports climbed 30.2 per cent, advancing to 87,762 units compared to 67,379 units in the year-ago period.

Three-Wheeler Segment Maintains Upward Trajectory

Three-wheelers sustained their growth pattern in September, with domestic sales totalling 84,077 units -- a 5.5 per cent increase over the 79,683 units sold a year earlier. The electric three-wheeler subsegment continues gaining market share, now representing approximately 11 per cent of total domestic three-wheeler volumes.

Export shipments in this category recorded remarkable growth of 57.7 per cent year-on-year, reaching 40,928 units against 25,971 units in September 2024. Market leaders including Bajaj Auto, Piaggio Vehicles, and Mahindra Last Mile Mobility drove this export surge, capitalising on robust demand from African and South American regions.

Two-Wheeler Market Sees Robust Expansion

The two-wheeler sector maintained its upward trajectory, bolstered by festive season purchasing and improving rural market conditions. Domestic two-wheeler sales reached 21,60,889 units compared to 20,25,993 units in September 2024—marking a 6.7 per cent year-on-year gain.

Category-wise breakdown:

• Motorcycles: 13,73,750 units (up 6.4 per cent from 12,91,320 units)
• Scooters: 7,33,391 units (up 6.4 per cent from 6,89,446 units)
• Mopeds: 53,748 units (up 18.8 per cent from 45,227 units)

Top-selling motorcycle models:

• Motorcycles: Hero Splendor, HF Deluxe, Bajaj Pulsar, TVS Apache, Royal Enfield Classic 350
• Scooters: Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter, Suzuki Access, Hero Destini
• EV Scooters (>250W): Ather 450X, TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Hero Vida — collectively accounting for approximately 70,000 units

Two-wheeler exports expanded 15.3 per cent to 4,29,562 units from 3,72,481 units in September 2024. Combined shipments from Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor represented nearly 80 per cent of total two-wheeler export volumes. For the April–September period, cumulative two-wheeler exports stood at 24,32,410 units, reflecting a 24 per cent year-over-year increase.

Export Performance Hits Peak

September 2025 marked the strongest monthly export performance of the current fiscal year, with total vehicle exports reaching 5,58,768 units -- an increase of 92,359 units or 19.8 per cent compared to 4,66,409 units in September 2024. Cumulative exports for the April-September 2025 period totaled 30,99,784 units, representing a substantial 24.4 per cent year-on-year improvement over the 24,92,517 units exported during the same six-month period in the previous fiscal year.