The Indian auto industry kicked off 2026 on a high note, shattering sales records in January with double-digit growth across key segments. Thanks to lower GST rates and improving rural and urban demand, passenger cars, bikes, and three-wheelers all posted their best-ever monthly figures.
SIAM data reveals passenger vehicle dispatches to dealers rose 12.6% to 449,616 units, surpassing the 399,386 units sold in the same month last year. This momentum carried over to two-wheelers, which skyrocketed 26.2% to 1,925,603 units from 1,526,218 units.
Scooters emerged as the star performer, with sales exploding 36.9% to 750,580 units. Motorcycles grew steadily at 20.3% to 1,126,416 units, and mopeds added a 16.1% gain to 48,607 units. The three-wheeler category mirrored this enthusiasm, up 30.2% to 75,725 units overall.
Breaking it down, passenger-carrying three-wheelers increased 30.4% to 60,881 units, goods carriers jumped 33.4% to 13,374 units, but electric rickshaws saw a slight 7.9% decline to 925 units.
Combined sales across major categories hit 2,927,394 units, the highest January total on record. ‘This double-digit growth across segments reflects unwavering consumer appetite,’ said SIAM’s Rajesh Menon. He credited the continuity of strong quarterly trends, GST relief, and proactive government measures in the recent budget.
Looking forward, Menon is optimistic about policy-driven expansions strengthening India’s auto manufacturing prowess, ensuring the sector’s growth trajectory remains upward-bound through 2026 and beyond.