New Delhi | December 1, 2025 :
India’s automobile industry is bracing for crucial November 2025 sales data expected later today, with market sentiment turning cautious across leading automakers including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, and Mahindra & Mahindra. Analysts predict a 5–7% year-on-year decline, citing post-festive cooloffs and rising input costs weighing on demand.
October dispatches stood at 18.5 lakh units, according to SIAM, while November volumes are projected near 19 lakh units, contingent on rural demand strengthening after a decent monsoon.
Maruti Suzuki’s Senior Executive Officer Shashank Srivastava expects dispatches close to 1.6 lakh units, while Tata Motors CEO Shailesh Chandra remains optimistic about sustained EV traction, buoyed by projected 50,000 Nexon.ev sales. EV growth is further driven by the government’s upcoming FAME-III scheme, which allocates ₹10,000 crore toward faster adoption of electric mobility.
However, cost pressures remain a concern. PNGRB’s 12% tariff hike on GAIL pipelines—raising rates to ₹65.7/mmbtu effective January 2026—could push vehicle prices up 2–3%, affecting entry-level buyers.
On the brighter side, automobile exports rose to 4 lakh units, led by Hyundai’s strong overseas demand for the Venue.
Markets opened cautious: the Sensex hovered at 26,500, tracking GIFT Nifty, while the Nifty Auto Index slipped 0.5%. RBI’s steady 6.5% repo rate continues to support financing, though inflation at 5.5% remains a headwind.
With EV penetration jumping to 8% from last year’s 2%, upcoming Budget 2026 measures for hybrid and clean mobility will play a decisive role. Globally, India’s trends mirror Thailand’s flood-disrupted auto output, which slipped 15% year-on-year.
