In November 2024, Gujarat’s passenger vehicle sales stood at 24,602 units, showing a robust yet adjusted performance following the record-breaking surge during the festive season in 2023. Although this figure marks a 22.4% year-on-year dip compared to last November’s exceptional sales, it still indicates a strong and steady demand in the state. The dip is attributed to the high base effect of the previous year’s Diwali celebrations, which drove sales to unprecedented levels. Despite this, the November 2024 performance follows a high in October, where Gujarat saw monthly vehicle sales peak at 2.94 lakh units, driven by the Navratri-Dussehra and Dhanteras-Diwali festivities.
Industry experts, including the chairman of the Gujarat chapter of the Federation of Automobile Dealers’ Association (FADA), suggest that the October surge was largely due to festive promotions, heavy discounts, and the availability of dealer stock, which led to earlier-than-usual purchases. “Even with the pull-forward effect, November’s numbers are a testament to the market’s health and resilient demand,” he stated. The data suggests that Gujarat’s automotive market remains steady, supported by strong consumer confidence and long-term demand, despite the short-term fluctuations caused by festive peaks.
Notably, the market in Gujarat is showing a distinct contrast between urban and rural demand. In urban centres like Ahmedabad, sales have slowed as the post-festival excitement waned. However, rural regions have continued to see strong demand, fuelled by agricultural income, which is significantly supporting sales of both two-wheelers and four-wheelers. “Rural Gujarat is benefiting from strong agricultural earnings, which have been a key driver of vehicle sales, maintaining demand in these areas even after the festive period,” an RTO official explained.
Two-wheelers also remained a vital segment, with sales reaching 1.47 lakh units in November, reflecting only a minor dip of 3.6% compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates the ongoing priority of mobility for buyers across various income groups. While the festive push in October may have created a temporary spike, November’s figures affirm that Gujarat’s auto market remains resilient and ready for a strong finish as the year draws to a close. This steadiness is indicative of a broader trend towards sustainable growth, where steady consumer demand and rural sector support play pivotal roles.
