Samiksha ChoudharyNov 07, 2026
Hyundai expects festive deliveries to rise 14 per cent to 16,000 units, while Mahindra reports near-zero SUV inventory at most dealerships
India’s passenger vehicle manufacturers reported strong demand during the Dhanteras and Diwali festive period, with Tata Motors expecting more than 12,000 deliveries on Dhanteras alone and Hyundai Motor India projecting a 14 per cent increase in festive deliveries. Mahindra & Mahindra, meanwhile, said strong demand across its SUV portfolio had brought dealership inventory close to zero across most of its range.
The festive period has provided a boost to retail activity across the passenger vehicle segment, with automakers pointing to sustained customer interest, new product launches and strong demand for SUVs.
Tata Motors Expects Over 12,000 Dhanteras Deliveries Tata
Tata Motors Expects Over 12,000 Dhanteras Deliveries
Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles expects its single-day deliveries on Dhanteras to cross 12,000 units. The company has recorded retail growth of more than 20 per cent since Ganesh Chaturthi compared with the corresponding period last year.
“The festive season has delivered strong and sustained demand across markets, with customers nationwide choosing our vehicles to mark the occasion. Newly launched products have added further momentum, strengthening traction across the portfolio,” said Amit Kamat, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles.
Kamat said Dhanteras had witnessed a strong customer response, with deliveries expected to exceed 12,000 vehicles. The company expects the momentum to continue, with Diwali muhurat deliveries scheduled until Wednesday.
Hyundai Projects 14 Per Cent Growth In Festive
Hyundai Projects 14 Per Cent Growth In Festive Deliveries
Hyundai Motor India is also anticipating higher festive deliveries this year. The automaker expects to deliver around 16,000 vehicles across Dhanteras and Diwali, nearly 14 per cent more than the corresponding period last year.
“Dhanteras and Diwali are one of the most auspicious days to bring home a new vehicle and we are witnessing strong customer demand this year as well. We expect to deliver around 16,000 units, nearly 14 per cent higher than last year,” said Tarun Garg, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor India.
Mahindra Reports Low SUV Inventory Amid Strong Demand
While Tata Motors and Hyundai have shared their festive delivery expectations, Mahindra & Mahindra’s commentary points to supply constraints amid strong demand for its sport utility vehicles (SUVs).
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer,
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Auto and Farm Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra, said the company had been the fastest-growing brand based on VAHAN registration data for comparable festive days beginning with Navratri, over the approximately 25-day period tracked.
The demand has also translated into lower dealership inventory. According to Jejurikar, physical SUV stocks were close to zero across most of Mahindra’s portfolio, with inventory below eight to nine days, excluding vehicles in transit.
“We are operating at full capacity, with our October volumes exceeding the capacity levels we had indicated earlier. Our electric SUV portfolio has also witnessed strong demand through October,” he said.
Mahindra continues to maintain its outlook of mid-to-high-teen
Mahindra continues to maintain its outlook of mid-to-high-teen growth for its SUV business in FY27, supported by demand across its portfolio, including electric SUVs.
Festive Demand Supports Passenger Vehicle Sales
The three manufacturers’ comments indicate continued traction in the passenger vehicle market during one of the industry’s key sales periods. While festive deliveries provide a near-term boost to retail volumes, Mahindra’s low inventory levels and capacity utilisation also point to the challenge of matching production with customer demand.
With Diwali muhurat deliveries continuing, automakers are looking to sustain the momentum beyond Dhanteras.
Samiksha Choudhary
BW Reporters
The author is a Trainee Correspondent at BW Businessworld.
