Auto retail sales in May increased by 10% (YoY) in May: FADA Report

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) today released Vehicle Retail Data for May’23. Auto retail sales in May demonstrated a 10% YoY growth, encompassing positive performances across all vehicle categories including 2W, 3W, PV, Tractor, and CV with respective growth rates of 9%, 79%, 4%, 10%, and 7%.

Despite a slight decline of -2% compared to pre-COVID levels, the overall retail figures relatively improved, except 2W sales (-8%) and CV sales (-7%) being the primary segments that experienced a slight setback.

May showcased an increased penetration of EVs, accounting for 8% of total sales, with 2W contributing 7%, 3W contributing 56%, CV contributing 0.5% and PV contributing 2.5% respectively.

2W sales were positively influenced by the marriage season and the anticipated changes in FAME subsidies, set to be effective from June, which drove the sales higher. The recovery of rural demand also indicated a promising outlook, suggesting the potential decline of COVID-19's impact.

The PV segment rebounded after a decline in the previous month, driven by improved availability, strong pending orders, and robust demand for new launches, contributing to the segment's positive momentum.

CV sales experienced sustained growth, attributed to the government's focus on infrastructure development, with the bus segment also displaying a notable increase due to improved financing options and higher sales in academic institutions.

Commenting on the May 2023 performance, FADA President Manish Raj Singhania stated, "May has been an encouraging month for the auto retail industry, demonstrating a robust 10% YoY growth across all vehicle categories. We have witnessed a resurgence in the 2W, 3W, PV, Tractor, and CV segments with growth rates of 9%, 79%, 4%, 10%, and 7% respectively. While there has been a slight -2% decline compared to pre-COVID levels, the overall retail figures have shown improvement. The 2W and CV sales did continue to face some challenges, recording high single digit setback of -8% and -7% respectively.”

He went on to add that electric vehicles (EVs) made impressive strides this month, contributing to 8% of the total vehicle retail. This was buoyed by a surge in 2W EV sales that contributed 7% and 3W EV sales contributing a substantial 56% of their respective total sales. The CV and PV categories also marked their presence in the EV landscape, with respective contributions of 0.5% and 2.5%.

The 2W sales were positively influenced by seasonal factors like the marriage season, changes in the FAME subsidies effective from June, and the recovery of rural demand, which hint towards a promising future in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Passenger Vehicle segment, the improved availability of vehicles, the strength of pending orders, and the robust demand for new launches drove a positive momentum, helping the segment rebound after a slump in the previous month.

The Commercial Vehicle segment experienced sustained growth, underpinned by the government's focus on infrastructure development. The bus segment displayed a notable increase, driven by improved financing options and higher sales in academic institutions.

Near Term Outloo

The auto retail sector faces diverse challenges across the 2W, CV and PV segments. For 2W, seasonal factors could boost demand, but concerns like weather-induced walk-in reductions, inventory, and regulatory norms persist. The CV sector anticipates improved vehicle availability but concerns about RDE norms and seasonal effects may impact sales. The PV sector expects increased demand, particularly for new models, Compact and full-sized SUVs and EVs, but inventory pressure and right model availability could pose challenges.

FADA advocates for a balanced auto retail ecosystem, urging collective action to regulate inventory levels, negotiate lower interest rates and support 2W dealers by eliminating illegal MBO (multi-brand outlets) sales. While acknowledging near-term challenges, FADA maintains a stance of cautious optimism, highlighting the potential for growth through collaborative efforts and alignment with market trends.

The anticipated stable interest rates by RBI's Monetary Policy Committee could maintain vehicle demand and positively impact auto sales. However, supply chain issues, demand-supply dynamics, and regulatory changes also play a role in shaping the auto retail outlook.