Car sales rise on Dussehra in Ahmedabad, decline during Navratri

Sales of the vehicle on Dussehra this year in Ahmedabad seems to have just matched the figures of last year, while those in Gujarat have declined. However, overall sales during the Navratri-Dussehra period have declined by about eight per cent, indicating primary estimates from the industry. Attractive discounts by companies and by finance companies gave the much-needed boost to sales, said sources.

Dussehra is an auspicious day for deliveries of vehicles. People pre-book vehicles during Navratri, while some take deliveries on Navratri, most prefer Dussehra. Dealers of automobiles had huge hopes from the festive period. This is because, during the April – September period of the current year, the state witnessed a 20 per cent drop in sales of cars and about 17 per cent decline in sales in two-wheelers.

Primary estimates indicated that total car deliveries in Ahmedabad at close to 1,700, against about 1,600 last year, while that of two-wheelers are likely to rise to about 8,500 from about 8,200 last year. Across the state, two-wheeler sales have dropped from about 38,000 last year to 30,000-35,000 this year, informed. Pranav Shah, director of Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA).

"Car and two-wheeler deliveries on Dussehra in Ahmedabad is likely to have risen. However, if you look at a 10-day festive period of Navratri – Dussehra, sales are likely to have dropped by about eight per cent," he said adding that since final numbers have not yet arrived, these are primary estimates, but are fairly reliable.

Whatever rise has been witnessed, is attributed to attractive offers and discounts by dealers and finance companies. Discounts of Rs 3,000 – 7,000 on two-wheelers, while a discount of Rs 20,000 – 1,20,000 was available on car prized in Rs six lakh to 10 lakh range. Paytm had given a cashback offer of up to Rs 2,500. While earlier loans up to 90 per cent were available on two-wheelers, now 100 per cent loans are also available, said sources.

"Festive sales have taken a hit because of prolonged rains this year. There were so many offers by the dealers, finance companies and even by Paytm. These played a key role in pushing up the sales," said Shah.

What was a consolation for auto dealers is that festive sales have risen compared to the first 6- month of the year, which witnessed a drop in sales compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.