The Indian automobile industry recorded an unprecedented performance in October 2026, with overall sales figures reaching new highs across key segments. Data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on November 13 confirmed robust demand, particularly for passenger vehicles, which crossed the significant 5 lakh unit mark for the first time ever in an October.
Passenger Vehicles Drive Record October Performance
Domestic passenger vehicle sales climbed to 5,19,060 units in October 2026, marking a substantial 12.4% increase compared to 4,61,614 units sold in the same month last year. This achievement signifies the strongest October performance on record for the segment, surpassing the half-million unit milestone.
Two-Wheelers and Three-Wheelers Show Double-Digit Growth
The two-wheeler segment also experienced significant expansion, with sales rising 16.1% year-on-year to 25,77,810 units, up from 22,20,345 units in October 2025. Within this category, scooters were the primary growth driver, seeing a 31.6% surge to 10,96,756 units. Motorcycle sales grew at a more modest 6.6% to 14,23,118 units, while mopeds increased by 13% to 57,936 units.
Three-wheeler sales demonstrated even stronger growth, escalating by 25.7% to 1,03,349 units, compared to 82,190 units a year prior. Passenger carriers led this segment with a 26.9% increase to 86,218 units, and goods carriers grew 27.4% to 15,465 units. However, e-rickshaw and e-cart sales saw declines of 22.3% and 17.8% respectively.
Exports Maintain Strong Momentum
India's auto industry also showed a robust export performance in October. Passenger vehicle exports increased by 21.8% to 83,716 units. Two-wheeler exports surged 26.5% to 5,43,972 units, and three-wheeler exports rose 26.7% to 53,039 units.
Cumulative Performance Highlights Continued Demand
On a cumulative basis for April-October 2026, domestic passenger vehicle sales grew 25.5% to 30,82,634 units. Two-wheeler sales increased 17.4% to 1,46,64,622 units, and three-wheeler sales were up 26.2% to 6,05,211 units. Total cumulative exports across all categories for this period saw a 28% increase, reaching 46,59,799 units.
Industry Outlook and Drivers
Rajesh Menon, Director General of SIAM, noted the healthy demand momentum across the automobile industry. He attributed the surge in two-wheeler sales to improved credit availability and strong replacement demand from both rural and urban markets. For three-wheelers, key structural drivers included last-mile mobility requirements and the accelerating trend of electrification.
These latest figures from SIAM underscore a broad-based growth trajectory for the Indian auto industry, with record achievements in passenger vehicles and sustained strong growth in the two- and three-wheeler segments.