Rural India steers auto sector back to growth after GST revamp - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 84,673.02 -277.93NIFTY 25,910.05 -103.40CRUDEOIL 5,310.00 -10.00GOLD 122,474.00 -453.00SILVER 154,350.00 -962.00SENSEX 84,673.02 -277.93NIFTY 25,910.05 -103.40NIFTY 25,910.05 -103.40CRUDEOIL 5,310.00 -10.00CRUDEOIL 5,310.00 -10.00GOLD 122,474.00 -453.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Rural markets showed stronger performance than urban areas, reflecting improved farm incomes and rising consumer confidence. | Photo Credit: RAO GN/The HinduThe 2025 festive season delivered a strong boost to India’s automobile industry, an ICRA report says. Two-wheeler (2W) sales surged 22%, while passenger vehicle (PV) sales rose 21% compared with the 2024 season, driven by GST cuts, rural demand, and attractive offers.GST rationalisation reduced prices by up to 10%, enhancing affordability across segments. Rural markets outperformed urban regions, signalling improved farm incomes and rising consumer confidence. With financing support and favourable demand drivers, the industry appears poised for steady growth in FY2026 despite lingering challenges in sustaining post-festive momentum. Key trends:Published on November 18, 2025Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }