According to FADA data, car sales in October 2026 showed a decline compared to last year

October 2026 proved to be a significant month for the Indian automotive market. During the festive season, passenger vehicle (PV) sales once again surpassed the 500,000 unit mark. This marks the second time this year that over 500,000 vehicles were registered nationwide within a single month. Previously, this figure was achieved in January 2026.

Although current sales are lower than last year's figures, the market demonstrated a steady recovery compared to September. According to Auto Pundits, a total of 500,001 passenger vehicles were registered in October 2026. This contrasts with the 585,721 vehicles registered in October 2025, reflecting a 14.6 percent decrease in annual PV registrations.

However, a comparison with September 2026 data shows a much more favorable picture. September saw 434,526 passenger vehicles registered, meaning the registration figure grew by 15.1 percent in October compared to the previous month. This growth indicates a significant increase in demand for automobiles during the festive period.

Last year's sales were higher because the Navratri festival began on September 22, and new GST 2.0 (GST Reform) rules were introduced nationwide on the same day. This led to a substantial reduction in vehicle prices, causing a sudden surge in market sales. The effect of the GST reform was observed from late September throughout October. Similar changes did not occur this year, and vehicle prices increased following an annual update.

Maruti Suzuki maintained its leading position. The company sold 276,120 vehicles in October. Notably, the company's domestic sales exceeded the 200,000 unit mark for the first time, reaching 216,789 units. Previously, the record for domestic sales was set in July 2026, when 200,123 units were sold. The October figure is 8 percent higher than this July record.

On the other hand, intense competition was observed between Tata and Mahindra. October was also successful for Tata Motors. The company sold a total of 75,426 vehicles, including domestic and international markets. In October last year, this figure was 61,295 units, representing a 23 percent increase in the company's total sales volume. Regarding domestic sales, the company sold 73,894 vehicles, which is 21 percent more than 61,134 units from last year.

Mahindra recorded its highest monthly sales in history last October. The company sold 73,338 vehicles in the domestic market. Furthermore, Mahindra's total sales volume, including all vehicle segments, exceeded 131 thousand units. Thus, the difference between Tata and Mahindra was only 556 units (73,894 - 73,338).

Hyundai ranked fourth. The company sold 57,980 vehicles in October, approximately 16.5 percent less than in October of last year. However, compared to the 51,414 units sold in September, the figure increased by 12.8 percent. Hyundai recently launched the new mid-size crossover Bayon, which is expected to boost the company's sales leading up to the Diwali holidays.

Kia India ranked fifth in sales. In October, Kia sold 30,726 vehicles, approximately 13.2 percent less than the 35,399 units sold in October of last year. Toyota ranked sixth, selling 28,715 vehicles. This figure is 25.5 percent lower than the 38,568 units sold in October of last year.

Although more than half of new cars sold in Brazil currently come equipped with automatic transmission or alternative solutions, such as electric propulsion, models with manual gearboxes remain present, especially in entry-level and sports categories.

In 2026, an increase was observed in the availability of cars with manual transmissions in Brazil, driven mainly by the sports vehicle segment. Toyota, for example, introduced a new batch of the GR Corolla and continues to sell the GR Yaris. Simultaneously, Porsche expanded its three-pedal options for the 911 model.

Other available brands and models

In the national scenario, the new Hyundai i20 arrived, which has two configurations with a 1.0 naturally aspirated engine and a five-speed gearbox. In November, Renault plans to launch the Niagara pickup truck, confirming that the entry-level version will have a manual transmission.

Chevrolet stands out as the only manufacturer offering 1.0 cars with six gears in the country, while the Onix and Onix Plus models also feature a manual transmission with a 1.0 turbo engine. Furthermore, the brand offers the manual option in other vehicles such as Spin, Montana, and S10; although the Tracker previously had this option, it is currently sold only in the automatic version.

The current Citroën lineup focuses on simpler models with 1.0 engines, whether naturally aspirated or turbo. However, in the turbo models, the gearbox is always CVT, reserving the manual gearbox for the naturally aspirated Basalt and C3 versions.

Fiat offers manual transmission in its cars equipped with 1.0 and 1.3 naturally aspirated engines. An exception to this rule is the medium pickup Titano, in the entry-level Endurance version, which uses the 2.2 turbodiesel engine with 200 hp.

Ford launched the manual Mustang GT in 2025 in a limited edition of 200 units, which sold out quickly. Currently, the only vehicle from the brand with three pedals is the Ranger pickup, in the XL work version.

Honda maintains a well-operating manual transmission, even in its compact cars, but today it is offered exclusively in the sporty Civic Type R model.

Hyundai made the HB20 1.0 turbo with a manual transmission available up to the 2024 line, with six gears. Currently, the offer is restricted to the 1.0 naturally aspirated models, which have a five-speed manual gearbox.

The new generation of the Mitsubishi Triton was launched with a complete variety, including the GL work model. This medium pickup is notable for being the only one that does not suffer power or torque loss in its manual version.

Peugeot simplified its 208 model range in Brazil, offering the 1.0 naturally aspirated engine only in the Style model, which includes a sunroof and sporty trim. The French brand also sells the Partner Rapid van, which shares a platform with the Fiat Fiorino.

Porsche has never discontinued the manual gearbox, but it was absent in Brazil for several years. Currently, the manual option is available in the Carrera T and in three variants of the GT3.

Renault initially launched the Kardian only with a dual-clutch transmission, but soon added a manual version. In 2026, the entry-level Vibe model was introduced, priced below R$ 100 thousand and featuring efficiency improvements. The French brand also maintains simple models in its portfolio, such as the Duster, aimed at fleets, the subcompact Kwid, and the Oroch pickup.

Toyota sells its special models in limited batches of 99 units. In 2026, the GR Yaris compact and the medium GR Corolla were launched with updates. The Japanese brand also offers the entry-level Hilux with a manual transmission.

In the Volkswagen line, there are the Tera TSI and Virtus Sense, which combine a manual gearbox with a 1.0 turbo engine. The Polo Track, Tera MPI, and Saveiro use naturally aspirated engines.

Maruti Suzuki has once again demonstrated its dominance in the Indian automotive market. The company set a new sales record, achieving its highest figure in history in October 2026. Capitalizing on growing consumer demand during the festive season, Maruti Suzuki sold 276,120 vehicles in one month.

It is particularly noteworthy that the company's domestic sales exceeded the 200,000 unit mark for the first time, reaching 216,789 units. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in exports.

October proved to be a special month for Maruti Suzuki. In October 2025, the company sold 220,894 vehicles, while this figure increased to 276,120 units this year. This represents a growth of 25 percent compared to the same period last year. The sales volume, approaching half a million units, clearly demonstrates the high level of consumer trust in Maruti Suzuki.

Regarding the domestic market, Maruti Suzuki also set a new record in October. During this month, the company sold 216,789 vehicles, including light commercial vehicles. In October of last year, domestic sales amounted to 180,675 vehicles, indicating a 20 percent year-on-year growth in domestic sales.

Previously, the highest domestic sales figure was recorded in July 2026, when 200,123 units were sold. The October figure exceeded this previous maximum by approximately 8 percent. Meanwhile, the company sold 185,252 units in September and 180,078 units in August, pointing to continuous month-on-month growth in demand and vehicle sales for Maruti.

The main driver of Maruti Suzuki's sales growth in October was the utility vehicle, or SUV, segment. In this category, the company sold 97,787 vehicles, which is 26 percent more than in October of last year. In September 2026, 78,911 units were sold in this segment, indicating an SUV sales growth of approximately 24 percent in just one month.

Models such as Maruti Brezza, Ertiga, Francs, Victoris, and Grand Vitara belong to this segment. It is worth noting that between July and September, utility vehicle sales remained relatively stable: 78,851 units were sold in July, and 78,911 units in September. Therefore, the acceleration in sales in October is significant for the company.

Despite the focus on SUVs, the popularity of Maruti's small and hatchback cars remains strong. Sales in the mini, compact, and mid-size segments grew. In October, the company sold 100,877 units in these segments, which is 18 percent more than last year. There was also an increase of about 10 percent compared to September, when 91,887 units were sold. Eeco van sales were 13,720 units, remaining roughly at the same level.

Maruti Suzuki's sales statistics show that consumers are increasingly opting for SUVs. Domestic passenger vehicle sales reached approximately 212,384 units, with the SUV segment accounting for about 46 percent of this, highlighting the high appeal of Maruti's utility vehicles.

In addition to the domestic market, demand for Maruti Suzuki vehicles is growing in foreign markets. In October 2026, the company exported 49,872 vehicles, compared to 31,304 units in October 2025. Thus, exports showed an impressive annual growth of 59 percent.

The fiscal year 2026-27 was also marked by brilliant results for Maruti Suzuki from April to October. Over these seven months, the company sold a total of 1,655,498 vehicles. Compared to the same seven-month period last year, when 1,299,629 units were sold, the total sales volume grew by 27 percent. During this period, total sales, including deliveries to other companies domestically, amounted to 1,372,771 units, compared to 1,060,866 units the previous year. Exports also increased by 18 percent, reaching 282,727 units.