The automotive retail sales in India saw a decline of 12.49 per cent in December, with 17,56,419 units registered, compared to 20,07,042 units last year, according to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

In terms of segment-wise performance, two-wheeler sales came at 11,97,742 units, down 17.6 percent YoY, three-wheeler at 93,892 units, down 4.5 percent YoY, passenger vehicle sales at 2,93,465 units, down 1.9 percent YoY and commercial vehicles at 72,028 units, down 5.2 percent YoY. In contrast, tractor sales were in the green at 99,292 units, up 25.7 percent YoY.

The decline in sales for petrol-powered two-wheelers were attributed to low cash flow, poor market sentiment, supply challenges for popular models and growing shift towards electric vehicles.

FADA President C S Vigneshwar stated that despite heightened discounts and limited financing options failed to offset demand. In the passenger vehicle space, dealers were looking to offload the high inventory buildup following the festive season and aggressive discounting to clear stocks. But poor market sentiment, limited new model launches and intense price competition had impacted the PV segment.

For the commercial vehicle segment, the slowdown was attributed to low market sentiment, delayed government fund releases and slow financing approvals. Barring tippers, LCV degrowth and unseasonal rains further added to retail slowdown.

For CY2024, the auto retail sales grew 9.1 percent YoY at 2,61,07,679 units as against 2,39,28,293 units sold last year. This includes two-wheelers growing by 10.7 percent YoY, three-wheelers at 10.4 percent YoY, passenger vehicles at 5.1 percent, tractor at 2.5 percent and commercial vehicles reporting flat growth respectively.

“Despite multiple headwinds in CY24 – including heatwaves, elections at both central and state levels and uneven monsoons – the auto retail industry remained resilient, closing the year with a 9% YoY growth. Notably, three-wheeler, passenger vehicle and tractor segments touched new all-time highs and two-wheeler barely missed surpassing its CY18 peak. CV is also yet to reach its CY18 peak, a year which saw the introduction of axle load norms,” said Vigneshwar.

Outlook remains positive

The auto dealer body expects that the coming months will see stable growth two-wheeler, commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles to remain in the green.

The confidence stems on the back of improvement in rural liquidity, evolving government policies, new product launches, infrastructure investments, stable credit availability to support the growth.

FADA stated that it remains optimistic on market recovery, coupled with strategic OEM support and policy-level clarity, that will enable retail sales to end CY2025 on a robust note.

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Tata Motors, one of India’s leading automobile manufacturers, has announced that its all-new Altroz hatchback has recently bagged 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP (B–NCAP) crash tests.

The hatchback scored 29.65/32 in adult occupant protection and 44.9/49 in child occupant protection, which makes the Altroz, India’s safest hatchback.

Furthermore, the Altroz is also the first car in its segment and body style to attain 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP across all powertrains, including CNG.

The new Altroz was launched in May 2025 and can be had in three powertrain options – 1.2L Revotron Petrol (Manual, DCA & new AMT), 1.2L iCNG with Twin-Cylinder Tech and 1.5L Revotorq Diesel engine.

Interestingly, the Altroz continues to be the only premium hatchback in its segment to be offered with a diesel engine.

Mohan Savarkar, Vice-President & Chief Product Officer, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, said, “The Altroz has always been a pioneer in the premium hatchback segment. With its combination of contemporary design, advanced technology, and a multi-powertrain led approach, it truly makes the customer ‘Feel Special’. A trendsetter for the industry, the Altroz has once again redefined benchmarks by being the only car in its segment to achieve the coveted 5-star rating by Bharat-NCAP across petrol, diesel, and CNG powertrains, making it the safest CNG-powered car in India. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to deliver cars that our customers can depend on with confidence.”

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Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) has reached a significant wage settlement agreement with the United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE) for 2024–2027. The deal, the company said, sets a new industry standard and was finalised and signed today after what both parties described as a period of constructive dialogue.

Effective from 1 April 2024, through 31 March 2027, the three-year agreement includes a substantial all-inclusive compensation increase of INR 31,000 per month. This raise will be implemented in three phases, with a 55 percent increase in the first year, 25 percent in the second and the remaining 20 percent in the final year.

Youngmyung Park, Function Head - People Strategy at HMIL, the agreement is a testament to “At Hyundai, our people are the cornerstone of our success. This agreement, built on mutual trust, respect and constructive dialogue, reflects our shared commitment to fostering a progressive workplace culture that prioritises employee welfare and supports long-term organisational growth.”

In addition to the pay raise, HMIL confirmed that it will continue to provide top-tier employee benefits, including best-in-class health coverage and advanced wellness programs.

The United Union of Hyundai Employees, which was registered in 2011, represents 1,981 employees – 90 percent of the company's technician and workmen cadre. The union is said to have played a crucial role in negotiating the new compensation package on behalf of its members.

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French automotive major Renault Group India has announced two key leadership appointments, reinforcing the country's growing significance as a global hub for automotive design and engineering.

Dr Vikraman V has been appointed Chief of Renault Engineering at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India (RNTBCI) in Chennai. He will lead engineering and innovation, leveraging his extensive experience in both electric and internal combustion engine platforms. Prior to joining Renault, Dr. Vikraman spent nearly two decades at Mahindra & Mahindra, where he led the Vehicle Mechanical Division. He holds a master's and a PhD in automotive engineering from IIT Madras.

On the other hand, Sandeep Bhambra has been named Head of Renault Design Centre India (RDCI) while continuing in his role as Chief Designer Advanced Renault. He will be responsible for shaping future portfolios, incorporating Renault's design DNA with forward-looking innovation. Bhambra, who previously led Advanced Design and Concept Cars for Renault in France, will continue to report to Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group.

Stephane Deblaise, CEO, Renault Group India, said, “The appointments of Sandeep Bhambra and Dr. Vikraman V mark a transformative moment in Renault Group’s journey in India. India is rapidly emerging as a global epicentre for automotive innovation, and these leaders bring the vision and expertise to harness that momentum. Sandeep’s creative leadership will elevate our design identity, while Vikraman’s engineering depth will drive cutting-edge mobility solutions. Together, they will help position India not just as a contributor, but as a creator of Renault’s future—where global design excellence and Indian ingenuity converge to shape vehicles that inspire, perform, and lead.”

Laurens van den Acker, Chief Design Officer, Renault Group, added, “In an industry undergoing profound transformation, Sandeep’s international experience, creative vision and determination will be key assets to guide our team in India. While continuing his responsibilities as Chief Designer Advanced Renault, he will ensure Renault Design Centre India plays a pivotal role in our global design strategy, creating cars that truly resonate with Indian customers while reinforcing Renault’s global ambitions and strengthening the brand’s presence in this strategic market.”

The Renault Design Centre in Chennai has been renamed Renault Design Centre India to better reflect its strategic role and commitment to the Indian market.

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Hyundai Motor Europe has appointed Wolfgang Würth as Director of PR & Communications, effective 1 October 2025. In this role, he will lead the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy, overseeing all public relations, product and corporate communications activities across the region. Würth will report directly to Xavier Martinet, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, as a key member of the company's leadership team.

His primary focus will be on positioning Hyundai as a leading innovator in electric mobility, leveraging his strong passion for technological advancement and responsible transportation. Würth brings over 20 years of extensive experience in the automotive and technology sectors, with a background in brand strategy, digital marketing and social media from senior international positions at Mercedes-Benz AG and, most recently, smart Europe GmbH. He is also a graduate of the Executive MBA programme offered by the University of St. Gallen and ETH Zurich.

Martinet said, “We are pleased to welcome Wolfgang to the team. With his extensive knowledge and experience in the automotive industry, and his proven ability to craft compelling narratives, Wolfgang will play a key role in driving our brand forward. His expertise will be fundamental as we accelerate our growth and continue to redefine mobility across Europe.”

Würth said, “I am honoured to join Hyundai, a brand of progress, with a unique design philosophy and empowering technology. I look forward to working with the talented teams to strengthen the brand’s presence and inspire our customers across the continent.”

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