FADA Navratri 2026: 3-Wheeler Sales Fall 7.51%, CV Sales Rise 1.12%

Key highlights

• Three-wheeler sales fell 7.51% to 45,735 units.

• Commercial vehicle sales rose 1.12% to 35,618 units.

• Electric three-wheeler sales increased 10.51% to 28,086 units.

• Electric commercial vehicle sales surged 96.04% to 1,288 units.

• Overall EV retail sales grew 26.78% across vehicle categories.

India's three-wheeler retail sales declined 7.51% year-on-year during Navratri 2026, while commercial vehicle (CV) sales recorded modest growth of 1.12%, according to provisional data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). At the same time, electric vehicle sales gained momentum, with electric commercial vehicle sales nearly doubling compared with Navratri 2025.

The data highlights mixed performance across vehicle categories during the festive period, with electric vehicles emerging as a strong growth driver ahead of Dhanteras and Diwali.
Also Read: FADA Three-Wheeler Retail Sales September 2026: Sales Jump 22.25% YoY to 1.33 Lakh Units, Bajaj Auto Leads

FADA Navratri 2026: Three-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Sales

According to FADA Research, India recorded retail sales of 45,735 three-wheelers during Navratri 2026, down from 49,450 units in the corresponding festive period last year. This represents a decline of 7.51% year-on-year.

In comparison, commercial vehicle sales increased slightly to 35,618 units during Navratri 2026, against 35,224 units in Navratri 2025, registering growth of 1.12%.

Despite the year-on-year decline in three-wheeler sales, both segments performed better than they did in Navratri 2024. Three-wheeler retail sales increased by 19.04% from 38,419 units recorded in 2024, while commercial vehicle sales rose 16.47% from 30,580 units.

The figures indicate that although three-wheeler sales faced pressure compared with last year's festive period, demand for both vehicle categories remained higher than it was two years ago.

All-India Three-Wheeler and CV Retail Sales

Source: FADA Research. Figures are provisional.

Electric Three-Wheeler Sales Grow 10.51%

Electric three-wheelers recorded positive growth during Navratri 2026, even as overall three-wheeler sales declined.

Retail sales of electric three-wheelers reached 28,086 units, compared with 25,416 units during Navratri 2025. This represents an increase of 2,670 units, or 10.51% year-on-year.

The segment also performed strongly compared with Navratri 2024, when 20,159 electric three-wheelers were sold. Sales increased by 39.32% over the two-year period.

The growth points to the rising contribution of electric three-wheelers to India's festive vehicle market. Their increasing adoption in passenger transportation and goods delivery is supporting the expansion of electric mobility in the three-wheeler segment.

Electric Commercial Vehicle Sales Nearly Double

Electric commercial vehicles delivered the strongest year-on-year growth among the two vehicle categories covered in FADA's data.

Retail sales of electric commercial vehicles increased to 1,288 units during Navratri 2026, compared with 657 units in Navratri 2025. This translates into growth of 96.04%, with sales increasing by 631 units.

The segment also recorded significant growth compared with Navratri 2024, when electric commercial vehicle sales stood at just 292 units. The latest figure represents an increase of 341.10% over the two-year period.

The strong performance highlights the growing role of electric vehicles in commercial transportation, including goods movement and business-related mobility. Although the number of electric commercial vehicles sold remains lower than that of electric three-wheelers, the pace of growth indicates increasing interest in electric commercial vehicle options.

All-India Electric Three-Wheeler and CV Retail Sales

Source: FADA Research. Figures are provisional.

FADA President Explains Navratri Sales Performance

FADA President Mr. Sai Giridhar said the difference in the duration of the festive periods was an important factor when comparing Navratri 2026 with the previous year.

Navratri 2026 covered ten days, from October 11 to October 20, compared with eleven days from September 22 to October 2 in 2025.

He also pointed out that the Navratri period last year coincided with the rollout of GST 2.0. This brought pent-up demand into a concentrated buying window, influencing vehicle purchases during the festive season.

Despite the decline in three-wheeler sales and relatively modest growth in commercial vehicles, Mr. Giridhar described the overall retail performance as healthy. He also expressed cautious optimism about demand during the upcoming Dhanteras and Diwali celebrations.

These comments suggest that festive sales comparisons should be considered alongside differences in the number of selling days and the market conditions that influenced purchases in each year.

EVs Gain a Larger Role in Festive Vehicle Purchases

FADA reported that electric vehicles continued to gain ground in India's festive retail market, with overall EV retail sales growing 26.78% across vehicle categories.

The performance of electric three-wheelers and electric commercial vehicles supports this broader trend. Both segments recorded year-on-year growth, while electric commercial vehicles delivered particularly strong gains.

The figures also show that electric vehicle sales in both categories were substantially higher than their Navratri 2024 levels. This indicates that the expansion of electric mobility is continuing beyond short-term festive demand fluctuations.

For the commercial vehicle industry, the growth in electric CV sales is an important development as businesses and fleet operators consider alternatives to conventional vehicles. Meanwhile, the rise in electric three-wheeler sales demonstrates continued momentum in a segment widely used for passenger and goods transportation.

Navratri 2026 Retail Data: Period and Coverage

FADA's provisional vehicle retail data was compiled as of October 21, 2026, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. The data was collected from 1,468 out of India's 1,469 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

Vehicle registration data for three-wheelers, commercial vehicles and tractors in Telangana was unavailable for Navratri 2026. Therefore, the figures should be interpreted in light of this data limitation.

The comparison covers the period from the first day of Navratri through Dussehra for each year:

• Navratri 2026: October 11 to October 20, 2026 - 10 days.

• Navratri 2025: September 22 to October 2, 2025 - 11 days.

• Navratri 2024: October 3 to October 12, 2024 - 10 days.

FADA noted that Navratri 2025 included one additional day, which is relevant when comparing retail sales across the three festive periods.

Also Read: OSM Diwali Offer 2026: Get Benefits Worth Up to ₹20,000 on Electric Three-Wheelers

CMV360 Says

FADA's Navratri 2026 data shows mixed vehicle retail performance, with three-wheeler sales declining 7.51% and commercial vehicle sales rising 1.12% year-on-year. Electric mobility remained a bright spot, as electric three-wheeler sales grew 10.51% and electric commercial vehicle sales surged 96.04%. Both segments also recorded strong growth in 2024. With Dhanteras and Diwali approaching, FADA remains cautiously optimistic about festive vehicle demand across India.