GST Rate Cuts Ignite Festive Sales Boom for Maruti and Hyundai During Navratri

Just as Navratri kicked off with its usual burst of energy and celebration, India's automakers received an unexpected boost from the GST Council's timely rate cuts. On the first day of the festival, Monday, both Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India reported a noticeable uptick in bookings, making affordability feel a little less out of reach for eager buyers.

The rate reductions, which took effect immediately, haven't just timed perfectly with the nine-day festival—they've been fueling excitement since the announcement. Families and individuals, long eyeing that new set of wheels, found the adjusted prices more inviting, leading to a rush at dealerships across the country. Maruti Suzuki, India's largest carmaker, saw bookings climb steadily, while Hyundai echoed similar enthusiasm from its showrooms.

This festive synergy isn't happening in a vacuum. Navratri is traditionally a high season for big-ticket purchases like cars in India, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings. Layer on the GST relief, and you've got a recipe for what industry watchers are calling a 'bumper' start to the season. Lower taxes mean slimmer price tags, directly padding consumers' wallets during a time when spending on festivities often stretches budgets thin.

Looking ahead, this momentum could set the tone for the entire Diwali shopping rush. With economic pressures easing slightly, automakers like Maruti and Hyundai are optimistic about sustaining this growth. As one dealer put it, "It's like the stars aligned—festival vibes plus real savings." For now, the roads of India seem poised for more shiny new rides.

Read the original article on NDTV Profit for full details.