ICRA: Passenger Vehicle Growth to Slow, Tractor Growth to Stabilize

ICRA: Passenger Vehicle Growth to Slow, Tractor Growth to Stabilize.webp

New Delhi, April 3 India's passenger vehicle industry is expected to see growth moderate to 4-6 per cent in FY27, largely due to the high base and evolving macroeconomic conditions, ratings agency ICRA said on Friday.

For FY26, the industry is estimated to report wholesale volume growth of around 7-9 per cent, supported by strong festive demand, GST rate cuts, and multiple new model launches, ICRA said in a statement.

"The industry continues to witness structural shifts, with utility vehicles accounting for nearly 67 per cent of overall sales, reflecting sustained premiumisation trends," it said.

Further, the increasing adoption of alternative powertrains such as CNG and electric vehicles is aiding demand diversification, ICRA said.

Despite the anticipated moderation in growth, passenger vehicle original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are expected to continue with significant capital expenditure towards new product development and electric vehicle platforms, while tractor manufacturers are likely to benefit from stable input costs and operating leverage, it added.

Looking ahead, key monitorables for the PV industry include inflationary pressures arising from geopolitical developments and interest rate movements, ICRA said.

Similarly for the tractor industry, ICRA said growth is likely to moderate to 1-4 per cent in FY2027, given the high base and expected normalisation in demand.

The tractor industry has witnessed a sharp uptick, with wholesale volumes growing by 22.8 per cent in the 11 months of FY2026, supported by favourable monsoons, improved agricultural output, and GST reduction on tractors.

"(Tractor) industry volumes are expected to reach an all-time high in FY2026," it said.

Looking ahead, tractor demand will remain closely linked to monsoon performance and rural income levels, with potential El Niño conditions posing a downside risk.

Despite the anticipated moderation in growth, the credit profiles of OEMs in both sectors are expected to remain strong, supported by low leverage, healthy liquidity, and improving operating performance, ICRA noted.
 
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alternative powertrains automotive industry cng vehicles electric vehicles fy27 icra ratings india monsoon passenger vehicles rural income tractor industry tractor sales utility vehicles vehicle sales wholesale volumes
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