Festive stocking pushes up passenger vehicle sales in September

Vehicle manufacturers had increased inventory amid expectation that retail sales would pick up during festivals

Wholesale numbers of cars and utility vehicles rebounded in August due to pent-up demand and the onset of the festive season.

Passenger vehicle wholesales rose 26.5 per cent year-on-year to 2,72,027 units in September, as demand for compact cars and entry-level sport utility vehicles (SUVs) continued to rise in rural, semi-urban, and some urban markets, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) on Friday.

However, Siam President Kenichi Ayukawa said even though the industry expected a boost in demand during the festive season, a clear picture of whether there has been an actual recovery will emerge only