
For both automakers and consumers, the Indian government's GST Bachat Utsav has been a pleasant respite. In the new tax system:
Small automobiles and two-wheelers under 350cc are now subject to 18% GST instead of 28%.
After the cess was removed, the tax on large automobiles and SUVs, which formerly exceeded 50%, is now effective at 40%.
The larger "GST 2.0" change, which aims to streamline tax slabs and boost domestic consumption across all sectors, includes this action.
The reform appears to be effective based on preliminary data. In Madhya Pradesh, for example, car sales increased by 55% and two-wheeler sales by 24% during the Navratri festival, a 43% increase.
For purchasers, this results in substantial cost savings:
Automobiles: ₹30,000 to ₹1.5 lakh discount, depending on size and model.
Two-wheelers: often less expensive at ₹7,000 to ₹15,000.
The market has seen a sharp increase in auto stocks. Following the announcement, firms like Maruti Suzuki and Eicher Motors saw gains of over 20% on the Nifty Auto Index.
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