Pune vehicle registrations fall 25.7% over Navratri and Dussehra, electric vehicles up

The tradition of buying a new vehicle on the auspicious Dussehra muhurat continues, but Pune's vehicle market did not show the expected enthusiasm this time. New vehicle registrations at the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) during Navratri and Dussehra were about 25.7 per cent lower than last year. Despite the fall in total registrations, electric vehicle registrations rose.

According to RTO data, 10,534 new vehicles were registered in Pune between October 10 and 19, 2026. In the same festive period last year, the figure was 14,168, meaning 3,634 fewer vehicles were registered this time.

Two-wheelers again accounted for the most registrations. A total of 7,046 two-wheelers were registered, against 8,007 in the same period last year, a decline. The fall in cars was much steeper: 2,595 cars were registered, against 4,813 last year, a drop of about 46 per cent.

While registrations of conventional vehicles fell, those of electric vehicles rose. This time 1,638 electric vehicles were registered, against 1,566 last year, an increase of about 4.6 per cent. These include 1,182 electric two-wheelers and 382 electric cars. Registrations of electric goods vehicles also rose, with 44 recorded this time against 16 last year. Electric buses also saw an increase, with three buses registered this time.

Along with private vehicles, some commercial vehicle registrations also fell. This time 229 tourist taxis were registered, against 423 last year. Auto-rickshaw registrations also dropped, with 41 registered against 183 last year. Goods vehicles numbered 507, against 577 last year. Tractor registrations also declined, with 42 registered against 100 last year. Buses saw a marginal rise, with 36 registered against 33 last year.

Although registrations were low around Dussehra, vehicle purchases are expected to pick up again during Diwali and Dhanteras. It has also been suggested that some customers may have postponed their purchases to the Diwali muhurat. Vehicle dealers and the auto industry are therefore watching how the market performs in the coming festive season.