SRINAGAR, Nov 7 (Agencies): Automobile retail in Jammu and Kashmir recorded a sharp contraction in October 2026, with total vehicle registrations falling 28.5 per cent year-on-year to 19,856 units against 27,771 units in the corresponding month last year.
The decline was spread across most vehicle segments, with two-wheelers and passenger vehicles accounting for the bulk of the contraction. Retail sales also fell 6.5 per cent compared to September 2026, when 21,234 vehicles were registered.
According to data released by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), two-wheeler registrations dropped 34.1 per cent to 10,472 units in October from 15,890 units a year earlier. Passenger vehicle registrations declined 27.98 per cent, falling from 9,009 to 6,488 units.
Commercial vehicle retail also remained subdued, recording a 3.73 per cent decline to 930 units against 966 units in October 2025. Tractor registrations fell 12.04 per cent to 336 units from 382 units.
The three-wheeler segment was among the few categories to register growth, with sales rising 6.21 per cent to 1,590 units from 1,497 units. Construction equipment recorded the highest percentage growth, increasing 48.15 per cent, although volumes remained small at 40 units against 27 units a year earlier.
Commenting on the performance, Sanjay Aggarwal, Chairperson of FADA Jammu and Kashmir, said the October figures reflected a cautious phase for the automobile market, with consumer demand yet to recover evenly across vehicle categories.
He said affordability, financing options and prevailing economic conditions continued to influence purchasing decisions, while the timing of festive purchases and delivery schedules may also have affected October’s retail numbers.
Aggarwal expressed hope that the upcoming festive and marriage seasons would help revive demand, particularly in the passenger vehicle and two-wheeler segments. He said dealerships were preparing for increased customer enquiries through product offerings, financing options and festive campaigns.
The decline comes despite the traditional importance of the festive period for automobile purchases, indicating that consumer demand in the region remains under pressure. The sharper annual contraction, compared to the relatively moderate monthly decline, also points to a weaker market than the corresponding festive-season period last year.