Bajaj Auto Leads as 3W Retail Sales Rise 8.64% in August

Three-wheeler retail sales in India increased 8.64% year-on-year to 1,22,281 units in August 2026, marking the segment’s highest-ever sales for the month, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA). Sales stood at 1,12,553 units in August 2025. However, retail volumes declined 8.59% from 1,33,778 units sold in July 2026.

Rural markets were the key driver of annual growth, with three-wheeler retail sales increasing 23.95% year-on-year, while urban markets recorded a 6.95% decline. On a sequential basis, rural and urban volumes fell 8.20% and 9.12%, respectively. Passenger three-wheeler sales increased 23.11% to 72,657 units, while goods three-wheelers grew 42.76% to 14,614 units.

Electric vehicles accounted for 65.30% of total three-wheeler retail sales in August, up from 65.07% in July and 56.63% in August 2025. FADA said the three-wheeler segment has become structurally electric, with EV penetration remaining above 65%. However, passenger electric rickshaw sales declined 22.03% to 28,816 units, while electric rickshaw carts fell 2.98% to 6,029 units. CNG/LPG vehicles accounted for 21.50% of sales and diesel vehicles for 12.89%.

At the OEM level, Bajaj Auto retained its leadership with 42,605 units and a 34.84% market share. Mahindra & Mahindra recorded 13,381 units with a 10.94% share, followed closely by Mahindra Last Mile Mobility with 13,367 units and a 10.93% share. Piaggio Vehicles sold 8,426 units, while TVS Motor Company recorded 7,139 units during the month.

FADA expects three-wheeler demand to improve in September, supported by the broader festive season. However, the association noted that rural demand could remain sensitive to rainfall conditions. The August data excludes Telangana, as registrations from the state were unavailable when the data was compiled. FADA said the figures were collated as of September 4, 2026, covering 1,467 of 1,469 RTOs.