The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has revised its growth estimates for the passenger vehicle (PV) segment to below 5% for the current fiscal year. The update comes as the industry faces several challenges, including inflation, high-interest rates, and fluctuating consumer demand, which are affecting overall sales momentum in India’s automotive market.

Initially, SIAM had projected a higher growth trajectory for passenger vehicles, driven by post-pandemic recovery and strong demand in both urban and rural markets. However, the industry is now witnessing a slowdown due to economic pressures that are impacting consumer purchasing power. With inflation remaining a persistent concern, vehicle affordability has been affected, leading to a more cautious approach by potential buyers.

The automotive sector has also faced production constraints stemming from supply chain disruptions, including the semiconductor shortage, which has caused delays in vehicle manufacturing and deliveries. While global supply chains are gradually stabilizing, the after-effects are still being felt across the industry, limiting the availability of certain vehicle models in the market.

Interest rate hikes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to control inflation have further contributed to the slowdown. Higher borrowing costs have deterred many middle-class consumers from taking out loans for new car purchases, directly impacting passenger vehicle sales. The auto industry, which is highly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, is likely to experience subdued demand unless financial conditions improve.

SIAM's revised forecast reflects the cautious sentiment within the automotive industry, with manufacturers closely monitoring market trends and adjusting production schedules accordingly. The subdued growth outlook is expected to persist unless macroeconomic factors, including inflation and interest rates, show signs of improvement in the coming quarters.

While the long-term prospects for India's passenger vehicle market remain positive, especially with the growing interest in electric vehicles and new launches, the current fiscal year is expected to be a challenging period for automakers. Industry stakeholders are hopeful that the festive season might provide a boost in sales, but the overall sentiment is tempered by the economic headwinds the sector continues to face.