GST exemption fuels vehicle sales; 199.01% increase recorded in some cases

KOCHI: With the GST hiked from 28 to 14 percent in October, e-vehicle sales in Kerala have seen a record increase. 12,104 e-cars were sold last October, compared to 6,431 in October 2024. An increase of 88.21 percent. Sales of petrol and diesel cars, as well as commercial and used vehicles, also increased.

Sales of electric commercial vehicles also hit a record high. Sales in October 2024 were just 101, but last October were 302. An increase of 199.01 percent. Sales of diesel, petrol and CNG cars increased by 17.04 percent. Sales last October were 24,126, but in October 2024 they were 20,613.

Sales of electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers have also increased, according to figures from the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

E-Vehicle Sales (Percentage Increase)

Two-wheeler...............32.01

Three-wheeler..................59.37

Commercial...............199.01

Cars..................88.21

Total...................41.91

Other Vehicles

Two-wheeler..............32.64

Three-wheeler.................25.36

Commercial.............21.37

Cars.............17.04

Tractor.................56.52

Total...................27.46

'The benefits of reducing GST will continue for a long time. Used car sales have also increased".

-K. John Paul, Former President, FADA, Kerala