NEW DELHI:India’s automobile industry began FY27 with strong growth across segments, led by rising demand for SUVs and two-wheelers, even as concerns persist over higher commodity prices linked to tensions in West Asia.Domestic passenger vehicle sales rose 26% year-on-year to nearly 4.4 lakh units in April, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam). The industry had dispatched around 3.5 lakh passenger vehicles to dealers in April last year.Sport utility vehicles continued to dominate the passenger vehicles market, with utility vehicle dispatches climbing 20% to 2.4 lakh units during the month. Passenger car sales grew at a faster pace, rising 33% year-on year to 1.2 lakh units, while van sales increased 14.4% to 13,087 units.

Rajesh Menon, director, Siam, said the industry had carried forward the momentum seen in the second half of FY26, with strong doubledigit growth across passenger vehicles, two-wheelers and three-wheelers. He added that demand has remained healthy despite concerns around rising commodity costs stemming from disruptions in West Asia.The two-wheeler segment also posted strong growth, with overall sales rising 28% to 18.7 lakh units in April. Motorcycle sales rose 30.6% to 11.3 lakh units, while scooter dispatches increased 26.2% to 6.9 lakh units.Three-wheeler sales grew 32.8% year-on-year to 65,668 units last month.