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Buyers Delay Purchases as India Mulls Major Auto Tax Overhaul
26 Aug
Summary
- Indian auto sales slowing as buyers wait for potential 10% GST cut
- Jefferies expects 2Ws and small PVs to benefit most from tax changes
- Demand softening now could trigger festive season sales surge

As of August 26th, 2025, Indian auto sales are slowing as buyers delay purchases in anticipation of a potential 10% GST rate cut in September. The GST Council is scheduled to meet on September 3-4 to finalize the new tax structure, and consumers are holding off on fresh vehicle purchases, creating a peculiar market dynamic.
Jefferies, a global brokerage firm, expects two-wheelers and small passenger vehicles to emerge as the biggest beneficiaries of the tax rationalization. While the demand softening today could trigger a festive season sales explosion tomorrow, the proposed changes would see most auto segments, currently taxed at 28%, drop to 18%, with EVs and tractors potentially enjoying a mere 5% rate.
Nomura estimates the GST reduction could have a multiplier effect of 1.0-1.5x on demand, implying a 5-10% potential increase. Popular models like the WagonR, Bolero, Brezza, Creta, and XUV700 could see substantial price cuts ranging from 3% to 10%. Jefferies' preferred stock picks are Mahindra & Mahindra and TVS Motor, followed by Maruti Suzuki and Eicher Motors, while Nomura identifies M&M, Maruti, Ashok Leyland, and TVS as stocks with the biggest upside potential.