MAM
Auto retail hits record February with 24.09 lakh units
Overall sales surge 25.62 per cent YoY, 2W, PV, CV, 3W and tractors set new February highs.
MUMBAI: February 2026 just floored the accelerator because when auto retail clocks its best-ever month, even the showroom floors feel the need for speed. The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) released February 2026 retail data on 5 March, revealing a landmark performance across segments. Total vehicle retails reached 24,09,362 units, up 25.62 per cent year-on-year, marking the strongest February on record for overall retail, two-wheelers (17,00,505 units, +25.02 per cent), passenger vehicles (3,94,768 units, +26.12 per cent), commercial vehicles (1,00,820 units, +28.89 per cent), three-wheelers (1,17,130 units, +24.39 per cent) and tractors (89,418 units, +36.35 per cent). Construction equipment was the lone exception, dipping 1.22% YoY to 6,721 units.
FADA president C S Vigneshwar said, “Feb’26 has turned out to be a landmark month for the Indian auto retail sector, further strengthening the positive momentum seen after the GST 2.0 announcement. Despite being a shorter month, the industry delivered an exceptional performance.”
Growth was broad-based. Two-wheelers saw urban markets rise 28.96 per cent YoY and rural 22.16 per cent YoY, driven by improved rural liquidity, attractive schemes and the marriage season. Passenger vehicles showed rural growth (34.21 per cent YoY) outpacing urban (21.12 per cent YoY), supporting small-car demand alongside continued SUV strength. Commercial vehicles benefited from freight availability, e-commerce activity and infrastructure push.
Inventory signals improved significantly in passenger vehicles, with levels dropping to 27–29 days closer to FADA’s recommended 21-day benchmark indicating healthier wholesale-retail alignment.
Looking ahead, dealer sentiment remains positive. For March 2026, 75.51 per cent of dealers expect growth, 19.90 per cent foresee stability and only 4.59 per cent anticipate decline, supported by festivals (Navratri, Ramzan, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Eid) and financial year-end buying. Over the next three months (March–May 2026), 67.35 per cent expect growth (down from earlier optimism), 27.55 per cent flat and 5.10 per cent de-growth, pointing to a shift from sharp rebound to more stable expansion.
In a market where every segment is revving up, February 2026 didn’t just break records, it proved that when policy tailwinds meet rural recovery and retail discipline, the Indian auto story accelerates into overdrive.
Brands
Raj Cooling Systems launches Agreyas appliances brand
Emraan Hashmi named brand ambassador for consumer appliance push.
MUMBAI: A company known for cooling solutions is now heating up its ambitions in the home appliances market. Raj Cooling Systems Pvt. Ltd. has launched a new consumer appliances brand, Agreyas, marking its entry into India’s rapidly expanding home appliances sector valued at more than Rs 1.5 lakh crore. The move represents a strategic diversification for the company, which has traditionally focused on cooling solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Through Agreyas, the firm plans to tap into growing consumer demand for energy efficient and technology driven household appliances.
To build brand visibility, Agreyas has appointed Emraan Hashmi as its brand ambassador. The campaign has been developed under the banner of Zoommantra Productions, with actor and filmmaker Rohit Roy contributing to the creative direction.
The brand’s initial portfolio will include mid premium air conditioners, washing machines, geysers and other white goods designed to cater to modern Indian households seeking efficient and reliable appliances.
Raj Cooling Systems, founder and chairman Kalpesh Ramoliya said the launch aligns with the company’s broader expansion plans.
“The launch of Agreyas is in line with our vision to build a strong presence in India’s consumer electronics and home appliances market. The brand has been developed as a standalone identity to meet the evolving needs of Indian consumers,” he said.
Hashmi said the collaboration comes at a time when Indian buyers are increasingly looking for innovative and functional home solutions.
“I’m looking forward to working with Agreyas at a time when consumers are seeking more innovative and efficient home products. The brand reflects changing consumer behaviour around functionality, innovation and ease of use,” he said.
Raj Cooling Systems plans to invest around 10 million dollars in developing the brand, with an additional 5 million dollars earmarked over the next three to five years for product development and distribution expansion.
Agreyas will follow a multi channel distribution approach, selling through online platforms, retail outlets and dealer networks aimed at both urban and semi urban markets across India.
With the launch, the company is positioning Agreyas as a standalone consumer facing brand while continuing to leverage its existing manufacturing, engineering and research capabilities built through its core cooling solutions business.
