Maruti Suzuki Sets Record on First Day of Navratri, Sells 30,000 Cars in a Single Day

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car manufacturer, has created a new benchmark on the first day of GST 2.0 implementation. On the opening day of Navratri, the company sold 30,000 cars nationwide and received 80,000 customer inquiries, demonstrating strong consumer response.

GST Price Cuts Drive Sales

Maruti Suzuki recently announced new prices for its models to pass on the full benefit of GST reductions to customers. For instance, the entry-level Alto K10 is now priced at ₹3,69,900, down by ₹1,07,600, while the Grand Vitara has also seen a price drop of ₹1,07,600.

How GST 2.0 Works for Cars

The government reduced GST rates on several items, including small cars, as part of its latest tax reform on September 4, 2025. This is considered the most significant reform since the introduction of GST in July 2017. The previous four tax slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%) have been simplified into two slabs: 5% and 18%.

• Small Cars: Less than 4 meters in length, petrol engine under 1,200cc, diesel engine under 1,500cc — taxed at 18% GST.

• Large/Luxury Cars: More than 4 meters in length, petrol engine over 1,200cc, diesel engine over 1,500cc — taxed at 40% GST.

• Hybrid Cars: Same rules as above.

• Electric Cars: Continue to attract 5% GST.

Who Benefits the Most?

Maruti Suzuki, whose sales largely comprise small cars, is considered the biggest beneficiary of this GST reform. However, vehicles must meet all the criteria to qualify for the lower 18% slab.

• For example, the Jimny is under 4 meters long but has a 1.5-liter petrol engine, placing it in the 40% tax slab.

• The Ertiga, with a 1,198cc engine, exceeds 4 meters in length and also falls under the 40% slab.

This means even a minor deviation in engine size or car length can shift a vehicle from the 18% slab to 40%, impacting affordability.