Khyati Sharma 2026-11-03
India's two-wheeler industry recorded combined domestic sales and exports of 1,52,94,169 units during April–September 2026, marking 20.35% year-on-year growth. Domestic demand improved, while exports expanded even faster, with scooters emerging as a major growth driver.
India's two-wheeler industry has delivered a strong performance during the first half of FY2027. Combined domestic sales and exports crossed 1.52 crore units between April and September 2026, reflecting healthy demand in the domestic market and increasing shipments to international destinations.
According to the available industry sales data, total volumes reached 1,52,94,169 units in H1 FY2027, compared with 1,27,07,710 units in the corresponding period of FY2026. This represents year-on-year growth of approximately 20.35%.
Domestic two-wheeler sales stood at 1,20,86,812 units, registering growth of 17.63%. Meanwhile, exports increased by 31.86% to 32,07,357 units.
The export performance is particularly significant because overseas shipments grew considerably faster than domestic sales. Scooters also recorded strong growth, while motorcycles continued to account for the largest share of total volumes.
India's domestic two-wheeler market recorded sales of 1,20,86,812 units during April–September 2026. This was higher than the 1,02,75,298 units recorded during the same period in the previous financial year.
The 17.63% increase reflects improving demand across different vehicle categories. Motorcycles continued to account for the largest portion of domestic sales, supported by demand for commuter and premium models.
The scooter segment also made a significant contribution. Its growth was considerably stronger than that of motorcycles, reflecting increasing interest in automatic two-wheelers for daily commuting and urban mobility.
Several factors supported the market during the first half of FY2027. Improved vehicle affordability following GST 2.0, replacement demand, rural and urban market activity and the availability of new models contributed to the industry's performance.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) also highlighted improved affordability, a replacement cycle and varying market penetration levels as important factors supporting two-wheeler growth during Q2 FY2027.
Exports were one of the strongest contributors to India's two-wheeler industry performance.
Indian manufacturers exported 32,07,357 two-wheelers during April–September 2026, compared with 24,32,412 units in the corresponding period last year. This represents growth of 31.86%.
The increase demonstrates the importance of international markets for Indian two-wheeler manufacturers. Indian-made motorcycles and scooters serve customers across several regions, including Africa, South Asia and Latin America.
Motorcycles continued to dominate export volumes, accounting for more than 86% of total two-wheeler shipments. Scooter exports also recorded healthy growth, while moped exports declined.
Bajaj Auto, TVS Motor and other manufacturers have established international distribution networks that support their overseas business. Their commuter motorcycles and affordable mobility products remain important contributors to India's export performance.
The strong export numbers also indicate that Indian manufacturing facilities are supplying a growing number of vehicles to international markets. <Cite refs={["turn130342search0","turn130342search2"]}/>
Motorcycles continued to dominate the Indian two-wheeler market during H1 FY2027.
Domestic motorcycle sales reached 69,28,700 units, registering growth of 10.44% compared with the corresponding period last year. Motorcycles accounted for approximately 57.32% of total domestic two-wheeler sales.
Commuter motorcycles remain particularly important in India because they offer practical transportation for daily travel. Models such as the Hero Splendor, Honda Shine, Bajaj Pulsar and other popular motorcycles attract buyers across different price categories.
The domestic motorcycle market also includes premium and performance-oriented products, which cater to customers looking for higher engine capacity, advanced features and improved performance.
Although motorcycles maintained the largest market share, their growth rate was lower than that of scooters during the period.
Scooters emerged as one of the strongest growth drivers in India's two-wheeler market.
Domestic scooter sales reached 48,65,192 units in H1 FY2027, representing growth of 29.38% over the corresponding period last year.
This growth reflects the increasing popularity of scooters among urban and suburban buyers. Their automatic transmission, convenient riding position, storage space and ease of use make them suitable for everyday commuting.
Popular models such as the Honda Activa, TVS Jupiter and Suzuki Access continue to attract customers. Electric scooters are also becoming an increasingly important part of the segment.
Models including the TVS iQube, Bajaj Chetak, Ather Rizta and Hero Vida contributed to the expanding electric two-wheeler market.
The growing availability of electric scooters, improvements in battery technology and increasing product choices are providing customers with more alternatives to conventional petrol-powered models.
Motorcycles also dominated India's two-wheeler exports during the first half of FY2027.
Motorcycle exports reached 27,64,662 units, increasing 31.83% year-on-year. This represented approximately 86.20% of total two-wheeler exports.
Scooter exports increased 34.95% to 4,35,363 units, while moped exports declined 42.03% to 7,332 units.
The Bajaj Boxer emerged as the leading model in the export rankings, followed by the TVS Star City. The Bajaj Pulsar and CT also recorded substantial export volumes.
These figures highlight the importance of affordable commuter motorcycles in overseas markets. Indian manufacturers have built strong positions in countries where practical, fuel-efficient and competitively priced two-wheelers remain in demand.
|
Segment |
Domestic Sales |
Exports |
Combined Volume |
|
Motorcycles |
69,28,700 |
27,64,662 |
96,93,362 |
|
Scooters |
48,65,192 |
4,35,363 |
53,00,555 |
|
Mopeds |
2,92,920 |
7332 |
3,00,252 |
|
Total |
1,20,86,812 |
32,07,357 |
1,52,94,169 |
Several factors are contributing to the positive performance of India's two-wheeler industry.
1. Improved Vehicle Affordability
Changes following GST 2.0 have supported improved affordability across parts of the automobile market. More accessible pricing can encourage customers to purchase new vehicles or replace older two-wheelers.
2. Replacement Demand
A growing number of customers are replacing older motorcycles and scooters with newer models. Buyers are increasingly considering improved fuel efficiency, comfort, safety equipment and modern features.
3. Growing Scooter Demand
Scooters are becoming an important choice for everyday transportation. Their convenience and ease of operation appeal to a wide range of customers, particularly in urban markets.
4. Expansion of Electric Two-Wheelers
Electric scooters are adding another growth opportunity for manufacturers. Established companies and dedicated EV brands are expanding their product portfolios, giving buyers more options.
5. Strong International Demand
Exports are growing faster than domestic sales, highlighting the importance of overseas markets. Indian manufacturers are supplying vehicles to customers across multiple international regions, particularly in commuter-focused segments.
The performance during April–September 2026 provides a positive starting point for the second half of FY2027.
Demand during the festive season, new product introductions, replacement purchases and the expansion of electric two-wheelers could support the market in the coming months.
Exports are also expected to remain an important area of focus for manufacturers. The strong first-half growth indicates that international markets are becoming increasingly significant for India's two-wheeler industry.
However, future performance will depend on economic conditions, consumer purchasing power, financing availability, commodity prices and demand in key export destinations.
Manufacturers will also need to balance petrol-powered product development with investments in electric mobility and new technologies.
India's two-wheeler industry crossed a major milestone during the first half of FY2027, recording combined domestic sales and exports of 1,52,94,169 units. Overall volumes increased 20.35% year-on-year, supported by 17.63% growth in domestic sales and 31.86% growth in exports.
Motorcycles remained the largest category, while scooters delivered faster domestic growth. Overseas shipments also strengthened, with motorcycle exports accounting for the majority of total export volumes.
The figures highlight India's position as an important two-wheeler manufacturing and export hub. With growing demand for scooters, continued interest in commuter motorcycles and an expanding electric vehicle market, the industry has several opportunities for further growth during the remainder of FY2027.