Pune: The festive cheer failed to reach the automobile sector in the city this year, with vehicle registrations at the Regional Transport Office (RTO) dropping nearly 18% in the 10 days leading up to Dhanteras.Rising vehicle prices, inflation and job insecurity appear to have dampened buying sentiment, with the decline coming on the heels of a nearly 26% drop in registrations during Navaratra, signalling a subdued buyers’ sentiment this year.RTO data shows Pune RTO registered 13,889 regular vehicles during the 10-day Dhanteras period this year, down from 16,582 a year ago. EV registrations, however, surged 63% to 2,420 from 1,490 during the same period last year. The trend mirrored Navaratra, when regular registrations fell to 10,534 from 14,168, even as EV registrations slightly increased to 1,638 from 1,566.“The reasons for the dip are unclear. Registrations may rise as Dhanteras bookings continue and Padwa approaches. People traditionally buy vehicles during these days. Overall sales have remained healthy this year, with EVs emerging as a key growth driver,” said an RTO official.Sachin Mahajan, state chairperson of the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), attributed the decline in vehicle registrations to drought concerns across Maharashtra. “The slowdown is not limited to Pune. With drought setting in, many people are holding back discretionary spending. Maharashtra is mainly an agrarian economy and people are sensitive to water and drought issues. Moreover, unlike last year, Dasara and Diwali were spread across different months. However, EV sales have risen across Maharashtra due to improved charging infrastructure,” he told TOI.A two-wheeler dealer attributed the slowdown partly to rising vehicle costs. “Higher steel and aluminium prices, coupled with geopolitical uncertainties, have pushed up vehicle prices, while pressure on household budgets may be affecting buying decisions,” the representative said.Consumers, meanwhile, cited inflation and job uncertainty as reasons for deferring purchases. “I had planned to buy a car earlier this year, but rising costs made me reconsider. I work in the private sector. Given the uncertainty around private-sector jobs, I did not want to take on a loan and risk being unable to repay. I could have bought the car on Dhanteras but have decided to wait until the end of this financial year,” said a Magarpatta-based professional, requesting anonymity.Ashutosh Ganjal, a Vimannagar resident, said he had postponed buying a two-wheeler for his daughter due to rising expenses and concerns over job cuts. “Several companies, including multinational ones, are reducing their workforce, citing AI and geopolitical uncertainties. With layoffs and salary cuts affecting spending, I chose not to buy a vehicle on loan. Since Pune Metro offers decent connectivity, I have asked my daughter to use it to commute to college,” he said.RTO action against private busesMeanwhile, Pune RTO took action against 21 private buses found overcharging passengers between Sept and Nov 1. Officials said fines totalling Rs 32.86 lakh were recovered for various violations during the period.
