NEW DELHI: Automobile sales in India are poised to grow in double-digits in 2021, rebounding from the 15-20 per cent drop last year, when the industry faced widespread disruptions from the pandemic.

Sales are expected to get a boost from a faster-than-expected recovery in economic activity and vaccination drive against covid-19, said industry executives and analysts, report agencies.

This will also benefit auto parts makers whose sales are expected to grow in double-digits following increased demand from automobile manufacturers as well as in the after-market segment. “While temporary disruptions will impact production and sales in FY21, demand is showing signs of sustenance, supported by rural cash flows, demand for personal mobility, and easy liquidity in the market.

The industry has reduced expenses on all other cost heads in H1FY21, and a part of this benefit will be carried forward in coming quarters also,” according to credit rating agency Icra.

Vinkesh Gulati, president, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) said since the lockdown was lifted, the industry has been witnessing one of the best ‘V’ shaped recoveries in years, aided by good monsoons and better harvest, festive demand and wedding season.

“Lately, we have seen good pent-up demand in passenger vehicles and hopefully, it will stay as safer mobility and new launches this year will keep the demand going. While the industry will witness an overall decline of around 20-25 per cent on a financial year basis, things will start looking better from April, aided by lower base of last year,” Gulati said.

Rajesh Menon, director general of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, said the industry saw one of the steepest downturn in years during Q1 due to strict measures.