Car manufacturers, dealers, consumer durables, and electronic appliance retailers are optimistic about a prosperous festive season, spurred by the implementation of GST 2.0, which has boosted consumer sentiment. The reduction in GST rates and the introduction of special festive offers have significantly increased consumer interest, leading to more inquiries, showroom visits, and deliveries across various segments.

Several manufacturers have reported impressive sales figures right from the start of Navratri. Tata Motors, for instance, reported the retail of approximately 10,000 passenger vehicles on the first day of Navratri, alongside more than 25,000 customer inquiries at dealerships nationwide. Maruti Suzuki retailed around 30,000 units, and Hyundai recorded 11,000 dealer billings, marking its highest single-day performance in the last five years.

The Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA) President, CS Vigneshwar, expressed strong optimism about the growth, noting the increase in customer showroom visits and shopping intent. The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President, Shailesh Chandra, echoed this sentiment, stating that the start to the festive season has been extremely encouraging, with the GST reduction and festive offers sparking extraordinary consumer interest. Chandra also noted unprecedented walk-ins, a surge in inquiries, and record deliveries across most segments in the first two days of the festive season.

In the consumer durables sector, companies like Panasonic have also experienced a surge in sales. Panasonic Life Solutions India Pvt Ltd Business Head- AC Group, Abhishek Verma, mentioned that the company's AC business registered a record start to the festive season, driven by the GST reduction on ACs from 28% to 18% and attractive consumer offers. Panasonic achieved single-day residential AC sales surpassing 7,000 units, with a 50% growth in the offline channel.

The GST Council's decision to implement significant rate cuts across multiple sectors has been described by the government as a "Diwali gift" to the nation. A large percentage of goods previously in the 12% GST bracket have been moved to the 5% GST bracket. Electronic items have also seen considerable success under GST 2.0, with reduced prices on high-demand products. Split AC prices have decreased by Rs 3,000-5,000, while high-end TVs have seen price cuts of up to Rs 85,000. Many electronic manufacturers have reported a substantial increase in sales as a result. Air conditioners, televisions above 32 inches, monitors, projectors, and dishwashing machines now attract 18% GST instead of the previous 28%.

The automobile sector has particularly benefited, with smaller sub-4 metre cars moved into the 18% slab and the compensation cess on automobiles completely removed. Bookings for small cars have surged, recording a 50% increase compared to usual festive season rates.