'Pitru Paksha' discounts on cars? No more, say dealers

Estimating weaker demand during the Pitru Paksha period, car manufactures and dealers used to offer discounts to lure buyers.

That’s not the scene any more as dealers say they used to see mere bookings and not delivery orders during this period.

DNA spoke to sales executives of various car dealers like Hyundai, Maruti and Tata Motors, who confirmed that the discounts have stopped.

A sales executive of an auto company who requested anonymity said, “Now, customers are more educated, aware and smart — they only pay the booking amount and take deliveries only after Pitru Paksha gets over.”

Compare this to a 15-30% discount on the car prices that was available until last year.

Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalya Paksha — where Hindus pay homage to their dead ancestors and forefathers — gets over today. Since this period is considered inauspicious, people avoid new purchases in this period.

Also, the demand for cars and escalating costs of raw materials for automobile manufacturers has resulted in a waiting list for buyers.

Not just cars, even discounts on homes are missing this year, as demand is high. “Since the festive season is on, the demographics are expected to further improve with a 10-15% rise in real estate prices and their volumes” a real estate analyst said.