Fewer new cars driven home this Dussehra

A slump in the economy and rising fuel prices have put a dampener on hot wheels this Dussehra. Most metros have reported a drop in vehicle purchases on what is otherwise considered an auspicious day to drive home a new set of wheels.

Amdavadis took possession of about 3,500 cars on Dussehra, almost equalling the deliveries made last year on the same festival, say local dealers.

In Mumbai, though the mood is upbeat, the sales are not. Sales executives at car and SUV showrooms say that though footfall has increased compared to last year, this has not translated into sales. "Last year, we sold around 50 vehicles during the Navratri-Dussehra period," says a sales executive at the Mahindra & Mahindra showroom in Andheri, Mumbai. "However, we sold only around 40 cars this year."A BMW showroom in the city's suburbs faces a similar situation. This year, it sold 17 cars as opposed to the 34 sold last year. "But people have begun inquiring about Diwali offers," says a sales executive. "So let's hope sales increase as the festival approaches."