Factory Passenger Vehicle Shipments Jump 21% in India

Wholesale deliveries of cars and SUVs in India surged 21% to 268,600 units in October, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers reports.

SIAM says shipments of commercial vehicles in October grew 13% to 58,600 units. Demand for scooters and motorcycles climbed 13% to 1.66 million two-wheelers.

Analysts and manufacturers say some of the increase was caused by dealers adding inventory for the upcoming festival season. They say demand over the next few months will indicate whether industry sales in India are heading for a new high.