Growth of automobiles in April’12 remains subdued; two-wheeler’s report robust sales

02 May 2012 Evaluate

Uncertainty in fuel prices and hike in excise duty dampened the growth of automobiles in April 2012. With petrol prices expected to rise further, diesel models continued to drive growth for most players.  Market leader Maruti Suzuki registered modest growth of 3.4% last month on the back of success of its new Ertiga MPV and the Swift range. However, Maruti's passenger car sales in the domestic market declined by 1.3% to 72,939 units and sales of mini-segment cars, including the M800, A-Star, Alto and WagonR, fell by 26.4% to 30,720 units during the month.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor posted 49% increase in sales at 14,378 units primarily on the back of Etios. On the other hand, Honda Siel trebled volumes to 7,075 units on increased off-take of Brio, the small car, on resumption of normal production at its manufacturing facility in India. The company had witnessed slow sales last year due to disruptions in supply of components because of the tsunami in Japan and the flood in Thailand.

Tata Motors saw sales dip by 3% to 22,658 units last month. Sales of Nano small car dipped by a fifth to 8,028 units. Mahindra's strong diesel portfolio led to a 33% rise, whereas General Motors and Ford both posted a decline of 20% (8,005 units) and 2%, respectively. Experts say with interest rates remaining high, entry-level buyers are being cautious and deferring purchases, which have led to a slowing in sales, particularly in the small car segment.

Two-wheeler makers like Hero MotoCorp, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI), TVS Motor Company and Yamaha Motor reported robust sales in April. Hero MotoCorp continued with brisk business as the company achieved its highest monthly sales in April, registering a growth of 6.6%. HMSI posted growth of a whopping 45.53% jump in its total sales for April.  On the hand, TVS Motor reported a 4% increase in sales as compared to same month last year. Yamaha sales grew 6% increase and VE Commercial Vehicles clocked 14.8% sales growth in April 2012.

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