HYDERABAD:Auto sector made a comeback of sorts with overall sales improving in April over the same period last year. Better sales at the start of the fiscal is good news for the sector, which has been witnessing subdued growth for sometime.
Maruti Suzuki India’s domestic sales rose 27.3 per cent in April, 2015 to 1,00,709 units as against 79,119 units in April, 2014. While mini car sales, including, Alto and WagonR, rose 35.9 per cent to 35,403 units as against 26,043 units a year ago, compact segment sales comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire rose 8.7 per cent to 42,297 units in April, 2015.
Rival Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) witnessed 9.5 per cent growth selling 38,601 units as against 35,248. “The growth during the month was achieved on the strength of strong and young product portfolio led by 12,425 units of Elite i20 and i20 Active in a challenging market conditions especially in the rural market,” said Rakesh Srivastava, Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing), HMIL.
Honda Cars India had a good run in April, registering 14 per cent jump in its domestic sales at 12,636 units during the month as against 11,040 units in April, 2014.
Utility vehicle major M&M saw its domestic sales rise by 1 per cent to 34,467 units last month over 34,107 units last year. “The auto industry is hopeful of a better financial year as we see positive sentiments on the back of various policy and project announcements leading to higher levels of economic activity,” said Pravin Shah, Chief Executive (Automotive Division), M&M.
On the other hand, General Motors India, whose sales plunged sharply by 31.87 per cent during April, 2015 over the previous year said, the overall customer sentiment has not picked up as expected and the rural markets were facing challenging times.
VE Commercial reported 11.8 per cent increase in sales of Eicher branded trucks and buses in April at 3,838 units as against 3,434 in the same month last year.
Meanwhile, two-wheeler maker Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) saw sales growth of 8.56 per cent at 3,40,791 units, while its market share rose marginally from 21 per cent in April, 2014 to 24 per cent now.
Royal Enfield’s domestic sales shot up 43 per cent at 33,118 units during April, as against 23,180 last year.
Suzuki Motorcycle India reported 1 per cent rise in its April sales at 27,320 units. The company had sold 27,023 units in the same period of previous year.