New Delhi: Major carmakers, including Maruti Suzuki India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and General Motors India, reported decline in domestic sales in April as demand continued to be subdued due to overall unfavourable macro-economic conditions.
Other manufacturers Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Honda Cars India and Ford, however, reported increase in April sales on the back of their new models.
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) reported 12.6 per cent decline in its April sales during the month at 79,119 units.
Sales of the company's bread and butter segment mini cars comprising M800, Alto, A-Star and WagonR declined by 25.4 per cent to 26,043 units, while those of premium compact cars consisting of Swift, Estilo, Ritz rose by 9.9 per cent to 23,659 units in April.
MSI said sales of its popular compact sedan Dzire declined 17.7 per cent during the month under review to 16,008 units, while sales of utility vehicles, including Gypsy, Grand Vitara and Ertiga, also declined by 5.8 per cent to 5,011 units in April.
Similarly, homegrown Mahindra & Mahindra also saw its domestic sales dropping by 15 per cent at 34,107 units as against 39,902 in the same month previous year.
“It is unfortunate that the auto industry has not seen an upturn over the last couple of months in spite of a reduction in excise duty,” M&M Chief Executive (Automotive Division) Pravin Shah said.
The company expects that post the general elections, sentiments would improve, leading to a better economic situation and hence increased demand, he added.
General Motors India also reported a 35.30 per cent decline in April sales at 5,302 units.
“Customer sentiment continues to remain negative even with price reduction on account of excise duty cut and other market promotion schemes,” General Motors India Vice President P Balendran said.
Going by the market scenario, the company expects the challenging times to continue as the general economic conditions continue to remain depressed, he added.
“The buoyancy in the market is completely missing and we don't see any upturn before the new government assumes office,” Balendran said.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor also saw its domestic sales decline by 16.04 per cent at 7,562 units in April. The company, which saw labour unrest at its Bangalore facility, said it resumed normal production from April 22.
In contrast, Hyundai Motor India, saw its sales increase by 8.78 per cent in its domestic sales at 35,248 units last month.
Commenting on the sales performance, HMIL Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing) Rakesh Srivastava said the domestic volume growth is in line with this year's objective of growth in volume and market share.
“Growth is led by sedan and utility vehicles across geographies, with new products Xcent, Grand and Santa Fe adding volumes with an overwhelming response from customers,” he added.
Similarly, Honda Cars India posted a 30 per cent increase in domestic sales at 11,040 units in April, riding on the success of its premium sedan City.
The company sold 7,044 units of the car in April.
Ford India also posted rise in domestic sales last month. The company sold 6,651 units in April, up 66.15 per cent from same month previous year.
“Despite on-going business challenges faced by Indian automotive industry, Ford India sales have held steady in April,” Ford India Executive Director (Marketing, Sales and Service) Vinay Piparsania said.
In the run up to the formation of the next government, the company remains cautious and watchful in anticipation of progressive policy interventions to energise the Indian automotive sector, he added.
In the two-wheeler segment, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India posted 20.92 per cent rise in sales at 3,13,942 units last month. Yamaha Motor India posted a 42.39 per cent increase in domestic sales at 51,158 units in April.
