First-time buyers bring cheer to auto firms

Our Bureau Updated - November 25, 2017 at 01:32 PM.

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With strong festival season demand kicking in, especially from first-time buyers, September was a good month for car and two-wheeler sales.

Maruti Suzuki India sold 99,290 units during the month, up 10 per cent against 90,399 units sold in September 2013. The company also started despatching its yet-to-be-launched sedan — Ciaz (1375 units) — in September. It will launch the Ciaz on October 6.

The country’s second largest passenger car manufacturer, Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), reported an increase in sales of 14 per cent year-on-year in September by selling 35,041 units in the domestic market (30,601 units).

“In this festival season, we are seeing a significant increase in demand mainly because of first time buyers and exchange buyers,” said Rakesh Srivastava, Senior Vice- President - Sales and Marketing, HMIL.

Honda Cars India also saw a growth of 45 per cent during the month at 15,015 units (10,354 units). Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar Motor sold 12,552 units in September, up 4 per cent.

Mahindra & Mahindra saw a sales growth of 5 per cent year-on-year during September at 19,893 units (18,916 units).

M&M has taken the No 3 spot in passenger vehicles sales replacing Honda Cars India.

However, Tata Motors continues to fight for positive numbers, even after the launch of its new sedan Zest. The company’s sales declined 7 per cent year-on-year in September. In the two-wheeler segment, led by Hero MotoCorp, all the players showed positive growth during the month.

Published on October 1, 2014 17:29