What to watch. Sales figures to drive automobile shares

Shares of automobile firms such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, M&M, Eicher Motors, Ashok Leyland, Hero MotoCorp, Bajaj Auto and TVS Motor will remain in focus as they report August sales data on Friday. Analysts expect passenger vehicle sales to rise about 8-10 per cent y-o-y and two-wheelers by about 7-9 per cent. Analysts feel better numbers are due to build-up in inventory ahead of the festive season and rural demand.