Bajaj widens lead in sales of autorickshaws

Abolition of permit system in Maharashtra and Karnataka and issuance of fresh permits in Delhi bumped up three-wheeler sales by 22 per cent in 11 months of the current financial year as compared to a year ago, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer (Siam).

The volumes, however, were largely led by Bajaj Auto, which has been the biggest beneficiary. Sales of three-wheelers increased to 457,000 vehicles from April to February as compared to 374,000 vehicles a year ago, Siam said. Bajaj Auto saw deliveries expand at a faster pace at 36 per cent. During the period, the Pune-based manufacturer’s market share climbed to 66.65 per cent from 59.86 per cent a year ago.

Sales have been strong in most of the big three-wheeler markets including Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu owing to the low base effect of last year, said RC Maheshwari, president of commercial vehicle business at Bajaj Auto. Last year’s sales were adversely impacted owing to the note ban of November 2016, he said.