Car makers see 11% jump in sales

New Delhi, Oct. 9: Passenger vehicle sales in India grew by 11.32 per cent in September, riding on good growth in utility vehicles segment and festive season purchases.

According to the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Monday, passenger vehicle sales were at 3,09,955 units in September, as against 2,78,428 in the same month last year.

“Automobile industry at the moment is looking at improvement in all segments from last year,” SIAM president Abhay Firodia said.

Pick up in motorcycle sales is an indication of rebound in the rural market on the back of good monsoon — SUGATO SEN, Deputy director, SIAM

Overall vehicle sales across categories registered 10 per cent growth to 24,90,034 units, from 22,63,620 in September 2016.

Although the auto industry has faced difficulties in the wake of demonetisation, transition from BSIII to BS-IV norms and uncertainty of GST implementation, it has recovered from those tough times, Mr Firodia said.

“Now it is on the mending path. We hope that this momentum will be maintained,” he said.

Car sales last month went up by 6.86 per cent to 2,08,656 units as against 1,95,259 units in September last year, while utility vehicle sales were up 26.21 per cent to 84,374 units as against 66,851 units.

The increase in PV sales in September was driven by festive season purchases, with SUV models like Maruti Suzuki’s Brezza, Hyundai Creta, Mahindra Scorpio, Ford Ecosport and Honda W-RV witnessing good traction, said SIAM officials.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki India’s passenger vehicle sales were up 9.65 per cent at 1,50,521 units last moth, while that of rival Hyundai Motors India was at 50,028 units, up 17.42 per cent.