B-segment models fuels Maruti Suzuki s numbers in March

Maruti Suzuki’s B-segment range has been a strong catalyst among its various models in fuelling its growth for March 2017. Comprising mainly of hatchbacks, this range clocked a growth rate of 29.5 per cent with 60,699 units sold in March 2017 compared to the 46,786 units that were sold in March 2016.

The Indo-Japanese automaker also witnessed a surge in the UV segment where it sold 18,311 units as compared to 13, 984 units in March 2016. This has resulted in a growth of 31.8 per cent. This increase has no doubt been fuelled by the sales of the Vitara Brezza compact-SUV which has clocked sales of 1.1 lakh units in its first year alone. With the demand for SUVs currently on the rise, we can no doubt expect the Brezza to increase its contribution to the overall numbers in the coming months.

Maruti’s traditional A-segment volume models like the Alto range and the Wagon R saw a drop of 5706 units in March as compared to the same period in 2016 resulting in a negative change of -15.6 per cent. However, an observation in trends indicates that sales will pick up after a two to three months. Also seeing negative growth is the Ciaz which saw its numbers drop marginally by 562 units resulting in a negative growth of 10.3 per cent. However, the Ciaz has now moved to the Nexa brand and this should help its gain numbers against its main rival the Honda City.

Overall, the automaker managed to sell 1.27 lakh passenger vehicles in the domestic market as compared to 1.18 lakh units in March 2016 resulting in a growth of 7.4 per cent.