Indian automotive sector has experienced a lot of ups and downs during the first half of 2011 and the month of September was no different. Even when the automobile industry witnesses a number of launches, the sales figures of major automotive companies still float in troubled waters. India's leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki experienced one of the slowest month in terms of sales.
India's largest car manufacturer has possibly hit a barrier as its September sales figures have experienced a nosedive, owing to the massive workers strike at the Manesar production plant. Maruti Suzuki India has reported a downfall of about 20.8% for the month of September. A press release issued by the company stated the reason for decreased September sales as labour unrest.
Furthermore, the company is claiming that it is doing everything possible, to dissolve the widening gap between the company workers and management. The festive season in October is quite crucial for automobile companies as the consumer demands are doubled. Therefore, Maruti Suzuki operations are soon expected to be back on track.
Hyundai Motors, India's second largest automobile manufacturer have stated that their sales have increased in September. The company reports suggest that the total sales went up by 12.4% for September. Hyundai has reportedly sold around 57,808 units last month, whereas the same was 51,444 units last year. Considering only the domestic sales of Hyundai, the sales have increased by 13.2%. The company sold 35,955 units previous month, whereas the same was 31,756 units last year.
Satisfied about their sales records, Marketing and Sales Director at Hyundai, Arvind Saxena stated, 'We will launch our much awaited compact car Eon this month. In spite of a sluggish market we expect Eon to boost our sales and increase market share'. The company’s plans grow wider with the launch of Hyundai Eon in the near future. This competitively priced model is expected to instantly click with the Indian consumers. The company sales for models including Hyundai Santro, i10 and i20 have been reportedly 49,552 units. Moreover, the unit sales of Hyundai Accent and Verna have gone up to 8,051 units.
Another Indian automobile giant, Tata Motors reported a considerable hike in their September automobile sales. The company reported an increase of 22% in total sales, including exports, of their passenger and commercial vehicle sales in September this year. The company has sold a total number of 78,786 vehicles this year, whereas the last year September sales were 59,611 vehicles. An official statement released by a Tata Motors’ official said, “Cumulative sales, including exports, of the company for the fiscal are 399,663 units, a growth of 5%, over 380,128 units sold last year.”
Several other automobile companies in India have reported a considerable hike in their sales, in the past month. These companies include auto giants like Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Toyota Motor Co. Moreover, automobile companies have also been preparing for the expectantly busy festive season.
