Since the auto market in India is facing a tough time as the declining demand has marred the growth prospects of major car companies, Hindustan Motors too has fallen prey to the same. CK Birla owned Hindustan Motors recently released its sales figures for October 2013 in which the company told that it registered a 20.8 per cent dip in domestic sales. As told in an official statement, the Indian home-grown major sold 330 units in the domestic market last month as opposed to last year's performance of 417 units in the same month.
The main driver of sales for Hindustan Motors in October 2013 was its iconic Ambassador. However, the demand for the car still stood at 176 units last month compared to 278 units in the year-ago period. While on the other hand, the sales of premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport grew from 119 units in October 2012 to 154 units in October 2013. Furthermore, the total vehicles manufactured by the company dropped down to 340 in October 2013 against same period last year's figures of 377 units.
In the light commercial vehicle segment, Hindustan Motors maintains its presence with Winner model. The company said that it sold 24 units of the same in October 2013 as compared to 18 units in the same month of previous year, whereas the total production of LCV stood 17 units in October. It must be noted that the current line-up of products for Hindustan Motors include Ambassador, Cedia, Pajero Sport, SUVs like Outlander and Montero. In the LCV segment, the company manufactures Winner. The auto maker operates two manufacturing facilities that include one at Uttarpara in West Bengal and the other at Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu.
Meanwhile, the company is planning to expand its presence in the sedan segment as a new sub-4 metre car will feature on the future line-up of products for Hindustan Motors. Affirming to this, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Uttam Bose said that the new car will be cheaper than the Ambassador model because of its smaller length that will attract less excise duty. It must be noted that the upcoming car of Hindustan Motors is yet to be named and shall be manufactured on the platform of Ambassador. Hindustan Motors shares an ever lasting bond with Indian customers as its flagship Ambassador sedan has build a reputation for itself in the country. Ambassador was recently awarded with the tag of Best Taxi in the World by renowned automotive programme, Top Gear, in London. However, things are becoming quite difficult for the company at present as the increasing competition has resulted in losing a fair bit of the market share lately.
