New Delhi, March 13
Automobile sales in India across categories declined 19.08% in February as economic slowdown continued to hit demand, besides lower production in view of transition to BS-VI emission norms affecting wholesale dispatches, auto industry body SIAM said on Friday.
Vehicle sales across categories stood at 16,46,332 units last month as against 20,34,597 units in February 2019, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).
“The decline in wholesale dispatches is primarily due to economic slowdown and lower production of BS-IV vehicles. Some upside on the registration numbers of VAHAN can be attributed to last-minute purchase by customers trying to advance purchase of BS-IV vehicles,” SIAM president Rajan Wadhera said.
He further said, “Supply chain disruptions from China is also a concern, which may impact the production plans for companies going forward” while welcoming the government’s step to issue a “notification of Force Majeure for coronavirus and 24×7 clearance of shipments at all customs formations”.
According to SIAM, domestic passenger vehicle sales declined by 7.61% to 2,51,516 units in February from 2,72,243 units in the year-ago month. Car sales last month were also down 8.77% at 1,56,285 units as against 1,71,307 units in February last year.
Market leader Maruti Suzuki India’s passenger vehicles sales declined by 2.34% last month at 1,33,702 units. Rival Hyundai Motor India also witnessed decline of 7.19% at 40,010 units, while new entrant Kia Motors took the third position during the month selling a total of 15,644 units. — PTI
Two-wheeler sales decline 20%
- Vehicle sales across categories stood at 16,46,332 units last month as against 20,34,597 units in February 2019, according to data released by SIAM
- Domestic passenger vehicle sales declined by 7.61% to 2,51,516 units in February from 2,72,243 units in the year-ago month
- Car sales were also down 8.77% at 1,56,285 units as against 1,71,307 units in February last year
