Car makers start off weak in FY15

New Delhi: The new financial year didn’t start with a boom for most of the auto players as domestic car sales remained tepid in April.

Maruti Suzuki saw its domestic sales contracting by 12.6 per cent in April as consumer sentiments continued to remain weak. Maruti’s export grew by 4.4 per cent. Its overall sales (domestic and overseas) growth declined by 11.4 per cent.

However, Hyundai saw its domestic sales jumping by 8.8 per cent in April. Its exports however fell by 39 per cent. The overall growth, which comprised of both the domestic sales and exports fell by 12 per cent.

“Hyundai with a volume of 35,248 units has grown by 8.8 per cent over last year, which is in line with this year’s objective of growth in volume and market share. The growth is led by sedan and utility vehicles across geographies, with new products Xcent, Grand and Santa Fe, adding volumes. We foresee to maintain this positive momentum in this year by strengthening the product portfolio,” said Rakesh Srivastava, senior vice-president (sales and marketing), Hyundai.

Mahindra & Mahindra saw its domestic sales dropping by 15 per cent at 34,107 units as against 39,902 in the same month previous year. “ We hope that post the general elections, sentiments improve leading to a better economic situation and hence increased demand,” said Pravin Shah, chief executive, automotive division, M&M.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor, which was hit by labour problems saw its domestic sales declining by 16 per cent in April. “We resumed normal production on April 22, and were carrying out limited operations until then. It is our endeavour to make the deliveries of vehicles on a timely basis,” said N. Raja, director and senior vice-president, sales and marketing, TKM.