Automakers back on recovery track

Major automakers, including Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Tata Motors, M&M, Kia, Toyota and Honda, on Thursday reported healthy growth in passenger vehicles (PV) sales in June, recovering from the disruptions induced by the second wave of Covid-19.

India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) posted total sales of 1,47,368 units in June, up from 46,555 units in May. Its domestic dispatches to dealers last month stood at 1,30,348 units, up from 35,293 units in May, as easing of Covid-related restrictions helped the auto major dispatch more units to dealerships. The company's sales of mini cars, comprising Alto and S-Presso, rose to 17,439 units in June from 4,760 units in May this year. Similarly, compact segment vehicles, including Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Dzire, increased to 68,849 units last month from 20,343 cars in May.

"With markets opening up and improvement in customer sentiments, the company is committed to deliver innovative and world class quality products and services meeting and exceeding customers aspirations," HMIL Director (sales, marketing & service) Tarun Garg said in a statement.

MSI's utility vehicle dispatches, including Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga, stood at 28,172 units, up from 6,355 in May. Rival Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) reported total sales of 54,474 units in June, up from 30,703 units in May. The automaker's domestic dispatches to its dealerships stood at 40,496 units last month, increasing from 25,001 units in May this year. Homegrown auto major Tata Motors said its passenger vehicle sales in the domestic market stood at 24,110 units in June, up from 15,181 units in May. "The PV industry continues to witness uncertainty on account of global semiconductor shortage and rising commodity prices, while the demand side is on a progressive recovery path," Tata Motors President Passenger Vehicles Business Unit Shailesh Chandra said.