India Sets Monthly Sales Record in March

MUMBAI – India’s light-vehicle sales in March were the highest ever for the month, jumping 22% to 345,302 units year-over-year, according to WardsAuto data.

Much of the growth in the month’s first half was fueled by fears of coming tax increases. But auto makers’ promotions and attractive features on their vehicles also provided significant incentives to buyers.

Honda Siel Cars India, fully recovered from the disruptions caused by last year’s natural disasters in Japan and Thailand, saw sales rocket 208.1% compared with prior-year. The compact Brio and new-generation City powered sales and will do likewise in the new financial year, Vice President Jnaneshwar Sen says.

Nissan India deliveries soared 179.6% year-on-year, driven by its perennially popular Micra small car and new diesel-powered Sunny sedan.

Toyota Kirloskar, aided by healthy sales of its Etios Liva small car and sedan, reported an 87.3% sales boost. The auto maker is increasing its dealers from 173 to 225 this year, while local content of both Etios models will be raised from 70% to 90% to save costs and ensure regular supplies.

The Toyota Camry premium-luxury car currently is imported and pays completely built-up duty, but the auto maker plans to assemble it locally to eliminate import taxes.

Tata and Hyundai India deliveries climbed 35.1% and 22.9%, respectively, in March. Mahindra and Mahindra’s 31% growth reflected its emphasis on increasingly popular diesel vehicles and light-utility vehicles.

General Motors India deliveries rose 12.5% last month from like-2011. Vice President P. Balendran says the Chevrolet Beat small car and Tavera MPV set the sales pace. The auto maker offers seven models and will add five more in cooperation with its Chinese partner SAIC.

“GMI will grow at double the market rate when we get our full range of vehicles,” predicts Managing Director Karl Slym, who concedes the new Chinese cars may not boast the highest quality, but their prices will be very competitive.

The new small cars will offer alternative fuels including compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, diesel, gasoline and hybrid power.

Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz ran neck-and-neck last month, with BMW outselling its two upscale rivals. BMW is increasing both assembly capacity and use of local components.  Audi, aided by its use of Volkswagen’s manufacturing facilities, saw a 65% jump in March deliveries compared with year-ago.

VW and Maruti Suzuki posted small sales gains in March, while Ford deliveries dropped 13.9% and Fiat tumbled 24.1%.

Renault cars, assembled at its joint facilities with Nissan in Chennai, reported sales of 1,005 units in March. The French auto maker plans to sell 30,000 units by December, says Marc Nassif, managing director and general manager.

Renault India soon may add the Duster cross/utility vehicle to its lineup here comprising the Pulse premium hatchback, Fluence premium sedan and Koleos SUV.