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Nissan, Honda, Maruti record bumper sales ahead of Diwali

Last updated on: October 01, 2014 17:51 IST

Japanese car maker Nissan Motor has registered a 64.02 per cent jump in its sales in September, 2014, selling 4,145 units from 2,527 units sold during the same month of last year.

Image: Nissan Sunny. Photographs: Courtesy, Indian Autos Blog

For the half year period ending September 30, 2014, the Nissan had sold 25,741 units up by 105.7 per cent, from 12,515 units sold during the same period of previous year, a company statement said.

Nissan Motor currently has a manufacturing facility at Oragadam near Chennai in joint venture with France-based automaker Renault.

The company retails various models including hatchback Micra, sedan Sunny, premium SUV Terrano, among others.

 

Image: Maruti Ritz. Photograph: Courtesy, Maruti Suzuki

The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India today reported 4.6 per cent increase in its total sales in September 2014 at 1,09,742 units as against 1,04,964 units in the same month previous year.

Domestic sales during the month stood at 99,290 units, up 9.8 per cent from 90,399 units in September previous year, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement.

Sales of mini passenger cars, including Alto, A-Star and WagonR were down 13.4 per cent at 35,547 units as against 41,061 units in the same month previous year.

Image: Maruti Celerio. Photograph: Courtesy, Maruti Suzuki

MSI said during the month, sales of its compact cars, comprising Swift, Estilo, Celerio, Ritz and Dzire were at 43,304 units as against 36,679 units in the year-ago month, up 18.1 per cent.

Dzire Tour sales were at 1,221 units as against 857 units in September last year, up 42.5 per cent.

During the month, the company said it dispatched 1,375 units of the soon-to-be-launched sedan Ciaz.

The company's sales of utility vehicles, including Ertiga and Gypsy were at 5,980 units as against 2,657 units, up 125.1 per cent. Van sales, consisting of Omni and Eeco, were at 11,863 units as compared to 8,767 units in the previous year, up 35.3 per cent, it said.  

Exports in September were down 28.2 per cent to 10,452 units from 14,565 units in the same month previous year, the company said. 

Image: Hyundai Elite 120. Photographs: Courtesy, IndianAutosBlog

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) today reported a marginal increase in total sales at 51,471 units in September 2014.

The company had sold 51,417 units in the same month last year, it said in a statement.

In the domestic market, Hyundai sold 35,041 units last month as compared to 30,601 units in September 2013, up 14.5 per cent.

During the month, Hyundai's exports declined by 21.1 per cent to 16,430 units as against 20,816 units in the same period last year.

Commenting on the sales performance, HMIL Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Rakesh Srivastava said the domestic growth was on the back of strong performance of new models, including the new Elite i20 that clocked 8,902 units.

"In this festive season, we are seeing a significant increase in first time buyers and exchange buyers which is very encouraging as it will accelerate the positive momentum already being experienced in the last few months," he added.

Image: Honda Vezel. Photographs: Courtesy, Honda

Honda Cars India has also reported 45 per cent increase in domestic sales in September 2014 at 15,015 units as against 10,354 units in the same month last year.

Last month, the company sold 1,152 units of small car Brio, 3,848 units of compact sedan Amaze, 5,329 units of Mobilio and 4,600 units of the mid-sized sedan City, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) said in a statement.

Besides, the company sold 86 units of sports utility vehicle CRV.

In addition, the company exported a total of 38 units during the month. Commenting on the sales, HCIL Senior Vice-President (Marketing and Sales) Jnaneswar Sen said: "We continue to perform strongly with strong demand for all our models during this festival period."

He said the company has resumed production of its flagship model Honda City during September 2014. "In coming months, we will be able to ensure better availability and timely deliveries to fulfill the huge demand," Sen added.

Image: Chevrolet Spark. Photographs: Courtesy, Chevrolet.com

General Motors India today reported 37.38 per cent decline in September sales at 4,413 units as against 7,048 units sold in the same month of last year.

In the domestic market, the sales included 1,139 units of Beat, 1,166 units of SAIL (compact and sedan) and 1,149 units of Tavera, the company said in a statement.

During the month, the company exported 143 units to Chile, marking its maiden vehicle shipment to that country.

Commenting on the sales performance, General Motors India Vice President P Balendran said: "There is some positive movement in the market due to the festival season and new entries. However, the complete recovery of the automobile industry is still some time away."

Image: Cars are inspected at the end of the production line at the Toyota factory. Photograph: Darren Staples/Reuters

Toyota Kirloskar Motor today reported 11 per cent decline in total sales at 14,052 units in September 2014.

The company had sold 15,795 units in the corresponding month of previous year, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) said in a statement.

In the domestic market, TKM sold 12,552 units in September 2014, up 4.46 per cent as compared to 12,015 units in September 2013. During the month, the company exported 1,500 units of Etios.

Commenting on the sales performance, TKM Senior Vice President (Sales and Marketing) N Raja said: "We have registered growth (in domestic market) this month. The industry is beginning to gradually turnaround. Positive market sentiments combined with the festive season is expected to boost sales in the coming months as well."

Image: Mahindra Scorpio. Photographs: Courtesy, Mahindra & Mahindra

Auto major Mahindra & Mahindra has reported 3.7 per cent increase in total sales at 44,911 units in September.

It had sold 43,289 units in the same month last year, the company said in a statement. M&M's domestic sales grew by 4.5 per cent to 42,408 units last month as against 40,574 units a year earlier.

Sales of passenger vehicles including Scorpio, XUV 500, Xylo, Bolero and Verito stood at 19,893 units compared with 18,916 units in September 2013, up 5.16 per cent.

Four-wheel commercial vehicle sales by 8.63 per cent to 15,979 units in September 2014 as against 14,709 units in the year-ago month, M&M said.

Exports were down by 7.8 per cent to 2,503 units from 2,715 units in the same period a year earlier.

M&M Chief Executive Automotive Division and International Operations (AFS) Pravin Shah said: "The sales numbers for September have been encouraging and we are glad that the automotive industry is turning the bend."

He further said: "We expect the ensuing festive season to bring in some much needed cheer with a slew of new launches from manufacturers... We do hope that the recently launched New Generation Scorpio will continue to be a trendsetter."

Image: Ford EcoSport. Photograph: Courtesy, Ford

Ford India reported a marginal decline of 3.34 per cent in total sales at 13,742 units in September.

It had sold 14,217 units in the same month of last year, Ford India said in a statement.

Its domestic sales also declined 36.22 per cent to 6,786 units in September as against 10,640 units in the same month previous year, it added.

However, Ford's export during the month almost doubled to 6,956 units last month as against 3,577 units in the year-ago period.

Ford India Marketing, Sales and Service executive director Anurag Mehrotra said: "Last year we ushered in the festive season with overwhelming customer response to our capable, urban SUV Ford EcoSport.

Since then, the EcoSport has remained the most compelling choice for discerning buyers.

He added: "Now, with improved supplies, we have opened bookings again and significantly shortened our delivery commitments to customers ensuring that they can bring home an EcoSport this festive season." Ford has also introduced Figo in a refreshing new look, with enhanced exteriors and bright new interiors in September.

"Figo continues to be an integral part of our product portfolio in India. With the recent upgrade, we have enhanced Figo's appeal to younger consumers while ensuring customers get the most value for their money," Mehrotra said.

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