Pune: India’s passenger vehicle and two-wheeler wholesale dispatches jet for the second consecutive month in September, in a solid recovery from April when the COVID-19-induced lockdowns severely disheartened demand.
The rise was helped by dealer stocking as automakers are hoping retail sales to rush further during the important festival months of October, November and December.
The data issued by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) showed that wholesales or factory dispatches of passenger vehicles grew 26.5 per cent from a year earlier to 2,72,027 in September amid COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it was sustained demand for compact cars and smaller sport-utility vehicles in rural and semi-urban markets.
According to data issued by the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations this month stated, retail sales of passenger vehicles grew just 9.8 per cent to 195,665 units in September.
Rajendra Kothari, Director, Kothari Hyundai, said, "People are now more comfortable with their own vehicles than that with travelling via public transport. Also, the idea is that the family should have its own car rather than travelling in groups. As a result, families who have one car are trying to buy the second one.”
Tej Ghatge, Director, Ghatge Motors, said, "Sale of cars is increasing not only in Pune but also in Kolhapur. Travellers find it convenient to enforce the rules of social distancing. Also, many customers have told me that we are buying cars because public transport is unsafe. There are multiple options in different price categories. Therefore, one can plan to buy a car according to their respective budget.”
Utility vehicle sales grew by 24.5 per cent from a year earlier to 96,633 units in September courtesy to rising dispatches by Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Hyundai Motor India Ltd and Kia Motors India Ltd.
