November sales: a mixed bag for the auto industry

New Delhi/Chennai, Dec 1 (IANS)

November was a mixed bag for the Indian automobile industry, which was looking forward to good festive sales in an otherwise sluggish market, monthly sales figures showed Saturday.

Buyers brought good news for Maruti and Mahindra and Mahindra, while others like Tata Motors and Hyundai lost ground.

Passenger car major Maruti Suzuki logged a healthy sales growth of 12.5 percent at 103,200 units in November as against 91,772 units sold in the corresponding period last year.

According to the company, its domestic sales increased by 9.7 percent in November and stood at 90,882 units from 82,870 units sold in the like period of last year.

Exports in the month grew by 38.4 percent and stood at 12,318 units, from 8,902 units sold in November 2011.

Leading sports utility vehicle (SUV) manufacturer Mahindra and Mahindra's total sales in November rose 18 percent year-on-year to 48,143 units.

It had sold 40,722 units sold in the like period of last year.

The company said its domestic sales increased 23 percent and stood at 46,755 units during the month under review from 38,159 units sold during November 2011.

The exports, however, declined a hefty 46 percent at 1,388 units from 2,563 units in November last year.

The company expressed concern over high interest rates and said it hoped the monetary policy would be eased in the last quarter of 2012-13.

"Till there is a decrease in interest rates for corporate or retail credits, financing rates will remain high for auto customers which is a cause of concern," said Pravin Shah, chief executive, automotive division, M and M.

"However, we expect interest rates to reduce during the last quarter of the current financial year."

Tata Motors' last month festive season sales turned sour with a 13.96 percent decline in domestic market

The offtake stood at 62,354 units from 72,477 units sold in corresponding month of 2011.

Segment-wise, passenger vehicles sales was down 34.98 percent at 18,031 units.

Commercial vehicles sales was marginally down by 0.91 percent at 44,323 units.

The company's sales from exports at 4,146 units in November 2012 are lower by 4.66 percent compared to 4,349 units in the same month last year.

Chennai-based Hyundai Motor (HMIL) logged a marginal decline of 2.3 percent for the month under review. Sales stood at 55,762 units from 57,071 units sold in the same period of 2011.

While, domestic sales declined by 0.7 percent at 34,751 units, exports plummetted by 4.8 percent in the month under review at 21,011 units from 22,071 units shipped out in November 2011.

"The adverse market conditions due to high interest rates and inflation continued to pose challenges for growth," said Rakesh Srivastava, vice president sales, HMIL.

--IANS

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Tata Motors November domestic sales down

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS)

Automobile major Tata Motors Saturday reported a 13.96 percent decline in domestic sales of commercial and passenger vehicles for November which stood at 62,354 units as compared to 72,477 units sold in the corresponding month of 2011.

Passenger vehicles sales last month was down 34.98 percent at 18,031 units from 27,735 units sold in November last year.

Sales of the company's entry level Nano last month was down 45.27 percent at 3,503 units from 6,401 units sold in the corresponding month of last year.

Commercial vehicles sales in the month under review was marginally down by 0.91 percent at 44,323 units from 44,732 units sold in the corresponding period last year.

The company's sales from exports at 4,146 units in November 2012 are lower by 4.66 percent compared to 4,349 units in the same month last year.

--IANS

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Jaguar Land Rover sales up 29pc

Coventry, Nov 7 (IBNS)

Automobile major Jaguar Land Rover PLC on Wednesday reported its second quarter results for the 2012/2013 fiscal year (Q2 FY13) as GBP 431m profit before tax, a 100pc increase on the same period in the last financial year (2011/2012 fiscal year GBP 216m).

The positive result in the second quarter reflects a 29pc increase in retail sales volumes (84,749 vehicles in total) globally. The company has generated revenues of over GBP 3.2bn (an increase of GBP 373m).

Commenting on the results, JLR Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ralf Speth said: "Jaguar Land Rover has delivered another quarter of positive results against a challenging economic backdrop. We continue to see strong sales across all of our key markets."

"Jaguar Land Rover will continue to invest in its products, plants and will drive further growth by spending in the region of GBP 2bn across the financial year."

Speth further said: "In the third quarter, we will see the first customer deliveries of the all-new Range Rover along with the introduction of the Jaguar XF Sportbrake and all-wheel drive versions of the Jaguar XJ and XF."

Jaguar Land Rover has created over 8,000 new jobs in the last two years to support its ambitious investment and growth plans.

This includes 1,100 new jobs at Castle Bromwich; 1,000 new manufacturing posts at the Solihull plant; 1,000 jobs at Halewood and 1,000 engineers.

Jaguar Land Rover moved to three shifts at both its Halewood and Solihull plants during the first half of the financial year to support the increased demand for its products globally.

Jaguar Land Rover said it invests more in research and development than anyone else in the UK automotive sector and is in the top 10 across all sectors of the British economy.

Highlights:

? Retail sales: 84,749 vehicles, up 29pc on quarter two last fiscal year[1]

? Revenues: GBP 3.2bn, up GBP 373m

? Profit Before Tax: GBP 431m, up GBP 215m

? New Range Rover and Jaguar XF Sportbrake launched

--IBNS

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November car sales down 8.25 percent: SIAM

New Delhi, Dec 10 (IANS)

India's automobile industry, in a slump due to high fuel and interest costs, saw a further dip in passenger car sales year-on-year in November that went 8.25 percent down on negative consumer sentiment.

Car sales in the month under review stood 1,58,257 units from 1,72,493 units sold in the corresponding month of last year, the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) said Monday.

According to SIAM, sales of commercial vehicles last month declined 7.31 percent to 61,410 units from 66,254 units sold in November 2011.

Two-wheeler sales during the period inched higher by 1.23 percent at 1,175,429 units from 1,161,176 sold in November 2011.

Motorcycle sales in the month under review were marginally up at 8,67,518 units from 8,67,088 units sold in the corresponding period of 2011.

Scooter sales during last month zoomed 6.64 percent at 2,44,392 units from 2,29,173 units sold in October 2011.

Three-wheeler segment sales were up by 20.67 percent at 51,670 units from 42,821 units in the month under review.

Total vehicles sales last month stood at 1,515,600 units, up 1.79 percent from 1,488,894 units sold in the like period of 2011-12.

--IANS

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Hero MotoCorp October-November sales up 7 pc

New Delhi, Nov 29 (IANS)

Two-wheeler major Hero MotoCorp Thursday reported a 7 percent rise in sales in the festive months of October and November, at more than 11 lakh units.

"Our retail sales in October and November crossed 11 lakh units earlier this week," said Anil Dua, senior vice president, marketing and sales, for Hero MotoCorp.

"This represents a 7 percent growth over the same period last year."

According to the company, the stellar growth came on the back of robust demand for strong brands such as Splendor and Passion as well as new models like Maestro and Ignitor.

However, the company forecast a sluggish sales outlook for December.

"December being the last month of the year when retail off-take remains sluggish, we are restricting our despatch sales in November," Dua said.

--IANS

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Tata Motors Nov sales at 66,500 nos

Mumbai, Dec 1 (IBNS)

Automobile giant Tata Motors' total sales (including exports) of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles in November 2012 were 66,500 vehicles.

The company's domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for November 2012 were 62,354 nos., over 72,474 nos., sold in November last year.

Cumulative sales (including exports) for the company for the fiscal were 548,168 nos., over 544,492 nos., sold last year.

Commercial Vehicles

The company's sales of commercial vehicles in November 2012 in the domestic market were 44,323 nos., compared to 44,732 vehicles, sold in November last year. LCV sales were 34,828 nos., compared to 28,673 vehicles sold in November last year. M and HCV sales stood at 9,495 nos., compared to 16,064 vehicles sold in November last year.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal were 342,855 nos., over last year. Cumulative LCV sales were 243,543 nos., while M and HCV sales stood at 99,312 nos.

Passenger Vehicles

Sales of passenger vehicles for November 2012 were at 18,031 nos., over 27,735 nos., sold in November last year.

There has been encouraging response to the Tata Manza Club Class, now available across the country, and the Tata Safari Storme, now available in the NCR region, Punjab, UP, Rajasthan and Gujarat, for which the company is ramping up production.

Sales of the Tata Nano were 3,503 nos., compared to 6,401 nos., sold in November last year.

The Indica range sales were 6,956 nos., over 10,926 nos., sold in November last year.

The Indigo range recorded sales of 3,709 nos., over 6,213 nos., sold in November last year. The Sumo/ Safari/ Aria/ Venture range sales were 4,493 nos., over 4,197 nos., sold in November last year.

Cumulative sales of passenger vehicles were 169,792 nos., compared to 178,309 nos., sold till November last year. Cumulative sales of the Nano were at 47,130 nos., over 39,646 nos., sold till November last year.

Cumulative sales of the Indica range were at 55,739 nos., over last year. Cumulative sales of the Indigo family were 32,702 nos., over last year. Cumulative sales of the Sumo/Safari/ Aria/ Venture range were 34,221 nos., over last year.

Exports

The company's sales from exports at 4,146 vehicles in November 2012, compared to 4,349 vehicles, in November last year.

The cumulative sales from exports for the fiscal were 35,521 nos., over 39,598 nos., sold in the same period last year.

--IBNS

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Hyundai Motor's November sales down 2.3 percent

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IANS)

Hyundai Motor Saturday reported a marginal 2.3 percent decline in November sales at 55,762 units from 57,071 units sold in the same period of 2011.

The company's domestic sales fell by 0.7 percent at 34,751 units from 35,000 units sold in the corresponding month of last year.

The exports fell by 4.8 percent in the month under review, and stood at 21,011 units from 22,071 units shipped out in November 2011.

"The adverse market conditions due to high interest rates and inflation continued to pose challenges for growth. Increased diesel fuel price temporarily affected the strong momentum of diesel car sales," said Rakesh Srivastava, vice president, sales.

However, he added: "The festival season stimulated sales of petrol cars. Eon demand continues to grow month on month leading to supply challenges."

Segment-wise, cumulative sales of A2 segment which includes hatchback majors like Eon, Santro, i10, i20, were 48,650 units, followed by the A3 sedan segment which includes Accent and Verna at 6,526 units, A4 luxury segment sedan of Elantra at 513 units, A5 Sonata at 20 units and sports utility vehicle (SUV) Santa Fe at 53 units.

The company added that its cumulative sales during January-November 2012 grew by 4.65 percent at 593,448 units from 567,090 units sold in the corresponding period of 2011.

The domestic cumulative sales during the period under review increased by 5.92 percent at 364,579 units from 344,193 units sold in January-November 2011.

Exports during the period under review grew by 2.68 percent at 228,869 units from 222,897 units shipped out in the like period of last year.

--IANS

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Hyundai maintains sales growth

New Delhi, Dec 1 (IBNS)

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the country's second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter accounted the domestic sales of 34,751 units (35,000 units) and Exports of 21,011 units (22,071 units).

The aggregate sales stood at 55,762 units (57,071units).

Commenting on the November sales, Rakesh Srivastava, Vice President- Marketing and Sales, HMIL, said, "The adverse market conditions due to high interest rates and inflation continued to pose challenges for growth. Increased diesel fuel price temporarily affected the strong momentum of diesel car sales.

"However, the festival season stimulated sales of petrol cars. Eon demand continues to grow month on month leading to supply challenges."

The segment- wise cumulative sales for November 2012 are: A2 segment 48,650 Units (Eon, Santro, i10, i20); A3 Segment 6,526 units (Accent and Verna); A4 Segment 513 units (Elantra); A5 segment 20 units (Sonata); SUV 53 units (Santa Fe).

--IBNS

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Toyota mulls slashing 2013 sales target in Japan by 19pc

Tokyo, Dec. 9 (ANI)

Japanese carmaker Toyota Motor Corp. is considering slashing the annual target for Japanese sales next year to 1.36 million units that would be about 19 percent lower than this year, according to a report.

Sources close to the firm have said that while Toyota is planning to sell 1.67 million units in Japan this year, it is expecting the first annual drop in two years due to the end of government subsidies for buying environmentally safer cars, The Japan Times reports.

According to the paper, while Toyota's domestic target of about 1.36 million exceeds the 1.2 million units of 2011, when sales plunged following the earthquake and tsunami in March, it remains comparable to the 1.37 million units of 2009 when the global auto market shrank during the global financial crisis.

It was also further deepened by the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. in September 2008, the paper said.

Sources said that Toyota aims to stick to its plan of producing 3 million units domestically in 2013 to protect jobs and technology at home, with an eye to exporting half of them amid slowing demand in Japan, the paper said.

For the year through March, Toyota is expected to post a group operating profit of 1.05 trillion yen, driven by brisk sales in Southeast Asia and North America, up from an earlier projected 1 trillion yen, the paper added.

--ANI

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Toyota sales improve in China following waning 'island spat' with Japan

Washington, Dec. 4 (ANI)

Japanese automobile firm Toyota Motor Corp. has said that new car sales in China has dropped to a softer 22.1 percent to 63,800 units in November, indicating the fallout from the anti-Japanese protests in China this summer has begun to wane, according to a report.

In October, Toyota's sales sank 44.1 percent from the previous year, while separately, Mazda Motor Corp. reported new car sales in the country fell 29.7 percent in November on year to 12,187, improving from a 45.0 percent fall the previous month, The Japan Times reports.

According to the report, from January to November, Toyota's sales in China slid 3.3 percent from the same period last year to 749,600, making it unlikely the company will achieve its target of selling 1 million cars in China this year.

Sales plunged 48.9 percent in September after the Japanese government purchased some of the Senkaku Islands from a private Japanese owner the same month, sparking extensive demonstrations across China, the report said.

The islets in the East China Sea are administered by Japan but also claimed by China as Diaoyu and Taiwan as Tiayutai, it added.

However, Japanese automakers resumed sales campaigns in China, the world's largest auto market, around mid-October as the hostilities showed signs of subsiding, the report concluded.

--ANI

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Audi reports 89pc sales growth

Mumbai, Dec 5 (IBNS)

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, displayed a strong performance in November by crossing its sales target of 8000 cars for 2012.

The luxury carmaker registered a total sale of 805 units in November 2012, a strong growth of 89 percent over the same period last year (November 2011: 425 units).

The brand with the four rings recorded a 58 percent growth rate YTD with 8072 vehicles sold from January to November 2012. (January-November 2011: 5117 units).

?We had set a goal of 8000 cars sold by the end of this year. But we have achieved our target even before the year ended and have revised our sales target to minimum 8600 cars even as the industry faces flat growth," said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

"We are constantly enhancing our product line, network growth and creating wider brand awareness; this is creating larger customer base and is reflecting clearly in our sales, every month. Besides, our top-down strategy for India (A8L, A7, A6, A4 / Q7, Q5, Q3) has worked very well for us.

"In a demanding economic environment to achieve targets even before the year ends clearly testifies the strength of the brand Audi and the affinity and aspiration it carries within its enthusiasts and customers," said Perschke.

"By 2015, we aim to be the No. 1 luxury car brand in India, and based on our current performance we are well on track to achieve that objective," he said.

Globally, Audi started the fourth quarter of the year with another double-digit increase in sales with significant contribution from the SUV models Q3, Q5 and Q7, together with the A5 model family.

Worldwide sales in October were up 13.9 percent year on year, to around 123,600 automobiles.

This means some 1,221,150 customers have already purchased a new Audi since January, a rise of 12.9 percent compared with 2011.

--IBNS

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