Facing production problems due to supply chain challenges, leading automakers Maruti Suzuki (MSI) and Hyundai Motor reported a drop in vehicle shipments from factories to dealers in April this year.
Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and Skoda Auto, on the other hand, all posted robust growth in vehicle deliveries last month.
The country’s largest automaker, MSI, said its domestic sales fell 7% to 1,32,248 units from 1,42,454 units in April 2021.
Sales of minicars, consisting of the Alto and S-Presso, fell 32% to 17,137 units, compared to 25,041 in the same month last year.
In the compact car segment, sales of models like the Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Dzire fell 18% to 59,184 units from 72,318 in April 2021.
However, sales of commercial vehicles, including the Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga, rose 33% to 33,941 units compared to 25,484 vehicles in the same month last year, MSI said.
“The shortage of electronic components had little impact on the production of vehicles, mainly domestic models,” the automajor said.
Rival Hyundai Motor India last month reported a 10% drop in wholesale sales to 44,001 units last month versus 49,002 units in April 2021.
Similarly, Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) reported April domestic wholesale sales fell 13% year-on-year to 7,874 units.
“Customer sentiment continues to show improvement and positivity, reflected in strong demand. However, supply chain issues remain a challenge for the industry, impacting its ability to meet growing demand,” said HCIL Director (Marketing and Sales) Yuichi Murata.
The automaker hopes the situation will improve sooner rather than later so the demand-supply equation can be more balanced, it added.
MG Motor India said its retail sales fell 22% to 2,008 units last month, compared to 2,565 in April 2021.
Production remained volatile and was immensely impacted by global supply chain restrictions due to the sudden and new COVID-19 lockdowns in different parts of the world, the automaker said.
The brand is closely monitoring the situation caused by the new COVID waves and directing its efforts to address it, the company added.
Meanwhile, domestic auto major Tata Motors reported a 66% increase in dealership deliveries last month to 41,587 units versus 25,095 units in April 2021.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) also said its April wholesale sales figures rose 57% to 15,085 units from 9,600 in the same month last year.
“Demand continues to peak in the new fiscal year as we close the month of April with an overall growth of 57% from wholesale in April 2021. Along with Crysta, Fortuner and Legender, the Camry Hybrid has received very encouraging booking orders,” said Atul Sood, TKM Associate Vice President, Sales and Strategic Marketing.
Skoda Auto India said its April sales increased more than five-fold to 5,152 units, compared to 961 units in April 2021.
“It’s encouraging to see that a sedan is helping us climb sales peaks. The Slavia is a resounding success while the Kushaq SUV continues to find newer homes,” noted Skoda Auto India Brand Director Zac Hollis.
