Overall production in January 2009 fell by 11.92 percent over the same month last year. January sales are always more than December sales since December sales are always subdued because of ‘model year change’ in January, which fetches better value of a vehicle in the used vehicle market. The cumulative production data for April 2008 – January 2009 shows production growth of 2.32 percent over April 2007 – January 2008. However, with lower prices and huge discounts, though January 2009 sales registered more than December 2008 sales, they were not enough to make the year on year growth positive.
Domestic Sales
Passenger Vehicles segment registered de-growth with (-) 1.21 percent growth during April – January 2009 over April – January 2008. Passenger Cars fell by 0.62 percent, Utility Vehicles fell by 7.38 percent. However, Multi Purpose Vehicles grew by 6.33 percent during this period. The sales in January 2009 for passenger vehicles fell by 6.88% over January 2008 - with all sub-segments registering negative growth.
The sales of Commercial Vehicles Segment again registered severe de-growth. The segment declined by 19.83 percent during April – January 2009 as compared to the same period last year. While Medium & Heavy Commercial Vehicles declined by 29.24 percent, Light Commercial Vehicles also recorded de-growth at (-) 8.32 percent. In January 2009 commercial vehicles sales fell by 50.96 percent compared to 2008. M&HCV fell by 67.16 percent and LCV fell by 30.11 percent. Also, buses (M&HCV) fell by 14.30 percent and even the smaller buses also fell by 14.72 percent.
Three Wheelers sales registered decline with growth rate being (-) 6.49 percent in April – January 2009. While Passenger Carriers grew by 12.32 percent during April – January 2009, Goods Carriers declined at (-) 39.02 percent. In January, three wheelers fell by 12.29 percent over same month last year.
Two Wheelers registered marginal growth of 1.27 percent during April – January 2009. Mopeds and Scooters grew by 3.36 percent and 8.42 percent. However, Motorcycles went into negative territory at (-) 0.30 percent. Electric two wheelers segment grew by 38.40 percent. However, Two Wheelers sales registered (-) 3.95 percent growth rate in January 2009 over same month last year
Exports
The period from April 2008 – January 2009 saw automobile exports registering a growth of 30.47 percent with all segments except Commercial Vehicles, registering positive growth.
Passenger Vehicles and Two Wheelers segment grew by 59.55 and 29.86 percent respectively. Three Wheelers exports grew by 10.88 percent. However, exports of Commercial Vehicles declined at (-) 18.99 percent during this period.