Ashok Leyland vehicle sales up 33 per cent

Despite an over 12 per cent fall in its medium duty passenger vehicle (MDV) sales in the domestic market and a more dramatic fall of 63 per cent in its nascent light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales, Ashok Leyland Ltd (ALL) registered a 33 per cent hike in its overall sales in May this year compared with same period in 2003.

The company's production of MDV passenger fell by over 19 per cent, from 981 in May, 2003 to 792 in May, 2004. Simultaneously, the bus sales too fell to 657 (750). However, export of medium duty buses rose to 82 (52).

On the other hand, the cheer was with the goods' segment. MDV goods production climbed 42 per cent to 2,978 vehicles (2,098). Domestic sales in this segment was up 48.5 per cent at 2,916 vehicles (1,964).

Exports also shot up 124.5 per cent to 220 vehicles (98). Ashok Leyland saw its LCV production dip by 85.5 per cent to a mere 16 vehicles (110) this May.

Sales figures were grim too, though not as severe. The company sold only 24 LCVs domestically against 44 vehicles last year. Exports whittled down to measly six (38) vehicles.

But clearly the strides made in medium duty goods vehicle segment made all the difference, with the total production levels rising nearly 19 per cent to 3,786 (3,189) vehicles.

Domestic sales was up 30.42 per cent at 3,597 (2,758) vehicles. Exports was up nearly 64 per cent at 308 (188) vehicles. This marked an overall sales growth of 33 per cent at 3,905 (2,946) vehicles.