Maruti sales climb 24% in November

New models propel the company's sales

India's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) reported positive growth numbers yet again, in November, as its domestic sales rose 24 per cent to 65,216 units. The company sold 52,574 units in the same period of the previous year.

The growth was propelled by newer models such as Zen Estilo, Swift and SX4 even as older models, including Wagon R and Alto, did well. City-based auto analysts said that the company also sold a decent number of Wagon R Duo models due to the robust demand.

Although the production of sedans such as Esteem and Baleno in the A3 segment was discontinued by the company months ago, some vehicles are still being sold in select Maruti outlets, said company executives.

The A3 segment registered a growth of 104 per cent, selling 4,260 units, thanks mainly to the SX4 sedan.

The company's exports grew by a robust 82 per cent for the month, exceeding analyst expectations. Its exports stood at 4,483 units as against the previous 2,459 units.

Chetan Shah, auto analyst, Emkay Research, said, "Sales numbers posted by the company are in line with our expectations as new launches have helped it achieve robust growth. We are expecting the growth to continue into the second half of the year as well."

Meanwhile, General Motors (GM), owners of the Chevrolet brand, sold 5,356 units during the reporting month, registering a whopping growth of nearly 110 per cent.

GM's highest selling model remains the utility vehicle Tavera as it sold 1,703 units. Marred by production constraints, the small car Spark sold just 1,426 units. The company also sells the Aveo, U-VA and the Optra range in the country.

P Balendran, VP, GM India said, "The consistent surge in monthly sales is a clear indication of the success of our carlines and demonstrates the fact that our flagship brand Chevrolet has been well accepted by the market and is growing from strength to strength."

Japanese car maker, Honda Seil Cars India (HSCI) reported a fall of 5.34 per cent at 4,425 units as against 4,675 units.