Domestic car sales remained subdued in May with only Maruti Suzuki and Tata Motors clocking double-digit growth, while Hyundai and Honda posted marginal increase in sales as the auto sector continued to face challenges.
Mahindra & Mahindra and Ford India reported decline in sales during the month. Maruti Suzuki India said its domestic sales rose 13 per cent in May to 1,02,359 units as against 90,560 units in same month last year.
Sales of mini segment cars including Alto and WagonR, climbed 20.6 per cent to 35,062 units compared with 29,068 units in the year-ago period.
However, sales of the compact segment comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz, Dzire declined 5.7 per cent to 41,926 units in May this year against 44,455 units a year ago. Rival Hyundai Motor India ltd (HMIl) sold 37,450 units last month compared with 36,205 units in May 2014, up 3.4 per cent. HMIl Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing) Rakesh Srivastava said the growth during the month was achieved in a market experiencing low growth with decreasing contribution of rural and diesel vehicles sales.
“Hyundai volumes grew to 37,450 units with fourth consecutive month of more than 10,000 units of highly successful and acceptable Elite & Active, showcasing customers' changing preference towards brands delivering high aspirational value at attainable prices,” he added.