A deepening recessionary trend in the economy, coupled with continuing credit squeeze and high interest rates, has further depressed customer sentiments. As a result, automobile purchases are being severely impacted.
Tata Motors’ domestic sales for the month of December 2008 were 23,894 nos., a decline of 44% compared to 42,977 nos. in December last year. The company’s total sales (including exports) for the month of December 2008 were 25,219 vehicles, a decline of 47% compared to 47,678 nos. last December. Cumulative sales for the company at 363,329 nos., declined by 11%.
Commercial Vehicles
The company’s sales of commercial vehicles in December 2008 in the domestic market were 14,056 nos., a decline of 51% compared to 28,661 vehicles sold in December last year. M&HCV sales stood at 4,811 nos., a decline of 69% over December 2007, while LCV sales were 9,245 nos., a decline of 29% over December 2007.
Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal were 195,179 nos., a decline of 9% over 215,520 nos. last year. Cumulative M&HCV sales stood at 86,720 nos., a decline of 23% over last year, while LCV sales for the fiscal were 108,459 nos., a growth of 6% over last year.
While overall sales have declined, Tata Motors is substantially increasing its market share.
Passenger Vehicles
The company’s sales of passenger vehicles in December 2008 in the domestic market were 9,838 nos., a decline of 31% compared to 14,316 vehicles sold in December last year. Although retail sales were higher, they were far lower than December 2007. The Indica range sales at 6,749 nos. declined by 28.9%. The Indigo range with sales of 1,673 nos., reported a 21% growth over December 2007. The Sumo and Safari accounted for sales of 1,416 nos., a decline of 58.8% compared to December 2007. With higher retails than offtakes this month, system inventory has been brought to manageable levels for the last quarter of FY09.
Cumulative sales of passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal were 139,084 nos., a decline of 8% over 151,136 nos. in the same period last year. Cumulative sales of the Indica at 74,827 nos., reported a decline of 25%. Cumulative sales of the Indigo family were 36,432 nos., a growth of 82%. Cumulative sales of Sumo and Safari at 27,825 nos. declined by 10%.
Exports
The company’s sales from exports at 1,325 vehicles in December 2008 declined by 72% compared to 4,701 vehicles in December 2007. The cumulative sales from exports for the fiscal at 29,066 nos. declined by 28% over 40,263 nos. in the same period last year.
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