The country's top automakers, Maruti Suzuki (MSIL) and Hyundai Motor India (HMIL), reported a slight increase in domestic sales in April. MSIL, India's largest passenger automaker, had its domestic sales rise marginally over the same month last year, while HMIL's domestic sales up marginally - by 1% year on year.
In April, MSIL sold 140,448 vehicles in India. The figure was slightly higher than the 139,519 units it sold in April 2023. Sports utility vehicles (SUVs) saw the greatest increase in sales across all categories. MSIL sold 56,553 SUVs in April 2024, compared to 36,754 units in the same month last year.
However, sales of its micro and compact cars fell year after year. The tiny sector, which includes models such as the Alto and S-Presso, continues to fall. In April, it sold 11,519 minicars, compared to 14,110 last year. While the compact class, which includes popular models such as the Baleno, Swift, Dzire, and WagonR, had a 24% drop in domestic sales, falling from 74,935 units in April 2023 to 56,953 units in the past month.
HMIL said today that its domestic sales in April were 50,201 units, 1% higher than the 49,701 units sold in the same month last year.
However, a significant increase in exports boosted both automakers' overall sales figures. MSIL's exports increased 30.5% to 22,160 units, exceeding 16,971 units. HMIL shipped 13,500 automobiles from India. The figure was 58.8% more than the 8,500 automobiles it exported in April 2023.
As a result, MSIL's overall sales number increased by 4.7% to 168,098 units from 160,529 units, while HMIL's total sales for the month increased by 9.5% over April 2023 due to considerable export growth.
Tarun Garg, HMIL's Chief Operating Officer, stated: "In April 2024, Hyundai Motor India accomplished its fourth straight month of 50,000 or more vehicles in domestic sales during fiscal year 24. SUVs, led by models such as the CRETA, VENUE, and EXTER, remained a growth engine, accounting for 67% of HMI domestic sales.
HMIL currently has a network of 1,366 sales outlets and 1,551 service centers around the country.
