Maruti’s domestic passenger vehicle wholesales in August dropped by 8%, with 1,43,075 units compared to 1,56,114 units in the same month last year. Deliveries of small cars such as Alto and S-Presso fell to 10,648 units last month, down from 12,209 units a year ago. Hatchbacks like Baleno, Celerio, Dzire, Ignis, and Swift also faced a 20% decline, with sales of 58,051 units compared to 72,451 units last year. On the other hand, Maruti saw an increase in utility vehicle and SUV dispatches, including models like Grand Vitara, Brezza, Ertiga, Invicto, Fronx, and XL6, which rose to 62,684 units from 58,746 units the previous year.
Hyundai, which is working on an IPO, reported an 8% decrease in domestic dispatches in August, sending 49,525 units to dealerships compared to 53,830 units in the same month last year, as per the TOI report.
Tata Motors experienced a 3% decline in passenger vehicle wholesales, with 44,142 units dispatched last month versus 45,513 units in August of the previous year.
Maruti’s senior executive officer (marketing & sales), Partho Banerjee, said the company reduced dispatches as part of an inventory reduction strategy. He mentioned, “The company’s dealer stock levels, which were at 38 days at the beginning of August, have dropped to 36 days.”
Meanwhile, companies such as Kia and Toyota have increased their dealership supplies. Kia India announced a 17% rise in wholesales for August, with 22,523 units dispatched compared to 19,219 units in August of last year.As the automotive industry navigates fluctuating demand, the actions of leading car manufacturers reflect varied responses in adjusting inventory and preparing for upcoming market conditions.
