Sunday | Apr 06 2025 | 06:38:06 AM
The automotive sector concluded March and the financial year with varied results across different segments. Although Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), Bajaj Auto, and TVS Motor Company showed remarkable growth, Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki encountered challenges in some categories.
The largest automotive producer, Tata Motors, reported total sales of 2.53 lakh units in Q4FY25, a decrease from 2.65 lakh units the previous year. The growth in the passenger vehicle (PV) segment declined by 6 per cent year-on-year to 1.47 lakh units, while sales of commercial vehicles (CV) fell by 3 per cent to 1.05 lakh units.
In spite of the overall downturn, Tata Motors' domestic sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles (MH&ICV) in March increased to 20,474 units, slightly above the figures from a year earlier. Including exports, MH&ICV sales reached 21,226 units for the month, indicating a consistent growth.
M&M reported another impressive month, as total automobile sales jumped 23 per cent year-on-year to 83,894 units in March. The SUV category maintained its upward trend, posting 48,048 units, an increase of 18 per cent compared to the previous year.
For the complete fiscal year, M&M recorded 5.51 lakh SUV sales - the highest in its history - indicating a 20 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The tractor division of the company experienced strong demand, as March sales increased by 34 per cent to 34,934 units, surpassing market expectations.
Maruti Suzuki's overall sales in March increased by 3.09 per cent year-on-year to 1.93 lakh units, yet domestic passenger vehicle sales fell by 1.29 per cent to 1.51 lakh units, down from 1.53 lakh units in the same month last year, a decrease of 2 per cent.
Sales of mini cars, including Alto and S-Presso, fell to 11,655 units last month from 11,829 units in the same month last year.
Eicher Motors, the producer of Royal Enfield, reported sales of 1.01 lakh motorcycles in March, reflecting a 34 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
The company achieved the significant milestone of exceeding one million annual sales for the first time, which Managing Director B Govindarajan labeled as a pivotal moment in Royal Enfield’s transformation from a niche participant to a worldwide leader in its segment.
TVS Motor concluded the financial year positively, recording sales of 47.4 lakh units, which is a 13 per cent increase compared to FY24. Sales in March skyrocketed by 17 per cent year-on-year to 4.15 lakh units, propelled by robust domestic demand and a 23 per cent increase in exports.
The two-wheeler segment of the company grew by 16 per cent in March, with 4 lakh units sold, while motorcycle sales also increased by 15 per cent to 1.97 lakh units. The scooter category experienced a greater increase, jumping 27 per cent to reach 1.66 lakh units.
