Two-wheeler sales drag overall December numbers

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today revealed the December 2015 sales numbers and even as the passenger vehicle industry continued to post double digit growth, the overall automotive sales were marred by the sharp decline in two-wheeler sales in the month. 

The industry saw overall sales of 1,502,314 vehicles across segments, with a decline of (-) 0.17 percent over December 2014. The two-wheeler sector continued to bear the brunt of the rural slowdown and sales fell 3.10 percent in the month to 1,167,633 units.

Out of the 12 two-wheeler makers in the country, only three reported growth in the month. Both two-wheeler heavyweights, Hero MotoCorp and Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) reported high single-digit declines in sales in December. On the upside, Bajaj Auto, Royal Enfield and TVS Motor posted positive growth. 

While scooter sales grew 3.12 percent with sales of 386,305 units, motorcycles sales fell 5.93 percent to 724,804 units. Moped sales also declined 5.56 percent to 56,521 units.

Passenger vehicles provided some respite as the segment reported double digit growth in the month. In the segment, sales of passenger cars rose 12.87 percent to 172,671 units. Utility vehicle sales were also in the positive territory with a rise of 4.18 percent to 44,874 units. Meanwhile sales of vans also grew 2.99 percent to 13,415 units.

The commercial vehicle sector saw overall sales of 56,840 units to clock 11.45 percent growth over December 2014 sales of 50,999 units. Medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCVs) continued to be in growth mode with sales 26,017 units for a 19.34 percent increase. Importantly, LCVs also ended in positive territory with 5.57 percent growth and sale of 30,823 units. Three-wheelers also clocked a healthy growth of 17.45 percent last month with sales of 46,881 units.

Also read: 

- Indian auto industry sales grow 2.27% in April-December 2015

- INDIA SALES ANALYSIS: December 2015