The new year has begun on a bright note for the commercial vehicle sector. Sales in January 2015 have given manufacturers a cause for cheer with all OEMs recording positive sales in the medium and heavy commercial vehicles (M&HCV) segment. However, the LCV segment is still in the doldrums as Tata Motors and Mahindra Truck and Bus posted negative sales in the segment. Ashok Leyland, which posted a Rs 32 crore profit in Q3, recorded double-digit growth in the LCV segment. 

The positive sales in the M&HCV segment have been attributed to fleet renewals by large fleet operators who are tapping business from increased freight activities.

In terms of company-specific sales, Tata Motors’ overall domestic sales remain flat. The company sold 25,574 units (January 2014: 25,683). The M&HCV segment continued to perform well for the company with 38 percent growth. The company sold 11,273 units as compared to 8,166 a year ago. The LCVs continued to decline with an 18 percent fall with sales of 14,301 units. (January 2014:17,517)

Ashok Leyland’s overall sales grew 36 percent with 10,639 units (January 2014-7,847 units). Its M&HCVs sales surged 45 percent with 8,005 units (January 2014: 5,530 units). Bucking the overall LCV industry trend, the company’s LCVs posted 14 percent growth with 2,634 units sold last month (January 2014: 2,317 units)

VE Commercial Vehicles saw its sales rise 25 percent in the month. In the domestic market in the 5-tonne and above category, the company sold 2,905units (January 2014: 2,322 units).

Mahindra Trucks and Buses recorded a 10 percent increase with the company selling 796 units. (January 2014: 722 units).