Maruti clocks 96,002 domestic sales October 2012

New Delhi, November 1, 2012: Maruti Suzuki India has revealed its sales numbers for October 2012. The carmaker sold a total of 103,108 units, including 7,106 units for export, in the month. In percentage terms, it marks a growth of 85.5 percent but that’s due to a much smaller base of 55,595 units sold in October 2011.

Among passenger cars, the hugely popular Dzire saloon continues to bring in good numbers for Maruti. It sold 14,389 units in October 2012; it has contributed 87,539 units to Maruti’s overall April-October 2012 sales of 453,497 units in the domestic market.

The entry level hatchback segment (Maruti 800, Alto, A-star and Wagon R) is also notching improved numbers and sold 42,233 units in October; an increase of 68.9 percent over the 25,009 units sold last October. In the coming months, consumer demand for the recently launched new Alto 800, which has already notched over 30,000 bookings, will drive sales in this category. Meanwhile, the Swift, Estilo and Ritz went home to 22,459 owners, compared to 10,859 units last October.

In the utility vehicle segment where Maruti sold 7,400 units in October, thanks to the Ertiga which is averaging sales of over 6,500 units every month. On the van front, the Omni and Eeco saw sales drop 12.1 percent to 8,791 units, down from the 9,996 units sold in October 2011.

The second half of 2012-13 should see Maruti fare better. With production at the Manesar plant moving up to almost 90 percent of its peak capacity, the carmaker should be able to achieve volume growth. Furthermore, vehicle price increases and lower discounts after Diwali should help it improve its margins.