As the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) revealed the sales data for the month of August 2015, it is amply clear that the industry is not out of the woods just yet. The erratic monsoon and in turn dampened rural demand have weighed on total numbers.  

Last month, passenger vehicle sales grew 3.99 percent (222,476 units). While passenger cars continued their good run with 6.06 percent (163,093 units) year-on-year growth, utility vehicles were down 4.07 percent (44,608 units). Van sales were up 8.19 percent (14,775 units).

The commercial vehicle segment posted growth of 7.58 percent (52,198 units) with M&HCVs accounting for 23,016 units and LCVS 29,182 units. For M&HCVs, the best August sales were reported in 2011 with 27,448 units sold before reaching peak levels during March 2011 of 40,442 units. In August 2015, M&HCV sales rose 35.4 percent to 23,016 units. For LCVs, the best August sales were in 2012 when a total of 41,720 units were sold, with the best monthly sales posted in March 2013 of 55,365 units. In August this year, LCV sales fell 7.41 percent to 29,182 units.

The two-wheeler market continues to feel the pressure of slowing commuter motorcycle sales. Overall motorcycle sales fell 9.59 percent to 823,053 units. “Rural markets are still under-performing under the impact of the last monsoon season. Motorcycles that sell in large volumes, especially in these markets, have pulled down the industry sales with their high decline in numbers,” Vishnu Mathur, director general of SIAM, told Autocar Professional. However, Mathur is bullish on the segment and is hopeful of sales picking up in the coming months due to the festive season.

Meanwhile, scooter sales continued to accelerate, clocking 15.66 percent growth year on year to 427,165 units, and providing the bright spot in the two-wheeler segment. Moped sales were down 16.30 percent to 55,132. 

Also read: INDIA SALES ANALYSIS - AUGUST 2015