Factory-gate sales of cars and utility vehicles rebounded as the curbs imposed to prevent the deadlier second wave of coronavirus infections eased.
Domestic wholesales of passenger vehicles more than doubled month-on-month to 2.32 lakh units in June, according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.
SIAM numbers for June (MoM)
Car sales surged 192% to 1.21 lakh units.
Wholesales of utility vehicles jumped 123% to 1.01 lakh units.
Scooter sales grew fourfold to 2.42 lakh units.
Motorcycle sales jumped 163% to 7.77 lakh units.
Total two-wheeler sales surged 199% to 10.56 lakh units.
Three-wheeler sales increased sevenfold to 9,397 units.
Overall, sales for the auto industry more than doubled over the preceding month to 12.97 lakh units in June.
A year earlier the nation was emerging from a complete lockdown to curtail the pandemic's first wave that had stalled production and caused a washout. Since then till March, sales gradually recovered as the economy rebounded quicker than expected. Demand for personal mobility also rose amid fears of contracting the virus.
But the second wave had stalled a nascent recovery in the industry. Demand tumbled in April and May as local lockdowns shut dealerships in cities. The nation's hinterland, too, wasn't spared. Sales, however, recovered as the restrictions eased in June.
“The Indian automobile industry is facing headwinds like steep increase in commodity prices, semiconductor shortage and third wave fear,” said Rajesh Menon, director-general at SIAM. The industry, he said, is working hard to maximise production goals and sales while ensuring safety of its people and customers.
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