Maruti July sales up 20 percent

Maruti Suzuki has recorded 20 percent sales growth in July 2014. India’s largest carmaker sold a total of 90,093 cars last month, notching 19.9 percent growth (July 2013: 75,145), pointing to the revived market sentiment and improved footfalls in company showrooms across the country.

The cars contributing to the sales increase are mainly premium hatchbacks (Swift, Ritz, Celerio) which sold a total of 25,156 units in July 2014, notching 81.2 percent growth (July 2013: 13,882). The Dzire compact sedan went home to 18,634 new buyers, a growth of 22.2 percent (July 2013:15,249). The entry level hatchbacks (Maruti 800, Alto, A-star and Wagon R) saw sales decline 14.4 percent to 28,759 units (July 2013: 33,587).

The MPV segment, which is dominated by the Ertiga MPV, sold a total of 5,631 units in July 2014, up 23.4 percent (July 2013: 4,562). It’ll be interesting to see how this particular statistic holds up, now that the Honda Mobilio has been launched and reportedly generating a lot of buzz in terms of initial bookings.

Looking towards the future, Maruti will be launching the Ciaz sedan this festive season. It will be Maruti’s card to take on the likes of the Honda City, Hyundai Verna and others. In 2015, Maruti will bring the S-cross to Indian shores as well. It will be pitted against segment toppers like the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster and Nissan Terrano.