WR-V replaces City as Honda’s bestseller in July

The crossover sold more units than the City sedan in the month of July; helps double Honda’s UV market share in Q1 FY2018.

Published On Aug 08, 2017 12:45:00 PM

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WR-V replaces City as Honda’s bestseller in July

Launched on March 16, 2017, the WR-V overtook the Honda City, and became the company’s sales topper in the month of July, barely five months since its launch. It also helped double the carmaker’s UV market share in Q1 FY2018

The new bestseller for Honda in India sold 4,894 units in July, compared to 4,854 units of the City. Together with sales from other Honda cars and SUVs, the company’s cumulative monthly sales in July 2017 grew by a significant 22 percent, clocking 17,085 units (July 2016: 14,033).

Even though the sales margin between the WR-V and the City is only 40 units, the crossover has been witnessing strong consumer interest, selling a cumulative 19,050 units until the end of July. This is thanks to some features which have proved to be a hit with buyers, the sunroof being on top of the list.

The WR-V notched its first milestone when it drove into the Top 5 UV list in June, selling 4,243 units, helping increase the company’s UV share to 6.60 percent in Q1 FY2018, almost doubling it from previous year’s 3.84 percent in the same quarter.

What has helped the WR-V’s drive in India is the surging demand for SUVs and the Rs 10,000-odd GST-driven price reduction. Foreseeing increased demand for the model, Honda Cars India has increased supplies of the WR-V to its dealers which has led to smooth deliveries across the country.

Except for the City, Honda’s model line-up hasn't been performing as per expectations. The WR-V seems to have put the wind back into the company’s sails.

Honda Cars India has been maintaining a strong sales momentum in the current fiscal year and has sold 55,647 units during the April- July 2017 period with a cumulative growth of over 21 percent (April-July 2016: 45,880). In Q1, FY2018 it had a PV market share of 5.30 percent, up from 4.57 percent a year ago.

Sales of the WR-V
Month 2017	WR-V sales	Honda total sales 2016	Honda total sales 2017	% Change
March	3,833	17,430	18,950	8.72%
April	3,266	10,486	14,480	38.09%
May	2,814	9,954	11,278	13.30%
June	4,243	11,407	12,804	12.25%
July	4,894	14,033	17,085	21.75%
Total	19,050	63,310	74,597	17.83%