Indian Car Sales Figures – July 2017

July’17 was a transition phase for the Indian Auto Industry from a pre-GST era to the post-GST economy. The prices of majority of the models were cut due to the change in the taxation structure. The government’s stand on Hybrid models led the steep increase in the prices of Ciaz/Ertiga SHVS, Accord Hybrid, Camry Hybrid, etc. OEMs like Toyota, Maruti, Mahindra pushed their vehicles enough to compensate June’s loss and as a matter of fact Toyota grew a stupendous 800% in July’17 when compared to June’17! Maruti’s Nexa bet has played off really well and what they have done in the Indian market is nothing short but magical. Nexa could sell 32,860 with all its models combined! – At this speed, we could see Nexa overtake Hyundai’s numbers in coming time. Also splendid is Maruti’s numbers from its traditional channel (i.e. without Nexa) – It sold 1,20,438 units from its traditional models. The Product onslaught and differentiation in brand positioning is surely a case study for the other Global MNCs.

July’17 saw a YoY growth of healthy 15% and MoM growth of over 50%! The spurt was primarily due to the upcoming festive season in August (Rakshabandhan, Varamahalakshmi, Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi to name a few). As requested by one of our reader, we are happy to present both MoM & YoY analysis in this month’s post. Do see how the OEM’s fared –

In MoM performance, only 2 OEMs experienced de-growth (GM & Nissan). Also in YoY analysis – apart from Renault, Nissan & GM; all OEMs saw a growth in their volumes. While GM is out of the game; the decline in numbers at the Renault-Nissan alliance is a serious concern to their global ambitions. The Alliance is in a close competition to become the Global No.1 and their Indian performance will be vital. July’17 also saw the birth of an Iconic Product – Compass. The pricing has been sweet and has already sent terror waves amongst the rivals. The Compass saw dispatch of 935 units and helped Fiat rub shoulders with Skoda’s volumes. We are positive about Compass’s potential to revive FCA’s fate in India. Let’s look at the modelwise analysis here:

Highlights:

Maruti & Nexa are on a roll – and the break through success of their two key products (rather new launches) was the key. Maruti’s Brezza & Nexa’s Baleno – Both crossed 15k units and were positioned in the Top 5 selling cars of July’17. Also commendable is Alto’s performance over years – It still sold >26k copies and could easily outshine its capable competitors (namely Kwid & Eon). Dzire numbers saw a hitch (we suspect a production concern after the steering column recall) or else it would’ve been much better. Even Dzire was the fastest product in Maruti’s stable to garner over a Lakh Bookings!
Hyundai has been on a backfoot after not that great success of Refreshed Grand i10 & Xcent. With Compass launch, it’ll be a difficult ride for the easily selling Creta as well. Hyundai is now overly dependent on i20 & Creta. Here’s what Hyundai’s strategy is – the launch of Next Gen Verna! Yes, New Product Launch is the key to success in Indian market as of today. Hyundai has timed the launch pretty well in the festive season and we are sure that they’ve aligned to production to get the volumes on board. It’ll definitely be a tough fight in front of the mighty City & Ciaz.
Mahindra XUV sold over 1200 units lesser than the Fortuner in July’17. That’s how ruthless the Indian market can be! The Indian consumer is now seeking value more than cost and has become ever brand conscious. And things have turned pretty difficult for the Indian OEM – losing its UV-leader crown to Maruti and the dropping volumes. However, the strong rural demand and acceptance is shielding it from the debacle.
Honda’s raking the moolah with the recently launched WRV. The Compact SUV from the Japanese OEM has got a wide acceptance for being Feature-rich, Butch looks and Decent Price. It has overtaken Ecosport’s volumes for second consecutive month and has also registered itself as the best selling Honda model for the month of July’17!
Tata is in the news for the forthcoming launch of Nexon. The product has got some seriously good reviews and looks promising. After Hexa & Tigor’s average success; Tata has a lot riding on the Nexon. We believe Nexon has all the ingredients to seal Tata’s position in the Top 5.
Toyota saw the highest fall in prices of its models post GST and the same reflected in their volumes as well. It sold crazy 9369 units of Crysta in July’17 made it the No.1 selling MUV of July’17! Similar was with Fortuner’s volumes – It sold over 3400 units and placed itself as the Best Selling Premium SUV!