INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
New Delhi: Top carmakers in the country, including Maruti Suzuki India and Hyundai, on Friday reported zero domestic sales in April after
the nationwide coronavirus-triggered lockdown halted production and shut sales network
That marked the first time that carmakers in the country reported nil sales in a month.Maruti Suzuki India, Hyundai Motor India, Mahindra -
Mahindra (M-M), Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) and MG Motor India reported nil sales as they suspended operations even before the imposition
of lockdown on March 25 to check the spread of coronavirus.Maruti Suzuki, which produces more than half of the cars running on the country's
roads, said it did not sell any vehicle in the domestic market in April
The company, however, said in a statement that it exported 632 vehicles after the Mundra port in Gujarat resumed operations.Similarly,
Hyundai Motor India said it did not sell any vehicle last month in the domestic market due to suspension of manufacturing activities at its
The company, however, exported 1,341 units during the month.The overseas dispatches took place by adhering to all guidelines set by the
government and export regulating authorities while ensuring adequate safety and protection for everyone, it added.Homegrown automaker M-M
also reported zero sales of passenger and commercial vehicles in the domestic market
It, however, dispatched 733 vehicles to overseas markets during the last month."We are hopeful that our dealerships will open soon and have
stocks to cover the first few weeks of sale," M-M chief executive officer-automotive division Veejay Nakra said.Similarly, Toyota Kirloskar
Motor said the re-start of the entire value chain cycle and its restoration will be gradual as the industry is faced with varied challenges
like low consumer sentiments, rebuilding of disrupted supply chains and return of workforce."As with many other sectors, with the closure of
dealerships and manufacturing, the operation of the automotive value chain has come to a grinding halt," Toyota Kirloskar Motor senior vice
president (sales and marketing) Naveen Soni said in a statement.These are critical times and the company was aware that there would be no
wholesales in the month of April 2020, he added."As we prepare for a restart, we are working closely with our dealer partners to offer them
the best support to re-stimulate demand in a safe and healthy atmosphere," Mr Soni said.MG Motor India said it has resumed operations at its
Halol facility in the last week of April and now hopes that the production will ramp up in the month of May.In two-wheeler segment, niche
bike maker Royal Enfield said it had zero sales in the domestic market but exported a total of 91 units last month.
