Maruti Suzuki leads India’s PV sales revival with over 47% share in April-July

Proving yet again its dominance in the Indian passenger vehicle industry, Maruti Suzuki India has single-handedly contributed to more than 47% of overall passenger vehicle (PV) sales in India in the first four months of this fiscal (2015-16). Meanwhile, overall PV sales have posted growth of 7.46% in April-July 2015 and 11.43% in July 2015. 

According to data from industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the mass market major has sold 416,099 passenger vehicles in the first four months of this fiscal starting April 2015. This number accounts for 47.51% of the industry total of 875,670 vehicles sold during the period in the domestic market.

With its strong portfolio of reasonably affordable cars and an unmatched service network in the country, Maruti has been the first choice for the Indian buyer for over 30 years now and the company continues to grow from strength to strength.

Right from January, the automaker has consistently crossed the 100,000 unit sales in a month mark and since has been posting record growth. In July, the company reported sales of 110,405 vehicles, nearly 50% of the total industry sales of 222,368 vehicles and its highest sales this year (see sales table below). July 2015 also marks the best performance for Maruti Suzuki since 2001-02, when the company recorded a 50.4% market share.

In calendar year 2014, the carmaker had crossed the 100,000 sales mark thrice – March 2014 (102,269), June 2014 (100,964) and December 2014 (100,024).

After successfully selling mass market cars since its inception, Maruti Suzuki is now trying its hand at selling premium cars in India (yet again) but this time with a focused approach in the form of the upmarket Nexa dealership outlets and the just-launched premium S-Cross crossover. With the S-cross, the company is gunning for a segment of customers who demand power and performance as well as the comfort and refinement of a sedan.

The premium Nexa dealerships look to offer a high-quality car buying experience with outlets equipped with all the bells and whistles compared to the utilitarian but very effective regular Maruti dealerships.

From the company’s viewpoint, venturing into the premium segment is a natural progression considering it has ruled the Indian car market for decades. Only time – and the customer – will prove whether the shift to premium class clicks.