Car Sales May 2020: Maruti Suzuki Records 88.95 Per Cent Decline In Domestic Market

The Indian auto industry is still going through a gruelling period with automakers struggling with sales as they resume operations after the prolonged lockdown. India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki has sold 13,865 units in the domestic market witnessing a year-on-year sales decline of 88.95 per cent in May 2020 as compared to 1,25,552 units sold in the same month last year. In the same month the company exported 4651 units from Mundra and Mumbai ports. Maruti's overall sales (including exports) in May 2020 stood at 18,539 units which is a slump of 86.23 per cent as compared to 1,34,643 units sold a year ago. The sales numbers also include 23 units of the Glanza hatchbacks sold to Toyota.

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Maruti Suzuki recorded zero sales in April 2020.

Sales operations across the nation in April 2020 were closed resulting in zero sales recorded by all automakers in the domestic market including Maruti Suzuki. Even in March 2020, Maruti Suzuki saw a decline of 47 per cent in overall sales selling 83,792 units. Maruti Suzuki resumed manufacturing operations post lock down from May 12 at its Manesar facility and from May 18 at its Gurugram facility. Production also resumed at the Suzuki Motor Gujarat (SMG) plant from May 25. The SMG plant manufactures cars for Maruti Suzuki on a contract basis.

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Maruti Suzuki opened its dealerships in accordance with government's guidelines in a phased manner across different cities.

That said, the company is yet to open all its dealerships and is still functioning partially as far as sales operations are concerned. Its showrooms opened in accordance with government's guidelines in a phased manner across different cities. The remaining showrooms would open this month if they are not in containment zones or if not specifically restricted by any local guidelines. Sales have also been impacted as company can't allow many customers at the same time in its dealerships in a bid to avoid gatherings and maintain social distancing. Moreover, even people are avoiding to step out in these times, resulting into delays in their purchasing.