Auto exports up 16% in Apr-Feb; value at Rs 1.62 lakh cr

Led by Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, Ford and Ashok Leyland, India's automobile exports during April-February of this financial year grew by 16 per cent, generating a revenue of Rs 1.62 lakh crore.

According to government data, auto exports during the 11-month period in 2009-10 stood at 1.645 million units against 1.416 million units in the year-ago period.

In value terms, exports increased to Rs 1.62 lakh crore in first 11 months of the financial year, up from Rs 1.28 lakh crore in the corresponding period a year ago.

According to industry experts, these exports can grow further as India is yet to fully exploit the potential of small car exports from the country.

"Auto exports from India have not reached the full potential as yet...Joint industry and government action could enhance the rate of growth," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Director General Dilip Chenoy said.

Among the different segments, goods carriers registered maximum growth (47 per cent) in exports for the period under review, followed by multi-purpose vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers.