Auto sales in state pick up after sliding for 2 mnths

August has witnessed rise in car bookings by 25-30 per cent.

After major sales dip in the months of June and July, the festive month of August has ushered in more number of car bookings in Ahmedabad. What is termed as the beginning month of festive season by car dealers in the city, August has witnessed rise in car bookings by 25-30 per cent.

"Bookings have risen in August by 25-30 per cent as compared to July. High inflation and fuel prices did dampen sales scenario in Ahmedabad since last couple of months. However, August has seen rise in bookings again," said Sandeep Kumar, CEO of Ahmedabad-based Manan Autolink - Maruti Division.

For the city-based dealer of Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., the new Swift has seen maximum bookings, followed by Alto and Wagon R. Similarly, for Group Planet Petal that deals in Hyundai models, car bookings have gone up by 10 per cent.

"Models like Hyundai i10, Santro and Accent have done pretty well in the month of August. It has been a relief since last two months had seen severe dip auto sales. The beginning of festive season have been pushing the sales and we expect better improved sales in September," said Sukhbir Bagga, director of Group Planet Petal, which sold 140 cars in August 2011 as compared to 70 cars in August 2010.

Auto sales have not only increased among mid and premium hatchbacks but also in the luxury segment. According to Parsoli Motors, which deals in luxury cars like BMW, bookings have begun to rise in recent times. "Sales have been improving and September should pick up further. However, there are still concerns due to dampened realty sector and rising inflation," said Talha Sareshwala, CEO, Parsoli Motors.

Meanwhile, for Honda as well, Gujarat has been better than other states in August. Landmark Honda that deals in Honda cars for Gujarat sold around 550-600 cars in the state, a 40 per cent rise compared to July.

Apart from festive season, repositioning of Honda City price point has also brought in more bookings for the model, said Sanjay Thakker, director of Landmark Honda in Ahmedabad.