Two-wheeler sales inch up in Kanpur

Two-wheeler sales have seen an unexpected rise in the past one month in Kanpur, with the sales rising 25 per cent. Moreover, the increased demand has led to short supply of bikes, which command over 80 per cent of the two-wheeler segment in the region.

Hero Honda bikes are the most in demand followed by Bajaj. Authorised dealers expect the demand-supply gap to bridge by mid-June.

According to Hero Honda dealer Nitin Gupta, his dealership sold around 2,000 Honda bikes during May last year, while it has already breached the 2,500-unit mark this year. “The rise in sales can be attributed to the ongoing Hindu marriage season, pushing the demand for conjugal gifts, especially two-wheelers,” Nitin said.

Bajaj dealer, Amit Garg, told Business Standard that Pulsar and Discover bikes were being booked 10 days in advance in view of the current shortage. So far this year, Garg has already sold 650 bikes, as against 425 units last year.

TVS motors sales manager, SS Jauhri pointed out that the number of matrimonial alliances this year was well ahead of 2008, resulting in sales of over 4,500 two-wheelers in May, as compared with 3,000 units sold last year. “The two-wheeler segment has shown remarkable resilience in recovering from the brief spell of slowdown towards the end of last year,” Jauhri said.