Dhanteras glitter dims for consumer appliances firms, automakers

Inflation, second Covid-19 wave, semiconductor shortage major reasons behind tepid sales

It was Dhanteras alright but the usual sheen was missing, especially for the majority of consumer appliance makers and automobile manufacturers.

Companies blamed persistent inflation, second wave of Covid-19, coupled with shortage of semiconductors, for the dam­p­ened overall festive spirits of shop­pers. According to estimates, two-whe­eler and car deliveries on Dhanteras were lower by 30 per cent as compared to last year.

The companies are now pinning their hopes on the last few days of the 45-day festive season, which ends with Bhai Dooj on November 5, to salvage the numbers. They are also riding their hopes on the wedding