According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), Indian domestic passenger car sales in August reached 120,669 units, increasing by 25.58 percent year on year, while domestic motorcycle sales were up 25.94 percent to 611,173 units, both compared to August 2008.
On the other hand, in the first five months of the current Indian fiscal year (started April 1), the total motor vehicle output of the country grew by 11.23 percent year on year. Meanwhile, in the period in question, passenger car sales grew by 13.47 percent and light commercial vehicle sales increased by 21.75 percent, both compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
"During the last few months, sales were consistently growing. Of course, in the last month it was fuelled by some stock build-up at the dealer level for the anticipated festive demand," SIAM Senior Director Sugato Sen told the Indian press. "The low-base effect during the same period last year also had a positive impact on sales," he added.
Asked about the expected demand in the festive season, Mr. Sen said, "Government has announced that the last instalment of the pay commission (revision) will be released, this will help people to fund their purchases. Also, a lot of activities in the infrastructure sector are going on. The growth trend is expected to continue."