M&M auto sales up a tad, tractors on a roll

Mahindra & Mahindra has reported a marginal increase in April auto numbers to 26,043 units from 23,004 units in the previous year.

Of these, exports increased substantially to 1,006 units from 387 units in April 2009.

While the company's core utility-vehicle sales slipped marginally to 17,998 units (18,447 units), the focus on smaller pickups has paid off with sales almost doubling to 5,876 units from 2,972 units. M&M's new offerings, the Maxximo (the challenger to the Tata Ace) and the less-expensive Gio, could make more headway in the coming months, sources said, even while the three-wheelers continue at the present pace.

The company just acquired the Logan sedan business from former ally Renault, but sales in April were only 303 units, down from 550 units in the same month last year. However, the recent move to slash Logan prices could attract more buyers.

In its tractor business, M&M reported domestic sales of 15,699 units, up nearly 40 per cent from 11,282 units in April 2009. Tractor exports totalled 605 units (359 units).

Source: indiacar.com Source : Business Line (Online Edition) (5/3/2010)