The automotive industry has been affected by the current recession affecting the global economy and the sector is at present facing serious downslope. During the start of the recession about 8 percent fewer cars were sold which have increased to a 15 percent slump for passenger cars and 30 percent for the commercial segment in 2012. Indian automakers have also felt this heat and have been taking steps to maintain good sales.
Sales figure of 2013 shows that Maruti Suzuki sits high at first place followed by Korean giant Hyundai and Indian car-maker Mahindra. Now the fourth place which many carmakers have been aiming for, has gone to Honda for the first quarter. Indian automakers have been feeling the pressure due to the current market slowdown and have been trying out every possible way to boost up their sales. Many have been offering free insurance or even cash discounts for their products which have helped them to some extent. One such automaker which has stayed away from offering such discount has been Honda.
The Japanese carmaker is still selling in good numbers as they have won the trust of Indian buyers with good products like the City, Accord and Civic. Honda cars are known to be well built and offer great value with great road presence. This image has helped them maintain good sales. With their recent launched Honda Amaze, their first diesel car to rival market leader Maruti Suzuki’s Swift Dzire, Honda has boosted up sales as it has fetched them huge success.
Honda sold 11,342 units last month and interestingly Amaze contributed to this with 6036 units. Honda may have gone ahead of Tata Motors and Toyota to claim fourth place but it might find it difficult to accelerate as it’s production plant at Noida has a limited capacity of 10,000 units per month only. With three new models expected next year, it is expected that its new plant at Tapukara in Alwar, Rajasthan will help them boost market share.
