Alto becomes India’s top-selling car for a fifth month
Maruti sold 22,595 units of Alto in May, up 30.52% over the year-ago period
New Delhi: Alto, the mini car from Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, has emerged as the country’s top-selling car for a fifth straight month. It sold 22,595 units in May, up 30.52% over the year-ago period.
Alto was followed by Maruti’s other models such as Swift, Dzire and Wagon R at second, third and fourth positions, respectively.
The top 10 passenger cars had six representatives from Maruti Suzuki, with Celerio hatchback at 8th and Ciaz sedan at the 10th position. Rival Hyundai Motor India Ltd occupied 5th, 6th and 9th positions, with Elite i20, Grand i10 and Eon hatchbacks, respectively.
Honda’s sedan City was placed seventh.
Rise in Alto sales indicates return of consumer interest in the entry-level car segment, which had suffered in the past due to high price differential between diesel and petrol fuel, and a gloomy macroeconomic condition that prevented customers from moving on from their two-wheelers to cars.
Though, first-time customers have skipped the Alto segment to buy a Swift or a Grand i10, people in rural India still prefer an Alto as their first choice when they make a buying decision.
However, weakening rural demand amid forecasts of poor monsoon remain a concern. Motorcycle sales in May, an indicator of rural consumer demand, have declined for seven month in a row. Weak rural demand may also mean a short-lived comeback for the Alto hatchback.
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