BackAuto sales to pick up in second half of next fiscal after tepid first half: Ind-Ra
The PV segment, which has clocked a 4 % growth in the ten months of the ongoing fiscal, is expected to grow "moderately" next fiscalThe CV segment, which has grown 23 % in the ten months is expected to see high single-digit to low double-digit growth
PremiumNEW DELHI : India's overall automobile sales are likely to remain tepid in the first half of 2019-20, but the upcoming implementation of BS-VI emission norms will drive the demand in the second half of the year, according to India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra).
As per the ratings agency, the passenger vehicle (PV) segment, which has clocked a 4 % growth in the ten months of the ongoing fiscal, is expected to grow "moderately" next fiscal.
The commercial vehicle (CV) segment, which has grown 23 % in the ten months of 2018-19, is expected to see high single-digit to low double-digit growth in 2019-20, Ind-Ra said in a statement.
Two-wheelers are also poised for steady growth in the next fiscal, it said. The segment has grown by 8 % so far in the ongoing fiscal.
Buying preponement on the expected price rise in 2020-21 due to the implementation of BS-VI norms, improvement in consumer sentiments along with new model and variant launches will be among the key growth drivers for the PV segment.
For the CV segment, it said, continued uptick in industrial activity, road and infrastructure development, and the likelihood of liquidity of NBFCs will fuel demand.
The rise in rural income and growing middle class population with increasing disposable income will be the key growth drivers for two-wheeler segement, along with a young population showing preference for premium products.
While maintaining a stable outlook for automobile sector, the ratings agency said BS-VI implementation from April 1, 2020 will make vehicles costlier across all segments.
"As per industry estimates, the cost of petrol variant PVs and two-wheelers could increase 10-15 % and that of diesel variant by 20-25 %," it said.
Due to this, Ind-Ra expects demand to pick pace in second half of 2019-20, although it is likely to remain tepid in the first half, it said.
The agency further said credit ratings of most of the large players in its sample are set to be unaffected in 2019-20 despite capex plans in view of the ongoing regulatory changes, development of an electric vehicle platform and continued new product launches.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.
