Mahindra & Mahindra Becomes Second Largest Commercial Vehicle Maker

The Indian Commercial vehicle industry has inspected so much ups and downs in last 12 months due to falling sales in the mid and heavy truck range, while an increase in the pick-up range. And as they one's loss is another's gain, so this has brought the Indian auto major Mahinra & Mahindra at no. 2 spot replacing the Ashok Leyland.

As per SIAM data, Mahinra & Mahindra's sales stood at 1,67,588 units during April-February, while Ashok Leyland could manage to sell 1,00,592 units during the same period. however the data doesn't include the exports. However, Ashok Leyland still claims to be the number two player in the medium and heavy commercial vehicles.

Commenting on the same, ALL's Spokesperson said, "Ashok Leyland is still the second largest with a market share of 26.1%" in that segment," Ashok Leyland doesn't include 'Dost' in its sales tally as it's a JV product, a total 30,592 units of Dost were sold in the April-Feb period. "Dost has already achieved leadership position in most markets where it operates," he further added.

The medium and heavy commercial vehicle range in India has seen a massive drop in the current financial year. Commercial vehicles fell 22% in the April-Feb period with the 25.2-31.3 tonne multi-axle vehicle and 30-49 tonner multi-axle trailers recording the biggest drop in sales. Sales in these two segments fell around 27% each. If we look at the February sales figures alone, the 30-49 tonner segment inspected a sharp 42.2% drop, while the MAV segment recorded a drop of over 38%.

While Mahindra & Mahindra is ahead in big CVs due to its pick-up numbers, Ashok Leyland is better in medium and heavy commercial vehicle range. Pawan Goenka, president, auto & FES division, M&M says,"M&M is now present in virtually all segments of commercial vehicles, which includes three-wheelers, small CVs, pick ups, LCV and HCV,"

He further added,"We have plans to continue to launch new products or major product refreshes in all segments. The slowdown in the medium and heavy commercial segment is temporary we feel and if anything our focus on medium and heavy commercial vehicle will get stronger. We will focus on growing our presence in all key markets in this segment,"

Ashok Leyland's spokesperson too says that its focus,"will be on expanding and enhancing the M&HCV range while, at the same time, work with JV partner, Nissan Motor Company, to enhance the LCV portfolio. The pace of new product investment has been accelerated to help customers maintain or improve profitability, as they deal with rising fuel costs." 

Source: ET