Automakers Report Zero Sales In April For the First Time
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown took a heavy toll on the Indian automobile industry. Carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, MG Motor, Toyota and Mahindra & Mahindra reported zero sales in the month of April for the first time ever. It’s been over a month the manufacturing units are shut and component supplies have also been affected. Though, the companies are set to resume the factory operations in the first week of May. Here’re the official statements made by the major carmakers.
Veejay Nakra, Chief Executive Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra said, “At Mahindra, we are working hand in hand with all stakeholders, especially our dealer and supplier partners, to get our ecosystem started, once the lockdown is lifted. The safety of all our employees will be of paramount importance to us while resuming our operations. We are hopeful that our dealerships will open soon and have stocks to cover the first few weeks of sale. In the export market we have sold 733 vehicles during April”.
“Maruti Suzuki India Limited had zero sales in the domestic market, (including sales to OEM), in April 2020. This was because in compliance with the Government orders all production facilities were closed.”
“Hyundai Motor India Ltd, registered exports sales of 1341 units in the month of April 2020. However, domestic sales stood nil amid nationwide lockdown due to pandemic Covid-19.”
MG Motor India said “it retailed zero units in April as dealerships remained closed due to the nationwide lockdown to contain coronavirus pandemic. The company, which reports only retail sales figures, has recorded zero retail sales for the month of April 2020, as its showrooms were closed due to nationwide lockdown”.
Mr. Naveen Soni, Senior Vice President, Sales & Services, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, “These are critical times and we were aware that there would be no wholesales in the month of April 2020. As we prep for a restart, we are working closely with our dealer partners to offer them the best support to re-stimulate demand in a safe and heathy atmosphere.”
