Corona Impact – Maruti’s Sales Dropped 47%, Hyundai’s 65%
March 2020 hasn’t been a good month for the automobile industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. Car manufacturers, two-wheeler makers and even their dealers witnessed significant downfall that will take months to recover. India’s two major auto makers – Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai have announced their sales results for March 2020. Read – Suzuki Jimny 5-Door Could Be Called New Maruti Gypsy in India
The Indo-Japanese carmaker sold a total of 83,792 units last month, registering a decline of 47% over the same period last year. It includes 76,976 units in the domestic market, 2,104 units of domestic OEM sales and 4,712 units of exports. Maruti Suzuki has recorded total sales of 1,563,297 units in the fiscal year 2019-20.
Hyundai India, on the other hand, managed to sell 32,279 units including 26,300 units in the domestic market and 5,979 units in exports. The Korean carmaker witnessed a sales decline of 65% as opposed to the same month last year when it sold 61,150 units. Both carmakers had suspended their operations on 22nd March, 2020 that caused significant loss.
Amid the lockdown, the Korean carmaker launched the Verna facelift with subtle design changes, a few new features and BS6-compliant powertrains. Prices of the updated model start from Rs 9.31 lakh and go up to Rs 15.10 lakh (ex-showroom). The sedan is now available with two petrol (1.5L NA, 1.0L turbo) and a diesel (1.5L) engine option.
Transmission choices include a 6-speed manual, a CVT automatic and a 7-speed DCT automatic unit. The carmaker might bring in the updated Hyundai Tucson in coming weeks. Pre-bookings of the new model have already been commenced at dealership level. It will come in three variants – GL 2WD, GLS 2WD and GLS 4WD – and two powertrains – 182bhp 2.0L diesel and 150bhp, 2.0L petrol.
Maruti Suzuki India will roll out the Swift facelift in the coming months. The hatchback’s updated model is likely to receive minor changes inside and out. Though, the major update will come in the form of 2.0L Dualjet petrol engine that will be more powerful and fuel economical than the existing 83PS, 1.2L K12B petrol motor.
