Auto Retail Sales in India up 37 Per Cent in April

Cimcorp Appoints Juha Pinomaa As Board Member

Automobile dealers’ body Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) has announced that the automobile retail sales in India surged by 37 per cent in April on a low base of COVID-hit April last year. 

FADA said in a statement that the total sales across categories rose to 16,27,975 units in April, as compared to 11,87,771 units in the same month a year ago. 

On a year-on-year basis, all vehicle categories including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers were up as compared with April last year. 

The passenger vehicles registrations stood at 2,64,342 units last month, an increase of 25 per cent from 2,10,682 units in April last year. 

Similarly, two-wheeler sales were at 11,94,520 units, up 38 per cent from the year-ago period. Commercial vehicle retail sales stood at 78,398 units in April, up 52 per cent from 51,515 units in April 2021. 

Three-wheeler sales rose 96 per cent, while tractor registrations were up 26 per cent as compared with April last year. 

Vinkesh Gulati, FADA President, said, “While Y-o-Y comparison with April 2021 shows all categories in green with high growth rate, it is important to note that both April 2021 and April 2020 were affected by nation-wide lockdown due to phase one and two of the COVID wave, which witnessed no-to-negligible business. April 2022 when compared with April 2019, reveals that we are still not out of the woods as overall retails were down by 6 per cent.” 

Vinkesh Gulati, President, FADA, said, “The month of April saw similar Auto Retail figures as of March 2022. While YoY comparison with April 2021 shows all categories in green with a high growth rate, it is important to note that both April 2021 and April 2020 were affected by nationwide lockdown due to phase 1 and 2 of the Covid wave which witnessed no to negligible business. Hence a better comparison will be with April 2019 which was a normal pre-covid month. April 2022 when compared with April 2019 reveals that we are still not out of the woods as overall retails were down by -6 per cent. Apart from PV and Tractors which grew handsomely by 12 per cent and 30 per cent, 2W, 3W and CV are yet to turn green as these categories were down by -11 per cent, -13 per cent and -0.5 per cent respectively.” 

He pointed out that with the Russia-Ukraine war continuing and China under lockdown, the global auto industry continues to witness supply crunch as semi-conductor shortage along with high metal prices and container shortage prevails. Customers f PV segment hence continues to witness long waiting period. 

FADA also said that the 2W segment which has witnessed slight increase in sales when compared to last month is extremely sensitive to price hikes and continues to remain below pre-covid levels. It is a clear sign that Bharat has not been keeping up with India. Apart from rural distress, multiple price hikes coupled with high fuel prices are keeping price sensitive entry level 2W customers away. 

Gulati added, “The CV segment after a long downturn which began post the announcement of axle load norms in 2018 is now witnessing demand recovery as all sub-categories continue to inch north. Government’s push for infra spending further aids sale.” 

Regarding the near-term outlook for the sector, he said, “The Russia-Ukraine war and China lockdown will continue to create demand-supply mis-match thus delaying the availability of PVs. This coupled with RBIs out of turn announcement of increasing repo-rate by 45 bps has taken everyone off-guard. The move will curb excess liquidity in the system and will make auto loans expensive. While PV segment may be able to absorb this shock due to long waiting periods, 2W segment is already reeling due to underperforming rural market, vehicle price hikes and high fuel costs. High-interest rates for vehicle loan will be an additional blow for this segment. Certainly, this move will slow the speed of auto retail and dampen the sentiments further.” (MT)   

Tata Motors PV - Kerala

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has announced consumer offers and vehicle special editions across its internal combustion engine and electric vehicle portfolios in Kerala for the Onam festive period.

The festival promotions run through August 2026, offering financial benefits up to INR 225,000, priority delivery slots and vehicle financing packages. As part of the seasonal campaign, the manufacturer has introduced the Sierra Jubilee Edition, Nexon Camo Edition and Punch HBX Pack to its product line-up.

The maximum benefits vary by model across both powertrain platforms – Internal combustion engine (ICE) models include benefits up to INR 54,500 on the Altroz, INR 72,500 on the Nexon and INR 77,500 on the Curvv.

The Harrier and Safari both get benefits up to INR 47,000, while the Sierra includes a loyalty benefit of INR 30,000. In the electric vehicle segment, savings up to INR 60,000 for the Nexon.ev and INR 55,000 for the Curvv.ev is being offered by the automaker. The Harrier.ev features benefits reaching INR 225,000, which includes a loyalty benefit of INR 100,000 alongside complimentary insurance coverage.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, “Onam is a celebration of cherished traditions, meaningful reunions and the progress that every family takes pride in. It is a season of gratitude for how far they have come and optimism for the road ahead. Through our 'Celebrate How Far You've Come' campaign, we are celebrating the aspirations, achievements and milestones that make every customer's journey and success unique. Kerala has always been a deeply important market for TMPV, and we are delighted to mark this festive season with special editions, attractive offers and seamless ownership solutions across our safest and most diverse range of cars and SUVs. We look forward to celebrating with our customers their next milestone and creating many more joyful memories.”

At present, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles operates 85 service centres across Kerala to support vehicle maintenance during and after the sales campaign.

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Launches Nexon CAMO Special Edition

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Launches Nexon CAMO Special Edition

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) has launched the Nexon CAMO, a new special edition of its popular compact SUV, with prices beginning at INR 999,000 ex-showroom in Delhi. The introduction coincides with the brand’s celebration of a decade since the Nexon’s original debut and the trust of over 1.1 million customers, marking the model’s enduring success in the Indian automotive market.

The new CAMO variant distinguishes itself with two exclusive premium paint schemes, named Munnar Mist and Coorg Cloud. The former is a dynamic dark green that shifts to a sophisticated grey in shadows and reveals rich green and golden tones under sunlight. In contrast, the latter is a contemporary grey-silver finish with subtle metallic highlights, designed to offer an understated yet premium aesthetic that complements the SUV's rugged character.

TMPV has equipped the Nexon CAMO with a significant technology upgrade, headlined by an Ultra View Twin HD Digital Cockpit. This features a 31.24-cm infotainment system and a 26.03-cm digital instrument cluster, both from Harman, with the latter including embedded navigation. The technology package is further enhanced by an integrated dashcam recorder that is part of the 360-degree camera surround view system, which also includes a blind spot view monitor.

The special edition is not solely about aesthetics and screens, as it also incorporates a comprehensive suite of comfort and safety features. The cabin includes ventilated leatherette front seats, a voice-assisted panoramic sunroof, and an immersive nine-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer. Safety is addressed through seven Advanced Driver Assistance Systems functions calibrated for Indian roads, six airbags and electronic stability control, ensuring the CAMO is as secure as it is stylish.

Maintaining the Nexon’s hallmark versatility, the CAMO is offered across all three powertrain options: a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol, a 1.5-litre diesel and the segment-exclusive 1.2-litre turbocharged iCNG with twin-cylinder technology. With multiple transmission choices available, the automaker has positioned the Nexon CAMO as a distinctive and aspirational package for a wide range of SUV buyers, reinforcing the model's legacy of innovation as the festive season approaches.

Vivek Srivatsa, Chief Commercial Officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, "Since its launch a decade ago, the Nexon has provided comfortable, safe and enjoyable journeys for over 1.1 million families, becoming one of India's most iconic nameplates with an unmissable presence on the roads. This success has been built on constantly raising the bar in safety, technology and design while keeping these innovations accessible to a wider set of customers. The Nexon CAMO carries that spirit forward, with two striking new colours and an elevated technology package that makes it the most distinctive Nexon yet. Timed perfectly for the festive season, it gives customers an even stronger reason to make the Nexon their own."

Mahindra Updates Scorpio-N SUV Range, Panoramic Sunroof & More On Offer

Mahindra Scorpio-N

Mumbai-headquartered automotive major Mahindra & Mahindra has announced a suite of technology and equipment updates for its Scorpio-N SUV model line-up.

The updates introduce a panoramic sunroof, a 540-degree surround view camera system with a blind view monitor and R18 alloy wheels to select variants.

On the inside, the updated model features a 31.24 cm floating touchscreen infotainment display, a 26.03 cm digital instrument cluster with three display modes, a 65W USB Type-C fast-charging port in the front row and integrated vehicle dynamics displays covering engine data, pitch, roll and g-force metrics.

The Scorpio-N platform continues to offer the G20 TGDi mStallion petrol and D22 mHawk diesel engine options, available with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations.

Pricing for the updated Scorpio-N range begins at INR 1.36 million for the entry-level Z2 petrol manual variant, with the line-up extending to INR 2.54 million for the top-specification Z8L diesel automatic four-wheel drive version (all prices ex-showroom).

Mitsubishi Motors Teases Off-Road Capabilities Of New Pajero SUV Ahead Of Autumn Debut

Mitsubishi Pajero

Japanese automotive company Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has shared an update regarding its upcoming new Pajero SUV launch scheduled for premiere this autumn.

The automaker confirmed that the vehicle combines off-road driving capabilities across weather and road conditions with on-road ride refinement.

The SUV utilises a ladder frame chassis paired with a re-engineered suspension system designed to maintain road-holding performance over uneven surfaces, bumps and terrain impacts. The setup aims to reduce body movement and cabin vibration to support occupant comfort during long-distance driving.

Handling and drive distribution are managed by Mitsubishi Motors' Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology. The integrated vehicle dynamics control system manages power output and braking to optimise stability and traction across driving conditions.