new Delhi: Automobile dealers’ body Federation of Automobile Dealers Association (FADA) on Tuesday said retail sales of domestic passenger vehicles declined by 4.87 per cent to 2,71,358 units in March as compared to the same month last year.
According to the statement issued by FADA, passenger vehicle (PV) sales stood at 2,85,240 units in March 2021.
FADA President Vinkesh Gulati said, “High demand for passenger vehicles and long waiting periods continue as semiconductor availability still remains a challenge, even though supply has improved slightly from last month.”
He said the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the Kovid-induced lockdown in China will further reduce supplies and affect vehicle deliveries.
According to a FADA news release, two-wheeler sales also declined by 4.02 per cent to 11,57,681 units last month as against 12,06,191 units in the year-ago period.
“The two-wheeler segment was already a non-performer due to the rural distress. It witnessed further decline due to increase in vehicle ownership cost along with rising fuel cost,” Gulati said.
However, sales of commercial vehicles increased by 14.91 per cent to 77,938 units as against 67,828 units in March last year.
“Commercial vehicles continue to grow even though full recovery is still far from the FY20 outlook. The sentiment for the segment remains positive as sales are rising on account of replacement demand coupled with the government’s infra push,” he said.
Three-wheeler sales also increased by 26.61 per cent to 48,284 units last month as compared to 38,135 units in March 2021.
However, overall sales across categories declined by 2.87 per cent to 16,19,181 units last month as against 16,66,996 units in the same month last year.