Mahindra and Mahindra Limited, one of the leading Indian automobile manufacturers, has hit a new high when it displaced Ashok Leyland as the second largest commercial vehicle maker in the country. The domestic commercial vehicle sector is dominated by Tata Motors and saw both Mahindra and Ashok Leyland fighting for the second position aggressively. Since the past few months, commercial vehicle market is witnessing plunging sales figures in both the medium and heavy truck segments, along with the pick up load and passenger carriers. The two competitors- Mahindra and Ashok Leyland have lined up big investments in their heavy truck range, a segment witnessing promising sales and demand at the moment.
As per the data collected by SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers), Mahindra and Mahindra recorded sales of some 1,67,588 units of its commercial vehicle fleet, during the April-February period of 2012-13 fiscal. The company's sales comprised the Navistar truck range and commercial carriers like Maxximo, Gio, Genio and Bolero pick-up. On the other hand, Ashok Leyland registered sales of 1,00,592 units in its commercial vehicle portfolio, during the April-February months of 2012-13 financial year.
However, Ashok Leyland still remains the second largest manufacturer of medium and heavy commercial vehicles, after Tata Motors in the country. A spokesperson of the company has been quoted as saying, “Ashok Leyland is still the second largest with a market share of 26.1 per cent” in that segment. The sales disclosed by Ashok Leyland did not include those of Dost commercial carrier as it is a joint venture product. Some 30,592 units of Dost carrier have been recorded during April-February period in the Indian auto market. The spokesperson added, “Dost has already achieved leadership position in most markets where it operates.”
Expressing his views on the company's sales figures in the commercial vehicle market, Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Division and Farm equipment Sector (FES), Mahindra and Mahindra, was quoted as saying, “M&M is now present in virtually all segments of commercial vehicles, which includes three-wheelers, small CVs, pick ups, LCV and HCV. 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.”
