Hero sells 541,615 motorcycles for Dec 2012: Suzuki too reports growth

Hero MotoCorp sales during the month of December 2012 stood at 5,41,615 units as compared to 5,40,276 units during the same month a year earlier. This was a marginal increase but noteworthy all the same specially considering sluggish sales in the country. The entire 2012 has seen diminished sales following higher interest rates, slowdown in the economy and high fuel prices which sent auto company targets haywire.

The festive season of October and November 2012 saw Hero MotoCorp record sales of 1.1 million units and reaching well over the 5 lakh mark. This was significant, specially considering slow-moving sales in December with most buyers wanting to start the New Year on a positive note with the purchase of new vehicles.

Hero MotoCorp sales were dominated by brands of Splendor and Passion along with new models of Maestro and Ignitor. Maestro is targeted to young men while the scooter Pleasure is targeted to women riders. Demand is on the rise and hence the company is keen to increase its scooter capacity.

Suzuki Motorcycles too reported a growth of 24%. For Dec 2012, they sold 33,753 units compared to 27,244 units sold in Dec 2011. Suzuki Motors India Pvt. Ltd., Vice President (Sales and Marketing) Atul Gupta said: “We have received a good response from the market for all our products. The growing customer satisfaction has led to positive word-of-mouth in the market. We will continue to give the best to our customers.”