The sales decline for last month is a whopping 27.87 percent, down from 15,864 unit sales reported in May 2018. Honda attributes the high sales base to the launch of the 2nd gen Amaze during the month, sales of which were positive since day 1. In terms of sales, the company sold 11,272 units in April 2019, and was the only car manufacturer in India to have posted sales growth.
In May 2018, HCIL reported 41 percent sales growth. This came on the back of 9,789 units of Honda Amaze sold. A lot has changed since then in terms of overall sales in the Indian auto industry with the industry as a whole facing sales slowdown with a brave face. For the month, HCIL reports exports of 450 units in May 2019 down 12.7 percent from 516 units exported in May 2018.
In the last FY, Honda launched its 2nd gen Amaze, CR-V, and most recently its Civic. As the country prepares for BSVI norms, it would be interesting to see which way Honda steers its product strategy as there’s been some whisper about more Honda hybrids after 2020.
Rajesh Goel, Senior Vice President and Director, Sales and Marketing, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “The market continues to be tough for the auto industry with two consecutive months of such a high de-growth. It is unprecedented in the last two decades. After elections, we were expecting an upswing which has not yet come.
Factors like liquidity that is affecting capital to auto sector along with increase in fuel prices have remained a challenge to revive consumer sentiments. We are still hopeful that demand will revive due to pent up demand, favourable indicators on monsoon and expected actions by the new government.”
Honda Cars India has plans to launch many new cars in India. One of the most anticipated is the HRV SUV, which will take on the likes of Hyundai Creta, Tata Harrier, Kia Seltos, MG Hector all of which are in the price range of Rs 15 lakhs.
2019 Honda HRV SUV will be offered with petrol and diesel engine options, which will be BS6 compliant. These engine options are likely to be the same which Honda offers on board their recently launched Civic sedan. Launch is expected to take place by Diwali this year.