While Covid-19 pandemic continued to adversely impact the auto industry in July, the tractor segment has emerged as an exception
It is the only auto segment to have registered positive YoY growth in July 2020. All other segments like two-wheelers, cars, commercial vehicles and three-wheelers have registered negative growth. A total of 76,197 tractors were sold in July 2020, which is YoY gain of 37.24%. Sales during the corresponding period last year stood at 55,522 units.
One of the key reasons for increased tractor sales in July was the early arrival of monsoon this year. Last year also, the country had witnessed normal monsoon across most parts of the country. The situation is the same this year as well.
Such positive developments have boosted consumer sentiments in rural areas, resulting in increased sales of tractors. Favourable policies for farmers such as loan waivers and better prices for crops announced by central and state governments have also encouraged spending in rural areas.
Mahindra commands majority market share
Talking about tractor manufacturers, most OEMs have registered positive YoY growth in July 2020. Leading the pack is Mahindra & Mahindra with 18,607 units sold in July 2020. YoY growth is 38.87%, as compared to 13,399 units sold in July last year. M&M market share has also improved by 0.29%, from 24.13% to 24.42%.
Mahindra Swaraj takes the second spot with 12,249 units sold in July. As compared to 8,290 units sold in July last year, YoY sales have improved by 47.76%. Market share has improved by 1.15%. Taken together, M&M and Mahindra Swaraj command a market share of more than 40 percent.
Third in the list is TAFE Limited with 9,579 units sold in July. YoY sales growth is 47.37%, as compared to 6,500 units sold in July last year. Market share is 12.57%, an improvement of 0.86%.
Sonalika sales higher but market share slips
Sonalika takes the fourth spot, registering sales of 8,989 units in July. YoY sales have improved by 26.02%, as compared to 7,133 units sold in July last year. However, one negative aspect for Sonalika is that its market share has eroded by -1.05%, from 12.85% to 11.80%. At fifth spot is Escorts with 8,781 units sold in July. Sales have almost doubled in comparison to 5,988 units sold in July last year. Market share has improved from 10.78% to 11.52%.
Other tractors in top ten list include John Deere (5,052 units), Eicher (4,969), New Holland (2,635), Kubota (1,211), and VST Tillers (920). In terms of percentage YoY growth, the best results are from Captain Tractors. The company sold a total of 809 units in July, which is YoY growth of 110.68%. Sales during July last year was 384 units. The only OEM with negative growth in July 2020 is Indo Farm. Sales are down from 162 units to 148 units.
