Maruti Suzuki March sales fall 5% to 1.20 lakh units

Moneycontrol Bureau

India's largest passenger car maker Maruti Suzuki's total sales in March slipped 5 percent year-on-year to 1.20 lakh units. But sales last month were a little higher than street expectations, sending its shares up 1.5 percent in morning trade. Its domestic sales were at 1.08 lakh units, down 4 percent from a year ago and it exported 12,047 units, down 9 percent. Among key segments, Ertiga multi-utility vehicle launched in April 2012, continued to power UV segment, which also includes Gypsy and Grand Vitara. Maruti sold 6,488 UVs last month, versus 1,530 units a year ago. Sales of the compact Swift DZire remained strong, growing 22 percent to 20,078 units. However, sales across other segments remained sluggish. Van sales plunged 24 percent, mini car sales were down 15 percent and compact car sales slipped 7 percent. Sales of the SX4 sedan tumbled 41 percent to 903 units in March. Overall, in FY2013, Maruti's total sales gained 3 percent to 11.71 lakh units, driven by the Ertiga, DZire and the Swift. While domestic sales rose 4 percent, exports declined 5 percent. At 11:00hrs, Maruti Suzuki shares were up 1.4 percent at Rs 1,301.65 on NSE. Also Read: Bajaj Auto March sales slip 10%; will try 5mn sales in FY14