Ashok Leyland July sales up 25% at 9,785 units

Moneycontrol Bureau

India's second largest commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland reported 25% year-on-year rise in July sales at 9,785 units, as continued strong demand for its light truck Dost helped cushion the bumpy ride of heavy trucks. The Hinduja group company sold 2,803 units of the Dost SCV (small commercial vehicle), which was launched in September last year. Excluding the Dost, Ashok Leyland's CV sales declined 11% to 6,982 units last month. Truck and bus makers have seen sluggish growth, especially in the heavy CV segment, as there is low demand from fleet operators due to expensive loans. Over the April-July period, Ashok Leyland's total sales were up 37% to 37,272 units. It sold 10,051 units of the Dost during the four-month period. Excluding Dost, its CV sales were flat at 27,221 units compared with 27,111 units it sold a year ago. Ashok Leyland shares were trading up around 1% at 22.25 on NSE in afternoon trade.