Tata Motors, a leading automotive company, experienced its highest-ever monthly retail sales in November, driven by robust demand for its sports utility vehicles during the festive season, according to a company spokesperson. Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, revealed in an interview with PTI that the company sold approximately 53,000 units in November, marking an 8% increase compared to October and a substantial 30% growth compared to November 2022.
The automaker reported strong sales performance throughout the 47-day festive period, with registrations totaling around 79,374 units, an impressive 18% increase compared to the same period last year.
Chandra attributed the success to the popularity of recently launched models, including the facelifted Nexon, Harrier, Safari, and the iCNG range. He highlighted that the VAHAN registrations, or actual sales, reached an all-time high in the company’s history. Anticipating the best-ever performance in the current fiscal year for the passenger vehicle segment, Chandra stated that the industry is expected to surpass the 40-lakh cumulative sales mark.
When asked about the possibility of a record-breaking year for Tata Motors in terms of sales, Chandra confirmed, “Yes, absolutely, for the industry as well as for us.” He also mentioned that the company’s market share in retail sales exceeded the 15% mark last month.
Chandra emphasized that the growth in retail sales was primarily driven by the SUV portfolio, with Nexon and Punch securing the top two positions in the SUV segment last month. The company also retained its second position in the hatchback segment, thanks to strong performances by Tiago and Altroz.
Tata Motors has transitioned to using VAHAN (vehicle registration data) as a measure of sales and market share, aiming to focus on demand generation rather than managing off-take from OEM to dealers. Chandra noted that this shift has facilitated a cultural change in the way operations are conducted, from dealers to the sales team.
Looking ahead post the festive season, Chandra acknowledged that there might be a dip in inquiries compared to the festive period. However, he expressed confidence that the demand would remain robust, projecting a range of 3.3-3.5 lakh units per month for the passenger vehicle segment. The company plans to continue offering models with multiple engine options, including petrol, diesel, CNG, and electric vehicles, aligning with the diverse preferences in the market. Chandra highlighted the importance of CNG as a viable alternative, particularly in segments where diesel has seen a decline, and affirmed the company’s commitment to meeting the demands of various segments in the automotive market.
