India's largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI), reported a 10% increase in total wholesales to 1,78,083 units in May 2023. This compares to 1,61,413 units sold in the same month last year.
The company's domestic sales rose 13% to 1,51,606 units in May 2023, from 1,34,222 units in May 2022. Total domestic passenger vehicle sales were higher by 15% at 1,43,708 units, compared to 1,24,474 units in the same month last year.
Sales of mini cars, comprising Alto and S-Presso, fell 30% to 12,236 units in May 2023, from 17,408 units in May 2022. Compact cars sales, including models such as Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Dzire, increased 5% to 71,419 units, from 67,947 units in May 2022.
Sales of mid-sized sedan Ciaz increased to 992 units in May 2023, from 586 units in May 2022. Utility vehicle sales, including Brezza, Grand Vitara and Ertiga, rose 65% to 46,243 units, from 28,051 vehicles in May 2022. Exports declined 3% to 26,477 units in May 2023, from 27,191 units in May 2022.
The company attributed the growth in sales to strong demand across segments, particularly in the compact and utility vehicle segments. It also said that the company is working to address the semiconductor shortage and expects to see a gradual improvement in supplies in the coming months.