Sales in March 2017 were up by 9.8% y/y to 369,776 units versus 336,785 units in March 2016. PVs (passenger vehicle, UV and van) sales were up 10.0% y/y to 282,519 units. CVs (M&HCVs and LCVs) sales were up 9.3% y/y to 87,257 units.
By vehicle type, passenger vehicle sales were up 8.2% y/y to 190,065 units versus 175,709 units in the year previous. Utility vehicle (UVs) sales were up 20.9% y/y to 77,689 units. Vans sales were down 12.9% y/y to 14,765 units.
Medium and heavy commercial vehicle (M&HCV) sales were up 6.0% y/y to 39,353 units. Light commercial vehicle (LCVs) sales were up 12.1% y/y to 47,904 units.
Among automakers, Maruti-Suzuki was up 7.7% and Hyundai was up 8.6%. Tata Motors was up 9.9% and Mahindra sales was up 8.9% in March 2017.
Passenger and commercial vehicle sales were start improving in March 2017 due to improvement in consumer sentiments and currency situation. Passenger vehicle sales are expected to grow in coming months due to softening of interest rates, revision in fuel prices, GST implementation and the Union Budget's focus on rural.
Sales of commercial vehicles were increased due to pre-buying on account of BS-IV implementation. It is expected to grow in coming months due to improved consumer sentiments, GST implementation and waning effect of demonetization.

(Based on data released by SIAM on April 11, 2017)