TaMo Inches Closer to Hyundai in No. 2 Race

The race for number 2 position in the highly competitive Indian passenger vehicle market is getting hotter. A strong demand in the market place and a relatively better semiconductor sourcing is helping Tata Motors inch closer to Hyundai Motor India for the number two position in the highly competitive Indian passenger vehicle market.

Tata Motors, which posted its highest ever monthly sales at 43,341 units, overtook Hyundai Motor India in monthly sales in May, which sold 42,293 units. This is the second time in the last six months, Tata Motors has overtaken the South Korean rival.

The maneuver that helped Tata Motors race ahead of Hyundai, was also due to the maintenance shut down taken by Hyundai during the month. The maker of Creta and Venue is expected to recoup lost production in June and July – with an expected improved supplies of semiconductors too, say people in the know.

Tata Motors in a statement said, the company has delivered its highest ever monthly sales of 43,341 units since inception – PV and EV domestic combined. This also was the highest ever monthly sales of Nexon and also for Harrier and Safari.

Sales have emerged strong every month, said Shailesh Chandra, MD of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd. “All our products are leaders in their respective segments, forming a portfolio that is rich in selections, ranging from smart trim choices to strong powertrain options, making us the only OEM catering to customer needs across petrol, diesel, CNG and EV. Furthermore, with 70% of our portfolio focusing on SUVs, we continue to maintain our position as the No. 1 SUV player in the country, with the Nexon topping the charts in its category and emerging as the most selling SUV,” said Chandra.

While Tata Motors has registered a growth of over 50-60%, Hyundai Motor India has witnessed its sales slip by 10-15% due to the chip shortage. “Both HMI plants in Chennai observed the scheduled biannual maintenance shut down leading to no production for 6 days in the month. This reduced the vehicle availability in the month, affecting May sales,” said Hyundai Motor India in a statement.