Date:02/03/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/03/02/stories/2005030203290200.htm

Back Budget hopes slow Maruti sales in Feb

Our Bureau

New Delhi , March 1

ANTICIPATION by consumers of an impending price decline following the Union Budget impacted the sales of Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) in February as it registered 3.2 per cent rise in vehicle sales to 43,603 units, including 3,777 units of exports. The company sold 42,263 units in February last year.

According to the company, "car sales in February 2005 were affected as customers postponed purchase expecting a reduction in excise duty on cars in the Union Budget." It was not the case in February 2004 as the Budget was presented in July last, Maruti added.

Last month, Maruti's volume in the domestic compact car segment grew by 22 per cent, while in the mid-size segment its sales increased by 55 per cent.

The sale of entry level car Maruti 800 dipped by 41 per cent to 8,038 units against 13,518 vehicles a year earlier.