Maruti's festive-time growth at 19%; expects sales of 450K

SUVs accounted for 26-27% of Maruti Suzuki's sales during the festive season so far

- Alisha Sachdev

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, the country’s largest carmaker, is seeing a surge in deliveries as it fulfils long-standing orders for new models amid easing chip availability and high consumer interest during the ongoing festive season.

The carmaker delivered over 310,000 units, a growth of 19% year-on-year in the 70-day period between 17 August, the start of the Chingam month, which kicks off Onam festivities in Kerala, and the end of the Navratri period on 24 October, a top company executive said.

While Maruti Suzuki did not make a formal estimate of its expected sales leading up to Diwali, people familiar with the development said that the company may be targeting sales of over 140,000 units between Dussehra and Bhai Dooj, which follows two days after Diwali, totalling 450,000 units. That will be 21% higher than last year’s festive season sales of 370,000 units.