Auto Sales September 2024: Maruti Suzuki Reports Lowly 1.87 Per Cent Growth

Maruti Suzuki India, the country's largest carmaker, recorded a modest growth in overall sales in September 2024, with total sales across domestic and export markets reaching 1,84,727 units, reflecting a 1.87 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase from 1,81,343 units in September 2023. This growth was largely driven by a significant boost in exports, which surged 23.18 per cent YoY, offsetting the slight dip in domestic sales. 

Also Read: New Maruti Suzuki Dzire India Launch Details Revealed

Maruti's domestic sales in September 2024 fell to 1,44,962 units, a 3.88 per cent decline compared to the 1,50,812 units sold in September 2023. However, this represented a 1.32 per cent improvement over August 2024 sales, where 1,43,075 units were sold. Despite this, Maruti’s performance in specific segments tells a mixed story. The small car segment, which includes models like the Alto and S-Presso, saw marginal growth to 10,363 units from 10,351 units a year earlier. However, year-to-date (YTD) sales for this segment were down, with 61,787 units sold in FY 2024-25 compared to 72,550 units in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Sales in the compact segment, which houses popular models such as the Baleno, Dzire, Ignis, Swift, and Wagon R, faced a more pronounced decline. In September 2024, sales dropped to 60,480 units, down from higher figures in the same month last year. YTD sales for this segment also slipped, totalling 3,66,421 units compared to 4,91,479 units in FY 2023-24. This is a notable drop in a category that has traditionally been one of Maruti’s strengths.

Also Read: Auto Sales August 2024: Top 5 Bestselling Subcompact SUVs In India

On a positive note, Maruti’s performance in the SUV segment continued to improve, driven by the increasing popularity of models like the Grand Vitara and Brezza. SUV sales grew to 61,549 units in September 2024 from 59,272 units in September 2023. YTD sales for the SUV segment also saw growth, rising to 3,43,665 units from 3,06,468 units in the previous fiscal year. 

Maruti’s Eeco van, a steady performer in the commercial vehicle segment, also saw increased demand, with sales rising YoY to 11,908 units. YTD sales for the Eeco improved to 68,600 units in FY 2024-25, highlighting its continued popularity in its niche market. The light commercial vehicle segment, represented by the Super Carry, recorded a significant increase in sales, reaching 3,099 units in September 2024 compared to 2,294 units in the same month last year. YTD sales for LCVs also rose to 16,431 units from 15,496 units.

One of the highlights of Maruti’s September 2024 performance was the sharp rise in exports. The automaker exported 27,728 units, up from 22,515 units in September 2023, representing a 23.18 per cent YoY growth. Maruti exports a range of vehicles to overseas markets including the Baleno, Dzire, S-Presso, Swift, Grand Vitara and even the Fronx. 

In addition to its exports, Maruti Suzuki also supplies vehicles to Toyota under a rebadging agreement. These OEM sales to Toyota saw a remarkable 56.10 per cent growth, with 8,938 units sold in September 2024 compared to 5,726 units in the same month last year. 

In the July-September 2024 period (Q3 FY 2024-25), Maruti's domestic sales dropped by 7.31 per cent, with 4,25,500 units sold compared to 4,59,052 units in Q3 2023. Despite this decline, export performance buoyed overall sales, with Maruti shipping 77,716 units in Q3 2024, a 12.11 per cent YoY increase from 69,324 units in the same quarter last year.

OEM sales to Toyota also saw significant growth in Q3 2024, with 29,849 units sold, an 83.55 per cent YoY increase from 16,262 units in Q3 2023. Overall, Maruti's total sales (including exports, LCVs, and OEM sales) for Q3 2024 dipped slightly by 1.90 per cent, with 5,41,550 units sold compared to 5,52,055 units in Q3 2023.