KARACHI, Dec 14: The downturn in local cars demand accelerated in November, falling by 21 per cent in third straight month as country’s economic indicators showed no apparent sign of recovery.
A total of 2,746 cars were sold in November 2001 as compared to 3,485 units in October, down by 21 per cent. Sales in September and August were 3,633 and 3,808 units respectively. In November 2000, car sales stood at 2,882 units, data compiled by Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association (PAMA) revealed.
Out of six main segments of automobiles — tractor, motorcycle and bus makers came out of the woods in November as their sales rose by 45 per cent, 25 per cent and 48 per cent respectively as compared to October. Earlier, their sales had been falling since August. Sales of trucks and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have also fallen in November.
Sales of Toyota Corolla dropped to 369 units in November from 552 units in October as its buyers are waiting for the new model, which is expected to be launched next year. Suzuki Cultus sales fell to 293 units last month as against 518 units in October. A phenomenal 91 per cent decline was seen in buying of Daihatsu Cuore as only 25 of its units were sold last month as compared to 279 units in October. Dewan Kia Classic and Spectra sales sank to 170 units from 285 units in October.
Among the gainers, Dewan Santro Plus sales improved to 216 units in November as against 100 units followed by Suzuki Mehran to 800 units last month as compared to 750 units in October. Honda Civic and City continued to stand out as its sales were not affected not even after September 11 incidents followed by economic slowdown. A total of 610 units were sold last month which are almost equal to October sales. Suzuki Baleno sales stood at 33 units from 11 units.
Car sales in July-November 2001 surged to 16,716 units from 1,414,765 units in the corresponding period of 2000.
“Slowdown in economy still looms large. Export are not picking up that is why prospective buyers are not coming up,” a leading assembler said whose sales had been affected. Car sales have been under pressure since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the USA. Buyers of Northern Areas are still reluctant to make fresh purchases.
“Situation may improve from next year when the impact of grants from donor agencies coupled with loan rescheduling will kickstart the ailing economy,” he said adding that exports are also likely to pick up to the EU countries following increase in quota.
He said the market still lacks hard cash buyers as major chunk of car sales have been made through leasing sector.
In motorcycles (Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha), consumers bought 10,596 units in November as compared to 8,456 units in October due to what a assembler linked to better crop and price prospects of cotton, wheat and rice which lured buyers of small town and villages into making more purchases. A total of 46,616 bikes were sold in July-November 2001 as compared to 46,249 units in last’s years same period.
Tractor (Fiat and Millat) sales also picked up, rising to 2,111 units last month as against 1,461 units in October due to some positive indicators on agriculture side. In July-November 2001, tractor sales declined to 7,775 units from 9,110 units in the same period of 2000.
In heavy vehicles, sales of truck (Hinopak, Nissan, Mazda and Volvo) fell by 11.6 per cent to 53 units in November as against 60 units in October.
In buses (Hinopak, Nissan, Mazda), sales stood at 80 units last month from 54 units last year due to clearance of old commitments. However, the PAMA data reveals “nil mark or zero” in the column of production and sales figures of Ghandhara Nissan buses in October and November. Total bus sales in July-November 2001 registered at 392 units as compared to 701 units in 2000 period.
Sales of LCVs caved in by 22 per cent to 610 units in November from 781 units in October. During July-November 2001, LCVs sales were
3,153 units as compared to 3,070 units in the same period of last year.
