Auto industry grows 12.70%, exports up 27.83% in Apr-Sept O8

New Delhi, Oct 13 (UNI) The country's auto industry registered a growth of 12.70 per cent during April-September 2008 over the same period a year ago.

According to the figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the growth of passenger vehicles segment during the period was 7.53 per cent at 7,78,804 units over April-September 2007.

The passenger cars segment grew by 5.39 per cent, utility vehicles by 12.53 per cent and Multi Purpose Vehicle by 22.52 per cent in the said period.

The overall commercial vehicle segment registered a growth of 3.79 per cent at 2,21,556 units during the same period, while Medium and Heavy vehicles saw a degrowth of 1.57 per cent as compared to the corresponding period last year.

Light Commercial Vehicles recorded a growth of 10.31 per cent in the April-September 2008 over April-September 2007.

The three-wheeler sales registered a marginal growth of 4.9 per cent, with passenger carriers growing by 20.35 per cent.

However, goods carriers declined heavily by 32.54 per cent.

The two wheelers segment saw a growth of 11.49 per cent at 38,64,013 units during the same period.

Motorcycles and Scooters grew by 12.58 per cent and 7.24 per cent, respectively, whereas mopeds registered a growth of 6.05 per cent and electric two-wheelers posted a whopping increase of 56.14 per cent during April-September 2008.

The overall exports for the period April-September 2008 registered a growth of 27.38 per cent, data said.

Passenger vehicles and Two-Wheelers segment grew by 52.76 per cent at 1,57,611 units and 27.06 per cent at 5,19,684, respectively.

Exports of Commercial vehicles also grew marginally at 0.82 per cent to 27,194 units, and three-wheelers registered a growth of 1.67 per cent at 69,879 units in April-September 2008.

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