10.9 million vehicles produces in 2006

Chennai, Jan 11 (UNI) The automobile industry has registered a total production of 10.9 million vehicles between January and December 2006, witnessing a growth of 16.22 per cent over 2005.

According to a release by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the cumulative growth of passenger vehicles was 18.45 per cent during the calendar year 2006. This was in contrast to less than 7 per cent growth witnessed in 2005 over 2004, the release added.

Passenger car production grew by 20 per cent while that of utility vehicles grew at 12.4 per cent, while Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) registered 16.3 per cent growth.

The overall market for two-wheelers grew by 13.45 per cent between April and December 2006 over the corresponding period of previous year.

Between January and December 2006, three-wheeler sales grew by 19.4 per cent. Passenger three-wheelers had picked up momentum and grew by 21 per cent, compared to 16 per cent growth by goods carrier unlike the previous year, when goods carrier grew at a higher rate passenger carrier.

During the calendar year 2006, the overall export of vehicles also grew by 29 per cent compared to last year.

Passenger vehicle exports registered a growth of 12.9 per cent over the corresponding period in 2005. Two-wheelers and commercial vehicles also registered 24 per cent and 26 per cent export growth, resepectively, while three wheeler exports registered 72 per cent growth in the last calendar year.

UNI