Maruti Suzuki's sales dip by 40.8 per cent in August 2012

It was unarguably the toughest month for the largest car maker in the country. The violence-hit Manesar plant that saw a month-long lockout has translated into a massive 40.8 per cent decline in sales in the month of August 2012. The company's total sales stood at 54,154 units as against 91,442 units in the same month last year. 

Domestic sales during the month stood at 50,129 units, compared to 77,086 units in August last year, which translates to a 35 per cent decline in sales.

Hampered by the production constraints, sales of its popular compact sedan Dzire was down by 60.7 per cent to 3,085 units during the month. The company's other best selling model Swift, along with Estilo and Ritz, together clocked 6,059 units in August this year, down 62.2 per cent from last year. 

Sales of small cars, including the M800, Alto, A-Star and Wagon R, declined by 41.2 per cent to 22,062 units. During the month, sales of mid-sized sedan SX4 fell by 76.4 per cent to just 447 units, MSI said, adding there was no sale of the luxury sedan Kizashi during the period. 

Exports during the month stood at 4,025 units as compared to 14,356 in August last year, down 72 per cent.