Chennai, March 10: Ashok Leyland (ALL) has posted a 68 per cent growth in sales during the month of February. It has sold 3,670 vehicles last month as against 2,191 units in Febraury '99. The cumulative sales during the April-February period this fiscal works out to 31,759 units compared to 23,008 vehicles in the corresponding period of the previous year, an increase of 38 per cent.The company has produced 1,305 medium duty passenger vehicles and sold 1,583 units including export of 144 vehicles. MDV goods production was 1,760 units and sales 2,051 numbers including export of 96 vehicles.
ALL produced four LCVs and sold 31 of them in domestic market while exporting five units.
The month saw sharp increase in offtake by state transport undertakings (STUs) which to a large extent boosted the numbers. With the financial year coming to an end, STUs are hurrying in to place orders to utilise the budgeted resources said executive director (finance), T Anantha Narayanan.
The offtake in the goods segment also continues to be good, he said adding that ALL is expected to close the year with sales significantly more than the earlier estimated growth of 20 per cent for the full year.
In March '99, the company had sold as much as 6,733 units (including exports). Going by this month's sales trend the company is hopeful of coming close to previous March sales. vacant for want of buyers or lessors. The lack of social infrastructure is the primary reason behind the absence of takers for commercial premises in this area, sources said.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.