The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Summer ‘shaadis’ spur car sale

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Saturday, May 23, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Summer ‘shaadis’ spur car sale

M. Srinivas

Automobile dealers thrilled with the sudden trend

City showrooms record three to five p.c. rise in sales since the commencement of marriage season
Another reason for the spurt in car sales is a spate of discount schemes and freebies on offer

HYDERABAD: Even as the number of couples getting married this summer is on the rise, so are the car sales.

Automobile dealers are the merriest lot. Reason. The marriage season has led to a sudden surge in sale of automobiles with close relatives preferring to give cars, being booked and bought as ‘gifts’ to the brides and grooms.

Relief

The increase in sales has also brought the much-needed relief to dealers who were reeling under a slump for the past few months, courtesy the economic slowdown.

City showrooms recorded three to five per cent rise in sales ever since the commencement of the marriage season a month ago. The preferred choice of couples this season seems to be a car than a house, given the issue of price.

“It’s also because car loans are easier to get, compared to a housing loan,” many opine.

Choicest models

Maruti Swift DZire, WagonR, A-Star, Alto, Santro and Tata cars in the range of Rs.3.70 lakh to Rs.6.50 lakh with white silver and maroon colours being the most sought-after are a preferred choice. “Marriages have come as a blessing, boosting the sales during this recessionary period,” says Vinay R. Saboo, Managing Director, Saboo RKS Motors Private Limited. Till recently, the industry registered 20 to 25 per cent dip in sales. Couples in corporate sector are going for new cars as it is more affordable than purchasing a flat. “Initially, we planned to buy a flat with Rs.18 lakh to Rs. 20 lakh. As it was beyond my budget, I opted for a Swift DZire,” says software engineer G. Phanidhar Reddy of old Safilguda.

Offers

Another reason for the spurt in car sales is a spate of discount schemes and freebies on offer with various models. “We introduced a gift scheme in connection with the ongoing IPL matches in South Africa and the response is overwhelming,” says K. Eshwar, Manager (Sales), Concorde Motors India Limited. Inquiries and bookings too registered 10 to 15 per cent increase.

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