In reverse gear: Maruti reports 33.5% fall in sales

The country's largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Thursday reported 33.5 per cent decline in total sales at 1,09,264 units in July. 

The company had sold 1,64,369 in July last year, Maruti MSI said in a statement. 

Domestic sales  declined by 36.3 per cent at 98,210 units last month as against 1,54,150 units in the year ago month, it added. 

Sales of mini cars comprising Alto and WagonR were at 11,577 units as compared to 37,710 units in July last year, down 69.3 per cent. 

Sales of compact segment, including models such as Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno and Dzire, were down 22.7 per cent at 57,512 units as against 74,373 units in July last year, the company said. 

Mid-sized sedan Ciaz sold 2,397 units as compared to 48 units in the same month a year ago. 

Utility vehicles, including Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga were down 38.1 per cent at  15,178 units as compared to 24,505 in the year-ago month, MSI said. 

Exports in July were down by 9.4 per cent at 9,258 units as against  10,219 units in the corresponding month last year, the company said.

Photograph: Reuters.