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Hyundai, Nissan, Ford record 22% growth in exports of small cars, Maruti worsens

India may achieve another grand feat in coming years in its automotive industry with its increasing importance as the production hub for small cars. And to validate the same is the overseas selling of small vehicles that have registered an upward movement of 22% in the current financial year; which has half past.

Initially, the prime focus for India-made small cars was the European market, but due to a bit decline in demand the automakers opted for auto markets apart from Europe, and that did the trick.

In contrast to rise in exports of small car the domestic sector witnessed a slight downfall during April to September period of about 6% at 703,802 vehicles. The exports increased by 22% at 241,848 vehicles in comparison to 197,761 vehicles in same duration in 2010.

A sink of 20% at 59,625 vehicles in exports was recorded for workforce trouble ridden Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) in April to September duration this year. Last year in 2010, when things were in place MSI saw 74,779 vehicles of it being exported in the same duration. The Manser unit at which the strike is on produces Swift, Swift Dzire, A-Star, Alto and Wagon R.

The second largest passenger car maker Hyundai continues to lead the export of its India-made small cars by selling 116,146 units in the initial quarter of the financial year. For Hyundai Motors, India is a production hub for its cars like Santro, i10, i20 and the latest chic Eon.

New entrants in the year 2010, for the export of made-in-India small cars were Nissan and Ford, which sells Micra and Figo respectively also recorded significant success and plans to increase its selling overseas.