Auto industry in rebound mode, but still shaky

The automobile industry after suffering from the pangs of recession is on a rebound path. But a closer look into the numbers reveals that the growth is anything but uniform. Only six of the 16 manufacturers have managed to grow over April-June period year on year, while only four of them - Maruti, Fiat, Mahindra and Mahindra and Honda - have improved their market share.

While Maruti has not only maintained but bettered its market leadership courtesy the sustained demand for cars like Alto, WagonR and Swift, Hyundai and Tata Motors (TATAMOTORS.BO : 634.85 -8.85) have both suffered as a result of this. American carmakers General Motors and Ford too had a rough ride with their respective marketshares falling below 3.5 per cent and 1.5 per cent.

In utility vehicles segment, M&M has been the biggest gainer due to the success of its newest launch Xylo. M&M now has an over 57 per cent share, well ahead of competitors like Toyota and Tata Motors.Hero Honda now has a 62 per cent marketshare - a first in almost five years while second -placed Bajaj (BAJAJAUTO.NS : 2101.05 0) has shrunk to under 20 per cent. In scooters though HMSI has suffered losses and only Hero Honda has managed to grow to a 14.5 per cent market share.