Sri Lanka vehicle registrations hit another high in Sept: JBS

Oct 11, 2015 (LBO) - Vehicle registrations hit another all-time record on most categories barring 2-wheelers in September. In some categories the growth over the previous month is alarming, JB Securities said in a research note. Total motor car registrations recorded 14,301 units in Sep up from 9,107 units in Aug and a mere 3,539 units 12 months ago. This is a 400% increase from 12 months ago and 57% increase over the previous month. Brand new car registrations recorded 9,183 units in Sep significantly up from 5,216 units the prior month and a mere 980 units 12 months ago. This is a 940% increase in 12 months and 76% increase over the previous month. Small cars (<1,000cc) accounted for the 8,891 units (97%). Maruti accounted for 7,789 units (85%) in Sep up from 4,259 the previous month (83% increase) and a mere 564 units 12 months ago (1,380% increase). Micro recorded 639 units (mainly Panda) up from 441 units the previous month and 152 units 12 months ago. Hyundai recorded 228 units mainly comprising of Eon. Tata’s Nano Twist is gaining traction but volumes are yet low at 127 units. Financing share recorded 68% up from 64% the previous month. Its noteworthy that Maruti Alto Financing share was 68% in Sep up from 61.7% in Aug in spite of the 70% loan to value cap coming into effect on 15 Sep. Preowned car registrations recorded 5,118 units in Sep significantly up from 3,891 units the prior month (31% growth) and 2,559 units 12 months ago (200% growth). Toyota accounted for 1,908 units (Aqua 1,040 units, Axio 499 units) followed by Suzuki with 1,713 units (Wagon R 1,642 units), Honda with 954 units (Fit 715 units, Grace 202 units) and Nissan with 456 units (mainly Leaf). Financing share was 67.5% slightly higher than the previous month’s 65.1% but in line with the year to day trend. Premium brands recorded 113 units comprising of 69 brand new units and 44 preowned units. Brand new Mercedes recorded 40 units (C class 18 units, E class 15 units and S class 4 units) and preowned recorded 25 units (C-class 3 units, E class 8 units and S class 1 unit). Brand new BMW recorded 19 units (5-series 17 units, 3-series 2 units) and preowned recorded 15 units (Mini cooper 6 units, 7-Series active hybrid 4 units). Electric cars recorded 471 units in Sep up from 380 units in Oct and mere 15 units 12 months ago. Nissan Leafs recorded the bulk of the volume accounting for 458 units up from 373 units the previous month. There are also 4 Tesla Model S, 3 BMW I3 and 2 Mercedez Benz B class. Total Tesla Model S population is now 8 cars on the road. SUVs recorded 887 units in Sep up from 652 units in August and 805 units 12 months ago. Mitsubishi accounted for 285 units (Outlander 154 units, Montero 127 units), Toyota accounted for 200 units (Prado 178 units) Honda 189 units (Vezel 177 units) and Nissan 97 units (mainly X trail hybrids). Hybrids recorded 5,049 units in Sep up from 3,849 units in Aug and 3,339 units 12 months ago. Of the 5,049 units, cars accounted for 4,591 units followed by SUVs with 425 units and Vans with 33 units. In January Honda Vezels recorded 1,263 units, by Sep volumes have dropped to 177 units but Suzuki Wagon R hybrids that recorded 8 units in January increased to 1,637 units. The Suzuki Wago R also referred to as Stingray is a small 800cc car with a hybrid engine. Vans recorded 1,337 units in Sep up from 1,234 units the prior month and a significant increase from 198 units 12 months ago. Preowned units accounts for 95% of volumes. Toyota accounted for 585 units (mainly KDH or better known as Hiace) followed by Suzuki with 454 units (Every – this is a minivan). 3-wheeler registrations recorded 12,375 units in Sep slightly below the ALL time record set in July of 12,248 and up from 10,366 units in August and 7,507 units 12 months ago. Bajaj maintains it dominance with 86% of the market. Financing share was 90%. 2-wheeler registrations recorded 30,240 units in Sep up from 25,836 units in Aug and 24,399 units 12 months ago. Bajaj does not seem to be marketing a lady’s bike, a category that has seen rapid growth, this may explain their drop in market share that used to be around 45-50% to 31.2%. Hero and Honda parted ways 2-3 years ago in India, Honda bikes that are Made in India have claimed 24.6% share (7,382 units) and Hero claimed 21.8% share (6,552 units). Of the 2-wheeler units 68% are below 130cc, a majority of them are the lady’s bike (scooter) – Hero Pleasure 4,463 unit and Honda Dio 5,522.  Financing share was 60%. Pickup trucks recorded 353 units in Sep slightly up from 327 units in Aug and 265 units 12 months ago. Tata claimed 74.5% of the market accounting for 263 units (207Di – 104 units, Xenon – 159 units). Financing share was 83%. Mini truck registrations recorded 1,519 units in Sep slightly up from 1,385 units in Aug and 1,282 units 12 months ago. Tata claimed 55.7% of the market accounting for 787 units (Ace 486 units, Super Ace 301) followed by Mahindra with 536 units (Maxximo – 315, Maxi Truck – 221). Financing share was 93%. Lite truck registrations recorded 701 units in Sep up from 601 units in the prior month and 294 units 12 months ago. Mahindra was the leader with a share of 70% accounting for 488 units. Financing share was 92%. Medium truck registrations recorded 216 units in Sep up from 243 units in the prior month and 197 units 12 months ago. Financing share was 80.1%. Heavy truck registrations recorded 136 units in Sep down from 144 units in the prior month and 133 units 12 months ago. Financing share was 88.2%. Bus registrations recorded 235 units in Sep slightly down from 243 units in Aug and 247 units 12 months ago. Financing share was 93.3%.