Passenger vehicle sales expanded in double digits for the first time in nearly two years in August, which the industry saw as the likely beginning of a positive trend after a long phase of negative growth. As per data from industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), 215,916 passenger vehicles were sold last month, an increase of more than 14% from a year earlier. Steady retail demand and easing of constraints in the supply chain helped manufacturers increase production and dispatch more vehicles to dealerships ahead of the festive season. A low base — sales had fallen 32% in August last year —also helped the comparison.In fact, the growth would be even higher at 19.4% if the numbers from Tata Motors (18,583 units) are included. The company now reports data to the SIAM only on a quarterly basis, but issued a statement giving its August sales numbers.

(Economic Times)