From Bajaj Auto and Eicher to Tata Motors⁠— factories and dealerships are open waiting for ‘pent up demand’

Eicher Motors is witnessing a sharp rebound in redemand, and the new bookings have reached close to pre-COVID levels, according to Jefferies. The management also said that about 90% of its dealer network for Eicher has opened up since resumption of operations at one of its plants on May 6.

Share price change in the last one month: 32%

“As the lockdown is easing out, we see strong initial customer interest and confidence,” said Managing Director Siddharth lal in company’s Q4 filing

Jefferies report said Bajaj Auto is also seeing demand normalizing at a faster rate than expected. The report said overall June would be almost back to 80% of the normal times with the second half of the month at an almost 90% of the normal level. There is a large component of pent up demand that is driving current sales, it said.

Share price change in the last one month: 6.80%

However, the company in its Q4 report said, “In near future, we expect to continue to witness the impact of this lockdown.”

Honda sold 115,000 two-wheelers in May, about 30% of its average FY20 monthly wholesales. According to Jefferies, the company was benefited as one-third of its buyers decided to shift from public transport to follow social distancing norms. However, there wasn’t much change in the financing behaviour as 45% vehicles were financed, but the buyers now prefer schemes with a lower down payment to preserve cash.

Share price change in the last one month: 12.45%

India’s largest tractor maker Mahindra & Mahindra plants are also operating at 80%+ capacity. More than 90% of its dealers have also opened up stores.

M&M’s auto plants are working at 30% capacity with 100% suppliers operational, and more than 80% of dealers have re-started.

Share price change in the last one month: 32.15%

Hero MotoCorp started three of its plants on May 4 and remaining facilities also re-started by the end of May. The company opened up nearly 5,000 customer touchpoints, which contributes 85% of volume.

It sold around 160,000 units in May, about 30% of its average monthly wholesales in the last financial year. Semi-urban and rural markets mainly drove the demand for two-wheelers.

Share price change in the last one month: 13.81%

Pawan Munjal, Chairman and CEO, Hero MotoCorp said “we have successfully navigated through unprecedented times with business continuity. As we now rapidly scale-up operations post the lockdown, it will be critical that the industry receives support from all quarters.”

About 89% of the retail network of Jaguar Land Rover has re-opened. The China, joint venture plant, has been operational since March 2 as vehicle sales recover and customers return to showrooms following the easing of the lockdown.

Company’s all European plant re-started operations between May 18 and June 8, except for Castle Bromwich facility, which is yet to open.