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

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From Bajaj Auto and Eicher to Tata Motors⁠— factories and dealerships are open waiting for ‘pent up demand’
  • The auto registrations have recovered to 43-65% of January-February levels with strong search trends for cars and two-wheelers.
  • Eicher Motors is witnessing a sharp rebound in redemand, and the new bookings have reached close to pre-COVID levels.
  • Jefferies report said Bajaj Auto is also seeing demand normalizing at a faster rate than expected.
  • Hero MotoCorp sold around 160,000 units in May, about 30% of its average monthly wholesales in the last financial year.
The COVID-19 crisis has battered India’s automobile sector, but a slow recovery is underway, according to a report from Jefferies, a financial services group. Since the ease of the lockdown, the auto registrations have recovered to 43%-65% of January-February levels with strong internet search trends for cars and two-wheelers, indicating a rebound in consumer interest as well.

The stocks of Tata Motors, Eicher, Bajaj Auto, M&M, Hero Moto and the likes have reflected some of the optimism. “Auto industry has been gradually coming back to life with OEM plants, supply chains and 80-90% of the dealers re-starting operations. OEM’s demand commentary has also improved although concerns remain on the contribution of pent-up demand in this pick-up and hence the sustainability of the recovery,” the report said.

Auto companies and dealers are ramping up operations


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Eicher Motors

Eicher Motors
BCCL

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

Bajaj Auto

Bajaj Auto
IANS

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.”

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Honda

Honda
IANS

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%

Mahindra & Mahindra

Mahindra & Mahindra
IANS

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%

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​Tata Motors

​Tata Motors

One of India’s largest automakers resumed operations at all Indian plants on May 27. In the commercial vehicle unit, 70% of the 3-S outlets and 43% of the 1-S outlets opened by early-June. In the passenger vehicle unit, 59% of the showrooms resumed operations covering 69% of the retail market since the ease of the lockdown.

Share price change in the last one month: 18%

The company earlier said that the current quarter is expected to be significantly weaker in both Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and Tata Motors, with the full impact of lockdowns being reflected in the results.

​Hero MotoCorp

​Hero MotoCorp
IANS

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.”

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​Jaguar Land Rover

​Jaguar Land Rover
BCCL

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.