Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Jun 2: Shares of Force Motors Limited came under selling pressure on Tuesday after the automobile manufacturer reported a sharp decline in vehicle sales for May 2026, with domestic volumes dropping to their lowest level in a year and a half.

The stock fell as much as 5.93 per cent during intraday trade on the National Stock Exchange of India, touching Rs 17,782 per share. By around 1:25 p.m., the stock was trading at Rs 17,931, down 5.15 per cent or Rs 973 from its previous close, marking its third consecutive day of losses.

Investor sentiment weakened after the company reported total sales of 2,614 units in May 2026, a decline of 15.35 per cent compared with 3,088 units sold during the same month last year.

Domestic sales, covering small commercial vehicles, light commercial vehicles, utility vehicles and SUVs, dropped 14.72 per cent year-on-year to 2,560 units from 3,002 units in May 2025. Export performance was even weaker, with overseas shipments plunging 37.21 per cent to just 54 units during the month.

The disappointing sales figures added to concerns about the company's recent financial performance and growth outlook.

Force Motors' stock has now lost around 10 per cent over the past week and more than 10 per cent over the last month. Since the beginning of the year, the shares have declined approximately 14.43 per cent.

The weak monthly numbers follow a challenging fourth quarter for the company. For the quarter ended March 2026, Force Motors reported a 36.30 per cent decline in standalone profit after tax, which fell to Rs 273.67 crore from Rs 429.64 crore in the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

Despite the profit decline, revenue from operations increased 8.22 per cent year-on-year to Rs 2,549.72 crore during the quarter, compared with Rs 2,355.89 crore in the same period a year earlier.

In an effort to strengthen its product portfolio, the company recently introduced the Force Traveller N Range, designed for delivery van, ambulance and school bus applications. The updated range features a redesigned cockpit, digital instrument cluster, 9-inch infotainment system, improved noise and vibration insulation, and enhanced seating ergonomics aimed at improving passenger and driver comfort.

While the new product launch reflects the company's focus on innovation, investors appear to be concentrating on the recent slowdown in sales and earnings performance, which has weighed heavily on the stock in recent trading sessions.