IANS

New Delhi, Oct 13: Total automobile sales increased 14.51 percent between April and September this fiscal over that in the corresponding period last fiscal, as per data released by an industry body Tuesday.

Sales of passenger vehicles grew 13.46 percent in the period under review, but that of commercial vehicles slid 0.52 percent, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

Among passenger vehicles, car sales rose 14.75 percent, utility vehicles by 3.47 percent and multi-purpose vehicles by 21.9 percent.

In the commercial vehicles segment, medium and heavy commercial vehicle sales dipped 18.95 percent, though that of light commercial vehicles rose 19.54 percent.

Two-wheeler sales registered a record growth of 15.68 percent, with moped sales rising 26.36 percent, scooters by 18.29 percent and motorcycles by 14.93 percent.

Sales of three-wheelers were up 12.37 percent during April-September.

According to SIAM, exports of passenger vehicles grew by 34.29 percent, though the other segments suffered.

"Export of commercial vehicles, three-wheelers and two-wheelers segments slipped by 35.66 percent, 4.96 percent and 1.30 percent respectively during April-September 2009," SIAM said.