Output cut signs flash on auto avenue

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) claimed its stocks were in control, as production had already been reduced as per demand. While even diesel models are now on discount, the silver lining is that demand for petrol cars like the Eon is up. “Stocks are at three weeks, which is well below the normal levels of a month's inventory,” said Rakesh Srivastava, HMIL's vice president for marketing and sales.

A businessman with both car and two-wheeler dealerships said, “The slowdown is a concern across the industry. Most car and two-wheeler dealerships have inventories of 4-6 weeks, which about eight months back stood at around two weeks.” This points towards a new trend where high inventory levels have become the norm across the industry, especially compared with last year's.