June auto sales climb to 50% of pre-COVID levels, dealers report surge in online enquiries
Dispatches of cars and SUVs to dealers more than doubled during June compared to May but are still less than half compared to their usual monthly level. The industry recorded zero sales in April due to lockdown restrictions imposed to curb spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Inventory levels with dealers have been at an all-time low since end of May leading to stock replenishment in June. Unserviced bookings, pent up demand and increase in production are believed to be the main reasons behind the surge in June sales.
Carmakers have yet not seen full utilisation of their dealer strength as several showrooms which are in the containment zones, Mumbai for instance, remain shut. While footfalls in showrooms have been low, as per dealers, online enquiries and enquiries over the phone have surged compared to pre-lockdown months.