Mahindra & Mahindra’s (M&M) vehicle sales rose 1.76 per cent to 41,432 units in April, compared with 40,715 sold during the same month a year ago.

The passenger vehicles segment, which includes the utility vehicles and Verito, sold 20,748 units during the month under review, a 1 per cent rise from 20,554 units sold in April 2012. The company’s domestic sales stood at 39,902 units in April this year, against 39,295 sold during the same month of last year.

The four-wheeler commercial segment, which includes the passenger and load vehicles, sold 14414 units registering 10 per cent growth in April 2013. Its three-wheeler segment clocked 4,036 units, while exports rose 8 per cent to 1,530 units.

"We are extremely disappointed that the additional 3 per cent excise duty on sports utility vehicles has not been reversed in the Finance Bill, which would have brought about some cheer and momentum for SUV makers and provided them with a level playing field," said Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division at M&M.

"We remain cautiously optimistic of the current situation and do hope that with the much-awaited and needed reduction in interest rates announcement by the RBI next week, the auto industry will look up. At Mahindra, we hope to create excitement with the launch of the Verito Vibe and other product variants," he added.

rajesh.kurup@thehindu.co.in