Have Customer Inquiries Increased by 15-20% After Maruti Suzuki's Rate Cut?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 15-20 percent surge in customer inquiries.
- First-time buyers increased by 5-7 percent.
- Double-digit growth expected in the passenger vehicle segment.
- Significant price reductions on entry-level models.
- New GST rate for small cars is 18 percent.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) Customer inquiries for automobiles have risen notably by 15-20 percent across various segments following the announcement from Maruti Suzuki India (MSIL) regarding the full transfer of GST 2.0 benefits, according to a report released on Friday.
Dealers are experiencing a notable increase in inquiries, both online and in-person, especially for entry-level models such as K10, Celerio, S-Presso, and Wagon R in Tier-1 cities, as detailed in an HSBC Global Investment report.
The report indicates that the proportion of first-time buyers has surged by 5-7 percent in total bookings up to this point.
The premium hatchback segment, including models like Swift and Baleno, is also witnessing a promising rise.
The report emphasizes that the passenger vehicle (PV) sector is projected to experience double-digit growth year-on-year during the forthcoming festive season, in contrast to the single-digit growth anticipated prior to the GST cut announcement.
MSIL has implemented substantial price reductions on its entry-level range, exceeding the effects of the GST cut.
"MSIL has enacted price reductions of 11-21 percent on its entry-level range, 9-11 percent on premium hatchbacks, and up to 8 percent on Brezza, surpassing the impact of the GST cut (3.5-8 percent)," the report highlighted.
On Thursday, Maruti Suzuki revealed a price reduction across its entire vehicle lineup, enabling consumers to fully benefit from the recent decrease in GST rates on automobiles.
Entry-level models are receiving the most significant price cuts, with the Alto K10 and S-Presso experiencing reductions of up to Rs 1.07 lakh and Rs 1.29 lakh, respectively.
Other hatchbacks, including the Celerio, Wagon-R, and Ignis, will also enjoy substantial savings ranging from Rs 71,300 to Rs 1.29 lakh.
The prices of small SUVs will also be reduced.
The GST Council has approved a tax structure of 5 and 18 percent, eliminating the previous four-slab system (5, 12, 18, and 28 percent).
By establishing GST rates at 18 percent for small cars and 40 percent for larger or luxury vehicles, this reform simplifies the tax framework and removes the earlier compensation cess. Electric vehicles continue to benefit from a favorable 5 percent GST rate.