NEW DELHI: Car sales may have been disheartening last month, but two-wheeler makers continue to have a smooth run. Total two-wheeler sales were up by 19.47% at 5,99,369 units in July (5,01,691 units in the same period last year), according to data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam).

This apparent anomaly in favour of two-wheelers happened because the growth is being seen on a very low base — 2007 was one of the worst years for two-wheeler makers. Compared to 2006, even the two-wheeler industry is facing troubled times.

More than cars, consumers depend on financing for buying motorcycles and scooters. Besides steep rate hikes, loan processing delays and vehicle repossession, the decision by many major banks to withdraw financing from key markets has hit this segment.

But the actual impact will kick in after a few months. For now, the segment is on a roll. Motorcycle sales jumped 21.9% to 4,57,178 units (3,75,004 units) in July. Market leader Hero Honda Motors posted a 39.32% growth at 2,60,324 units (1,86,848 units) while Bajaj Auto’s sales fell by 2.46% at 1,13,440 units (1,16,305 units).

TVS Motor logged a 11.95% jump in sales at 39,448 units (35,237 units). Total scooter sales were up 6.36% this July at 97,905 units (92,048 units). Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India posted a 10.81% growth at 56,584 units (51,062 units) while Hero Honda’s scooter sales rose 57% at 12,340 units (7,861 units). New entrant Suzuki Motorcycle India sold 6,989 units.

The three-wheeler segment remained flat, with sales up by a mere 1.51% to 31,357 units (30,890 units). Commercial vehicle sales rose by only 1.93% to 34,359 units (33,709 units). Sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles fell by 2.12% at 17,557 units (17,937 units), but those of light commercial vehicles grew 6.53% to 16,802 units (15,772 units).