Sales of passenger vehicles in the country have reached the highest level of any quarter in July-September. Strong demand for utility vehicles is a major reason behind this. The total dispatch of passenger vehicles by automobile companies to dealers increased to 10,74,189 units between July and September. This is an increase of 4.7 percent compared to the same period last year. Along with this, this is the first time that the wholesales of passenger vehicles have been more than 20 lakh units in the first half of a financial year. Vinod Aggarwal, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), said, “The passenger vehicles segment has been driven by strong demand for sports utility vehicles and utility vehicles. It has reached 60 per cent of the total sales.” Wholesales of entry level cars declined by about 35,000 units in the second quarter. Demand has also been weak in the entry level two-wheeler segment. The main reason for this is the lack of recovery in demand in rural areas. Aggarwal said that there has been growth in the segments of passenger vehicles, three-wheelers and commercial vehicles in the second quarter of the current financial year. However, the wholesales of two-wheelers have declined compared to the same period last year. Maruti Suzuki, one of the big automobile companies, had its highest monthly sales in a month in September. Last month the company had sold more than 1.81 lakh units. This is an increase of three percent compared to the same period last year. The demand for the company’s SUVs and other utility vehicles has increased rapidly. Maruti’s Grand Vitara and Brezza are getting good response from customers. The company’s sales in this segment have increased by more than 80 percent. Maruti has the first position in the SUV segment. Its models like Fronx and Jimny also have strong demand. Last month the company’s sales stood at 1,81,343 units. Out of this, more than 1.50 lakh units have been sold in the country. This is an increase of two percent compared to September last year. In the first six months of the current financial year, Maruti’s sales in the country have crossed 10 lakh units. This is the first time that Maruti Suzuki has crossed the sales mark of 10 lakh units in six months of a financial year.