Tata Motors has reported a sales volume growth of 23.8 per cent for the month of September 2006, but growth rates have slipped when compared to the earlier months of current financial year. Total sales for the month of September 2006 were 49,157 units, including exports, as compared to 39,707 units during September 2005.

On a month-on-month basis, sales volumes have increased 7.61 per cent from 45,681 units reported for August 2006. For the first six months of the current financial year, Tata Motors has sold a total of 265,829 units - a growth of 36.3 per cent over the same period of previous year.

Passenger car sales in the domestic market were at 18,609 units, an increase of 15.7 per cent as compared to the same month of previous year. Sequentially, passenger car sales have increased 6.09 per cent from 17,541 units for August 2006. Tata Motors said passenger car sales were affected by a fire in the paint shop at its Pune plant and this may affect October sales as well. The company has reportedly sought the assistance of alliance partner Fiat to use the paint shop at latter's plant.

Sales of popular hatchback model Indica increased 10.6 per cent from the same month of last year to 10,694 units. Sequentially, Indica sales declined 10.29 per cent from 11,920 units for the previous month.

Sales of Indigo sedan and Indigo Marina station wagon received a leg up as the company launched updated versions last month. The company has introduced new series of cars with modified and premium features and continues to offer the earlier versions to price conscious buyers. Sales of vehicles in the Indigo family increased 6.4 per cent year-on-year to 3,568 units for the month. On a sequential basis, sales in this segment have jumped 64.42 per cent over 2,170 units sold during August 2006.

SUV model Safari continues to gain ground and has recorded its highest ever monthly sales. The model sold 1,543 units during September 2006 after recording sales of 1,305 units in August 2006. Total sales of Safari and UV model Sumo increased 42.3 per cent year-on-year to 4,347 units.

In commercial vehicles, Tata Motors sold a total of 26,627 units in the domestic market during the month - an increase of 39.5 per cent from 19,087 units reported for September 2005. Sequentially, total commercial vehicle sales have increased 15.42 per cent from 23,069 units for August 2006.

Tata Motors has sustained the fast volume growth in LCV segment with sales expanding 47.4 per cent to 11,434 units. On a month-on-month basis, LCV sales have increased 18.93 per cent from 9,614 units reported for the previous month.

Sales of medium and heavy commercial vehicles increased by 34.1 per cent over the previous year month to 15,193 units. On a sequential basis, the M&HCV segment has reported a growth of 12.92 per cent from 13,455 units for August 2006.

Exports for the month declined by 13.67 per cent to 3,921 units as compared to 4,542 units in September 2005. Sequentially, exports have declined 22.68 per cent from 5,071 units for August 2006. Cumulative exports for the first half of the financial year were 27,163 units - an increase of 17.6 per cent over the previous year period.