Auto exporters dodge West Asia pothole

Chennai: India’s automobile exporters began the new fiscal year in buoyant form. Shipments of locally made cars, utility vehicles and two-wheelers rose at a double-digit pace in April, despite logistical snarls triggered by tensions in West Asia. For now, exporters point out that diversification across markets is cushioning the blow. Passenger vehicle (PV) exports were led by utility vehicles, whose shipments rose 13% year-on-year to 35,289 units in April, while car exports climbed 12% to 31,335 units. Two-wheelers fared even better. Motorcycle exports surged 36% to 426,000 units, while scooter exports jumped 50% to 80,810 units.