Covid-19 impact: Commercial vehicle sales to contract another 8-10% in FY21

The commercial vehicle (CV) industry, already under pressure due to the economic slowdown, axle load norms, GST and other issues, is now facing another challenge in the coronavirus outbreak. These factors are likely to lead to a further contraction of 8-10% in FY21, with profitability and credit metrics of CV OEMs likely to remain under pressure.

ICRA said that it continues to maintain a negative outlook for the commercial vehicle (CV) segment over the near-term, given the slowing economic growth, current overcapacity in the CV ecosystem and not so benign financing environment, with challenges further aggravated by the recent and rapid spread of novel coronavirus in India. The demand headwinds are expected to continue over the near-term given the macroeconomic challenges in view of the recent pandemic outbreak, coupled with weakening financial profile of fleet operators and significant price hikes because of transition to BS-VI emission norms. This would exert pressure on earnings and overall credit profile of CV OEMs, which have witnessed sharp earnings contraction over the past 3-4 quarters. Read More