On Tuesday, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI), the country's largest carmaker reported a 71% decline in total sales to 46,555 units in May, as compared to 1,59,691 units in April due to a spike in Covid-19 cases and lockdowns across various states.

MSI had also shut down its production from May 1 to May 16 for diverting oxygen to use for medical purposes. MSI stated that its domestic dispatches to dealers stood at 35,293 units last month, down by 75% in comparison to 1,42,454 units in April. the sales of mini cars, including Alto and S-Presso, dropped by 81% to 4,760 units in May in comparison to 25,041 units in April this year.  The sales of compact segment vehicles, such as Swift, Celerio, Ignis, Baleno, and Dzire, dropped by 72% to 20,343 units in comparison to 72,318 cars in April. Sales of mid-sized sedan Ciaz fell to 349 units in comparison to 1,567 units in April this year. Sales of Utility vehicles such as Vitara Brezza, S-Cross, and Ertiga, dropped by 75% to 6,355 units as compared to 25,484 in April. The exports in May were down by 35% at 11,262 units in comparison to 17,237 units in April this year.

MSI stated that in May, the company shut down its production from May 1 through May 16 to divert oxygen from industrial use for medical purposes. In May 2020, the company saw production disruption owing to lockdowns. Considering neither of the two months had normal production, the sales volume of May 2021 is not comparable with May 2020.