Able to sell whatever we produce, says Maruti chief

NEW DELHI: As lockdowns and restrictions rise due to increasing Covid cases, Maruti on Tuesday said it is “able to sell whatever it produces” and the company’s sales and production remain unaffected.

RC Bhargava, chairman of the country’s largest carmaker said that while it is difficult to forecast demand in the coming months, the numbers so far remain robust with a heavy backlog of pending deliveries.

“We are producing at full capacity. There is no shortage, and labour is also available,” Bhargava said. On whether the auto industry requires support from the government, he said the governments are busy handling the pandemic and can’t be burdened with industry issues.

Asked about the impact on sales due to lockdown in key states such as Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka, he said, “Even if some markets are down, there are enough markets that are open.” He said demand for personal mobility remains healthy, and would rather see a spike as concerns around social distancing rise after the second wave of Covid.