Hero MotoCorp , the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has reported a robust start to the festive season with impressive sales figures for September. The company's performance not only exceeded market expectations but also marked significant milestones in its journey.

Strong Sales Growth

Hero MotoCorp dispatched 687,220 units in September, representing a solid 7.9% increase from 637,050 units sold in the same period last year. This performance surpassed market estimates of 650,050 units, demonstrating the company's strong market position and consumer demand for its products.

Record Global Dispatches

The company achieved a remarkable feat in its global operations, with record dispatches of approximately 40,000 units. This performance significantly outpaced industry growth rates, highlighting Hero MotoCorp's expanding international presence.

Milestone Achievement

In a landmark accomplishment, Hero MotoCorp became the first Indian company to surpass the 125 million cumulative two-wheeler production mark. This milestone underscores the company's long-standing dominance in the Indian two-wheeler market and its consistent growth over the years.

Segment-wise Performance

The sales breakdown for September shows:

Domestic and Export Performance

Hero MotoCorp's growth was driven by both domestic and international markets:

Factors Contributing to Growth

Several factors have contributed to Hero MotoCorp's strong performance:

1. Festive Season Boost: The combination of festive spirit and new GST benefits has led to a sharp rise in bookings and enquiries.
2. Product Portfolio Expansion: The company launched 12 new or refreshed products this year, catering to diverse consumer needs.
3. Electric Vehicle Growth: VIDA, Hero's electric vehicle brand, recorded 12,736 registrations, increasing its market share from 4.7% to 12.2% year-on-year.
4. Global Expansion: The company's strategic expansion in global markets resulted in the highest ever Q2 dispatch of 111,584 units.

Looking Ahead

With its extensive product portfolio and expanded retail network, Hero MotoCorp is well-positioned to capitalize on the positive consumer sentiment throughout the remainder of the festive season. The company's performance in September sets a strong foundation for continued growth in the coming months.

As Hero MotoCorp continues to innovate and expand its reach, both domestically and internationally, it remains a key player to watch in the two-wheeler industry.

BNP Paribas Financial Markets has made a significant move in the Indian stock market, acquiring a 0.97% stake in Hero MotoCorp , India's leading two-wheeler manufacturer. The transaction, executed through a bulk deal on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), involved the purchase of 19.52 lakh shares at ₹5,302.91 per share, amounting to a total investment of ₹1,035.16 crore.

BNP Paribas' Strategic Investments

The French multinational bank and financial services company didn't limit its Indian market activities to Hero MotoCorp. BNP Paribas also acquired stakes in other prominent Indian companies:

• Max Healthcare: 0.85% stake worth ₹921.64 crore
• IndusInd Bank: 1.37% stake valued at ₹771.71 crore

These investments highlight BNP Paribas' growing interest in the Indian market across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and banking.

Hero MotoCorp's Festive Season Performance

The investment comes at a time when Hero MotoCorp is experiencing strong growth and optimism in the Indian market. The company has reported impressive figures for the recent festive season:

• 13% growth in festive season sales, reaching 15.98 lakh units
• Sales period covered a 32-day duration
• Doubled showroom traffic compared to the previous year
• Strong consumer sentiment observed across both urban and rural markets

Hero MotoCorp's management expressed expectations for a record-breaking festive season, indicating confidence in the company's market position and growth prospects.

Stock Performance and Analyst Outlook

Despite the positive news, Hero MotoCorp's stock showed a slight dip in recent trading:

The stock's mixed performance reflects both short-term fluctuations and longer-term growth trends. Analyst sentiment on Hero MotoCorp remains largely positive:

Average price target: ₹5,326.44

This analyst consensus suggests a generally optimistic outlook for Hero MotoCorp's future performance, with the average price target slightly above the current trading price.

The acquisition by BNP Paribas, coupled with Hero MotoCorp's strong festive season performance, may signal growing investor confidence in the company's prospects. As the Indian automotive sector continues to evolve, particularly with the shift towards electric vehicles, Hero MotoCorp's market position and strategic initiatives will be crucial factors for investors to watch.