CHENNAI: Exports of cars from Indian major ports and particularly from Chennai and Kamarajar ports in Tamil Nadu declined during the April-September period, mirroring the negative growth reported by the manufacturing sector in the first six months of the financial year.
For the first half of the current year, India exported 2.67 lakh units according to Society of Indian Auto Manufacturers (SIAM), against 2.69 lakh units for last year.
Out of the 12 major ports in the country, six are in the east coast. Roll-on Roll-off vessels call at Chennai and Kamarajar ports, located in Tamil Nadu, regularly to carry automobiles such as cars, trucks, vans, bus, tractors and excavators.
Till 2013-14, Chennai Port was leading the way in automobile shipment. But, things started to change, once Ennore Port, now called as Kamarajar Port, entered the scene.
During the first half of 2015-16, these two ports collectively handled 1.93 lakh cars against 1.95 lakh units for the same period during 2014-15, registering a decline of 1,751 units.
Once again, Kamarajar Port has proved that it had toppled Chennai Port in handling car shipments. During the period under review, Kamarajar Port handled 1.10 lakh cars and the rest by Chennai Port. When computed individually, Chennai Port reported a decline of 12,396 cars against the previous year, while Kamarajar Port posted an increase of 10,645 cars.
During the period under review, Chennai Port exported 83,105 cars consisting of Hyundai, Ford and Nissan against 95,501 for the corresponding period a year-ago. For Chennai Port, Hyundai, Ford and Nissan are the main customers. However, Hyundai and Ford exports saw a decline of 7,000 units and 4,300 units respectively at Chennai Port. Nissan exported only 21 cars against 28 in the year-ago period.
Congestion issue at Chennai Port forced Renault Nissan and Ford to shift its base to Kamarajar Port. In addition to Renault Nissan and Ford, Kamarajar Port also handled Toyota and Honda. Kamarajar Port is targeting to handle 2.50 lakh cars for 2015-16.
