Passenger vehicle dispatches from factories to dealers in the domestic market declined 4 per cent in April as supply side challenges continued for the automobile industry and a hike in lending rates could pose a further challenge to the sector, industry body SIAM said.

Total passenger vehicle domestic wholesales stood at 251,581 units last month compared with 261,633 units in April 2021. Passenger car dispatches stood at 112,857 last month against 141,194 units in the same month last year.

Utility vehicle wholesales, however, increased to 127,213 units from 108,871 units in the year-ago period. Van dispatches remained flat at 11,511 units in April against 11,568 units in April 2021.

Two-wheeler sales increased 15 per cent to 11,48,696 units last month compared with 995,115 units in April 2021. Motorcycle sales increased to 735,360 units against 667,859 units in April 2021. Similarly, scooter dispatches rose to 374,556 units last month.