Traditionally, sales momentum has slowed down during the astrologically inauspicious time period of ‘Shradh’ as customers postpone their buying decision. Interestingly, after 160 years, this inauspicious time period is followed by a gap month in the astrological calendar that is delaying the onset of the festive season. These notions and traditions are highly believed and followed in rural India, which is also a base for two-wheeler consumption. Nonetheless, Guleria cited the urban base of the company as a major contributor to its overall growth. “We have a significant presence in urban areas. Now, we are also seeing some ‘green shoots’ in urban demand as the pandemic spreads to semi rural areas and the hinterland,” he said during the interaction. “Southern region has boosted our prospects. We have a healthy traction in this region. Overall, rural sales will continue to be a major contributor to our sales as healthy monsoon rains, higher crop output and support prices will bolster buying sentiment.”

—Rohit Vaid