Auto stocks could be in spotlight on monthly sales disclosure

Tata Motors total sales in December 2010 were 67,441 vehicles, a growth of 31% over 51,627 vehicles sold in December 2009. The company's domestic sales for December 2010 were 61,632 units, 28% growth over 48,173 units sold in December last year.



Mahindra & Mahindra's total vehicle sales rose 42% to 34,062 units in December 2010 over December 2009. Domestic sales rose 43% to 32,546 units while exports increased 22% to 1,516 units in the same period.

Hero Honda reported a 33% growth in sales at 5.01 lakh units for December 2010 over the same month in 2009. The company recorded a sales growth of 16.4% during the calendar year 2010 with cumulative sales of over 5 million units. During the October-December quarter of 2010, the company sold 14,28,030 units, registering a 29% growth over the same period in 2009.

TVS Motor Company's total sales for December rose 42% to 1.71 lakh units. Total two-wheeler sales alone for the month stood at 1.68 lakh units from 1.19 lakh units a year ago.

ICICI Bank will reportedly raise its base rate by 50 basis points and benchmark prime-lending rate by 25 basis points, both effective 3 January 2011. ICICI Bank is also raising floating reference rate (FRR) for consumer loans by 25 basis points, effective 3 January 2011.

Kotak Mahindra Bank has raised its base rate to 8.25% per annum from 8%. The bank has also increased its benchmark prime lending rate by 25 basis points.

Kingfisher Airlines has reportedly raised its fuel surcharge on domestic tickets by up to Rs 200 due to rising jet fuel costs.