Hindustan Motors

THE MAKERS of Ambassador cars and Bedford trucks have produced a mixed bag. Sales have declined from Rs 41 crores to Rs 40 crores while gross profit (profit before interest, managing agents' remuneration and depreciation, increased from Rs 637 lakhs to Rs 662 lakhs. The Report does not mention any special reason.

Production of cars was 'slightly' more while production of trucks was 'slightly' less than last year. Despite notable increase in the indigenous content of the vehicles produced by the company, the plant is working below installed capacity. Production was affected by shortage of foreign exchange allowed to the company and aggravated by labour unrest and two fires in the plant. The Directors' Report states that the demand for cars is satisfactory, but there is one reference to the demand for Bedford trucks.