TOKYO, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Suzuki Motor Corp said on Tuesday its April-September operating profit more than doubled as healthy sales in India made up for its stagnant motorcycle business and a stronger yen, and it lifted its annual guidance as expected.
Suzuki, held one-fifth by Volkswagen AG, made an operating profit of 68.8 billion yen ($854.4 million) in the first fiscal half, up from 31.8 billion yen a year earlier.
Net profit rose 143 percent to 30.4 billion yen.
For the year to March 31, 2011, Suzuki raised its full-year operating profit to 100 billion yen from 80 billion yen. Consensus forecasts are for a profit of 105 billion yen, according to a poll of 20 analysts by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.
Suzuki, best known for its compact cars such as the Swift and Alto, has held on to its dominant position in the fast-growing Indian market, losing little share despite stiffer competition from rivals such as Hyundai Motor Co, Tata Motors Ltd and Toyota Motor Corp. (Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)