July 11, 2007	Wednesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 25, 1428

NEW DELHI, July 10: Indian car sales climbed 16 per cent in June as heavy discounts offset hardening interest rates, according to data released on Tuesday.

Of the 13 carmakers, 10 registered a growth in sales led by country’s biggest auto manufacturer Maruti Udyog, figures from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers showed.

Total passenger car sales stood at 94,002 units compared with 80,784 in the same month a year ago, according to a statement.

Using an aggressive marketing strategy, Maruti, the Indian unit of Suzuki Motor Corp, reported a 26.73 per cent increase in sales to 47,783 units from the same month a year earlier.

Buyers have been lured by new models and heavy discounts, ignoring consumer interest rates that are at eight-year highs.

Strong economic growth has put more money in consumer pockets, enabling them to buy cars.—AFP