Auto giants Hyundai and Honda reported positive growth in December due to selling vehicles at discounted prices and introducing new models. The recently announced excise duty cut on vehicles also helped to increase the vehicle sales of Hyundai, Honda Siel and SkodaAuto while other auto companies including Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) have continued to slide following the low demand. Mahindra & Mahindra posted 30 per cent decline in sales by selling 10,665 units in December as compared to 15,316 sold last year.

Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) registered 55.7% growth in December 2008 with 19.3% growth in the domestic sales of vehicles. It is to be noted that market leader; Maruti Suzuki posted its sale figures on New Year eve with 10 per cent decline in sales for the month of December. Newly launched Hyundai's Models i10 and the i20 helped to increase its sales figures. 1,078 units of Accent and Verna models of Hyundai Motors were sold in December.

Senior V.P. (Marketing and Sales) of Hyundai Motor India, Arvind Saxena said, "Since the last quarter of 2008, the market situation has become extremely challenging. A combination of factors like innovative schemes, established products and a large network is what has helped Hyundai in these difficult times."

HMIL sold 38,402 units in December 2008. Out of the total sale of vehicles, it sold 15,602 units in the domestic market. Skoda India sold 16,188 units in 2008 and reported 28.5% surge in sales as compared to the previous year. Honda Siel Cars India posted 9% growth in December with the sales of 3,667 units.  

However, sales of TATA Motors declined 44% with sale of 23,894 units for December 2008 as compared to 42,977 units in December 2007.