With the aim to counterbalance the growing input costs, Maruti Udyog, India’s largest car manufacturer, has raised car prices ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 18,000, which covers almost all the models of the company.

The New Delhi-based carmaker raised the price of its Maruti 800 and Alto by Rs 1,500, whilst the Zen Estilo will cost Rs 1,000 more. On the other hand, the Omni van and WagonR petrol got dearer by Rs 2,000, whereas the WagonR Duo (petrol/LPG model) will be expensive by Rs 1,000.

The price of Swift petrol model has increased by Rs 9,000 whereas its diesel version got pricier by Rs 15,000. On the other hand, the price of the SX4 has been increased by Rs 9,000 and that of Versa by Rs 8,000. The price of Dzire (both petrol and diesel) has climbed up by Rs 18000.

A company representative announced the increase in car prices without giving any details.

The increase in steel prices in both international as well as local markets forced automobile manufacturers including Maruti and Honda Siel Cars to hoist prices.

Maruti's price increase comes amid predictions of retardation in sales due to rising interest rates.

In Aprill 2008, Shinzo Nakanishi, managing director, Maruti, had said that the company was making discussions with steel companies on new contracts and faced a price increase up to 40%.

Maruti slashed the prices of a few models in February-end after the government diminished the excise duty on small cars to 12% from 16%.

Hyundai, the second-biggest car maker, and General Motors will review prices by month-end, while Honda has already raised Civic's tag, Mahindra & Mahindra has increased the prices of its vehicles by up to 2.5% during the last week.