Carmakers Maruti [Get Quote] Suzuki and Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Wednesday reported increased sales in passenger car sales during December 2007.

While Maruti reported a 6.88-per cent increase in its car sales in the domestic market at 58,401 units against 54,640 units in the corresponding month last year; Hyundai said its domestic car sales rose 18-per cent during December at 13,078 units against 11,067 units in the corresponding month of 2006.

In all, Maruti sold 62,515 vehicles in December 2007 which includes 4,114 units of exports, MSIL said in a statement.

In the A2 segment comprising hatchbacks Alto, Wagon-R, Zen and Swift, the company reported a marginal increase of 2.89 per cent in sales at 39,575 units compared to 38,461 units in the same month last year.

Sales of flagship Maruti 800 continued to skid, dropping by 1.35 per cent in November at 7,190 units against 7,289 units in the same month a year ago.

In the MUV segment comprising Gypsy and Grand Vitara, the company reported a 29.58-per cent growth in sales during the month at 311 units.

Exports in December grew 75.43 per cent to 4,114 units against 2,345 units a year ago.

HMIL sold 22,510 units in the A1 segment comprising hatchbacks Santro, Getz and newly launched i10 2,117 units in A2 segment comprising sedans Verna and Accent, 28 units in the A3 segment (Elantra and Sonata) and 9 units of its SUV.

For the calendar year ended December 2007, the company's cumulative sales (including exports) stood at 3,27,160 units up 9.2 per cent over CY2006. Sales in the domestic market during the period grew 7.6 per cent at 2,00,412 units.

"The year 2007 has been a significant year for Hyundai Motor India. We achieved a commendable landmark by rolling out the fastest 15th lakh car, in the month of September 2007," HMIL sr vice-president (marketing and sales) Arvind Saxena said.

He added, "Also, with a spate of new launches in the year 2007 right from Sonata CRDi, Getz Prime, Santro CNG, Sonata AT and finally the much-awaited i10, Hyundai Motor was able to offer a variety of options to its ever-expanding consumer base."