Maruti Udyog hikes prices of cars by Rs 12K

Mumbai, Feb 2: Maruti Udyog has raised prices of some of its models by up to Rs 12,000 to help offset higher costs.

A sizeable portion of the cost increase, effective from February 1 this year will go toward better dealer margins in the fast-growing market, a company release here today said.

''Over the recent past, there has been significant increase in input costs of the company as also the operational costs of its dealers,'' it said adding ''the company has decided to pass on a part of this burden to its customers.'' Prices of the Baleno Sedan and Gypsy King multi-utility have been raised by Rs 12,000, while the Wagon R hatchback and newly launched Zen Estillo will cost Rs 3,500 more, it said.

The mini Maruti 800, Omni, Alto, Esteem mid-size and Swift petrol variant will cost Rs 2,000 more.

The company last raised prices of cars in August 2006 by up to Rs 5,000, the release added.

UNI