Maruti cuts prices of small cars by Rs 6,500 to Rs 18,030

New Delhi, Feb 29 (UNI) Country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India Ltd today said it has reduced prices of its small car from Rs 6,500 for Maruti 800 to Rs 18,030 for Swift Diesel (ex-showroom Delhi) after government today cut excise duty on small cars from 16 per cent to 12 per cent.

The company has announced price reduction in all the six models that qualify for the lower excise benefit: Maruti 800, Omni, Zen, Wagon R, Swift Diesel and Alto - India 's largest selling car.

Company Managing Director and CEO S Nakanishi said in a statement that in the short term, the reduction in excise duty will make small cars more attractive for customers and offset the negative impact of higher interest rates.

''This is an encouragement for companies like us, which are making major investments in capacity, research and exports,'' Mr Nakanishi said.

The company has the Maruti 800, Alto, Wagon R, Zen Estilo and Maruti Swift in the small car category eligible for the 12 per cent excise rate.

Overall, the Budget has some benefits for all sections of people while keeping the government's finances healthy, he added.

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