The Hindu (New Delhi) - This could be the best month to buy a new petrol car, with prices touching the lowest point in the entire year.

Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, General Motors and Honda are all offering discounts and freebies stretching up to Rs.64,000 to clear their stock before 2011 ends. This is part of a combined offer, which includes free insurance and maintenance, freebies and other benefits such as a loyalty bonus. Those looking for diesel cars, however, may not find great deals as the demand for such models outstrips supply. Most companies try to incentivise sales in December every year as it is felt that buyers generally prefer not to buy cars in the last month and wait till January for purchases. By waiting a month, the date of registration of the vehicle would be for the next year, giving them a higher price upon resale. This leads to a sharp drop in December sales for most manufacturers. "Petrol versions have higher discounts. We have been giving offers since October," General Motors India Vice-President P. Balendran told the correspondent.

GMI is offering discount in the Rs.33,000 (Beat) to Rs.64,000 (Spark) range across nearly all of its petrol models. Interestingly, the highest discount is on the cheapest car in its portfolio. Optra also works out to be cheaper by Rs.56,000, Aveo by Rs.62,000 and U-Va by Rs.54,000.

Honda Siel is offering freebies such as a GPS system for the Civic and Accord sedans. Only for December, Hyundai is offering Rs.50,000 off on the i10 hatch, Rs.34,000 on Santro and Rs.10,000 on Verna petrol. This includes an exchange offer.

"The best offers are on right now, but diesels have no discount," Arvind Saxena, Director of Marketing and Sales, Hyundai Motor India, said.

Abdul Majeed, Partner at PwC, added, "After festive season, sales dip in December, plus with new launches coming next year, it makes sense to clear off inventories now."

Maruti Suzuki, however, felt that December sales could be one of the highest in the year after March. The leading carmaker is also offering higher discounts on petrol cars over other months.

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