The recently launched Chevrolet Cruze. Recording their eight straight rise, car sales in India rose 21% in September, with industry officials expecting continued robust growth as the economy improves and consumer confidence grows. Festival spending and easier availability of loans buoyed sales, with demand fed by a Rs 18,000-crore payout to government workers as backpay and bonuses paid to employees ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights. India is one of two bright spots for the auto industry worldwide, besides China, the world's largest auto market, where volumes are far larger than in India. Indian firms sold 129,683 cars during the month, compared with 107,517 units in the year-ago period, data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) showed on Tuesday. AFP
