new delhi while companies await the outcome of national elections car sales started the new financial year on a jittery note after slipping in the red for previous two consecutive years market leader maruti opened the new fiscal with a decline of 13 while secondbiggest hyundai recorded 9 surge in volumes marutis sales were down despite addition of a new model celerio hatchback the company sold 79119 units in april against 90523 units in the same month last year top company officials said a clarity on the economic front after the election results would lend some stability to the market maruti said discounts will continue to be there as car makers look to offer freebies to lure buyers hyundai sold 35248 units in april against 32403 units in same month last year the company recently added the xcent sedan to its lineup and the opening rush for the new model is adding to volumes we foresee to maintain this positive momentum through this year by strengthening product portfolio and improving channel efficiencies rakesh srivastava sr vp sales and marketing said slowing down of economic growth has hit demand rising prices of fuel and high interest rates have added to the woes keeping the majority of buyers out of showrooms car sales had ended 201314 with a 5 decline in sales and this came after a 7 fall in 201213 last year was one of the most difficult years for the industry the business environment was tough due to low growth of economy high interest rates fuel prices and low sentiments siam president vikram kirloskar said new models have been the only saviour for the car industry as they have helped generate excitement among buyers even during the downturn honda has seen demand remain strong after adding amaze nofrills sedan and the newgeneration city to its lineup the company sold 11040 units in april at a growth of 30 ford has also rode the success of the eco sport mini suv as it registered a growth of 66 in april on sales of 6651 units