Auto makers had reason to rejoice this Diwali weekend as car sales soared to new heights, paving the way for good sales numbers this month.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki sold 10,000-12,000 cars in three days from Dhanteras to Diwali, considered an auspicious period for buying. ''Sales were exceptionally good during this Diwali. Given the fact that the same month last year was slowdown-hit, this October seems to show good growth,'' said Shashank Srivastava, chief general manager, Maruti Suzuki.

Arvind Saxena, senior vice-president, Hyundai Motor India, said the three-day period saw sales up by 50-60 per cent. ''Right from Navaratra, sales were good this festival season. All our models, especially the i10 and i20, are doing well,'' he said.

General Motors India clocked sales of 2,000 units in the three-day period thanks largely to the Spark and the recently launched Chevrolet Cruze. ''We have received 1,200 bookings for the Cruze so far and will be able to deliver 800 cars this month,'' said P Balendran, vice-president, corporate affairs.

Premium car manufacturer Honda too posted good sales. ''On Dhanteras alone we sold 1,100-1,200 cars. In fact, in some cases our dealers could not meet the demand,'' said Jnaneswar Sen, vice-president, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.

With 10 days still to go, carmakers hope that October numbers would show substantial year-on-year growth.