CARS TO COST MORE: The customers' happy ride over slashed car prices in 2003 seems to be coming to an end. After adopting a price-cut policy in 2003, all major carmakers are set for a price hike in the New Year.

Maruti, Tata Motors, Ford Motor India and General Motors have already announced their plans to increase prices, with effect from January.

Both Maruti and General Motors have said they will increase the prices by 2-3 per cent. In December, Hyundai Motor announced its plans to hike prices by about three per cent from 2004. Ford India will also increase prices by 3-4 per cent.

Many of the companies cited the price hike to rising input prices.

However, the availability of low-interest loan options and attractive offers -- thanks to competition -- will ensure the consumers could eventually convert their dream into a reality.

Ford Ikons being assembled at it's plant in Chennai.