New Delhi - As high interest rates and a slowing economy hit India's auto industry, domestic car sales fell by 19.38 per cent in November according to figures released Wednesday.

Sales of motorbikes fell by 20.24 per cent and commercial vehicle sales were down by 49.52 per cent in November compared to the same month in 2007, according to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

Several automakers cut prices and announced partial shutdowns at plants in December as they scale down production.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry said in its latest survey that several manufacturing sectors could see production cuts of up to 50 per cent and job cuts of 30 per cent over the next few months.

"Despite the government's stimulus package, the manufacturing sector is not likely to see any revival in its growth soon," the survey said.

India's central bank cut key short-term lending rates on Saturday and the government on Sunday announced several incentives for exporters, small and medium-sized industries and the infrastructure sector to boost demand and counter the impact of the global slowdown on the Indian economy. (dpa)