Bengaluru, Jul 3 (IANS): Bucking the downtrend in the automobile sector, Swedish luxury carmaker Volvo posted an 11 per cent annual sales growth in the first six months of 2019, its Indian subsidiary said on Wednesday.

"We have sold 1,159 units in the first six months of 2019 against 1,044 units in the corresponding period of 2018," said the company in a statement here.

Though the company did not give a break-up for each month, it sold on average 193 cars per month this year against an average of 174 units per month a year ago.

"Sales contribution from mini metros and tier-I towns and a good demand for the SUV (sports utility vehicle) range aided the growth," said the statement.

Admitting that the short-term market performance looked tough, Volvo Cars India Managing Director Charles Frump said he was confident the automobile growth would bounce back to replicate its sales of 2018.

"We are happy with 11 per cent growth performance when the industry is not looking positive," said Frump.

The company's brand engagement programmes play a crucial role in its sales performance.

Entering India in 2007, the company markets its luxury brand of cars through a dealership network across the country.