The major auto stocks seem to be firing on all cylinders with talks of interest rates heading South infusing fresh life into them.

The two wheeler counters especially witnessed robust demand with Bajaj Auto and Hero Motocorp gaining significant ground, along with car maker Maruti.

Bajaj Auto was up by Rs 23.30 at Rs 1,517.50 and Hero MotoCorp raced to Rs 1,952, a gain of Rs 86.30 or 4.63 per cent.

Mahindra & Mahindra gained Rs 10.45 at Rs 665.20, Maruti Suzuki was up by Rs 30 at Rs 1,108.70 and Tata Motors edged up to Rs 232.05, a gain of Rs 10.50.

Others in the auto index-Ashok Leyland, Bharat Forge, Cummins India, Exide Industries and Apollo Tyres also made small gains, making the auto index with a gain of about 268 points the biggest gainer in the BSE, ahead of metal index and bankex.