Monthly Archives: June 2008

Palio will get CNG version

Fiat StileWhen all car manufacturers are taking move towards making the environment greener, why should Fiat lack behind? The company is coming up with the CNG version of Palio model by 2009.

Both gas and diesel variant of the Palio hatchback are already present in the market. Increase fuel and raw material price is giving the industry a shock and to fight this crisis car manufacturers are taking different prop to maintain their market share. Many car makers like General Motors, Maruti, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai has turned towards CNG version. Well, it’s a delightful news for all Fiat lovers as they can own the car without spending much on fuel.

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Hybrid Cars needs Government’s Attention

Global warning is at its peak and India is still far away to combat with the situation. Major air pollution is created by automobile exhausts which can be minimized by the use of green cars. Hybrid cars are good alternative for diesel or petrol vehicle. But these cars are seeking government’s attention.

The customs duty and the tax imposed on them are really high. It is the high time for the government to take necessary steps to encourage auto makers for the local production of hybrid cars.

India has only one hybrid car ‘Civic Hybrid’ recently launched by Honda Motors. The number will definitely increase if the government drives some policy in favour of these cars. It can cut down the customs duty on such cars which will encourage the car manufacturer to roll out these cars or permit imports at a lower duty for those auto companies who assure to manufacture hybrid cars for a specified period of time.

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Eaton India Expands to Electrical Technology

Everyone is moving towards green technology and so is Eaton India. Eaton India is a Pune-based subsidiary of the US-based automotive company, Eaton Corporation. The subsidiary is rolling fast to expand its operation in producing electrical vehicles.

The company has already produced many hybrid engines that are running on North American roads and now the diversification is towards Indian roads. The simple technology of electrical starters is used for running light vehicles.

The company is mainly into producing transmission components, only 14% is dedicated to its automotive sector. Bringing pride to the country, Eaton is now willing to explore the market and produce qualitative components for both IT sector and automotive sector. UPS with 94% power efficiency is planned for the IT sector in India and automated transmissions and digital prototypes of engines for the automotive sector.

In short, Eaton is planning to bring success to two major and leading industries of the country.

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Magna Expanding in India

Good to know that major car makers and auto suppliers are entering the Indian market and making the industry more competitive and winning.

Magna, North America’s largest auto parts supplier, is now planning to open a new factory in India. This plan is implemented with a desire of boosting car sales in Asia. India being the cheapest resource for production and manufacturing is targeted by the company. The factory is expected to start next year in Pune and will produce powertrain parts for Indian car industry, cutting its dependence on North America.

Do you think the expansion plan of Magna will be successful? We definitely think so because so much efforts and investment can never go waste. This factory will definitely bring a win-win situation for the Indian car industry.

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Power Chair Car for the Disabled

A big hand of applause for those students who have developed a power chair car for the disabled. Everyone in the car industry is racing to produce a car with a blend of luxury, comfort and fuel economy. But have any car maker thought about those who don’t have legs to drive a car or are handicapped? No.

None of the car manufacturers thought about them but some engineering students from Durgapur has created a car for handicapped. They together have designed and developed a power chair car for those who can’t manage to start a car, press clutch or apply brake. Though a car can move only short distances within the campus, airports and hospitals, it is a big achievement for the developers and a big source of joy for the disabled who are otherwise dependent on others to drag their wheel chair.

We feel proud to know that we have so many intelligent and winning students in our country.

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Ford Fiesta will be Costly

Ford Fiesta
Wake up folks! If you like the appeal, comfort and performance of Ford Fiesta, then go and grab one before the price lets you fall.

The rising input cost with the hike in steel prices has pushed Ford India to review the price tag of it’s recently launched car, the Ford Fiesta. The current price of the Fiesta is Rs 6.57 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 7.44 lakh for the diesel.

Even the small car expected to launch in 2010 is proposed at a price higher than 1 lakh. Wondering how much price would the company raise for the Fiesta after raising the price of its SUV, Ford Endeavour by Rs 30,000.

Keep your fingers cross and wish that the increased price tag is affordable.

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Old Conventional Cabs are in the verge of extinction

The journey of the traditional black and yellow taxis is now coming to an end. The era is over and today people are switching over from normal taxis to high-end cabs.

People are now more willing to have comfort and luxury wherever they go, including the cabs they travel. Some of the cabs providers even have a tie-up with corporates and multinationals that requires high-end cabs for their employees.

Even the tourists in India don’t prefer normal taxis. They often ask for cab with an air condition, music system, power windows and other luxury amenities. All these features are not integrated in the tradition taxis and this is one of the main reasons why the blacks and yellows are moving off the Indian roads.

Not only the car features play a role but also the driver of the cab. All the companies into the cab business are now recruiting educated chauffeurs with good personality and enhanced communication skill.

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Car Manufacturers Encountered by Input Costs

How much do you think is the input costs of manufacturing a passenger car? Yes, the input costs of manufacturing a car has increased tremendously followed by the increase in steel and fuel prices. This rising costs is hurting the core of all car manufacturers.

Steel is believed to account 60% of a car’s weight and apart from that plastic, aluminum are also used in the manufacturing process. Followed to the increasing steel prices, plastic, aluminum and rubber are also facing inflationary pressures. All together increases the total input costs of car production and eventually becomes a leading cause of worry, dismay and distress for the manufacturers.

You’ll be glad to know that even under heavy pressures these manufacturers are trying to absorb the maximum increase and pass on affordable cost price to car consumers.

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New variants added to Mercedes’s E-Class

Mercedes Benz Eclass
In India, Mercedes-Benz itself means ‘luxury’. No cars from Mercedes are devoid of luxuries and comfort.

Luxury car segment in India is growing upwards with more and more cars entering the segment. Mercedes-Benz has now introduced two new variants of E-Class, E220 CDI and E230, to add to the status and attractiveness of the E-Class luxury cars introduced in 1995. E220 CDI is loaded with a 2.2L four- cylinder diesel engine and a price tag of Rs 38.99 lakh, whereas E230 gets 2.5L V6 petrol engine and a price tag of Rs 41.14 lakh.

The company is expecting more growth potential with the introduction of these variants. Rest all is up to us how we deal with these cars and the loaded luxuries.

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Delhi gets its Electric Car

Maini Reva
Join for a ride with Reva. Delhities will now have the opportunity to drive the wonderful, cute little Reva car. There are many people in India who wear a green conscience and attracted to the electric car model manufactured by Reva. Unfortunately, this model was launched only in Bangalore but now the cards of fortune have opened. Maini Revai has launched the advanced version of the Reva for Delhi roads.

Seven years ago when Reva was launched in Bangalore, the company was not sure of its performance and success. That time Reva was not able to make further launches because of the absence of subsidy but now Delhi is putting forward hands to support Reva in all aspects including subsidy, VAT exemption, refund of road tax, low registration charges and much more. This has eventually reduced the price tag of Reva from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 2.99 lakh in Delhi.

Such a low price tag will definitely make a stronger move towards Revai.

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