Monthly Archives: November 2008

Nano’s Diamond Miniature

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New Tata Nano Car in India

‘Nano’s diamond miniature’ sounds exciting. We all have heard about the gold plated Porsche and the diamond studded Mercedes-Benz but talking about a diamond studded Nano is strange.

Porsche and Mercedes-Benz are high-end premium luxury cars and people will definitely be attracted towards the outstanding aesthetic appeal of these cars wrapped with gold and diamonds. But, it’s difficult to imagine a 1 Lakh car covered with diamonds. Who’s actually going to invest such a huge amount on the world’s cheapest car? Though the commercial launch of Nano would be a remarkable event in the history of car industry but then too adorning it with costly stones is just not digestible.

Yes it’s true that Nano was found covered with diamonds but only a miniature version and not the actual car.

Amazingly, a renowned jeweler created a diamond studded miniature of the world’s cheapest car. The glittering miniature of the Nano was unveiled at a popular jewellery show, IIJS (India International Jewellery Show) 2008, in Mumbai. You would be surprise to know that about 15,568 diamond pieces worth 243,870 carat is used to embellish the tiny Nano model.

With so much of embellishment, glitter, and artistry, the diamond studded Nano won bunch of appreciations and applauds from jewellery lovers across the country. The shimmering Nano even won the best design award at the show.

As we all are waiting for the launch of Tata Nano with bated breath, we wish that the car actually rolls out with a similar excitement, thrill, and appreciation. Obviously, not covered with diamonds but definitely with a blend of power, performance, promised fuel-efficiency, and price tag.

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Small Car Boom in India

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New Maruti 800 Cars in India

The first small car shinning in the history of Indian car industry is Maruti Suzuki 800. After that many small cars are introduced and some are still in line. After the hit of inflation, car manufacturers started taking a ride from the small car stable to maintain their foothold in the market.

As the race continues, the recent launch of Maruti Suzuki A-star has embarked a new journey for the small car manufacturers. But then too, the car won’t be able to rejoice a hassle free voyage on Indian roads with the presence of successful competitor like Hyundai i10.

A-Star is born with excellent blend of technology and innovation. The passion that drives the car is the path breaking technologies and Penta Drive that assures a smooth, passionate, and impressive drive. The car appears to compete with the i10 with its power and mileage. Both the cars generate more or less similar power output and fuel-efficiency, the two key factors driving the car industry today.

Amazingly, Hyundai i10 has been clocking good sales number with around 9000-10,000 units per month. With such a high selling number in the industry, it may be tough for A-star to just coup the success and win a crown.

But yes, if compare to Maruti Suzuki WagonR and lower version of Maruti Swift, A-star can cannibalize them. Unfortunately, the car would consume members of its own species and would face a tough time competing with leading small cars in India.

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More Merc Magic on Indian Roads

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New Mercedes-Benz M-Class Cars in India

Every car manufacturer is bawling about how the global recession has affected their stand in the car market. Has this economic pressure actually influenced every car manufacturer? No!

When most of the car brands are thinking of cutting down their production capacity and sales target, some of the luxury car majors have a different story to narrate. Here is the one instance of positive car growth in India.

Renowned luxury car leader, Daimler, who owns the Mercedes brand, is expected to introduce six new models from their AMG segment by this year-end. Wow! Six new models despite the financial crunch…is something interesting.

These car models will carry an expensive price tag ranging from Rs 1.25 Crore to Rs 3 Crore and will be custom ordered and delivered directly from the land of Merc. The delivery period may take two to three months depending on the customer’s choice.

Mercedes has rolled out around 20 models globally under the AMG make that comprises of sedans, coupes, wagons, SUVs, roadsters, and convertibles.

Currently Mercedes-Benz sells nine models in India that include sedans, coupes, convertibles, sport utility vehicles, and multi-purpose vehicles. During the April-October period, Mercedes-Benz India sold 1,936 units, which is a 46 percent growth compared to 1,322 units for the same period last year in 2007.

The sales number of car brands like Rolls Royce, Lamborghini, Bentley, and Porsche have also seen similar increments in 2008 compared to 2007.

Does this mean that the financial crisis is only for the middle-class and below? The high-society in India is certainly not showing any sign of relenting the purchase of expensive luxury cars. This is definitely something to think about.

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Only 50,000 A-Star Cars in Indian Market Initially

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New Maruti A-Star Cars in India

A-Star from the small car segment is the latest addition to Maruti Suzuki’s stable. A-Star is boosted with a 1.0L KB series engine and carries well crafted exteriors, a spacious cabin, and an unmatchable fuel economy of around 19 km/L.

Initially only 50,000 units of A-Star will be sold in the domestic market and, at a later date, it will be upgraded to 3 Lakh units per annum. In India, A-Star comes in three variants – LXi, VXi, and the high-end model ZXi. This global car will be exported to around 150 countries with over 200 variations.

An important highlight of the car besides its fuel economy is that it is the first global car that is designed exclusively in India.

Maruti Suzuki remains confident with its latest launch and expects good sales despite the economical crunch. A-Star is in competition with Hyundai’s i10. The i10 has already impressed the buyers and has won the ‘Car of the Year’ award. With such a strong opponent, will A-Star make its way to the top? Only time will tell.

The important question that comes to mind is: Are people ready to make a new investment at this time of crisis? Regardless of an economical price or its luxurious features, I can’t help but think that this was not the right time for A-Star’s entry into the car market.

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New Engine for Force India

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Vijay Mallya is stressing on everything with respect to Force India from management of the team to engine partner. Force India will now use new engines in the next season along with new drivers.

This new engine is a significant addition to the sporting event brought in association with McLaren and Mercedes. Fondly, the team will now use the most powerful engine and gearbox used in the world champion Lewis Hamilton’s McLaren.

This new deal with Mercedes and McLaren was signed by Force India after it terminated the contract with Fiat-owned Ferrari.

For the next season, the Force India team also plans to use a KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) that is developed by Mercedes and McLaren. The team feels that the new engine and this innovative system will boost the technical armoury and lead to better growth prospectus both in terms of winning races and business.

Hopefully, the new contract will give a new force to the force India.

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Pioneer Forays to India

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Pioneer, the well known car electronic manufacturer also fails to resist the buoyant India car market. In a strong desire to conquer the Indian car market, it is now venturing the market with its sales subsidiary targeting the growing purchasing power of Indian consumers.

At present the company is struggling with the tough times brought by the global recession. With its establishment in the country, it expects a strong growth potential.

India was the only country left from BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) where the manufacturer didn’t had its own sales unit. The company promises to start operations in the new subsidiary by January 2009. So, after that the company will start marketing a wide range of auto electronics including car audio system, security systems, car safety technologies, and electrical machinery index with full swing.

As Pioneer is not new to India, it can very well strengthen its foothold in the country.

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Maruti Cars Secured with Safety Features

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Maruti Suzuki has always ensured safety and security for its customers in the entire fleet of car models.

Nearly about a year back, Maruti had introduced the immobilizer system across all its car models to prevent the cars from being stolen. The device is christened as ICATs (Intelligent Computerised Anti-Theft System) and works on the principle of multiplexed communication.

Today, this security system is very much a part of Maruti’s fifth world’s strategic model. Yes, talking about the new compact car Maruti Suzuki A-Star that is equipped with latest technologies which adds to security of the car.

The device is fitted with a transponder that is integrated into the car keys. This transponder is loaded with a secret code and an electronic identification that needs to be matched with the engine computer in order to start, thereby delivering a stress free drive.

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Racing Through Your Heart and Imaginations

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When imagination takes flight to a horizon where technology meets passion and innovation, you’ll find something exotic, superlative, and outstanding. Yes, you’ll find the horizon glimmering with an 18 Crore car, Bugatti Veyron.

18 crores! It sounds as if this is the most expensive car available in India. Yes, it is and also one of the fastest car plying on Indian roads. It defines the most outstanding car production with a blend of technology and design. It’s no less than a million dollar supercar that is artistically designed with detail, perfection, and zeal.

When talking about a car, every one of you will always look for some excitement and thrill along with power, performance, speed, and fuel efficiency. Though, in today’s pace of cars many such cars are available but then nothing in comparison to the great Bugatti Veyron. You talk about performance, about fastest top speed, about acceleration or about sensational value for money; this great supercar has all under one artistic roof.

From the initial concept of design and technology, the Bugatti designers and engineers have tapped their full potential and expertise to give this car everything that a car consumer looks for. A lightweight car constructed of titanium, carbon, magnesium, and aluminium along with optimum protection ensured by carbon monocoque construction. Something more exciting is its luxurious length of 4.47 m that delivers a unique combination of high-powered performance and racy car design.

An impressive W-16 mid-engine, delivering nearly 1,001 hp mated with a seven gear clutch transmission offers enhanced performance and maneuverability. Even more impressive is the top speed of about 400 km/h and an acceleration of 0-100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Ingenious aerodynamics keeps the car firm on the road even at such high speeds. Even the car safety concept conforms to all international safety standards, offering a safe ride.

The Veyron also offers high velocity due to a perfect blend of engine technology, lightweight construction, and specially developed tyres. The sports car does one thing even faster than accelerating, and that one thing is braking. Excellence and elegance are a clear reflection of the car that exploits a full range of advanced technologies and innovations to support ultra-fast acceleration as well as deceleration.

Excitingly, in the first year of its production, it had delivered about 60 units worldwide. The company had planned production of about 300 vehicles around the world and till date has got confirm orders of 220 Veryons.

How exciting would it be to drive this untouchable Bugatti Veyron. A dream ride that will help you speed faster than your imaginations.

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Economic Recession – Nightmare for Component Manufacturers

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The global recession that has struck our world is now peaking. The tide of financial downfall in the U.S. has left no company untouched. Major U.S auto manufacturers that have faced severe financial difficulties include decade old names such as General Motors and Ford.

GM and Ford are at the verge of bankruptcy. Struggling to stay alive, these manufacturers have finally asked for help from their government. How does this affect the Indian auto market?

The heavy loss along with a severe liquidity crunch in the U.S has compelled people to cut upgrades to bigger and better cars. Due to a lack of finance in the market, the number of people buying new cars has almost come to a standstill. With deteriorating car sales, car production has also seen a massive slow down, which means that the demand for auto components is fast dwindling.

Auto players, who use to import car components from the fast growing and cheaper Indian market, have cut down their auto component orders due to the hard hit of recession. Even players like Bajaj Auto, Hyundai Motors, and Tata Motors from India have cut down their component orders.

After a slowdown in August 2008, September proved to be a promising month for the auto industry. Production growth in September 2008 was recorded to be 12.70% with a domestic sales growth of 5.39%. This growth was further swayed away by the strong wind of recession in the month of October. In October, car sales fell down to about 9.05% over October 2007 along with a slowdown in car production that dropped to about 12.32%. Export sales also dipped from various markets, which have taken a stiff beating on the component manufacturers.

Fortunately, the strong and growing Indian economy with its vast working population may have a cushioning effect on the car manufacturers and dealers. However, the auto component manufacturers will hit the hardest during this slow down and the declining sales are likely to continue at least until March 2009.

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Maruti Cuts Production

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At one end Maruti Suzuki has unveiled its world’s strategic model A-Star and at the other end the company is cutting down production of its other car models.

It is believed that the month of October had brought great challenges and tough times for not only Maruti but other car manufacturers as well. Maruti’s sale recorded a steep decline in October and a further decline in the month of November. In response to the slowdown, the company decided to cut down the production.

Earlier Maruti Suzuki had three shifts in its Gurgaon facility. But now, it has been reduced to two and a half shifts aimed at streamlining inventory levels. Not losing hopes, Maruti introduces the A-Star and expects the market to bounce back with new excitement and booming sales by the end of this year. With such an aim, Maruti revives its marketing strategies and initiatives. It also continues special offers for government employees and the corporate sector to take away incremental sales.

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