Monthly Archives: May 2009

Nano May Soon Get a Competitor

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New Tata Nano Cars In India

So far, Tata Nano has had no competition in its segment. However, it may have to gear up to face a rival pretty soon. According to the UK media, Hyundai Motors is working on development of an ultra-cheap car that will compete against the Nano. Hyundai is the second largest car manufacturer in India. Currently, Hyundai is the biggest rival of Indian car market leader Maruti Suzuki India, a subsidiary of Japanese Suzuki Motor Corporation.

The UK media has revealed that Indian engineers along with their Korean counterparts in Hyundai Company are working on micro car project. The car is expected to be launched in 2010. There is more news, the micro car will first be released in the European market and will arrive in India subsequently. Hyundai is also planning to bring out other small cars that will be equipped with 0.8 litre and 1.0 litre engines. But, there has been no official confirmation about this news from Hyundai Motors.

It may be recalled that Tata Motors plans to launch Nano Europa in 2012 for the European market. If Hyundai becomes successful in launching a micro car, it will be ahead of Tata Motors by a full year. This will also expand the market base for Hyundai Motors, which currently commands 20 percent market share in the small car segment.

Hyundai’s portfolio in India includes models like Santro, i10, i20, Verna, Accent, Getz Prime, Sonata Embera, Sonata Transform and Tuscon. Earlier, Hyundai Motors had refused to venture into ultra-cheap car segment. Now, the company seems to have changed its mind.

After launch, the micro car will turn out to be Tata Nano’s first competitor in its own segment.

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Maruti Plays a Key Role in Suzuki’s Earnings

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Major auto brand Maruti has grown up to become the biggest revenue grossing company for Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC). At the end of fiscal year 2008-09, the share of Maruti in Suzuki’s profits touched 46 percent, amounting to nearly half of all its earnings.

Now, Maruti is turning out to be a key partner for Suzuki than ever before. Suzuki owns a majority stake in Maruti. The history of Maruti and Suzuki go back a quarter century ago when Maruti launched the M800, the world’s cheapest car at that time.

The rising clout in Suzuki’s profit share will be beneficial for its Indian subsidiary. Suzuki is ready to spend more on Maruti to help it become an independent entity. It’s well-known that Suzuki is willing to invest Rs 1,800 crore on construction of a new research and development centre. Regarding autonomy, Maruti has shown a keen interest in exporting more than 1.5 lakh units, which is double than last year’s exports.

When Maruti becomes completely independent of Suzuki, it will be free to develop and showcase its own concept cars, which will be completely different from Japanese models. Maruti could replicate the strategies of Audi and Skoda, both of which are subsidies of Volkswagen AG, Germany.

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McLaren to Set New Road Car Factory

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One of the most renowned racing car manufacturers – McLaren is planning to construct a new road car factory which will be positioned at Woking, Surrey in UK. The permission for the plan of the new centre is under process and if everything falls on in place, the new modern sports car plant will be built adjacent to McLaren’s existing Woking base.

The new plant which is said to be the most innovative and efficient one is said to be capable of building 20 cars per day. McLaren has undergone a thorough survey with the areas as well as created a good rapport with the local authorities while designing and building its award-winning headquarters.

The new plant will also offer employment for many people. The company is expected to provide jobs to nearly 800 skilled staff to develop new range of road cars and the first one is expected to go on sale in 2011.

McLaren’s Ron Dennis said: “Designing, developing and selling globally the best sports cars in the world is just half of that equation; building them to previously un-matched levels of quality, with ground-breaking technologies in a production facility in the UK is key to satisfying that dream.”

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Hyundai Unleashes the Accent Eco

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New Hyundai Accent CNG Cars In India

Similar to the ‘Eco’ version of Santro, Hyundai introduced the ‘Eco’ version of its popular sedan – the Accent. The LPG variant of the Accent entered the Indian car market at a price tag of Rs 5.34 lakh.

The LPG kit fitted in the car comes with two years of warranty and is certified by the Department of Explosives (DoE) and the Automotive Research Authority of India (ARAI).

The Hyundai Accent already has a CNG variant which has received amazing response and the LPG version is likely to further bring in more sales.

The Accent Eco sports a 1.5 litre engine with a five-speed manual transmission and has separate 45 litre petrol and 27.2 litre LPG fuel tanks.

The LPG bi-fuel variant of the Accent comes at an additional cost of Rs 34,900 compared with the petrol model and is fitted with an engine immobilizer as a standard feature to enhance security.

It is nice to know that people are opting for alternative fuels which are not only affordable but also user-friendly.

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Black is Beautiful for Car Buyers

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Cars can be fashionable accessories, and not just a means of transportation. The colour of your car makes a fashion statement. A recent study conducted by Swedish car manufacturer Volvo revealed that more than 25.5 percent of all the cars that they sold were black in colour. Taking into consideration the fact that Volvo U.S. offers at least 15 different colours on each model, it was surprising that black was the preferred colour among vehicle buyers.

Following this research, car manufacturers in India too have noticed that people are buying more number of cars that sport a black exterior than ever before. Despite India’s sultry weather, black seems to be the colour of choice among car buyers. Responding to buyers’ taste, most car models that were introduced last year were made available in black colour. A few years ago, Silver colour was in vogue among car buyers. Now, there is a change in preference with black overtaking silver as far as exterior of cars are concerned.

According to car analysts, fashion on ramp is increasingly having an impact on the car colours that buyers choose. The automobile industry is influenced by fashion trends across the world. The color black stands for being mysterious. While not all cars look good in pastel shades or bright red, all cars look good with a stroke of black paint. Long luxury cars in particular, look best in black. Also, black cars have come to symbolise prestige and status. So it would not be surprising if more car launches happen with a black body colour.

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Dealers to get a Refund on Unsold Nano Forms

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Everyone is aware of the vast number of forms received during Tata Nano booking. Huge numbers of forms were printed but after the bookings closed, the forms are still pending with the dealers. Realising this, Tata Motors started refunding the dealers across India for unsold Nano booking forms.

The Nano launch created immense interest and excitement worldwide and in the competition to record maximum bookings, dealers picked up nearly 2,000 and 10,000 application forms. But only 30-35 percent was actually used. Dealers purchased the forms for Rs 250 from the company and sold the same for Rs 300 to applicants.

Initially, dealers were told by the company that the money will not be refunded. However, dealers requested the car maker to refund the money as amount is not all too small. Taking into the consideration the plight of dealers, Tata Motors has decided to refund the money. Now, dealers accept that they got carried away with the Nano launch. Some of the customers also experienced problems during the booking procedure as test drive was not available and also with regard to uncertainty over delivery schedules.

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Made-For-India Cars May Be Round The Corner

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Did you know that we have been buying cars that have never been designed for us in the first place? It has now been revealed that even the most popular cars like Maruti Suzuki Alto and Swift Hatch were never actually made for Indians.

According to a leading financial daily, the country has witnessed sales of over 15 lakh cars and utility vehicles in the last fiscal, and not one of them was designed for Indian users. Car manufacturers design vehicles based on data on physical attributes of users and the target place and audience. The physical attributes are important to determine headroom, legroom, height of the seat, shoulder space, height of the pedals and many other features.

In order to set right the wrongs, Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) is conducting a study on India specific physical attributes and changes that car manufacturers selling their products in the country need to make. The study is called anthropemetric data. The results of the study are expected to be out by 2010.

Car manufacturers in India are believed to be using dummies created on physical attributes of users in the United States, European, Korean, and Japanese as most popular car makers hail from these countries. Even during the crash test which is used to determine safety of individuals travelling in the car, they have used dummies that do not confirm to Indian physical standards.

As no such data was available until date, Maruti Suzuki designed dummies based on data created for U.S. and Japanese users. Even Mahindra and Mahindra which has designed top sellers such as Scorpio, Xylo and Bolero uses estimated standards from SAE International, a global association of engineers from automobile, aerospace and heavy transport vehicle sector.

Now, car manufacturer are keen on designing vehicle for Indian buyers. Just as car manufacturers like Honda Motors and Maruti Suzuki are eager to launch India-specific vehicles like Jazz and Ritz, the day may not be far when the interiors too will mirror Indian tastes.

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The All-New Laura Rolls Out In Style

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Once again the Indian car industry witnessed the launch of a new model. The Skoda has introduced the all-new Laura for 2009 with contemporary styling, dynamism and luxury features without compromising on power. Under the hood, it offers three engine choices -1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine, 1.9-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine. These powerful revolutionary engines as stated by the company assure a lifetime of driving comfort. The transmission can also be fitted with various options such as a six-speed DSG automatic transmission, six- speed manual transmission, 5-speed manual transmission, Triptronic-sequential manual gear selection and also dual mode automatic with Sport mode.

The styling of the 2009 Laura takes you to a world of class and elegance. The fine cues and luxurious appeal are purely international. Attention is given to every single detail leaving no room for imperfection. The beauty of the exterior gets carried inside with offerings of latest comfort and convenience features. The leather seating pampers you with 12-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, three programmable memory function, and heated front seat.

The 2009 Laura also offers a fun-filled drive by offering premium class entertainment through Skoda’s audio player that comes with 6.5-inch LCD TFT colour touch screen, 6-CD changer and twelve speakers. The inner ambience of the car provides dual zone climatic control and adjustable rear air vents to enhance comfort.

That’s not all. Skoda Auto offers a whole lot of other convenience amenities such as central infotainment system, cruise control, multi-functional display, automatic front wiper with rain sensor and steering wheel mounted with controls.

Skoda has given a lot of emphasis on equipping advanced safety devices on this car. Safety is ensured with provision of features such as xenon headlamps with dynamic leveling for higher output and efficiency, parktonic front and rear sensors that halt obstacles, ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and Electronic Stability Programme.

Skoda claims that the 2009 Laura offers a complete 10/10 drive and the car is all set to overtake its rivals by offering a set of fabulous features and an eye-catching design.

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Ferrari Testa Rossa Sold with Most Expensive Price Tag

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Testa Rossa becomes the world’s most expensive car after being sold for £7.24 million. It surpasses the price of another Ferrari car the 1961 250 GT SWB California Spider, which grabbed a heavy price of £6.22 million last year.

Testa Rossa is one of the 22 cars produced from 1957 to 1958 that carry the chassis No. 0714TR. It made its debut at the Buenos Aires 1,000-kilometer race and occupied fourth position in the event. It was then purchased by an American collector, who raced it extensively in SCCA events.

The car attracted such a costly price tag because of its historical significance. Surprisingly, a vast number of collectors from across the world were present to win over the fascinating Ferrari racing cars. The bidding also occurred over the telephones.

Many deserving contenders missed their reserve in the high-end auction. Cars like Monaco Grand Prix-winning Maserati 250F, 1967 Ferrari 330 P4, and 1956 Maserati 250F could not achieve the auction price of Ferrari Testa Rossa despite attracting impressive bid prices.

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Maruti Sourcing Talent from Abroad

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As Maruti plans to scale up its R&D strength, it is looking for auto experts for its new research centres. The company is currently scouting for talent overseas. And for this purpose, it interviewed many candidates in Detroit. One must be thinking why the company is eyeing foreign talents when India itself has sufficient proficient candidates.

The simple reason behind this is the easily available automobile engineers and research professionals in the U.S. car industry which is presently reeling under severe recession. Big car companies like Ford, Chrysler, General Motors, and Honda have terminated many employees who are now looking for jobs.

Majority of these professionals are Indians who are keen to come and work in India. These engineers are deserving candidates with a work experience of 6 to 10 years. Maruti feels that working professional with such a career background and expertise will surely add value to the company.

Maruti generally hires fresh engineering graduates every year and send them for R&D training to Japan. As it is now expanding its R&D facility in the country, the company intends to hire senior level professionals who would guide and train the freshers in India itself.

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