Tata woos with Indica Vista Sport Concept, Nanos


Tata Indica Vista Sport Concept front viewTata Motors which showcased its full-scale product portfolio at the Auto Expo with 37 vehicles from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands. Amongst the Tata cars that were displayed, three new Tata cars certainly turned more than a few heads towards it. Tata Aria, the Tata Venture and the Tata Magic Iris were all jointly posing for the flashbulbs of the cameras. Jaguar XJ which was launched also stole the thunder away when it was launched by Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors.

But there was a special someone who was certainly being noticed, The Tata Indica Vista Sport.

It seemed that the plain looking Indica Vista had gate crashed at the 10th Auto Expo held in New Delhi wearing royal garbs. This car, Tata Indica Vista Sport, a concept, which was draped in the youthful Alphanso Orange body colour, contrasted with a dark shaded roof, highlights the car’s sportiness, matched with ebony black interiors and black leather seats.

The flared wheel arch trims and accentuated fog lamp slots surely exuded oodles of power. The carefully contoured bonnet flares and the black treatment on the Vista’s distinctive petal-shaped headlamps assert its feline poise, made complete with a trendy aerofoil rear roof spoiler.

This car looked every bit a stunner at every angle. We hope Tata Motors makes this concept a reality to see that its sales charts go skywards. Tata Motors with this car has an ubersexual in their hands, Price it right and market it right and Tata Motors could have a fan following for this little aggressive cutie-pie.

Tata Indica Vista Sport Concept back viewWhat actually livened the Tata Motors pavilion was the two Nanos LX models which were kept on display. This was Tata Motors’ demonstration of the Tata Nano’s adaptability to customer desired look and personality. The first car a Cocktail Red body painted Nano looked very much feminine with attractive floral patterns on the doors and bonnet. This car unmistakably was for wooing women customers as the interiors of this car also replicated the outer stance of the car with floral pattern designs fitted with start-stop feature.

The second Nano was specially conceived for masculine gender as the Nano was painted in Wild Lime colour to soothe the male sensibilities added with leather seats and door pads. Both the Nanos are air-conditioned and equipped with electronic trip meter, music system, mobile charger point, central locking, tinted glasses, front power windows and fog lamps.
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Mahindra plans Scorpio successor

Mahindra and Mahindra gladdened by the success of its Scorpio has made elaborate plans to develop a brand new SUV platform that will eventually replace its flagship SUV Scorpio.

Mahindra has hit the right pedal in this step and will invest close to Rs 700 crore in this ambitious project. This SUV might be Mahindra’s attempt to go global and target the international markets such as U.S, European countries and the Middle East. Mahindra has been eying for a international product ever since the inception of its now flagship product the Mahindra Scorpio.

Pawan Goenka, President, Mahindra and Mahindra was stated saying that “We are developing a new SUV platform, which will replace Scorpio. This platform will be compatible with the markets abroad and will be exported from India. We are looking at investing around Rs 600 crore-Rs 700 crore in the project.”

This new SUV will be manufactured at the company’s Chakan plant in Maharashtra and will be positioned at a higher segment than the flagship Scorpio. The investment in the new SUV platform development is the part of Mahindra and Mahindra’s $ 1 billion capex plans, which includes half a billion investment on the chakan plant alone.

The Chakan plant will also produce the Maxximo mini truck which was unveiled on Tuesday at the 10th Auto Expo. Mahindra Maxximo will be pitted against the Tata Ace, which is currently the market leader in its class. Mahindra has invested close to Rs 350 crore in developing the Maxximo mini truck which is powered by a2-cylinder CRDe engine. Mahindra hopes to sell 10,000-20,000 units in the light truck market in India.

The company had showcased the cargo version of the Maxximo but a pick-up version on the same platform is also under development. A battery-operated version of the Mahindra Maxximo was also showcased at the Auto Expo.

The company plans to introduce the compact pickups from its stable in the US market by the first quarter of 2010 and the mini trucks will be built on the Scorpio platform with a modified engine.
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GM India Unveils its Electric-Spark


General Motors India showcased its electric car e-Spark in The Delhi Auto Show 2010. The E-Spark has been manufactured by GM India in technical collaboration with REVA, pioneers in the electric car domain. This is in line with GM India and REVA`s commitment to introduce environment friendly mobility solutions in the country.

The electric version of Chevy’s small car in India, the Spark, e-Spark is GM India`s bold move into the Battery Electric Vehicle segment and will be India`s first 4-door Passenger Electric Vehicle. The e-Spark will be one of the leading platforms of GM in India in its `Drive to Green` initiative.

Karl Sylm, president and managing director, GM India in the occasion of unveiling of the e-Spark said “GM’s ability to develop platforms and REVA’s capability in developing electric drive-trains and control systems will result in the consumer having a wider choice of EVs. We hope Central and State government will extend t he necessary support to develop the necessary infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport. We look forward to the support of the Honorable Chief Minister of Delhi in our Drive to Green initiative.”

The e-Spark will come equipped with remote diagnostics system that will allow Service Engineers to monitor each car remotely for vital parameters and customers can be informed in advance if the need arises. This will minimize vehicle downtime and allow for advance readiness for vehicle servicing prior to arrival at service stations.

This is a path breaking initiative that has the ability to re-define how automotive companies in India working in partnership plan for future mobility solutions keeping the carbon footprints and environmental issues in mind. The e-Spark will be one of the leading platforms of GM in India in its `Drive to Green` initiative. E-Spark might be priced around 7-8 Lakhs when launched in India in about a couple of months.
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Maruti Eeco unveiled at Auto Expo 2010


Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car maker today launched its much talked model Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) Eeco at the Delhi Auto Expo. An electric version of the vehicle also was displayed at the show.

The shocking factor with the launch of this MPV is its price. Hold your breath guys… Rs 2.59 lakhs (Ex Showroom Delhi). Though this is the introductory price, it certainly looks captivating. Eeco was particularly designed for India keeping the Indian roads in mind.

Shinzo Nakanishi, CEO and MD of Maruti Suzuki India had every reason to cheer about this launch. He said that the “Maruti Suzuki engineers have specially developed the Eeco, its new powerful engine and a new transmission system to meet the diverse consumer aspirations that look for a vehicle that fit a large family and at the same time provides flexibility for dual use.”

Maruti Suzuki Eeco Focus on ‘A Big Car’ with space and comfort for family,BS-IV compliant, Superior functionality and drivability,Superior, in-house developed 1200 cc petrol engine with 73 bhp power,Flexi-seating with 5 and 7 seater options ,First-time ever DSA transmission Roomy interiors,Petrol Fuel efficiency 15.1 kmpl, Sliding doors add to ease entry and exit, Beige and grey dual-tone interiors,It offers Air-conditioning High ground clearance and ELV compliant.

The Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a five-door, C segment vehicle, which has been specifically designed for India by the auto-major. Eeco comes with a new, powerful and highly fuel efficient 1200 cc engine. This new engine delivers 73 bhp of raw power @6000rpm, a high torque of 101Nm@3000rpm specifically designed to meet the Indian driving conditions.

Maruti Suzuki is hoping to sell 40,000 units initially annually. Indian customers’ unmatched sensitivity to pricing has meant the market has been dominated for nearly 30 years by Maruti Suzuki, which sells one of every two cars on Indian roads.

The Maruti Eeco will replace the flop Versa model in the market. The car will be capable of carrying five to seven people. With this, Maruti Suzuki also is hoping to create a new segment in India.
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Toyota Launches the Prius in India


Toyota Prius
Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the subsidiary of Japan’s Toyota Motor Corporation unveiled the third generation Prius in India at the Auto Expo 2010 today.

Prius which means ‘to go before’ in Latin stands true to its name. Toyota Priusis the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle since 1997 and has received world-wide acclaim. Toyota Prius is also the most successful hybrid in the world with cumulative sales of nearly 1.5 million.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, the DMD of Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor during the unveiling of Prius said through the launch of the Prius, Toyota is keen to demonstrate its commitment to offer the latest eco-friendly automotive technology to its customers in India. He also added that “Toyota will continue to popularize environmentally friendly vehicles in India to further our efforts to help save the environment.”

The Toyota Prius that belongs to the third generation features the latest of its pioneering technology, the Toyota Hybrid System II (also called Hybrid Synergy Drive) and has one of the best aerodynamic performances. Toyota Prius has proved its worth as a world-leading fuel efficient car. Prius is equipped with a 1.8L, 2ZR FXE engine that churns out 134 bhp and also features Electrically controlled CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission.

The other features present in the Prius are Push start system and smart entry, Audio and Bluetooth controls with touch sensor on steering wheel. Toyota Prius gets safety features like that of ABS, BA, EBD, VSC, Traction Control and 7 airbags.

The Third-generation Prius comes with three driving modes − Power Mode, Eco Mode and EV (Electric Vehicle) Mode, − as well as a host of dynamic features that combine to give improved driving pleasure with superior environmental performance.

The Prius will be available in limited numbers in two variants, priced at 26.55 lakh and 27.86 lakh, ex showroom, New Delhi, and bookings start from today.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor apart from the Prius also launched the Corolla Altis CNG while Innova CNG and Camry Hybrid were on display at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.
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Volkswagen Plans big for India with Phaeton


Volkswagen PhaetonThe German car maker and Europe’s largest car maker, Volkswagen, showcased its premium flagship model the Phaeton at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2010 today.

Volkswagen always wanted a chunk of the growing luxury car market in India. Products from its sister brands such as Audi, Skoda, Bentley and Lamborghini though are being currently sold in India, Volkswagen has brought in its much famed Phaeton luxury car into the Indian car market.
The Phaeton, offers high end luxury features providing top notch technology, pure quality and above all it is handcrafted, thereby making each Phaeton unique in itself. Need we say more about the VW Phaeton?

Phaeton is positioned in India as handcrafted luxury sedan that is equipped with 3.6 litre V6 Petrol Engine that delivers a power output of 280 bhp @ 6250 rpm and a maximum torque of 370 Nm @ 3500 rpm. The Volkswagen Phaeton is paired with a 6 Speed tiptronic gearbox and stands on an imposing 17” alloy wheels.

The Volkswagen Phaeton is also loaded with luxury and safety features. State of the art features reeks out everywhere in the car. Some of the features the VW Phaeton comes with are 12-way electric seat adjustment with memory, climatronic auto air conditioner, cruise control, rear seat entertainment system, parking distance control for both front and rear and superb leather upholstery. The Phaeton is concealed beneath every millimeter ensures maximum comfort, safety and pleasure for true drivable experience delivering the complete in smoothness of ride.

Speaking of the safety features in Phaeton, this beast is equipped with 8 airbags, ABS, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP) advanced pedestrian system, and Anti-theft alarm system.

Hold on, there is more to read. The Phaeton is exclusively built at Volkswagen’s Glass Factory at Dresden, Germany. The design of the car is an expression of its personality; the Phaeton is characterized by uncompromising attention to detail high quality materials and immaculate workmanship. Each details in the Phaeton complements the harmony of the overall design. Understated and sleek, every aspect of the Phaeton’s design includes elegance, power and purity of form.

The perfectly crafted Phaeton each piece of equipment displays a wealth of attributes all help to ensure the well being of the Phaeton owners.
The Phaeton will be priced at Rs. 75 Lakhs (Ex showroom Delhi) and will commence sales from March this year.

Volkswagen already has sedans like Volkswagen Passat and Jetta while it introduced the iconic New Beetle and SUV Touareg at the fag end of last year. VW launched its Polo hatchback in the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 on Tuesday.
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Govt Forms Panel on Rating Fuel-Efficiency of Cars


The Government of India has finally done what it should have done long time back. Constitute a committee to decide how cars will be rated on the basis of fuel-efficiency.

Kamal Nath, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways said ‘We have formed a four-member committee to prepare the norms for rating fuel efficiency of cars.’ This statement from the minister comes two days after the auto makers in India said that they were not very comfortable with the Government’s move.

‘The industry is wondering what the star rating is all about,’ said Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) director general Dilip Chenoy. He added that the star rating will not give any additional information to the customer as the auto makers already inform passengers about the mileage and other features when they buy vehicles. He was speaking at the curtain raiser event of Auto Expo 2010.

The proposal to rate cars on the basis of fuel efficiency comes from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), and the power ministry is expected to implement it soon.

The rating will be done on a voluntary basis initially, but will be made mandatory later.
Industry representatives said the new five-star rating will only duplicate norms that are already in place. ‘But we are not opposed to declaring fuel efficiency,’ said SIAM president Pawan Goenka.
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Tata Debuts Magic Iris Mini-Minivan


Tata Magic IrisTata Motors can be rightly called as the movers and shakers of the Indian automobile market. With wide variety of products adorning their portfolio such as passenger cars for common man to luxury cars to ultra-rich, commercial vehicles like that of trucks, buses, pickups and so on, Tata Motors is very much rooted in the Indian motoring scene.

It is a tremendous feat by the Tata Motors to transform itself from a truck manufacturing company to passenger car maker. It was just last year when Tata Motors brought in their world’s cheapest car, the revolutionary Nano for the people who would want to upgrade from their humble scooters and motorcycles.

Tata Motors can feel the pulse of the people of India like no one else. Thanks Ratan for being an Indian for Indians. Now, in an attempt to reach out for the auto rickshaw wallas who would want to upgrade for a four-wheeler from a three-wheelers, Tata Motors has brought in a new pint-sized four-wheel passenger car named Magic Iris at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010.

Ratan Tata unveiled this vehicle in the Auto Expo which is a mini version of a minivan and is developed specifically for India with the company claiming that it “aims at upgrading the quality of travel for those who depend on three-wheelers”. Magic Iris can seat up to five people and is “controlled by a steering that provides car-like on-road stability, while the hard roof, made of sheet metal, provides car-like safety” as per Tata Motors.

The stunning features of this mini-van are the “car-like clear lens headlamps and tail lights” and is powered by 0.6 liter water cooled diesel engine that churns out 11.3 bhp and can reach a speed of up to 55km/h. Tata Magic Iris will be expected to go on sale in India later this year.

This might be a relief for those passengers who are cautious travelling in an auto-rickshaw in India.
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Mercedes To Roll Out Sports Car Based On SLS AMG


It seems that Mercedes-Benz is changing its strategy globally. In fact it is trying to hold on to the tried and tested formula of building sports cars which is very much in vogue now.

Mercedes-Benz is aiming to challenge the Porsche 911, with its new car design. Engineers and designers at Mercedes-Benz are reportedly working on a new sports car based on the shortened version of the 2010 SLS AMG’s platform which will challenge the Porsche 911 directly.

It looks like Mercedes-Benz suddenly got a cue from its old revolutionary design model SLS gull wing. The new sports car from Mercedes-Benz will replicate the 2010 SLS AMG’s platform and aluminium construction minus the trendy gull wing doors.

Bringing in the conventional front-hinged door is Mercedes-Benz’s effort to bring down the costs. The power unit in the new sports car will feature AMG’s next generation 5.5 liter V8 engine with direct-injection and turbo charging technologies which delivers a power output of around 500 bhp. This sports car is reportedly fast making 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

By the way this new sports car will probably called the SSK AMG and is due to be launched in 2014. Of course, Mercedes-Benz might as well bring in a open-top roadster version for those who would like to feel the fresh air in their hair.

Mercedes-Benz while bringing out this sports car is also aiming to make AMG, the in-house tuner of Mercedes-Benz as a separate sports car manufacturer to challenge other smaller rival sports car and super car makers like Pagani and McLaren.

Other models in the pipeline include an all-electric SLS AMG due in 2013 and a possible SLS AMG Black Series.

Cross your fingers as we assure you that this car will certainly be India by 2014 as we are guessing India by that time would be a resourceful car market for all the luxury car and sports car makers.
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Tata Motors Aims High with a Slew of New Launches

Tata Motors Group displayed the widest range of products and environment-friendly technologies at Auto Expo 2010.

Tata Motors unveiled the Jaguar XJ and the 4×4, 7-seater Crossover Tata Aria. Other prominent unveilings from the house of Tata Motors include Tata Venture, a hatchback sized 8-seater MPV, Tata Magic Iris, a novel four-seater public transportation vehicle, The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010.

Among them are three new Tata vehicles – the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, the Tata Magic Iris – and the all new Jaguar XJ, which were unveiled by the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata.

In passenger vehicles, the Group’s displayed its entire range from Jaguar luxury saloons and Land Rover SUVs to Tata Indigo Manza sedans, Tata Indica Vista hatchbacks, the Tata Safari, the Sumo Grande MK II, the Xenon XT, and two specially conceived Tata Nano cars. The Nano has been declared as the 2010 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY).

The technology capability on show includes environment-friendly hybrid and electric powertrains, conventional engines with higher fuel efficiency, lightweight vehicle architecture, all contributing to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, besides state-of-the-art drive technologies, latest infotronics, ultra-modern passenger comfort, safety and entertainment systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tata said, “The range of Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles is representative of our technology base, and the direction our brands are taking in pursuing market opportunities. The Company is focused on meeting the full range of customer needs while being conscious of the environment.”

The unveiling of the all new Jaguar XJ marks its India launch. The all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury, with a mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering. The car was premiered worldwide in London in July 2009, and deliveries across the world are beginning this year. Bookings for India too have opened, and deliveries will begin from June 2010. Displays from Land Rover, the gold standard in 4×4s, include the Model Year 2010 Discovery 4 and the Range Rover Sport, which expand Land Rover’s 2010 product range in India.

The Tata Aria, to be launched in the second quarter of 2010, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. Top-of-the-line safety features include 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. Besides, the chassis frame comprising advanced hydro formed members, a stiffened body cage, and dual zone collapsible steering make the Aria one of the safest vehicles.

Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4×4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain.

The less than 4 metre long Tata Venture, to be launched soon, has the footprint and maneuverability of a hatchback car, but the interior space of a utility vehicle comfortably accommodating 8 passengers and ample luggage space. The interiors, with a two-tone beige and black theme, are comfortable with dual heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) with roof-mounted ducts. A glasshouse effect with plug-in windows for second row passengers makes it distinctive. Driver comfort has been addressed with power steering, power windows, reverse parking aid, keyless entry with engine immobiliser and rear wipers. Safety features include collapsible steering and side impact beams.

It is powered by a 1.4 Litre turbo diesel engine delivering 70 PS power, with best in class fuel efficiency among diesel MPVs. The Tata Venture will be available in 5, 6, 7 and 8-seater options in 3 row front facing configuration.

The Tata Magic Iris, to be launched this year, is for public transportation, offering safer and more comfortable mobility for those who depend on three-wheelers. Its spacious car-like cabin can comfortably seat four passengers – three at the back and one in the front beside the driver. With its car-like on-road stability and sheet metal roof it provides car-like safety.

The 611-cc water cooled diesel engine, backed by a 10-litre fuel tank, is capable of running larger distances with a top speed of about 55 kmph and yet higher engine life. With its bouquet of features, the Tata Magic Iris will be the ideal small passenger carrier which will upgrade both the quality of public transportation and also the income of their owners.

The recently unveiled 10-to-75 tonne, 150-to-560 PS Prima range of trucks, trailers and special applications has set new benchmarks in India and matches the best in the world in its power, speed, carrying capacity and trims. The range comprises 10 major variants of tractor-trailers, rigid trucks, tippers, mixers and cranes, and special applications. Besides India, it has already been introduced in South Korea, where it has won the prestigious Grand Prize of 2009 Good Design Selection of Korea recognising its excellence in design, functionality, quality and safety.

While expanding its portfolio, the Group is focusing on environment-friendly technologies. Jaguar’s lightweight vehicle architecture, Land Rover’s e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES SERIES, the Nano with the lowest CO2 emission among Indian cars, the Indica Vista EV, to be launched this year, the hybrid Starbus and existing CNG/LPG powered Tata passenger and commercial vehicles are all representative of how the Group is pursuing the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission and usage of conventional fuels for a low-carbon world.

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