Monthly Archives: April 2010

WagonR Global Sales Cross Five Million Mark

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All new Wagon RCheers to Suzuki Motor Corporation! Its combined global sales of the Wagon R reached the 5 million mark this February. The Indian, Chinese and Japanese car markets have made this possible. While in Japan, currently in its 4th generation, Suzuki has sold 3,498,000 units, in India and China it has sold 832,000 units and 330,000 units respectively. In the remaining countries where the Wagon R is sold, the Japanese automotive giant managed to clock 340,000 units.

It was in 1993 that Suzuki started producing the Wagon R. Later, it slowly developed different versions for overseas markets. The car is being sold in 66 countries and regions. Suzuki has actually opened up the way for the mini-wagon segment with the Wagon R. It’s styling, roomy cabin, user-friendly trunk, and the design that allows easy entry and exit has made it popular. Twice the Wagon R has won the Automotive Researchers’ and Journalists’ Conference of Japan (RJC) Car of the Year award and has been the top-selling mini vehicle in Japan for seven consecutive years.

There’s more good news. Maruti Suzuki India Limited will be launching the 2nd generation WagonR by the 23rd of this month. Based on a new platform, the car will come with a new K-series (K-10B) engine and transmission. The new WagonR will have more space and a new design too. The car maker claims that the newcomer will give a mileage of 18.9 km per litre of petrol. Let’s wait and watch.

The car will be 93 per cent localized, with remaining components coming from Japan. Production of the Duo has been aborted because of this vehicle. The Duo would give car buyers the option to run the vehicle on LPG. The car will be sold at a premium over the outgoing model’s price of Rs 3.334.5 lakh. However, the amount increased may not be very high. The new model will come in three variants – the Lx, Lxi and the Vxi, with the top-end version equipped with ABS, two front airbags and an integrated stereo.

Everything is new in the new WagonR. The company usually shells around Rs. 40-50 crore while revamping any existing model. But, in the new WagonR, over Rs 290 Crore has been spent besides the vendor investments. As of now, MSIL would only produce the petrol version which would give more power and fuel efficiency. The new roomy WagonR comes with increased leg-room for all passengers. The original WagonR has so far sold over 8.5-lakh units since 1999 and the hatchback is India’s No.2 selling car only after the Alto.

The new WagonR may have a new cable-type transmission, a better suspension technology and cool interiors. The length has been increased to 3,595 mm with a wheelbase of 2,400 mm – the longest in its class. The width and height have also increased to 1,495 mm and 1,700 mm, respectively. The chassis is going to be stiffer which will perk up the ride and handling.

Tailored blanks have been used all over the specially treated, sandwiched and layered pieces of steel to offer stiffness and not wasteful bulk. The slot-type front grille is bigger and one-piece, shield type design and the car gets a wider chin to increase air flow to the engine.

The new WagonR may have an L-shaped front suspension frame to enhance ride comfort. We must say that Maruti surely hasn’t messed around with the original WagonR’s strength, the tall roofline, high seats and ‘spacious for a hatchback’ interiors promise to keep this car right on top.
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Land Rover gets the Official Vehicle Status from USEF

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New Land Rover DiscoveryLand Rover is on a high these days. Soon after reporting the best-ever monthly sales in the British market, the company has bagged another prestigious compliment. The company has announced that it has been named the official vehicle sponsor of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) for 2010.

Apart from being the Official Vehicle of the USEF in 2010, Land Rover will also be the title sponsor of the U.S. Eventing Team, which is all set and rearing to compete at this year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Great, isn’t it! The tournament, which will be held in Lexington, begins in September.

“Land Rover represents premium performance and success,” says USEF President David O’Connor. “That makes them a perfect fit for our U.S. Eventing Team. We look forward to their support leading up to the World Equestrian Games and to their overall support of the Federation.”

The strong support showed by Land Rover is just the beginning of a long term phenomenon. Land Rover, as a part of the multi-level sponsorship agreement, is expanding and strengthening its partnership base with the USEF and will be the official vehicle at some of the major events.

The Indian-owned British company will also be the Official Vehicle of the 2010 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by Bridgestone in Lexington, Ky., and presenting sponsor of the NBC telecast.

“As we looked to the sports in which our owners participate, and the most appropriate events in which to showcase our vehicles, entering into a relationship with the United States Equestrian Federation made perfect sense,” said Finbar McFall, Vice President, Marketing, Land Rover North America.

“The sport of eventing requires a skill level combining elegance, power, control and capability; all the traits in fact which are represented in the interior refinements and performance characteristics of a Land Rover.”
USEF
To top it all, Land Rover will also conduct special ride and drive programmes, which will allow the guests an opportunity to get behind the wheels of the entire 2010 line-up of Land Rover, which includes the mighty Land Rover LR4, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. Apart from these, Land Rover will also extend exclusive one-on-one driving instructions on a purpose-built off-road course. This course is aimed at showcasing the remarkable capabilities of the Land Rover vehicles.

The Land Rover will be making full use of this extra-ordinary event to prove why no other vehicle performs like a Land Rover, either on or off the highway.

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Same Old Price Tag for the New BS IV compliant Alto

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Maruti Suzuki AltoWell, some of the Maruti Suzuki dealers based in New Delhi have revealed that the company has started despatching the new Alto, which complies with the new BS-IV emission norms.

The new Alto has not been subjected to any major changes. It features the same 796cc MPFI petrol engine 3-cylinder, 4 valves per with 32bit ECM, which powered the BS III compliant Alto. There have been a few minor tweaks in the interiors. The seats, now, have integrated headrests. The BS IV compliant Alto comes in trims, LX, LXI and STD, and is available in metallic and non-metallic versions.

But another upgrade that was expected from Maruti Suzuki is, actually, missing. Yes, we are talking about the price of the Alto. Maruti Suzuki has gone one step ahead to beat the competition. The new BS IV complaint Alto will maintain its former price tag across the country.

Maruti Suzuki has a good line up of cars to be launched, including the Wagon R. The company is trying its best to touch the one crore cumulative production figure by March 2011. Maruti Suzuki started its operations in 1983 and since then it has maintained an excellent sales report. Maruti Suzuki achieved the incredible 10 lakh production milestone this year and has sold a total of 88.1 lakh units in the past two decades.

“We are well on our way to producing over a crore cars by the end of this financial year,” said I.V. Rao, managing executive officer (engineering), Maruti Suzuki India Limited, said. Separately, Mayank Pareek, Maruti Suzuki’s executive officer, marketing and sales, told, “The industry is on the verge of attaining the critical mass, which is required for the jump to the next level. Looking at the demographics, we will far exceed the 3million sales figure projected for 2015. My bet is that industry sales could be as high as 4.55-4.6 million units.

“At that level, market share loses meaning. Our aim is to be in a dominant leadership position.” Pareek added: “We will predominantly remain a small car market despite all the theories of market graduating from small to big cars. At the end of the day, the Indian consumer will always look for value for money.”

Maruti Suzuki recently phased out its iconic model Maruti 800, due to the new emission norms. Despite that the company is in high spirits and is expecting to reach the annual sales target of 4.5-4.6 million cars much before the projected 2015.

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Here Comes GINA – The Shape-Changeable Fabric Car

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BMW GINA Concept carDon’t you think concept cars allow car designers to go wild with their imagination? Often the outcome is bizarre. It’s now the turn of the BMW designers. Recently, they came up with something very innovative, very weird and very mind boggling. They had the shape shifting car covered with fabric all ready.

We have seen cars with steel, aluminum or even carbon fiber frames. But, the GINA Light Visionary Model has a body of picture-perfect fabric stretched over a movable metal frame.

What’s the specialty? It lets the driver change its shape at will. It’s not a toy car. This car actually runs and drives. It is a styling design headed straight for the BMW Museum in Munich. It may never see production, that’s a different story altogether. Moreover, building a practical car wasn’t the point here.
BMW GINA Concept car
Chris Bangle, head of design for BMW, says the GINA allowed his team to challenge existing principles and conventional processes. It is in the nature of a concept car to not be suitable for series production. They are rather intended to push creativity and research into new directions.

Giving Bangle and his team that freedom to design so thorough a car helps to tap into ideas that are otherwise unthinkable. BMW feels, it is then, that these car designers push the boundaries of appearance and materials as well as functions and the manufacturing process. What does the name symbolize? The GINA stands for geometry and functions in N adaptations. The car was actually built six years before its launch. Yes, it was kept under wraps until then.

The GINA has been built on the Z8 chassis and has a 4.4-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission. The polyurethane-coated Lycra fabric skin is elastic, durable and water resistant. The fabric is stretched over an aluminum frame controlled by electric and hydraulic actuators that allow the owner to change the body shape. Want a big spoiler on the back or wider fenders? No problem. The extreme understanding of familiar functionality and structure means that drivers have a completely new experience when they handle their car.

GINA houses just four panels – the front hood, two sides and the rear deck. The doors open in the pocketknife style and are lovably smooth when closed. A slit in the hood gives access to the engine. The fabric will remain undamaged during the shape transformations. The fabric allows the taillights shine through, and tiny motors pull the fabric back to disclose the headlights.

Wondering about the interiors? They are mind blowing, equally innovative. The steering wheel and gauges swing into place and the headrest gets higher from the seat once the driver sits, making it easier to get in and out of the car.
BMW GINA Concept car
BMW says GINA is built on a space frame that offers all the safety of a usual car. The company still suspects people though, not to mention BMW’s lawyers and government regulators who wouldn’t accept the fabric bodies. Still, the company says GINA could influence the design of future Beemers.

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After Nano Comes the Dolphin – The Bigger Nano

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Tata NanoPeople have started liking the Nano. The eco-friendly car from India’s top commercial vehicle maker, Tata Motors, is slowly picking up sales. Now, Tata Motors wants to do something more. It would soon be out with another small car on an absolutely new platform. What? Is it true?

Quiet! Don’t let the secret out. Tata is working hard on an all-new small compact car. If you can let out a little more from your pocket, somewhere around Rs 3 Lakh, this car is for you. The new car, as of now, has been codenamed Dolphin. We also have info that the car maker is looking at positioning this car between the Nano and Indica Vista. So, for now, let’s say that the new car is going to be a bigger Nano.

The new car, developed on the all-new platform, is believed to be powered by an 800 cc to 1 litre engine. It will be positioned below Fiat‘s new small car. Tata Motors may be bringing it on somewhere in the next 18-24 months. A Tata Motor’s spokesperson, however, said that the company does not provide any guidance on its product plans.

The compact segment is one place where Tata Motors had not made its presence felt. Now, with the launch of the new car it will excel in that segment too. The new compact car, therefore, is very critical for the company’s growth in the segment. In India, the compact segment adds up to nearly 50 per cent of the total small car market. Is Tata Motors’ entry a little too late? Will it be able to compete with the already existing compact giants? Well, Tata Motors has its strength of engineering cars at low cost and don’t you think it will be able to make profits this time too?

The rural demand is surely going to drive growth in the segment. The Indian car market has not been penetrated to the maximum. There seems to be a positive chance of growth in the compact sector leading to a strong demand of cars. Rural consumers want cars which are durable, long lasting and have a lower cost of operation. Who do you think can make such cars in India? Only Tata and Maruti have proven themselves so far.

We heard that the all-new small compact car is going to be Tata Motors’ farewell gift to Ratan Tata. We know that the Nano had some bad luck recently. So now, the engineers are working real hard to make sure the new car does not face any troubles like the Indica and the Nano. However, in spite of all the care taken, we need to wait and watch if the car becomes a success. By the time it gets launched, the Indian market is going to be flooded by similar cars by global automotive majors. Will the new Tata car have enough space to get into the market?

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Vehicle owners can retain their old registration numbers

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Number Plates in IndiaIf you are one among the many people who are totally attached to their car registration numbers, and/ or have a particular preference for the number set that they want on your vehicle number plate, and would want to avoid a visit to the local transport authorities to register the vehicles, here is a great piece of information.

The Ministry of Road Transport has issued an advisory issued to all state governments stating that a person can retain the same combination of letters and numbers if he/ she wish to do so.

For a long time, vehicle owners have been putting the heat on the Ministry and finally it has given in to popular demand. The Ministry has despatched circulars to all states, saying that a person could be allowed to keep his old registration number of the vehicle that he sells off to a buyer. The seller can, then, stick the old registration plate on his new vehicle.

And in case the owner wants to scrap his vehicle, he will have to facilitate the local regional transport office (RTO) with the records before he can attach his old, and favourite, number to the new car. But if you want to hold on to the old car, you will have to apply for a new registration number.

But like all good things have the terms and conditions printed in small but readable letters, this new circular also has some fine details that you need to be aware of. The state governments’ discretion will prevail regarding your plea for retention of your old registration number. Additionally, the state governments will decide on the amount of fee that will be tacked onto vehicle owners who wish to stick to their old registration numbers.

Punjab and Haryana government have already started the process of allotting old numbers to new cars. While Maharashtra is likely to follow soon, other states including, Karnataka are yet to make their decisions known.

Even though the Indian Motor Vehicle Act does not prohibit the state governments from allotting old numbers, it is much easier and convenient for them to dump the old numbers once the vehicles are scrapped.

There has always been a craze for sporting fancy registration numbers. Many people even go to the extent of buying unique vehicle registration numbers at auctions held by the state transport authorities. In the past, the Punjab has successfully auctioned unique series of car registration numbers including 0001, PB-11-AK-47. So now you don’t have to worry about parting with your fancy registration number.
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The Weird-Looking Mitsuoka Orochi

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Mitsuoka OrochiHave you ever heard of the Mitsuoka Orochi? This was once upon a time, in 2001, a wonderful concept car. Yes, that’s how the organic supercar started its life and then, it went into production towards the end of year 2006. As a matter of fact, the Mitsuoka Orochi is named after an eight-headed serpent from Japanese folklore, the mythical Yamata no Orochi 8-headed dragon. Doesn’t it look like one?

The two-door supercar uses parts from both Honda and Lexus and its handmade FRP make body with the handmade steel space frame goes beyond explanation. There’s nothing like it. The car costs an 89,000 U.S. Dollars. The weird looking car has been manufactured by the creative brains at Mitsuoka Motors, a car maker specializing in eccentric car designs. The Orochi further enhanced this image of the manufacturer. The car helped the company’s stature grow drastically over the last ten years, making Mitsuoka Motors famous as a supercar maker.

The Orochi concept was first showcased at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show and then, in 2003, it underwent a facelift for the next big Tokyo Motor Show. The evolution of the car did not stop there. It further evolved with a nude-top version. Yes, it changed into a convertible. The original Orochi, however, was based on the Honda NSX supercar.

Wondering about the dimensions of the two door supercar? Well, the 1580-kg Orochi has a total length of 4560mm, width of 2035mm and a total height of 1180mm with a 2600mm wheelbase. The ground clearance is an ample 130mm. The 3.3L V6 DOHC engine borrowed from Toyota 3MZ-FE delivers an amazing output of 230 bhp at 5600 rpm and a torque of 328 Nm at 4400 rpm. The massive tank has a capacity of 60 litres. The gear selector for the five-speed automatic box is sourced from a Lexus RX off-roader and provides the first hint that outright performance has been sacrificed for comfort. The front and rear double wishbone suspension of the Orochi ensures a smooth drive in rough terrains as well.

It is really difficult to take your eyes off this stunning masterpiece. It’s easy to see why. The unique grill, twin headlamps and diving bodywork are all designed to grab your attention. The globular light clusters and vertical window at the back look more like the old Ferraris.

If you open the door, it’s something different. Like the old supercars, getting into the supercar requires the flexibility of a gymnast, thanks to its wide sills and low ride height, and once you’re in, the sight is a treat to the eyes. There is plenty of leather and the build quality is extraordinary. The interiors are not as weird in looks as the exteriors though.

What about the interiors and does the car offer enough safety? Low-beam side HID, motorized door mirror, airbags, automatic A/C, the Panasonic HDD Navigation, power windows, immobilizer, and full leather interiors, all come standard in the Mitsuoka Orochi.
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Lamborghini Murcielago catches fire in Netherlands

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Lamborghini Murcielago catches fire in NetherlandsSo here we are, bringing to you yet another incidence of a car catching fire. And no, it is not our favourite Tata Nano, this time it is an exotic little machine called the Lamborghini Murcielago, which caught fire and burned to grounds in the Netherlands.

The Murcielago caught fire and burnt the pavements in Noordwijk, Netherlands. The driver, who cared more for his personal well-being than his precious car, kept his senses in tact and parked the car on the side of the highway before jumping out of the car. Just a little later, the car was totally engulfed by raging flames.

The details of the incident are still not very clear so most of this is based on speculations but then you believe what you see and these pictures just show the strength of the fire that engulfed the Murcielago.

Lamborghini is yet to issue an official note or provide details on why some of its supercars are catching fire, for no apparent reason. The Murcielago is one of the most popular two-door, two-seat coupe sports car and such an incident is sure to tarnish the image of the supercar manufacturer.

Recently, we came across two incidences of Tata Nano catching fire in India. While in the former incidence, the car’s rear caught fire on its first ride home from the dealership, the second incidence happened when the Nano was being delivered to a dealer in Vadodara.

The two cases, Murcielago and Nano, have one thing in common: that they caught fire while on a ride. However, there are a few contrasting facts about the two. While the Tata Nano costs just about $1200, the Murcielago’s price goes up to $ 350,000.

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The Magic Called Figo

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Launch of Ford FigoMiracles happen, don’t they! Well, at least, Ford India has witnessed a miracle. And it is no rocket science to guess that it is called Figo. The latest hatchback from Ford, Figo, has sold more than 7210 units in the first month of being on sale.

The Figo hatchback has cruised past the 7000 mark in the very first month of its launch. It has shattered the hopes of rivals like the Chevrolet Beat which sold 4499units. And Polo, which is trying to save the honour and dignity of Volkswagenwith sales of 698 units, can hardly be considered any match for the mighty Ford Figo.

The Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i10 are miles ahead of the other with sales of 12,188 and 15,236 units respectively. The Estilo, too, has picked up sales, but the Wagon R (11,084) and Alto (16,397) have been subjected to a slight downfall, as the small car segment heats up with new launches. Soon, the Alto may lose its much coveted position of India’s largest selling car to Hyundai i10. But then, it would not be surprising if Figo just cruises past all these top guns of the small car segment.

Ford India sold 9478 units in March 2010 and registered a threefold growth on year-over-year basis. This is a record for Ford in India. Ford is trying its best to meet the heavy demand for the Figo and is planning to start a second shift at its plant. The comprehensive strategy of launching the Figo in both diesel and petrol variants and still maintaining a grip on the pricing factor has spelt magic for Ford India.

During this time, approximately 9 lakh people have visited the Ford India website and spent about 8 minutes of their precious time on the website. Though not completely, but, to a large extent, it can be attributed to the Figo. Not only this, thousands of people expressed their liking for Figo by joining Figo communities across social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“As we remain committed to redefining the Ford brand in India, we expect this momentum to continue,” said Boneham. “Factors such as the initial price of the car, fuel efficiency and cost of maintenance are critical in determining affordability for a new car buyer. Indian customers are confirming that Figo solidly delivers on all of these.”
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Audi India launches limited edition Q7 4.2 TDI

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Audi Q7 Limited EditionIf you have been planning to buy the Audi Q7, there would never be a chance better than this. German luxury car maker Audi has completed three successful years in India and it wants to share the joy with everyone. What else could explain the launch of a limited edition of the diesel version of its Q7 sports utility vehicle at a specially discounted price of Rs 58.68 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai), which is Rs 7.45 lakh less than the existing car.

“The Audi Q7 has set the benchmark as the best luxury SUV in the country and with the introduction of this new, powerful diesel engine, we continue to offer customers the most progressive, sporty and sophisticated products,” Audi India Managing Director Benoit Tiers said.

“India has been a significant growth driver for Audi globally and this special offer as we commemorate three rewarding years in India is our way of thanking our valued customers in India without whom our success would not have been possible,” he added.

The limited edition of the Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro is equipped with a V8 engine, and will be sharing the showroom space with other Q7 engine variants including the 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI Quattro. And here is the deal, the price relaxation is only for a limited period and post the offer period, the price will be hiked to Rs.66,12,500 (ex-showroom Mumbai).

So what is so special about this limited edition Audi Q7 4.2 TDI Quattro? Well, quite a few things, actually. The V8 engine gives the SUV an unmatchable performance. With a maximum power output of 340 bhp 4000 rpm, the vehicle can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 6.4 seconds. Not only that, the car can give you the speed effect of 240 kmph while still maintaining a fuel efficiency of 9.9 litres per 100 km.

The Audi Q7 is a sporty, comfortable and high performance car that serves your leisure and business purposes. The Audi Q7 is designed in such a way so as to meet the needs of people who like a roomy and comfortable vehicle for their on and off road adventures.

All standard equipment on the limited edition Audi Q7 4.2 TDI remains the same. The exclusive vehicle will be available at all Audi dealerships across the country in Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kochi.
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