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August 19, 2010

Armoured XJ Sentinel: Courtesy Jaguar

Jaguar gave us a peek into some of its amazing models at the Pebble Beach event and now the car maker is ready to surprise us with the launch of a rather unconventional car, Jaguar XJ Sentinel. The new car, which provides its passengers ballistic protection of the highest order, will be launched at the Moscow International Motor Show this year.

Jaguar boasts of having fitted the XJ Sentinel with the best quality protection. The British marquee brand, in collaboration with Centigon, has used Kevlar backed high strength steels to build the Sentinel’s armour which can protect the occupants from a 15 kg TNT detonated within close perimeter. Centigon is the global leader in armouring vehicles. The car features an armouring system that is not only highly effective but discreet too. The car also features substantial under floor grenade protection.

Jaguar MD, Mr. Mike O’Driscoll said, “The XJ Sentinel was designed and developed in partnership with industry leaders, and incorporates the very latest armoured vehicle systems to deliver extremely impressive levels of protection, while maintaining a very discreet appearance.”

The high tech armoured features have been stuck to onto the long wheelbase XJ saloon. Powered by a 5.0l naturally aspirated direct-injection V8 petrol engine (385PS), the XJ saloon features a six-speed automatic transmission. The armouring has obviously added to the weight of the car. And to compensate for that, Jaguar has upgraded the suspension and retuned the steering. The Sentinel can reach 0-100kmph in 9.7 seconds and can accelerate to a top speed of 195km/h (121 mph).

Jaguar says that all the armouring does not strip the XJ saloon of its luxurious character. The interior of the car still breathes leather and has veneer surfaces.

That’s quite reasonable, because Jaguar owners are not used to commuting in cars that are not beautiful inside. And Jaguar would not want the owner of Sentinel to cheat a grenade attack and then die in a car crash; hence we have other safety features like dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, side thorax airbags and side curtain airbags featured in the car.

Apart from all the features, Jaguar has kept room for the customers to have a full suite of customisation choices. Sentinel buyers also get a special security consultant, who advises on the best sort of armouring to meet his/her requirements. So you can also equip the vehicle with tinted windows, anti-tamper exhaust and self sealing fuel tank which are available as options.

The XJ Sentinel will be offered with a full warranty of 50,000 miles or 3 years along with extensive support from specialised technicians. This limousine would be just the perfect transport machine for high ranking politicians, world leaders, security organisations and individuals.

The price of the armoured Jaguar has not been announced yet. We are sure, though, that it would be a bomb.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, August 19th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 19, 2010

Auto Parts Shortage Affects Car Makers

As the battle between auto makers and auto component suppliers intensifies by the day, it is already resulting in not-so-good news for the Indian car buyer. We know that the Ford Figo sales figures have outnumbered the VW Polo numbers. But, that does not mean that the Polo isn’t as good as the Figo. The sad part, however, is that the already booked Polos are just not getting delivered and a few who have booked it are possibly thinking of other options.

Take for example this man, Mr. Utkarsh Parasrampuria, a Mumbai jewellery designer who has waited for three long months for his new car and is still not sure as to when it will arrive. The 25-year old who has paid the advance booking amount for his Rs. 5,80,000 Polo said, “This just goes on and on. I’m seriously considering getting a different car now.” The frustrated guy is even thinking of shifting focus to the Apple iPad. He admitted that he’s tempted to buy an iPad as the wait for his new car continues. “It is easier to get an Apple iPad in Mumbai in the gray market than it is to get a Polo,” he added.

What exactly is causing this problem? The ones who were responsible for so many car price hikes this year are the main culprits. Yes, the auto component suppliers are the ones to be blamed say the poor car makers. There’s famine in the land of batteries, engines and other major auto parts. Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai, the two largest selling car makers in the country, too are introducing waiting lists on some models for the same reason. Tata Motors seems to have already lost trust in the local component suppliers and is importing tyres from China.

“At least for the next three to four months, the problems won’t get resolved,” said Pawan Goenka, head of the Society of Indian Automotive Manufacturers and president at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., the nation’s largest sport-utility maker. M&M’s quarterly production was 12 per cent lesser than expected because of the parts shortage. Maruti has waiting lists of as much as a month for its Swift and Swift Dzire. The car maker has now asked its component suppliers to boost investments.

Indian car buyers are facing industrywide waiting lists for the first time in more than a decade. Manufacturers of steering wheels, bumpers and headlamps have already started increasing production and building plants to meet the needs of car makers. “The partsmakers were caught by surprise,” said Deepesh Rathore, India managing director at IHS Automotive. “The loss of sales will lead to a loss of profit for automakers.”

Hyundai, Volkswagen and many other auto makers are suffering due to tyre shortage. Bharat Forge Ltd., which supplies tyres to BMW and Ford is boosting capacity for making crankshafts by 10 per cent this year. The company, which also makes forgings and transmission parts, is running at full capacity now. Jay Bharat Maruti Ltd., a supplier to Suzuki’s India unit and Mahindra, is adding shifts to make more fuel tanks and exhausts, said Executive Director Nishant Arya. “We didn’t expand last year because of a lack in demand,” he said. “Only this year was demand at a high.”

Meanwhile Jayant Davar, president of the Automotive Components Manufacturers Association of India says that parts makers nationwide plan to spend as much as $2.5 billion this year and may invest $30 billion by 2020 to boost production. Concerns about how much auto makers will pay for parts amid rising wages and higher steel costs have deterred investment, he said. So, will the car parts famine end soon?

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, August 19th, 2010 Comments Off links to this post

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August 19, 2010

2011 Mercedes Benz CLS Leaked Pictures… Anyone Interested?

2011-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-front-3-quarter-view-picture

We know that our readers love to feast their eyes on some leaked pictures. Leaked pictures are always so much more exciting than the officially released ones, right? So, we have got some leaked pictures again, only this time it is the next generation Mercedes Benz CLS. Yes, pictures from the brochure of Mercedes Benz CLS Class have leaked much before its official launch and they are doing the rounds all over the place.

The leaked images of the new Mercedes Benz CLS-Class reveal the second generation of the trend setting four door coupe. Now, considering that the first generation CLS was one of a kind, you may not find the looks of the new CLS-Class as much fun and revolutionary. But if you are game to look at it with a fresh outlook, you will appreciate the styling. The profile of the new CLS is similar to the current one and looks phenomenal, but your gaze shifts to the curves on the rear door, a feeling of disappointment creeps in.

The rear view of the new CLS is impressive too, thanks to the organic shape lights. Move over to the front and you are welcomed by a face that was earlier seen on the Mercedes’ Shooting Brake concept at the Auto Expo 2010. The low mounted radiator grille and the organic shaped headlamps have caught on the fancy of Mercedes Benz right after the SLS AMG. The striking alloy wheels are sure to grab some serious attention of the onlookers. Long story short, the new CLS is a definite upgrade from the current one.

The new CLS Class is a proper four seater and the centre console stretches through the entire length of the cabin. The Mercedes tasteful interior style is replicated in the new luxury saloon too. We will substantiate more on that once we have better pictures. But, as it is, the interiors of all Mercedes cars have always been plush, and the new CLS should be no exception either.

2011-Mercedes-Benz-CLS-rear-3-quarter-view-picture

The new Mercedes Benz CLS Class will be equipped with a range of engines from fuel efficient diesels, including a 261bhp 3.0-litre V6 common-rail diesel in the CLS350 CDI, while the petrol engine range contains 3.5-litre V6 and 4.7-litre V8 units. Then, we have the CLS63 AMG which will be powered by the new twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 from the CL63 AMG and S63 AMG. Now, this will certainly give them the confidence to take on Porsche Panamera Turbo and V12 powered Aston Martin Rapide.

The next generation of Mercedes CLS is set for an early 2011 launch, probably in January. Brochures of the new car are already in the showrooms. Now that these leaked shots have hit the web, we can expect the official images and details to be published in the very near future.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, August 19th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 19, 2010

The Limited-Edition Maruti Suzuki SX4 Royale Launched

A while ago, we had spoken about the upcoming Limited-Edition Maruti SX4, and here it is finally. Yes friends, we hear that the Maruti Suzuki SX4 Royale Dealer Limited Edition has been launched in Mumbai and Goa. So, those interested in the SX4 Vxi or SX4 Zxi can now avail the car with the addition of a host of attractive features. Maruti Suzuki certainly has been fighting back with all its strength. It wants to prove that it was, is and will be the leader in the Indian car market.

It’s not even a week since the car maker brought into the market CNG variants of five of its popular models. Maruti Suzuki launched CNG variants of compact cars Estilo and WagonR, MPV Eeco, mid-sized sedan SX4 and India’s dearest and best selling model, the Alto. The last one mentioned here, the Alto, had received a new sibling very recently. Remember the Alto K10 launch on 4th of August? That was just two weeks ago. Car makers, time to stop laughing over Maruti Suzuki’s dwindling market share. Get ready and equip yourselves with more models.

Now, back to the royal SX4 Royale! Here’s a note on the additional features. The new car comes equipped with ORVM with indicator and an athletic spoiler as far as the exterior of the SX4 is concerned. The interiors, however, flaunt plenty of changes. To enhance the inner beauty of the SX4, the limited-edition Royale comes with floor mats. After beauty, Maruti Suzuki seems to have taken care of luxury. The cushy seats now come with fine leather covers and the steering too receives a leather cover adding a touch of opulence. Then, there’s the neck support so that the driver doesn’t complain of a pain in the neck.

The SX4 Royale is as modern as anybody or anything else. Yes, to ensure you are fully entertained and stay connected while on the drive, the new car comes with Bluetooth compatible integrated stereo. For the voracious readers who just won’t stop even in the car, there’s a reading light, your own personal lamp. Speak of car scratches, and it’s the doorsills that are the major areas of attraction. So, to protect your dear car from scratches, there’s the doorsill guard. To help the driver while reversing the SX4 Royale, Maruti Suzuki has embedded the reverse sensor in the car.

There’s more that comes with this dealer limited-edition Maruti Suzuki SX4. You get a stylish Royale decal, plus four years of extended warranty, a Maruti Suzuki Auto card and a Rs 8000/- worth Shoppers Stop gift vouchers. Isn’t that wonderful? The magnificent car with its appreciable ground clearance costs somewhere around Rs. 8.7 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) and is available in 7 royal colours: Azure Grey, Pearl Arctic White, Clear Beige, Silky Silver, Midnight Black and two new shades French Eclair and Oyster Blue. Interested in buying one? Hurry!

Image Courtesy: Goaonwheels

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, August 19th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 18, 2010

Skoda to Award Indian Contemporary Artists in the Country

India has a vast heritage when it comes to art. And contemporary Indian art is well recognized on the international fronts too. And now a car manufacturer has come forward to celebrate Indian contemporary art. ŠkodaAuto India has come with an innovative way to celebrate contemporary art in India called ‘The Skoda Prize’.

And this initiative is no small affair. The manufacturer of models like Fabia, Laura and Octavia has announced an award that is no less than Rs.1 million (Rs 10,000,00) for the best contemporary art collection by a single artist in the country. The award strives to recognize and reward young Indian artists under the age of 45.

Announcing the prize, Martin Kuehl, Board Member and Director Sales & Marketing, ŠkodaAuto India, said that after 10 years of existence in the Indian auto market, the company wanted to give back something to the Indian society’.

“Skoda has been a trend setter in providing clever & smart solutions for its consumer and art reflects a higher and an intellectual interpretation of the society at large. We look at this association as a great opportunity to provide a platform of recognition for the contemporary Indian artists who have been contributing richly to the global art scene. Associating with art is a natural extension of the brand positioning for an audience aspiring for premium and clever choices in life.

The Škoda Prize aims to be the ultimate recognition for quality in the art world endorsed and underlined by high priests of the Indian Art industry.”

The Czech based company is planning to enter the volume segment with two upcoming launches, an upcoming SUV (Yeti) and a Fabia sedan model priced around Rs.3 lakh and Rs.5 lakh, respectively, for B and C segments of auto-buyers.

The ‘Skoda Prize’ is supported by Mumbai-based firm, Seventy Event Management Group, the British Council, Art India, the leading art magazine and the country chapter of the British accountancy firm Grant Thornton India.

Of the five-member jury, three Indian members have been announced already. The jury panel will be headed by Tasneem Zakaria Mehta, Mumbai-based historian, writer, curator and culture activist. The other two panel members are Kavita Singh, an associate professor at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, and Rajshree Pathy, an art connoisseur. The remaining members of the jury will be announced and inducted in November, said Martin Da Costa, CEO of Seventy Event Management Group.

For more details on the nomination details, aspiring artists can log on to official website www.theskodaprize.com. The Advisory Committee has also tied up with art galleries across India to nominate three artists. The artworks of the final three artists will be exhibited in New Delhi. The final winner will be awarded in January 2011.

‘One of the reasons for the prize is the resurgence in the art market and the need to further the intellectual balance to determine the value of an art work,’ Zakariah said.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 18, 2010

A Skoda Small Car in 2010… Price? Rs 3-5 Lakh

In one of our today’s posts, we wrote about Jaguar which is thinking of the launch of a new X Type to enhance its sales in the country. Every other car maker is thinking on similar lines. Even Czech auto maker Skoda has revealed its plans of introducing a small car in India by early 2012. Almost every other car maker is falling prey to India’s small car craze, and why not? The consumer is getting what he wants while the car maker is relishing the increasing sales figures.

Here’s the surprising part! The small car from Skoda will appear in the range of Rs 3-5 Lakh. A Skoda at that price? Yes! Skoda is thinking practical now, right? As we all know, the SUV Yeti will soon enter the Indian market followed by a stripped- down version of its premium hatch, the Fabia, by end of 2010. Next year will mark the entry of yet another Skoda sedan priced in the range Rs 6-10 Lakh.

Toyota gave the promise of quality. What did Skoda promise? Remember? “We had announced to roll out one new model every year. As part of this strategy, we will enter the volume segment and will launch a small car in early 2012,” said SkodaAuto India Board Member and Director (Sales and Marketing) Thomas Kuehl.

The small car is still in the development stage and the company plans to launch it with both petrol and diesel engine motors. India’s passenger car market is packed with over 15 lakh cars and Skoda sees most of the sales emerging from the small car segment.

The car maker has closely observed global auto majors launching a slew of new models in the Rs 3-5 Lakh price range these days and has decided to follow suit. Just think of the recent small car launches; the Ford Figo, Chevy Beat, VW Polo and Nissan Micra have been launched and are significantly increasing sales numbers of their respective manufacturers.

Now, where will Skoda’s small car be produced? There’s no confirmed news on this. Kuehl declined to comment if a new facility will be set up or the car will be rolled out from the existing Aurangabad unit which has an annual capacity of 44,000 units. “We have not decided anything about production. We are open to sharing technologies as well as the plant of our parent Volkswagen,” said Kuehl.

Hoping that the new car will do well, Skoda is looking at tripling its sales in three years. The company had sold nearly 14,800 units in 2009 and wants to cross the 20,000 units mark this year. Will this small car run in other countries too? Well, Kuehl says, “We never ruled out export. We study that option, but nothing has been decided now.”

About the upcoming Yeti, Kuehl says, “We will launch the vehicle as a completely knocked-down unit from our plant. The price has not been fixed, but it will be competitive.” Uh! It better be competitive if Skoda wants to increase its market share. A lot of tactics to promote the car have already been tried, remember the Yetival? The Yeti had been unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and both petrol and diesel versions of the new car have been doing pretty well in the European markets.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 18, 2010

Classic Cars that Stole the Show at Pebble Beach 2010

Since 1950, Pebble Beach has been the proud host of one of the finest exhibitions of show cars in the world. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is put up every year in August at the 18th Fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. If you’re interested in rare, old-fashioned classic automobiles, this is the place you need to be in. This is the place where auto fanatics and celebrities from the auto world gather every year.

This year marked the 60th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Brand, coachbuilder, country of origin, and age place the cars in different competing classes just like any other vintage car show. The show was grand and featured 17 classes. Organizers included centennial celebrations of the Indianapolis 500 race and Italy’s Alfa Romeo, 75 years of Britain’s Jaguar, and 50 years of Ferrari 250 GT Short Wheel Base Berlinettas.

The Judges finally decided and the winner was announced. The Best of Show at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance goes to Louisville, Kentucky’s The Patterson Collection’s 1933 Delage D8S De Villars Roadster. This is what the delighted owner had to say: “There are so many things about this car that are special. We’ve won at a lot of concours, but never here. This win at Pebble is the ultimate. This is the one win that really matters.” The white, streamlined 1933 Delage with coachwork from De Villars was chosen the best out of cars from 33 states and 14 countries to become the 60th annual Best of Show winner, at California’s Monterey Peninsula.

Concours Chairman Sandra Button said, “This Delage has a short wheelbase that makes it look more rakish, but it still has a long and elegant look. It did 110mph in its day; it could race and was stunningly beautiful. This car could do it all; it embodied style, speed and comfort.” It truly deserved the award!

There were other attractions too. Here’s a note on a few that struck everyone’s eyes the most: Strapped with the one-of-its-kind 7800 cc six-cylinder motor Ray Harroun Wasp had run 120 km/h, crossing the line first after 6 hours and 42 minutes. Harroun, an engineer at the Marmon Motor Car Co., was not just the first winner of the Indianapolis 500 but also the first driver in a single seater to have a rear-view mirror.

The blue and yellow liveried 1972 McLaren Sunoco Special that was driven by Mark Donohue to victory at The Brickyard in 1972 also adorned the space. The Pebble Beach auto shows have to come attached with Alfa Romeos and the Bertone-designed Pandion that was first seen at this year’s Geneva Motor Show dazzled like a timeless sculpture.

Jaguar which completes 75 years of making cars found the Pebble Beach the perfect place for celebration. There were a lot many classic Jaguar XKSS’s lined up while the racing Jags received equal fame. With lustrous, aerodynamic lines Malcolm Sayer’s Jaguar creation, the blue-and-white 1955 D-type that had won the Le Mans back in 1955 also graced the occasion.

The Italian’s Ferrari’s 250 GT (Grand Touring) SWB (Short Wheel Base) Berlinetta (hardtop) too stole the show. As a road car with the steel body and detuned V12 race engine, or as a race car with an alloy body and slightly smaller-in-dimension frame, the 250 GT SWB is certainly one of the best.

The 1955 Ghia Streamline X “Gilda” 2 door Fastback Coupe was amazing, and, with its smooth jet-wing body looked like a car of the future. First shown in 1934, the Tatra Type 77a Limousine that was on display created magic. It was the world’s first series-production aerodynamic car with a central headlight that was linked to the steering, and a rear-mounted 3.0 L air-cooled V8. Only 255 of the type were ever made.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 2 Comments » links to this post

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August 18, 2010

Jaguar to Launch New X Type to Increase Volume Sales

Jaguar has a range of scandalously luxurious cars in India, but now the carmaker wants to bring something less expensive (relatively speaking) in the Indian market to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. The Tata Motors owned British brand has finally announced its plans to bring a super stylish compact saloon in India by 2012.

The luxury car segment in India is growing at a rapid pace, and Tata Motors want to slice into the market share of the other luxury car makers in India, like BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The company has finally realised the importance of having an entry-level luxury saloon in the Indian market. The new baby Jaguar will be positioned below current Jaguar XF range and will be replacing current X type.

Our friends at Auto Express claim that the pleasant news has been confirmed by none other but the Tata Motors chief executive Carl-Peter Forster himself. He was quoted saying, “for Jaguar to take on its German competitors globally, a smaller, higher sales volume saloon was a necessity, and so work has begun on the new car”.

The non-performing current X Type, which is based on Ford Mondeo, will pave way for the new saloon. The new Jaguar X Type will retain the cutting edge design and curve quotient of its older sibling, but will look significantly downplayed from biggies like Jaguar XF and XJ.

We expect the front cluster to be derived from Jaguar XF sedan and will retain the mesh type front grille and swept back headlights. The rear may be curvier than the current line up in Jaguar portfolio. The new saloon is expected to have an all aluminium body that will make it superlight. That certainly would translate into increased fuel economy, which is an added advantage in any luxury car.

Tata is likely to equip the new saloon with down-sized four cylinder petrol and diesel engines. The diesel engine would be replacing Ford’s 2.2ltr diesel engine that also powers the Land Rover Freelander. We may also have 3.0ltr V6 Turbodiesel engine joining the gang later on. And by 2015, we can expect to see a hybrid variant in the Jaguar X Type line-up.

Finally, Talking about engines, Tata Motors recently revealed that the Jaguar and Land Rover engines might soon be manufactured in India. Mr. Forster said last week that Indian engineering will probably design a new range of engines for the Tata owned luxury brands.

Along with the X-Type replacement and the new, smaller coupe, which is rumoured to arrive in 2012, Forster said that the company has already started working on the long-wheelbase version of the XF for the Chinese market and a wagon version of Jag’s mid-size sedan is slated for sale in Europe.

Land Rover recently revealed the Range Rover Evoque, which is the first of three new products to be launched in the next five years. Also on the cards are an all new Freelander that will have a seating capacity of seven and a revised Defender which is set to arrive in 2015.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, August 18th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 17, 2010

After the Coupe, Mercedes Brings the E-Class Cabriolet to India

Well, Mercedes Benz India is in no mood to give a reprieve to compatriot competitor BMW India. While the latter was still coming to terms with its defeat in the Indian market in the first seven months of the year, Mercedes Benz India has launched another blow on BMW. And this blow is something that the Indian consumers would love immensely.

In a bid to further its strength in the Indian luxury car market, German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes Benz has launched a new version of its E-Class sedan priced at Rs 64.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new E-Class Cabriolet is the seventh offering within the E-Class range by the company in India.

“With its launch, the versatility of the E-Class range is further reinforced. The E-Class now offers the Cabriolet in addition to the already present E-Class Saloon and the E-Class Coupe,” Mercedes Benz India Managing Director Wilfried Aulbur said.

The current range of E-Class offered by the company in India is priced between Rs 42 lakh and Rs 50 lakh. The latest offering just goes on to show the company’s big promises in the Indian car market.

2011-Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-Cabriolet-4-450

The Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet is powered by a V6 engine that produces as much as 272bhp at 6000 rpm. The fantastic cabriolet can accelerate from 0-100kmph in just 6.9 seconds. The 7G-TRONIC transmission enables you to drive to the optimum engine speed range.

The E-Class Cabriolet features a fully electric fabric top that consists of three layers of weather-resistant material and provides brilliant insulation throughout the year, even in poor weather or in the car wash. The improved acoustics of the cabriolet ensure that you have a quiet drive, whether the roof is opened or closed.

To open or close the roof, you have to just press a button within the vehicle that uses infrared function on the key, and disappears completely into a cover behind the rear seats. The entire process takes less than 20 seconds! You can choose the fabric top in colour options of black, dark blue and dark beige.

The E-Class cabriolet features a new AIRCAP technology, which is a system consisting of a wind deflector on the roof frame and a special draught stop extends the flow curve over the passenger compartment. This system, too, can even be activated and retracted again at the touch of a button when driving at up to 160 km/h. When the vehicle stops it retracts automatically.

The E-Class cabriolet boasts of protection systems, such as roll-over protection, that are customised for its special design. Other standard features include speed-sensitive power steering, THERMATIC 2-zone automatic climate control with digital display, park assistance, and Attention Assist among many others.

2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Cabriolet back view_

As per Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers data, Mercedes Benz has won the top spot in the Indian luxury car segment with a superb 79.31 per cent jump in sales. In contrast, BMW has sold a total of 2,718 units in the seven-month period compared to 2008 units in the same period last year.

After the launch of Mercedes E Class Coupe in India, BMW retaliated with the launch of the new 5 Series. Let’s see how BMW plans to take on its competitor this time around.

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 0 Comments links to this post

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August 17, 2010

JLR to be Indianised – Inside Out

The Indianization of the JLR brand began a couple years back in 2008, when Tata Motors bought the iconic British brand from Ford Motors. And to take it one step higher, now the Jaguar and Land Rover engines might soon be manufactured in India. Tata Motors chief executive Carl-Peter Forster said last week that Indian engineering will probably design a new range of engines for the Tata owned luxury brands.

This translates in a open threat to Ford Motor Co which has an agreement with Tata Motors to supply engines for the JLR cars. When Tata Motors bought the Jaguar Land Rover from Ford for USD 2.3 billion, a part of the transaction stated that Ford would continue to supply many vehicle components and technology.

Forster mentioned that the current contracts will be over by 2015. But, he would like to see some new Jaguar Land Rover engines that are engineered in-house, with a pinch of expertise from the group’s engineers in India and the UK.

Ford Motors is keeping mum about Tata’s stand. Tata has taken this very wise step as part of its efforts to integrate its UK operations with its low-cost India base. The Indian company is planning to assemble the Land Rover Freelander for sales in the Indian market next year. Forster also mentioned that the company would source some parts locally. But the best part of all this is that Tata is now planning to bring back the British iconic Defender, albeit in a redesigned form.

“We are determined to come up with a modern-day Defender,” Forster said. “Our team here in India has a lot of expertise with off-road and 4×4 vehicles for developing markets. This is not to say the next generation Defender will be engineered in India, but we are one company and we should leverage our capabilities.”

We all know that Tata Motors has great resources when it comes to engineering small engines. Forster believes that this could prove very beneficial to JLR. Global demand for small engines, even in the luxury segment, is going to be revolutionary as small engines become more powerful and fuel efficient.

Tata Motors also wants to focus on the Chinese market where the Jaguar Land Rover market is expanding big time. The Indian company is looking for a joint-venture partner in China to start assembling vehicles and source components locally. Tata has set itself a target of selling at least 25,000 Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in China this year, Forster said.

Mr. Forster is not satisfied yet. He wants to further develop the capacity of Indian suppliers. And once that is done, Jaguar Land River engines could be jointly engineered in India and the UK and substantially sourced out of India. However, UK would remain the main production hub for JLR vehicles, he said. “The mainstay manufacturings of Jaguar Land Rover we want to stay in the UK We don’t want to deindustrialize the UK,” Forster said.

Well, that’s a lot of things going on at once. Isn’t it better to take one step at a time!