Monthly Archives: October 2010

Tata Motors Plans Small Car to Compete With Maruti Suzuki Alto

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Let’s just take a look at the small car launches in India this year: Ford Figo, Nissan Micra, WagonR, Tata Indica DriveTech…while some were facelifts, we also saw a number of new models in the segment. The pull of the small car segment in India has been such that even the mightiest of the car makers have given in to the pressure of having a small car in their portfolio.

But it is a different thing if a carmaker launches a small car if it does not already have one in its portfolio, but what would you say when a carmaker which already has the reputation of making the cheapest car in the world is dreaming of bringing yet another cheap car. Tata Motors, the maker of Tata Nano, is planning to launch another small car that will be positioned between the Nano and the Indica. “This is a wide space that needs to be addressed,” said Carl Peter Forster at the launch of the company’s first cross-over vehicle, Aria.

The launch of this car would give a lot of leverage to the Indian car maker and equip it just right to take on the Maruti-Suzuki Alto, currently the largest selling hatchback in the Indian market. The new Tata small car is expected to be launched by early 2012 and powered by an 800cc engine, said people familiar with the development.

“It will be a completely indigenised product made by Tata Motors and work on the car is currently underway. Vendors have been approached for specific components for the new car ,” said this person who requested not to be named.

This seems like a very logical move from For Tata Motors, as the auto major is looking to have products at every price point. Currently the Tata Motors car portfolio includes the Nano, Indica, Indigo, Manza, Sumo, Safari and the Aria.

The Aria is Tata Motors’ most ambitious launch in the premium segment. Priced at Rs 13.18 lakh-Rs 15.85 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai), it will take on Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Xylo in the crossover segment in India.

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Tata Aria Launched in India

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Tata AriaThe much-awaited Tata Aria, the first Indian four-wheel drive crossover, has been launched with the finesse of a sedan and the muscle of an SUV. The Tata Aria has finally hit Indian roads with the assurance of safety, performance and luxury that’s going to disappoint nobody. The Aria truly exhibits bold proportions and uncompromising aesthetics. The car has been launched in 3 variants, ‘Pleasure’ which is the base model, ‘Pride’ which is the mid-range model and ‘Prestige’ which is the top end model.

Each Aria variant comes in a choice of eight appealing colours; Castelle Gray, Arctic Silver, Walnut Gold, Sardinia Red, Quartz Black, Pearl White, Surf Blue and Night Shade Black. However, you could choose your classic colour and upholstery scheme from the following; Black and Plum, Black and Black, Black and Beige. The new car has been pitted against the likes of the Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo.

The front fascia reveals an aggressive car with distinct wrap-around dual barrelled headlamps further highlighting the daring Tata grille. The imposing headlamps, electrically retractable OVRMs, alloy wheels and the horizontal slats chrome grille make the new car one that can be yearned for. A unique pouncing silhouette and dynamic roofline add the extra punch. However, chrome detailing throughout gives the Aria a touch of luxury.

ariaS The Aria’s powerful 16-valve twin overhead camshaft with 32 bit ECU 2.2 DICOR motor has variable turbine technology. It churns out 138 bhp of power and peak torque of 320 Nm. The perfectly synchronized transmission ensures smooth power delivery and crisp gear shifts. Efficiently taking care of vibrations is the dual mass flywheel.

Seven ergonomically designed seats with generous legroom and headroom go to show that Tata has made no compromise with space. The second and third row of seats can be folded into a large flat bed, or, the two rows could be split folded individually to reveal more space. Plush leather upholstery adds refinement to the interiors while the elegant dashboard with metal accentuation completes the luxurious look.

The Tata Aria is indeed driver friendly with practical features like GPS navigation system, auto climate control, darkness sensing auto headlights, rain sensing auto wipers, driver information system, reverse guide camera and much more. The car does not take the back seat on any feature; be it space, entertainment, storage or luxury. It has been equipped with a 2 Din Integrated music system, audio and phone controls on steering, tilt steering, puddle lamp, luggage room light and 12V charging point, roof utility bins, chrome inner door handles and OVRM controls, glove box chiller, magazine holder, vanity mirror with lights, cup holder and progressive cruise control.

Tata Aria To care of occupant safety, the Aria comes equipped with head restraints, 6 airbags for driver and passenger, ESP and traction control system, disc brakes on all four wheels, ABS with EBD and more. The Tata Aria will be sold through 69 dealerships in 25 cities. Aria bookings will commence tomorrow and deliveries will begin immediately.

The detailed prices of the Aria are as follows (All prices are ex-showroom in Rs. Lakhs):

Variant

Delhi

Bengaluru

Chennai

Kolkata

Mumbai
Aria Pride (Leather upholstery)

15.5

15.58

15.45

15.52

15.85
Aria Prestige (Leather upholstery)

14.5

14.57

14.45

14.52

14.82
Aria Prestige (Fabric upholstery)

14.13

14.19

14.08

14.15

14.44
Aria Pleasure (Fabric upholstery)

12.91

12.96

12.86

12.93

13.18
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Mercedes Group to Become World Champion in Efficiency

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2012-cls-class The Paris Motor Show which began with great pomp and show will soon be over in a week or so. Many new cars have been showcased and many revelations have been made. A luxury auto maker has pledged to make the previously impossible, possible now!

Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche, who is also head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, has said that he is ready to do the previously unthinkable at subsidiary Mercedes-Benz. All this has been thought of to help the luxury car maker meet its goal of becoming most fuel-efficient premium car maker across the globe. Seems like a direct challenge to BMW, ah!

BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has plans of cutting down the BMW Group’s global fleet carbon dioxide emissions by at least 25 per cent by 2020. The BMW Group comprises of three brands; BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce.

At the Paris Motor Show last week, Zetsche said that Mercedes’ range-topping S-Class luxury sedan would, for the first time in the flagship’s 60-year history, be sold with a four-cylinder engine. “Some might call this sacrilege, we call it progress,” Zetsche said at the press presentation of the S-Class. “We want to be efficiency world champions … and we will be.”

It is becoming very important these days for car makers to come up with eco-friendly options in their new car inventories as the modern crowd demands that. Fuel prices are increasing too. As for Europe, automobile manufacturers are under pressure to slash carbon dioxide emissions ahead of the tougher regulations set to take effect in 2012. Car makers have been trying their best. They have begun downsizing engines and introducing advanced technologies such as stop-start systems to make their new cars more fuel economic.

So, when will the efficiency drive touch the finish line? Well, Zetsche has not given any specific target for the Mercedes car group, which also includes Smart and Maybach. Nothing has been said as to by when the Mercedes-Benz brand would like to be called the world’s most-efficient luxury brand.

The S-Class houses the new 2.2-litre diesel motor that throws away just 149 grams of carbon dioxide every kilometre. The new 4-cyliner diesel engine delivers 17.5 kmpl. Oh yes, it is the very same powerplant that’s been planted by the luxury car maker in few of the Mercedes C-Class and E-Class cars. Earlier, a six cylinder was the minimum available.

The new, greener S-Class car is already available for order in Europe. In Germany, the car is available at prices starting from 71,876 euros (around $98,320 USD). Mercedes is looking at introducing a range of hybrid models to become the world’s most fuel-efficient premium car maker.

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Fiat Linea T-Jet Launched in India

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Fiat-linea-t-jet-Launch Car buying during the festive season must be on many minds and Fiat has sensed it too. Fiat India has launched two variants of its C plus flagship car, the Fiat Linea. T-Jet and the T-Jet Plus are the two new variants. The T-Jet carries a tag of Rs. 8.55 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs. 8.84 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai). The T-Jet Plus seems to be a little more expensive. It carries a price tag of Rs. 8.99 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs. 9.29 Lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).

Rajeev Kapoor, president and chief executive of the Indian subsidiary of Italian auto major Fiat said, “Linea T-Jet (model) literally sets a benchmark in the C plus segment with its robust engine and the never ending list of features. Linea T-Jet is sure to give competition in the C plus segment, a run for its money.”

Fiat-linea-t-jet-engine

Fiat claims that the Linea T-Jet has 13 new features and 7 class leading gear. The new variants have been strapped with a more powerful engine. The mileage too seems to have finally got a boost and will now deliver 14.6 kmpl. Safety features have been enhanced too.

They say the new Fiat Linea T-Jet possesses the power to guarantee admiration. The silver-painted radiator grille with the T-Jet monogram, chrome body-side moulding, body coloured outside rear view mirrors the chrome door handles and more, all add to the car’s elegant look. The new Fiat Linea T-Jet has been launched in 3 premium and 2 popular shades. The premium shades are Sunbeam Beige, Tuscan Wine, Fox Trot Azure, while the popular shades are Bossa Nova White and Hip Hop Black.

In the interiors, the new car flaunts elegant and comfy leather upholstery. The car also sports a soft touch dashboard with chrome accents. There’s also auto air conditioning with rear knee and foot level AC vents.

fiat-linea-t-jet-badge

The noise and vibration levels have been decreased. Fiat claims the Linea T-Jet has a top speed of 200 kmph, thanks to its 1368 cc DOHC petrol motor that comes mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers 112 bhp at 5000 rpm and maximum torque of 207 Nm at 2200 rpm. To begin with, the two new variants have been launched only in the Mumbai-Pune and Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

“Fiat India will initially focus on two of the most important markets, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi, NCR, which constitute 60 percent sales volume in the C plus segment,” the company said in a statement.

Fiat-linea-t-jet
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Mahindra Xylo on My Plate

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Mahindra-Xylo Now, we all know about Rocky and Mayur from the ‘Highway on my Plate’, and most of us envy their job. Frankly, who would not want to have a job like that: you get to eat some of the best dhaba food, and you not only don’t have to pay the bill…you get paid for doing so. You must be wondering why we are going on nonstop about a TV show on a car blog.

So here is the answer friends: Mahindra Xylo, one of India’s best selling brands from Mahindra and Mahindra is on a gourmet trail of a sorts. The powerful SUV from the house of Mahindra is all set to be featured on NDTV Good Times’s popular programme – ‘Highway on my Plate’. Hosted by the duo, Rocky and Mayur, the show will explore and showcase the different delicacies along the route from Delhi to Khardungla.

The Xylo journey begins on October 10, 2010 and is spread over six episodes. The show will make you go green with envy when these two lucky guys chomp on some mouthwatering food from some of the popular dhabas, restaurants & highway hotels along this route.

Now, getting back to our comfort zone: that is cars. The Mahindra Xylo has some very unique advantages when it comes to space and comfort, and so it seems just the right vehicle for partnering this popular gourmet on the wheels show. We are sure that the Xylo would make their rides so much more comfortable and enjoyable.

The multipurpose vehicle with its unique style, space and comfort, has introduced the Indians to a new way of travelling. With convenient features such as surround cool dual air conditioners, mobile charging points, foldable flight trays amongst others, the Xylo promises to let the ‘Highway on my Plate’ guys focus on their eating endeavors on their long escapades.

According to Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice-President, Marketing, Mahindra & Mahindra, “We are delighted to be a part of this gastronomic trail of ‘Highway on my plate’. Having set new benchmarks in luxurious space and comfort during road travel, Xylo was a fitting partner to Mayur and Rocky’s highway expeditions. The expedition from Delhi to Khardungla is a challenging one and with Xylo we are sure that the anchors will have a relaxed, enjoyable and pleasant road trip.”

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Would it Still Be Called ‘Sunny’ in India?

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nissan-micra-sedan Sunny is getting set to brighten the roads. Wonder who the new superstar is and when he would be coming? Well, he would be making his International debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show in December and will travel through China very soon. He may come to India only towards the end of next year. For those who still haven’t guessed who Sunny is, he is no living superstar. Autocar India has just discovered that the sedan version of the Nissan Micra would be called Sunny.

Name ‘Sunny’ actually dates back almost half a century to 1966. Nissan had used the Sunny name for its small sedan for the first time back then. But we really wonder if the name would be maintained for the Indian version of the new car. Bajaj may have a problem with that as the company owns rights to the Sunny name. Yet, with Bajaj Auto no longer producing the Sunny scooterette and the name already moving into history books, there is a possibility of the name being maintained in India too. Moreover, there is the recent Renault-Bajaj collaboration, which makes the two parties friends.

The Sunny would be based on the Micra platform. It would be based on the same V-platform of the Micra, and the same platform would aid the upcoming mini-MPV too. The Versatile V platform was aimed at emerging countries like India and China while retaining European appeal. It will not be launched in Europe though. Now, we also hear that the Sunny’s interiors would bear resemblance with that of the Micra.

Sunny is believed to come with 2 engine options. It may be strapped with a 1.5-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel motor. The petrol engine is likely to churn out 100 bhp. The diesel motor is the one planted in the Logan, and will perhaps be tweaked to deliver either 85 bhp or 105 bhp. There may also be a 1.2-litre Supercharged engine variant producing as much power as the 1.5 petrol variant.

In India, the new car may be pitted against the likes of the Tata Manza, Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna and Chevrolet Aveo. Let’s wait and see when the car makes its royal entry late next year, if it’s gonna come up with something really special to beat the rest.

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Audi Quattro Concept: Any Chances of Getting into Production?

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Audi-QUattro-Rally-1 Audi unveiled the Audi Quattro Concept at the Paris Motors Show. And almost everyone is concerned just about two things: Will the concept car get into production and how much will it cost. Yes, those are the coursing through everyone’s mind. Well Audi, at the moment, does not want to entertain any of these questions.

So here is the good news: reports say that Audi indeed plans to produce this car. But the German car maker would produce it in a limited edition; with reports saying just 500 could be built. And as for the second question: there is absolutely no information on that, but you can expect it to be closer to the 911 GT3 territory.

If Audi builds the Quattro Concept, it would be the first Audi built by Italdesign since Giorgetto Giugiaro’s styling house was brought within the VW fold earlier this year. The concept was also physically created at Italdesign’s Turin HQ – the first concept car it has done for the VW group since the takeover. So it would seem just perfect that the Italian firm, whose forte lies in limited-production specialist models as well as in design, should take responsibility for the car.

You can see the genes of A5 and RS5 in the curvy haunches of the Quattro Concept, although the car’s wheelbase has been shortened by 150mm. The looks of the Quattro Concept are more because of its functionality and less from its form, much like the 1984 Sport Quattro, although the designers have chopped the rear overhang by a significant 200mm to keep the shape balanced.

You can see other visual ties, too, to the Sport Quattro, the most apparent one being the chunky angled C-pillar. And the flared wheelarches, air vent on the right-hand side of the bonnet and blacked-out boot are also some of the picks from the Sport Quattro. And inside you can see the magnificent little fully digital instrument cluster.

Even if Audi decides to not produce this car, the Quattro Concept is a strong statement. The kerb weight of 1300kg shows that the company is ready to bring its lightweight technology on mainstream cars.

“We’ve seen what the supercar makers can do with lightweight materials,” an Audi insider said at Paris. “Now it’s time to see what the big boys can do.”

The aluminium spaceframe is complemented by the from carbon fibre that you would see at the front of the car and the bonnet, rear hatch and electrically raising rear spoiler. And the result is: 402bhp, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine can take the car to 100kmph from a standstill in just around 3.5secs.

The drivetrain is totally dedicated for performance as the rest of the car. The Haldex four-wheel drive system is now replaced by the crown-gear differential affair from the RS5. The concept car has a proper conventional manual gearbox with three pedals and everything.

Let’s just hope that Audi makes, and not just it limited numbers.

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Ferrari World opens on October 27

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Ferrari-theme-park-Abu-Dhabi34 The Formula Rossa got everybody excited a few months ago. We wrote about it in May, if you remember. Formula Rossa happens to be the world’s fastest roller coaster ever in the world’s largest theme park. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is Ferrari’s first and also the world’s first theme park to be designed around an automobile manufacturer. There’s more. Authorities have revealed their plans of launching the world’s largest indoor theme park with an opening celebration a day earlier than expected.

The doors to the exciting fantasy world open to the public on 27th of this month at seven o’clock in the evening. Be there if you can and want, to experience the bliss of an outburst of plenty of rides and attractions planned exclusively for the crowd. There would be special festivities with shows, dedicated entertainment and free souvenirs too.

A thrilled Claus Frimand, General Manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, said, “We are excited to open our doors to the public earlier than previously anticipated, on Wednesday 27th October 2010 and we look forward to welcoming many guests to mark this historic day. This will be the beginning of an exciting Inaugural Period, with the start of operations at the world’s first Ferrari theme park.”

He added, “The Inaugural Period will continue throughout November, leading up to a Grand Opening in December with the official launch of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.”Interested in getting yourself a ticket? Well, here are the prices: The Standard ticket costs $61.26 USD for adults and $44.92 for children. For premium fun, there are Premium tickets priced at $102.10 USD for adults and $73.51 for children.

The Premium tickets offer you priority on all attractions and access to an exclusive lounge with refreshments. All tickets, however, offer unlimited use of rides and attractions inside Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The theme park would operate on a six-day-a-week schedule from Tuesday to Sunday. It will open at 12 noon every day.

So good to know that a ride in a Ferrari is now affordable to all, doesn’t matter if you’re zooming on the road or moving up and down on a roller coaster. A Ferrari is a Ferrari! During Ferrari World Abu Dhabi’s Inaugural Period, there would be an array of rides and attractions for families and racing fans letting them experience the legendary Ferrari passion, history and culture.

Ferrari-Theme-Park-in-Abu-Dhabi-1

Shopaholics too get their portion of joy with unique shopping and dining experiences. For the young at heart and lively crowd, there’s the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa; the region’s first duelling roller coaster, Fiorano GT Challenge and Speed of Magic promises 4-D experience. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is all set to deliver a truly amazing experience for every member of your family.

Frimand said “Our operations team of nearly 850 dedicated staff is currently conducting comprehensive ride testing. They have all successfully completed extensive training programs on safety procedures and are passionately working round the clock as we count down the days to the Public Opening date. We are on schedule to open the park with a wide selection of rides and attractions. We have managed to turn one of the world’s most exclusive brands into an extraordinary experience which families and fans will come back for time and time again.”

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Be Prepared for More! SAIC to Hit Indian Roads Very Soon

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The largest car maker from the world’s fastest growing auto market has shown interest in India. Yes, cars from China’s largest car maker Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) are believed to be hitting Indian shores very soon. The car maker from the land of the dragon has plans of introducing three passenger cars in the land of snakes. It will be the first Chinese company to venture into the Indian car market.

SAIC would be launching three passenger cars including a small car in partnership with its joint venture partner General Motors in the next two years. Many Chinese auto companies including Chery and Geely have already expressed their interests in India. However, nothing seems to have transformed into reality yet. Let’s see if something really takes shape now. In China, SAIC has two existing JVs; with Volkswagen and GM, and holds a 20 per cent market share in the world’s biggest automobile market.

President and managing director of General Motors India, Karl Slym, said, “Our product pipeline is very robust and we plan to bring in at least 6 new vehicles and 14 fuel varieties in the next two years. Out of these six, five will come from SAIC. While two will be mini trucks, there will be one small car and another two sedans. When the cars come in, SAIC will become the first Chinese company to venture into the Indian car market.”

As of now, GM has the Spark, Beat and Aveo U-VA helping it attract customers in India’s small car market. The small car segment in India accounts for two-thirds of the country’s car market. SAIC’s small car will perhaps be positioned and priced below the entry-level Spark offering GM better hold over the market.

We hear that the scale of operations at which SAIC will function in our country will be quite different from what it is used to in China. Last year, SAIC had produced 2.7 million automobiles. Out of this, 1.6 million were passenger cars and 1.12 million were commercial vehicles. In 2009,GM-SAIC sold 7.3 lakh vehicles in China, thus making GM the second-largest foreign car maker in the country, next only to SAIC’s other partner Volkswagen.

Surprisingly, during 2009-10 India’s entire passenger vehicle market was 2.0 million units strong. Last year, India’s largest selling car maker Maruti Suzuki managed to sell 870,783 units. Even more surprising, India’s commercial vehicle industry was even smaller at just 531,395 units. Tata Motors was the market leader in the segment with the production of 322,699 units.

Right now, great preparation is in progress to welcome SAIC. GM India is investing $250 million (Rs. 1,125 Crore) in expanding its Halol car facility from 85,000 units to more than 1 lakh units a year while converting it into a commercial vehicle hub.

SAIC’s two mini trucks, the first of which will hit Indian roads by end of 2011, will be produced at the Halol facility. The idea of SAIC’s passenger cars has certainly left GM dream bigger. “I can guarantee sales of more than a lakh this year, which will go up to 2 lakh by 2012 and 3 lakh by 2013,” Slym said.

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Ford to EcoBoost its Eight Upcoming Cars in India

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ford-s-ecoboost logo Over the years, everything changes. And it is the same when it comes to automotive technologies too. More efficient technologies take the reins over from the older ones. And the latest thing that all car manufacturers are hankering after is fuel efficient technologies. Global carmakers like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Honda have some of the world’s best technologies with them but are unwilling to introduce them in the Indian Automobile Sector because of their high cost.

But Ford Motors definitely deserves to be lauded for its courage and willingness to bring its latest fuel efficient technology, EcoBoost, in India. The American major understands the need for such a technology in the Indian market. Ford has realised that the Indian auto market can do well with this type of technology.

Ford’s EcoBoost technology is a range of 6-cylinder and 4-cylinder Turbocharged and Direct Injected gasoline engines that are capable of satisfying three most important and significant needs of present time namely fuel Efficiency, engine performance and emissions.

And Ford Motors is planning to introduce the EcoBoost technology in not just one or two but its upcoming eight new vehicles for the Indian market in the next five years. The company has already launched this technology in the US market. And considering the booming used car market in India, Ford has also decided to introduce a pre-owned car business known as ‘Ford Approved’ in India within the next six months.

The company is also planning to export Figo, its super hit small car, to 50 and more countries, including South America and Northern Africa. In fact, in 2011 Ford India plans to export close to 10,000 Figos outside of South Africa. This comes as the company’s long term plans to make India the export hub for small cars.

Ford EcoBoost Engine

Michael Boneham , president and managing director of Ford India, said: “Ford’s EcoBoost engine technology was introduced a year ago in the US and has met with great response. These engines sport 20% better fuel efficiency and 15% lesser emissions. We plan to introduce this kind of EcoBoost engines in India as well.”

It is believed that Ford’s EcoBoost technology is particularly perfect for small displacement engines and as 50 percent of the Indian Auto Sector comprises of small cars, it would be ideal to introduce it in the country. Another major plus point of this technology is that it is quite affordable for most of the Indian customers, and will be very beneficial for them and, most importantly, the environment.

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