Mahindra embroiled in fuel economy woes in the U.S.

2010-mahindra-tr40-diesel-pickup-truck Mahindra and Mahindra, the Indian auto maker, which plans to expand its SUV and pickup range in the U.S. received a rude jolt with TR40, a diesel-powered compact truck getting a lower-than-expected fuel efficiency rating according to EPA.

It should be noted that Mahindra was keenly working with its U.S. distributor in Marietta, Ga., to develop a fuel-efficient compact pickup truck. Mahindra, which had claimed 30 mpg on the highway for its TR40 had been counting on fuel economy numbers to help the TR40 stand out in the waning compact pickup truck market. But all of it changed when the Mahindra TR40 achieved just 19/21 city/highway. The 2.2-liter CRDe diesel engine equipped TR40 could muster only nine kmpl if we go by Indian standards.

The Mahindra TR40 slightly outdid Dodge Dakota, whose V8 engine returns with a fuel economy figure of 14/18 city/highway, or the Ford Ranger, whose four-wheel drive model gets the same. Mahindra and Mahindra’s erstwhile American distributor Global Vehicles USA had told PickupTrucks.com that good, fuel economy would be an important part of the truck’s appeal and had said that they were eager to see the fuel economy of all the Mahindra models, which Mahindra told them to expect the vehicles would achieve close to 30 mpg.

Now, with Mahindra TR40’s dismal performance on the fuel economy front combined with the small 120 bhp four-cylinder diesel engine has guaranteed Mahindra that it cannot sell the TR40 in the compact pickup truck category unless, it goes back to the drawing boards and returns with a low sipping powerful engine to get back in the game.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Audi India Diving for India’s No. 1 Slot in Luxury Car Market

audi_logo When Indians consider buying a luxury car, the first names to pop-up are either Mercedes Benz or BMW. Audi comes mostly as an afterthought. But the Volkswagen Group firm has decided to change all that and wants to become the leader in the Indian luxury car market ahead of compatriots BMW and Mercedes Benz.

Audi India, which currently occupies the third position behind BMW and Mercedes Benz, has said that it is looking for more than 50 per cent sales growth this year as it gears up to launch new models in the country. And the war has already started with the upcoming launch of premium luxury car: the Audi A8L “By 2015 we aim to be the number one in the Indian luxury car market,” Audi India Head Michael Perschke said.

Audi India expects the Indian luxury car market to grow tremendously and cross 50,000 units annually in the next five years from about 15,000 units in 2010, he added. When Mr. Perschke was asked about Audi’s sales target during this year, he said: “We are aiming to sell a minimum of 4,500 units and we expect the luxury car market to grow to 20,000-25,000 units.”

Last year, Audi India sold 3,003 units, which translated into a growth of 81 per cent compared to the sales in the previous year. BMW has maintained its firm grasp in the Indian market and has managed so far to keep the competition at bay. BMW sold 6,246 units in India in 2010.

Mercedes Benz sold a total of 5,819 cars between January and December, 2010. It is also the highest ever sales figure achieved by Mercedes Benz in India. Audi has already sold 480 units in January 2011, its highest ever monthly sales in India, as against 306 units in the same month last year, up 57 per cent.

The company showcased the latest version of its flagship sedan A8, priced from Rs 89 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) onwards. And the luxury bug that has bitten Indians, Audi has already secured bookings for about 150 units, which will be delivered in the next 3-4 months.

“More models will be launched this year, including the new A7 and A6,” Perschke added.

Additionally, Audi India is also expanding its dealership network to 20 by the end of this year from 15 outlets at present.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Porsche brings out the Boxster S Black Edition

P11_0097 The Porsche Boxster model line has a new luxurious top model in addition to the sporty Boxster Spyder: The Boxster S Black Edition limited to 987 cars. With its 320 bhp – ten bhp more than the Boxster S – this edition offers a substantially larger range of standard equipment and exclusive special options, all at a very attractive price. The new mid-engined sports car is black all over: Black body, black hood, and black 19 inch Boxster Spyder wheels accentuate the muscular appearance of the top roadster. The Boxster S Black Edition will be launched in March 2011.

The colour concept of the Boxster S Black Edition is consistent in every detail. The rear side air intake grilles are painted in black as is the twin tailpipe of the exhaust system. The model lettering painted in black on the rear luggage compartment lid identifies the Black Edition as much as the embossed Black Edition model designation on the side of the fabric hood. The roll-over bars are painted in black, too.

The black line of the exterior is continued in the interior. The stainless steel door entry guards feature the “Black Edition” model lettering in black. The standard Sport Design steering wheel with its double-spoke appeal has a non-slip rim of smooth-finish leather and sporty grips. The trim strips of the dashboard and of shift lever or gear selector are painted in black. The dials on the instrument cluster are black as are the partial leather seats with the Porsche emblem embossed in the headrests. Also available upon request: black leather interior. The limited edition badge on the glove compartment identifies the sports car as a model of the Black Edition.

Porsche Black Editon

As a standard, the Boxster S Black Edition features the otherwise optional “Comfort”, “Infotainment”, and “Design” equipment packages, and therefore comes at a more favourable price than a series model with comparable equipment options. The wind deflector is on board right from the factory as are the anti-dazzle interior and exterior mirrors with integrated rain sensor, cruise control and a climate control system. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including navigation module are also standard. In addition, the universal audio interface and mobile phone preparation are available as standard. The Sound Package Plus creates an impressive interior sound experience.

The standard Bi-Xenon lights with dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime running lights ensure driving pleasure and safety on dark roads. Upon request, the Boxster S Black Edition can be individualised even further with other options of the Boxster programme. For example, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) is an option as well as the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the adaptive sports seats with memory function.

Porsche Black Edition 2

The chassis of the Boxster S Black Edition features clear lines with a sporty appeal. A decisive contribution to improve driving dynamics of the limited edition models even further are the tyres size 235/35 ZR 19 front and 265/35 ZR 19 rear on particularly lightweight wheels in the special ten-spoke design of the Boxster Spyder. As is typical for a Boxster, the new top model of the mid-engined sports car with its low centre of gravity as a result of the flat engine reaches an even more impressive level of agility.

A 3.4-litre six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection, mounted in front of the rear axle of the Boxster S Black Edition, supplies power to the car. Its output is 320 hp – ten hp more than in the Boxster S. The engine reaches its rated power at 7,200 rpm, the Boxster S power pack at 6,400 rpm. Torque of 370 Nm boosted by ten newton metres is available at 4,750 rpm.

More output and more power equal more dynamics: The Boxster S Black Edition underpins its leading position by a superior driving performance. With its standard six-speed manual transmission, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Boxster S. The top model reaches its maximum speed at 276 km/h (171.5 mph), outpacing the Boxster S by two kilometres per hour (1.2 mph). The mid-engined sports car is modest only in its thirst for fuel. During the NEDC test cycle, the Boxster S Black Edition contents itself with as much fuel as the Boxster S: 9.8 litres per 100 kilometres (28.82 mpg imp).

Porsche Black Edition Rear view

To raise dynamics and efficiency even further, the Boxster S Black Edition may alternatively also be fitted with the seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK). This will shorten acceleration times from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) to 5.1 seconds, the top speed with PDK is 274 km/h (170.3 mph). In comparison with a manual transmission, an additional speed and an intelligent shifting strategy lower fuel consumption to 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres during the NEDC complete cycle.

Porsche Black Edition Interiors
    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Ferrari appoints Shreyans Motors as Indian distributor

ferrari-logo Well, its pretty official now. Ferrariis all set to roll in and it has zeroed in on Shreyans Motors, as the official distributors of Ferrari cars in India. Shreyans Motors, the distributors for Porsche in India have gained distributorship rights for India for Ferrari, ending months of speculation.

Though Shreyans was appointed as the official distributors for Ferrari cars way back in November 2010, they have started to take in bookings for the famed Italian stallion car brand for the past three months. It is said that Shreyans Motors will open its first Ferrari showroom in Delhi in the early days of April 2011 followed by a Mumbai showroom.

By then, another super and luxury car manufacturer, Aston Martin too would have completed the process of formally launching its brand in India with both its dealerships opening in New Delhi and Mumbai. Just recently, we had carried a blog on InterGlobe, owners of Indigo Airlines acquiring the rights to distribute the Swedish super car brand Koenigsegg in India.

Shreyans, who apart from Porsche also have a couple of other luxury and fashion brands as part of its portfolio is taking in orders for the 458 Italia, the 599 GTB as well as FF models. Since, as mentioned earlier in the blog, the Shreyans have already begun taking bookings for the car, expect these gleaming beauties to be delivered to its customers before the formal launch in April.

These Italian supercars sure would be pricey and as the rumours goes by, the 458 Italia should make the wallet lighter by Rs 2.8 – 3 crore, while the 599 could be sold for Rs 3.3-3.5 crore. India, at present has over 50 Ferrari cars, with a large number of them being the V8 powered last generation 430, a couple of 360s and a few 355s and 348s and so far only one 458 Italia. There are also a few 599s in the country, but no known existence of either the 456 or 612 Scaglietti tourers. While most of the Ferrari owners are spread across cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, they all depend on specialists currently to maintain their cars.

With super car brands such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Koenigsegg gearing up for the Indian assault, the competition and the Indian car market grows hotter by the day.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi Launched at Rs 16.5 Lakh and 17.5 Lakh

maruti-suzuki-kizashi-india-front Kizashi is here. Yes, the so-called Maruti Suzuki’s game changer has finally arrived on Indian shores. In its first ever attempt to tread where the big boys play, Maruti Suzuki, a synonym for small cars in India for over two decades now, has launched the Kizashi in India D-segment. This marks the company’s entry in the premium luxury sedan segment in India.

“Kizashi”, Which means great thing to come in Japanese certainly is the greatest thing to come out from the Maruti stables for the time being. Kizashi, as the good folks at Maruti put it, is a luxurious and sporty sedan. With a price tag of Rs. 16.5 Lakh for the MT and Rs. 17.5 Lakh for the CVT (Ex-showroom Delhi), it needs to be seen how Maruti Suzuki will be faring in the D-segment.

So, what’s new in the Maruti Suzuki Kizashi? For starters, this luxurious sports sedan is powered by a 2.4 litre DOHC J–Series engine, which pumps out a max output of 175.5 bhp @ 6,500rpm and a maximum torque of 230Nm @ 4,000rpm. With the beastly power, the Kizashi produces; Maruti certainly has all the rights in the world to call it a sports sedan. What’s more? For a country obsessed with “Average Kya hai” tagline, Maruti always has given some jaw-dropping numbers. Maruti Suzuki, carrying the magic forward has come out with mind numbing fuel efficiency numbers such as 12.53 Kmpl (CVT) and 12.45 Kmpl (6-speed MT). How cool is that?

Maruti Suzuki, with the Kizashi has given the customers a choice of Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), which further promotes fuel economy along with a superior driving experience and the 6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) is tuned for the true driving enthusiast to give a taste of Suzuki Motor Corporation’s high technological competence.

2011-suzuki-kizashi- side 01

Maruti Suzuki Kizashi offers an excellent packaging of feature rich luxury, style and sporty performance. It is manufactured at Suzuki Motor Corporation‘s Sagara plant in Japan and will be imported into India as a Completely Built-up Unit (CBU). After its launch in Japan in late 2009, the Kizashi was introduced in the US.

Speaking at the launch, Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India said, “The Kizashi is a major step forward for Maruti Suzuki. With the launch of this luxurious sporty sedan, Maruti Suzuki is able to offer an international car to top-end customers in India. I am delighted to note that most previews by auto experts here have been positive, appreciating the Kizashi’s stylish looks, sporty performance and luxurious feel. We are fully geared to delight customers in a segment where we have been absent so far.”

The customers of the Kizashi will be pampered to the core as the car comes loaded with features such as 10-way power seat for driver with 3-position memory, 4-way power seat for Co-driver, Smart key entry and advanced keyless push start system, paddle shift in CVT variant, multi-functional steering wheel with Audio Control and Cruise Control switches and CD/MP3/USB Audio system to name a few.

The Kizashi, which is a recipient of five star rating in US NCAP crash tests comes equipped with safety features such as 6 Airbags (Driver & Co-driver, 2- Front Side, 2-curtain), Electronic Stability Program with traction control, ABS and EBD, projector headlamp, Hill Hold Control (HHC) in CVT variant and ISO fix child seat anchorage. This Kizashi certainly with this load of safety features should pass off easily as the most luxurious battle tank in the world. (Pun not intended)

The performance and handling of the Kizashi shall reflect the benefits of testing and tuning conducted in diverse conditions around the world. Kizashi has been tested in some of the most extreme conditions, like cold-weather trials in Minnesota and hot-weather trials in Death Valley, USA.

2011-maruti-suzuki-kizashi-india-rear

Kizashi’s handling has been honed on challenging country roads in the United Kingdom and on autobahns in Nürburgring, Germany. Kizashi has been developed with special emphasis on combination of sportiness and elegance in its design, smoothness and quietness befitting a vehicle in this class and superior engine performance and fuel efficiency.

The Kizashi in India will be available in three shades i.e. ‘Snow White Pearl’, ‘Super Black Pearl’ and ‘Premium Silver Metallic’ colors. Those of you interested to own the Kizashi can do it by paying a booking amount of Rs 50,000. The deliveries of the car are slated to begin in March 2011 onwards.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Nissan posts highest-ever monthly sales in Jan

Nissan Logo Nissan Motor India propelled by the sales of its hatchback, the Micra has registered the highest ever monthly sales in January this year with 1,857 units, up from 40 units in the same month of 2010.

While the company sold 1.784 units of the Micra during Jan 2011, which again is the highest sales for the car in a single month since its launch in July 2010, Nissan Motor India also sold 52 units of its X-Trail SUV, compared to just 10 units in the same month last year.

However, Nissan saw a drop in the sales of its luxury sedan, the Teana from 30 units in Jan 2010 to 21 units in January 2011.

But, Nissan which riding high on the success of the Micra has already sold 8,225 units of Micra in India since its launch.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Mercedes reintroduces Maybach in India

maybach-logo German luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz reintroduced its hyper-luxury Maybach car brand in India today. This signifies the growing number of super-rich in India.

The ultra-luxury car brands making inroads to India is the new fad that is being spearheaded by ultra -luxury brands such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, Porsche, Bentley and just very recently the Swedish super car maker Koeingegg has also made its intentions clear to enter the Indian automotive space. Many more ultra-luxury and luxury car brands cars such as Aston Martin, Ferrari and Maserati are eying the Indian automotive market with hungry eyes.

Maybach-62-2011-car-pictures

Maybach, a part of Daimler AG, sold 200 Maybachs worldwide has 2 models in its portfolio i.e the Maybach 57 S and 62. The Maybach 57 S and 62 has been priced at Rs 4.85 crore and Rs 5.10 crore respectively.While the 5980 CC Maybach 57 S can touch a maximum speed of 275 km, the 5513 CC Maybach 62 can run 250 km per hour.

During the launch of Maybach in India, Mercedes Benz India chief executive Peter Honegg said, “There are customers out there who can afford the unparalleled luxury of this car.” He further added that the company was aiming its cars at those who can afford private jets.

Though Mr. Honegg did not specify any sales targets for the car in India, he said Mercedes Benz sold around 20 units of the Maybach in China last year. It must be remembered that the Maybach brand was around here in India since its launch in 2004. Mr. Peter Honegg said it “may have been too early. Now it is time for a second push.”

2011-Maybach-57-62

India certainly is game for these ultra-luxury beauties as Indian economy is fast growing in a frantic pace. Last year, India’s fast-growing economy minted 17 new billionaires, driving the total to a record 69, according to a Forbes rich list.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post

Tata Motors Woos Defence Personnel with special schemes on Nano

tatanano Tata Motors, which is upbeat with Nano’s sales performance for the month of December 2010, wants to take the success rate forward and there has come out with a unique plan to sell the car in more numbers. This tme around, Tata Motors is targeting the Defence personnel with a special scheme it announced yesterday.

As part of the scheme, Tata Motors is offering free comprehensive maintenance package for 4 years/ 60,000 km (whichever is earlier). This offer is over and above the prevalent market offer. This comprehensive package covers normal wear and tear of the car (except, tyres and batteries), thus, providing complete freedom from all maintenance worries. This offer is valid till 28th February 2011. Tata Nano is available through CSD for Officers and PBOR’s (Personnel below officer rank).

The Tata Nano offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment, which can comfortably seat four adults. With a length of just 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, the Tata Nano has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India but is 21% more spacious than the smallest car available today. A high seating position makes ingress and egress easy. Its small size coupled with a turning radius of just 4 metres, makes it extremely manoeuvrable in the smallest of parking slots. The Nano is being offered in three different variants such as Tata Nano Standard, CX and LX variants.

The Nano equipped with a 2-cylinder 624 cc engine pumps out 35 bhp @ 5250 rpm and a torque of 48 Nm @ 3000 rpm that enables the car to have a top speed of 105 kmph and negotiate inclines with a gradeability of 30%. Tata Nano is one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars in India with an ARAI certified mileage of 23.6 km/litre, which is the highest for any petrol car in India.

    SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend     Add to Technorati Favorites                 Add New Post