Monthly Archives: June 2011

BMW India sees competition from JLR

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Jaguar-in-india There was a time, not too long ago, when Jaguar and Land Rover brands were considered a liability and Ford Motors was desperate to do away with the two iconic British brands.

When no other car manufacturers wanted the loss making brands in their kitty, Tata Motors jumped the bus and bought the car brands. Even then, there were a lot of skeptics who were watching the Indian company’s moves. Tata Motors had already thought of its own international presence through these brands and just in a matter of couple of years after buying the brands from Ford Motors, turned Jaguar and Land Rover brands into a money spinning yarn.

Circa 2011, Tata Motors owned Jaguar Land Rover has come out with more and more customer tempting models. The Richie rich of the world who had earlier pledged their loyalty to the German luxury carmakers are making a beeline in front of the Jaguar Land Rover showrooms.

This presence of the erstwhile loss making car brands in India had made the big Germans to get back to the drawing boards to come out with more feature spruced new car models. In a way, the big Germans who had no real competition in the car world have now started to feel the heat from an Indian car manufacturer run British marques.

In a recent event, BMW India President Andreas Schaaf referring to JLR said, “It would be wrong if I say it’s not a competition. It’s certainly a competition.” However, Mr Schaaf, when asked by the reporters present in the event if Tata Motors had a better dealer network compared to BMW in India, stated, “I would not agree with your statement that they (Tata Motors) have a better network.”

Tata Motors is a winner in every sense as its new found fame of being a player in the luxury car segment in India through JLR is very much appreciated and assembling the British marquee in India will give an advantage to Tata Motors to compete with other luxury car rivals. JLR, in the years to come will have more demand in the market compared to other brands.

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Maruti Suzuki may come out of the standoff

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Maruti Manesar strike The worker’s strike, which started, last Saturday at Maruti’s Manesar plant has halted production for the fourth day in running. But in the news that’s just in, we hear that the management is likely to accept the strikers’ demand for the formation of a new union with a couple of conditions the management has put forth. The conditions are a promise in writing that the union will not align with any political union in future or induct any outsider as office bearer.

As per the company sources, the management wants any new union to adopt a structure similar to the one of the existing union, Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union (MUKU), that has these two provisions as part of its constitution. The company management sees these as important clauses to thwart the entry of any outsiders, including political unions active in the belt, inside the company.

It is understood that the company wants to ensure that only an employee of Maruti becomes a part of any union representing the workers. It should be a strong and independent body, for Maruti and within Maruti.

Both the parties, the management and the striking workers, had some mixed success earlier in the day. According to a statement made by the Haryana Labour Commissioner Satwanti Ahlawat, he upheld Monday’s sacking of 11 of the agitators by the management, but also made it clear that workers had the right to form any new union “as the law provides for the same”.

Though, there seems to be a end for the stalemate, the office bearers of CPI-affiliated All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) who have been throwing their weight behind the rebel union at Manesar were rigid in their stance and said the management has “no right” to insist for any pre-conditions.

India’s largest passenger carmaker Maruti Suzuki has lost an estimated $20 million since the start of a strike at its factory in Manesar as on Tuesday. Lets hope that a compromise is in sight before the workers-management standoff trickes down and affects the common man.

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Guest Blog: The low-down on alloy wheels

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Alloy Wheels Alloy wheels is a term banded about the world on a regular basis; however for non-car junkies, it may not be entirely clear what they are.

Alloy wheels – which are sometimes referred to as ‘rims’ – are basically wheels made from either magnesium, aluminium or both. People generally choose them for their strong but light nature; and the aesthetics of them.

Light wheels are often favoured because they make the car easier to drive; it’s easier for the driver to handle it, and the suspension is more free to grip its terrain. Furthermore alloy wheels can provide better heat dissipation; helping the brakes to work much more efficiently.

However it can be hard to know whether to go for the aluminium models or the magnesium models. The latter are generally used on racing cars and typically are referred to as ‘mag wheels’. They allow the car to run more efficiently, again due to their less-heavy infrastructure, and are typically made from the AZ91, AZ31 or ZK60 magnesium types.

There are also two other types of alloy wheels – those have been casted and those that have been forged. The latter are generally preferable, as their strength exceeded their counterparts’. Also, they are more expensive but provide a lighter and more sensitive experience.

The only downsides to having alloy wheels, of either kind, is their flammable nature. They are highly sensitive to flames, and as such, many motor sports professionals choose not to use them. They are also sometimes expensive, but many say they are really worth the money.

Furthermore, as they are fairly sensitive to corrosion, alloy wheels may not have a long shelf life – particularly if they are left out in the rain or in torrential weather. However if you do decide to invest, look upon it as a fun investment that will bring you much joy and an easier driving experience.

This blog is contributed by our guest writer Miriam Evans. You can reach Miriam at miriamevans0@gmail.com

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Tata Motors celebrates 4 lakh sedan sales

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tata-indigo-manza Tata Motors seems to be on a roll these days. The car manufacturer just sold 4 lakh sedans in India since the launch of the first Indigo sedan way back in the early 2000’s. Thanks to the Tata’s clever branding of the Indigo through many variants, the Indigo range has been a huge hit with the customers.

The Tata Indigo has been pushed out of the production lines with turbocharger and intercooler, Indigo DICOR with the CRDI engine, Indigo CS with TDI engine, Indigo CS with DICOR engine, Indigo XL with DICOR engine, Indigo XL with a really responsive 100bhp petrol engine and all other Indigos except for XL with smaller petrol engines.

The credit for the introduction of compact sedans goes to Tata Motors with its Indigo CS model, which again paved the way for many other car makers to sense the opportunity and come out with their own brands of compact sedans.

As if there were less number of Indigo variants plying on the roads of India, Tata Motors came with their Manza brand as an addition the existing Indigos just a couple of years ago. Keeping with the tradition, Tata Motors is contemplating to launch the CS versions of the Manza after tasting success through the Indigo CS sedans.

It’s just a matter days before Tata Motors hits the magical number of 5 lakh sedan units on road. Watch this space for more…

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Guest Blog : The History of the Mazda MX5

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2010_mazda_MX5+front_view The Mazda MX5, or experimental project number 5 to quote its full name, made its first public appearance during the Chicago Motor Show in February 1989 and went on sale in Hiroshima just a month later.

It was named the Mazda Eunos in Japan and the Mazda Miata in the U.S but whatever it was known by, it was appreciated as an affordable sports car with exceptional handling.

In comparison to other two-seaters, the Mazda appeared more enjoyable to push to the limit as well as drive at conservative speeds.

Middle-class citizens loved the opportunity to drive and own such a well balanced convertible. The public also lapped up the Mx5 hardtop, which became available at the same time.

The vehicle would also become especially popular amongst car modifiers. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to state that the MX-5 revived the sports car sector.

Evolution

A strictening of both car emissions standards and safety requirement led to Mazda adding a new engine to the MX5 in 1993.

The new BP-ZE 1.8 litre four-cylinder model made significant improvements to the vehicle and was followed by the additional of a lighter flywheel, and more powerful engine management computer to optimise the air/fuel ratio. The introduction of the MX5 Mk2 came in 1999 after five years worth of planning. The car, described by it’s designer as an MX5 with added muscle and tone, had praise poured on it from all quarters.

The New MX5

The latest version of the Mazda MX5, the MX5 mk 3.5, was introduced in April 2009 and boasted a lighter frame, increased power and a Powershift automatic gearbox to leave car buyers purring.

The Mazda MX5 has grown to become the most popular open top sports car in the world. As most MX5 owners will testify, the only way to find out what all the fuss is about to drive one.

– This blog is contributed by our guest writer Miriam Evans. You can reach Miriam at miriamevans0@gmail.com
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Porsche Museum clocks One million visitors

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Porsche Museum The museum of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has passed the million visitor mark just two and a half years after opening. Recently, museum director Achim Stejskal welcomed about 13 school children from India as jubilee guests.

Achim Stejskal stated, “We are very pleased to have been able to surprise these Indian boys and girls from Mumbai”. He also added that almost 35 percent of the visitors to the museum were from other countries and proudly stated that the all around the world the fascination for the Porsche brand and its history runs undiminished.

The 13 school children from India were in for a special treat. The museum workshop which is normally beyond any visitors reach was exclusively shown to the school children who again took turns to sit behind a 1954 Porsche 550 Spyder. This was not all. The young jubilee guests received a very special surprise at the end of their visit. The Porsche Museum promised the children that it would support their school project (Constructing a well in a village close to their school).

Since its opening on 31 January 2009, the Porsche Museum has provided more than 5,100 tours through the 5,600 m2 exhibition and hosted ten special exhibitions. Many celebrities from all over the world, including Jerry Seinfeld, Paris Hilton, Jamiroquai, Robby Naish, Udo Lindenberg and Peter Maffay have also taken an interest in this historic vehicle collection on Porscheplatz. Tickets sold to date would stretch a total of 150 km from Stuttgart to Lake Constance. Furthermore, since then more than 300 classics from the museum’s collection have been travelling the world as rolling brand ambassadors, attending historic racing and classic car events.

13 school kids from Mumbai

Whitsun sees the Porsche Museum opening exclusively for its visitors with the current special exhibition “Ferdinand Porsche – Pioneer of the Hybrid Drive” running until Whit Monday, 13 June 2011. The Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry costs € 8, € 4 for concessions. Children under the age of 14 go free when accompanied by an adult.

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July is when the Diesel Chevy Beat will be launched in India

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Chevrolet Beat Diesel Well, Just when we thought that we could have a glimpse of the famous and much speculated Chevrolet Beat in its Diesel avatar this month, we get a wake up call stating the launch is all set to happen only next month due to some unexplained last minute glitch.

By “last minute glitch”, we understand that General Motors India is still busy test driving the car in India and is in the process to complete, the mandatory certification of the car before the car is launched.

We expect the diesel version of the Chevy Beat to be the cheapest entry-level diesel car to be launched in India. By cheap, we mean that the magic figure might somewhere hover around the Rs 3-80 – 4 lakh range. Now that makes a neat and uncluttered marketing point, which Chevy wants to deliver, thanks to the unrestricted free rise of petroleum goods in India. With the cost of petrol reaching Rs 70 upwards a litre in certain parts of India, many car manufacturers are re-charting their strategies in the development of cost effective diesel engines.

General Motors India seems to be headed in the right direction with the launch of its diesel Beat next month. The Diesel Chevrolet Beat could come equipped with a 3-cylinder CRDI engine producing 57 bhp and 140 Nm of torque keeping the driveability and frugality in mind. The real test for Chevrolet while bringing out this engine would be to retain the smoothness while keeping the vibrations at bay. If Chevy succeeds in that, Chevy would have a clear winner in its portfolio, which again translates into huge volumes and the big success that had evaded Chevy for some time now through its run here in India.

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Range Rover Evoque to Make its debut in Indian Market in Q1 2012

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Land Rover Evoque is about to make its appearance in the Indian auto market in the beginning of 2012. While the car is expecting its global debut in mid 2011, the Evoque is about to make its launch in India in the first quarter of 2012.

The Evoque is a compact utility vehicle and is the first hybrid vehicle in the Land Rover range. The car will come with the smallest engine Land Rover has ever made – a 2.0-litre turbo engine that produces 240bhp of power.

However, it is still not known whether Tata Motors is going to assemble the Evoque at its newly inaugurated assembly line near Pune. Experts believe that if Tata Motors is serious with this car and wants to capture the Indian market, it will get better response if assembled in India. If sold in the CBU form, the new Range Rover Evoque will compete with the LC Prado, BMW X5, Audi Q7 and Mercedes Benz ML-Class.

Right now, CKD permits them to take it a segment lower putting it the line of the Audi Q5′s fire.

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Long Wait is Over as All New Maruti Suzuki Swift Arrives at Warehouses

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After creating much hype, the time has arrived for unveiling the all new Maruti Suzuki Swift which has recently got a facelift and expects to look more jazzy and chic than its predecessor.  As the final moment is approaching fast, Maruti has already started sending cars to the dealer warehouses across the country.  The demand for the all new Maruti Suzuki Swift has been soaring in the past few months and prospective buyers have been waiting eagerly for the announcement of the launch.

The new Swift model is going to be larger than the older model with all new headlamps and tail lamp design. Maruti has also trimmed down the edgy rear end so the new model is going to have a subtle curve. This will definitely give the all new Maruti Suzuki a refreshing look.  However, the engine options remain same which means the car will be available both on 1.2 liter K-Series Petrol engine as well as the 1.3 Liter Fiat Multijet Diesel engine.

As petrol price is sky-rocketed, automakers are now concentrating more on efficient and smaller diesel engines and Maruti is too in sync with the new strategy. Plus, they are also planning to add state-of-the art features including start-stop button, keyless entry, etc.

So if you have been waiting to catch a glimpse of the all new Maruti Suzuki Swift, your wait comes to an end, as we expect to see the new Swift launch somewhere around July-August.

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Diesel Cars to Rule Indian Auto Market

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diesel cars Petrol or diesel, it has always been a much debated topic amongst the car buyers. If you have always argued for petrol, then you will be surely taken aback to know that experts believe that diesel cars are going to rule the Indian auto market by 2013.

Once considered frugal and lousy, diesel cars are now fast taking over their petrol counterparts, thanks to the skyrocketing price of liquid gold. According to a report in The Economic Times, the sales of diesel cars have already been growing faster than petrol cars over the last few years. Due to the exorbitant price of petrol and the widening difference between the price of petrol and diesel it seems that diesel cars are going to rule the market in the coming few years.

Thus, automakers are prompted to concentrate more on the diesel versions. Shashank Srivastava, chief GM (sales & marketing) at Maruti Suzuki India said, “I expect diesel percentage to be significantly higher. It can be as high as 45-50 per cent over the next three-to-four years.”

The lower maintenance cost of the diesel cars along with the lower fuel cost (compared to petrol) have given confidence to both buyers and automakers to bet on the diesel cars.

Neeraj Garg, director of sales at Volkswagen Passenger Cars is super optimistic with diesel cars and commented “Diesel can be half of the total car market even before three-to-four years. The fuel is growing very strongly and has taken even us by surprise, forcing us to produce more of diesel.” Garg further added, “While the price differential is forcing people to look at diesel, the engine refinement and advancement is also something that makes them go for the fuel.”

Indian automakers are thus expected to make a paradigm shift and come up with new improved diesel versions of their hot selling cars. GM will get a diesel version of the Beat hatchback while Tata is planning to launch a diesel version of their popular Nano.

Toyota Kirloskar Motors also might hasten the launch of the diesel variants of the Toyota Etios Sedan and the soon-to-be launched Toyota Etios Liva Hatchback. Hyundai is setting up a diesel engine plant, while companies like Maruti, and Ford are improvising their diesel engines for higher performance. Even traditional petrol engine makers like Honda is planning to launch diesel versions for their Indian customers.

However, the radical change in strategy comes from Renault who has priced the diesel version of their Fluence Sedan much lower than the petrol variant, which is for the first time in India. These changes in strategies of the Indian automakers are a clear indication that diesel cars are going to rule the Indian automobile market in the next few years.

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