Monthly Archives: July 2011

Beat diesel launched by GM India at Rs 4.29 lakh

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Chevrolet-Beat-diesel-launch Chevrolet India finally launched the Beat in the diesel avatar. What comes, as a shocker though is the price in which the car has been launched…A jaw-dropping Rs. 4. 29 lakh (Ex-showroom-Delhi) for the base version of the car.

General Motors, which has come out with this product is proud as this marks the company’s first diesel hatchback in the country. The diesel Beat with an ARAI certified mileage of 24 kmpl is all set to rule the market in days to come. As mentioned earlier, the prices sound inviting when it reads like this… Rs 4.29 Lakhs for PS, Rs 4.59 lakhs for LS, Rs 4.99 for the LT and Rs 5.45 Lakhs for the LT optional pack which includes ABS and Alloy wheels. All prices ex-showroom Delhi.

The Beat Diesel is powered by a 936 cc, turbo charaged common rail diesel engine that pumps out a peak power of 57 bhp and peak torque of 150 NM. The numbers may not look exciting but the fuel economy the car claims certainly does. Actually, these numbers are the least in the class. Indians who have been hard hit by the recent fuel price hikes can find some solace in the Chevy Beat Diesel.

To make the deal even sweeter for the customers of the Chevy Beat Diesel, the company has thrown in deals, which certainly looks irresistible. The Chevrolet Beat Diesel Hatchback will come with a 3 years, 1,00,000 Kilometer engine warranty. The “Chevrolet Promise” subsidized maintenance package of 3 years/45,000 Kms maintenance will be applicable on the Chevrolet Beat Diesel Hatchback as well.

Chevrolet-Beat-Diesel-1.0-Liter-XSDE-Diesel-Engine

The company is currently producing about 6,000 units of diesel engines every month at its Talegaon facility in Maharashtra. The technical expertise to build the diesel engine, which also is touted to be the smallest diesel engine-powered passenger car for GM globally, cam in from Europe, also known as the hub of diesel technology.

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Volkswagen India plans to bring in the 2011 Jetta on Aug 17th

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2011-jetta---01opt It is official. The new Volkswagen Jetta will be launched on August 17th. Yes, that’s the day Volkswagen India has earmarked to bring in the Jetta in an attempt to sabotage Maruti Suzuki’s plans of launching the new Swift.

A new 1.8L petrol engine and a new 2.0 diesel engine will power the new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. Volkswagen India claims that the new engines doing duty in the Jetta is quite powerful and fuel-efficient. The new Volkswagen Jetta diesel will pump out 140 bhp against the 110 bhp, which the older engine used to generate.

On the exteriors, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta looks more contemporary and on the interiors, its luxury personified. The new 2011 Jetta is also spacious when compared to the older version and uses 6 speed gearbox with DSG automatic for transmission. Expect many gizmos to be loaded in the car to lure the customers towards it.

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Volkswagen, the World’s second largest car manufacturer, is bringing out the 2011 Jetta on the new Golf platform. With the Jetta being launched in India, Volkswagen India dreams of dominating the D segment.

Stay tuned with this page for more happenings on the day of the launch and more…

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Mercedes sells 90 cars to single buyer; eyes fleet services segment

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Mercedes-BenzLogo-300x226 Mercedes Benz India, which is in loggerheads with compatriots such as BMW and Audi in the Indian luxury car segment, got a boost when it sold 90 Mercedes Benz C-Class cars to a New Delhi based fleet services Carzonrent.

The German company operating in India has started focusing on sales to so-called fleet services, which include car rental and lease businesses and radio taxi services, to bridge the gap with rival BMW India Pvt. Ltd. Mercedes Benz India is trying hard to stay in top of the game and is already in talks with 2-3 fleet operators. The car sales of this sort are expected to garner around 8-10 percent of the total car sales for the carmaker.

Mercedes Benz, which has a strong presence in fleet services in the West or Middle East, wants to evolve such practices in India. Though there more than 20 fleet operators with more than 300 cars in the fleet not many operators have luxury cars in their fold. However, the demand for luxury cars is rapidly on the rise amongst the fleet operators. The fleet operators collaborate with various international and domestic airlines, hotels and financial services companies to serve their high-flying guests. It is estimated that almost 25 percent of the car rental revenues come from the luxury car segment.

Mercedes Benz globally sells around 10-15 percent of its cars to the fleet services. “This is still in the processing stage. We will make it a separate entity once our financial services wing becomes operational,” said Peter T. Honegg, managing director, Mercedes-Benz India.

Mercedes-Benz India and BMW India are the market leaders in the foreign luxury car segment. The segment accounts for 1 percent of total cars sold every year in the country. BMW India sold 2,377 units in April-June, registering a growth of 174 percent over a year earlier, while Mercedes-Benz India’s sales grew 49 percent to 1,664 units.

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Mercedes Benz India will launch a non-banking finance company to run its financial services business in India. It has already obtained the nod from Reserve Bank of India. To top it all, Mercedes Benz India will also start leasing cars to companies by the end of this year.

“This practice is also followed worldwide but it will take some time before it matures in India. But it has got some good prospects,” Honegg said.

He said Mercedes-Benz dealers would buy the cars and lease them out to corporate houses for a particular period. “Once the lease period of a particular car will be over, we will sell it through our pre-owned car business,” said Honegg. “However, we are still working out the details.”

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Ford Motors launches All-New Fiesta at 8.23 lakh rupees

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Ford-Fiesta-launch-Nigel-Wark-Michael-Boneham As expected the All-New Ford Fiesta has been launched in Delhi today. Fthe All-new-Ford Fiesta, a global sedan from the house of Ford Motors has been launched with a price tage of Rs 8.23 lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi).

The premium sedan, since its reveal earlier this year, has grabbed the attention of car buyers in India with its engaging and intuitive passenger communication technology. The globally evolved product brings to its segment a new meaning to passenger safety, delivers class-leading fuel efficiency and comes with first-in-segment smart features such as cruise control, electric power assisted steering (EPAS) and Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control.

The All-New Ford Fiesta comes equipped with a first-ever 1.5-litre powertrains – 1.5 L Ti-VCT petrol and 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi diesel engines. The engines are designed and tuned to deliver an uncompromising razor-sharp performance, addictive drivability and best-in-class fuel efficiency. Both powertrains will be manufactured in Ford India’s state-of-the-art engine plant at Maraimalai Nagar.

The All-New Fiesta is available in four premium trims, across eight variants – Style, Trend, Titanium and Titanium Plus, with both petrol and diesel powertrain options in manual transmission.

The 1.5 L Ti-VCT Style is priced at Rs. 823,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and the 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi Titanium Plus at Rs. 10,42,200 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Ford India is offering Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), airbags and steering wheel audio controls as standard features among others, across all eight variants in both petrol and diesel options.

fiestafordnew_interiors

“We are excited to launch the All-New Fiesta to India and reiterate our One Ford vision by bringing you the first of the eight new global vehicles to be launched here by 2015. This premium sedan, with its many first-in-segment and innovative features, brings to its segment class-leading passenger safety, precision engineering and in-cabin technology and elevates the customer experience to a new level of engagement and connectivity while on the move,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India. “Ford India is proud to be the sixth manufacturing location in the world to produce the All-New Fiesta,” he added.

The All New Ford Fiesta features bold and eye-catchy exteriors, thanks to the kinetic design philosophy it follows. The car is a com-mixture of international appeal, flamboyant, aerodynamic and sporty all rolled into one. The interior of the car, which resembles a cockpit, is technologically advanced and impressively modern.

The car is equipped with exciting new features like an intuitive human-machine interface, first-in-segment Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control that allow for hands-free control over six functions such as phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control. The first-in-segment EPAS with Pull Drift Compensation technology adapts to changing road conditions leading to increased safety and control. Dual front air bags with ABS and EBD (standard across all variants) as well as an ultra-high strength body reinforced with aluminized boron steel in the All-New Fiesta make for an engaging and safe drive.

fiesta engine

The 1.5 litre petrol and diesel engines that we had mentioned above in the blog are quite fuel-efficient and has been made for India. The All-New Ford Fiesta delivers excellent handling in city as well as highway conditions, without sacrificing its essentially sporty character. Both engines offer best-in-class fuel economy: 1.5 L Ti-VCT delivers 17 km/L and the 1.5 L Duratorq TDCi, 23.5 km/L1 (ARAI Tested).

“Our extensive research revealed customers’ inclination and aspiration towards technology and we have the right product in the All-New Fiesta which addresses that requirement giving serious consideration to safety on the move. While adding dynamism and diversity to our showrooms across the country, this premium and engaging sedan brings in Ford’s global essence to the Indian market,” said Nigel Wark, executive director of Marketing, Sales and Service at Ford India.

The All-new Ford Fiesta features specially tuned front struts, bushings, damper stabiliser bars and a rear twist-beam axle provide sure-footed performance and comfort. The reinforced construction provides the necessary safety on the roads. Fiesta’s ability to hug the road and cruise quietly is made possible by its rigid body structure, which Ford engineers have strengthened in many critical areas. More than 55 percent of the structure, uses high-strength steel with ultra-strong boron steel reinforcing several key points. The result is best-in-class occupant safety. Passengers are better protected in the event of a side impact. Standard front driver and passenger airbags on all models also enhance safety.

Some of the features the All-New Ford Fiesta can boast off are First-in-segment Advanced Bluetooth Voice Control, Hands-free control over mobile phone, radio, CD, USB, iPod and electronic climate control. First-in-segment electronic power assisted steering (EPAS) with Pull Drift Compensation technology adapts to changing road conditions. First-in-segment cruise control: Fiesta’s cruise control allows the driver to set and maintain speeds while driving on highways.

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The All-New Fiesta is being launched in seven exciting colours such as Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey, Chill, Panther Black, Squeeze and Kinetic Blue.

Ford India is offering a 2-year warranty/ 100,000 km to ensure the peace of mind that comes with owning the latest Ford. The years of research, superior materials and the best of engineering also bring to the customer a lower cost of ownership. Ford India offers a hassle-free service and ownership experience with the All-New Fiesta through its 189 3S grade sales and service outlets in 107 Indian cities.

The All-New Ford Fiesta Petrol prices are Style – Rs. 8,23,500, Trend – Rs. 8,77,200, Titanium – Rs. 9,17,200 and Titanium+ –Rs. 9.42,200 while the Fiesta diesel prices are as follows Style – Rs. 9,27,200, Trend – Rs. 9,77,200, Titanium – Rs. 10,17,200 and Titanium+ – Rs. 10,42,200 (All Ex-Showroom Delhi).

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Toyota Etios Liva sticker price makes the car a steal in India

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Etios-Liva The Toyota Etios Liva, which was launched about a couple of weeks ago in India already has made the Toyota dealers bring in more chairs to accommodate the prospective customers pouring in to book the car. Since its launch, Etios Liva has been in the limelight, and why not! Though with looks of plain Jane, the car is still lust worthy, thanks to its unmatched best in class price tag and fuel efficiency.

Toyota Liva can boast of a distinctive grille, sculpted surface and dynamic character-line in the front and rear, the aero kit – with front and rear bumper skirt, side skirt and roof spoiler make the vehicle stand out from the rest of the crowd.

The car powered by 1.2L, 16V DOHC petrol engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission imparts high performance of the vehicle without compromising on the fuel efficiency. The car returns with a impressive mileage of 18.31kmpl (ARAI tested). The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and ensures you get a smooth city driving experience.

With these features, the Toyota Liva is undoubtedly the best premium hatchback in the market. The icing on the cake, of-course is the price tag with which the car comes in. The price starts from Rs 3.99 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. Here is a quick look at the price of the car in different cities in India. In Ahmedabad, the price of Toyota Etios Liva is between Rs 4,25,478 – Rs 6,13,742 whereas the price of Liva in Chandigarh is about Rs 4,18,669 – Rs 6,04,797 (ex-showroom price).

The price of Etios Liva in Chennai is in the range of Rs 4,13,786 – Rs 5,99,518 and the prices in Bangalore range from Rs 4,21,476 – Rs 6,08,684. Toyota Etios Liva price in Jaipur range from Rs 4,26,910 – Rs 6,15,568 whereas the price of Liva in Delhi is between Rs 3,99,000 – Rs 5,99,000. The ex-showroom price of Etios Liva in Mumbai is Rs 4,12,604 – Rs 5,97,757.

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Volkswagen India rolls-out the 100,000th car from its Chakan plant

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Volkswagen_car Volkswagen India Private Limited recently celebrated the roll-out of the 100,000th car at its manufacturing plant in Chakan, Pune in the presence of Supriya Sule, Honorable Member of the Parliament, Dr. John Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India and President & Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited and Holger Nestler, Executive Director, Technical, Volkswagen India Private Limited. Dilip Mohite Patil, Honorable Member of the Legislative Assembly, Khed and Vilas Lande Honorable Member of Legislative Assembly, Bhosari graced the occasion with their presence.

This remarkable figure of 100,000th car has been achieved in 2 years from the start of production in May 2009 reiterating the fact that production at the greenfield plant is on schedule.

The 100,000th car was rolled out in the presence of honorable Members of Parliament, media, suppliers, members of the Board of Directors and other employees.

This milestone for Volkswagen India was celebrated with a ceremony as the 100,000th car, a Volkswagen Vento rolled out from the final check point at the plant. The 100,000th car was rolled out within five months of the roll out of the 50,000th car from the Volkswagen plant.

The Chakan plant currently produces the Volkswagen Polo, the Volkswagen Vento and the Skoda Fabia.

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Maruti Suzuki achieves 10 lakh production mark of K-series engine

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K-series-Engine Every Dark Cloud Has a Silver Lining…So goes the proverb… Well Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest carmaker was in the eye of the storm for a month now over the labour unrest and depleting sales for the month of June. But just when we thought Maruti Suzuki was caught up in its own woes, here comes a piece of news that makes us raise our glasses for a toast to the auto maker.

Maruti Suzuki, on Wednesday claimed that the production of the famous fuel efficient yet powerful K-Series engines crossed the 10 lakh units mark within three years of starting the output. The K-Series Engine powers Maruti Suzuki’s bestsellers such as WagonR, Swift, Estilo and Alto-K10.

It must be remembered that the company first launched the K-series engine with its flagship export model A-Star in October 2008, it added. The K-series engines are produced at the company’s Gurgaon facility.

Commenting on the achievement, Maruti Suzuki India Chief General Manager (Marketing) Shashank Srivastava said: “We feel proud that customers have really appreciated our offerings mounted with the next generation K-series engine. As market leader, we have continuously improved the technologies over the years.”

Of the total production in achieving the milestone, Maruti Suzuki has fitted the K-series engine in over 3.5 lakh units of A-Star, 1.9 lakh units of WagonR, 1.36 lakh units of Alto K-10, 1.05 lakh units of Estilo, 1.24 lakh units of Swift and 95,000 units of Ritz.

The numbers have a tale to tell…

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Porsche returns to Le Mans in 2014

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Porsche Le mans Porsche returns to Le Mans with a works-run LMP1 sports prototype. The first outing of the completely new developed race car is planned for the year 2014. With 16 overall victories, Porsche is the most successful manufacturer in Le Mans. The most recent win was in 1998 with the Porsche 911 GT1.

“Motorsport was always an essential part of the Porsche brand,” emphasises Matthias Müller, President of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “So for us it was only a matter of time before we returned as a factory to the top league of racing. Porsche’s successes in Le Mans are unrivalled. We want to follow up on this with the 17th outright victory.”

With the RS Spyder sports prototype that was run with great success from 2006 to 2008 by the factory-backed Penske Racing team in the USA and to 2010 by several customer teams worldwide, Porsche has set the benchmark recently in the LMP2 category. “With the RS Spyder we proved that our motorsport engineers in Weissach are at the forefront,” says Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development at Porsche AG. “For instance, we were the first to run a high-revving race engine with direct fuel injection, DFI, setting new standards in performance and efficiency. Recently, with the 911 GT3 R Hybrid, we adopted a completely new drive technology for racing purposes and achieved a considerable reduction in consumption.”

Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport, is already prepared for one of the most challenging development programmes in the company’s history. “We’re looking forward to the task of developing new technologies and to continue on with the success of the Porsche RS Spyder. After the conclusion of our works-supported sports prototype programme in the American Le Mans Series we have kept up with the latest technological advances. Now we will begin with detailed research in order to evaluate the various concept alternatives for our new car. These obviously depend on how the regulations for the year 2014 look in detail. In principle, these regulations are interesting for us because the integration of our hybrid technology in the vehicle concept is one possible option.”

Porsche Le Mans 1

Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood claimed the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970 with the legendary 917 short-tail. The 16th and by now last overall win was secured by Laurent Aiello, Stéphane Ortelli and Allan McNish in 1998 with the 911 GT1. In the years 2008 and 2009, the Porsche RS Spyder sports prototype won the title in the LMP2 category.

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