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November 24, 2011

Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 launched at Rs 9.17 lakhs

Mahindra and Mahindra, the Indian Utility vehicles major have just done what most of those mud pluggers have been asking for. They have gone ahead and launched the Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 SUV. What’s new you might ask?

Well, for beginners, this Mahindra Scorpio has been completely stripped off most of its creature comforts the top VLX 4X4 offers and has been launched in an attractive package of Rs. 9.17 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi).

This move by the Mahindra’s will most certainly kick start the sales of LX 4X4 version in the Indian market. The Mahindra Scorpio 4X4 SUV looks pretty much the same as the VLX 4X4 but for the tail gate. The other changes worth mentioning here are free-wheeling hubs on the wheels and a shift-on-the-fly four wheel drive level on the central console beside the gear lever.

As far as the engine is concerned, the Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 runs on the same engine that powers the other variants, the very humble 2.2 Liter mHawk CRDe turbo diesel engine that pumps out 120 bhp of peak power and 290 Nm of torque. For the transmission, a five speed manual gearbox has been paired with the engine. About 100 kgs of weight has been added to the SUV which otherwise boasted of weighing close to two tons. The engineers have not tinkered with the ground clearance of the vehicle and it remains the same at 180 mm and the SUV will still stand on 16” wheels.

Now, the most obvious question every motor head in India asks … Mileage kitana deti hai? We wouldn’t dare to make a blasphemic comment here but it is up to you to read between the lines. A slight drop in the 2 wheel drive mode while a thirsty drinker in the four wheel drive mode should suffice for an off roader searching for answers. To make the drive a thriller on wheels, Mahindra Scorpio LX 4X4 has not been fitted with safety features such as ABS and Airbags.

But the SUV is home to certain features such as 5-Zone cushion suspension, digital Immobilizer, crash protection crumple zones and Child locks, Tubeless Tyres, tiltable steering, power steering and power windows, mobile charging facility, Illuminated spoiler, Roof top ski racks and central locking.

Our verdict: For those finding the Thar a little too bare, Scorpio LX 4X4 is for you.

posted by carazooblog @ Thursday, November 24th, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 23, 2011

Toyota planning Rs 780-cr investment in Bidadi plant

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKML), a subsidiary of Japan’s Toyota Motor Corp (TMC), plans to invest another Rs 780 crore at its Bidadi plant near Bangalore.

The company, which has invested around Rs 5,000 crore in India, has approached the Karnataka government for the necessary clearances, said a senior minister in the state cabinet. The company has set up two car manufacturing plants, and is setting up an engine plant at Bidadi. Currently, TKML employs around 5,000 people.

“Toyota has approached the state government with the proposal to invest an additional Rs 780 crore at its Bidadi plant. It also wants additional 16 acres of land for expansion in engine manufacturing and components for its small cars in India,” Murugesh R Nirani, minister for large and medium industries, government of Karnataka, told Business Standard. Nirani said the company’s proposal would be discussed by the state high level clearance committee , headed by the chief minister, which clears mega industrial investment projects.

In July, TKML had announced it would increase its production capacity to 310,000 units by 2013, with an investment of Rs 898 crore.

It is in the process of enhancing production at its first plant from 90,000 units to 100,000 units, while production at its second plant is being increased from 120,000 units to 210,000 units. The first plant would manufacture Innova and Fortuner units, while the second plant would manufacture Etios, Etios Liva and Corolla Altis.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 23, 2011

Hyundai launches eco-efficient i10 blue drive LPG

In a novel way to beat the petrol price blues, Hyundai Motor India, the country’s largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer has come out with the LPG version of the popular i10. This certainly brings a lot of cheers from the consumers who are reeling under the onslaught of petrol price hikes.

The LPG variant is priced Rs 27,630 more than the existing petrol model. The new LPG version of i10, christened i10 ‘blue drive’ (blue drive is Hyundai’s eco-friendly and fuel efficient range) comes with a factory-fitted LPG kit and boasts of features that meet global standards in performance and safety. This way Hyundai India is also promoting eco-friendly and non-polluting transport.

Hyundai has introduced the eco-efficient ‘blue drive’ technology in the Next Gen i10 in its 1.1 Era and 1.1 Magna variants. The ex-showroom Delhi prices for the i10 Era (1.1 ltr) is Rs 416,144 and i10 Magna (1.1 ltr) is priced at Rs 430,659.

The i10 LPG is powered by the 1.1 litre iRDE2 engine, it comes with easy petrol to LPG shift that offers customers a unique combination of reliable performance and unmatched fuel economy. With separate Petrol (35 litre) and LPG (34 litre) tanks, the customers have an option to choose from LPG and petrol modes. The LPG tank in the i10 blue drive has a special ‘Toroidal’ LPG tank, which allows intelligent use of space and makes for larger boot space than conventional LPG-fitted models.

The Alternator Management System (AMS) is yet another innovative technology from Hyundai which controls delivery of power to the battery. While decelerating, the power supply to the battery is normal and during acceleration it limits the power. This gives extended battery life and better mileage. The Manual Shift Indicator which is a first-in-class feature available in the i10 helps to achieve maximum fuel efficiency by optimum gear usage.

Announcing the launch, Mr. H W Park, MD and CEO, HMIL said, “The LPG version of our Next Gen i10 is a viable alternative for customers looking at low running cost. With the launch of the i10 Blue Drive, Hyundai is broadening its eco-friendly initiative. Hyundai believes in preserving the environment by making eco-friendly cars that run on low emission fuels.”

The LPG kit in i10 blue drive is impact resistant and is approved by DOE (Department of Explosives). It is tested and certified by ARAI (Automotive Research Association of India), the country’s premier automobile testing and certifying authority. The factory-fitted LPG system in i10 enjoys full 2 year manufacturer warranty benefits, ensuring enhanced safety and peace of mind for its customers.

With the addition of Hyundai i10 LPG, the numbers of factory fitted LPG models have risen to a considerable number for the customers to choose.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 21, 2011

Delhi Auto Expo 2012 to witness 55 new models

Things might be looking bleak at the car sales front for most of the makes in India, but that has not stopped the enthusiasm of the car makers to bring in newer models to India. Next year during the 11th Delhi Auto Expo, the country might witness a slew of launches amounting for more than 55 new product launches.

If you might recall, the 10th Auto Expo held at New Delhi in 2010 had seen 50 launches, including 10 global launches. That was when the market was robust (read alive and kicking). This time around, there will be more than 50 participants against 42 participants who had turned up for the event last time.

The lineup for this year will see the new players such as French auto major Peugeot Citroen, Super sports car maker Bugatti, Japanese commercial vehicle maker Isuzu, Kamaz Vectra, a Russian company that makes trucks in India, local name Garware Motors, which has started selling Hyosung superbikes, Daimler Commercial Vehicles, BMW Motorrad, off-road vehicle maker Polaris and the UK-based Triumph Motorcycles.

The much touted Tata Nano competitor, Bajaj Auto’s much awaited small car also will be unveiled in the show. This car boasts of an unmatched best-in-class mileage which is going to kick start the proceedings at the 11th Auto Expo. This launch is very vital for Nissan-Renault combine as it has for the for the first time has partnered with Bajaj Auto to come out with a low cost product in the market which again can make or mar the product.

Likewise, India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki will be unveiling two cars at the show including a concept sports utility vehicle which the company is mum about. Tata Motors also might come out with their own concept car. But if you were thinking Tata to showcase the diesel Nano during the Auto Expo, think again, as the Indian Auto giant has no such plans at least for now.

Peugeot is expected to showcase its 508 Sedan, the first product it will launch in 2014, apart from other cars it plans to bring to India. Renault on the other hand has confirmed that it will be launching its small car, the Pulse at the Expo. The car was first showcased during the inaugural Indian GP held at Noida last month. Ford India, which has seen tremendous growth in the past couple of years since the launch of its Figo model will launch the EcoSport, a mini SUV at the Expo.

In a bid to promote the electric vehicles, the organisers will for the first time have a procession and companies expected to participate in this segment include General Motors, Tata Motors, Renault and Maruti Suzuki, among others.

The 11th Auto Expo to be held in New Delhi will also boast of the presence of super luxury brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, Maserati, Lamborghini and Rolls Royce that will add the much need jazz and flair to the event.

Watch out for this space for more info on the 11th Auto Expo to be held at New Delhi in January 2012.

posted by carazooblog @ Monday, November 21st, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 16, 2011

Overhauled Tata Nano to hit showrooms this Month

Since its launch in March 2009, Tata Nano has created a lot of stir in the Indian automobile market for being the cheapest car so far. The car has again created a buzz as it is about to get a serious facelift.

The overhauled model is expected to get several cosmetic changes including new seats and fabric, passenger side outside rear view mirror, new front seat headrest, new wheel cap design, floor mats, are some of the features that are expected to be present in the new model. Plus, to add a little bit of jazz to the interior Tata engineers have created a beige colored dashboard. The new model is also expected to be available in attractive new colors.

Some mechanical changes are also expected for the new Tata Nano model. While the steering geometry has been redone, the castor angle is optimized so that the steering effort is minimized which has been a major issue with the car. The suspension setup has also been adjusted. Tata engineers have also tweaked the anti roll bar for the betterment of its ride and handling. Plus, body stiffness has been increased too.

And that’s not all! Tata has also raised the power of its new Nano by almost 10 percent. From 35bhp the new model is expected to have a max power of 38 bhp. Tata engineers are also working on a two cylinder engine and a more powerful three cylinder 900 cc motor. However, we need to wait for at least a year to see this new engine.

The upgraded Nano will be available in pearl white and other bright colors like green and orange. However, we are not expecting any major price chance. The car is scheduled to be launch later this month.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 1 Comment » links to this post

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November 16, 2011

Skoda Rapid Sedan Launched at Rs. 6.75 Lakhs

Skoda Rapid Sedan… One of the most awaited sedans in India for quite some time has now been launched. The Skoda Rapid has been launched in India at the starting price of Rs. 6.75 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi for the base petrol Active variant. With this starting price, Skoda Auto clearly has a winner in its hands with the Skoda Rapid Sedan.

The Skoda Rapid more or less looks very Ventoish from the side profiles but is priced lesser than the Volkswagen Vento. The Rapid borrows the front look from the fellow stable-mate Fabia. As far as the looks are concerned, the Skoda Rapid sedan shares the looks of the Vento and this in turn would keep the costs down for Volkswagen and Skoda India. There certainly would be a lot of parts sharing between these two sedans and the development costs would not mount unnecessarily. Hence the competitive price tag on the Rapid.

Skoda-Rapid-Sedan-Rear-AC-vents-cupholder-and-seat-adjust-mechanism

The pricing is a talking point in the Rapid as the sedan is priced cheaper than the Volkswagen Vento. If you recall, the Vento when launched had a price tag of Rs. 6.99 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Delhi) for the petrol base Trendline variant. Skoda Rapid is offered in both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol 1.6 MPI engine delivers 106 bhp and 153 Nm while the diesel 1.6 liter TDI Turbo diesel engine pumps out 105 bhp and 253 Nm. As far as the transmission is concerned, the Skoda Rapid has a choice of a 5 speed manual and 6-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox.

The Skoda Rapid is offered in eight variants with Active, Ambition and Elegance being the names of the variants. The petrol version of the Rapid has been priced at Active Rs. 6.75 Lakhs, Ambition Rs. 7.09 Lakhs and Elegance at Rs. 7.99 Lakhs while the price of the Diesel versions of the Skoda Rapid is Active Rs. 7.95 Lakhs, Ambition Rs. 8.9 Lakhs and Elegance at Rs 9.19 Lakhs. The automatic variants of the Rapid read at Rs. 8.09 Lakhs for the Ambition and Rs. 8.99 lakhs for the Elegance. Skoda has played right by launching an automatic version of the Rapid as well. The buyer is certainly spoilt for choice with the Skoda Rapid.

The features present in the Active Variant are Anti glare rear view mirrors, rear defogger, rough road package, engine immobilizer, central locking, front center armrest, tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, and anti pinch system.

The Ambition variant would include all the Active variants features along with Steel wheels, Body colored mirrors and door handles, ABS, driver airbag, remote control with foldable key, driver seat height adjuster and rear center armrest. The top end Elegance variant features Alloy wheels, front passenger airbag, security code for audio player, AUX ports for media player and memory card, automatic climate control, electrically adjustable mirrors and MID.

The Skoda Rapid is being offered in five attractive colors such as Cappuccino beige, Candy white, Flash Red, Brilliant Silver and Deep Black Pearl.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 16th, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 15, 2011

Lowell Paddock to replace Karl Slym as new GM India President and MD

A change of guard has happened at General Motors India. Lowell Paddock has been appointed President and Managing Director of General Motors India, effective January 1, 2012. Mr. Paddock will succeed Karl Slym, who moves to GM’s largest operations in China as Executive Vice President of SAIC and Wuling Motors, which manufactures a growing lineup of mini-commercial vehicles and passenger cars.

Based at GM India’s headquarters in Gurgaon, Paddock will oversee GM’s operations across India, including its manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat, and Talegaon, Maharashtra, as well as its joint venture with Chinese automaker SAIC.

“We are pleased to have someone with Lowell’s vast experience heading our rapidly expanding operations and the growth of the Chevrolet brand in one of the world’s most important vehicle markets,” said GM International Operations (GMIO) President Tim Lee. “His background provides a perfect fit with what we aim to accomplish in India.”

Paddock has held several important posts in product planning and program management in his home country of the United States, Europe and Asia since joining General Motors in 1992. His previous positions include Director of Portfolio Planning at GM Europe, Vice President of Planning at GM Asia Pacific, and Executive Director of Planning and Program Management at GM’s Shanghai GM joint venture in China.

Since September 1, 2009, Paddock has served as GMIO Vice President of Program Management and Planning, where he has had oversight of GM’s product lineup in Asia Pacific, Africa, the Middle East, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of the GM-AvtoVAZ joint venture and GM Korea.

Karl has held the post of President and Managing Director of GM India since October 1, 2007. “We thank Karl for his important contribution in India in improving market share, launching successful products like Cruze and Beat, commissioning the new car manufacturing and engine plants and expanding the dealer and supplier footprints, said Tim Lee. Karl has played a key role in the growth of GM’s business and helped the company emerge as the 5th largest automobile manufacturer in India during his tenure. He has put GM in a strong position for continued success in a market that we have made a global priority,” added Lee.

In his new position, Karl will play a key role in GM’s ongoing growth in the world’s largest vehicle market in China and a market in which GM is the global industry leader. Karl will remain a member of the GMIO leadership team.

posted by carazooblog @ Tuesday, November 15th, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 9, 2011

Ahmedabad becomes sixth Porsche Centre in India

Porsche has a new home in West India’s growing market for exclusive cars. With the opening of Porsche Centre Ahmedabad, Porsche is set to provide customers across Gujarat with an unparalleled experience through this state-of-the-art facility. Along with New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Chandigarh, this becomes the overall sixth Porsche Centre in India and the second in the western part of the country.

Construction of this superbly located showroom started in February 2011. The facility offers a 4,200 square feet showroom space with five sales consultants being permanently available for visitor enquiries. In addition, a 30,000 square feet service area will ensure an uncompromising After Sales service experience. Now completed, the site is home to the entire Porsche product range, including the most popular model – the Porsche Cayenne.

With the opening of Porsche Centre Ahmedabad, Porsche continues with its strategy of expanding its presence across India, enabling the car manufacturer to offer its customers a high-end product with leading service standards.

Speaking at the occasion, Ankur Jain, CEO of Porsche Centre Ahmedabad, said: “We are proud to be selected by Porsche to represent its operations in this key region. Our experienced and dynamic team is committed to delivering exceptional Sales and After Sales service on par with Porsche global standards.”

“This is our third opening of the year and we are looking at further expansions into the Indian market with Bangalore and Kochi to be opened in the near future”, added Ashish Chordia, Chief Executive of Precision Cars India Private Limited.

On the occasion of Porsche Centre Ahmedabad’s opening George Wills, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa, states: “We are excited about the inauguration of Porsche Centre Ahmedabad, our second showroom in the western part of India. It not only represents another milestone in our expanding network, but will provide us with the opportunity to expose our fantastic range of products to a wider audience in the prosperous states of Gujarat.”

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 9, 2011

Range Rover Evoque graces India, priced at Rs. 45.48 lakhs

The Range Rover Evoque has landed in India at an asking price of Rs Rs. 44.75 lakhs (Ex-show room Mumbai). The Range Rover Evoque is the cheapest and smallest of the Range Rover series. The Evoque has become a runaway hit even before it was launched here and has already garnered 30,000 bookings worldwide.

The SUV is sleek, bold and has a futuristic design. In India, the Range Rover Evoque has been rolled out with a price tag of Rs. 44.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), for the base diesel model. The Evoque is squarely targeted against Audi Q5, BMW X5 and Volvo XC60. This luxury offering from the house of Land Rover comes in three variants such as Pure, Dynamic and Prestige has carries a price tag Rs. 57 lakhs, Rs. 53.38 lakhs and Rs. 54.36 lakhs respectively. The petrol Dynamic variant of the Evoque is offered at Rs. 59.47 lakhs.

The Evoque displays futuristic looks and a perfect design that would definitely set an example for SUVs, in the coming time. It is important to note that the recent launch by Land Rover appears more like a sports car than an SUV, which indeed proves to be greatest advantage for the car. In India, the Evoque will be equipped with a 2197 cc diesel engine and a 1999cc petrol engine. Moreover, the diesel variant will be sold as a five-door model, while the petrol one will have a three-door body.

The Pure model is a consummate blend of luxury and sportiness, and the Prestige model is undoubtedly the most classy model available in terms of interiors. On the other hand, the Dynamic model displays the most stylish features among all the other variants. All the trim levels come with high-end features, such as a touch screen interface, Bluetooth connectivity, an 11-speaker audio system, cruise control, a panoramic sunroof and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Thus, Land Rover has ramped-up its operations in the rapidly growing Indian market, ensuring that no stone is left unturned.

posted by carazooblog @ Wednesday, November 9th, 2011 0 Comments links to this post

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November 3, 2011

Ferrari FF launched with Rs. 3.42 Crore Price Tag in India

Ferrari FF is finally here in India at the asking price of Rs. 3.42 Crore (Ex-showroom New-Delhi). The Ferrari FF is the first four seater, four wheel drive Ferrari available in India. Ferrari FF is designed by Pininfarina and had debuted during the Geneva Motors Show on 1st March 2011.

This car with the Prancing Horse logo is one of the most practical sports car ever built.

The Ferrari FF has a 6,262 cc, naturally aspirated direct injected V12 under the hood producing 651 bhp of max power at 8,000 rpm and 683 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm. The Ferrari FF also holds the distinction of housing the company’s biggest ever engine.

As far as the transmission is concerned, a 7 speed gear box via a dual clutch is mated to the engine which gives the agility to the car. The F1 style clutch delivers that mammoth power the driver demands during the drive. The power is transmitted to the wheels through a Ferrari’s patented 4RM technology. This arrangement will convert a rear wheel driven Ferrari FF to four wheel drive as per driver’s choice.

The Ferrari FF can do a 0-100 kmph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 335 km/hr. Undoubtedly, the Ferrari FF is the fastest four-seater ever produced. This model was replacement of Ferrari 612 Scarlatti and only 800 units of Ferrari FF will be produced globally.

Now that India’s luxury automobile growth is propelled by the India’s mightiest and the wealthiest with deep pockets, Ferrari is making all the right noises to push the sales of this car in India.