Monthly Archives: July 2012

Thomas Chacko Completes His Dream Project Of A Nationwide Expedition In A Tata Nano

Ever wondered how it would be to travel around the country in a Nano? The 63-years old motoring enthusiast from Kochi, Thomas Chacko, has made this unimaginable task possible!

Mr. Thomas has covered 26,500 km in 78 days covering 100 towns and cities in India. He has started the expedition on May 03, 2012 from Mumbai and drove the Nano to India’s extreme reaches. In the East he drove till Tawang, in the South till Kanyakumari, in the West he drove till Dwarka and in the North he went to Kargil and also ascended to Khardung La( 18380 ft. high) and Tanglang La both of which are in Ladakh. Khardung La and Tanglang La are the highest and second highest motorable roads in the world respectively. He had also been to Nagpur and Bhutan.

Mr. Chako, on concluding his journey said “I chose the Tata Nano for this journey because it is the car that has put India on the world motoring map. It also has very good ground clearance and climbs well. The journey was not a joyride but an expedition to explore the country and know the people. The 78-day all India drive has tested the Nano across the some of the most rugged terrains of the country and through all kinds of weather. The car emerged successful in this test of endurance. The Nano is a dream project. It is every person’s aspiration to own a car and the Nano fulfills this dream. In a way, this small wonder has fulfilled my dream to explore India”.

“This journey has indeed been an achievement and a book is very much on the cards. It would perhaps be named Mano et Nano: India to its farthest reaches”, he added.

Nano, the frugally engineered road car, has proved to be a triumph of somewhat homegrown engineering as some of the parts used in Nano may not have been developed or produced in India. In many car rallies and expeditions undertaken by Tata Motors or by the customers on their own, Nano has been a thrilling surprise and had shown robustness and reliability. These expeditions help the customers to understand and experience the brand. So the company will continue to encourage these rallies and expeditions.

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Renault Scala – The Excitement On The Way

 

Renault Scala the ‘made for excitement all the way’ kind of car is on its way. It is a sedan for the family and is built with all the comforts and luggage space one needs for the purpose. Recently Renault has launched a sturdy and compact SUV, the Duster.

For Scala, Renault would be having two trims, with self-expressive names – Privilège and Expression. Both the trims will be having some essential features as standard. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) will be there for expert drivers and not so experts alike. Not skidding, when the road decides to give a skill test and being able to steer even while having to stop suddenly, is what the ABS helps with, and so is a prime safety feature.

Scala’s double air bags add additional safety, while the central locking is convenience and safety rolled into one.Switch on the melody in all its formats, the AM/FM/CD/MP3 radio and drive with a song for company. And, that’s not merely a phrase, since all Renaults are known for smooth driving and riding.

The sedan will be available in two engine options- petrol and diesel. The1.5 L XH2 petrol engine can churn out a maximum power of 97.6 bhp and the 1.5 liter K9K turbo diesel engine will deliver a maximum power of 84.8 bhp. The engines are mated to 5 speed manual transmission. The launch may see diesel version first to be followed by the petrol-driven model a little later.

It is difficult to equate Scala with the Nissan Sunny, since Scala is expected to be more upscale, more spacious and is expected to carry a number of additional features. But, one thing definitely on the cards is the style; Nissan has said about Sunny that is not designing but superior styling. The expression will be very apt for the Scala, given Renault’s penchant for premium finishing.
Many of the Sunny comforts such as opening the doors by merely touching the request button, electronic power steering, high-visibility fine-vision meters will be brought across.
Once you own the Renault Scala, you will be driving a car that looks and drives like the premium car it is. Launch time – just a few days ahead.

posted by somdatta.basu @ Wednesday, July 18th, 2012 Comments Off links to this post
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General Motors (India) Launches New Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

General Motors (India) launched its next generation sedan, New Chevrolet Cruze in New Delhi on June 27th 2012. The new sedan has been priced between Rs13.85 and Rs15.67 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). GM earlier planned to introduce the 2013 Chevrolet Cruze which was unveiled in Korea into the Indian markets but shelved its plans subsequently by introducing a new improved engine with minor feature changes in the upgraded version. A complete makeover of the car is expected to be launched in India in early 2013.

Speaking on the occasion, Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director, General Motors India commented, “The Cruze has received an overwhelming response from the consumers across India, since its launch in 2009. We expect the newest member of the Cruze family to continue to exceed the expectations of car buyers and stand out against the competition in its segment,”

The upgraded version of the Cruze features minor exterior changes and significant changes in performance with an engine which is a whole lot more efficient with a marked improvement in acceleration and stability. The freshly tweaked engine delivers better fuel efficiency, drivability and refinement. The exciting new sedan will allow a choice of seven colour shades including Atlantis Blue, Sand Drift Grey, Summit White, Velvet Red, Switch Blade Silver, Caviar Black and Diamond White.

The sedan, to be available in three variants will be powered by a new 2.0 litre diesel engine which generates a power of 166 bhp @ 3,800 rpm. Maximum torque of 380 Nm is produced at 2,000 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 kmph in just 9.5 seconds, touching a top speed of 220 kmph. The Z-series engine is mated either to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission system depending on the variant. GM plans to introduce two new variants in India, the Spark and Sail U-Va. The refreshed version of the Spark is slated to enter the market in the third quarter of 2012-2013. The Sail U-Va, expected to hit the Indian soil by the end of 2012, will be pitted against the Maruti Suzuki Swift. GM also plans to launch a multi purpose vehicle, Enjoy, by the end of 2012.

The new Chevrolet Cruze is equipped with keyless go and passive entry and passive start features, which allows the users to start or stop the engine with the push of a button. The sedan has a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat, steering mounted audio controls, 16’ alloy wheels and a dead pedal. The top end LTZ variants come with an electric sun roof, leather upholstery, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob apart from foldable and heated outside mirrors, rear parking assist, rain sensing wipers, cruise control on steering wheel, anti-glare rear view mirror and music streaming via Bluetooth. Safety features of the sedan include ABS and dual airbags amongst others.

GM has been observing no production day once every week due to weak demand. The sedan notched up global sales of 1,80,000 units during the first quarter of 2012, which is 20% higher than that in the corresponding quarter of 2012. The company hopes to perk up its sagging sales figures with its new launches along with those in the pipeline.

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Cedia Select 2012 – Something Near Sci-Fi


It is difficult to pick a favourite from the host of new features of the all-new Cedia Select 2012. It has a near sci-fi communication-on-move system, a powerful engine, additional safety features and reliability tags.

Communication-on-move system is what every Cedia Select driver can boast of, can enjoy and put to great utility value. HM have built an android-based 7-inch Mapmyindia carpad via 3G; now make calls, check Emails, video-chat, surf the information highway, or do the age-old thing – watch the TV,( all this while you are travelling and not driving the Cedia yourself, of course.)
The tablet is portable and you can shift it for the benefit of the passengers at the rear, place it on the windscreen or even take it outside the vehicle.Take the three colours, every all-new Cedia Select 2012 looks smart whether it is white speed, black flash or the blazing rally red.

Going forward, apart from the looks, the Cedia Select has a lot going in its favour on the performance side and the even more important passenger-comfort and safety. The car’s 2.0 L engine (it has shown what it can do, on the INRC and several other rallies,) puts 115 PS@5250 rpm power at your disposal and torque at 175 Nm@ 4250 rpm. The hydraulic power-assisted steering lets you handle the car with minimum effort, a factor for long drives. All these should satisfy most of the demanding drivers.

A few words about the pedigree should be in order here. The Cedia Select 2012 is rolling out from the makers of the very dependable and proven masterpiece – the Ambassador. On the durability and reliability fronts, Hindustan Motors have had an edge all along. The Cedia Select has the added advantage of the Mitsubishi engineering and technology working for it.
When you take a peek, the first thing that strikes, is the elegance of the two-tone beige interiors. If the oyster leather seats and the overall ambience invite you in and hold the 3-spoke black leather wrapped steering wheel, don’t resist; get in to feel the plush and spacious feeling (2012 Cedia seats five persons comfortably.)

At about Rs. 8.90 Lakh, the all-new Cedia Select 2012 gives you more than value for the money.

posted by somdatta.basu @ Friday, July 13th, 2012 Comments Off links to this post
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Hyundai Motor Company Launches First Full-Service Media Web Site

Hyundai Motor Company has launched www.hyundaiglobalnews.com, its first full-service media website in Seoul on 4th July 2012, in an attempt to enhance its relationship and reach with customers across the world. The site will display the news of the company and its affiliates around the world apart from providing news and information, communicating about the latest happenings in the company. All the Hyundai car owners will have access to a multifaceted online service which will provide personalized services. The microsite will be available on the corporate website of the company. Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) is the second largest car manufacturer and the largest exporter of passenger cars in India.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Arvind Saxena Director, Sales and Marketing, HMIL commented, “We feel proud to introduce first of its kind service which will bring value added services to its customers. Hyundai always illustrates the idea of providing more to its customers with new innovations, experiences and values beyond their expectations. This initiative will streamline and enhance the after sales services for our customers”.

The website will serve as a one-stop shop, providing both the media and interested parties with information on Hyundai. The news will be broadcast from the global headquarters of the company in Seoul, providing downloadable videos and a photo library which showcases the various vehicles retailed by Hyundai, allowing one to locate specific models based on the year of launch.

Mr Seung-Tack Kim, Executive Vice President and CEO, Hyundai Motor commented “The new Hyundai Global P.R. media center will be an invaluable tool for media members covering Hyundai. The clean and intuitive design of the media center is easy to use and will help elevate the Hyundai brand to Modern Premium status.”

Frank Ahrens, Director of Hyundai’s Global P.R. team commented, “We’re terrifically excited to launch our new media site. I’m most excited about the Hyundai Motor Blog, where I’ll do deep-dive reporting into the innovative and fascinating parts of our business. Strap in; this is going to be a great ride.”

Key Highlights of the site:

Personalized Services: The website will provide personalized services including service scheduler- reminder, online service booking, history, periodic service details, service and insurance calculators, information on the nearest service station and other valuable information in the form of ready reconer. Visitors to the site can also view warranty guidelines, owner’s manuals, maintenance tips and guides.

Warranty: Users are provided with a tool to access information on vehicle parts and emission warranty with details of the benefits, price and details of extended warranty.

Blog: The Hyundai Motor Blog is updated regularly by the Global P R team and guest bloggers from other Hyundai teams.

Alerts: News alerts can be activated under the link named “For Media Only”, on the left side of the page.

Photos and Videos: Interested people can view the photos and videos of Hyundai cars, its facilities and events.

Guides and Manuals: the site shares information, providing answers to some of the most frequently asked questions, explaining various basic concepts. The Hyundai Service website will also educate its customers on safety driving tips and suggest on better driving habits. The site will also educate customers to understand the role of various parts along with the replacement details.

Email and contact information of the various team members across various markets and locations

Camps and Events: The site provides notifications on the various ongoing camps and schedules which could be useful to the various users.

Maintenance Tips: The “Do it Yourself” tips which will allow customers to replace tyres, fuse, bulbs and some of the other parts on their own.

Apart from the above mentioned features, the site will provide an overview of the global operations of Hyundai along with handy and useful information and data related to the company. The site will also provide quick links to the investor relations and corporate social responsibility sites of the company.

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