India’s Maruti Udyog plan to become Maruti Suzuki
Indian auto major “
Maruti Udyog Limited” is setting-up to change the name to “Maruti Suzuki India”. If the changed name “Maruti Suzuki India” is approved by all the share-holders, our Maruti cars will be instead called Maruti-Suzuki cars. Addition of Suzuki to Maruti will definitely highlight the Japanese technology that has gone into the making of
Indian cars.
Suzuki, a Japanese auto-company, is renowned for manufacturing performance-oriented small cars. If the new name is accepted, Maruti is still going to remain the major share-holding partner and Suzuki will have the advantage of marketing itself as a global player. This name is said to help the company’s expansion throughout the world. The company is also trying to establish Suzuki's Research & Development center in Asia for Asia.
Maruti lately sited itself as a major car maker with models like
Grand Vitara,
Swift, and
SX4.
Labels: Indian cars, Maruti
Magic & Winger from Tata hit the Indian road
Introducing a major initiative that offers transportation solution in India,
TATA Motors announced the launch of a new product range - the Magic and the Winger. The two vehicles will create new segments of 4-wheel commercial carrier and public transportation in India.
The Magic is developed on the podium of the successful sub-1 tone commercial carrier, the Ace. It is occupied with an ergonomically designed all-steel cabin, four to seven seating capacity, spacious interiors, and abundant legroom. The water-cooled 700cc diesel engine of Magic is powered by a 16 horsepower engine that offers high fuel efficiency and very low maintenance. The tires are 12 inches with high ground clearance. Segmented under the BS-III emission norm the Magic range starts at Rs. 2.60 lakhs.
The Winger is a maxi-van and offers a blend of the comfort of a car with the spaciousness of a bus for intra-city and long-distance transportation needs. The Winger has a 9 to 13 seating capacity with generous saloon space, spacious head and legroom, and wide luggage space. Meeting BS-III emission norms Winger comes in 11 variants, in three levels of comfort — standard, deluxe, and luxury. The Winger is powered by a 2-litre turbo charged diesel engine and the range starts at Rs.4.70 lakh
By the launch of these new segments, Tata Motors’ bus focus is expected to receive a boost in the coming scenario. These new buses from Tata will be from an international portfolio, the Globus and the Starbus.
Labels: India, road transport, Tata
Confusions Galore
With over
50 new models (each with at least 2 variants) being launched this year in India most directly competing in existing but highly "segmented" market for cars, the options available to the Car buyers are huge! Throw in existing over 80 models, over 300 variants available, even the strongest will quake at his/her knees with/without the help of
car reviews.
Although, the Car buyer never had so many options to make his dream come true, which car to buy is truly a staggering dilemma! Confusions Truly Galore!!
Labels: car comparison, reviews
The Juicy Jaguar and Land Rover Bid
Many companies have shown interest in buying the Jaguar and Land Rover brands from the
Ford Motor Company. Private Equity firms in the US, such as Cerberus, which recently acquired Chrysler from Daimler, is one of the bidders in this race. One Equity and Ripplewood Holdings are other such private firms showing interest.
The surprise in this fray, for India, has been the interest shown by two of its top automobile companies –
Tata and
Mahindra&Mahindra. Tata Motors recently acquired an Anglo-Dutch steel company and is definitely one of the strong bidders for these Ford offerings. The proverbial Ford shortlist seems to have included both these firms as possible future owners of the Jaguar and Land Rover brand.
Every party concerned is being very tight-lipped about their various interactions and roles in the proceedings. One thing is for sure – the next time someone wants to buy a Jaguar or Land Rover, it could be from an Indian
car manufacturer. What a leap for the Indian automobile sector!
Labels: automobiles, cars
Tata - Indian automotive company aims high
Indian automotive firms are in fact getting lofty. India’s major auto company,
Tata Motors, is aiming at
Land Rover and
Jaguar, which are a division of
Ford Motors. If Tata’s flourish in this proposal, it would emerge as India's largest firm to take-over foreign deals.
Ford Motors is planning to give-away Jaguar and Land Rover, for which the country’s biggest automobile manufacturer (Tata) is directing its consultants to evaluate the virtues of a joint venture. Regarding this deal Tata’s have turned tight-lipped. The Telegraph said, “Tata Motors' evaluation of a bid was at an 'exploratory' stage and may not lead to a formal bid for the two brands”.
Earlier this year Tata Steel also bought Anglo-Dutch steel company Corus, which obviously widened its business. Though the other major companies are involved in this rat-race it is almost certain that in future Tata Motors will be parenting Ford’s children.
Labels: Jaguar, Land Rover, rat-race, Tata aims to grab foreign deals
Car tyres that suit India and Indian cars
All-season tyres, as the name suggests, are capable of slogging in all climatic conditions. These tyres are designed and made out of sustainable materials so that they can be used all-through the year. All-season tyre designs are complex compared to those of summer tyres because of the longer block-edge for frost handling and more sipes to enable efficient braking and driving-control by maximizing the outcome of the rim. These tyres offer good traction for varying road conditions without much tread wear-out and tyre noise.
Performance tyres are those tyres on which we can see the markings “H”, “S”, and “Z”. These markings suggest that the tyres stay together up-to the speed of 130mph, 112mph, and 149 mph respectively. Compared to ordinary tyres these tyres execute really well. They are safe, have good traction, respond faster, and turn better. These tyres synchronize well with advanced technologies like an
anti-lock braking system (ABS) and sensitive steering. Performance tyres feature a firm side-wall and a nylon cap over steel belts to ensure safety during high speeds. These tyres are relatively safe and stop well during sudden braking.
Labels: All-season tyres rule the Indian cars, Sustainable materials, traction
The Ambassador’s fall in India
These days, our streets are full of imported cars,
luxury sedans, and big vehicles laden with more advanced technologies, which paralyzed the market for the grand old ambassador. The youth drive the car market and the Ambassador does not even make it into the list of choices.
“Amby” is a four door
sedan that was manufactured during late fifties. Tough body, magnificent grille, and protruding headlights were the main features of the once popular Ambassador. It also posed as an official vehicle in all government departments. But, lately, after India experienced a booming market for
luxury cars, this old classic car has received less attention.
All the government officials prefer commuting in cars like
Corolla,
Lancer, and
Benz, bringing down the Ambassador from its notable state. This Hindustan Motors child dominated the roads for a few decades and is quietly fading away.
With cozy cars overloaded with highly developed engines and other advanced technologies ruling the market, there is absolutely no scope for the Ambassador’s comeback.
Though the Ambassador has succeeded on Indian roads for decades and is still seen in abundance in the form of Taxis (visit Calcutta), it is making a slow but progressively steady exit from Indian roads.
Labels: Ambassador losing its charm, Amby, Imported cars, luxury cars
Ford Fusion-diesel in India
As petrol prices are reaching the skies it is the diesel vehicles that are ruling the roost. There was a time when
diesel vehicles were considered to be low performers. Thanks to technology; with new inventions diesel vehicles are made to perform on par with petrol vehicles. Ford India recently launched the diesel version of
hatchback Fusion, which is all-set to fight nose-to-nose with other lately introduced diesel cars.
Arvind Mattew, president of Ford India was quoted saying, "Strengthening our diesel platform is a key strategy for us and we are hopeful that with the launch of the diesel variant of Fusion we will be able to attract more customers".
This hatchback has only one variant and costs rupees 6, 59,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi). Prices may vary according to various cities and as time goes by. It is made available in six flashy colors that will appeal to everybody. Fusion diesel is equipped with a 1.4 liter Duratorq turbo
diesel common rail injection (TDCi) engine, which delivers great power.
Generous space and well festooned interiors make it an ideal family car to move around with high josh. Ford Fusion diesel gives good mileage. The rear seats fold completely and hold as-much cargo as a van.
The steering wheel is very flexible and mounted with basic audio-control buttons to make it easier for the driver to operate while driving. This light-weight giant is easy to drive and parking is not a problem. It is also decked with a plethora of safety features to minimize the severity of an accident.
Labels: CRDi, Ford launches its diesel version in India, Fusion, Hatchbacks
Importance of tinted windows
Few years back a tinted window was a fashion. Then, it was an optional gizmo, which was expanding fashion vistas. But, now the time has changed. Tinted windows come standard with almost all the recently launched and launching cars.
These windows have now become protective shields. It protects the occupants of the car from the harmful UV rays. Tinted windows, to a certain extent, minimize the temperature. If your car is adorned with leather interiors then tinted glasses are mandatory. Intense sun’s rays will lighten your car’s interior and also makes it look dull.
Apart from these things it increases the elegant looks of the car and gives more privacy to the occupants. It adds charm and appeal to the car’s looks. So why compromise?
Labels: gizmo, tinted glass, Tinted windows keep the cabin cool
Music to the rescue in Indian traffic!
It is a music system, which comes to your rescue, if you are stuck for an hour in an Indian road jam. A good audio system definitely reduces boredom in the humdrum of everyday traffic. There are plenty of companies, which manufacture quality
audio systems. Though most of the cars come with an inbuilt audio system, the system can also be replaced with your favorite brands.
Some of the popular audio brands include Mach 460, Maxi sound, Nakamichi, Infinity system, Rockford-Fosgate, JVC, and Bose.
A car audio system mainly consists of three components- head units, amplifiers, and speakers. The head system is the major processing part in a system. It works more like a human brain, giving commands about what to do and what not to do. An amplifier, as the name suggests, increases the signals to make it louder. The speakers are the main components of an audio set, which must be properly installed and strategically placed to enjoy the best results. Frequency retort of the speakers should be higher and wider for enhanced and efficient sound capturing. While buying an audio system, it is better to go for a factory-fitted car audio system, which comes with a warranty card.
An audio system makes no difference when you resell your car. Therefore, think of it as a one-time investment with no monetary returns, but something that makes driving seem much more pleasurable especially on Indian roads.
Labels: Bose, Maxi sound, Qaulity audio systems to entertain occupants, Speakers
Indian cars going global
For international car manufacturers, India is an appropriate export podium. The advantage being, Indian-made cars are available globally for considerably low cost with the enhancement in the quality. Low cost and advanced characteristics make Indian cars most favorite among the Europeans.
High-demand for Indian cars abroad has enabled the buyers to enjoy high discount rates. For instance MG Rover would market
Tata Indica in the UK for Rupees 4.7-6.1 lakh (6,500-8,500 pounds) while the
Hyundai Santro is being sold in Germany and Italy for Rupees 4.3 lakh (7,900 euro). The best part is that this rate includes supposed import duty of about 6%. The popularity of Indian cars is rising.
Maruti Alto and Hyundai Santro were exhibited by the manufacturers at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Lately, foreign buyers have realized the quality of Indian cars and the affordable pricing. This high demand has made Indian car manufacturers beam with high profits. The request for Indian cars abroad has nearly doubled in recent past.
Those buying Indian makes have to pay lower import duty compared to buying Korean makes, which make Indian cars even more favorable.
Labels: Hyundai Santro, Indian cars are in demand in abroad, Maruti Alto, Tata Indica
ABS - For a Power Stop
Recently most of the car ads proclaim that their cars come with ABS. Are you wondering what this ABS is? ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System.
When it comes to the working prospect, unlike the cars without ABS, cars with ABS will help to stop a car without any skidding. Invariable of how fast your car is moving, if you apply the brake, the car stops immediately though technically there are many actions taking place in a matter of few seconds. The anti-lock brakes use speed sensors to monitor the speed at which each wheel is turning. This data is shared with the vehicle's powertrain control module (PCM) computer. If the PCM detects that one of the wheels is about to lock-up during braking, it takes control and avoids locking, therefore providing the driver with the maximum available braking capacity of the car and also allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
ABS being one of the safest features is being introduced in most of the recently launched and launching cars. Even the drivers of
compact cars like
Maruti Swift can experience the working ability of an ABS.
These brakes come it handy when you need emergency breaking and on slippery roads. So when you head to buy your next car ask the dealer, if the car is equipped with ABS.
Labels: Anti-lock braking system introduces in Indian cars, Compact cars, Maruti Swift
Volkswagen’s Indian assembled car to be launched shortly
Germany based Volkswagen is all set to launch “
Passat”, which will be the first model assembled in India. In order to strengthen the sales, this major car company is planning to set up a supplementary company, Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited.
The corporation is primarily aiming at metropolitan cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore to set up its dealership network and then it plans to steadily increase the operations to other Indian cities.
The Indian subsidiary will work as an autonomous delivery company for Volkswagen and
Audi in India and has plans to import a few models. No doubt, a car with all the advanced amenities will rock on Indian roads very soon.
Labels: Audi, Volkswagen to launch Passat
Hyundai Santro Xing CNG launches in India
Much awaited Hyundai
Santro Xing CNG is finally launched. Though scheduled to launch by 2006, this car really tested many customer’s patience. For now this car is made available only at Delhi showrooms.
Minda Auto Gas Ltd. has been blessed with the dealership of the CNG kits. Installation of these kits would be done by Korean fitment expert NGVI. As per Hyundai, the superior kit is absolutely safe and the Lambda control system meets the Euro III emission rules, which reduce the pollutants.
This new environment friendly car will have 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty and additional 2 years warranty on the CNG kit and the fitment.
The CNG Santro has a manual selector knob, which would facilitate the driver to conveniently switch from Petrol to CNG and vice versa. The CNG cylinder has a capability of holding about 12 kg. The running cost on CNG for the Santro is predicted to be Rupees 1/km or even less, which will mainly depend on the driving cycle. The cost of the CNG Santro base model is Rupees 3,25,361, ex-showroom price, New Delhi.
It will take a few more months for this vehicle to come to the roads of Mumbai, Bangalore, and other Indian cities.
Labels: Environment friendly car, Hyundai Santro Xing CNG
