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Friday, 28 September 2007
Ford Fida-limited edition unveiled
One of India’s auto majors, Ford, recently unveiled the limited edition of “Fida”, which is expected to witness booming sales during this festive time of year. It is a vehicle with more style, more magnificence, and more comfort. Ford Fiesta Fida is coupled to 1.6L all-aluminum Duratec petrol engine that is designed to deliver a power of 99.62 hp. It is combined to a 5-speed manual transmission that complements its magnificent performance. The powerful acceleration, which attains 0-100 km/h in just 11.66 seconds, will leave everyone stunned. The car’s critical functions are administered by a GEM (General Electronic Module). The car has been put through various exhaustive crash tests that make it a safe vehicle to own. The exterior looks awesome with the turn signals incorporated in the outside mirrors and glossy wheels. The vinyl-leather seat covers make the occupants feel comfortable. Ford Fida comes equipped with an intelligent rear-defogger, front fog lamps, a programmable keyless entry, and a trip computer. With just rupees 6,60,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi), the Fida can be a part of your festive celebrations. Labels: competition, Ford India, Indian car market, launch in India
Hyundai Getz Prime releases a diesel variant in India
Hyundai, one of India’s premier auto majors, announced that their well-known Getz Prime will get a diesel variant. The diesel variant is said to give the much expected fuel economy of 17 km/l, which will help long distance commuters. The Getz Prime diesel adorns a noiseless 1.5L engine CRDi turbocharged engine is said to deliver a power of 110 bhp, which is sure to leave everyone breathless. Getz Prime comes with a price tag of rupees 5,69,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi) and is said to be available from the second week of October. This new Getz Prime diesel is sure to pose a nose-to-nose competition to the Maruti Swift diesel, which is priced between rupees 4.73 lakh to 5.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Labels: competition, Hyundai, Indian car market, launch in India, Maruti
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Renault Megane likely to enter India
After the success of Mahindra-Renault Logan, Renault is speculated to enter the market in the second half of 2008 with another Logan-based model called Megane. The seven-seater MUV Megane will join the Mahindra-Renault family is also expected to produce a hatchback in the not-so-far future. The booming MUV market in India is expecting more multi utility and sports utility vehicles in the coming year. The technologically high-end Megane stands out from the crowd with its pronounced, bulbous exteriors. The Megane is the top selling MUV in the Australian market. Its interior has plenty of storage space and a generous dose of standard equipments that can be expected from a European car. The Global sales of Renault have seen a significant growth of 11.4 percent in the past two months. New models, like Kangoo, Megane, and Clio have contributed to this success. Renault's Megane is expected to release both its two and four-wheel drive options in India. Labels: competition, Imported cars, Indian car market, launch in India, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, Renault
Mahindra Ingenio likely to launch by 2008
Mahindra & Mahindra is looking to launch its semi-hybrid and full-hybrid versions of its Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) - Scorpio by next year. The primary focus of Ingenio would be on diesel engines. The first prototype of Ingenio will be running on Indian roads by January next year. Mahindra & Mahindra is believed to be working on a combination of diesel and battery-operated hybrid engine for Ingenio. It will combine both the common rail diesel technology and the fuel-saving technology of an electric motor. This will provide the vehicle a better fuel economy and a lower transmission, while giving the benefit of a full hybrid performance. Ingenio will build on a new platform and M&M has discarded the idea of utilizing the ageing platform of the Bolero. The Ingenio is likely to have a monocoque platform rather than a conbody-on-frame chassis. Labels: car manufacturers, cars, Indian car market, launch in India, Mahindra
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
All-new Honda Accord soon to hit Indian roads
The new Honda Accord, unlike its predecessor, is an icon of more luxury and more sophistication. The bold and elegant style of the new Accord makes heads turn. Its extended body structure makes way for roomy interiors with ample leg-room, head-room, and shoulder-room - all that is needed for a comfortable long drive. The exterior of the car witnesses a chrome-bordered grille, chrome exhaust tips, bi-color wraparound taillights, and day-time running lamps added to the elegant and sporty styling. The vehicle is more powerful with a V-6 engine that is capable of delivering a power of 268 hp. A choice of 5-speed automatic or manual transmission is available. Interiors swank of a plethora of convenience features including an air filtration system, power windows, cruise control, and steering wheel mounted phone controls for Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. The improved safety features include the Vehicle Stability Assist, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution, a tyre pressure monitoring system, and an Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure along with side curtain airbags and standard front airbags to provide good safety to all passengers. Labels: Honda, Indian car market, launch in India, luxury cars
Bentley to launch Azure & Continental GTC in India
Bentley, the English automakers, has set plans to launch its two new super luxury convertibles - Azure and Continental GTC on Indian roads soon. The company expects to sell 25 cars in India this year and would soon open their second outlet in Mumbai. Bentley debuted in India in October 2003 with a single outlet in Delhi. It has sold close to 50 cars and maintained exclusivity in the Indian market. Bentley Azure will be powered by a V-8 6.75-litre twin turbo-charged engine and the Continental GTC will feature a 6.0-litre twin-turbo charged engine. The company is planning to launch both the models by the first week of next month. The company, which imports its cars, has completely built units in India all ready for sale. Bentley convertibles will provide a choice of powerful and refined open-top driving. Azure priced at Rs 3.8 Crore and Continental GTC at Rs 2.10 Crore will definitely add a new flavor to Indian roads. Labels: Azure, Bentley, Continental GTC, Imported cars, Indian car market, launch in India, luxury cars
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Hyundai PA to hit Indian roads first
The great sales target achieved by Hyundai motors in India has made a strong impact on the company. In order to show their interest in the Indian car market, the company has decided to launch its compact car “PA” first here in India. Indian roads will witness Hyundai’s “PA” first, a couple of months before it hits other countries. The growth of the Indian market for compact cars and Hyundai’s massive growth in India for the past nine years has definitely made the manufacturer consider India as a first priority. India is also said to be one of the healthy markets for premium cars to compete, which is also a reason for the firm to choose India as the first place to see its code-named car. Hyundai PA, after its launch, is expected to replace the Hyundai Santro and pose a sturdy competition to other compacts such as the Chevrolet Aveo and the Maruti Alto that are currently ruling the roost. Labels: car manufacturers, Chevrolet, competition, Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car market, Maruti, small cars
Mercedes flags off 'India Trail'
A unique plan to delve deep into the hearts of Indians, the Mercedes Benz pioneers of the luxury segment started on the India Trail today. A series of 7 cars will be participating in this Journey that starts from Pune. This drive will go through almost all parts of southern, western, and northern India. Covering over 40,000 kms between today and Oct 10, Mercedes is trying to strengthen its solid bond between India and the Mercedes-Benz brand. Showcasing the rich and diverse culture, heritage and natural beauty of India, the India Trail mainly focuses on the process of driving available Mercedes-Benz cars in the country. India Trial features the entire portfolio of diesel cars from Mercedes-Benz in India — S-Class, C-Class, E-Class, M-Class, the Bio-Diesel C-Class, and the Viano. Labels: car manufacturers, cars, India, India Trail, Indian car market, Mercedes-Benz
Monday, 24 September 2007
New Audi A4 to be unveiled
 An all-new Audi A4 is all-set to be unwrapped at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The new A4 will sport a modern and stylish build. It will carry-over the same huge grille but will have a new set of LED headlamps that will light-up more rapidly with less usage of power. The curved rear gives the car a unique look. The car shares the same platform called MLP (Modular Variable Platform) as that of Audi A6 and A8. Compared to the current A4, the new A4 gets a longer wheelbase to efficiently balance the weight and increase interior space. With roomy and comfy interiors the new A4 might hit the Indian roads in a short time. For the driver’s comfort, the new A4 comes with an adaptable steering system, which adapts to the driver’s driving style. For Indian roads, it is said that the car might adorn a 150 bhp diesel engine. Labels: Audi, Imported cars, India, Indian car market
Chevy Aveo to go through a small makeover
The Chevrolet Aveo was mainly a disappointment when it was launched about a year back. In order to make it more stylish and draw in more buyers, the manufacturer has decided to give the existing Aveo a slight touch-up. The new overhauled Aveo will make driving an easy task with enhanced gearshift and improved throttle response for a recovered acceleration. The cabin will undergo better insulation tactics to prevent external and engine noise and vibrations from affecting the occupants. The revamped Aveo will also get an additional exterior color - Ice Blue. Maybe the Aveo will come into the light after all. Labels: cars, Chevrolet, India, Indian car market
Friday, 21 September 2007
Hyundai Santa Fe in India by 2008
Hyundai is all set to launch its successful model Santa Fe in the booming SUV market in India. The SUV model is likely to hit Indian roads by mid-2008. Continuing its success in the competitive North American market, the Korean auto maker Hyundai would be bringing the Santa Fe to India with better refined comfort and driving features. The Santa Fe comes in three variant levels, the GLS, SE, and the fancy Limited. An all-new 2200cc common-rail turbo diesel engine paired with a new five speed manual transmission comes standard in the new Santa Fe. The Santa Fe lists out a series of impressive standard features. The Santa Fe comes with cruise control, power windows, mirrors, and doors, an electronic stability and traction control system, antilock brakes with brake assist and brake force distribution, safety gear with active head restraints, and an advanced airbag system. The Santa Fe starts with an MSRP of Rs. 8,63,000. Labels: Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car market, launch in India
AXE: A desi Hummer for the Indian army
Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) is all set to roll out its first high mobility multipurpose-wheeled vehicle or the Humvee in India and Israel. Axe comes with amazing off-road capabilities and inspired military design cues borrowed from the popular Hummer model in the U.S. M&M has made Axe as per the Indian army specifications. Axe will soon be tested by the Indian defence team. Mahindra’s Indian Axe is a diesel version that is well suited for Special Forces. The engines of the Axe will initially be imported and then later built in a plant in India. The diesel version of the Axe is mounted with a 2.7-litre CRDi engine. The highlight of the Axe model is its high-tech all-wheel independent suspension system. Finally the time has come when the Indian Army’s Mahindra Jeeps will see replacement in the form of the new sporty Axe – a definite necessity for a country which has its automobile industry growing everyday by leaps and bounds! Labels: Army, cars, Indian car market, Mahindra
Thursday, 20 September 2007
Chevrolet Captiva soon to launch in India
To compete with the soft-roaders in India, the Korean-engineered all new Chevrolet Captiva will launch in India sometime late in 2008. From the large scale success of soft-roader SUVs like Honda CRV and Hyundai Tucson in the Indian market, General Motors India have decided to bring the beauty powered Captiva to India. CR-V comes with a petrol engine and Tucson comes with a diesel motor, but the Captiva will offer both petrol and diesel engines to occupy a larger share in the SUV market segment. The Chevrolet Captiva is a sleek car with strong wheel arches and a sophisticated design. This stylish SUV is available with a 150 bhp 2.0L common rail diesel engine and a 2.4-litre Inline-4 petrol unit. The vehicle would boast of a high-end audio system, and 16-inch wheels. The interiors of the car will offer a commanding blend of style and strength with a seating for five to seven occupants. The superior design also features cylindrical prism-type headlamps, LED type turn signal lamps, turn signal repeaters in the door mirrors, and snazzy flush fitting, pullout-type door handles. It will be priced in the range of Rs. 15-20 Lakh in India. Labels: Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Indian car market, launch in India, SUVs
Tata Elegante unveiled at Geneva Auto Show
Tata’s concept car - the Elegante sedan was unveiled at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The design-sophisticated Elegante is larger than the Tata Indigo sedan. It may come with an Inline-4 cylinder transverse petrol or diesel engine, or even a powerful V-6 engine. Tata Motors, India's largest automobile company, is the only Indian automobile company to participate in the Geneva Auto Show regularly for the last 10 years. It was in the 1998 Geneva Auto Show that Tata unveiled the Tata Indica, which turned out to be quiet a success on Indian roads. The diesel version of the new luxury sedan would come with a common rail direct injection turbo diesel engine with variable valve timing and capabilities to comply with Euro V emission norms. It will meet all European safety, crash-worthiness, and emission standards.The Tata Elegante features include a satellite navigation system, cruise control, integrated Bluetooth compatibility, heated mirrors, rain sensor, and front and rear parking sensors. Tata will also incorporate several of the design cues of Elegante in the forthcoming generation of Indica and Indigo cars. Labels: Auto Show, automobiles, Indian car market, launch in India, Tata
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
The all new Rhino RX hit Indian roads
International Cars and Motors Ltd, has rolled out its first product Rhino RX in India. ICML is formed by Sonalik Group, the well recognized tractor manufacturing company. After Tata and Mahindra, this Himachal based company ICML is the next to turn out an MUV from India. The current Rhino RX is powered by an Isuzu 2.0-litre diesel engine. It has a five-speed transmission and a direct turbo charged inter-cooled engine. It is available in three variants - S1, S2, and D1. Fitted with a Rover diesel engine, the new Rhino RX can attain a speed of 100 km an hour in less than 16 seconds. In styling cues it mostly resembles the Toyota Qualis. The Rhino variants are available in both single AC and double AC models and come in a price range of Rs. 585,000 - Rs. 695,000. Labels: Imported cars, launch in India, Mahindra, Rhino, Tata
Tata’s ‘1 Lakh Car’- It’s Real!
It’s been in the news for a long time now and if all the propaganda wasn’t enough to satisfy the skeptics, here’s one more that is probably more convincing. Tata Motors has officially announced a launch date for its 21st century miracle – June 2008. By the end of 2008, you’d probably see these moon buggies scooting around in every part of the country. Due to the insurmountable task of this creation and the unstoppable inflation, fears were that the ‘1 lakh car’ would end up being pricier say a ‘3 lakh car’. With the launch just a few months away, these fears are safely put to rest. The number is still close to 1, 00,000. This means $2275 for the dollar Indian and £1250 for the British desi. Enough said. In India, owning a car has always been a dream ever since PAL produced the first one in 1946. In spite of the entry of several foreign auto makers with their bags full of flashy wheels, a car still remains a not-so-easily-affordable luxury and thus a decent status symbol, especially for those less affected by the economic boom or strong IT influences. BMW-driving farmers in or around Delhi don’t make the set. Where there’s innovation, there’s competition! The other way around holds true as well. There’s never a dearth of thinkers in this world - Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Copernicus, Newton, Einstein, and now can we say Tata. Everyone knows the importance of the mini car. An extra wheel on Bajaj’s auto-rickshaw would probably make a decent car and also beat the competition by miles. But that’s not what Tata is looking to make. "It will look like a car and have proper seating. Stretched canvas seats would not, for example, be acceptable. It would be all right for it to be a bit noisier than an ordinary car, but it has to be both simple and safe." says Ratan Tata, chief honcho at Tata Motors. Power windows, heated seats, ABS, cruise control, a DVD entertainment system, and an MP3-capable audio system are probably NOT the features that will be standard. However, a 4-door spacious car with rack and pinion steering, a rear engine, 5-passenger capacity, and a gearbox is definitely good enough! It is easy to assume the car would be run by belts attached to guinea pigs on rollers. However, Tata will offer a 30 bhp 600cc petrol engine and a choice of either a manual transmission or a CVT automatic. A diesel engine option will also be available. Will Tata’s ‘1 lakh car’ push the two-wheelers out of business? It would probably affect sales of high-end motorcycles selling a little below the 1 lakh mark. Tata’s dream project could take away a quarter of the market from the motorcycle makers. But low running costs and fuel efficiency will always play a major role in the Indian auto segment. Hence, the presence of two-wheelers cannot be ignored. Labels: Bajaj, BMW, cars, competition, Indian car market, Indian low budget cars, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Hyundai experiences huge success
It has been success after success for the Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) after it set-up its business in India. It has achieved many significant milestones in its nine-year career in India. To add to the laurels, HMIL recently rolled-out its 1,500,000th unit in the month of September, 2007. Hyundai’s first car in India was rolled out in the month of September, 9-years ago. The stir of HMIL’s first launch in India, the Santro, led to them launching the Accent, Elantra, Sonata, and Getz models that went on to continue ruling the market. Uncompromising quality and great service made it one of the most popular and well-liked brand in India. The Hyundai Getz pocketed the prestigious accolade of best-selling car in the year 2004. With the increasing popularity and demand, the nation’s major automaker is planning to expand its dealership across the country in order to meet the rising demand. Labels: cars, Elantra, Getz Prime, Hyundai, India, Santro Xing, Sonata
Isuzu Motors to start a commercial business in India
Japanese auto major Isuzu Motors Ltd. is planning to tie-up with Swaraj Mazda Limited and Sumitomo Corporation to build midsize buses in India, by the end of this month. The manufacturing plant might raise its head next to the existing plant of Sumitomo and Swaraj Mazda in Northern Delhi. The buses will be priced at 20% more than the buses made by the local manufacturers. The buses are estimated to cost around $132,000. Though, initially the business will start with the midsize buses, the company is planning to manufacture trucks that cater to the Indian market by 2010. Isuzu Motors is well versed in manufacturing diesel engines. The company’s new plant in northern Delhi is said to be capable of producing 40 to 50 thousand units per year, which might also rise with the company’s expansion. Apart from India, the company is also eyeing China and Russia. The buses produced by Isuzu motors, though slightly high on price compared to local manufacturers, are economically efficient when compared to other overseas manufacturers in India. Isuzu also produces cars in the U.S and manufacturing buses or trucks may just be the entry point they are looking for to enter the Indian market. They can then later expand their industry in India by joining the Indian car manufacturing sector. Labels: buses, car manufacturers, cars, Indian car market, Isuzu, Mazda, trucks
Monday, 17 September 2007
Honda City on a verge to regain the top rank in India
The revamped version of the Honda City ZX is finally launched in India in-order to reclaim the topmost position in the mid-size car section. The refurbished version of the City is upgraded in comfort and safety fronts. This overhauled Honda City is sure to pose a strong competition to the other competitors in the market. Though Honda Siel Cars India (HSIC) is on the verge of replacing the model next year, it still wanted to smarten-up the existing model to regain its old status of top mid-sized car. This new version is priced between Rupees 6.80 lakh and Rupees 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which is less than the price of the City ZX VTEC. Honda City ZX VTEC Plus now comes standard with leather upholstered seats, an anti-lock braking system, dual-stage SRS airbags, and a new steering wheel. This is the tenth anniversary gift from HSIC to the Indian customers. Since its launch in 1998, the Honda City is sold over 1,90,000 units in the Indian market. Since the entry of Maruti Suzuki’s SX4 and Mahindra-Renault’s Logan, the Honda City was pushed back to the third position with a sale figure reduced to 2,465 units a year. According to the company release, HSIC is also planning to roll-out hybrid cars in the Indian market. Labels: cars, competition, Honda, India, Mahindra, Maruti
Ferrari to cruise on Indian roads by 2008
Ferrari, the Italian car maker, is all set to start its own dealerships in India by early 2008. As part of the existing Tata-Fiat alliance, the launch of Ferrari will be under the navigation of Tata Motors. The world’s favorite sports car - Ferrari will zoom into India’s exclusive sports car market, which is currently dominated by Porsche. Fiat and Tata had earlier announced ambitious plans to manufacture cars and engines under a new 50:50 joint venture between the two companies. Fiat, the parent company of Ferrari, also plans to launch Maseratti and Alfa Romeo in India in coming years. Labels: Ferrari, Fiat, Imported cars, India, launch in India, Tata
Friday, 14 September 2007
Nissan plans to compete with Tata’s people car
Though none of the auto makers believed that Tata’s 1, 00,000 car would take feathers, now most of them are seriously thinking of manufacturing ultra-cheap cars to cater to the Indian market. Nissan Motor Co. is seriously thinking about manufacturing a cheap car that can pose a tough competition to the Tata’s One-Lakh People Car. If Nissan’s plans come alive, there will be a $3,000 (approx. Rs. 1, 20,000) car running on Indian roads in a couple of years. To make the dream come true, Nissan is looking for an Indian partner - Bajaj Auto Ltd. Bajaj has been looking for an opportunity to enter the Indian compact car market frenzy. Therefore, a successful deal will serve both parties to their advantage. Apart from this Nissan is also planning to build a mid-size car that would pose a nose-to-nose competition with the Mahindra-Renault Logan. Though the company is serious about these plans, they are yet to take the initiation. If decided, the plans will start taking feathers by next year this time. Time will decide whether any car will emerge to compete against Tata’s people car. Labels: cars, competition, Nissan, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
DaimlerChrysler’s first step of expansion in the Indian market
DaimlerChrysler is associated with the production of the very popular luxury car – the Mercedes-Benz. With its growing business and popularity, DaimlerChrysler is prepared to open a new plant in Pune. The money invested is 50 million euros. The company has acquired 100 acres of land in Pune that will resume the work by 2009. This new plant, which is built to manufacture 5,000 cars annually, will manufacture 1,000 units more compared to the leased plant in Pune. According to company sources, the process from the rented plant will be shifted to the new plant. The new plant is constructed keeping in mind the demand for the cars manufactured by DaimlerChrysler in the Indian market. The new plant is deemed to take-up multiple roles as a manufacturing plant and an assembling plant. Assembling of heavy trucks will start by the end of the year and manufacturing of luxury buses will start from next year at the same plant. Labels: car manufacturers, cars, India, Indian car market, Mercedes-Benz
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Volvo luxury cars make first appearance in India
India being one of the lucrative hubs for the car market is attracting auto majors from all over the world. Almost all the overseas manufacturers including Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Suzuki, and most recently Volkswagen have entered the fray. Now, the time has dawned for the Swedish major, Volvo, to enter the Indian market. Volvo Car Corporation is all set to make a debut of its luxury cars in the Indian market. The manufacturers recently proclaimed the launch of two of its most successful models, the S80 sedan and the XC90 SUV, in a few weeks from now. The said models are made available in both petrol and diesel variants and are accessible through the dealers located in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Delhi. These luxury vehicles are available in 14 different colours. To start, like the Volkswagen Passat, these Volvo models will be imported from its Swedish manufacturing plant in completely built units. The luxury sedan S80 is said to pose a tough competition to the cars manufactured by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. The Volvo SUV XC90 will pose a tough competition to the manufacturers’ building SUV’s. These new models are said to be equipped with loads of hi-tech accessories that are deemed to offer ultimate comfort and therefore these models are priced accordingly. Labels: Imported cars, launch in India, Volkswagen, Volvo
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Toyota to enter India’s small car market battle
Most auto majors are getting ready for a close fight in the small car segment in India. Toyota is also planning to target the Indian small car market for its imported small car. Toyota’s largest small-car market competitor in India will be Maruti Suzuki, which markets cars like the Zen Estilo, WagonR, and Alto. Toyota is the last to announce its entry into the small car market in India. The years 2008 and 2009 will reveal more of Toyota’s plans. For the time being, it is apparent that since Toyota is currently the last entrant, it may use the latest technologies and a plethora of features to lure car lovers across India. Labels: car manufacturers, Indian car market, small cars, Toyota
Skoda set date to launch Fabia
Skoda Fabia was supposed to hit Indian roads by 2007 year end. However, it has postponed its launch to January 10th 2008 due to various reasons. The much awaited Skoda Fabia will be available in petrol and diesel engines. The roomy interiors and spacious boot is said to be the highlight of this new car. The car has a list of standard and optional features including sun-roof, Climatronic air conditioning, 6-CD auto-changer, projector headlamps, and cornering fog lamps. Skoda Fabia also comes equipped with loads of safety features that are sure to cut-down the accident rates. The comfort features in the car include adjustable front seats and a proper ventilation system. This widely anticipated car might be priced between 4.5-6 Lakh. With all these luring features it goes without saying that Skoda Fabia will pose a tough competition to the other manufacturers. Labels: Imported cars, India, Skoda Fabia
DaimlerChrysler to set-up a plant in Maharashtra
DaimlerChrysler India has recently signed an agreement with the Maharashtra government to open a new facility in Chakan, Pune. Out of the 100 acres of land that the company is going to acquire, one-third of the area will be dedicated to the first-phase production plant. This plant, which will start functioning from January 2009, will have the capability to produce over 4,500 units annually. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, C-Class, and S-Class models will be assembled at this unit helping to drastically cut down manufacturing/production costs and also decreasing vehicle market prices. Although, the company remains tight-lipped regarding the amount involved in the deal, it is estimated that the company has invested approximately 250 Crores, to set the deal right. There are also strong chances of DaimlerChrysler India introducing hordes of other models to the Indian market in 2008 and 2009. Labels: car manufacturers, cars, Indian car market, Mercedes-Benz
BMW X5 on Indian roads in November 2007
Increasing sales target has made BMW India plan its next launch. This German company has a plant in India located at Chennai. Encouraged by the good response from the Indian car market, the German auto major has planned to unveil the next model, BMW X5, in the month of November 2007. Rising demand for BMW vehicles has made the authorities think seriously about expanding the dealership in the country. According to the company’s spokesperson, at-least four more dealerships will be added by end of the year. Though, presently business is confined to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Mumbai there is a good chance of the BMW dealerships to make way into Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi, and Kolkata. Labels: BMW, cars, Imported cars, India
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
A looksie at Tata’s one-lakh people car in India
With the Tata-initiated One-Lakh Rupee Car picture released, it almost looks like any other existing compact car. To build a car for such a small amount is no joke. The tires should have been a bit bigger for a symmetrical look, however it is just one compromise in the car’s built. This Tata car looks like a mixed version of the Chevrolet Spark and the Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo. However, it can accommodate four grown people comfortably. With the blunt nose and diamond-shaped headlamps the much awaited Tata car is sure to lure the two-wheelers into upgrading their bikes for a car just by paying a few thousand extra. The wide front window guarantees clear and uninterrupted view. The front window shield gently slopes to the small bonnet that is excessively cut. No doubt that this car will mainly focus on performance in the city and there is talk that the people will have an option to choose between a diesel and a petrol engine. The fuel economy will definitely be between the regions of 24 km/l to 28 km/l. For the time being, the people await the name and specification details of this Tata car. Labels: cars, India, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
Revamped Honda City in India in next few weeks
From next month it will be the refurbished version of the Honda City available in the market. Facing a lot of competition from the Maruti SX4 and the Mahindra-Renault Logan, Honda Siel Cars India is in a hurry to update its City sedan with the latest technologies. According to the company’s release, its revamped City comes equipped with loads of safety features including airbags and an anti-lock braking system. Also, the prices might step-down. This revamp is said to be the final one for the City, until it gets replaced by a new model next year. With many manufacturers in India planning to launch their vehicles very shortly, this is a very important decision taken by Honda Siel Cars India. By smartening up the existing City model, there is no doubt about it posing a tough competition to the other makers. Labels: cars, competition, Honda, India, Indian car market
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