Smooth ride…..
Suzuki Swift held its manufactures heads up in pride with best performance in the Indian market. The car debuted into the motor world in 2005 with its first edition.
Maruti Udyog Ltd., India’s leading auto makers and subsidiary of
Suzuki Motors takes up the production of this car. It is amazing to know that in the last one year 61,200 units were sold. Now that’s a very impressive figure, isn’t it?
Swift not only vroom’s in India but also to other countries like Japan, Hungary and China. This whooping success of
Swift clearly indicates that India is the perfect market for the small cars. This posh, classy and affordable baby is for Indian middle class family, so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and select your color.
Labels: Affordable, Manufacturers, Maruti Udyog, small cars, Suzuki
Gifts on wheels
How would you like if someone gifts you a car? WOW! And what would be your reaction when you realized it was a
luxury car? Hmm… No words right? Now hold your breath for those real ones.
As a token of appreciation our legendry Amithab Bachchan was gifted with Rs. 3.5 crore Rolls Royce Phantom for his outstanding performance in the movie ‘Eklavya’ by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Big B has gifted a Bentley car, imported from London to his son Abhishek Bachachan on his 31st birthday. That’s not all; there is another piece of information attached to it. Reliable sources reported that the hefty custom duty some was paid by their close family friend and a politician Amar Singh. Now is this a gift from his dad or Amar Singh is still under cover. It is becoming a trend among the celebrities to gift a car for any occasion.
Bollywood superstar
Shah Rukh Khan loves gifting too. Three years ago, for his film ‘Main Hoon Na’, he had gifted Hyundai Terracan to Farah Khan and recently happy with her direction for ‘Om Shanti Om’, he gifted a
Mercedes Benz of worth Rs.40 Lakh.
If the trend of gifting cars goes on, then our automobiles sector will definitely be on the top position in terms of sales. Good going…
Labels: Gifts, luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls Royce
Lighting-up with Indian company
The Neolite Group, a noted supplier of automotive lights for over 25 manufacturers based in India and overseas has merged with an Austrian partner.
Neolite entered a
joint venture with Austria based ZKW Zizala Lichtsysteme GmbH company, which has been given a 26 percent stake. The company has also been given an option to acquire 40 percent stake in its Indian business. However, the exact financial figures were unavailable. ZKW is one of the leading manufacturers of lighting for premium segment vehicles in Europe.
The new company would be called Neolite ZKW Lightings Private Limited. They are expected to start the operation by 2009 and 2.5 million lamps would be the initial volume of production. The JV would also manufacture lamps including LED, Xenon and AFS technology for the premium vehicles in different segments.
Labels: European, Joint Venture, Lighting
Cheap car drives expensive competition
Tata’s cheapest car is certainly not giving cheap competition.
Suzuki Motor is facing threats to its 50 percent of share on India’s auto market. Market analyst hints that it may cut the price of
Maruti 800, the car that was first to bring motorization within the reach of the middle-class.
Though, recently there were reports stating
Škoda,
Maruti and
Honda may raise cost of its few models in India, as prices of car components are on a rise. However, prices of
Honda CR-V and Maruti’s
Grand Vitara would stay put. As we know, manufacturers hike car prices twice a year, in January and June respectively. So, we shall reserve all out comments till then.
It’s time to see
Tata’s people’s car brings motorization to who all’s reach? While it’s already posing threat to Suzuki.
Labels: Honda, Maruti Suzuki, Skoda, Tata Motors 1 lakh car
X-citing Device
Are you worried about carrying CD’s or changing them while driving? A new solution is at your door steps!
Xenos Technologies Ltd, Auto
Accessories Company has launched a new device called X-cite. This USB based
car stereo with FM makes the entertainment segment more sophisticated. So how does it work? It's very simple. All you have to do is download your favorite MP3s from your computer or notebook to your USB device and then connect it to the X-cite stereo system and enjoy the unlimited music.
This gadget is also compatible with iPod and can also play music from portable audio player to the car speakers. Isn’t it the more convenient feature you are looking for your car? Equip your car with this gadget and get rid of carrying CDs and changing hassle. So drive safe and enjoy the ride.
Labels: Car stereo, Indian car accessories, New launch
The Beetle Club
Beetle, the heritage car from the house of
Volkswagen, still carries its pride in India. A group of ‘Beetle’ lovers from Bangalore officially formed Beetle Club in the city. They have also organized and participated in the Beetle rallies as well as other
vintage car rallies. This ‘hot hutch’ has a prolific history that created more wows among the Indian car enthusiasts.
Beetle, popularly known as ‘Bug’ to the motor world, was manufactured by German automakers that ruled the roads during 20s. It’s believed that Adolf Hitler asked one of the maestros to design a car that could seat two adults and two children giving 100km/hr. And after World War II, Volkswagen Beetle evolved as a car winning millions of hearts.
The ‘Bug’ smitten car lovers hopefully set an example for the other car freaks to form such clubs to rejoice their glory in the pages of history. May be this club could be the entry pass for the upcoming Volkswagens in India.
Labels: Bangalore, German auto, Vintage, Volkswagen
Maini REVAi to see competition
Maini REVAi, the sole electric car in the country so far, is about to see some competition soon. Another Indian company, Bavina Industries plans to launch a four-seat electric car.
This compact car will remind you of the Santro or Matiz at first glance and comes with facilities like
air conditioning, power windows, centralised locking and a designer dashboard. Bavina claims that the car can reach a maximum speed of 55 km/hr and can run up to 110 kms with the AC on which is about 50 kms more that what the Revai delivers. Without AC, an additional 20 kms can be achieved. The fully loaded version of Bavina’s electric car will cost around Rs 2.5 lakh.
Initially, the company will roll out 5,000 cars by early 2009. After this, it also plans to run eco-friendly taxis in some of the major cities. Those having a deep concern for
environment have one more reason to cheer up.
Labels: 2009, Electric Car, Environment friendly cars, Taxi
Honda’s eco-friendly commitments
All auto majors of the world have taken heed to the rising issue of global warming and have been researching and developing new technologies in this regard. Honda, being one of them, has been working aggressively to produce clean and green vehicles. For the coming Auto Expo in Delhi, Honda has selected the environment as its theme.
Honda will showcase its popular hybrid car, the Civic
Hybrid and its first fuel-cell model, the FCX.
The Civic Hybrid’s powertrain will be a combination of a 20 bhp electric motor and a 95 bhp petrol engine. The car uses the cleaner motor in place of the petrol engine at initial start. As the car stops, the petrol engine is turned off automatically and power is routed to the wheels through the electric motor. This regulation of the petrol engine at start and at stop significantly contributes to reduction in fuel consumption and also cuts down on emissions.
The Honda FCX first launched two years ago is the world’s first fuel cell vehicle to beg government awards and certifications.
The new
eco-friendly cars are expected to deliver Honda’s current commitments to the environment.
Labels: Auto expo, Environment friendly cars, Honda, Hybrids
Fuel efficiency is the new way to go
There’s a car galore on Indian roads today. Cars have become more of a necessity than luxury and car makers have rightly identified this. One cannot forget that cars run on fossil fuels and the world is fast running out of stock for these. For decades big players in the auto segment have researched an alternative to this and have made considerable progress.
It’s high time the Indian government took steps to provide incentives to energy efficient cars. According to recent news, in the next 20 years, Indian oil consumption will rise to three times the current figure of 500 million tonnes (mt). With a forecast as ugly as this, the country could find it difficult to meet the needs unless some measures are taken right away. Global warming issues have already forced many developed countries to tackle the crisis immediately. Many have already started promoting fuel efficient cars heavily and are also offering attractive incentives to car makers in this regard.
The government needs to set up clear guidelines for the sale of newer and cleaner technology. This will go a long way in leaving a greener tomorrow for coming generations. A first step in this direction would be if older fuel guzzling vehicles are done away with entirely. With cars, attracting the hybrids and the electrics would be a priority for now.
Article submitted by Satish RajaramLabels: Fuel economy, Global Warming, Hybrids, Indian Government
Karthikeyan hoists tricolour in China
India might not have a laudable history of motorsports and history cannot be changed. It can certainly be made. This is exactly what Narain Karthikeyan,
India’s first
Formula One driver, has done with his A1GP victory at Zuhai in
China. He has once again done
India proud at an event considered the world cup of motorsport.
The A1 Grand Prix commenced on 30th March, 2004 as a new concept in international motor racing. It comprises of two different races: Feature race and Sprint Race. The race takes excitement to newer heights with lots of chances at overtaking. The Zuhai track featured two straight tracks of 900m and 500m. About 22 countries took part in this race where not only were drivers pitted against other drivers but countries clashed as well. The race ensures a level-playing field for all participants without much consideration for technology or finances.
The Indian team had reached China riding on the success at Sepang in Malaysia where they had ranked 6th on the grid. With the fresh A1GP feature race victory, Karthikeyan has become the first Indian to have won this race. Germany’s Michael Ammermuller bagged first place in the other category of Sprint Racing where the Indian team had performed reasonably well with a 9th place in the qualifiers.
This victory, as Karthikeyan claims, is purely a result of well-coordinated team work and superior strategy. The pit stops were well called in and the timing was perfect! This is an inspiring team performance by the Indian A1GP team after a 3rd and 9th place finish in the qualifying rounds for the Feature and Sprint races respectively.
With the new victory, India’s A1 racer looks forward to a better career at Formula One. He took to racing at an early age and made his debut for the Carlin Motorsport team at the British Formula Three Championship in 1998. He might not have been seen as a Sachin or a Sania, yet this lanky lad has inspired a generation of motorists in the sport. With the advent of Go-Karting, motorsport has become a rage. Kingfisher’s buyout of Spyker and serious efforts to create India’s first F1 track are testimony to the apparent. Karthikeyan continues to instill a new sense of speed into the whole lot of race enthusiasts in India.
Labels: A1GP, Formula 1 racing, Narain Karthikeyan
Racing circuit gets a stylish new entrant
It’s good news for all race enthusiasts. The MRF Formula 1600
race car is here.
India’s catching up fast with developed nations. Indians have been proving their gut for speed here and abroad. Narain Karthikeyan has been doing us proud with his successive victories.
The launch of the race car here is truly fodder for excitement. Budding race car enthusiasts can now train in a genuine race car. The MRF Formula 1600 is manufactured by British-based motorsports firm Elan Motorsports Technologies (EMI) and is currently priced at Rs.15 lakh. It will be powered by a 155 bhp 1.6-liter 16-valve Ford Duratec engine which is currently used across the world in small race cars. The lightweight engine enables better throttle for the car.
The car will undergo critical tests during February for power and performance after which it will be assembled in the country and released to the public. It’s expected to be ready before the coming year’s Indian National Racing Championship where MRF plans to launch 10 of these in the event.
Labels: All-season tyres rule the Indian cars, British, Formula 1 racing, Narain Karthikeyan
Sumo and Indica need a facelift
Tata Motors is well ahead of the rest in a race to capture the market. But the reputed auto giant seems unfulfilled when it comes to design and safety on its models and not without reason.
Take a look at the Tata Sumo. The vehicle has a strong chassis and a good powertrain that’s probably picked up from Tata’s truck line-up. However, inspite of recent model remakes, it retains its tin-box image.
Another model which received a new look recently is the Indica. Besides being reliable and economical, the car has catered to passenger convenience to a good extent. Yet the styling still looks pretty dated and reminds one of cars that ruled the roads a decade ago. Tata should work toward seeing off the current taxi-wala image of these indigeneous models.
Article submitted by Kishore Nandan
Labels: Facelift, Indigeneous, Submitted Article, Tata, Taxi
New models from Fiat - a treat for die hard fans
All
Fiat fans who were forced to opt for other cars have a reason to cheer. Fiat is back! This time with newer and even better models.
We hear that the decade old Ranjangaon plant near Pune is finally humming with activity as the Italian car major is pushing through a major expansion programme.
This will be a decisive comeback for Fiat. In the next 2 years, Fiat wants to roll out seven new cars from its global portfolio. New releases will include Fiat’s European best seller - the 2-door Cinquecento, the much read about sedan
Linea and even the world famous
Ferrari.
The Fiat service network that used to be about a decade ago is now non-existent. The company will revamp its sales and service network entirely. This move should certainly get the crowd going.
Reports suggest that the Pune plant is presently making two versions of the
Palio and come February, a third version will be added. The new Palio will be powered by the highly acclaimed 1.3 Multijet engine which currently does duty in the award winning
Maruti Swift DDiS. We expect a price tag of around Rs 4.5 lakh on the new model.
Labels: Ferrari, Fiat, Italian car, New launch, Palio
More cars coming but environment issues are a worry
Roads are the same but dreams are growing bigger in size and in number. So is global warming! The Indian passenger car market is set to see a hundred potential models at the upcoming
Auto Expo in Delhi and many of them are slated to rollout in and soon after 2008.
This is what we’d call getting everything on a platter! From Tata’s ultra cheap car to the all new
Mercedes C-Class and from
Skoda’s
Fabia to
BMW’s M5 – all are set to lock many gazes at the auto show. All in all, India will have about 60 new variants to flaunt on its roads by the end of 2008. Great news for car lovers good and the Indian auto market.
A lot to worry about on the
environmental scene and the growing rate of accidents and traffic jams. How much more can our roads take? Effective plans need to be tabled much before the cars roll out.
Article submitted by Vignesh MadhusudhanLabels: Accidents, Auto expo, Global Warming, Roads, Traffic Jams
Fuel prices to go even higher
Earlier it was car manufacturers who announced an increase in price and now the government announces a hike in fuel prices at the start of the coming year. This, when the news of
Tata’s new super-mileage small car was just sinking in.
The reason for this increase in fuel prices is said to be a result of huge losses incurred by public sector oil firms here. Whatever the reason, it’s finally the common man who takes the brunt of it all. As usual, the price hike has been labeled a ‘moderate’ increase.
What does the future hold for the auto world? Well! With fuel prices pushing upward at this rate, we’re sure the day of bullock carts and bicycles are just a few pages away in the calendar. We are glad
Honda’s bringing a
hybrid car to India. Seeing the tiny
Maini Reva ply our roads cheers us up even more.
Labels: Civic Hybrid, Maini Reva, Prices
Questions raised by media attitude
Recent reports in the Western press about
Tata motors’ prospective takeover of the Land Rover and Jaguar brands have raised a few disturbing questions. News analysis and blogs seem perturbed by Tata’s bid for the iconic British brands. The Western media raises the phantom issue of brand image dilution at the hands of the Tata’s; a car manufacturer they associate with the world’s cheapest car – the infamous one-lakh car. Their premise is that the image of the big brands that Tata is eyeing may take a beating as a result of this.
Does the argument hold water? Another question is whether Western car enthusiasts are really so baffled by the change of ownership that they would overlook the survival of Land Rover and Jaguar. Yet another question is, why such discomfiture on the part of some journalists and bloggers? Do people really have so much idle time as to waste it on such issues? Are vested interests in act here? If not the common people, then who’s writing such obnoxious stuff? The answers to these questions deliver a clearer picture of the situation.
As far as the Tatas are concerned, their business credentials are solid. Tata is not just a business conglomerate but a business house that has contributed immensely to the making of modern India. Tatas belong to a generation of conscientious businessmen; a generation of yore who believed in giving back to society from what they got. The Indian Institute of Science and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research stand testimony to their benevolence. In India, the Tatas are clearly seen as ‘businessmen with professionalism’. The conglomerate has always been led by a visionary businessman, be it the founder Jamshedji or the current leader Ratanji. Tata’s business success is a story of India’s rising economic strength.
It’s not the question of Tatas winning or losing the bid for Jaguar and Land Rover. They have won many a time and have also lost on a few occasions. The outcome of the bid is by no means a standard to gauge the Indian
car maker. It will not mean the world if they win and will definitely not be the end of the road if they lose. But, is there anyone else who has stepped up to the task at hand? Only a handful of companies have actually filed for the bid and now only two remain in the race, one of them being a private equity entity - EquityOne.
In this case, what’s really disturbing is the scale of dissemination of such ideology. Would Western car buyers really want to know who made the car they are driving or where it came from? The current views are clearly an indication of restlessness and a result of the propagation of an old belief system pertaining to developing countries. Be what it may, Asia is truly rising.
Article submitted by Krishnaraj ShastriLabels: 1 lakh car, Jaguar, Land Rover, Submitted Article, Tata
MapmyIndia to pave the way
Lost for direction! Don’t know where you are going or want to go? The MapmyIndia
navigation system is here to take a good care of your traveling. It will make your travel easy, safe and a fun. Enter any destination across India, and the Navigator will guide you turn by turn with graphic instructions supported by voice prompts. It also searches for points of interest along the way, such as the nearest petrol pump or ATM when you need them most.
This smart and sleek GPS gadget uses information provided by satellites to determine your current location. The portable gadget can either be mounted on the windshield or on the dashboard while driving or be carried on person while seated in the backseat. This GPS-based in-car navigation device was recently introduced into the Indian market by leading navigable map data provider
MapmyIndia.
The device is available in two hardware models, Delphi Nav 200 and AMAX 06GP5A. Both the models come with inbuilt GPS, 3.5” colour touch-screen and Samsung 400 MHz processor with additional multimedia features to play movies,
music, photos, games, etc. So, no more asking for routes or directions, your navigator is right here to help you out!
Labels: GPS, Multimedia, Navigation, Travel
