Palio will get CNG version
When all car manufacturers are taking move towards making the environment greener, why should Fiat lack behind? The company is coming up with the CNG version of Palio model by 2009.
Both gas and diesel variant of the Palio hatchback are already present in the market. Increase fuel and raw material price is giving the industry a shock and to fight this crisis car manufacturers are taking different prop to maintain their market share. Many car makers like General Motors, Maruti, Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai has turned towards CNG version. Well, it’s a delightful news for all Fiat lovers as they can own the car without spending much on fuel.
Labels: CNG-cars, Fiat-Palio
Hybrid Cars needs Government’s Attention
Global warning is at its peak and India is still far away to combat with the situation. Major air pollution is created by automobile exhausts which can be minimized by the use of green cars. Hybrid cars are good alternative for diesel or petrol vehicle. But these cars are seeking government’s attention.
The customs duty and the tax imposed on them are really high. It is the high time for the government to take necessary steps to encourage auto makers for the local production of hybrid cars.
India has only one hybrid car ‘Civic Hybrid’ recently launched by Honda Motors. The number will definitely increase if the government drives some policy in favour of these cars. It can cut down the customs duty on such cars which will encourage the car manufacturer to roll out these cars or permit imports at a lower duty for those auto companies who assure to manufacture hybrid cars for a specified period of time.
Labels: Government's-Policy, Hybrid-Cars
Eaton India Expands to Electrical Technology
Everyone is moving towards green technology and so is Eaton India. Eaton India is a Pune-based subsidiary of the US-based automotive company, Eaton Corporation. The subsidiary is rolling fast to expand its operation in producing electrical vehicles.
The company has already produced many hybrid engines that are running on North American roads and now the diversification is towards Indian roads. The simple technology of electrical starters is used for running light vehicles.
The company is mainly into producing transmission components, only 14% is dedicated to its automotive sector. Bringing pride to the country, Eaton is now willing to explore the market and produce qualitative components for both IT sector and automotive sector. UPS with 94% power efficiency is planned for the IT sector in India and automated transmissions and digital prototypes of engines for the automotive sector.
In short, Eaton is planning to bring success to two major and leading industries of the country.
Labels: Eaton-India, Electronic-Technology
Magna Expanding in India
Good to know that major car makers and auto suppliers are entering the Indian market and making the industry more competitive and winning.
Magna, North America's largest auto parts supplier, is now planning to open a new factory in India. This plan is implemented with a desire of boosting car sales in Asia. India being the cheapest resource for production and manufacturing is targeted by the company. The factory is expected to start next year in Pune and will produce powertrain parts for Indian car industry, cutting its dependence on North America.
Do you think the expansion plan of Magna will be successful? We definitely think so because so much efforts and investment can never go waste. This factory will definitely bring a win-win situation for the Indian car industry.
Labels: Indian-car-industry, Magna
Power Chair Car for the Disabled
A big hand of applause for those students who have developed a power chair car for the disabled. Everyone in the car industry is racing to produce a car with a blend of luxury, comfort and fuel economy. But have any car maker thought about those who don’t have legs to drive a car or are handicapped? No.
None of the car manufacturers thought about them but some engineering students from Durgapur has created a car for handicapped. They together have designed and developed a power chair car for those who can’t manage to start a car, press clutch or apply brake. Though a car can move only short distances within the campus, airports and hospitals, it is a big achievement for the developers and a big source of joy for the disabled who are otherwise dependent on others to drag their wheel chair.
We feel proud to know that we have so many intelligent and winning students in our country.
Labels: Car-for-Disabled, chair-Car
Ford Fiesta will be Costly
Wake up folks! If you like the appeal, comfort and performance of Ford Fiesta, then go and grab one before the price lets you fall.
The rising input cost with the hike in steel prices has pushed Ford India to review the price tag of it’s recently launched car, the Ford Fiesta. The current price of the Fiesta is Rs 6.57 lakh for the petrol variant and Rs 7.44 lakh for the diesel.
Even the small car expected to launch in 2010 is proposed at a price higher than 1 lakh. Wondering how much price would the company raise for the Fiesta after raising the price of its SUV, Ford Endeavour by Rs 30,000.
Keep your fingers cross and wish that the increased price tag is affordable.
Labels: Car-Price, Ford-Fiesta
Old Conventional Cabs are in the verge of extinction
The journey of the traditional black and yellow taxis is now coming to an end. The era is over and today people are switching over from normal taxis to high-end cabs.
People are now more willing to have comfort and luxury wherever they go, including the cabs they travel. Some of the cabs providers even have a tie-up with corporates and multinationals that requires high-end cabs for their employees.
Even the tourists in India don’t prefer normal taxis. They often ask for cab with an air condition, music system, power windows and other luxury amenities. All these features are not integrated in the tradition taxis and this is one of the main reasons why the blacks and yellows are moving off the Indian roads.
Not only the car features play a role but also the driver of the cab. All the companies into the cab business are now recruiting educated chauffeurs with good personality and enhanced communication skill.
Car Manufacturers Encountered by Input Costs
How much do you think is the input costs of manufacturing a passenger car? Yes, the input costs of manufacturing a car has increased tremendously followed by the increase in steel and fuel prices. This rising costs is hurting the core of all car manufacturers.
Steel is believed to account 60% of a car’s weight and apart from that plastic, aluminum are also used in the manufacturing process. Followed to the increasing steel prices, plastic, aluminum and rubber are also facing inflationary pressures. All together increases the total input costs of car production and eventually becomes a leading cause of worry, dismay and distress for the manufacturers.
You’ll be glad to know that even under heavy pressures these manufacturers are trying to absorb the maximum increase and pass on affordable cost price to car consumers.
Labels: Fuel-Prices, Input-Cost
New variants added to Mercedes’s E-Class
In India, Mercedes-Benz itself means ‘luxury’. No cars from Mercedes are devoid of luxuries and comfort.
Luxury car segment in India is growing upwards with more and more cars entering the segment. Mercedes-Benz has now introduced two new variants of E-Class, E220 CDI and E230, to add to the status and attractiveness of the E-Class luxury cars introduced in 1995. E220 CDI is loaded with a 2.2L four- cylinder diesel engine and a price tag of Rs 38.99 lakh, whereas E230 gets 2.5L V6 petrol engine and a price tag of Rs 41.14 lakh.
The company is expecting more growth potential with the introduction of these variants. Rest all is up to us how we deal with these cars and the loaded luxuries.
Labels: Car-Launch, Mercedes-Benz
Delhi gets its Electric Car
Join for a ride with Reva. Delhities will now have the opportunity to drive the wonderful, cute little Reva car. There are many people in India who wear a green conscience and attracted to the electric car model manufactured by Reva. Unfortunately, this model was launched only in Bangalore but now the cards of fortune have opened. Maini Revai has launched the advanced version of the Reva for Delhi roads.
Seven years ago when Reva was launched in Bangalore, the company was not sure of its performance and success. That time Reva was not able to make further launches because of the absence of subsidy but now Delhi is putting forward hands to support Reva in all aspects including subsidy, VAT exemption, refund of road tax, low registration charges and much more. This has eventually reduced the price tag of Reva from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 2.99 lakh in Delhi.
Such a low price tag will definitely make a stronger move towards Revai.
Labels: Electric-Car, Maini-Reva, New-launch
Toyota’s New Cars coming soon
Six new cars are coming to lure the Indian consumers from Toyota’s portfolio. The expected models will belong to different car segments including compact sedan, hatchback, diesel and SUV. Toyota is willing to have its car battle with other car models in their respective segments. The first launch among the six models would be a compact sedan powered by a 1.3L engine has a desire to compete with Tata Indigo CS and Maruti Suzuki’s Swift Dzire. Other models would be hatchbacks and sedans in competition with Suzuki’s Swift and Hyundai’s Getz.
The next generation of Corolla is expected to roll in by September this year and diesel corolla in 2010. The company also has plans to drive Fortuner SUV, with a price tag of Rs 16 lakhs, to the Indian market in 2009.
So many cars! It would be really difficult to judge the best car in this portfolio.
Labels: New-Cars, Toyota-Cars
Volvo Drives to India with RTI
Wake up folks, its time for us to drive! There are many people who love driving but have a very poor road sense. Volvo Car India has come up with an innovative technology, Road Traffic Information (RTI), for helping such people to enjoy a hassle free drive.
The company has produced a navigation system, which helps in travelling to a predetermined destination through unfamiliar roads and traffic environments. The navigation information is stored in the hard disk of the car that further communicates with the satellite system and helps the driver to find the right path to the defined destination.
The company sells this RTI at an additional cost of Rs 1.5 lakh. It not only helps people with poor road sense but also those who often get lost on roads while driving. Buying a RTI at an additional cost is a good investment to save time, fuel and money.
Labels: Navigation, Road-Traffic-Information, Volvo-Cars
Free Fuel with Santro and i10
Go Hyundai Go Fuel!To increase the sales of cars, Hyundai Motor has come up with offers that provide fuel vouchers for every purchase of Hyundai cars, Santro and i10.
It’s good that the company gave a thought over the increasing fuel prices and made it easier for the consumers to drive a car home. This is a good deal for both the consumers and the sellers. For consumers, it is easy to cope up with the increasing price hike and for sellers it’s a good way to boost sales.
The company officials have calculated the fuel used for driving 50km. With an assumption that a car is driven approximately a distance of 50km every day, the company gifts a fuel voucher of Rs 2,700, just enough for six months.
The offer is valid between June 20 and June 30. So, rush and grab the offer, it’s a good deal!
Labels: Free-Fuel, Hyundai-cars
Maruti’s ‘A-Star’ is ready to take the Indian Market by Storm
Wow! A car with the title ‘A-star’ is ready for immediate launch in the Indian car market and will definitely hold the best ratings. Because ‘A-star means A-rating’!
Maruti Suzuki has put across an innovative concept to manufacture its new car, ‘A-Star’. The company has great expectations from the car and has a strong belief that A-Star will establish a strapping and successful platform for Suzuki.
A-Star is a replacement for Alto and will hold attractive features that made Maruti Swift a big success in both domestic and international market. It’s Maruti, so the price will also be competitive. Falling somewhere between Alto and Swift, this car will have a tough competition with Nano and other small cars expected to launch in India.
Which one will you buy? Nano, i20 or A-Star?
Labels: Maruti-Cars, New-Car
Mercedes-Benz is also Environment Conscious
Desire for luxury is a desire for all! And now when luxury comes with green tag and cheap running cost, no one will like to keep themselves away from the tempting pie.
The luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has introduced its luxury sedan equipped with CNG-complaint engine. 
CNG being the cheapest fuel is becoming the cynosure for the manufacturers as well as users. This has also inspired the company to come up with something innovative that can be a complete blend of comfort, luxury, performance and fuel efficiency. Trust, the new variant of Mercedes-Benz meets all the above.
The company also has plans to launch its B class B170 NGT and the E 200 CNG sedans, already launched in the US and Europe. A long term plan of producing cars that ply on CNG technology is also banking on the company’s industrial platform.
Even the affluent class people are affected with the increasing fuel prices. Any one will go for an option which provides luxuries for less cost price. CNG variant of Mercedes-Benz is definitely a good luxury choice.
Labels: CNG-cars, Mercedes-Benz
Drops of Relief for Nano Vendors
The increasing steel price has pinched all the car vendors. All of them are pushing the manufacturers to absorb a portion of the cost increase and relieve them.
Realising the aftermath of about 50-60% increase in steel prices, Tata Motors has decided to absorb a major portion of the cost increase for its Nano vendors. The Nano was expected to be launched with a higher price tag due to the high input cost. But, with the vendors renegotiating the contract, the company has poured a few drops of relief.
The Nano itself is a 1 lakh car, and amazingly the input cost is coming out to be very high. The auto component company supplying parts to the Nano is also battling against 40% increase in oil price.
Labels: Car-Sales, Tata-cars
India Rolling for Hybrid Cars
Racing and Racing! Where will the road end? Earlier, Indian car manufacturers were racing for the cheapest cars and now speeding for hybrids. After the launch of Honda Civic Hybrid, Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra have also made a high jump on the hybrid bandwagon.
Tata and Mahindra are with head and heart involved in producing exclusive hybrid cars using indigenous technology at a very low tax burden. It is believed that these homegrown hybrids will come at a comparatively low cost price.
Tata Motors is planning to launch a hybrid of petrol and diesel in its flagship model Indica. The improved version of electric technology will be also seen in a range of Indica and Indigo cars. Simultaneously, Mahindra is working on innovative technology of blending electronics, battery, powerdrive and software to produce a completely new range of hybrid cars.
All these cars of Tata and Mahindra are expected to roll out in the next three years – So get ready to wear the green conscience.
Labels: Hybrid-Cars, New-Cars
Hyundai Ready to Roll Out Avante
One more luxury sedan to glitter the Indian roads!
Hyundai cars have always been affordable and reliable. The small segment car manufacturer twisted the turn from hatchbacks to mid-size sedans and now desires to run with the luxury sedan.
Hyundai Elantra launched in 2003 is now replaced by Avante and is ready to launch next month. The cost of the car is announced to be somewhere around Rs 10 lakh.
Avante is expected to be the best in its own segment with awesome ride quality, attractive body structure and pleasing interiors. Many believe that this reincarnation of Elantra, powered by a 2.0 litre petrol engine and 1.6 litre diesel engine, will be a tough competitor for Toyota Corolla. It is also expected to stand against Honda Civic, Chevrolet Optra and Skoda Octavia.
Labels: Hyundai-cars, New-Car-Launch, Premium-Sedans
Ford Doubts Industry Growth Due to Inflation
Indian car industry had witnessed a major growth in the previous year. But this year car manufacturer Ford doubts the growth level because of the inflationary pressures.
Ford, while launching the new variants of Ford Fiesta, was worried about the sale and growth of the car. Everyone associated with the manufacture, design and production of the cars are sure that an increase of almost 10% in the inflation is going to have a great influence on the industry's growth.
Rising inflation has also pushed up the interest rates, delivering disappointment and doubts to car manufacturers. It has also deterred new and used car purchases.
Now what? Will India beat the high growth figure of the last few years?
Labels: Car-Manufacturers, Car-Sales, Ford
When all car manufacturers are taking move towards making the environment greener, why should Fiat lack behind? The company is coming up with the CNG version of Palio model by 2009.
