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Friday, 29 August 2008
Volvo Works for Expansion
Inspite of the car market moving to a negative terrain, Volvo Car India (VCI) works for the expansion plan. The company is optimistic that the current slack phase of the industry will soon be rectified. The Volvo has already introduced a portfolio of 10 cars to the Indian market including three sedans, one station wagon, two convertibles, and three cross-over model. The company has tested the performance of these cars in the Indian market and is much satisfied with the good response from both the market and the buyers. The company plans to launch two or three new cars and also strengthen its dealer network. It also desires to meet a sales target of about 400-500 vehicles by the end of this fiscal year. Currently, Volvo has dealers in Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh. It further plans to extend the dealer network to other cities like Hyderabad, Bangalore, Cochin, and Pune. Labels: Car-Market, New-Car-Launch, Volvo-Cars
Mitsubishi Plans Outlander for India
Driven by the growing demand of SUVs in India, Mitsubishi plans to roll out its Outlander soon. There was news that the company plans to roll out its SUV in the first quarter of 2008. The first quarter is now over. No dates are being confirmed for the launch but the newsy air still whispers that ‘Mitsubishi plans Outlander for India’. Priced at about Rs.15-25 lakhs, the car is expected to compete with the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda CRV. The Mitsubishi cars are already doing wonders in the Indian car market. Mitsubishi Pajero is a successful SUV running on Indian roads and Mitsubishi Lancer has no comparison in the luxury car segment. With such a successful story in the Indian market, Mitsubishi is sure to win applauds and acclamation for its upcoming SUV, the Outlander. The new car will come with a competitive price tag and superior features. The 2.4 litre MIVEC petrol engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission coupled with paddle shift are the most attractive features. The company has taste the success in India with only selected models. Does the slogan, ‘slow and steady wins the race’ apply to Mitsubishi brand? Will the Mitsubishi be able to win the race in the highly competitive India market? Labels: Mitsubishi-Cars, New-Car-Launch, SUV
Fortuner Still in Queue
Is Toyota Fortuner really in a queue? The fact whether Toyota Fortuner will make its debut in the Indian market is questionable. Toyota is towing away the launch of Fortuner from the past several months. There were rumours that the Fortuner is to be launched by the end of 2007. But unfortunately the car has not passed through the Indian boundaries. Even the idea of launching the Fortuner is still behind the veil. Toyota now plans to give final shot to its thought rather than playing away with the idea. The company has used the same IMV platform as used in Toyota Innova to produce its remarkable Fortuner SUV. Toyota Fortuner is loaded with an impressive 2.7 litre petrol and 3.0 litre common rail diesel engine. The car if launched will be available at a price tag of Rs 16-20 lakh. Still there is news that the car will be launch in 2009. But will the car seriously launch in 2009? Or is it still a speculation? Labels: New-Car-Launch, SUV, Toyota-Cars
BMW Eager to Drive in X6
Wow! A luxurious SUV! BMW has recently launched its car studio at Janpath, Delhi. During the inauguration of the first such studio in the country, the president of BMW, Peter Kronschnabl, announced the launch of BMW X6. The decision to launch X6, a full size SUV, is driven by the increasing popularity of SUVs in the Indian market. Not only BMW, other car manufactures also have plans to roll out their SUV in India. The X6 is an excellent car designed with elegance and loaded with luxuries. It is adorned with various stylish and classy features that will create a complete new car segment. This outstanding car is expected to roll out in 2009. Earlier the company had plans to drive in its beautiful car Mini to India but the plan to roll out X6 has pushed back the launch of Mini. In a couple of years, BMW is also considering to bring its hybrid car model to the Indian market. Why do you think? Will the new SUV from BMW stable be able to record a success in India? Labels: BMW-Cars, New-Car-Launch, SUV
Thursday, 28 August 2008
Volvo for Indian pride
The 2008 Beijing Olympics saw a grand finale bringing pride and cheers to India. Shooter Abhinav Bindra made our country proud by winning a gold medal and for the first time in Indian history, the country bagged an individual gold medal in Olympics. As a token of appreciation, Abhinav was gifted with a Volvo car worth Rs 39 lakh. Volvo-India Managing Director, Mr. Paul de Voijs handed over the keys of Volvo S-80 to Abhinav. The Volvo started its direct sales in India last year and incidentally A. S. Bindra, father of Abhinav Bindra was the first buyer of a Volvo car. Among the Indian states, the demand for high-end luxury cars is high in Punjab and that is the reason why Volvo chose Chandigarh to launch its cars in India. Labels: Luxury-Cars, Volvo-Cars
Tata-Fiat Plans Slew of Car Launches
Inspite of the falling sales and high inflation, car manufacturers are planning a slew of car launches. This seems to be confusing. At one end, the car manufacturers say that they want to halt their expansion plans and on the other end they are constantly announcing the upcoming launches. Can anyone guess the true picture behind the scene?
Whatever the case be, currently the news say that the joint venture between Tata and Fiat is planning to change the overall look of their alliance showrooms which includes – style, signage, interiors and ambience. Fiat plans to give a European red look to its brand whereas Tata Motors will showcase its brand in blue. The companies have also changed the size of their logo as an essential part of their branding and promotion exercise.
With the new makeover, both Fiat and Tata are planning to launch a portfolio of cars in the next couple of months. Fiat plans to launch Linea and Grande Punto before the end of this year, whereas Tata Motors plans a new Indigo and Nano in the same period. Tata has recently launched a new Tata Indica Vista with better features, style and engine technology. Tata-Fiat joint venture is working hard on the marketing and distribution aspect and is hunting out for better and improved measures. Labels: Fiat-Cars, New- Car-Launch, Tata-Motors
Skoda Wins the Crown
Congratulation Skoda for winning the top rank in sales satisfaction survey! A survey conducted by J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 between March 2008 and June 2008 clearly states that Skoda India ranks the highest in new car owner satisfaction. This is the second consecutive year that the company won this award. According to the survey, Asia Pacific considered seven factors that contribute to the rankings. These factors include delivery process, delivery timing, paperwork, sales initiation, salesperson, dealer facility, and the final deal. On a scale of 1000 points, Skoda scores 799. After the announcement of results, Skoda customers are on the seventh heaven. They are actually happy and satisfied with the entire sales process. Almost all the Skoda customers have experienced through the years a hassle-free vehicle purchase right from the initial stage to the final delivery. These consumers are also satisfied with the after sale service of their Skoda cars. Labels: New-Car, Skoda-Cars
Car Rental Grows in India
Luxury and comfort conscious travelers have increased in India which has given a new way to the car rent business. Many companies in the country are looking forward to gain profit from the surge in car rental business. Companies into car rental services are increasing their fleet size and are also reducing their prices to lure more customers. The Carzonrent is one such company that provides car rental services in the country. The company is in process to increase their car fleet size from 180 cars to almost 500 by the end of this fiscal. With this effort, the company expects more than a 100% increase in the number of reservations. Car rental services not only include a rented car with a chauffer but it also includes an option of self-drive business. Self drive service is a service where the car rental company rents only the car not the chauffer. Carzonrent lays emphasis on the self-drive business. The company feels that Indian people are not much aware of this kind of business in the car rental industry. To spread the awareness, the company is ready to invest out an amount of Rs 5 crore for marketing and promotion. Another known company is the car rental services is the Sixt. The company is planning to sign a memorandum with the Maini Reva to add electric cars to its fleet. So far, the company had focused only on the B-to-B segment but now it feels that it is profitable to foray into the retail segment. Apart from the self-drive business, other car rental companies like Meru, EasyCabs, CoolCabs and Forsche (women’s taxi service) provide cars on rent but with a chauffer. These companies till date have not entered the self-drive business. Sooner or later, will these companies enter the self-drive business? Labels: Car-Rental-Industry, Maini-Reva
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
Renault Sandero is only Few Steps Away
After the successful venture of Mahindra-Renault Logan, the joint venture between Mahindra and Renault is planning to impress the consumers with a bootless sibling. Logan is currently creating sensation in the mid-size car segment in the country but still Renault is not satisfied. To comply with its own level of satisfaction, the company desires to roll out Renault Sandero, a hatchback. Sandero will be manufactured in Renault’s Curitiba plant and will launch the car first in Brazil, followed by Argentina and India. The Renault Sandero is built using digital designs and is price warrior. A much affordable modern hatchback is loaded with elegant and futuristic features and is comparatively more attractive than the revamped Logan. The car is a blend of European Clio (Renault's popular hatchback) and some Logan features. Spacious and low boot of the car makes it more comfortable and easy for loading cargo. The drive, sitting posture and the comfort is all up to the mark. When driving to India, Renault will modify some features in order to make the car well suited for Indian roads. Labels: Hatchbacks, Mahindra-Renault
First Nano will Drive in on the Expected Launch Date
Cheer Up! Don’t get disheartened! The first Nano will launch in October!
Since the date, Ratan Tata has established the Singur plant, some or the other obstacles have blocked the road for Nano. Land seizure issues, water logging in the plant, increased input costs and again the land protests have created a bundle of troubles in the production of the Nano. These obstacles have delayed the scheduled launch and price tag of Nano.
Huge numbers of consumers are waiting for the launch of Nano but the current land seizure issues have put a full stop to their thoughts and expectations. People are now in a dilemma whether the car will launch on the expected date or not. This confusion is right as there were news to shift the small car project from Singur. But will these rumors turn to a reality? No! Even though the company is facing hassles and troubles to deal with the land protests, the first Nano car is still expected to roll out on the expected launch date. How can one forget the strength, power and capability of Tata Motors? The company has faced several ups and downs throughout the years and today there is nothing that can obstruct the way for Tata Nano. Labels: Nano, New-Car-Launch, Tata-Motors
Audi R8 Not Launched But Sold
Audi R8 is scheduled for launch in November this year. The car is priced at Rs 1.3 crore in India and there are many who are waiting for the launch of this car. The car will be imported from Germany for the Indian market. The imported volume is low and so it will not go through any approval by the authorities. Audi R 8 bears a weight of around 1,560 kg and is an excellent car with a mid-engine, delivering a horsepower of 420. The car has created a benchmark in the global car industry. Audi's sports car is doing wonders throughout the world and soon going to make its debut in the Indian market. In India, there are many people who are ready to pay this big amount for the luxury, quality and superiority the car delivers. It is believed that the bookings for the car started in June 2008 and the company has almost registered 15 orders in its bag for the super luxury car. After bagging 15 orders, the company states that the imported car model is sold out for this year. Sold out! What does this means? This sounds to be strange. The car model has not yet launched but the targeted sale volume is over for this annum. Yes, that's right. Audi R8 has not yet launched but is sold in India. Currently, there are two to three Audi R8s on Indian roads that were bought through direct import. Labels: Audi-Cars, Luxury-Cars, Sports-Car
Another New Model from Tata
There is lot going on with Tata’s. They are always in news for some or the other reason. The news of launch of Tata Indicruz by 2009 is the latest buzz. To be built on Safari platform, the car will come with four wheel drive. Large grille and peeled back headlamp with a modern touch will adorn the car. The interiors are spacious too with well placed dash offering large storage space. The brand has not compromised with the quality either and is expected to present better performance than the Safari and new Sumo Grande. This MPV is likely to compete with Toyota Innova. Tata’s have a list of new surprises to be launched. They are foraying in every segment, looks like very soon Tata will dominate the car industry in India. Labels: Car-Industry, New-Car, Tata-cars
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
Electric Cars vs. CNG Cars
Electric cars and CNG cars are the current wave in the automotive industry. The hike in fuel prices have definitely cut down the sale of petrol cars and increase the demand of CNG cars. Along with CNG, electric cars have also established a strong platform on the sands of Indian car market. Currently, we only have two electric cars, Reva Maini and Garuda. There are car manufacturers who are working on to produce electric versions of their various car models. But is it good to work on electric versions? Or CNG versions are preferable? During this era when the infrastructure is not so strong in the country, the industry will benefit more by producing CNG comply engines rather than wasting time to design purely electric engines. This is because India has a huge shortage of electricity. In the recent time, power cut has become a usual thing in most of the metro cities. Even today there are few villages in the country that live in dark the entire year. That’s shocking but that’s the truth. With such an infrastructure and shortage of power, how can electric cars win the car race? Yes, of course once the power shortage issue is solved, electric cars will top the race. But till then, CNG cars are better. Today, most of the gas pump stations provide CNG. It is one of the cheapest fuels with the lowest running costs. One kilogram of CNG costs about Rs 22 and the fuel gives a running cost of about Rs 1.3/km. This clearly dictates that one kg of CNG will run the car for one whole month. Then, what do you decide - Electric or CNG? Labels: Car-Fuel, CNG-cars, Electric-Cars
How Long will the Small Maruti Stay
It’s high time that Maruti should shift its small car portfolio to high performance sedans and retain its supremacy in the country. Maruti started the production of its small and beautiful Maruti 800 past 25 years. It was one of the earliest cars in India after the Fiat Padmini and Ambassador. The car was the best during that period and was highly competitive in terms of performance, comfort and drivability. But now, the time has changed. Today, Indian car market is predominated with a vast number of hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs and MUVs. With so many new cars coming in, the old cars are gradually moving out of the industry. Fiat Padmini is already overpowered by various other Fiat models and the old Ambassador has been replaced by new features including the new engine technology. Now, it’s the turn for Maruti 800. The Maruti 800 is still running successfully on Indian roads but how long will this small car run? Today Maruti Motors is associated with a sturdy, stylish and elegant car like Maruti SX4, the sizzling compacts Maruti Swift and Maruti Alto. Maruti cars are having a tough competition within themselves. Alto is competing with 800, eventually slowing down the sale of 800. However, Maruti has the best-in-class technology in all its car models that make Maruti cars a better option. But then, 800 has to drive out to give way to next generation cars. Labels: Maruti-Cars, New-Cars, Small-Cars
Auto Industry Halts Expansion
Drop in car sales due to increasing inflation have pushed auto companies to halt their expansion plans. Along with auto players, many auto component manufacturers have also lined up their investments as they don’t want to venture the market during this slowdown era. Currently, auto manufacturers have no justified reason for expansion. Some of the car manufacturers like Toyota Kirloskar Motors, Maruti Suzuki India and Ford Motor India are rescheduling their equipment orders just because the industry is facing a jinx. The Toyota Motors is slowing down its launches, whereas the Maruti Suzuki India has pushed the sales target to 2011 fiscal instead of 2010. The Ford Motor India is also planning to revise its expansion strategy. Ford has already announced an investment of around Rs. 2 crore in the Indian car market but is now confused with its own decision of expansion. Recently, Skoda and its sibling Volkswagen have announced its expansion plan by launching a portfolio of cars in India. Are they still in the thought of expanding in the Indian market? If yes, will they benefit from the currently slowed down market? India is believed to be an optimistic country, but will this optimism sway away with the current slack phase of the Indian car industry? Labels: Auto-Industry, Maruti-Suzuki, Skoda
New Face of Indica Peeps In
Tata Motors has launched a new face of Indica, the Indica Vista, on a glittering function on Saturday evening. Indica Vista is believed to be the India’s first fully indigenous car. Yes, this is known to be the first and the Tata’s only car that is manufactured completely in India with all Indian spare parts. The second generation Indica Vista reflects the economic and brand progress Tata has made since its debut in the Indian car market. Since the time of conception, the company has made various advancements in terms of engine efficiency, design quality, technology and even drivability. The company is not only looking at giving ultra-modern technologies to all its car models but is also ensuring the comfort level of the drivers and the performance of its entire car portfolio. Vista will definitely rule over its own predecessor with innovative features, best in class engine technology and attractive looks. Available in a range of colours and price segments, Indica Vista is sure to create a benchmark in the Indian car industry. Labels: Car-Manufacturers, Car-Market, Tata-Indica
Monday, 25 August 2008
Worst After Sale Service of Honda Accord
My boss owns a Honda Accord and faced numerous problems since the purchase of this car. This car is having battery problem which was found old and when complaint was made the problem is not resolved and my boss has to replace the battery at his own expense. This car is having serious problem of engine’s heavy oil consumption. Till date not resolved. Last but most annoying that when there was a puncture on express highway, surprisingly the spare wheel found of another size then what it should have and still the right size wheel is not provided This entire complaint was made to HONDA MOTORS at Delhi and even JAPAN Head Office, they expressed only regrets but till date the problems are not resolved. I have only one question if same incident happened to some of the JAPANESE-AMERICAN-EUROPIAN Customer what will be action of HONDA MOTORS. I hope this will reach to you and think of any foreign company to be checked twice and not to rely just as they are from so called big company. They have worst after sales service I have found. I had very high regards for JAPANESE companies but in real sense they are as rude as any worst company of India.Thanks... Submitted By: Nitigna Trivedi Labels: Car-Sales, Car-Showroom, Hero-Honda
The Nano Trouble Continues
Tata Nano, the much hyped ultra-cheap car is in trouble. There are chances that Nano will face some obstacles at its commercial launch because of violent protests against the Singur plant continues. And if the problem worsens, the Indian top car manufacturers will move its Nano production plant from West Bengal. Tata has been getting invitation from states like Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra and Karnataka to set up the plant. The CMs of these states have clearly expressed their interest in providing land to build the production unit for Nano. There is high probability of Tata to re-set the Nano plant in Dharwad (Karnataka), as this state already accommodates Tata Plant. If the Tata Motors shifts the plant from Bengal then not only the company will have to suffer heavy loss but also the huge number of employees will be affected who are depend on the enterprise for their bread and butter. Again a hurdle for the little car, the Nano’s launch is getting hotter. Well everybody is now eyeing what new turn the agitation will take? Labels: Nano, Singur plant, Tata-Motors
E-car Trend Goes On
The demand for four-wheelers in India is growing and the two-wheeler manufacturers are also venturing into the car market. Hero Electric, a subsidiary of the Hero group is planning to foray the car segment with an electric car by 2013. The details of the car like the specifications and the price is not yet disclosed. These cars will not run on capacitors or on conventional battery. The car will carry an instant charger and would also give higher mileage at a lower cost. The increase in fuel price has given a great pinch to the buyers as well as the car manufacturers and as a practical solution to it, car manufacturers are working on eco-friendly cars. Recently, Tata Motors has also announced the electric-drive version of Tata Nano by 2009. Mahindra & Mahindra is also planning to roll out electric car to India very soon. As we all know that India does not support electric vehicles much. Looks like by introducing e-cars, car manufacturers are trying to build a green image, but still the actual revenues come from mainstream fuel guzzlers. Labels: E-Cars, Fuel-Prices, Hero-Group
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