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Wednesday, 7 October 2009
It looks like Renault is having a very tough time ahead. Its joint venture with Mahindra and Mahindra seems to be heading nowhere. And now when both the companies have realized that the joint venture is not bringing them any treasure to fill up their coffers, they have finally decided to talk it out. It is still not known what will be the final decision of both the companies. But of the many issues that the companies are facing right now, the most important is the unsuccessful tenure of Logan, the only car that is launched of the joint venture between the two companies. It does not look like the Renault will walk away from the partnership or the Indian car market. And the very obvious reason is that the Renault still wants to have its fingers dipped in the Indian car market pie, which is the most happening car market of the world at the moment. In a joint venture between the two companies, 51 per cent of the stake is held by Mahindra and Mahindra while the rest of 49 per cent is being held by French car maker Renault. The companies will be discussing on whether it is feasible to launch a new car at this time and what should be the future plans to remain in the business. We desperately hope against hope that both the companies sort it out in a cordial way and will not think of a break up. Renault’s ultra-low cost car plan also seems to be affected by the perplexity that is happening between the two companies. Bajaj, its partner in producing the ultra-low cost car, seems to be not happy with the proposal of partnering only with Renault, leaving aside Mahindra & Mahindra. Bajaj already had brand issues with Renault. And the company is not comfortable in joining hands with Renault, which is already in turmoil. Well as the companies are still in discussion, let us all keep our fingers crossed for an intelligent decision from the companies. Labels: Bajaj, Joint-Venture, Logan, Mahindra and Mahindra, Renault, Ultra-Low-Cost-Car
Thursday, 17 July 2008
 The Indian car industry is caught in the middle of high inflation and interest rates, soaring fuel prices, and a steep decline in car demand and sales. The steep deviation has caught the industry by surprise. The Bajaj-Renault-Nissan alliance now plans to roll out a portfolio of electric cars with a keen desire to boost the sluggish car demand. The alliance desires to go beyond the ‘ultra low-cost car’ to introduce a range of electric vehicles in India. The company accepts this as a new marketing strategy and has a confirmed belief that car sales will boost as a result of this new marketing strategy. The Bajaj, Nissan, and Renault alliance is not restricted to the production of one single vehicle. The alliance is negotiating to extend their ULC partnership and produce a portfolio of electric vehicles in different segments with varying price tags. The alliance lays its focus on India because it is one of the most cost-effective production centres in the world even after inflation. Labels: Bajaj, Electric Cars, Nissan, small cars
Friday, 20 June 2008
Bajaj and Renault-Nissan had signed a joint venture to produce small cars to compete with the Nano. But, now the Joint Venture has decided to drive further, beyond the reach of small and low-cost cars. They are now planning to widen their platform and produce a portfolio of different cars ranged at different prices and characteristics as well. It has realised the fact that there is no gain in just competing with one single car simply on the basis of price. Good, they are moving ahead with a desire to make their ultra-low cost (ULC) platform flexible and produce something better. They have announced that their new range of cars may cost over Rs 1.50 lakh, but it will not compromises with quality – engine performance, transmission, unique interiors, style, fuel economy and emissions. Life is costlier than Rs 1 lakh! So, don’t just go for price, look all aspects and then decide for one. Labels: Bajaj, Nissan, Small-Cars
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Renault, the French car manufacturer who brought out the car Logan along with Mahindra, and Nissan are holding a series of talks with Bajaj Auto on creating an ultra-cheap car like the Tata Nano. That’s all I keep hearing these days.
Renault keeps saying that it’s interested in a joint venture with Bajaj for creating a small car that will compete with Tata’s Nano. The news of this alliance has been just news for a long time now. Doesn’t look like the talks are getting anywhere. Bajaj Auto had displayed their one-lakh concept car at the Delhi auto expo in January but it’s not known if anything happened after that.
Article submitted by Frenchbeard Labels: Bajaj, Mahindra, One Lakh Car, Renault, tata nano
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
I am, like many of my friends, waiting breathlessly for the Tata Nano. I also was curious about its rival Bajaj Lite. While Nano continues to be in the news everyday, Lite was in the limelight for just a single day when it was unveiled and then it practically vanished.
Lite is light years away from a launch in India. Bajaj Auto was planning to launch the car in collaboration with Renault-Nissan, but the process which was moving ahead slowly now seems to be ending. Renault and Bajaj had jointly initiated a feasibility study of ultra-low-cost cars in India in July 2007. The study is now expected to be completed by March this year.
The newspapers don’t tell me what the result is going to be of this study. I can’t find anything on the net. Where is the Lite? Does anyone have any idea? I would like to get some info on this car – help!
Article Submitted by Curious Swami Labels: Bajaj, Cheap-Cars, Nissan, One Lakh Car, Tata, ultra low cost car
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
Bosch, formerly Mico Bosch, is likely to supply fuel-injection systems for the Bajaj- Renault sub-$3,000 small car. The German auto component maker also supplies similar systems for Tata’s small car and Bajaj’s motorcycles. The small car being built by the Bajaj Auto and French automaker Renault jointly is likely to hit the road in early 2010. Bosch is planning to invest Rs. 850 crore in India to increase the production of petrol systems, electronic control units and ABS systems. By 2010, it plans to produce 15 lakh starters and 20 lakh alternators in India, compared to about 5 lakh of each in 2006. The company aims to generate low-cost vehicle equipment sales to the tune of 1 billion Euros by 2010. This is a fast growing segment in India. The global growth of low-cost components is projected to be at 6% by 2015, while in India it will be in double figures. The component major has decided to change its name to Bosch from Motor Industries Company (MICO), in which it holds nearly 70% stake. Nevertheless, the well-established ‘Mico’ brand will be retained in the automotive aftermarket. Labels: Bajaj, Bosch, Fuel Injection, German auto, MICO
Friday, 21 December 2007
The struggling French car maker Renault is thinking of launching a new low-budget car into Indian market. It is expected to be priced at about $3,000. Renault is to unveil some 20 new models in the coming year. As if this is not enough, it can bring some low-cost autorickshaws in an aggressive global strategy to push up the static sales graph. But the Indian market is no piece of cake. Indigenous car manufacturer Tata Motors has already announced introduction of its 1-lakh car in the middle of coming year. It is learned to be in its final leg of manufacturing. Even the autorickshaw market might prove a hard nut to crack as the Bajaj Automotive has a stranglehold on the market. Most of the autos running on Indian roads come from the Bajaj factory. Of late, India has become a lucrative car market along with other BRIC countries. Renault do has its presence in India, but in the sedan car sedan and that too in collaboration with Mahindra & Mahindra Labels: Auto rickshaw, Bajaj, Renault, Tata Motors 1 lakh car
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
As India is emerging as a global hotspot for four-wheelers, top guns in the auto industry are inventing ways to capture the largest share and fiddling with the buzz word - ultra-cheap cars. Renault- Nissan is looking at replacing auto rickshaws from Indian roads completely. They have already entered an agreement with Ashok Leyland to churn out low cost trucks and with Bajaj Autos to engineer a $3,000 car by 2010. India's Tata Motors aims to launch its long-awaited $2,500 car in 2008. Maruti is currently out of the ultra-cheap car loop. Tata is still in the fray even after a lot of political turmoil in their small car plant in West Bengal. It is time for consumers to ponder about how the Renault- Nissan combo is going to compete with the three-wheelers in India. Labels: Ashok Leyland, Bajaj, Buses and Trucks, Maruti, Nissan, Renault, Tata, Three-wheelers, Ultra cheap cars
Thursday, 6 December 2007
Did the festive fever in the last couple of months, especially October and November really boost up auto sales in India? Well… the market statistics say it’s a mixed result. While some old players made it a success with their new launches, for many it wasn’t a hunky-dory sale. Maruti Suzuki, aided by the sensation of the Swift Diesel and SX4, which initiated catchy campaigns like Smile India or Wheels of India has shown a 27 per cent year-on-year growth last month. Similarly, India’s biggest two-wheeler maker, Hero Honda reported a 2.8 per cent rise in two-wheeler sales in November with 288,027 units compared with the prior year period. Though Bajaj is busy planning its small car project, Bajaj Auto’s year-on-year sales went marginally low for new products like the Flame or TVS Scooty. The trend shows, auto lovers still believe in their old car makers, like Maruti. What will be exciting is to see the reaction of the market mid-2008. Labels: Bajaj, Indian car market trend, Maruti Suzuki, Maximum sales
Friday, 23 November 2007
Buying a car is no more a luxury for Indians, it’s a necessity. For the global automotive industry, China is now a passé, India grabs all their attention. Last year, car sales in India totaled in 1.1 million with compact hatchbacks accounting for nearly three quarter of that. Time for Maruti, Tata, or Mahindra to pull up their socks, foreign automakers like Nissan, Hyundai, and Renault are aiming big in India. A recent auto survey says that the car market in India is growing at an average of 20 percent a year, outpacing even China. Nissan already made its entry to the Indian market with Renault SA of France and Indian automaker Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and sold its Logan like hot cakes early this year. Japan’s carmakers are not behind in this race, the biggies like Toyota and Honda have already pronounced their presence here loudly. Maruti 800, Alto, or Santro says small car is always a big hit in India. Incited by Tata's super-cheap People’s Car next year, Nissan and Renault are projecting a car that may sell for as little as $2,500. And now India’s two-wheeler giant Bajaj and Renault are discussing the possibilities of ultra inexpensive cars. With this pace, bicycle and two wheelers may look like extinct products of the auto world. Labels: Bajaj, Car manufacturers in India, Car-competition, Honda, Hyundai, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, Maruti, Nissan, Renault, Tata, Toyota
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Nissan wants to make a $3,000 car. Nissan recently confirmed that it is confident of being able to develop a $3,000 car in India with proposed partner Bajaj Auto Ltd. The Renault-Nissan alliance has been doing serious research for the production of this new $3,000 car. Tata quoted its One-Lakh-Car would be a rear-engine, 600-cc, four-door hatchback. A series of question is still in the air. What are the features the car will host? How can a car offer the essential safety measures with such a price tag? Will the engine and power be enough to carry four or in some cases five people? Nissan is confident about the $3,000 car’s production for India and Tata’s claim is still not disproved. Let’s wait and watch to see what new turns the Indian auto market will take. Labels: Bajaj, Car-competition, Indian low budget cars, Nissan, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Renault, Tata
Thursday, 15 November 2007
People often ask me “What type of a car is your dream car?” The answer is usually “A car with elegant looks and luxury and a brand name that does not need an explanation.” I think it’s the same with most people. Now here comes my question “What comes to mind when you think of Infiniti?” Luxury! Infiniti is one of the most luxurious cars that people dream about. These imported Infiniti models will soon assault the Indian market by the in-time idea from Nissan Motors. Infiniti, the Nissan-owned company, is planning to debut its Infiniti brand of luxury cars in India. Watch out Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Volvo, and Volkswagen. Upon introduction, the Infiniti will be presented in the luxury, small car, mid-sized sedan, and the commercial vehicle segments. The Infiniti versions are priced in the range of Rs. 15,30,000 - Rs. 23,40,000 in the US market. The Infiniti price tags for the Indian market are yet to be announced. Nissan is happy with the Indian market and its local partners. However there is no information about who the local partner will be for Infiniti. After the joint ventures with Bajaj Auto, Mahindra&Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland, who will be the next? Labels: Ashok Leyland, Audi, Bajaj, BMW-Cars, Imported cars, Launches in India, Luxury car segment, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Volkswagen, Volvo
Friday, 2 November 2007
After we’ve seen the ever more crowded Indian market’s new launches, here’s the time to see another attempt from Nissan Motor Co. to export Indian-built low cost cars. The autos are likely to enter with a price tag lesser than $5000 in the US. Sometimes you just have to say WOW. And that was my first reaction when I thought of comparing the high cost cars and the new attempt from Nissan. These low-cost cars are said to launch in the US by 2010. Measuring the scope of low-cost cars in the US, Nissan is planning to set a joint venture with Bajaj Auto Ltd, the second-biggest motorcycle maker in India. Nissan is good at meeting their expectations in almost all the countries they have entered till date. The Chief Executive Officer, Carlos Ghosn said that this would be a major impact on the US car market - the worlds biggest. The problem is that the vehicles that are going to be exported from India have to be further modified to meet US safety and emissions standards. We just have to wait and watch for the outcome, because if this works then we will have the same cars sold here in India and no one can say no to a safer car! Labels: Bajaj, Exporting cars, Global market, Leading manufacturer, Low emissions, Nissan, Safety features improved, US Market for small cars
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Liked the news of coming 20 models in India for the year 2008? Maybe you’ve been following the filter of information flowing out of our portal about the coming 2009 models also. The world of automakers has booked the year 2009 as well. Let’s check the year 2010 now. We're finally starting to list out some solid information on the 2010 year models. Hooray, here’s the first one. The car majors Nissan and Renault, along with their local partner Bajaj Auto have confirmed the plan to launch a US $2500-car in India. Howz that??? We have seen Renault’s strong relationship with another local partner Mahindra. I think it’s from M&M that they learned the importance of working with local partners. Now it’s Bajaj to ride Nissan and Renault’s new car in India in 2010. The names of the cars are yet to be known. The rumor is that the talks have been going on among them on the car from early 2007. The trios dream to manufacture a $2500 (1 Lakh) car felt possible in India. But they encountered major hurdles in exporting the vehicle to markets such as Europe, China, Brazil, Mexico, and United States. As India is turning to be a die-hard play ground of global automakers for small cars, the trios decided to fully concentrate on making the car for India and making it competitive. Will catch up with you with more 2010 launches in India. Check out our Blogs and Articles section at Carazoo for auto news before it happens. Labels: Bajaj, Launches in India, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, New Car, Nissan, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Renault, Small Car
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
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, cars, competition, Indian car market, Indian low budget cars, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
Friday, 3 August 2007
Talks of hamara Bajaj launching a passenger car is on the air for a while. After their hands-on 2-wheelers and 3-wheelers, Bajaj is planning to launch a four wheeler by 2008 that would range between two to five lakhs. This company is also planning to showcase their unnamed vehicle in January 2008 Auto Expo. Probable guesses are that it could be a hatchback, which would pose nose-to-nose competition to other compact cars that are on road. It is also said that the company will be launching a 4-wheeler goods carrier by 2009. The company confesses that the motive behind focusing on a goods carrier is that there is absolutely no rivalry on that frontage. Other manufacturers are also planning to launch compact cars by the same time, which will definitely lead to a tug-of-war in India’s compact car segment. High market for compact cars have made top manufacturers like Tata Motors, Honda, Toyota, GM, and so on, think of releasing compact cars that come under the same price range as that of Bajaj. Labels: Bajaj, Indian low budget cars
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