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Thursday, 24 July 2008
 It is really shocking to know that a successful car like Mercedes E Class is under threat after the launch of a comparative BMW 5 series. E class series from Mercedes-Benz is the car that comes to mind most vibrantly, a car that has established a niche in the luxury car segment. Many of the premium car owners own this car because of the embodied luxuries, comfort and classy design. It is a car that adds status to life and now it has come under threat. Is this really true or just a rumour? The E Class cars have a good sales report in the Indian car market. The latest versions of this car are even more interesting and appealing as they are personified with Bi-Xenon headlamps in the exterior coupled with a 3-way Memory package. Inspite of having a good reputation in the market, BMW's highly potent 5-series beats Mercedes E Class. The 5 series is a car loaded with dynamic design, elegant style, enhanced comfort and standard safety features. Infact, these are the cornerstones upon which the car enjoys the bliss of success. BMW’s car gives a sheer driving pleasure. Don’t you think that E Class also gives awesome driving experience? If features and comfort level of both the cars are similar, then why there is such a tough competition? Why is Mercedes-Benz under threat? Labels: BMW-Cars, Car competition, Mercedes-Benz
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
It’s interesting to note that the United Kingdom has launched a study to take stock of the impact that the Indian automobile Industry may have on their own auto industry.
For decades UK has been a hub of car manufacturers with major global players operating successfully from there. Now, the advent of the Indian automobile industry in the world arena is surely something that makes others pull up their socks.
UK's car industry is facing a number of challenges as it moves ahead into the next decade particularly when it comes to tackling a continued rise in competition from countries such as China, India and Eastern European entities that are able to build and sell cheap cars. UK is working to ensure that its car industry can build on existing strengths and remain competitive in an increasingly globalised world. Labels: Car competition, car manufacturers, cheap cars, Study
Monday, 31 March 2008
Fiat is re-launching Fiat 500 in India soon. It seems that Fiat is planning to give a tough competition to BMW’s Mini. When Fiat will launch its 500 it is expected to take on the costliest hatchback of India BMW Mini. Fiat priced at Rs 13 lakh onwards and BMW Mini priced at Rs 20 lakh. Both these cars carry the retro design, carrying with it the legacy of European history. It will be interesting to see if these European cars carry their magic to India. These car manufacturers will most probably fight for a thin line of consumer segment, which have an option to buy luxury cars or SUV or 500 or Mini. Maybe the consumer will eventually decide on who is the boss of hatch back cars in India. Labels: Car competition, Fiat, Fiat 500, Hatchbacks, Indian SUV, new car launch
Thursday, 27 March 2008
It seems that B and C cities are emerging as profitable markets for car companies in the last year. The rising income and easy accessibility to loans have been largely responsible for driving car sales upwards in these cities. As metros have been are soon going to become a stagnant market, it makes sense that car manufacturers look for cities other than metros. Most of these car buyers in these cities are first time car owners and obviously go for entry level cars. It is believed that Hyundai accounts 40 per cent of its sales including small cars and luxury cars are in cities other than the metros and six big cities in India. And the most popular models have been Santro and i10. Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Expansion in business, Hyundai, luxury cars, New i10 model, small cars
Maruti Suzuki India has always been on the forefront to beat competition by providing quality products. Launching its entry level sedan Swift DZire, maruti wanted to rock sedan segment in India. Maruti is very quick to study the minds of its customers and work accordingly as it has suddenly discontinued Maruti Esteem when people felt it was not up to their taste. Now, Maurti has launched DZire that replaced Esteem. Maruti already has achieved a grand success in small car segment by releasing popular brands like Maruti 800 and Maruti Swift. The success of cute, stylish and powerful Dzire which has generated a lot of excitement and curiosity among the car lovers, will be very crucial for Maruti to cement its position in sedan segment. Labels: Car competition, Maruti 800, Maruti Swift, New Car, Sedans, small cars, Swift Dzire
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
It’s great news for the hunchback car Maruti SX4. It has topped sales in the midsize car segment beating the likes of the elegant Honda City ZX and the very fuel-efficient Hyundai Verna (especially the diesel version). When the SX4 was launched, it was recognized easily because it looked ‘different’. As with all cars, some people liked the design and some didn’t. And now, with news of its successful sales, we know that ‘many’ liked it.
Suzuki is finally growing out of its small car image in India. An image created by the popular Maruti 800 and Alto. Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Maruti, midsize cars
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Everyone is aware of the fact that the Tata Nano has re-defined the term 'small car' after its appearance at the last auto expo. So much so that even global car manufacturers like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have shown interest in this car segment. BMW will launch their popular small car brand MINI in India soon. This luxury small car is a stark contrast to the Tata Nano. Once it arrives, the BMW Mini will most probably be the most luxurious and costliest small car in India. Compare that to Tata's world's cheapest car and you get to see the contrast. Overwhelming response to its luxury cars such as X3, X5, 3 series, and 5 series in India might have stimulated BMW to consider launching luxury small car. The MINI will be priced at around Rs. 20 lakh. Going by its price, BMW's small car doesn't register in Tata Motors' book of competitors for the Nano. Labels: BMW-Cars, Car competition, luxury cars, Small car market in India, tata nano
Mahindra is going from strength to strength as every year passes by. Many international car manufacturers are eyeing Mahindra as a partner for their South Asia operations. A lot of are coming Mahindra's way. Development of new cars with great styling has given Mahindra an edge over the others. In recognition of this fact, they have been bestowed with the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ award Mahindra is the first company to unveil a Bio-diesel SUV and is the only Indian company to come up with a hybrid SUV. The Scorpio hybrid beats off the costly technologies on Honda Civic hybrid and Toyota Prius. Labels: Car competition, Hybrid technology, Indian SUV, Mahindra
Tuesday, 11 March 2008
Grabbing the market and attracting customers has become a challenge for car manufacturers in India. Many car companies are coming up with new ideas to get a good hold on sales. General Motors is one among them and it has gone a step ahead of the others this time. Buying a Chevrolet Spark is now easier. You can drive one home without any down payment at all. Don't worry about saving up to buy a car and you don't need to have a fat bank balance. If you have a decent salary, you are eligible to buy it. A copy of your salary slip and a few other documents are all you need! Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Chevrolet, Customer offer, Spark
Here's something that Ford has come up with to help car buys benefit from the excise duty cut in our latest union budget. It has reduced the price of Fusion's diesel variant by Rs. 22, 000. The very day the union budget was announced, Indian car manufacturers like Maruti and Hyundai reduced the prices of many of their small cars. Taking a cue from them, Ford too dived in and thus the Fusion diesel story. If the current trend continues, we could see even more car manufacturers reducing prices of small cars pretty soon.
Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Ford India, Hyundai, Maruti, Reducing model price
Maruti is known for its commitment to provide cars at affordable prices and has proved it with the huge number of Maruti 800 cars it has sold over the past two decades. When most car companies are targeting urban customers by offering good discounts and free after sale services, Maruti is focussed on rural customers. Maruti will encourage rural masses to buy its cars by lending financial help to them. They have tied up with Shriram City Union Finance to help rural people get timely and hassle free financial assistance. Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Finance, Maruti, Maruti 800, Maruti Alto
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
The Chevy Spark sold over 2000 cars in February 2008, a majority of which are owned by women drivers. Spark has charmed its way into women’s hearts posting an 80% increase in sales and topping the list of highest-sold cars for the month of Feb. The other car that has women swooning is the cute Chevy Aveo U-VA.
The sudden rush to buy the Spark has increased GMs market share beating that of its US rival Ford. This may very well be the first step towards women turning into major car market swingers – something that was pre-dominantly considered to be “a guy thing”. Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Chevrolet, Ford, Spark
Friday, 15 February 2008
In a recent report I read that the Maruti Alto was going to soon cross the 10 lakh cars mark. I also own an Alto LXi and I must say that its ride quality is good. Don’t go by its looks on the outside. It has more space in the interiors than one without Alto experience can imagine. At one time at least seven of my friends could be seated in the car without any trouble. Of those friends, today at least four of them own the Alto car. Maruti has beaten all expectations by achieving these sales figures. It was skeptical of its success when the egg shaped car like the Santro was launched, but soon the performance stood out. I hope the Alto crosses the two million mark and sets a world record - which I do not think is impossible in India. Article Submitted by Radhakrishnan KR Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Maruti Alto
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
One need not worry anymore about being separated from the TV while driving around in a car. Live TV is now here for Indian cars. The Essel group-owned Dish TV is holding talks with General Motors, Ford, and Ashok Leyland to install mobile TV antennas on their cars and trucks. This facility will be added only on premium models by the car manufacturers. The company has already come out with two products - the Speed Ray which beams 100+ channels and the T5 with 70 channels. Installation charges for the Speed Ray is Rs 1.5 Lakh, while the T5 will cost Rs 70,000. The products will be available only in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Subscription fees will be the same as the home subscription fees for Dish TV. Car owners can now drive in peace while children and rear seat passengers sit glued to the TV sets. Labels: car accessory, Car competition, Luxury car segment
Friday, 30 November 2007
Well, Benz seems almost tired of importing cars from abroad to India. Mercedes-Benz has really been trying to step it up as an economical-luxurious brand auto maker in India. I am glad Merc has finally decided to assemble the next-generation E-Class at its Pune plant. BMW has chosen, instead, to market its high-end models in India as completely built-up (CBU) imports. This Merc dream is expected to come true in the year 2010. Almost about nine months after the international debut of the vehicle. We have seen most of the high-end luxury automakers leaning towards importing their cars as completely built imports. The difference here is that Mercedes didn’t want to leak out any sort of possible chances in exploring itself in the Indian market. Mercedes have already proved its success in assembling C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class lines in India Chasing the prototype is fun. What say BMW? Labels: BMW-Cars, Car competition, Driving imported cars, Economical buy in luxury segment, Imported models built in India, Mercedes-Benz
Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Why not us! Maybe this would be the reaction of GM when Chevy scored hat-trick at the Initial Quality Study released by automotive research firm JD Power Asia Pacific. In the statistics Chevrolet Spark leads with a score of 127, followed by Aveo, and Optra with 109 and 97 points respectively. Truth on time: that’s what I felt when I heard about this rating. Am sure General Motors is unquestionably on a roll. GM is coming out with some solid stuff that serves the complete needs of a Chevy owner. Even if Chevrolet cars must not be very well sealed in the Indian market, it has proved its quality in the studies. The JD Power Asia Pacific has ranked Chevy trios based on customer experience after two to six months of ownership. The major factors of the studies are the problems encountered, quality of design and the quality of production. In fact this is the first time three Chevrolet models have ranked highest in their respective segments in the survey. GM’s premium compact car Chevrolet Aveo U-VA and MUV Chevrolet Tavera topped second best in their respective segments. This is GM, world’s largest auto company by production volume, and now they are selling hotcakes in the Indian auto market. Labels: Car competition, Car manufacturers in India, Chevrolet, GM, Ratings on JD Power Quality Study
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Tata Motors is looking to achieve compact dimensions for its current Indigo model. Tata has had to make sheet metal changes to the car, not an easy or cheap option. The Indigo’s extended wheelbase is the same as is the rear suspension, but the bumper and boot have been chopped to fit the four-meter length. Once Tata qualifies for this sop, it will mean a significant reduction in cost of around eight percent on the car’s ex-factory price. For the Indigo, this could work out to be around a Rs. 30,000 reduction depending on the model and Tata will have to pass on a fair amount of this to buyers, if it is looking to deliver better value. Probably the best part is that the shorter boot section will actually improve the Indigo’s fat-bottom looks. The Indigo Compact could change the entire dynamics of the entry saloon segment, impacting the Mahindra-Renault Logan, Maruti SX4, and various others. Labels: Car competition, Compact sedans, Indian car manufacturer, Mahindra-Renault, Maruti Suzuki, New look, Tata
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 competition, Car manufacturers in India, 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
Monday, 19 November 2007
Toyota dreams about the launch of its Yaris style big sedan Vios in India. Probably Vios is the most expected car from Toyota in India. Toyota has exhibited its 3rd generation ‘Vios’ at the recently held Bangkok motor show. I got the impression it’s a more ‘rough’ version of the Toyota Yaris. It is expected to launch at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. Vios has an all in one look of different sedans. This 3rd generation Vios has the same dimensions as that of the Honda City. It has a look similar to that of the Corolla. At the same time it has a Camry-like front fascia. Vios looks large and wide from the front with a large grille and large headlamps. The rear has similar taillights to the Honda City. Most probably, in India, the Vios will be available with a 1.5 VVT-i engine that produces a power of 109 hp. However, since the City, Corolla, and Camry have already captured the luxury sedan market in India, will Indians show a big interest in Vios is still the big question. Labels: Car competition, Honda, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launch of new car in India, Luxury car segment, Toyota
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Honda, after toying around with the idea of introducing a small car in India for a long time, has finally done it. The ‘Jazz’ or ‘Fit’ as it is known in some markets will hit the Indian road by the first quarter of 2009. ‘Jazz’ would directly compete with Suzuki Swift and Hyundai Getz. ‘Jazz’ is designed keeping in mind the practical requirements of a driver. It is expected to provide better mileage compared to the Swift and Getz. The Honda ‘Jazz’ sold in the American and European markets is equipped with a 1.5L Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control engine that pumps out 109 hp. This system is developed by Honda to improve the volumetric efficiency of a four-stroke internal combustion engine. But in any possibilities this will not be the engine specification for the Indian markets. Except for the small engine (which will be less powerful), the car will be at its best in terms of its exterior and interior styling. Honda is one of the top car manufacturers and is known world wide for its reliability and ace technology. Honda ‘Jazz’ cool!!!... was the reaction I got from some of the Honda fans I spoke to after they heard about the launch. This premium hatchback car will cost between 4.5 Lakh to 6.0 Lakh, priced slightly higher than other cars of the same class. However, the wait is far from over. Labels: Car competition, Car manufacturers in India, Honda, Hyundai, Launch of new car in India, Maruti Suzuki, Small Car, Small engine
Monday, 5 November 2007
I’m sure everyone has heard of the new Skoda Laura Ambiente. I wondered what made Skoda launch a new variant when its two Laura variants are already in the market and not doing too well because they are pricier than the competitors. Skoda must have realized, because even though the Ambiente variant has better features compared to its sibling Laura variants, it has a lower price tag. The Skoda Laura is an impressive car. It is luxurious with leather upholstery, 4-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, 16” alloy wheels, and an automated sunroof. However, in the Indian market, competitive pricing is a big factor to capture market sales. The new Ambiente lists out more safety features than the existing versions. In my opinion, however, instead of launching the new variant Skoda should have revised the price of the existing variants and improved on their safety and convenience features. Let’s wait and watch to see what awaits the future of the Ambiente. Labels: Car competition, Economical buy in luxury segment, Indian car market, New variant, Skoda
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Your sporty Honda CR-V is on its way to introduce a new CR-V variant in India. Honda is now learning that CR-V can rule the Indian SUV market if they launch a new affordable variant through systematic chipping from the existing model. Rumors say the soon-to-be launch smaller version will displace the 2.4 liter, 150 hp, engine with a 2.0 liter, 161 hp, engine. Honda quotes this new engine as the most popular engine option for the CR-V globally. The reduction of power and performance will be marginal in the new version but the fuel economy will improve. The transmission is expected to be manual. These reductions will allow Honda to bring down the price of its Base variant by Rs. 40,000. The current CR-V has a price tag between Rs. 17.9 and 18.6 Lakh, while the new variant is likely to get priced between Rs. 17.5 – 19 lakh. It’s obvious we expect a tough competition between Honda CR-V and all the new SUVs that will flock to the Indian car market in 2008. Expect the new CR-V to be in dealerships by the end of this year. Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Honda, Indian car market, New variant, SUVs
Wednesday, 17 October 2007
While the new season of soft roaders is in full swing, Maruti quotes the launch of its new version SUV the Suzuki Escudo. Yeah, after Grand Vitara, Maruti is working on an urban cross-country vehicle. Well, that was a quick answer from Maruti to Honda’s CRV and Hyundai’s Tucson! Finally we are going to see some tough competition in the SUV market. Could the coming days be a Suzuki SUV upstart's year? Okay, let’s check out the Suzuki Escudo. As the saying goes Escudo is expected to own a 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.7-litre diesel engine. The biggest news is that Suzuki Escudo will be a completely imported model. When it was showcased in the last Auto Expo, one look at the all-new Suzuki Escudo and it was clear that the Suzuki designers had started focusing their inspiration towards SUVs - the reasonably large and the more clean-cut lines of luxury. If you ask the Suzuki people they'll tell you that this is a second-generation of Suzuki soft-roaders. It is expected to have a prize tag of Rs. 12 - 15 lakh ex-showroom in India. Now Maruti Suzuki competes in the ever more crowded SUV field and the Grand Vitara will soon have a sibling in India. It’s up to you keen Maruti Suzuki enthusiasts to cruise on over to the nearest Maruti dealers for more news on the Suzuki Escudo and don’t forget our portal – coz we provide car info before anyone else! Labels: Car competition, Cars in India, Honda, Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, New Car
Monday, 15 October 2007
Recently, GM India has announced a new price for Chevrolet Spark. Chevy Spark will adorn a price tag that is reduced by Rs. 53,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). This offer is available across all Spark variants and is applicable only for the vehicles booked between 12th and 22nd of this month. This scheme is to mark the centenary celebrations of its parent company, General Motors Corp. Now that the Chevrolet Spark is available for Rs. 2.79 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) it might see a sudden jump in auto sales. This discount is offered on Spark keeping in mind its popularity and to make it even more popular. Spark is a compact car, which runs without any trouble and makes parking in crowded city roads easy. Spark’s aerodynamic built and S-tec engine contribute to the car’s fuel efficiency. Roomy interiors and loads of safety features make it a safe and spacious car that is easy to maneuver on city roads. However, the GM celebrations have come at the right time – because now is the time for festivals and cashing in. After all, once the Tata One-Lakh Rupees car launches next year, it will definitely bring gloom to the small car market holders. Labels: Car competition, Car sales, Chevrolet, Indian car market, Reducing model price, Small Car, Tata
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Raising petrol prices have made manufacturers think seriously of an alternative. Though air cars and gas fitted cars are in the list, it is diesel cars that are gaining popularity. Now, diesel cars are designed to be more environment friendly without too much of a price difference. It is less money and low emissions that are bringing diesel vehicles to the top. Auto manufacturers are also taking keen interest in this front. Recently launched diesel vehicles include Chevrolet Optra and Hyundai Getz Prime to name a few. Other auto majors are planning to launch diesel variants that can pose sturdy competitions to petrol vehicles. Though it was initially thought that diesel vehicles give-out more pollutants and are troublesome, extensive research has put an end to this notion. Diesel vehicles spill-out lesser pollutants than the petrol engine. I have been a petrol car lover since the beginning, but now with all these benefits that accompany diesel cars, I am definitely switching over to diesel. With low emissions and less expenditure on gas I can retain a fat wallet while avoiding guilt towards the environment. Labels: Car competition, Chevrolet, Diesel cars, Hyundai, Indian car market
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