Carazoo Indian Car Blog

Innovation is creeping in the car industry as car manufacturers are trying to hunt for cost efficiencies. This seems to be a worse period for the car industry when global recession has bang the Motown.

Shockingly, car manufacturers are struggling to drive hard bargains with commodity vendors and find interesting ideas for tightening the belt.

Talking about Honda, the company is looking to squeeze operational efficiency and cut down the use of electricity to skim cost. Interestingly, Honda is also growing creepers on the rooftops to reduce the dependence on AC. This is just an initiative; the company is still trying further to help meet the required cost rduction.

After Honda, Tata Motors is also trying to cut down cost by replacing expensive car components with cheap and affordable alternatives. Even Maruti is making a greener move and trying to make its car parts recyclable.

In a similar manner if all the car manufacturers are on the verge of meeting the required cost efficiencies, then cars of the future are definitely going to be cheaper.

Labels: Car-Industry, Car-Manufacturers, Tata-Motors

posted by Carazoo.com @ Thursday, November 13, 2008 6 Comments

          

Power of hydrogen is commendable when it comes to a clean and renewable fuel for the future.

Amazingly, the power has been unveiled by a hydrogen-powered racing car that is known to break the speed records in its class. Powered by an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle, further modified to run on hydrogen, the racing car is expected to reach a top speed of 170 km/h.

Built by Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Germany, this hydrogen-powered car is known to change the approach and attitude of the car industry in near future. It’s a sure shot hit and will definitely tag hydrogen as a promising alternative for fuel in near future.

If hydrogen can break the speed records of cars running on petrol and diesel, it is definitely one day going to replace these running fuels and carve its own position in the industry.

Labels: Car-Industry, Racing-Car

posted by Carazoo.com @ Tuesday, November 11, 2008 1 Comments

          

Imagine a car running at a speed of over 1600 kmph. Something that could actually excite the youngsters is the science, cutting edge technology, modern engineering, and mathematics hidden behind a fast car like this.

Named as Bloodhound SSC, the car breaking the speed records will soon enter the global car industry by 2011. This car remind us of one of the fastest cars, Thrust SSC, that was introduced 11 years ago in 1997 by Andy Green with a cracking speed record of 1220.88kmph. And now, after 12 years another car to coup the record.

This proposed car will take away the sight of Formula One racing cars that are said to be the fastest on tracks. With a speed of 1600kmph we can definitely imagine the car flying in air. It’s a tough question to answer as to when such cars will come to India.

Labels: Car-Industry, Cutting-Edge-Technology, Racing-Cars

posted by Carazoo.com @ Friday, November 07, 2008 1 Comments

          

Nano with all its charm have come a long way even before it has actually launched in India.

Fueling the senses of many Indian car consumers and banging the global car industry with expertise and technology, Nano has come beyond the limits of being just a car.

You would be amazed to know that an 82 year old psychotherapist has done a complete research on the work culture of Nano employees and the plant. And he feels that the most awaited ultra-cheap car now goes spiritual.

The way Nano has overcome challenges, the way Nano project plant employees are integrated clearly symbolizes the work culture of Indian companies.

Through this the old psychotherapist reveals five aspects of work leading towards a fulfilling mission, Chintan, Manan, Karma, Shraddha and Mukti. He is still working on that. Furthermore, Dr. Kanu Bhatt from Canada in collaboration with Mumbai-based Tata Institute of Social Sciences is also doing a doctoral thesis on the work culture of Nano plant.

Chintan is to enable employees to help introspect on their actual duties and responsibilities, Manan is to encourage people to share their knowledge and observations with other employees, Karma is to achieve a sense of accomplishment, Sharadha co-relates to self-confidence and the trust placed among the members working under one single project, and finally Mukti symbolizes the actual picture of Indian market with a paradigm shift from a conventional image of an employee.

Good to see a purely Indianized car moving from a dream to concept, concept to car, and now from car to spirituality.

Labels: Car-Industry, Nano, Ultra-cheap-Car

posted by Carazoo.com @ Tuesday, November 04, 2008 4 Comments

          

With so many innovations, coming to the car market, the picture of the Indian car industry has changed completely. Now the market is loaded with various advancements and innovations to make Indian cars better in terms of reliability, durability and drivability.

Blaupunkt has recently launched the Travel Pilot range of in-car GPS systems. The entire range of this GPS system is just amazing with advanced features and better technology. The range in the Indian market includes the TravelPilot 100, TravelPilot Lucca 3.5 and TravelPilot 300.

The unique system covers a map of about 174 cities in the country including the national highways, state highways, restaurants, hotels, ATMs and other major roads. If you are keen to buy these systems, then you may have to contact company dealers or reputed car accessories stores.

Blaupunkt TravelPilot 100 navigation system uses visual and acoustic recommendations for accurate route guidance, intuitive operation, and high speed route calculation. Priced at Rs. 18,990, this entry model is worth the money.

The Blaupunkt TravelPilot Lucca 3.5 comprises of the 'Plug and Play' installation. It has an additional feature of uploading additional navigation data and playing music and audio files. This model will be available at a price of Rs. 21,990.

The high end Blaupunkt TravelPilot 300 uses a touch screen operation to offer variety of assistance to car drivers. It also has an integrated Bluetooth.

The range of in-car GPS systems is just fabulous with variety of functions, operations and assistance.

It’s German, so nothing to comment on the quality!

Labels: Car-Industry, Car-Technology, Music-Systems in cars

posted by Carazoo.com @ Friday, September 12, 2008 2 Comments

          

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

posted by Carazoo.com @ Wednesday, August 27, 2008 2 Comments

          

As the Indian car industry is growing, various other industries in the country are supporting the auto majors.

Indian software companies are now developing software systems for car models to suit various needs. These software are used in various safety devices which include engine operation systems, navigation system (GPS) and even to improve the fuel economy of cars.

It is believed that the first software system for cars was developed somewhere in late 1990s. Gradually with the technological advancement, software industry today comprises about 30 percent of the overall cost of the car. The market for such software is sure to boom in the next few years.

Software companies are now teaming up with Indian car majors to produce new software applications. It is expected that cars loaded with software applications are more user friendly therefore acts as a key factor for driving car sales.

Microsoft and Hyundai have come together to build music and information systems in cars. Apple has signed an agreement with three car majors, the Ford, General Motors, and the Mazda to roll out new car models with iPod connections.

Honda's new Accord incorporates a software controlled airbag system and the top-end electric car, Reva, uses a software application to monitor the production and use of electric energy.

The need for improved safety and enhanced ease of driving rises at a faster pace, eventually, benefiting both the Indian car industry and the software industry.

Labels: Car-Industry, Hummer, New-technologies-in-Car

posted by Carazoo.com @ Thursday, August 14, 2008 3 Comments

          

Leading car manufacturers from across the world will drive to India to meet at the SIAM annual convention in September. These manufacturers will together decide the future and faith of the global car industry.

SIAM is currently gearing up the Indian car industry and is planning to make India a premier destination for car manufacturing. Driven by the future plans, the association has invited leaders of global car industry including the Mercedes-Benz’s COO Rainer Schmueckle and General Motor’s President and COO Fritz Henderson.

The convention is mainly held to discuss various issues and concerns regarding the Indian car industry. The government plans to solve the existing and upcoming issues with great deal of perfection and association with leading auto players.

The convention is commenced on September 4, 2008 but the question remains, will this meeting reap benefits for Indian car industry? Will Indian car market be successful in reaching the top?

Labels: Car-Industry, Car-Manufacturers, Global-market

posted by Carazoo.com @ Thursday, August 14, 2008 3 Comments

          

The Indian sports industry is all set to link with the car industry with a major technological jump.

Volkswagen, leading German car manufacturer, plans to roll out a series of Formula racing car soon. This plan of Volkswagen is at the budding stage and is expected to grow with the increasing number of racing drivers in India.

Till now the car has only made a debut in Germany. It’s the first time that the company is driving the car out of Germany to make an embankment on the platforms of Indian sports industry.

The car will be manufactured in partnership with JK Tyres. There are so many companies and car manufacturers in India to support Volkswagen in this launch but then why only JK Tyres?

The reason why Volkswagen selected JK Tyres for this venture is because JK Tyres have full support of Federation of Motor Sport Clubs in India (FMSCI), a governing body for Indian motor sport.

Volkswagen wishes to give the Indian sport industry an advanced and innovative technology at an affordable cost.

Labels: Car-Industry, Formula 1 racing, Volkswagen

posted by Carazoo.com @ Tuesday, July 29, 2008 2 Comments

          

The headlines of the past few days in the car industry clearly stated that the car sale has dropped down as compared to the previous month.

If you go and ask the car dealers, they have a mass of unsold cars stocked in their showrooms. What are they going to do with that? Some of them are dumping them in local markets, while others are selling cars with added discounts and some are even going for finance. It really sounds strange that car dealers are going for finance. Do you know the reason why?

Whatever is the case, dealers have to pay the manufacturer for the car stock they bought. Many of them are going for additional finance to pay the manufacturers. Even they are afraid to go for finance with such high interest rates. If dealers are afraid of the interest rates then it’s obvious that consumers will stay away from car loan and finance.

Labels: Car-Industry, Car-Sales

posted by Carazoo.com @ Thursday, July 10, 2008 5 Comments

          

The thought keeps rolling in and out as to why the car manufacturers have rescheduled their production cycles. Is it the increasing fuel prices? Is it the increasing input costs? Or is it the slowing down of car sales?

The latest news of the car industry clearly states that car sales are going down drastically. Car dealers and distributors are left with pile of unsold cars. The increasing inventory and decreasing sales have further compelled car manufacturers to reschedule their production cycle and reduce the number at this stage.

Not only the car makers and dealers are affected with the rescheduled production but also the car component suppliers. Almost all the car companies have given a halt to the supply of components. The news is in the air that Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Ford Motor and General Motors are streamlining their production plans to comply with the current scenario.

Labels: Car-Industry, Car-Production-Cycle

posted by Carazoo.com @ Wednesday, July 09, 2008 4 Comments

          

Trust, there is a rough road ahead, a road with hurdles for the industry. The chairman of Tata Motors, Ratan Tata, has a strong belief that next year will be full of challenges for the Indian car industry. Don’t you also think the same?

The first challenge faced by the industry is the peak height in fuel prices. Car manufacturers are working with head and heart to resolve the issue with innovative technology and advanced engines. This month they have beaten the fuel prices but the increasing steel prices has blocked the road.

Increase in steel prices is definitely going to affect the overall estimated cost of production. None of the car manufacturers will be selling the cars cheaper than the production cost. No idea of how the major car players are planning to overcome this obstacle.

It is also expected that the next year will come with an unprecedented increase in material costs in steel, tyres, rubber, plastic and the like. Far apart, how can we forget the increasing rate of interest?

Couple of increases and hikes is definitely going to accompany the forthcoming year. So, be aware and prepare.

Labels: Car-Industry, Fuel-Prices

posted by Carazoo.com @ Thursday, July 03, 2008 4 Comments

          

Wow! Car industry is constantly racing to win the battle. It wins!!

After the increase in fuel prices and cost of production, most of the car manufacturers were distressed with the belief that the car sale will go down. But they are smiling today because a complete union of leading car manufacturers is finally successful in beating the fuel price hikes and increasing their car sales.

Eventually, car industry is recovering with Hyundai and Maruti reporting jumps in their car sales during June. Is it really true? Even after such a drastic increase in fuel prices, are people still buying the gasoline cars?

Just don’t know. No guesses. But one thing is sure that the sale will definitely fall down when a good number of cost-effective hybrid cars or electric cars would come into picture. It’s a long way to go, till then reap the benefits and enjoy the gain.

Labels: Car-Industry, Fuel-Prices

posted by Carazoo.com @ Wednesday, July 02, 2008 4 Comments

          

American auto maker Chrysler has made up its mind to enter into the Indian car market with its new car plant in Chennai. Chrysler is in talk with the Tamil Nadu Government to set up a green field facility in the state.

Chrysler being one of the global car companies still does not have its presence in the Indian car market so this can be a good start. Chennai will beat the Mumbai port in getting one more foreign investor. Both the ports are country’s upcoming business destination.

The state government has thought of signing a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for this project valued Rs 30,000 crore in this financial year. Hope the project gets the green signal, which will surely boosts the Indian car Industry.

Labels: Car-Industry, New-Car-Plant

posted by Carazoo.com @ Thursday, June 19, 2008 0 Comments

          

The car industry is already facing a credit crunch. Now, Car loans have become costlier. Earlier, the banks had raised interest rates by 75 basis points, after the RBI increased the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). Again, the RBI has raised the repo rate (the rate at which RBI lends to banks) by 25 basis points. This has added pressure on the banks to hike interest rates on loans.

This move will affect the whole of the banking sector as well as the car industry. However, the apex bank has resorted to this hike to control inflation in the country.

Labels: Car-Industry, Car-Loans

posted by Carazoo.com @ Monday, June 16, 2008 0 Comments