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Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Has India become a decisive factor in Mitsubishi’s business strategy? It does looks like that if you see at the new products planned for India. The Japanese company is planning to introduce the i–MiEV, an electric car and the very stylish SUV Outlander next year in India. It seems that the company does not want to rest on its laurels gained in past. The company is already selling Lancer, Cedia, Monetro and Pajero. The company is now eyeing luxury SUV segment by launching Outlander and is also planning to introduce the first international brand electric car in India. The company has re-defined luxury cars in India. It can do the same in future. It is clearly targeting other Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Maruti-Suzuki who have already established themselves in India. Labels: Electric Car, Expansion in Indian auto industry, Growth in Indian auto industry, Honda, luxury cars, Mitsubishi, new cars, SUVs
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
It’s quite common that most top ranking officials engage themselves in writing books or memoirs after retirement. But Jagadish Khattar is exception to this. Even after his retirement, his enthuse and spirit to do something new in the auto industry never died away but is still fresh. Khattar, a former bureaucrat who has become an entrepreneur now wants to launch his own chain of multi-brand car service station. The service stations starting from 2009 will offer service to all brands of cars under one roof. If you own several brands, you need not go or search any specific service station for each car. With this service station, all your vehicles get all the servicing required under one roof. It is amazing to see him setting up an enterprise after retiring at the age of 65 from Maruti Suzuki India Limited. Services of such persons might be driving force behind Maruti which has been appreciated for having easy access to service station for all these years. Labels: car services, Growth in Indian auto industry, Maruti Suzuki
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
I come from an age where cars were considered a luxury and only elites drove them. Now I see youngsters of my family talking so much about cars, I also started flipping through the automotive sections of my daily newspapers and felt good. ‘Brand Britain’ surely sounds like a neo-colonization, but fortunately it only talks of a progressive independent India. It is reverse pressure of what most people term as globalization. The country that ruled us 60 years back is now talking of partnerships, natural bonding in the automotive sector between UK and India. Lord Digby Jones, Trade and Investment Minister of UK, said in a paper that India offers wonderful opportunities to UK companies to find lasting business partnerships. He believes that UK and Indian automotive sectors will form a natural bond due to the common fascination of ingenuity and innovation. Nice to read that once-a-ruler is now humbling itself to find common fascinations. Makes me proud of the long way India has come! Article Submitted by SrivastavaLabels: Growth in Indian auto industry, Joint Venture, UK-based car companies
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Tuesday, 11 December 2007
Waiting for you car to break down and then to take to take it to the service station will soon be a passé. Now, car owners have to pull up their socks, your car will complain of its bad health immediately. The launch of a well advanced technology will give you a complete “health report” of your car. General Motor’s Research and Development reveals a futuristic technology for the automotive world. This technology enables your car to send you an ‘e-mail’ telling you it is time to drop by the closest service station. You don’t have to disappoint anyone by turning down a long drive, because your engine service remains good for a long duration. This latest technology will inform you about even the smallest problem well in advance, so that you can pre-empt its service and enjoy the benefits of a four-wheeler for longer. However, this technology is by no means affordable to the general people, because the electrical changes to be made to incorporate such sophisticated software will most probably be available only in high end cars. It is estimated that the cost of the vehicle may increase by 40 per cent. Seeing as everyone wants to appeal to the general public, the product may be launched at a much more affordable price especially if competition increases. Labels: Automatic car service report, Automobile research and development, Chevrolet, GM, Growth in Indian auto industry, Technological inventions for cars
Monday, 19 November 2007
Patience, the saying goes, is a high merit. The Indian car market has come a long way. We’ve seen so many brands - brands rise, brands fall, brands struggle and die and then even more brands being born. Now India is one of the fastest growing playgrounds of Global automakers. Hyundai is one of the most seriously working Korean automakers in India. As a profound effect Hyundai Capital Company, a sister concern of Hyundai Motors, is keen to enter the Indian car financing market. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Capital Company is studying the Indian market very closely. Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) started production in India in 1996. The company recently launched its compact car – the i10, which is being manufactured at its Chennai plant. i10 is the first Hyundai compact car made in India with 94 percent Indianization. The company also has plans to manufacture 2.2 lakh units of i10, out of which 1.2 lakh units will be sold in the domestic market. The rest would be exported to Latin America, Africa, and Italy. However, there are certain policy guidelines in the country that put hindrances to the Korean company tapping the capital market in Kolkata. But the current scenario of Hyundai Motor India Ltd says India is definitely a market feast for Hyundai. Labels: Auto finance in India, Global players, Growth in Indian auto industry, Hyundai, Hyundai Capital Company, New i10 model
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Honda is in the news talking about its plans to launch the new Civic Hybrid in India. I liked the new commitment of Honda as it took a step to launch hybrids as a flagship model in India, coz most Indians do support eco-friendly movements. It makes sense with fuel prices up so much, but I was really taken by surprise when a series of hybrids decided to launch in a flurry – I mean take the Toyota Prius Hybrid for example. I am quite excited over some of these neat ideas coming to India that will probably make a significant turn in the market. At this point I assume Honda has a pretty good market in India. Honda has already captured our market with its ‘buyers choice’ City, ‘luxurious’ Civic, and the ‘ready to go’ CR-V. From what I’ve heard, it is speculated that the Honda hybrids will be launched after the launch of their new hatchback “ Jazz”. Even if the price of the hybrids remains unfixed, it is expected that the Honda Civic hybrid cars will cost about Rs. 20 Lakh in India, similar to the Toyota. We can definitely expect a race to start in this new segment with Honda and Toyota leading the pack. Article Submitted by Anand SanjeevLabels: Driving imported cars, Environment friendly engine, Growth in Indian auto industry, Honda, Hybrids, Toyota
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Hyundai is pressing forward in news with its Indian-made compact i10. Here are a few more of my favorite things that caught my eye while checking out the i10 launch. Hyundai has confirmed that i10 will be stepping into 75 countries from India. Hyundai is trying to show that its trendy Indian i10 can appeal to a larger geographic. The initial details ascertain that India would be the sole production and export hub of this car. The figures of the export status of Hyundai are already good. The export sales of Hyundai cars have grown by 17.4 per cent, mainly due to the export of 113,339 units in 2006. Also, in the overseas sales, Hyundai has already surpassed the 300,000 export cars mark. It's easy to see Hyundai's head is caught in i10 these days. Apart from these developments, Hyundai is setting up one more plant near Chennai that will produce an additional three lakh units per annum. From this news we can expect a raise in the total production capacity of Hyundai by six lakh per annum by the end of 2008. Over optimistic or good foresight – you decide? Labels: Exporting cars, Growth in Indian auto industry, Hyundai, New i10 model, New launch, Small Car
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Wide body is the proud Mahindra-Renault Logan’s trademark and slogan. After its successful market launch of Logan in India, Renault found Mahindra as a perfect partner to sell more models. Sometimes it’s more interesting to hear that Indian automakers can bring more output for foreign automakers like Renault. As a response to its success Renault recently announced that it will stick to its agreement with M&M during for the entire duration of its expansion in India. Renault’s continuing quest to completely dominate the Indian market will see the launch of second generation car models from Mahindra-Renault like Kangoo, Megane, Lagune, and Clio in the 2008 model year in India. Logan is currently posting record profits month over month. Watch out the upcoming models from Renault you can see a Mahindra-Renault signature on the rear. Labels: cars-India, Growth in Indian auto industry, Indian car market, Launch of new car in India, Leading manufacturer, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault
Monday, 29 October 2007
Tata extends the variant list of Indigo Marina by adding two more variants - GSX III and SX III. GSX is a petrol version and SX is a diesel version. GSX is priced at 5, 80,645 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and SX is priced 6, 32,134 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). With the addition of two more variants, Indigo Marina swanks of seven variants altogether. Both the variants get a host of luxury, safety, and convenient features that include height adjustable driver’s seat, rear center armrest, VCD player MP3 with headrest mounted LCD screens, power windows, audio warning for key in-door open and key out-door open and headlamps on, rear defogger, and double foldable rear seats. The rack and pinion steering wheel with collapsible steering column is standard. The engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The diesel engines can deliver 69 hp of power and the petrol engines give-out 85 hp. With the festival of lights fast approaching, the company has added new variants at the right time. Labels: Growth in Indian auto industry, Indian car manufacturer, Indian car market, New variants, Tata
Saturday, 27 October 2007
There is no denying that the most successful hybrid car in the world is Toyota’s lucky number hybrid Prius. Toyota Prius have given Toyota a wonderful environmentally-friendly image. In the global market, Toyota is openly supportive for any "green" legislature. Rumors had indicated that Toyota Prius will soon be arriving India. Recently Toyota has confirmed that it could be the Prius Hybrid that the Japanese giant is thinking of releasing in India. The Toyota Prius is the best selling hybrid in the U.S. This Japanese automaker has already been committed to hybrid vehicles and its consistency has swept it to the top in the long list of auto manufacturers. Many brands have started to offer hybrid versions of vehicles with high fuel efficiency. It is hybrids that are the top choice over other types of fuel-efficient vehicles – thanks to Toyota. I had already done quite a bit of research on Prius and found high-end features like the CVT (continuously variable transmission) and the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology. So if you love green, the environment or your pocket, and are in India then hold your breath for a greener tomorrow! Prius will be sold with a sticker price of US $20,000, or nearly Rs. 8-Lakh – this is as good as it gets! Labels: Environment friendly engine, Growth in Indian auto industry, Hybrids, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Leading manfacturer, Top of the auto industry, Toyota
Wednesday, 24 October 2007
Indian metros are overflowing with vehicles from various Indian and Foreign manufacturers. However, the demand for more and better choices is not yet satiated. Major car manufacturers are launching more and more cars to attain the top position in this jungle of automotives. As newer cars release, people expectations also rise. Price and mileage are two important aspects that the majority of Indian’s focus on. However, no one like to compromise on quality either. Almost all the manufacturers are trying to meet these expectations. Tata is first in line with its One-Lakh People’s Car. Other manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Chevrolet, Hyundai, and Honda are all getting ready to launch passenger cars as early as next year, so that they can stay alive in the competition. India is emerging as one of the most exuberant marketing hubs for cars of all sorts. Manufacturers have come to realize that the smart buyer is measuring all choices and therefore the more choices one manufacturer provides, the better the chances of that manufacturer surviving in this jungle. GM’s recent foothold in India has made a positive impact and the manufacturer is keen on turning India as one of its marketing centers. This sudden frenzy to capture the Indian market will see the launch of over 20 new cars early next year. It is a real dilemma for customers who had planned for a car by the end of the year. With most of the cars set to be launched in a few months, it is difficult to decide whether we should wait for the new launches or buy something which is already in the market. As far as my opinion goes, I would definitely wait! The more the cars in the market, the better the deals I get. For all I know, I could even decide to go for a model that already exists, but due to market competition, it will cost me much lesser then than it will now. Why settle for a prawn when you can get a seafood platter for the same price?!! Labels: Auto market competition, cars-India, Chevrolet, Growth in Indian auto industry, Honda, Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Maruti Suzuki, Tata
Honda Motors are holding serious talks with the Indian government to establish rules for hybrid vehicles to be sold in India. Honda is interested in gasoline-electric hybrid cars that meet great expectations of mileage. India is currently one of major auto markets, but it has no definite set of rules and regulations when it comes to hybrid vehicles. If the Indian authorities give the green signal, Honda will introduce its Civic hybrid, which is selling like hot-cakes in North America, Europe, and Japan. Once the talks are over, Honda will decide on when to launch hybrid cars in India. Because Indians are most concerned about the price and fuel economy, hybrid cars will be an answer to all our prayers and I bet the environment will be pretty happy too! Hybrid cars give 80% better mileage, without compromising on performance, compared to conventional gasoline cars. Emission is also comparatively low. Subsidies for hybrid cars are a must as they cost more than the usual petrol and diesel cars. Honda is trying to work on this front. Once Honda gets permit to launch their hybrid vehicle, all other manufacturers will think of doing so. The more hybrid vehicles run in India the lesser the pollution. Labels: Environment friendly engine, Government approval pending, Growth in Indian auto industry, Honda, Hybrids, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Leading manfacturer, Low emissions
Friday, 19 October 2007
Quick, what comes to mind when you think of Porsche? A clean cut designed sleek, fast, and incredible handling 2-door sport car with a genuine racing heritage. The ‘Made in Germany’ Porsche is soon to be launched in India. Porsche has recently confirmed that it will assemble its top rated cars in India. Well, here are the Porsche models that will test Indian roads first: the GT and the Cayenne GTS. After the launch of the GT and Cayenne GTS, Porsche has chosen to assemble more vehicle range in India. The GT and Cayenne GTS are Porsche’s landmark models, known for a ride that quickens an enthusiast’s heartbeat. It’ll be crazy if I’ll say getting a new Porsche is a financially savvy move. But relax. Porsche has quoted that Indian buyers can sign up with all these versions at a significantly cheaper prize. All we can do is hope that the price is the only thing that will be cheaper! After all, no want wants to drive a tin even if it does have a Porsche symbol at its front! Labels: Global market, Growth in Indian auto industry, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Porsche
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
India’s auto major Tata Motors has taken a first step of its expansion. Tata has tied-up with the Italian Fiat Auto to market the Fiat cars, Grand Punto and Linea in the Indian market. The vehicles will be sold in the country through Tata and Fiat dealers. Tata is one of the strongest bidders for Jaguar and Land Rover. It has been more positive and is taking great initiatives in recent times. A tie-up with the Italian firm shows its capability and firm stance. This joint venture can be taken as a positive mark for all of Tata’s future plans. Tata is the first name that pops-up when it comes to auto makers in the Indian market. It is all because of the One-Lakh Rupees people’s car. The world’s cheapest car is first being manufactured by our own desi firm. Indeed something to make us all proud. Let us all wish a grand success to Tata in all its future ventures! Labels: Fiat, Growth in Indian auto industry, Imported cars, Indian car manufacturer, Indian car market, Launches in India, Tata
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