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Wednesday, 19 March 2008
Spark’s luxury touch
Small cars are evolving even as luxury cars are imbibing the culture of the west. A centre instrument cluster is not seen only in car like Mercedes. The owner of Chevrolet Spark will feel he/she is seated in a luxury car as well. Spark has its speedometer and other gauges housed on the centre of the dash rather than behind the steering wheels as is seen in all other small cars in India. It is surprising that General Motors has sought to bring in this feature for small cars. They have sought to deviate from the regular looking dashboards in small cars and given it a feel of a luxury car.Spark has really brought in some new aspects to designing small cars. Labels: Chevrolet Spark, India, luxury cars, small cars
Spark to get his younger brother in two years
The ‘Spark’-ling success of Chevrolet seems to have created new hopes for General Motors in India. The company is set to come up with a new small car exclusively for India with a cheaper than GM's current lowest priced car in India. It will be a new addition to the already crowded portfolio of Chevrolet which currently has cars for all segments like Spark to Tavera to Optra Magnum.
Surprisingly, General Motors is doing well when others are witnessing low sales performance. The company is planning two huge facilities and is now planning a small car. Nothing seems to be stopping the Generals’ growth. Labels: Chevrolet, General Motors, India, Optra Magnum, Small Car, Spark, Tavera
Need for automated car wash in India
The steadily increasing car ownership numbers has also opened vistas for careers in car care. India is still new to automated car wash facility. It is estimated that the car wash business could be billion dollar enterprise. As people have little time to take care of their car maintenance and washing is certainly on their top list of things-to-do-for-the-week. In USA the car wash business is estimated to be worth $5 billion. That is a virtually a mini nation. There are a whole lot of possibilities, in this regard. The first and foremost is that such enterprises could open a lot of job opportunities. May be somebody could start in India making and it will definitely be a hit! Labels: Automated Car Wash, Car, car maintenance, India
Wednesday, 20 February 2008
Why are car companies coming to India?
The mind always wonders about progress. The huge hype about foreign car makers making a beeline to India along with well-known component makers is a progress that definitely entices a person to think of the reasons. Is it India’s greatness or another countries downfall?
In the aftermath of the US economy decline, the Bloomberg report (on climate and green house gases) stated reasons for the sudden affection of Car manufacturers towards China and India. China is one of the cheapest places for manufacturing any commodity in the world and it is also becoming the second largest car market in the world. However, China carries risks of a slow down similar to the US market recession. The already under-performing auto sector fears that if China goes down, they are doomed to see history repeat itself.
India, on the other hand, as a marketing hub can sustain decent sales figures and maintain profit margins for a long time to come. So, the progress India sees is not due to any love that the foreign market suddenly has for India, but rather fear that brings two options: Change and expand or Die a slow death. Labels: Car market, China, Foreign cars, India
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
Maruti Suzuki to set up designing centre
Maruti Suzuki plans to set up a full fledged car-designing centre in India which is also going to be second biggest in Asia. It is also believed the success of its global car Swift has prompted Maruti Suzuki India to take up this step. This will be part of the R & D centre, which will come up as part of the expansion plan of the company in India. The company has big time future plans. It plans to launch five new models including a diesel car in the next five years and start designing cars in India by 2010. Labels: Diesel cars, India, Maruti Suzuki, Maruti Swift
Thursday, 18 October 2007
Expect first Indian Grand Prix in 2009
Do I need to say more about the whole so-called Formula One, the global auto racing event? Maybe you’ve been following the trickle of information flowing out ever since the 1998 Indian Grand Prix attempt when the Indian government started its attempt to get a F1 racing event in India. Tata, Mahindra, Maruti, and many other Indian Manufacturers are following this event closely. Here's another effort to bring F1 to town. Even if the Indian roads are not that much advanced for a F1 race, we have a huge number of racing enthusiasts with Narain Karthikeyan on to race and Vijay Mallya to support. The Indian Olympics Authority is also on the ground to get the race to India by the October 2010 Commonwealth Games. Critics say that the Grand Prix will meet serious infrastructural and environmental challenges in India, but there’s no denying that India is one of the fastest growing economy in Asia with a horde of Young Indians who have high incomes and F1 enthusiasm. Reports indicate that the Formula One architects have visited New Delhi and seen several sites in the National Capital Region and have handed India a race promotion contract and a circuit rights agreement contract. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope to see the first Indian Grand Prix in 2009. Labels: Formula 1 racing, Global market, Imported cars, India, India Trail, Mahindra, Maruti, Tata
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
Mercedes flags off 'India Trail'
A unique plan to delve deep into the hearts of Indians, the Mercedes Benz pioneers of the luxury segment started on the India Trail today. A series of 7 cars will be participating in this Journey that starts from Pune. This drive will go through almost all parts of southern, western, and northern India. Covering over 40,000 kms between today and Oct 10, Mercedes is trying to strengthen its solid bond between India and the Mercedes-Benz brand. Showcasing the rich and diverse culture, heritage and natural beauty of India, the India Trail mainly focuses on the process of driving available Mercedes-Benz cars in the country. India Trial features the entire portfolio of diesel cars from Mercedes-Benz in India — S-Class, C-Class, E-Class, M-Class, the Bio-Diesel C-Class, and the Viano. Labels: car manufacturers, cars, India, India Trail, Indian car market, Mercedes-Benz
Monday, 24 September 2007
New Audi A4 to be unveiled
 An all-new Audi A4 is all-set to be unwrapped at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The new A4 will sport a modern and stylish build. It will carry-over the same huge grille but will have a new set of LED headlamps that will light-up more rapidly with less usage of power. The curved rear gives the car a unique look. The car shares the same platform called MLP (Modular Variable Platform) as that of Audi A6 and A8. Compared to the current A4, the new A4 gets a longer wheelbase to efficiently balance the weight and increase interior space. With roomy and comfy interiors the new A4 might hit the Indian roads in a short time. For the driver’s comfort, the new A4 comes with an adaptable steering system, which adapts to the driver’s driving style. For Indian roads, it is said that the car might adorn a 150 bhp diesel engine. Labels: Audi, Imported cars, India, Indian car market
Chevy Aveo to go through a small makeover
The Chevrolet Aveo was mainly a disappointment when it was launched about a year back. In order to make it more stylish and draw in more buyers, the manufacturer has decided to give the existing Aveo a slight touch-up. The new overhauled Aveo will make driving an easy task with enhanced gearshift and improved throttle response for a recovered acceleration. The cabin will undergo better insulation tactics to prevent external and engine noise and vibrations from affecting the occupants. The revamped Aveo will also get an additional exterior color - Ice Blue. Maybe the Aveo will come into the light after all. Labels: cars, Chevrolet, India, Indian car market
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Hyundai experiences huge success
It has been success after success for the Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) after it set-up its business in India. It has achieved many significant milestones in its nine-year career in India. To add to the laurels, HMIL recently rolled-out its 1,500,000th unit in the month of September, 2007. Hyundai’s first car in India was rolled out in the month of September, 9-years ago. The stir of HMIL’s first launch in India, the Santro, led to them launching the Accent, Elantra, Sonata, and Getz models that went on to continue ruling the market. Uncompromising quality and great service made it one of the most popular and well-liked brand in India. The Hyundai Getz pocketed the prestigious accolade of best-selling car in the year 2004. With the increasing popularity and demand, the nation’s major automaker is planning to expand its dealership across the country in order to meet the rising demand. Labels: cars, Elantra, Getz Prime, Hyundai, India, Santro Xing, Sonata
Monday, 17 September 2007
Honda City on a verge to regain the top rank in India
The revamped version of the Honda City ZX is finally launched in India in-order to reclaim the topmost position in the mid-size car section. The refurbished version of the City is upgraded in comfort and safety fronts. This overhauled Honda City is sure to pose a strong competition to the other competitors in the market. Though Honda Siel Cars India (HSIC) is on the verge of replacing the model next year, it still wanted to smarten-up the existing model to regain its old status of top mid-sized car. This new version is priced between Rupees 6.80 lakh and Rupees 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which is less than the price of the City ZX VTEC. Honda City ZX VTEC Plus now comes standard with leather upholstered seats, an anti-lock braking system, dual-stage SRS airbags, and a new steering wheel. This is the tenth anniversary gift from HSIC to the Indian customers. Since its launch in 1998, the Honda City is sold over 1,90,000 units in the Indian market. Since the entry of Maruti Suzuki’s SX4 and Mahindra-Renault’s Logan, the Honda City was pushed back to the third position with a sale figure reduced to 2,465 units a year. According to the company release, HSIC is also planning to roll-out hybrid cars in the Indian market. Labels: cars, competition, Honda, India, Mahindra, Maruti
Ferrari to cruise on Indian roads by 2008
Ferrari, the Italian car maker, is all set to start its own dealerships in India by early 2008. As part of the existing Tata-Fiat alliance, the launch of Ferrari will be under the navigation of Tata Motors. The world’s favorite sports car - Ferrari will zoom into India’s exclusive sports car market, which is currently dominated by Porsche. Fiat and Tata had earlier announced ambitious plans to manufacture cars and engines under a new 50:50 joint venture between the two companies. Fiat, the parent company of Ferrari, also plans to launch Maseratti and Alfa Romeo in India in coming years. Labels: Ferrari, Fiat, Imported cars, India, launch in India, Tata
Friday, 14 September 2007
DaimlerChrysler’s first step of expansion in the Indian market
DaimlerChrysler is associated with the production of the very popular luxury car – the Mercedes-Benz. With its growing business and popularity, DaimlerChrysler is prepared to open a new plant in Pune. The money invested is 50 million euros. The company has acquired 100 acres of land in Pune that will resume the work by 2009. This new plant, which is built to manufacture 5,000 cars annually, will manufacture 1,000 units more compared to the leased plant in Pune. According to company sources, the process from the rented plant will be shifted to the new plant. The new plant is constructed keeping in mind the demand for the cars manufactured by DaimlerChrysler in the Indian market. The new plant is deemed to take-up multiple roles as a manufacturing plant and an assembling plant. Assembling of heavy trucks will start by the end of the year and manufacturing of luxury buses will start from next year at the same plant. Labels: car manufacturers, cars, India, Indian car market, Mercedes-Benz
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Skoda set date to launch Fabia
Skoda Fabia was supposed to hit Indian roads by 2007 year end. However, it has postponed its launch to January 10th 2008 due to various reasons. The much awaited Skoda Fabia will be available in petrol and diesel engines. The roomy interiors and spacious boot is said to be the highlight of this new car. The car has a list of standard and optional features including sun-roof, Climatronic air conditioning, 6-CD auto-changer, projector headlamps, and cornering fog lamps. Skoda Fabia also comes equipped with loads of safety features that are sure to cut-down the accident rates. The comfort features in the car include adjustable front seats and a proper ventilation system. This widely anticipated car might be priced between 4.5-6 Lakh. With all these luring features it goes without saying that Skoda Fabia will pose a tough competition to the other manufacturers. Labels: Imported cars, India, Skoda Fabia
BMW X5 on Indian roads in November 2007
Increasing sales target has made BMW India plan its next launch. This German company has a plant in India located at Chennai. Encouraged by the good response from the Indian car market, the German auto major has planned to unveil the next model, BMW X5, in the month of November 2007. Rising demand for BMW vehicles has made the authorities think seriously about expanding the dealership in the country. According to the company’s spokesperson, at-least four more dealerships will be added by end of the year. Though, presently business is confined to Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Mumbai there is a good chance of the BMW dealerships to make way into Ahmedabad, Pune, Kochi, and Kolkata. Labels: BMW, cars, Imported cars, India
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
A looksie at Tata’s one-lakh people car in India
With the Tata-initiated One-Lakh Rupee Car picture released, it almost looks like any other existing compact car. To build a car for such a small amount is no joke. The tires should have been a bit bigger for a symmetrical look, however it is just one compromise in the car’s built. This Tata car looks like a mixed version of the Chevrolet Spark and the Maruti Suzuki Zen Estilo. However, it can accommodate four grown people comfortably. With the blunt nose and diamond-shaped headlamps the much awaited Tata car is sure to lure the two-wheelers into upgrading their bikes for a car just by paying a few thousand extra. The wide front window guarantees clear and uninterrupted view. The front window shield gently slopes to the small bonnet that is excessively cut. No doubt that this car will mainly focus on performance in the city and there is talk that the people will have an option to choose between a diesel and a petrol engine. The fuel economy will definitely be between the regions of 24 km/l to 28 km/l. For the time being, the people await the name and specification details of this Tata car. Labels: cars, India, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
Revamped Honda City in India in next few weeks
From next month it will be the refurbished version of the Honda City available in the market. Facing a lot of competition from the Maruti SX4 and the Mahindra-Renault Logan, Honda Siel Cars India is in a hurry to update its City sedan with the latest technologies. According to the company’s release, its revamped City comes equipped with loads of safety features including airbags and an anti-lock braking system. Also, the prices might step-down. This revamp is said to be the final one for the City, until it gets replaced by a new model next year. With many manufacturers in India planning to launch their vehicles very shortly, this is a very important decision taken by Honda Siel Cars India. By smartening up the existing City model, there is no doubt about it posing a tough competition to the other makers. Labels: cars, competition, Honda, India, Indian car market
Tuesday, 28 August 2007
DaimlerChrysler - from Mercedes to public transport in India
Germany’s luxury car manufacturer DaimlerChrysler is planning to get into the public commuting sector in India. DaimlerChrysler builds cars that allure the rich class of the urban Indian society. It recently launched the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in India that costs close to one Crore. As this manufacturer witnesses a massive growth in its passenger vehicle ( Mercedes-Benz) production and consumption, it now wants to target the public transport sector in India. A successful truck trade in India has led this manufacturer to believe in the idea of manufacturing buses to gratify the Indian public. Though the final decision is yet to be taken, DaimlerChrysler seem keen to enter India in this segment. The positive growth in India’s auto parts market that caters to the auto part requirements of different parts of the world and the noticeable increase in the sales of luxury cars in India has made DaimlerChrysler look at India with optimistic eyes. Labels: cars, India, Mercedes-Benz, public transport
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