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Wednesday, 28 November 2007
Wishing for more high performance Sports cars in India? Low, wide, and fast. On Indian roads buyers of high-end high performance cars are almost nil. The few numbers of Lambos and Porsches in India are owned by people who can afford to make their own personal roads to ride these dazzlers. When Lotus, the British automakers, hinted the possibility of Lotus Elise’s launch in India, I was thinking about the possible drifts it can make in the heart of sports car enthusiasts. Lotus has the design motto "Performance through light weight". Even if you have never got behind the wheels of a Lotus, you have probably heard of it in Formula 1 races. Now, the company is looking for a partner to set up showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi. Sport Cars from the Malaysian national carmaker Proton is also expected to debut in India with Lotus. These efforts will keep India expecting even before the first Indian Grand Prix. Labels: High-end luxury sports sedans, Lamborgini, Launches in India, Lotus, Porsche, Sport Cars
Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Ashok Leyland is a big name in the heavy motor vehicle world. However, not many know that it’s Hinduja Group’s Flagship Company too. It plans to launch its next-generation range of hybrid trucks and buses in the upcoming years. The company is developing electronic shift-by-wire transmission technology and electronic-controlled engine management systems to take fuel efficiency to a new level. This move may have been triggered by Tata’s Hydrogen Bus initiative. According to sources, their aim is to enhance both automotive power and fuel efficiency in the to-be-developed new age vehicles. The electronic shift-by-wire transmission is expected to decrease the fuel consumption by 5 percent. The company is working on both electric battery and bio-fuel modes for its hybrid range of vehicles in India. Ashok Leyland has been doubling-up its head count at its technical centre in Chennai. It now has over 600 engineers and researchers, up from a mere 100 in 2003. Even in the R&D, it has been pumping in a lot of cash. Small cars and big cars, Indian car makers are not behind the race with their global counterparts; as for quality, we will have to wait and drive! Labels: Ashok Leyland, Auto market competition, Buses and Trucks, Hybrids, Launches in India, 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
Tuesday, 13 November 2007
Tata and Fiat are in the news again; first it was with Tata Motors One-Lakh Car, then Tata’s recent partnership venture with the Italian Fiat Auto followed by their first joint venture project Grand Punto and Linea (B and C segment cars respectively) which will be launched by 2008. Today they are on this page because they are taking up another new step in the small cars segment. This new car is to be launched by 2010 and will be a possible replacement to the Palio. Since the Palio has been a slow mover compared to the other small cars of same class, Fiat-Tata decided to replace this model and have already started working on the developments of the new car. This ‘jugalbandi’ is currently concentrating only on the Palio petrol version (1.1 and 1.6 liter). The other versions like the Fiat Palio (diesel version) and Fiat Siena/Petra have been discontinued. Their joint network will definitely increase their distribution and servicing strength. Fiat has approximately 65 dealers and is planning to expand to a 100 more by 2008, when the new Fiat models will be launched. Let’s wait and watch for this new under-cover small car, maybe it will prove to be a lucky charm for Fiat! Labels: cars-India, Fiat, Indian car market, Launches in India, Small Car, Tata
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
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
Skoda is considered as one of the luxury car brands in India. After all, with their price tags, it is difficult for a common man to get behind the wheels of a Skoda. Here’s today’s big story: Skoda has just announced a new variant called Ambiente for its Laura series. The unveiling took place last Wednesday in Mumbai. The car, which looks very similar to the existing Laura variants, offers more standard safety features. Buyers now have other reasons to buy the new Ambiente besides the superior features. The most fascinating thing about the new Ambiente is the truly affordable price. Your Skoda Laura is now available at a 13 Lakh ex-showroom price tag. Sign up for the new 13-Lakh Ambiente to receive special safety features like two airbags, a traction control system, Rear parking sensors with Parktronic display, and automatic wipers with rain sensors. Ambiente has started garnering much media attention. If you are planning to get an economically savvy luxurious car, Ambiente is the car for you. Labels: Economical buy, Indian car market, Launches in India, New variant, Safety features improved, Skoda
Friday, 26 October 2007
Hyundai stands for cars with clever technology and affordable prices. As the brand continues to liquidate some of its sporty assets from its mid-premium sedan Elantra, inside sources reveal that it is planning to introduce a series of new vehicles of which PA is just a start. The latest news is Hyundai's new plan to debut a big luxury sedan for India in 2 years. Current information suggests that the brand is currently working on around four brand new vehicles. The upcoming models from Hyundai are PA, Santa Fe, i-30, and the new premium sedan D-segment. Hyundai is getting ready to shake up the new global sedan model developed and produced in India. Though the model name is yet to be announced, the company has confirmed that the proposed D-segment car, will hit the market in a "couple of years". The yet to be named vehicle is said to be under development with a highly competitive prize. A couple of questions are still in the air, such as the car will be mated with which type engine? What will be the performance? The new model will compete with which models? Well, we’ll have to wait for further announcements from Hyundai, but the wait may not be long! Labels: Hyundai, Indian car market, Launches in India, Luxury car segment, Luxury sedan, New launch
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, 17 October 2007
People often think they are safer in an SUV than a Sedan or a hatchback. If you ask me I'll say that the Hummer is the safest and coolest SUV around. Agree? Sunil Shetty’s choice and a definite yes from all Indians who want a muscular and aggressive car that laughs at looks and speaks with performance! The Hummer is a South African SUV known for its ‘goes anywhere’ nature. It has a Vortec 3.7L engine that is astounding and makes off-roads simpler. Indian potholed roads will feel like butter on toast from inside this powerful animal. Hummer is on its way to India. General Motors recently announced that the Hummer H3 will launch in India sometime next year. However, GM is a little worried about the market possibilities. The general feeling is that the super premium brand vehicle will represent a niche market in India, but the current Indian market psychology leans towards small cars like the Chevy Spark. I say - come on GM, take a chance! We may wait for a while to get behind the wheels of a Hummer, but if you wait too long there are companies that will take your slice of the proverbial Indian auto market pie and the Hummer will be left high and dry! Labels: cars-India, Chevrolet, General Motors, Hummer, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, SUVs
Tuesday, 16 October 2007
The excitement associated with the Volvo launches has not yet subsided, and you can see the party flare up again. More Volvo cars are now coming into town! Following the Volvo S80 and XC90 is the Volvo C30, a luxury Coupe, and the Volvo C70 that is available in both Coupe and Convertible body styles. It has been rumored that Ford India will join hands with Volvo in India. It looks like both Volvo and Ford will work together on the same platform with shared technologies. Following the success of the XC90 and S80, Volvo might have realized that there are a large number of Volvo fans in India. Those looking to gain a little extra performance from a Coupe or a Convertible should start emptying their garage space now! However, the auto market says that Indians prefer small cars compared to Coupes or Convertibles. Honestly, do we have a choice? Give me a Convertible any day for the price of a Swift and I’ll take it!! If you are a big Volvo fan, log on to the Volvo website for streaming videos of the C30 and C70 models or just check out Carazoo and we will have all the info you need for the new makes as soon as the news breaks! Labels: Convertibles, Coupes, Ford, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Luxury car segment, Volvo
Friday, 12 October 2007
We’re already jealous that Europeans get all the good models of the Mercedes Benz before we do, but Mercedes will soon remedy this situation by launching the Viano for us. Yes, Mercedes has done it again and this is great news for those planning to pick up a high-end luxury cab from Mercedes. Hey the multi purpose luxury cab looks truly innovative, I must say! Mercedes quoted Viano for Rs. 45 Lakh. If you are thinking about other luxury cabs available in India, I don’t think you are going to have a deja-vu in Viano. Inside Viano you can walk around and change the seating positions as per your convenience. Yeah, it might look like a crazy thing to say, but it’s true. The van has 8 seats with a sliding track mechanism that allows you to choose legroom space according to your need. In India Viano has a cheaper competitor, the Toyota Innova that is available at a prize of below 10 Lakh. However, Mercedes is a class apart! So, all you Mercedes fans, you can stop reading right now and put the Viano in your 2008 wish list. Labels: cars-India, Imported cars, Indian car market, Launches in India, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Jaguar is planning to introduce two new models to the Indian market by next year. Invariable of the fact of whether Tata will buy Jaguar or not, the manufacturer is all-set to launch its models XF and X-type by late next year. The models are expected to be sold by the sole Indian Land Rover dealer Navnit Motors. The XF model holds Jaguar’s future, though the model will not be rolled-out before March 2008. XF model will pose a tough tiff to the BMW 5-series and the Audi A6. The X-type is based mostly on the Ford Mondeo model and is likely to adorn a price tag that reads between rupees 35-50 lakh. Next year end is a long time. Maybe by that time Jaguar would have sold itself to one of the other strong bidders. However, Tata should keep its hope alive! Labels: Ford, Imported cars, Indian car manufacturer, Indian car market, Jaguar, Launches in India, Tata
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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