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Monday, 28 December 2009
 The i10 has taken hold of Santro’s position as the flagship model from Hyundai stable. Of late, the average sales of the Hyundai i10 have touched 12,000 units a month, against about 7,000 for the Santro. The i10 was launched by Hyundai two years back to counter Maruti Suzuki’s growing popularity. The sales figures of the Santro and i10 together contribute a sizeable chunk of the compact car segment. Since its launch two years back, the i10 has managed to average domestic sales of around 12,000 a month, from 6,500 units; while sales of the Santro have fallen from 12,000 units in 2000, to the current 7,000 units a month. Some of the reasons for the i10 craze are contemporary styling, competitive pricing and superior technology. With the urban consumer wanting contemporary and technologically superior cars, the Santro, in recent months, has seen a sizeable chunk of its sales going to tier ii markets. Sources also say that the company is pushing the i10 in urban markets and Santro to the semi-urban and rural market. Currently, the price of the Santro ranges from Rs 3.2 Lakh to Rs 3.6 Lakh and i10 retails at Rs 3.35 Lakh to Rs 5 Lakh. Besides, the i10, positioned as a ‘launched in India car’ tagline, has managed to create a stir even in export markets. A word has been out that the Korean major may launch the Santro with a smaller size engine option at a lower price point to compete directly with the Maruti Suzuki Alto. Labels: Alto, Hyundai i10, Maruti Suzuki, Santro
Monday, 9 March 2009
A couple of months ago Maruti Suzuki in association with Autocar announced the Young Drivers Contest. Winner of the contest was to be gifted the scintillating Maruti Suzuki A-Star. The winner, Zubin Antalia, received the keys to the A-Star for his excellent performance and driving skills showcased in the contest. He is a Mumbai resident who has great knowledge and awareness of traffic rules and road safety. Zubin was awarded the car after the national finals held at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) in the capital. Maruti has many cars in its portfolio, but the A-Star is its latest creation and this competition was an effective way to promote its new car. Maruti has always been associated with road safety and has been actively involved in imparting world class driving training through its authorized driving schools and training centres. This contest was a part of Maruti’s mission to improve road safety and make Indian roads safer. In December 2008, the car manufacturer had introduced a National Road Safety Mission with a burning desire to impart driving training to at least five lakh people across the country in the next three years. Labels: Autocar, Maruti Suzuki, Maruti Suzuki A-star
Friday, 26 December 2008
As part of the 25th anniversary celebration in India, Maruti is all set to organize the Mega Car Exchange Carnival on 27th and 28th December at the BRV Police Ground in Bangalore. Maruti announces an excellent exchange offer for the entire range of its new cars and used cars. If planning to buy a new car, you can visit the carnival and enjoy an exchange benefit with any car, make or model. You can even enjoy the on spot finance approval or renewal of insurance in the carnival. There are special offers for those who are working as corporate. Additionally, you can also have a 15 point check up, free air condition check up, free oil and coolant top up, and free electrical check up. If you wish to buy a used car, then excellent offers are awaiting you. The company gives you a complete 120 points quality check ups with refurbished genuine car parts. All the used cars displayed in the carnival would be certified by Maruti Suzuki engineers and would be sold with one year warranty and 3 year free service. Labels: Maruti Suzuki, New-Cars, Used-Cars
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
The first small car shinning in the history of Indian car industry is Maruti Suzuki 800. After that many small cars are introduced and some are still in line. After the hit of inflation, car manufacturers started taking a ride from the small car stable to maintain their foothold in the market. As the race continues, the recent launch of Maruti Suzuki A-star has embarked a new journey for the small car manufacturers. But then too, the car won’t be able to rejoice a hassle free voyage on Indian roads with the presence of successful competitor like Hyundai i10. A-Star is born with excellent blend of technology and innovation. The passion that drives the car is the path breaking technologies and Penta Drive that assures a smooth, passionate, and impressive drive. The car appears to compete with the i10 with its power and mileage. Both the cars generate more or less similar power output and fuel-efficiency, the two key factors driving the car industry today. Amazingly, Hyundai i10 has been clocking good sales number with around 9000-10,000 units per month. With such a high selling number in the industry, it may be tough for A-star to just coup the success and win a crown. But yes, if compare to Maruti Suzuki WagonR and lower version of Maruti Swift, A-star can cannibalize them. Unfortunately, the car would consume members of its own species and would face a tough time competing with leading small cars in India. Labels: Maruti Suzuki, Maruti-Suzuki-A-Star, Small-Cars
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
 Festive season is raining offers! With almost all the car manufacturers giving discounts to lure customers during the festive season, Maruti Suzuki also announces a slew of offers and discounts for its esteem customers. Maruti is giving offers on almost al its entire car range in the Indian market. Existing Maruti customers will get a cash discount of Rs 30,000 on the purchase of Maruti Suzuki SX4. On purchase of Maruti Suzuki WagonR, Maruti Suzuki Zen Estillo, and Maruti Alto, the company is offering free insurance with a cash discount of Rs 11,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 4000 respectively. The company also announced a new scheme to attract more customers from banking, retail, financial institutions and insurance sectors. The employees of these markets will get additional cash discount of Rs 17,000 on SX4, Rs 4,500 on Swift Petrol and Rs 5,000 discount on M800, Alto, Zen Estillo and Wagon-R. Because the car prices have increased in the recent couple of months, the market was down and such discounts and offers is a good way to raise the Indian car market. So, wake up and walk in to a Maruti Suzuki showroom and drive out with a new car. Labels: Car-Discounts, Maruti Suzuki, Maruti-Suzuki-SX4, Maruti-Suzuki-WagonR, Maruti-Suzuki-Zen-Estilo
Monday, 4 August 2008
Maruti Suzuki reported a 7 % fall in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Maruti’s net profit dipped from Rs 499.6 crore in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year to Rs 465.9 crore in April-June 2008. Even though the sale in the first quarter of the fiscal year rose to about 18%, the net profit skids. What can be the reason of the low net profit? The answer is simple and straight. In the past few months, the company has witnessed depreciation of assets and spike in expenses which has eventually reduced the profit margin. High inflation and increasing material costs has forced the company to absorb some portion of the input or production costs. This action by Maruti resulted in higher number of car sales but unfortunately, the net profit of the company dipped. Another reason for the lower net profit was the extra Rs 62 crore that the company paid for the new depreciation policy. Apart from this, the company had made huge expenses in advertising and branding activities to lure waning customers during inflation. These activities helped the company register a good percentage of domestic sales but failed to earn profits. Is this the condition for all car manufacturers or only Maruti has suffered a loss? Labels: Car-prices, Car-Sales, Maruti Suzuki
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
Maruti Suzuki has ranked 4th in the new list of the ‘World’s Most Popular Automobile Companies’. It’s probably the first Indian car manufacturer to come within the top 5 in the list. Maruti went past its Japanese collaborator Suzuki Motors that had managed the 4th spot in the previous list. This news comes in on a year when Maruti is celebrating its silver jubilee in India. Maruti has always held on to the top position in the list of popular Indian car manufacturers. Over the years, it has catered to the masses in a way that no other car manufacturer in the world has. The new ranking on the world list is well deserved by Maruti. Labels: Maruti Suzuki
Tuesday, 10 June 2008
The Maruti Suzuki 800 LPG variant has been launched. A welcome relief amidst anxiety caused by rising prices of petrol and diesel. The most fuel efficient car in India just got a lot better and a lot cleaner. Like the Maruti WagonR Duo, the new version is being called ‘Maruti 800 Duo’. The LPG option is available on both the AC and Non-AC variants of the car. The new variants are currently priced between Rs. 2.05 Lakh and Rs 2.26 Lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).  Maruti has previously sold a large number of LPG variants of the WagonR and the Omni. The new Maruti 800 Duo will be even more popular. Afterall, the 800 is without a doubt India’s most popular family car. Labels: CNG cars, LPG cars, Maruti Suzuki, new car launch
Just how much difference does a good car dealer make to a car manufacturer? A big one if we see what a Maruti Suzuki dealer based in Kerala and Tamil Nadu has achieved. Indus motors has sold nearly 26,833 new Maruti cars in the last fiscal year. This dealership alone contributed to 55 percent of Maruti’s national sales volume! And this feat is not restricted to just new cars, Indus Motors has also achieved the highest sales in certified used cars through Maruti’s ‘TrueValue’ program. That was Maruti. But achievements of dealers haven’t been restricted to just low cost cars. Tai-Pan Motors is a Mercedes-Benz dealership based in Punjab and Delhi and it has been creating quite a stir with its high sales of luxury cars. A good car dealership is truly an asset to a car manufacturer and the above is exactly the amount of difference it makes. Labels: Car-Dealers, Maruti Suzuki
Tuesday, 3 June 2008
With the growing demand of green cars, most car manufacturers are trying to trim their engine displacement and bringing in eco-friendly variants. Luxury car manufacturer rarely go for technology change. They assume that changing from petrol to fuel efficient technology will result in loss of power. They are afraid of loosing the tag of powerful engine car.
But that myth seems to have been broken by luxury car maker leader Mercedes. Mercedes-Benz has come up with two new CNG sedans in India. The variant will more fuel efficient than the Maruti Suzuki 800 which runs on petrol.
All luxury car manufacturers should go for this as more car buyers are opting for fuel efficient cars. The alternative fuel will change the image of Luxury cars for forever. Labels: CNG cars, eco-friendly cars, luxury cars, Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
It is commendable that Maruti Suzuki is leading the total car sales of India. It is the only company which keeps repeating its success year after year, while other big names continue with dismal performance. Maruti still comprises half of the cars sold in India. It has surpassed its April 2007 sales figure by 22.4 percent. However, the entry level sedan segment, upper mid-size segment and premium segment have all recorded a decline in sales. Its small cars Alto, Wagon R and the entry level sedan Swift Dzire have driven sales up for the car sector in India. Maruti continues to be the leader who leads from the front. It is due to the innovative vehicles, super networking and cheap cost that has increased car sale in India. If these options were not offered to the buyers, India would have been light years away from car consumerism that we witness today. Thanks to Maruti Suzuki, the country is now acknowledged as one of the biggest market in the world for cars. Labels: Car-Sales, Maruti Suzuki
Friday, 25 April 2008
Maruti Suzuki is the leading manufacturer in India and is also leading in car exports from India. But now it has also another title in Sri Lanka car – the most preferred car manufacture for imported cars. Maruti cars tops in the list of the most preferred imported car manufacturer, released by Sri Lankan government. The most favored cars are M800, Alto and Swift. Several interest and business of Sri Lanka are tied to bigger Indian companies. This will add credit to rising Indian Economy. But only recently has it been found that the people of India and Sri Lanka, share the passion for same cars along with the history. Labels: Indian economy, Maruti Suzuki
Friday, 28 March 2008
India’s dream of becoming a global small car hub may not become reality. Car manufacturers, who are till recently beaming over the reduction of excise duty on small cars, are now considering limiting their exports to maintain profitability as the government has not given incentive to encourage the exporting of passenger cars. Lack of incentive from the government is expected to affect the growth of export business of many car manufacturers. Sale of small cars, sedan and luxury cars is increasing in domestic market but lack of incentive for export and continues depreciation of the dollar, is bound to affect the sale of many cars in overseas market. Discouraged by the government’s disinterest in encouraging export business, largest exporter of passenger cars from India like Hyundai motor, Maruti Suzuki are seriously considering to downscale their original target of exporting 50 productions from India. Government should join hands with car companies to make India a global hub for small cars by giving some impetus to small cars export business. Labels: car incentive, Exporting cars, Hyundai, incentive for exporting, luxury cars, Maruti Suzuki, small cars
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Maruti Suzuki is fast expanding its business to the rural areas than ever before. The car major is now looking at more income segments apart from the traditional businessman and urban salary groups. Last year the company has targeted government employees including teachers and also shop floor workers. The campaign received overwhelming responses and was a great success as maruti sold a whopping number of 23,000 cars including small cars and sedans under the scheme, last year. This year the company is targeting buyers in rural areas. The company has devised the panchayat scheme to increase the sale of small cars at grass root level. Under the scheme, Maruti's small cars will be available at discounted prices. Panchayat members, employers of regional rural banks, tahshildars and other government employees in rural areas are entitled to avail of this scheme. Let’s hope the other car manufacturers like Honda, Tata Motors, Hyundai may take cue from Maruti to help rural people to own cars. Labels: Auto market competition, Car-Sales, Maruti Suzuki, new schemes, samll cars
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
Wednesday, 19 March 2008
The car manufacturers have now moved from big cities to sell their products. They have found out that the B and C cities have a high market which is waiting to be tapped. Car manufacturers feel that the smaller cities have a higher market for lower segment cars. However, the problem lies in arranging finances as most rural people borrow from private from moneylenders.
Assessing this need, market leader Maruti Suzuki has partnered with Chennai based Shriram finances. General Motors, which is already leading in urban areas, has now set its eyes on rural areas. The company has tied up with Reliance, Tata Capital, ICICI and GMAC for special financing schemes. Labels: Car-manufacturers-in-India, General Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Reliance
Saturday, 8 March 2008
It’s a story of Tortoise beat the Hare in a “car race”. Last month, the Mahindra-Renault Logan suddenly sold out in large numbers to overtake Honda City, Hyundai Verna and Maruti Suzuki SX4. The Logan has always been appreciated for being a good mileage car. But for a long time, its price wasn’t helping sales. Promotional campaigns weren’t going its way either. The ‘most spacious sedan on Indian roads’ was unable to make much space for itself in our highly competitive car market. It was slowly drifting into oblivion.
A new price strategy from Mahindra-Renault has come to the Logan’s rescue. The family sedan now comes cheaper at Rs 4.5 lakh for petrol and Rs 5.75 lakh for diesel variant. Now, the car is most probably filling Mahindra Motors’ balance sheets alongside the Scorpio. We thought the new union budget might encourage Mahindra-Renault to come out with a smaller version of the Logan but that’s not what they have in mind. It will remain just the same. We hear there’s a new brand campaign in the works though. Labels: Car-Discounts-India, Car-Sales, Honda, Hyundai, Mahindra-Renault, Maruti Suzuki
Thursday, 28 February 2008
The car enthusiasts’ sporting season seems to have just started this year. The Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm Rally 2008 will kick off on March 15. The event is going to be pretty exciting as it’s going to be one of the biggest car rallies to be ever held in the country. The rally is a pure test of nerves for the rally participants who will have to brave the scorching heat and the desert storms. The participating cars will also be pushed to the limit. But more than car performance, the rally will test the driving skills of drivers. The event will be kicked off at New Delhi from where it will not only cover dry deserts but also scenic roads at Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Khimser and Jaipur. This car rally is really something to look forward to.Labels: car racing, car rally, Maruti, Maruti Suzuki
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Suzuki seems to be gradually turning India into its production base. It plans to export about 1 lakh units of its new model that will be based on its A-star concept car. The new car will be unveiled at the Auto Expo in New Delhi this month.
This will be the first car under the Suzuki brand to be built completely in India and exported to Europe. The car will also be available to Indian consumers in late 2008. Whatever the economic side of this plan, brand Suzuki that has been synonymous with Japan will from now on also carry the Indian badge. Labels: Auto-Expo, export cars, Maruti Suzuki, Suzuki
Sunday, 30 December 2007
Tata’s cheapest car is certainly not giving cheap competition. Suzuki Motor is facing threats to its 50 percent of share on India’s auto market. Market analyst hints that it may cut the price of Maruti 800, the car that was first to bring motorization within the reach of the middle-class. Though, recently there were reports stating Škoda, Maruti and Honda may raise cost of its few models in India, as prices of car components are on a rise. However, prices of Honda CR-V and Maruti’s Grand Vitara would stay put. As we know, manufacturers hike car prices twice a year, in January and June respectively. So, we shall reserve all out comments till then. It’s time to see Tata’s people’s car brings motorization to who all’s reach? While it’s already posing threat to Suzuki. Labels: Honda, Maruti Suzuki, Skoda, Tata Motors 1 lakh car
Tuesday, 18 December 2007
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, 6 December 2007
As the Suzuki motor decides to source compact cars from Maruti for their global market, the latter plans to rollout A-Star by 2009. It is a really good venture for Maruti and its parent Suzuki. Now they are preparing to launch the new car, which will be the first indigenously designed, styled, and produced Indian car with Europe as the primary target. The team of engineers is burning the midnight oil in Maruti’s Manesar plant to develop this car, slated to be unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo in Jan 2008. However, the production car that will be exported to Europe will be different from the one being showcased – better or worse will be decided when the model is officially rolled out. Labels: Expansion in business, Exporting cars, Maruti Suzuki, New Car, New launch, Special design unit in India
Did the festive fever in the last couple of months, especially October and November really boost up auto sales in India? Well… the market statistics say it’s a mixed result. While some old players made it a success with their new launches, for many it wasn’t a hunky-dory sale. Maruti Suzuki, aided by the sensation of the Swift Diesel and SX4, which initiated catchy campaigns like Smile India or Wheels of India has shown a 27 per cent year-on-year growth last month. Similarly, India’s biggest two-wheeler maker, Hero Honda reported a 2.8 per cent rise in two-wheeler sales in November with 288,027 units compared with the prior year period. Though Bajaj is busy planning its small car project, Bajaj Auto’s year-on-year sales went marginally low for new products like the Flame or TVS Scooty. The trend shows, auto lovers still believe in their old car makers, like Maruti. What will be exciting is to see the reaction of the market mid-2008. Labels: Bajaj, Indian car market trend, Maruti Suzuki, Maximum sales
Wednesday, 5 December 2007
Honeymoon days for small cars seem to be over, now experts are looking at them from a critical standpoint. The Japanese mini-car specialist, Suzuki Motor is taking a cautious view to the race to build a $3,000 car in India. India's Tata Motors has previously said it plans to introduce a $3,000 car into the market by next year, while Nissan and Renault are also considering jointly launching a similarly priced vehicle in India by 2010. Wonder how environment protection has suddenly become an issue to the Japanese car maker? Suzuki is worried about the low-cost cars meeting global standards of emission and automobile safety. Whether these cars would include airbags or seatbelts is yet to be seen. The Maruti Suzuki India Limited market share majority is owned by the Japanese automaker, which now has a market share of more than 50 percent in India. However, its dominance is increasingly challenged by global automakers who will not rest until they take a large bite out of the extremely delicious Indian auto market pie. Labels: Auto market competition, Low budget cars, Maruti Suzuki, Nissan, Renault, Small car market in India, Suzuki, Tata
Monday, 3 December 2007
If Tata and Suzuki is on the war front, who will be the winner? Well, now you know Tata Motors Ltd. is set to present its ‘ One Lakh’ car at the Auto Expo 2008. After launching this new car, Tata will beat the ‘Two Lakh’ car of Suzuki – the Maruti 800. M800 is the lowest level priced four-wheel automobile that is currently in the Indian market. After much anticipation and questions as to whether the new 1 lakh car will be a reality, Tata has announced it will debut on the Auto Expo 2008. I have faith in them but Suzuki’s says ‘No way’. Suzuki started producing M800 in 1983 in India. The vehicle is still on the market as the least priced car. Tata’s One Lakh Car will be positioned as the least priced soon, because Suzuki has not yet announced its entry into the ultra low priced automobile market. While Tata is on exploration with this new People’s dream, Suzuki is busy capturing hearts with its new hit: the “ SX4” sedan. The question still remains as to who will win this battle in the ultra-cheap small car market. Labels: Car market competition, Maruti Suzuki, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Small car market in India, Tata
Thursday, 29 November 2007
The Maruti Suzuki saga continues. A rising star from Maruti Suzuki is in the news today. The first sketches of Suzuki’s new concept cars, Kizashi and Splash, have already started circulating the Web. Kizashi has churned out enough ‘Wows’ that seals its success in the future. Defining its knack for cranking out some brilliant concepts, Suzuki has added one more name for the future: A Star. The new A Star will be a compact car set to be unveiled at the ninth edition of Auto Expo in January 2008. A-Star is, in fact, the forerunner of Maruti Suzuki’s global compact car that will be launched in the future. Besides this the A-Star is likely to make its entry in all major auto expos across the world. With its enthusiastically designed new concepts, Maruti will soon join the elite club of concept cars displayed for the first time in India. While the profitable Maruti Suzuki India has been in the spotlight with its top rank in JD Power’s India Customer Satisfaction Index study. The creator of this splendid concept confirmed that the exported A-Star will come with a Suzuki badge and the domestic market will carry a Maruti badge on the rear. While the other details remain a mystery, we’ll have to wait for the official debut before our “wows” and “ohs”. Labels: Auto-Shows, Concept cars, Imported cars, Indian car market, Maruti Suzuki, New launch
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
Thursday, 22 November 2007
Ok, am sure that we all know Maruti Suzuki is the top leading automaker in India. It’s a pretty exciting fact that no matter where you go in India, you can see a Maruti vehicle. From the last seven years Maruti Suzuki is the top ranked in JD Power’s India Customer Satisfaction Index study. Continuing in the first position this year Maruti scored 838 points out of 1000 and the most interesting thing is that Maruti was the only carmaker to score more than the industry average of 777 points. According to the JD Power’s India Customer Satisfaction Index study the factors contributing to overall satisfaction are the percentage of problems experienced in a car, service quality, and the user friendly service. Take a look at the maintenance services that Maruti is providing. I would say it is truly instant, easily accessible, and affordable. Also the problems experienced in Maruti cars are less. I personally have the opinion that Maruti Services have a very user friendly attitude. The brands that follow Maruti in the ranking are Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and Ford. These automakers scored 765, 745, 740, and 737 points respectively, making themselves fit in the top four positions after Maruti. Compared to last years score these automakers showed vast improvement in their scores. Honda, Skoda, and Hyundai showed the highest improvement. Labels: Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Indian car market, Maruti, Maruti Suzuki, Ratings on JD Customer Satisfaction Index, Skoda, 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 manufacturers in India, Car-competition, Honda, Hyundai, Launch of new car in India, Maruti Suzuki, Small Car, Small engine
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Speculations have it that a smaller diesel engine variant of the Suzuki SX4 is coming to Indian shores to be sold alongside the Japanese automaker's current 1.9 liter SX4 hit. Suzuki has definitely recognized that more has to be done to expand its SX4 model and introducing a diesel variant is the ticket. According to sources, the new diesel variant will sport a Peugeot-sourced 87 bhp 1.6-litre engine. In addition to the modified 1.6-litre engine the vehicle will be linked to a five-speed manual gearbox. This is likely to power the SX4 1.6 DDiS with 0-62 mph in 12.2 sec and a top speed of 109 mph. Thus, it's imperative that Suzuki find a way to differentiate the two variants while maintaining the SX4's appeal. The new variant will be a two-wheel drive. However, the features provided are similar to those in the 1.6-litre petrol SX4. The standard features will be a manual air-conditioning, heated door mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, front fog lights, and wheel-arch extensions. The key to success of this variant will definitely be its price tag. Wait and watch is what I say! Labels: cars-India, Diesel cars, Global players, Indian car market, Maruti Suzuki, New variant, SX4
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
What you say about used cars? How will it be if you buy a used Mitsubishi Lancer or a used Ford Icon and alter it with sporty designs? Will it look sporty if you put a nice spoiler on the rear of your car and cut short the ground clearance? Go Vroooom. The Indian youth needs more designs rather than the usual black or white or red. It’s time to get your dream cars in India’s used car market at an affordable price. The global auto majors are looking for potential buyers of their vehicles in India’s used car market. India’s used car market has had a lone voyager in Maruti and its TrueValue program. Now, Honda’s Auto Terrace, Toyota You Trust brand, Hyundai’s Hyundai Advantage, and Ford’s Ford Assured used car programs have entered the Indian car market. Statistics say that the used-car market counts for one million units across India. This industry is expected to grow bigger faster than in past years. Here is the current scenario of the pre-owned cars industry in India. Toyota’s You Trust venture is all set to roll out at leading dealerships across the country by October end 2007. Honda is ready with their new team trained to focus only on its used-car program called Auto Terrace. The company’s used-car program is currently running in a small way and is expected to be a success soon. Ford Assurance and Hyundai Advantage programs are also doing competitively well in the industry. Last, but definitely not the least, our car guru Maruti is at the top with more than 90,000 used cars units sold through its True Value network. Labels: Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Programs for used car sales, Toyota, Used car market in India, Used cars
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
Maruti is not only famous in India it is also very popular in the island country Sri Lanka. Maruti-Suzuki Zen has raced ahead of all other auto majors in Sri Lanka to secure the top position in Sri Lanka’s auto industry. The only Maruti dealer in the country, Associated Motorways, has placed huge orders to meet the great demand of the people. Though Sri Lanka takes a back seat in the auto market, its market has seen wonders when it comes to the sales of the new Zen version. It is because of its performance, style, and agility. Sri Lankans, according to the treaty signed by the Indian and Sri Lankan government, are saved from heavy taxes for the cars imported from India. Now, that Zen has secured its place in Sri Lanka, Maruti-Suzuki is aiming at other Asian countries. There is no doubt, our Maruti is going global. Labels: Exporting cars, Indian car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, Sri Lankan auto industry, Top of the auto industry
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-India, Honda, Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki, New Car
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