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Tuesday, 7 October 2008

Luxurious Limousines on Delhi Roads

Once again, the car industry has proved its connection with a sports event! BMW and Mercedes have plans to roll out a number of luxurious limousines on Delhi roads by 2010. Delhities, don’t jump with joy, these top-notch limousines are not for you, for tourists.

Almost 150 cars are to be rolled out in the form of taxis. The launch is aimed at providing world class travel experience to tourists from across the world during the Common wealth Games. With these high-end cars, the government of India desires to greet visitors with a brand new fleet of cars.

Can you guess how much the government is investing to roll out these cars? Nearly about Rs 200 crore!

Recently, Honda also showed its interest in Indian sports by gifting Honda Accord to the winner of the game.

What do you think? Is this a branding move by car manufacturers? Or an initiative made by the government? Whatever it is, this move has proved the deep association of car industry and sports industry in the country.

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Wednesday, 1 October 2008

New Guard Limousine Hits Indian Shores

Mercedes-Benz has introduced the S600 Pullman Guard Limousine in the Indian car market. The car is not yet launched but can be imported if anyone wishes to have one such high-end, super-luxurious, and techno car.

The introduction is coupled with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of special protection unit, a unit that has till date offered five generations of luxury limousines to the royal class around the world.

The new Guard is designed on the concept of integrated security with highest degree of protection. It holds a 5.5L, twin-turbo V-12 engine that delivers 517 bhp. In addition, secure sealing fuel tank, fire extinguished system, and run flat tyres are also outfitted in the next generation Limousine.

Though this new Guard will rarely be found on Indian roads, it will definitely hit the royal and luxurious cars savouring luxury car segment in India since years.

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Monday, 15 September 2008

Next in Line is i40

With so many new cars coming to the Indian car market, Hyundai is also busy is producing a new premium sedan for the country.

Speculations in the air murmur that the proposed new car will christened as i40. The first launch of ‘I’ series by Hyundai was i10, a car that is successfully running on Indian roads. Thereafter, the company introduced the most fuel-efficient kappa engine in the car to make the car more reliable with better fuel economy.

Driven by the positive response of Hyundai i10, the company decided to launch another i-series car christened as i20. The new car is expected to launch by the end of this year, expected to create a benchmark in the Indian car market.

Now, when the company is almost near the launch of i-20, Hyundai is in plans to roll out another i-series, codenamed i-40. But, this new car will not follow the hatchback trend; it will be an exciting premium sedan.

The exterior appeal of i-40 is expected to be a blend of Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. This is also said to be revamped version of the existing Hyundai Sonata. The car is to be launched in Korea in 2009 and is speculated to roll out in India in the next couple of months.

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Friday, 8 August 2008

E-Class or 5-Series! The Battle is on…..

The luxurious E-class from the legendry car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is the most popular and successful model in India. This is now under the threat from another big player BMW’s 5-series.

The imperial E-class has ruled the Indian road for a long time, but now the BMW 5-Series is slowly taking the legacy. And the credit for this goes to the BMW’s all new 530d model, which made recent news of its launch. It is creating a new standard of luxury and performance in its class.

The luxury car demand in India is growing that is pushing the car manufacturer to introduce more models with unique features as the competition is very high. Another fat player who is trying to butt in this battle is Audi A6 with its luxury charm.

It’s just a start with the new 530d model. The coming time will only tell who will dominate the luxury segment.

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Friday, 1 August 2008

C63 AMG Drives to India
Mercedes-Benz drives its most striking car, the C63 AMG to India. A tough competitor for M3 coupe!

Priced at around Rs 78 lakh, the car is brought to the country through the import route. It is a highly modified version of Mercedes C class.

The C63 is outfitted with a powerful V8 engine with a capacity of 6.3 litre generating a maximum torque of 600 Nm. The car has the ability to propel 0-100 in just a span of 4.5 seconds. That sounds amazing!

The company is excited and glad with this launch in India and plans to bring more AMG variants to India.

Like other car manufacturers Mercedes also wants to increase its share in the country. So many car manufacturers are competing with each other and it has really become difficult to say who will hold the maximum market share at the end?

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Wednesday, 30 July 2008

BMW Launches 530d
BMW rejoices its success with the launch of 530d in India.

The five series of BMW is a big threat for the age old Mercedes-Benz in India. The BMW has created a competitive platform of luxury cars in a span of two years. The f\5 series of BMW is not as old as the existence of Mercedes-Benz in India. Yet, BMW is seen to be ahead in the race.

The new 530d is available with more efficient engine, enhanced horsepower, and advanced safety technologies coupled with BMW’s USP (Unique selling point), Night Vision. This premium segment sedan is powered by six common diesel rail engine (CRDi) that generates 235bhp.

The company has also introduced two other variants of the car, 520d and 530d Highline. All the car models launched have the highest standards of all-round quality, safety measures coupled with highest levels of comfort and luxury. These new car models are also available in a rainbow of vibrant and sophisticated colours.

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Monday, 28 July 2008

Lewis Hamilton Rocks Mumbai, India!!

Lewis Hamilton was in Mumbai on 24th as a part of his sponsorship commitments to Vodafone. His driving had the spectators in a tizzy at the makeshift stands at the Hakone Go-Karting track. The spectators went mad over his one handed drifts. After showing off his skills in a special Vodafone liveried Go-Kart, he judged a race involving three Vodafone Contest winners. A very elated spectator yelled 'Lewis, beat Kimi at Monza'. 'Im working on it' he yelled back. A small autograph session followed. A slight rain hampered the full use of the track. We also got to learn the limits of F 1's new wet weather master. Hamilton slated that the Mercedes C63 saloon he was chauffeured in was not the ideal car to drive on Mumbai's rain soaked roads. Apparently, a big 450 bhp saloon on wet, Indian roads are off limits for this F1 megastar.

Mere mortals, beware! Last season Hamilton came unnoticed and was just another desperate attempt to fill the slot vacated by Kimi Raikkonen. The tale of Hamilton bears lot of striking resemblances to Lightning Mc Queen's dream debut in the Piston Cup in Disney’s Blockbuster CARS. Hamilton had a dream to start his F1 career finishing 3rd at 2007 season's opener at Australia and even gave his more experienced peers a run for their money in his opening season itself which was nothing but spectacular. By the end of the season he was touted to be F1's next big thing. He has more reasons to celebrate as he had a good start to this season, presently leading the Drivers standings. His dominating victory at his home GP in the UK has left many calling him the next RAIN MASTER. I do know that it is too early to adorn him with such a big honour which was previously held by the legendary Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton's Race Day schedule as follows:

• Wake up at 8am. Most races are in the afternoon, so no need to peak into the day early.

• Breakfast with trainer (no training as they emphasize on storing energy).

• Drink as much fluids as possible.

• Attending drivers meeting and also sponsors & drivers' parade.

• 30 mins before race, time to get into race gear and relax.

• Listens to Bob Marley and watches TV.

• Race over 2-3kgs of liquid lost.

• 2 hours interaction with media. Get back to hotel and freshen up.

• Celebrations (if the mood is upbeat)

• Briefing session with engineers - he gives as much feedback as possible and the info will be fresh in his mind
• Bedtime

Submitted By: Shrawan

indianautosblog.com/2008/07/hamilton-rocks-mumbai/

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Thursday, 24 July 2008

BMW’s 5 Series Beats Mercedes E class

It is really shocking to know that a successful car like Mercedes E Class is under threat after the launch of a comparative BMW 5 series.

E class series from Mercedes-Benz is the car that comes to mind most vibrantly, a car that has established a niche in the luxury car segment. Many of the premium car owners own this car because of the embodied luxuries, comfort and classy design. It is a car that adds status to life and now it has come under threat. Is this really true or just a rumour?

The E Class cars have a good sales report in the Indian car market. The latest versions of this car are even more interesting and appealing as they are personified with Bi-Xenon headlamps in the exterior coupled with a 3-way Memory package.

Inspite of having a good reputation in the market, BMW's highly potent 5-series beats Mercedes E Class. The 5 series is a car loaded with dynamic design, elegant style, enhanced comfort and standard safety features. Infact, these are the cornerstones upon which the car enjoys the bliss of success. BMW’s car gives a sheer driving pleasure.

Don’t you think that E Class also gives awesome driving experience? If features and comfort level of both the cars are similar, then why there is such a tough competition? Why is Mercedes-Benz under threat?

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Thursday, 26 June 2008

New variants added to Mercedes’s E-Class

Mercedes Benz Eclass
In India, Mercedes-Benz itself means ‘luxury’. No cars from Mercedes are devoid of luxuries and comfort.

Luxury car segment in India is growing upwards with more and more cars entering the segment. Mercedes-Benz has now introduced two new variants of E-Class, E220 CDI and E230, to add to the status and attractiveness of the E-Class luxury cars introduced in 1995. E220 CDI is loaded with a 2.2L four- cylinder diesel engine and a price tag of Rs 38.99 lakh, whereas E230 gets 2.5L V6 petrol engine and a price tag of Rs 41.14 lakh.

The company is expecting more growth potential with the introduction of these variants. Rest all is up to us how we deal with these cars and the loaded luxuries.

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Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Mercedes-Benz is also Environment Conscious

Desire for luxury is a desire for all! And now when luxury comes with green tag and cheap running cost, no one will like to keep themselves away from the tempting pie.

The luxury car manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz has introduced its luxury sedan equipped with CNG-complaint engine. Mercedes Benz

CNG being the cheapest fuel is becoming the cynosure for the manufacturers as well as users. This has also inspired the company to come up with something innovative that can be a complete blend of comfort, luxury, performance and fuel efficiency. Trust, the new variant of Mercedes-Benz meets all the above.

The company also has plans to launch its B class B170 NGT and the E 200 CNG sedans, already launched in the US and Europe. A long term plan of producing cars that ply on CNG technology is also banking on the company’s industrial platform.

Even the affluent class people are affected with the increasing fuel prices. Any one will go for an option which provides luxuries for less cost price. CNG variant of Mercedes-Benz is definitely a good luxury choice.

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Tuesday, 3 June 2008

Mercedes with CNG!

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.

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Wednesday, 30 April 2008

Mercedes to get its own plant in India

We all know that luxury car manufacturer BMW and Audi have started manufacturing cars in India for the domestic market. But the oldest player in luxury segment Mercedes, is coming up with a new plant at Chakan, Maharashtra. The company plans to roll out 12,500 units per year for the domestic and neighbouring markets. The plant will manufacture passenger and commercial vehicles.

Mercedes has been a favourite car of high society in India. Now it has been a huge hit with the creamy layer of North India. By manufacturing passenger cars in India, the company will be able to drop down prices of some vehicles. The lower price tag will make Mercedes cars affordable to many more segments of consumers.

Mercedes and BMW are running neck to neck in the luxury car segment in India. With a new plant and lower prices Mercedes-Benz will give a tough competition to BMW in future.

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Friday, 25 April 2008

BMW aims to sell 2000 cars in 2008
BMW has been riding high on its success in India since its entry about a year ago. After reaching a sales figure of nearly a thousand cars last year, it’s now aiming at twice the figure for 2008. They have already taken steps in this direction by increasing production capacity at their Chennai plant and are currently looking to source components locally. The BMW 3 Series and 5 Series models produced at the Chennai plant have been immensely popular with the Indian public.

BMW’s strong sales encouraged it to introduce more of its car models to the Indian market such as the popular M Series and the customizable and completely imported 7 Series. BMW has also been tempted into considering the launch of the famous premium hatchback MINI Cooper. The MINI Cooper, however, is not on the list of BMW’s priorities at the moment.

Before BMW’s arrival, German rival Mercedes-Benz took up nearly 50% of India’s fast growing luxury car market. Over the past 14 months, BMW has successfully stolen some of that market away. The top selling model for BMW in India has been the 3 Series which competes with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The popular Mercedes-Benz E-Class sees competition from BMW in the form of the 5 Series model.

Excellent aftersales service and great customer relationship have been selling points for BMW. The successful setup and operation of the Chennai plant for local production of the 3 Series and 5 Series cars has been critical to BMW’s success.

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Wednesday, 23 April 2008

Mercedes-Benz has different story to tell

With its advent in the year 1994 in India, Mercedes-Benz becomes the pioneer in luxury car segment in India. The company offer wide selection of car in India. It has recorded 20,000th Mercedes-Benz on April 9 which exceeded the production line. The 20.000th Mercedes-Benz was not any model but Indian E-Class. This record will really prove effective in expanding its wings more in the Indian market.

Sales statistic is also impressive, it has sold about 1,000 cars in the beginning of the year 2008 which is almost 60% more compare to last year sale. The company is preparing to beat its competitors in luxury car segment with its new plant at Chakan in Pune which is expected to roll out cars in 2009. Well, it is a good news for all car lovers who want to see more Marcedes-Benz cars in Indian roads.

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Monday, 24 March 2008

Think car, Think India
All those who thought that tinkering with cars was a mechanics jobs, wake up. The car sector has undergone tremendous change in the last few years. Mechanics alone will not be able to do all the jobs. Believe it not!

The car industry requires as much as 10,000 automobile engineers in the next decade. They are required by the best names in the industry like BMW, Mercedes, Tata Motors, Maruti Suzuki, Ford Motors and others. They are even hiring freshers for their most enterprising jobs. All those who want to associate themselves with the greatest upcoming cars can look into these careers.


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Friday, 14 March 2008

Mercedes Hybrid on the anvil
Everyone knows that luxury cars, apart from being luxurious, come with large and powerful engines that give low mileage. Luxury car manufacturers take pride in their powerful gas guzzlers and talk loudly about their cars’ power and performance. Mercedes-Benz wants to shift from that notion.

It is soon to unveil the first hybrid car to use lithium ion batteries as a power source. They are calling the car ‘S400 Blue Hybrid’. It will come with a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine that will be accompanied by a 15 KW electric motor. No more re-fuelling your luxury car. It’s expected to come some time is 2009.

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Thursday, 6 March 2008

Luxury cars are selling big time

Indian car enthusiasts have always been passionate about luxury cars. They have an undying spirit and love for owning such cars. This obsession with luxury cars may be one of the strongest reasons for the success of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and the likes.

Within a span of a few years, the Indian car industry has started to become swarmed with famous global car brands from renowned car manufacturers who have globally proved their mettle. These car companies have received a great response to their luxury cars. Most of their sedans, small cars and SUVs have become a grand success inspite of being highly priced.

This trend is clearly seen in the successful sales numbers that each of the luxury car makers have achieved over the past few years. Last month saw 241 BMWs sold. BMW is so confident of the market that they have set themselves a sales target of 10,000 cars by 2010. Audi and Mercedes-Benz have similar success stories to tell.

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Tuesday, 4 March 2008

Punjab is Mercedes heaven
The city of Ludhiana in Punjab boasts of 700 Mercedes-Benz cars, the highest for any city in India. It is amazing that the city is able to afford so many Mercedes. Punjab has a total of 1500 luxury car Mercedes-Benz. It must be a visual treat to watch one Mercedes after the other lined up in a traffic signal.

Mercedes have also become the new status symbol of the business class there. Grooms are being gifted with Mercedes-Benz is now passé in Punjab. In 70’s green revolution in Punjab brought in tractors for the first time in India, and now Mercedes on city roads may be proving that there is a luxury car revolution, taking place.

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Rear wheel drive cars have become very rare
Most cars in the Indian car market today are front wheel drive. The reason for this is that the front wheel setup is simpler and cheaper to build compared to the rear wheel drive. The construction of rear wheel drive is slightly more complex. Also, front wheel drive cars are more popular in