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Friday, 23 May 2008
If you’re open to new things, then go for the new model of Skoda. The car will be the first ever new crossover model in India and is aptly named as ‘Skoda Roomster’. Effectively two cars in one, the Roomster hits the spot, both as a multi-passenger vehicle (MPV) and a hatchback. The new Skoda Roomster is a brilliant car to drive and fun too. You must have heard of the old saying - “Looks can be deceiving,” and in this case, it’s certainly true. Although, it has a tallboy stance, the Roomster’s stability on the road is unbelievable. It has all the features that a buyer will admire. Moreover, the car is practical, cheap and fun to own. If you are looking for of an amazingly versatile and effective interior load space with excellent safety credentials, then the Skoda Roomster is the perfect car. This cute little car comes in three variant levels which are simply called Roomster 1, 2 and 3. There is a pleasant variety of engine power available. Petrol engines available with the car are of 1.2-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre capacities. A larger 1.9-litre diesel engine has a nice output of 105 bhp. All variants are available with a five speed manual transmission. The estimated starting price of the Roomster in India is expected to be Rs 9.5 Lakh (Ex-showroom Delhi). Labels: New launch, Skoda Roomster
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
This one is not for India, but Indians will love to read about it as Ferrari fever has already started spreading in India. Many from the creamy layer are looking to own a Ferrari as soon as it is available in India. But the Ferrari fans can still keep tabs on what is happening in the rest of the world. Ferrari will be unveiling its first hard top convertible at the Paris auto show next year. Named F430 Scuderia, the V8 engine powered car will burn fuel from 0-100 kmph in less than four seconds. The car will be the costliest one in Ferrari’s portfolio. So, it is meant only for those who are the masters in driving and business. Labels: Ferrari convertible, New launch
Tuesday, 6 May 2008
Nissan will drive up the popular SUV Murano to India by the end of this year. Murano will be available in India in the price range of Rs 30-40 lakh. It will come equipped with six air bags and with an option for two wheel drive or four wheel drive. Murano will be a tough competitor for Toyota Prado, BMW X3, Mitsubishi Montero and Mercedes-Benz MClass. With this new add on in the luxury car segment other car manufacturers has to provide better offers for the consumer. The company is known worldwide for offering high quality cars. Its Infiniti range of products is a rage in the west. Nissan has gained fame for manufacturing speed and performance oriented cars. Now that the company is slowly bringing in its products, the SUV market is surely going to get very exciting pick up in the next few years. Currently, Nissan has a limited presence in India, but will undoubtedly rule the SUV market in the years to come. Labels: New launch, Nissan Murano
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Indian auto industry has been growing faster than ever before. It’s booming with many global car manufacturers making their foray into Indian auto market. Global car players from US, Germany, Japan and other countries already have their cars ranging from small cars, super luxury car to midsize cars on the Indian roads. Many upcoming cars have also lined up to hit the Indian market. Now, Russian automobile company is eyeing Indian auto industry to launch its new cars.
The first Russian automobile company to foray into the Indian market is likely to be GAZ (Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod) Group. The success of cars launched by all global players in India is driving force behind Russia to think over entering Indian auto market. The company might explore ways to manufacture its rugged commercial vehicles and cars with an Indian partner. Willingness of foreign car manufacturers to enter India will boost Indian auto industry and make it a hottest hub for global players very soon. Labels: Expansion in Indian auto industry, luxury cars, new cars, New launch, small cars
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
The Tata Sumo Grande is the next generation Sumo. It hit the market carrying a lot of expectation from its manufacturer and from people who like SUVs but can’t really afford an expensive one. Its predecessor was one of the first SUVs to reach the Indian market. I remember that the demand for the Tata Sumo was more than Tata Motors could supply. Now it is more popular as a cab because of its tough and rugged body.
The new and improved Sumo Grande has many more features and has an exciting and fresh appearance. I know its too early to say, but this new dynamo may just make a lasting impression on the Indian market and in Indian hearts.
Article Submitted by Harsh Kanuj Labels: New launch, SUVs, Tata, TataSumo
Friday, 15 February 2008
I have been quite fascinated with Mahindra’s vehicles, because I am using Scorpio for the past two years. I have no complaints so far about its mileage, engine, and performance. I am planning to buy another of Mahindra’s cars – a new multi-utility vehicle called Ingenio. It was supposed to launch in Feb or March this year, but when I went to get some details about the Ingenio, I was told by the dealer that M&M has postponed the launch by a few months. I guess Mahindra and Renault are waiting to make Ingenio a grand success in India after it failed to receive a good response to the Logan. I heard that these guys are restyling its interior and exterior and adding more comfort and safety features. Can’t wait to get my hands on this one! Article Submitted by Raj S Prakash Labels: Car market competition, Ingenio, Mahindra and Mahindra, New launch
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
Off late the demand for SUVs in India is growing at a fast pace. I can even see women opting for an SUV now – my daughter just got the Mahindra Scorpio. Indian and foreign car makers have come to India with a plethora of SUVs and now the ball is in Sri Lanka’s court. Micro Cars Ltd, a Srilankan car company will be exporting SUVs to India from next year (2009). These are locally assembled in South Korea. The body, mirrors, seats, and tyres and the rubber component are manufactured in Sri Lanka. Though the price of the SUV is not revealed, it is going to be less than that of a directly imported vehicle. Earlier the competition with the Lankans was seen only in cricket and now has moved to the Indian streets. This will be a good exposure for the Indian car market to see what their neighbours can throw at them. Labels: Imported cars, Mahindra, New launch, Scorpio, SUVs, SUVs in India
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Ford showcased the Verve sedan at the Detroit Auto Show and now Verve could be our new Fiesta, which will style the popular Mondeo looks. There is no official news, but it is a probable and definite assumption. However, this could take as long as two years! And with the rapid growth of the auto market in India, 2010 is a long way off! With the SX4 biting fast into the sedan market sales with its bold looks, the Fiesta has taken a hard beating in the last quarter of 2007. The Verve sedan is a well designed concept car with sporty and handsome looks; and classy and modern interiors. I would have shown more interest if it was coming out next month, but I think 2010 is just too far away! Labels: Ford, New launch, New look, Upcoming Cars
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
The less than one month old Skoda Fabia has already sold 680 units. Fabia was launched in India at the 9 th Auto Expo, held in New Delhi from January 10 to January 17, 2008. The figures may not surprise someone who is aware of the car market boom in India, but to those of us who have bought cars in the 90’s, this is indeed a surprising development. The car manufacturers in the early 90’s would brightly display the sales figures if it touched 1000 units in several years and there would be fireworks and celebrations!
By every standard Fabia is a new car to India, but it has already caught the imagination of the country. I believe that if the sales figures crossed 1000 by end of Feb, it would not be accompanied by fireworks and bold advertising like earlier, but just be treated as an everyday target that was successfully met. Definitely makes me feel like I’m living in the past!
Article submitted by Joshi Labels: Car-Sales, New launch, Skoda
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Of course I am talking about the Volkswagen Passat, or as the German’s would pronounce it Pah-saht. The obvious reason that Passat was used as a launch pad by Volkswagen was because it is globally the most successful car from Volkswagen after the Beetle and Golf. The car ranks among the top in Europe and is placed at number four worldwide. Definitely a great record to have when you want to launch your brand in an unexplored territory. I saw a Passat pass by today and was stumped with gorgeous looks. I checked it out on your website and have also read the detailed review you have. It’s pretty cool. Do you have any idea when they will start building this car in India, so that the price comes down? Please let me know if you can. Article Submitted by K SrivastavaLabels: German auto, New launch, Volkswagen
Monday, 28 January 2008
‘Agility at your Command’ that’s the new tag line for Mercedes-Benz that launched and updated its ‘C’ segment cars in India. Mercedes has been around with its operations for almost 11 years now in India. C-Class is the most popular model and a worldwide leader in its segment. Mercedes-Benz has always had a special place in the luxury car segment with its widest choice of product. The NEW “C-Class” is more power-packed, spacious, and stylish too. It is longer than its predecessor and the body as well as the wheel base is wider. The interiors are already posh and elegant but with the little changes made it gives total comfort. Benz always retains its elegance and beauty no matter what the changes, but it is definitely a plus to see that this beauty doesn’t take its success for granted. Labels: luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz, New launch
Friday, 25 January 2008
(Arun Kumar narrates his experience at the opening day of the Auto Expo that happened recently)
My new year can’t get any better than it already has as today I managed to get entry into the first day of the Auto Expo here in Delhi. I’ve been in this freezing city for the past two days and all dinner conversations have been about the Auto Expo. Today being my last day here as I fly home tomorrow evening, I decided to make a few calls and see if there was any way I could be sneaked into this highly exclusive preview day. Well, as luck would have it, friends were able to pull strings. All they said was, just go there and walk past gate no. 7 and see if anyone stops you. If they do, just say press aadmi and you should sail through. My friends were right. I sailed through! First impressions Pragati Maidan is huge! It takes approx. 15 minutes to walk from one place to another. But the Gods were kind to me as I got to witness almost all the launches in the first half of the day. The first launch that I caught [10:30 am] TATA Sumo Grande was kind of significant for me as my interest lies heavily in the utility vehicles segment. Unfortunately there weren’t too many on display today, unless I just couldn’t find all of them in that vast desert of a venue. But coming back to the Sumo Grande, I have to say that it’s a very impressive effort from TATA Motors. I missed the pre-launch hungama as that was for press aadmis only, but drama is not my cup of tea anyway. I got to see the car up close and take a few pictures and that was enough. First impressions it reminded me of the Scorpio from a side angle, but that’s not such a bad thing as it’s a welcome change from the bread box looking Sumo Victa. It’s a good thing that the makers have finally paid some attention to styling and looks. The interior is very comfortable with beige interiors and a height adjustable driver’s seat. It’s also got a 2.2 DICOR engine that claims to give 16 kpl. Well that’s still left to be seen, but I will agree that the Grande is loaded with features. Things I could take note of: Dual AC with separate louvers for the second and third row seats, Tilt adjustable steering Height adjustable driver’s seat, Electric ports for both front and rear passengers, Puddle lamps, and Comfortable 5-speed gear shift Speakers on doors. It comes fitted with Alpine CD/MP3 player with 6 speakers and a USB port, Large clear lens headlamps and a cutaway air dam in the front. Not bad, I thought the rear is very bus-like though. But, at least it’s got the spare wheel under the floor, which makes it a tad neater. It’s got the same sporty alloys as the Safari. I know TATA Motors is in the spotlight for its One-Lakh so called miracle car, but honestly, my expectations aren’t too high about it. But with the Grande, I had no clue about its launch, which is supposed to happen sometime in Feb. I like the looks of it. The styling has definitely improved, the colours are more attractive and so is the price. Delhi Ex-Showroom is Rs 6.55 Lakh for the Sumo Grande LX [Base model] and Rs 7.49 Lakh for the Sumo Grande GX [top end]. Submitted by Arun KumarLabels: Auto-Expo, New launch, Tata
Thursday, 17 January 2008
Big is big! The 2008 Auto Expo saw the launch of a new SUV from Chevrolet into the Indian market.
Over the past two years, SUVs have gained a lot in popularity. From Tata’s Safari to Maruti Suzuki’s Grand Vitara or from Honda’s CR-V to Mitsubishi’s Pajero, almost every car manufacturer has one or more SUV models to boast of. Even the luxury brands haven’t left anything to imagination. BMW with its X3 and X5 models, Audi with Q7, Mercedes-Benz with M-Class and Volvo with the XC90 are a few examples.
Chevrolet has brought in the Captiva at a time when the competition in the SUV segment is really rough. With a price tag of around Rs. 18 lakh, the Captiva is pitted against popular models such as Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour, Hyundai Tucson, Suzuki Grand Vitara, Mitsubishi Pajero and Nissan X-TRAIL. And those are just the models already present in the market. A lot of new SUV models are being considered for launch by many manufacturers and will arrive in the country soon. Hyundai has already showcased its new SUV - the Santa Fe at the Auto Expo and Volkswagen is eager to launch the Tiguan SUV.
Though loaded with a good array of features, the Captiva is priced a little too high at Rs. 18 Lakh. It’s more expensive than many of its competitors and is priced nearly equal to the very popular CR-V and Pajero. The Tata Safari with its good list of accessories and standard features and attractive price tag of Rs. 11 Lakh has lured many SUV buyers. GM hopes that the Captiva’s captivating looks, thoughtful interiors and new generation diesel engine will see it through. Labels: Auto-Expo, Chevrolet, General Motors, New launch, SUVs
General Motors is having another go at the small car segment by introducing new variants for its hatchback model ‘Spark’.
Hoping to ride on the popularity of Daewoo’s Matiz, General Motors (GM) had introduced the small car ‘Spark’ in the middle of 2007. The Spark retained most of Matiz’s exterior styling but had better features and improved handling compared to the Matiz. But the much-hyped model saw very slow sales initially and didn’t entirely live up to GM’s expectations.
Now GM plans to launch newer variants of the Spark. They are concentrating on the development of a second manufacturing plant at Talegaon in Maharashtra. New variants of the Spark will be produced here and will hit the roads later this year. We hope the new variants are available in more colours and with more interior space. Labels: Chevrolet, General Motors, Hatchbacks, New launch
Monday, 14 January 2008
Chevrolet has experienced great success with the Aveo Sedan, Aveo U-VA, Optra Magnum, SR-V, and Tavera. GM has offered cars in all segments in India. Now, with the unveiling of the Captiva SUV at the 2008 Delhi Auto Expo, they have become strong contenders in the SUV market. The Captiva is a compact SUV empowered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that features common-rail direct injection technology delivering 150 bhp. The ergonomically designed interior makes driving in the Captiva a joy. GM will prize the Captiva at around Rs.18 Lakh. The commercial launch of the Captiva is expected to take place in September 2008. I can’t wait to get my hands on this model. However, the Tavera wasn’t all that great, so I am definitely going to go for a test drive before I pull my money out. Labels: Chevrolet, Expansion in Indian auto industry, New launch, SUVs
Thursday, 10 January 2008
Everyone’s wait for Tata’s One-Lakh Car is finally over. The much awaited people’s car has been unveiled at the largest Auto Expo that India has ever seen. The name chosen is “Nano” that represents its size and technology used.
Guesses about this car’s name were making rounds in various forums and blogs. The various options explored were Jeh, Miracle, IndiOne, Indi-Va, Tata-1, and even Atom. The strongest competition was between the name ‘Nano’ and ‘Jeh’, since “Jeh” are the first three letters taken from the name Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy, founder of the Tata Empire, JRD Tata. I guess ‘Nano’ is the ideal name for this car with its in-built ‘nano’ technology.
Now the wait starts for the ‘Nano’ to be commercially launched. The expected month of launch is October in the midst of Diwali. Labels: Auto-Expo, New launch, One Lakh Car, Tata
Tata Motors has launched the much awaited Sumo ‘Grande’, a new version of its popular MUV. It will be up for sale within the first week of February. The model will be available in two variants and both variants will be powered by a 2.2-litre DiCor engine. The Grande is styled to look like a SUV and drive like a sedan. Tata Motors expects the new model to increase Sumo sales by 30 percent. The Grande will be priced between Rs 6.55 lakh and Rs 7.49 lakh. Tata can only hope that the Grande will bring back the grandeur that the Sumo once had. Labels: MUVs, New launch, Tata
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
As it is, Auto Expo 2008 has been in the news. Skoda is set to showcase its premium hatchback Fabia at the Expo. The Fabia has taken a seat next to Tata’s one lakh car in terms of popularity. An unexpected delay of the model’s launch last year resulted in a long list of news articles and blogs on the Czech-based car manufacturer’s new model. Internet forums buzzed with speculations and rumours about the car. The Fabia has generated a lot of interest in people not because it’s a new small car, but because it will compete not only with other small cars but also with several mid-size sedans. Whether public interest in the Fabia will continue to remain after the upcoming Auto Expo and the model’s launch is debatable. Honda’s small car ‘Jazz’ which is expected to launch towards the end of the year is already in the news. The long list of cars set for launch this year could also prove to be a distraction. Labels: Auto-Expo, New launch, Skoda
Friday, 4 January 2008
There has been a lot of hype on launch of Skoda Fabia. Speculations are going on about its pricing, interiors, safety and audio. The company had not made these available even when it started bookings in December for Skoda car owners only. Fabia, which was launched earlier in Europe is now scheduled to be make an entry to Indian market with the 9th Auto Expo, New Delhi this year. While cruising through the Internet waters, I was able to find some information about this. Skoda will apparently launch three variants – two petrol and one diesel variant in India. The car will come equipped with 1.2 liter and 1.4 liter petrol engines producing 85 bhp and a 1.4 diesel generating 69 bhp. The car can attain a top capacity of 169 kmph. The diesel variant is considerably lower than petrol engine type owing to heavier body construction. The pricing is likely to range between Rs. 5.5 to 7 lakh. Considering the price it is one of the highest in the hatchback segments. The high end variant will come loaded with several latest safety features like the ABD, EBD, dual stage front airbags, and fun features like the sunroof and premium sound system. Park assists could also be added as an option. However, considering the pricing in relation to engine capacity, Fabia seems to be lagging behind most existing variants like the Swift, Getz and Palio. But on a closer look, Skoda has loaded the Fabia interiors with the latest technology and elegant seatings and smooth plastic. Safety has always been a priority for Skoda and Fabia is no exception. The new car could become a style statement among hatchback owners. Labels: Auto-Expo, Hatchbacks, New launch
Thursday, 3 January 2008
The most eagerly awaited Tata 1 lakh car is headed to Europe. It will make an appearance at the Geneva Motor Show soon after the January Auto Expo in Delhi this year. The Geneva motor show in March will be its first European appearance.
Tata Motors plans to showcase the car worldwide as a preview before its planned launch into the European market. Whether the car will be open to test drives in Geneva is not clear. Tata has decided not to allow for test drives at the Auto Expo.
While the small car has heralded a rat race for cheap cars among many auto majors, it has raised a lot of questions about safety and emission standards. Tata’s other car, the Indigo, had come in for much criticism in South Africa some time back. As a result of this, it’s to be seen whether the world’s cheapest car will get favourable reviews from the mature western public. Labels: Auto-Expo, New launch, Tata Motor, Tata Motors 1 lakh car
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Are you worried about carrying CD’s or changing them while driving? A new solution is at your door steps! Xenos Technologies Ltd, Auto Accessories Company has launched a new device called X-cite. This USB based car stereo with FM makes the entertainment segment more sophisticated. So how does it work? It's very simple. All you have to do is download your favorite MP3s from your computer or notebook to your USB device and then connect it to the X-cite stereo system and enjoy the unlimited music. This gadget is also compatible with iPod and can also play music from portable audio player to the car speakers. Isn’t it the more convenient feature you are looking for your car? Equip your car with this gadget and get rid of carrying CDs and changing hassle. So drive safe and enjoy the ride. Labels: Car stereo, Indian car accessories, New launch
Thursday, 27 December 2007
All Fiat fans who were forced to opt for other cars have a reason to cheer. Fiat is back! This time with newer and even better models. We hear that the decade old Ranjangaon plant near Pune is finally humming with activity as the Italian car major is pushing through a major expansion programme. This will be a decisive comeback for Fiat. In the next 2 years, Fiat wants to roll out seven new cars from its global portfolio. New releases will include Fiat’s European best seller - the 2-door Cinquecento, the much read about sedan Linea and even the world famous Ferrari. The Fiat service network that used to be about a decade ago is now non-existent. The company will revamp its sales and service network entirely. This move should certainly get the crowd going. Reports suggest that the Pune plant is presently making two versions of the Palio and come February, a third version will be added. The new Palio will be powered by the highly acclaimed 1.3 Multijet engine which currently does duty in the award winning Maruti Swift DDiS. We expect a price tag of around Rs 4.5 lakh on the new model. Labels: Ferrari, Fiat, Italian car, New launch, Palio
Tuesday, 25 December 2007
Hyundai is considering another facelift for its flagship brand Sonata Embera. Sonata was well-received by Indian car enthusiasts on its introduction in July 2001. But by 2006, it started feeling the heat of competition from other international car models and its sales graph went south. Doing what most car manufacturers do in such a crisis, Hyundai bounced back with a larger and better-looking ‘Sonata Embera’. In order to win a larger clientele, Hyundai equipped the Embera with a diesel engine and offered an automatic transmission option. Although the tactics augmented the car’s appeal, they fell flat on sales expectations. Seeing the model’s success in other markets, adamant Hyundai does not seem ready to phase it out. Actually, Sonata’s performance has never been doubted. If cars were to sell on the basis of performance, Sonata would have raked in a lot of moolah for Hyundai. Its low price and unique look have the potential to make endear it to car buyers. A little bird has told that the new Embera could appear anytime in 2008, whereas the present market scenario suggests its launch sometime in 2009. Yet the speculations finally rest with Hyundai. Labels: Facelift, Hyundai, New launch
Thursday, 13 December 2007
Let me make it very clear. I dont blog, I dont write, I am not good with my languages...all that I am here for is letting everyone who, just in case, still does not know, that Skoda is launching its premium hatchback Fabia in india pretty soon...love the car so much that i have taken up personally an initiative to tell as many people as possible about the car...spread the word and take my word as well...it is nothing like those cars you might have driven earlier... Article submitted by NaineshLabels: cars-India, Future of Indian automobile market, New launch, Skoda Fabia
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
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
Tuesday, 4 December 2007
It’s a luxury-branded world we live in. Thanks to Google, I’ve got a leak on what Alfa Romeo in India will look like. Iconic, that is the perfect word suited for Alfa in India. I had never seen one of these before so I thought of googling it up more. Really wide, pretty low, and very sporty. It’s rare that we come across some great sporty cars in India. It is interesting in the fact that Alfa will bring a new face for Fiat in India. There are some nice details about Alfa Romeo. Alfa is a car that can compete head-on with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A4 in India. The exterior is pretty sweet. The unique grille housed between the jewel shaped headlight offers something we will have to wait for. And the news is that Alfa Romeo 159 will be the mainstay of the brand in the Indian market. Surprisingly the 159 has been Alfa’s most successful compact saloon in recent times. Alfa look forward to price it competitively against the locally-assembled Mercs and BMWs. Alfa will certainly sell up to par with a price that of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C-Class. However, sources say Alfa 159 should be launched with an entry price of Rs. 28 Lakh. I think sales will heavily depend on Indian road conditions and the company’s service back-up. Article Submitted by Suresh RaoLabels: Audi, BMW-Cars, Car market competition, Compact luxury sedans, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz, New Car, New launch
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
India’s first electric vehicle Maini Reva is in the news again. With the eco-friendly characteristics REVA was first launched in India. It is available in three models: A/C, Standard, and Classe. REVA is currently testing the waters for a convertible model of their car. This means we will be seeing her brother Zephyr (model name) soon on Indian roads. REVA recently made news when it received $ 20 million in funding from various California investors. With more than 180 employees and 6,000 units, REVA is currently available only in this city but the company plans to roll out the car to other parts of the country soon. Zephyr gives the top speed of 65 km/hr and runs on a charge of 80% for 2.5 hours and with 100% charge it runs for 6 hrs. Labels: cars-India, Environment friendly engine, Maini, New launch, New look, REVAi
Tuesday, 20 November 2007
Indians love their small cars. In India small cars go well with the urban living conditions. Fulfilling the growing demands for small cars, Ford in collaboration with Mazda wants to launch a small car in India. However, Ford is still confused about the appropriate model for India. The options it is considering are KA and Mazda2. As the story goes, Ford is considering plans to import the Mazda2 kit from Thailand. Rumors say if it is the Mazda2, Ford will either use the existing Ikon or Fiesta platforms. The new KA is expected to roll out in Europe next year under the Fiat-Ford signature. Fiat’s 500 made under the platform of KA has formally launched recently. Mazda2 got more Wows when it was formally previewed at the Geneva motor show than the Honda Jazz and Fit. From Fords new plans, we can expect either the KA or Mazda2 or both swarming on Indian roads soon. Labels: Fiat, Ford, Honda, Imported cars, Mazda, New launch, Small cars market in India
Friday, 16 November 2007
After one very successful year, BMW India echoes only one slogan “Thanks to the Indian BMW die-hard fans, we need more.” Here is today’s big story: BMW has just shown interest in expanding its dealers in India. It looks like BMW is moving forward with a systematic method of ruling the Indian luxury cars market. The German formula in India has great demand since its debut. The company has sold a total of 1,100 units till now and currently they have eight dealers in India. With the new expansion, the company is expected to up the dealer number by four in the coming few months. Main targets of expansion are Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Surat, and Coimbatore. BMWs reply to the new entries from Audi and Volkswagen is cracking and this definitely promises to be an interesting tale. Labels: Audi, Auto market competition, BMW-Cars, Imported cars, Luxury car segment, New launch, Volkswagen
Heard about the recently unveiled concept cars in the New York Auto Show in April? Global automakers presented concept vehicles and a few were good enough to win the green signal at first sight. The Chevy Beat from GM was one of these winning vehicles. GM has hinted that Beat might be produced for the retail market. This concept car is considered as the next small car from GM to launch in India. In the show, GM showcased three mini concepts; Beat got the highest public support for its production idea of bringing to the market a right-sized car with a right-sized ecological footprint at the right time. This hot hatch is expected to sport a four-cylinder engine in India. GM has a pretty good demand in the Indian market. However, the Chevy Beat has to win its place and compete with its hatchback siblings - the Aveo U-VA and Spark. We may just see the back of one of these models soon or maybe GM is feeling hatch lucky in India. Labels: Auto-Shows, Chevrolet, Concept cars, GM, Indian car market, New launch, Small Car
Wednesday, 7 November 2007
Hyundai is pressing forward in news with its Indian-made compact i10. Here are a few more of my favorite things that caught my eye while checking out the i10 launch. Hyundai has confirmed that i10 will be stepping into 75 countries from India. Hyundai is trying to show that its trendy Indian i10 can appeal to a larger geographic. The initial details ascertain that India would be the sole production and export hub of this car. The figures of the export status of Hyundai are already good. The export sales of Hyundai cars have grown by 17.4 per cent, mainly due to the export of 113,339 units in 2006. Also, in the overseas sales, Hyundai has already surpassed the 300,000 export cars mark. It's easy to see Hyundai's head is caught in i10 these days. Apart from these developments, Hyundai is setting up one more plant near Chennai that will produce an additional three lakh units per annum. From this news we can expect a raise in the total production capacity of Hyundai by six lakh per annum by the end of 2008. Over optimistic or good foresight – you decide? Labels: Exporting cars, Growth in Indian auto industry, Hyundai, New i10 model, New launch, Small Car
Friday, 26 October 2007
There has been considerable debate over the last few years regarding the best high-end sport- luxury brand car available in India. It was widely thought that the big three brand competitors are BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Now, I’d like to take a moment to welcome our new competitor, an all new sport-luxury brand from the Italian carmaker Fiat. Here’s the name you’ve been waiting for: the Alfa Romeo 159. In the 2008 Auto Expo, which is going to be happening very shortly, Fiat is going to announce the debut of Alfa Romeo and the date to import it to India in the first half of 2008. Current information suggests that the Alfa Romeo will be available at selected Fiat dealers in India. Well, from what I understand, Alfa’s engine transplants will add either a 2.2 liter engine or a 3.2 liter V-6 engine that will make a very hearty 260 to 730 horsepower respectively. Fiat has confirmed that the entry prize of Alfa will be 28 Lakh. Let’s gaze at the history of Alfa. Alfa was the first car that introduced the trend for twin spark plugs in the 1960s. The Alfa 156, launched in 1997, was the first car that was powered by a common-rail diesel engine. All this and the car is still competitively prized. As far as we know it’s the cars endure in Indian road conditions and the company service back-up that will eventually decide the success of the new ‘Romeo’ in India. Labels: Audi, Auto market competition, BMW-Cars, Fiat, Imported cars, Indian car market, Mercedes-Benz, New launch
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
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