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Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Hyundai though is flying its flag high in the automotive world after the recession; it had to take a bow when it came to the ever competitive Japanese auto market. There is a surging demand for Hyundai vehicles elsewhere in the world, but the red-faced Hyundai Motors had to pull out from the Japanese scene citing poor brand recognition and high import duties on its cars that made it very expensive in the highly competitive Japanese auto Market. Hyundai which has in total 46 dealers in Japan has finally decided to say sayonara to the Japanese market. Hyundai just sold 800 units in 2009 and overall just 15,095 units since its entry to the Japanese market in 2001. Japan, a country where patriotism runs very high, people have given thumbs down for any foreign operators operating in the country and have welcomed the local brands with open hands where there is a huge fan following for these brands. A visibly frustrated spokesman of Hyundai, Oles Gadacz, is of the opinion that there is no scope for them in the brand conscious Japan unless they were Gucci or BMW. Hyundai, which is South Korea’s Numero Uno automaker and arguably the only company in the world to have shown an increase in sales from 2008 levels, has finally called it quits and intends to focus on its commercial vehicle sales in Japan and other emerging markets like India and China. Japan is one of the toughest markets in the world where brand value matters and not to mention intense competition from local manufacturers from the likes of Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Subaru, Suzuki, Daihatsu etc and not to mention the imports. That is one heavy competition out there. However, Hyundai’s sales have taken a massive leap in India though. Labels: Daihatsu, Honda, Hyundai-Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota
Friday, 6 November 2009
It is understandable what would be the thought that would go through your mind when you read this blog. You would be obviously eager to know about the launch of the Suzuki Kizashi in India.
Well Suzuki has announced the U.S. pricing for its popular sedan, Kizashi sedan. The car will be available in store in the United States starting from next month. The Kizashi will have a price tag starting at Rs 9 lakh. And this is a tempting price for a car that would stand against models such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
The Suzuki Kizashi meets the NHTSA's 2014 safety standards. It will be available in various spec levels, with top-end models being priced at Rs 10.50-11.50 lakh. Standard features of the Kizashi include eight airbags, ABS, dual-zone climate control system, EPS stability control, 9-speaker audio system with steering wheel mounted controls, pushbutton keyless start, and projector beam headlamps.
The sedan will be available in both the versions of all-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive. And the latter will have a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Kizashi will also be available in a high-performance GTS model that will have a six-speed manual or performance-tuned CVT with steering wheel paddle shifters. The optional features of the car will include leather upholstery, automatic rain sensing wipers power-adjustable seats, and automatic headlamps and rear proximity sensors.
Maruti Suzuki will display Kizashi at the Auto Expo in Delhi, which will be held in January next year. The Kizashi is expected hit Indian roads India by mid-2010. But in India, it might be 20% more expensive than it is in the U.S. Labels: Delhi-Auto-Show, Maruti-Suzuki, Maruti-Suzuki-Cars, New-Car-Launch, New-Cars-India, Sedan, Suzuki, Suzuki-Kizashi
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Suzuki Motor Corporation has turned 100 this October. The car company is at present the world’s ninth largest car manufacturer.
The Japanese car giant began as Suzuki Loom Company in 1909 in Hamamatsu, Southern Japan. It was founded by Michio Suzuki who developed a unique loom capable of weaving patterned cloth from dyed yarn. His new innovation represented the start of an uncompromising focus on creating products that meet people’s needs and realize new lifestyle possibilities.
The car ventured in to the automobile sector in 1952 with the production motorcycles with the ‘Power Free’ using a 36cc two stroke engine. Three years after the motorcycles, Suzuki kicked off its car production with the Suzulight. It was compact car with a 360cc two-stroke engine and was one of the first cars to feature front-wheel drive, four-wheel independent suspension and rack and pinion steering.
Suzuki’s off-road vehicle heritage began in 1970 with the launch of the LJ series lightweight 4×4. The first marine outboard motor was introduced in 1965, then pre-fabricated houses in 1974, general-purpose engines in 1980 and its first All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) in 1982.
One of the essential elements to Suzuki’s growth has been its commitment to continuing research and technology, to meet its customers changing needs. What was once a small group of dedicated engineers, designing the world’s finest weaving machinery, has today grown into a worldwide company of almost 50,000 people, who create and distribute products in more than 190 nations.
As it enters its 100th year, Suzuki will continue its tradition of technological trailblazing and appealing to customers who demand unique design, value, reliability and superior engineering.
Through its 100-year history, Suzuki Motor Corporation has earned the distinction of manufacturing automobile and motorcycle products that offer excellent value for money as well as exceptional reliability. Labels: Maruti-Suzuki, Suzuki, Suzuki-Motor-Corporation
Wednesday, 30 September 2009
It is nothing but complete confidence that Maruti Suzuki has gained from all these years in the Indian car market. Maruti has always been a successful player and the models from the car maker, all of them, were always capable of satisfying the likes of the Indian car customers. From Maruti 800 to the Maruti Suzuki Ritz, the company has always been a leader in the Indian car market, small car market in specific. There is also a popular notion that Maruti makes great small cars and better than big models. Its excellence as a small car maker can be accepted without disputes. And now the company is making most of the market favourism prevailing in India for the small cars. The company is planning to bring out yet another car. The new small car from the Maruti’s stable will be codenamed YP8. But unlike before, there is a huge difference this time regarding the developing and marketing of the model. This car will be a purely Indian car, which will be made exclusively for the Indian car market. This desi car will be designed and manufactured keeping in mind only the Indian road conditions and customer needs. And now Maruti is in the process of shaping up its desi YP8 at the company’s facility in Gurgaon. The car will be built on the Maruti Swift platform and will have a K-series engine similar to the one you will find in an A-Star. For bring the first ever desi car from the company, the engineers at the Maruti is working in groups now, which would be concentrating on design, interiors, and engine. This small car is expected to be unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo next year. As the car is fully developed and designed in India, by Maruti, it need not have to pay any loyalty to Suzuki. Isn’t it wonderful to think that the car makers have finally started to think the Indian way? Labels: K-Series-Engine, Maruti, Maruti-Suzuki-A-Star, Maruti-Suzuki-YP8, Small –Car, Suzuki, Swift
Thursday, 21 February 2008
A lot of changes have been taking place in the small car segment since Tata Motors unveiled their Rs. 1 lakh car ‘Nano’ at the auto expo. It has encouraged many car manufacturers to start their own small cars on the lines of the Nano. Previously, I had read about Bajaj, Mahindra, Nissan and Renault planning to bring out cars similar to the Nano. Now, I just found out that Suzuki had prepared ground and had taken up a small car project called ‘A’ long before the launch of the Nano at the expo.
It’s a big challenge for car manufacturers to fit their small cars with efficient engines and good standard equipment. It seems to me that many car manufacturers still have no clear idea as to what type of engine would suit their ultra-cheap small car. I know that Suzuki’s small car will be equipped with a 660 cc engine and i believe Suzuki is the first to finalise an engine for the small car project.
Article Submitted by Murali Labels: Nano, One Lakh Car, Small Car, Suzuki, Tata, Ultra cheap cars
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
I am not an avid auto news reader, but today one news topic caught my attention. Apparently, Japanese top car maker, Nissan is planning to reshuffle its Indian top management. Shohei Kimura is named to take over as MD and the CEO of the India Operation of Nissan. Mr. Kimura is already serving the company as a Vice President of India Operations.
Kimura’s International experience and extensive knowledge would definitely come in handy for the Indian market. I know that while the competition is getting tough, most car makers are making sure that the top management is changing hands and being given over to outsiders – like Suzuki. This refreshing move gives me hope that not ALL manufacturers will believe that success can only be delivered by foreigners.
Shohei Kimura, congratulations and wish you luck! Article submitted by AJ Labels: Japanese, Nissan, 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
Monday, 31 December 2007
Suzuki Swift held its manufactures heads up in pride with best performance in the Indian market. The car debuted into the motor world in 2005 with its first edition. Maruti Udyog Ltd., India’s leading auto makers and subsidiary of Suzuki Motors takes up the production of this car. It is amazing to know that in the last one year 61,200 units were sold. Now that’s a very impressive figure, isn’t it? Swift not only vroom’s in India but also to other countries like Japan, Hungary and China. This whooping success of Swift clearly indicates that India is the perfect market for the small cars. This posh, classy and affordable baby is for Indian middle class family, so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and select your color. Labels: Manufacturers, Maruti Udyog, small cars, Suzuki
Monday, 10 December 2007
After Suzuki’s big guy sounded the auto world off about the safety and pollution consequences of yet-to-be-launched ultra cheap cars in India, I was wondering why Indian auto experts were silent. However, the point of concerns are different, the crux of the matter boils down to a lot of other factors characterising the changing environment and energy consuming patterns in India. Efficient technology and efficiency norms have become important, say specialists from the automobile industry. The Indian car makers are been quiet about it. Few days back even Tata tied up with ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) to develop the country’s first proto model bus powered by gas. The bus will not run on an engine, but on electric power produced out of a mix of hydrogen and oxygen. May be it’s the time for others also to pump in some money in their R&D sectors to help control environment pollution in the country, as India becomes the favourite car market in the world, beating China. Labels: Automobile research and development, Corporate social responsibilties, Environment friendly cars, Suzuki, Tata, Ultra cheap cars
Friday, 7 December 2007
All efforts to creation of goodwill through corporate social responsibility activities go a long way in marketing and eventually sale of the products, according to a recent study. During the survey nearly 80 percent of Indian’s said that they would go for car makers who create employment opportunities in India and have environment friendly policies. Maruti got loads of praises for its high quality vehicles provided at low cost and its effort towards job creation in India. It was also appreciated for bringing in international brands, in joint venture with Japanese car maker Suzuki, at the same time of their international launch. The automotive sector as a whole was lauded for job creation and employee satisfaction efforts. However the survey revealed that the automobile companies need to do more for environment conservation. Reading the blogs here, it appears that GM, Honda, Toyota, and many others are planning to do just that. Article submitted by Rajesh SawantLabels: corporate social responsibilty, Environment friendly cars, Expansion in Indian auto industry, GM, Honda, Maruti, Suzuki, Toyota
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
Thursday, 11 October 2007
Suzuki is all-set to manufacture a hatchback called Splash. The company has already officially announced it. Though most of the concepts for Splash are imbibed from Agila, a 5-door vehicle manufactured by its partner company, the cues represent more stylishness and uniqueness. Though the complete list of standard features is not yet out, it is in the air that the stability control system will be standard. The price is yet to be revealed by the company. Its first launch is expected to be in the UK market and India will not be far behind! Labels: Car-Sales, Global market, Hatchbacks, Manufacturing new car, New Car, Suzuki
Tuesday, 9 October 2007
Again India shines with VW. Volkswagen will offer an exclusive high-performance turbocharged SUV in India by mid-2008. Volkswagen Tiguan is a rare blend of classy style, luxury, and sporty SUV driving performance. For those who got excited about the sensational styling of Volkswagen Touareg will play with the new BlueTec Diesel SUV Tiguan soon. In India, it will initially be available with a choice of either a 2.0-litre 138 bhp TDI diesel engine or a 1.4-litre 148 bhp PS TSI petrol engine. The high tech feature of Tiguan is the Blue Tec diesel emission control system that will reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The Volkswagen Tiguan was announced at the 2007 Los Angeles International Auto Show. Soon after its launch in its native country, it is expected to hit the Indian roads to compete with the Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, and Suzuki Grand Vitara. We can expect a new wave in style and designs for the SUV lovers in 2008. Labels: Honda, Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car market, launch in India, SUVs, Suzuki, Volkswagen
It’s been a long wait, but it’s true. The Fiat Grand Punto will introduce a new phase of Hatchbacks in India. It may look a little like the Maserati from the front, but no one seems to be complaining! Fiat Grande Punto is a premium B-segment category car with famous Giorgetto Giugiaro Italian design. From Grand Punto’s new style cues we can expect some changes in the familiar looks of small cars in India. The Indian small car market will definitely love the choices. Take a look at the sporty interiors of the Grand Punto. Comfortable and supportive cool looking seats and the sexy dash definitely provide some class. The Fiat Grand Punto has been given the Euro NCAP five-star rating for passenger safety. So expect a small car with strong safety cues. The model is expected to have a 1.3-litre multi-jet diesel engine from the Suzuki- GM- Fiat alliance engine plant. For the launch of Punto, Fiat has signed a deal with Tata Motors. After all, Fiat is well bonded with Tata in its Manufacturing and Marketing. Tata-Fiat is expected to launch Grand Punto along with the Tata Rs 1 lakh car in India in 2008. Labels: Chevrolet, Fiat, Imported cars, Indian car market, launch in India, Small Car, Suzuki, Tata
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