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Friday, 5 October 2007
After a long pause, Peugeot, the French automaker, is once again gazing at the Indian market with a low cost model that is under development. Who can blame them for a second glance – at the rate the Indian automobile industry is growing; manufactures have to be blind not to notice us! The company seems still worried about the failure faced by Peugeot and Premier Automobiles Ltd. (PAL), their joint venture partners, in their formative years in India. The cause for the closure of Peugeot in India had termed differently, as poor performance and joint venture failure. Its struggles to survive in the Indian market have resulted in the eventual exit of the company from the Indian auto-scenario in November 1997 – just a year before the auto boom started. Even if the company didn’t play any important roles in the Indian Passenger car market, we cannot forget Peugeot as it was one of the first automobile MNCs to enter India. As the Indian auto market has been a matter of interest for foreign automakers, like Volvo, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, and many others from around the world, Peugeot is again getting ready to seek its luck in India. Our automobile industry has come a long way from the time they were here – we now not only have a splatter of automobile MNCs, but also a wider consumer interest. So, a definite green signal to Peugeot from my side! Labels: Audi, BMW-Cars, Car-manufacturers-in-India, competition, Indian car market, Peugeot, Volkswagen, Volvo
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
UK’s Caparo is all-set to design a city car that would hit Indian roads in a couple of years from now. The company will only design the model and the permit to manufacture the car will be given to a selected manufacturer in the country. According to a company release, it is learnt that the designing of this more efficient and amalgamated material car takes at-least two years. The manufacturer is working with the same team that designed the light weight Caparo T1 racing car. Caparo’s focus is to design a light-weight car that can jostle in the city like a feather. Much of the designing work is said to happen in the company’s Chennai plant. This light-weight city car is said to be high on mileage and low on emissions. Caparo’s city car will make its first official appearance at next year’s Auto Expo show in Delhi. Global players - GM, Honda, and Toyota have planned to launch their city cars at the same time. Labels: Chevrolet, City cars, competition, Honda, launch in India, Toyota
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Tata Motors Limited, India’s largest automobile company, is likely to launch its upgraded Safari on October 4. Safari, the big and handsome SUV from Tata, owns eight variants currently that include 5 diesel and 3 petrol variants. The new variant is expected to be a diesel version. The upgrades include an all-new 2.2-litre twin-cam 16-valve diesel engine that churns out 140 bhp, a grille and bumper that gives its front appearance a face-lift, and new seat fabrics. The rest of the vehicle will remain unchanged. A few safety updates are also expected in the new variant to help it compete in the current market. The highlighted update is the all new 2.2 litre twin-cam 16-valve diesel engine which will meet Euro IV emission standards. The price would be higher than the existing variants. This new variant may compete with the likes of Mahindra Scorpio, Mahindra Bolero, and Ford Endeavour models in the market. Labels: competition, Ford, Indian car market, launch in India, Leading manfacturer, Mahindra, New variants, Tata
Monday, 1 October 2007
After the successful launch of Passat, Volkswagen has scheduled its popular vehicle Polo (no it’s not the mint!) to launch in 2009 in India. Volkswagen, the people’s car (it’s actually pronounced as “Folks wagon”), is likely to set the production plant of Polo by the end of 2009 and the full scale production is expected to start by 2010. After Polo Volkswagen launches, the small car buyers in India will have fun. Polo is one of Volkswagens ever successful car and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. The Polo in India would be a completely new version, but I hope that all the cool stuff about it is not compromised for good mileage. I mean mileage is good, but the Polo is one of Volkswagen's most popular small cars globally as it is. Volkswagen can definitely do well in the Indian market even though brands like Audi and Skoda are around, coz it is easier to get your hands on – money factor. I mean you can see a few Lamborghinis flying around in India. Volkswagen has inked a deal with the Maharashtra government for producing its cars from Pune. Posted By Art.Labels: Audi, competition, Indian car market, launch in India, Skoda, small cars, Volkswagen
Since Mitsubishi’s collaboration with Hindustan Motors (HM) about a decade ago, it has released an array of popular Sedans and SUVs, but not a single vehicle in the most popular Hatchback segment. With the announcement of an official launch date for the ‘1-lakh car’ by Tata Motors, other auto manufacturers are keen to compete. Mitsubishi is considering introducing its new model ‘i’ to India. The ‘i concept’ car debuted at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show. The egg-shaped vehicle carried a 999 cc engine that boasted of a very impressive mileage of 33 kms per litre. It also carried a Mitsubishi Smart Idling (MSI) system which turns off the engine automatically when the vehicle is stationary and can restart it within 0.2 seconds. The ‘i’ that launched in January 2006, comes with an ultra-efficient lightweight turbocharged 660 cc petrol engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission. It sports a wide door, sufficient room for 4 passengers, split-folding rear seats, and alloy wheels. The engine emissions are environment friendly. It is priced a little too high in the European market. With the co-operation of Hindustan Motors (HM), Mitsubishi could introduce a small car, based on the i-car platform, in India. Vehicle cost could be reduced by sourcing parts locally and by stripping out some of the expensive on-board equipment. Labels: Car-manufacturers-in-India, cars, competition, Hatchbacks, Indian car market, Mitsubishi, Sedans, SUVs, Tata
Friday, 28 September 2007
One of India’s auto majors, Ford, recently unveiled the limited edition of “Fida”, which is expected to witness booming sales during this festive time of year. It is a vehicle with more style, more magnificence, and more comfort. Ford Fiesta Fida is coupled to 1.6L all-aluminum Duratec petrol engine that is designed to deliver a power of 99.62 hp. It is combined to a 5-speed manual transmission that complements its magnificent performance. The powerful acceleration, which attains 0-100 km/h in just 11.66 seconds, will leave everyone stunned. The car’s critical functions are administered by a GEM (General Electronic Module). The car has been put through various exhaustive crash tests that make it a safe vehicle to own. The exterior looks awesome with the turn signals incorporated in the outside mirrors and glossy wheels. The vinyl-leather seat covers make the occupants feel comfortable. Ford Fida comes equipped with an intelligent rear-defogger, front fog lamps, a programmable keyless entry, and a trip computer. With just rupees 6,60,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi), the Fida can be a part of your festive celebrations. Labels: competition, Ford India, Indian car market, launch in India
Hyundai, one of India’s premier auto majors, announced that their well-known Getz Prime will get a diesel variant. The diesel variant is said to give the much expected fuel economy of 17 km/l, which will help long distance commuters. The Getz Prime diesel adorns a noiseless 1.5L engine CRDi turbocharged engine is said to deliver a power of 110 bhp, which is sure to leave everyone breathless. Getz Prime comes with a price tag of rupees 5,69,000/- (ex-showroom Delhi) and is said to be available from the second week of October. This new Getz Prime diesel is sure to pose a nose-to-nose competition to the Maruti Swift diesel, which is priced between rupees 4.73 lakh to 5.25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Labels: competition, Hyundai, Indian car market, launch in India, Maruti
Thursday, 27 September 2007
After the success of Mahindra-Renault Logan, Renault is speculated to enter the market in the second half of 2008 with another Logan-based model called Megane. The seven-seater MUV Megane will join the Mahindra-Renault family is also expected to produce a hatchback in the not-so-far future. The booming MUV market in India is expecting more multi utility and sports utility vehicles in the coming year. The technologically high-end Megane stands out from the crowd with its pronounced, bulbous exteriors. The Megane is the top selling MUV in the Australian market. Its interior has plenty of storage space and a generous dose of standard equipments that can be expected from a European car. The Global sales of Renault have seen a significant growth of 11.4 percent in the past two months. New models, like Kangoo, Megane, and Clio have contributed to this success. Renault's Megane is expected to release both its two and four-wheel drive options in India. Labels: competition, Imported cars, Indian car market, launch in India, Mahindra, Mahindra-Renault, Renault
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
The great sales target achieved by Hyundai motors in India has made a strong impact on the company. In order to show their interest in the Indian car market, the company has decided to launch its compact car “PA” first here in India. Indian roads will witness Hyundai’s “PA” first, a couple of months before it hits other countries. The growth of the Indian market for compact cars and Hyundai’s massive growth in India for the past nine years has definitely made the manufacturer consider India as a first priority. India is also said to be one of the healthy markets for premium cars to compete, which is also a reason for the firm to choose India as the first place to see its code-named car. Hyundai PA, after its launch, is expected to replace the Hyundai Santro and pose a sturdy competition to other compacts such as the Chevrolet Aveo and the Maruti Alto that are currently ruling the roost. Labels: Car-manufacturers-in-India, Chevrolet, competition, Hyundai, Imported cars, Indian car market, Maruti, small cars
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
It’s been in the news for a long time now and if all the propaganda wasn’t enough to satisfy the skeptics, here’s one more that is probably more convincing. Tata Motors has officially announced a launch date for its 21st century miracle – June 2008. By the end of 2008, you’d probably see these moon buggies scooting around in every part of the country. Due to the insurmountable task of this creation and the unstoppable inflation, fears were that the ‘1 lakh car’ would end up being pricier say a ‘3 lakh car’. With the launch just a few months away, these fears are safely put to rest. The number is still close to 1, 00,000. This means $2275 for the dollar Indian and £1250 for the British desi. Enough said. In India, owning a car has always been a dream ever since PAL produced the first one in 1946. In spite of the entry of several foreign auto makers with their bags full of flashy wheels, a car still remains a not-so-easily-affordable luxury and thus a decent status symbol, especially for those less affected by the economic boom or strong IT influences. BMW-driving farmers in or around Delhi don’t make the set. Where there’s innovation, there’s competition! The other way around holds true as well. There’s never a dearth of thinkers in this world - Aristotle, Plato, Socrates, Copernicus, Newton, Einstein, and now can we say Tata. Everyone knows the importance of the mini car. An extra wheel on Bajaj’s auto-rickshaw would probably make a decent car and also beat the competition by miles. But that’s not what Tata is looking to make. "It will look like a car and have proper seating. Stretched canvas seats would not, for example, be acceptable. It would be all right for it to be a bit noisier than an ordinary car, but it has to be both simple and safe." says Ratan Tata, chief honcho at Tata Motors. Power windows, heated seats, ABS, cruise control, a DVD entertainment system, and an MP3-capable audio system are probably NOT the features that will be standard. However, a 4-door spacious car with rack and pinion steering, a rear engine, 5-passenger capacity, and a gearbox is definitely good enough! It is easy to assume the car would be run by belts attached to guinea pigs on rollers. However, Tata will offer a 30 bhp 600cc petrol engine and a choice of either a manual transmission or a CVT automatic. A diesel engine option will also be available. Will Tata’s ‘1 lakh car’ push the two-wheelers out of business? It would probably affect sales of high-end motorcycles selling a little below the 1 lakh mark. Tata’s dream project could take away a quarter of the market from the motorcycle makers. But low running costs and fuel efficiency will always play a major role in the Indian auto segment. Hence, the presence of two-wheelers cannot be ignored. Labels: Bajaj, BMW-Cars, cars, competition, Indian car market, Indian low budget cars, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
Monday, 17 September 2007
The revamped version of the Honda City ZX is finally launched in India in-order to reclaim the topmost position in the mid-size car section. The refurbished version of the City is upgraded in comfort and safety fronts. This overhauled Honda City is sure to pose a strong competition to the other competitors in the market. Though Honda Siel Cars India (HSIC) is on the verge of replacing the model next year, it still wanted to smarten-up the existing model to regain its old status of top mid-sized car. This new version is priced between Rupees 6.80 lakh and Rupees 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), which is less than the price of the City ZX VTEC. Honda City ZX VTEC Plus now comes standard with leather upholstered seats, an anti-lock braking system, dual-stage SRS airbags, and a new steering wheel. This is the tenth anniversary gift from HSIC to the Indian customers. Since its launch in 1998, the Honda City is sold over 1,90,000 units in the Indian market. Since the entry of Maruti Suzuki’s SX4 and Mahindra-Renault’s Logan, the Honda City was pushed back to the third position with a sale figure reduced to 2,465 units a year. According to the company release, HSIC is also planning to roll-out hybrid cars in the Indian market. Labels: cars, competition, Honda, India, Mahindra, Maruti
Friday, 14 September 2007
Though none of the auto makers believed that Tata’s 1, 00,000 car would take feathers, now most of them are seriously thinking of manufacturing ultra-cheap cars to cater to the Indian market. Nissan Motor Co. is seriously thinking about manufacturing a cheap car that can pose a tough competition to the Tata’s One-Lakh People Car. If Nissan’s plans come alive, there will be a $3,000 (approx. Rs. 1, 20,000) car running on Indian roads in a couple of years. To make the dream come true, Nissan is looking for an Indian partner - Bajaj Auto Ltd. Bajaj has been looking for an opportunity to enter the Indian compact car market frenzy. Therefore, a successful deal will serve both parties to their advantage. Apart from this Nissan is also planning to build a mid-size car that would pose a nose-to-nose competition with the Mahindra-Renault Logan. Though the company is serious about these plans, they are yet to take the initiation. If decided, the plans will start taking feathers by next year this time. Time will decide whether any car will emerge to compete against Tata’s people car. Labels: cars, competition, Nissan, One-Lakh Rupee Car, Tata
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
From next month it will be the refurbished version of the Honda City available in the market. Facing a lot of competition from the Maruti SX4 and the Mahindra-Renault Logan, Honda Siel Cars India is in a hurry to update its City sedan with the latest technologies. According to the company’s release, its revamped City comes equipped with loads of safety features including airbags and an anti-lock braking system. Also, the prices might step-down. This revamp is said to be the final one for the City, until it gets replaced by a new model next year. With many manufacturers in India planning to launch their vehicles very shortly, this is a very important decision taken by Honda Siel Cars India. By smartening up the existing City model, there is no doubt about it posing a tough competition to the other makers. Labels: cars, competition, Honda, India, Indian car market
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