Showing posts with label auto news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label auto news. Show all posts
VW rolls out 1,00,000 cars from Chakan plant
Mahindra W201 first look
The headlamps features wrap around type with double barrel lights and a line of led lamps in the bottom. We guess the led lamps are for all time running lights as W201 is also designed for international markets as well. In our earlier post we had talked about the muscular side and rear profile of the vehicle. We will be very glad to see your opinions here.
Toyota hints at sub Liva and compact MPV for India
Toyota Motor Corporation is looking India as a serious growth market. Though slow in its launches, the company is working on its models to give its customers quality vehicles which it has been doing for ages. The design and engineering of an India specific model Etios is a good example of how Toyota wants to do business. We guess other automakers should take a leaf out of Toyota's philosophy if it wants to do good all the time.
Speaking on the occasion of the Etios Liva hatchback launch, Mr. Hiroji Onishi, President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific hinted that the current line of cars are not sufficient for the company to cater to the growing demands of Indian market. He said the company is looking for more cars for India - a sub Liva, a sedan above Etios and a compact SUV. However he did not reveal the exact time frame for launch of these vehicles.
With the growing competiton for top spot as World's Largest Automobile manufacturer, Toyota's India plans seems to be a major one. Volkswagen which is in 2nd place, next to Toyota has plans to dethorn Toyota from the top spot by 2018. We guess with the new car line ups, it might not be easy for Volkswagen to touch Toyota for the top spot.
Speaking on the occasion of the Etios Liva hatchback launch, Mr. Hiroji Onishi, President, Toyota Motor Asia Pacific hinted that the current line of cars are not sufficient for the company to cater to the growing demands of Indian market. He said the company is looking for more cars for India - a sub Liva, a sedan above Etios and a compact SUV. However he did not reveal the exact time frame for launch of these vehicles.
Maruti stops old Swift bookings, to launch new Swift in August
The news of New Swift has been going around for a while. First it was March and later on postponed to July launch. Due to labour strike Maruti further postponed the new Swift launch to an unknown date. It seems to be certain that the New Swift will be here next month as Maruti dealers have stopped taking bookings for the old Swift.
The new Swift though looks similar to the current one, has lot of changes in it. It is bigger than the current Swift and has ample rear seat space which was lacking in the current one. The exterior styling has been sleekish with the trademark water fall headlamps and tail lamps stretched further back with tapering sharp ends.
The new Swift will be powered by the same DDiS engine which powers the current one. However the option of a turbo engine which does the duty on SX4 cannot be ruled out.
The dashboard has been revamped and looks much functional now. The three spoke steering wheel now incorporates buttons for the music system, though it will be available only on the top end variant. Does Maruti releases a ZDi version of the new Swift, there is no official news about it as of now.
The new Swift will be powered by the same DDiS engine which powers the current one. However the option of a turbo engine which does the duty on SX4 cannot be ruled out.
The dashboard has been revamped and looks much functional now. The three spoke steering wheel now incorporates buttons for the music system, though it will be available only on the top end variant. Does Maruti releases a ZDi version of the new Swift, there is no official news about it as of now.
Mahindra launches Genio DC pick up
Mahindra has launched a double cab version of Genio pickup truck in Bangalore. It is priced Rs. 5.46 lakh for the base version and Rs. 5.95 for high end version.
2012 Toyota Camry image leaked
Yesterday we reported about Mr. Akio Toyoda praising the new Camry as “the best Camry ever built” and now the image of the 7th generation Camry has been leaked on the web.
The new Camry seen in the picture still holds that Toyota look. The grill is familiar with Toyota’s other vehicles namely Innova, Corolla Altis and Etios. However Toyota has given a change to the headlamps which now look same as that of India spec Honda Civic. Also seen in the picture is the outer rear view mirror incorporated in an Italian style on the waist line of the car instead on the corner of the front window.
The car will be bigger than the current one and will carry the same power trains from its 6th Generation ancestor.
The new Camry seen in the picture still holds that Toyota look. The grill is familiar with Toyota’s other vehicles namely Innova, Corolla Altis and Etios. However Toyota has given a change to the headlamps which now look same as that of India spec Honda Civic. Also seen in the picture is the outer rear view mirror incorporated in an Italian style on the waist line of the car instead on the corner of the front window.
The car will be bigger than the current one and will carry the same power trains from its 6th Generation ancestor.
Source: Toyota Alabama
Fluidic Verna receives 20,000 bookings, waiting period upto 6 months
Hyundai as well know has pulled out another winner in the form of Fluidic Verna. The brilliantly designed Fludic Verna has received over 20,000 booking since its launch. The company is forced to ramp up the production to meet the customer demand.
Hyundai, before launching the Fluidic Verna had took some time so that enough number of cars are produced so that the customers need not have to wait for long. Because of this, we are seeing plenty of Fluidic Vernas on road, at least on Bangalore roads. What more advertising can you get than the cars themselves on the road.
The customer feedback has exceeded the Hyundai's expectation, and why not? the car indeed is an eye catcher. Apart from the looks the versatility of Fluidic Verna with 2 petrol engines and 2 diesel engines have done the trick. The Fluidic Verna caters to a large spectrum of buyers from go the extra mile geeks to high performance enthusiasts.
If you want to buy one, just drop in as soon as possible as you might be able to bring home the Fluidic Verna only in 2012.
Hyundai, before launching the Fluidic Verna had took some time so that enough number of cars are produced so that the customers need not have to wait for long. Because of this, we are seeing plenty of Fluidic Vernas on road, at least on Bangalore roads. What more advertising can you get than the cars themselves on the road.
If you want to buy one, just drop in as soon as possible as you might be able to bring home the Fluidic Verna only in 2012.
Honda City sales zoom post price cut
Honda City sales have bounced back after the price cut from the company. Honda owing to low sales had announced price cut upto Rs. 66,000 on its popular model City.
Not only the City but also other models from Honda - Jazz, Civic, Accord and CR-V have also done well in June 2011. Overall Honda sold 3,455 units in June 2011 as compared to 2,334 units sold during May 2011 posting 48% growth.
Model wise sales of Honda cars in June 2011 is as follows
Jazz: 361
City: 2802
Civic: 175
Accord: 103
CR-V: 14
Honda is planning to launch its small car Brio in India by October this year. With Brio, the company aims to enter into volume market in India. Expected to be priced between Rs. 5-6 lakh, Brio seams to be the blue eyed car for Honda in emerging markets like India.
Not only the City but also other models from Honda - Jazz, Civic, Accord and CR-V have also done well in June 2011. Overall Honda sold 3,455 units in June 2011 as compared to 2,334 units sold during May 2011 posting 48% growth.
Model wise sales of Honda cars in June 2011 is as follows
City: 2802
Civic: 175
Accord: 103
CR-V: 14
Honda is planning to launch its small car Brio in India by October this year. With Brio, the company aims to enter into volume market in India. Expected to be priced between Rs. 5-6 lakh, Brio seams to be the blue eyed car for Honda in emerging markets like India.
Nissan Sunny India launch in December 2011
Nissan will launch its global sedan Sunny in India in December this year. Nissan has been testing the Sunny sedan on Indian soil for some time. In our earlier post we had showed the Nissan Sunny spy pictures taken near Chennai.
The Nissan Sunny sedan was unveiled at Guangzhou Auto Show earlier this year. The sedan is based on the Micra small car and is built on Nissan-Renaults V platform. The Sunny will be available in both petrol and diesel variants.
The Sunny will be manufactured at Nissan’s Chennai plant. After the sedan launch Nissan plans to launch a MPV in Indian market. Nissan along with its partner Ashok Leyland has developed a MPV – NV200 which was spied testing near Bangalore. The Nissan-Ashok Leyland MPV (NV200) will bring in versatility in Indian MPV segment.
The Nissan Sunny sedan was unveiled at Guangzhou Auto Show earlier this year. The sedan is based on the Micra small car and is built on Nissan-Renaults V platform. The Sunny will be available in both petrol and diesel variants.
The Sunny will be manufactured at Nissan’s Chennai plant. After the sedan launch Nissan plans to launch a MPV in Indian market. Nissan along with its partner Ashok Leyland has developed a MPV – NV200 which was spied testing near Bangalore. The Nissan-Ashok Leyland MPV (NV200) will bring in versatility in Indian MPV segment.
Toyota Etios Liva well received, clocks 1000 bookings in 3days
Toyota Etios Liva was launched on 27th of last month in India and in just 3 days has clocked over 1000 bookings. Earlier when Toyota had launched the Etios sedan, it too got an overwhelming response with waiting periods going up to 6 months. If the things go the same way, even Etios Liva might demand a huge waiting period.
As we have always said, it is the Liva diesel which the people of India are waiting for. It is the Liva diesel which is expected to give run for its money for the market leader Swift. If not the petrol Liva, the diesel version will definitely create a long waiting period. Toyota is running full capacity with 2 shifts at its Bangalore plant. The company is hiring over 2000 professionals to meet the market demand. Even after this, we feel Toyota will fall short in fulfilling the demands - only in quantity and definitely not in quality.
Audi Q3 India launch in 2012
Audi has confirmed the launch of Q3 SUV in India next year. The Q3 SUV will come with both petrol and diesel engines. An all wheel drive system might also be incorporated in the Q3.
Recently Audi unveiled the Q3 SUV at Shanghai Auto Show. Q3 has been essentially developed to compete against BMW X1. In India too Q3 will be pitted against the X1 and Audi will definitely work to price the Q3 very close its BMW counterpart. Expect the Q3 to be priced between Rs. 23-25 lakh.
Audi Q3 will be manufactured at Audi's Aurangabad plant. Audi hopes to sell 5000 units of Q3 in 2012 and 30,000 units by 2020.
Recently Audi unveiled the Q3 SUV at Shanghai Auto Show. Q3 has been essentially developed to compete against BMW X1. In India too Q3 will be pitted against the X1 and Audi will definitely work to price the Q3 very close its BMW counterpart. Expect the Q3 to be priced between Rs. 23-25 lakh.
Audi Q3 will be manufactured at Audi's Aurangabad plant. Audi hopes to sell 5000 units of Q3 in 2012 and 30,000 units by 2020.
Peugeot Citroen to set up plant in Chennai
French automobile manufacturer PSA Peugeot Citroen has zeroed in land in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu to set up its first plant in India. The plant will have capacity of 3,00,000 units per annum catering to domestic and international markets.
PSA Peugeot Citroen is the fifth company after BMW, Hyundai, Ford and Renault-Nissan to set up a plant in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has been attractive for automobile investments India because of its good labour environment.
The company will create 20,000 jobs in the region and is likely to pull some automotive component manufacturers from France.
PSA Peugeot Citroen is the fifth company after BMW, Hyundai, Ford and Renault-Nissan to set up a plant in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has been attractive for automobile investments India because of its good labour environment.
Suzuki to buy Fiat’s 1.6L Multijet diesel engine
In what could a dramatic development, Suzuki has agreed to buy Fiat’s 1.6L diesel engine to mount on a new car to be built in Hungary in 2013.
Suzuki is tightlipped about the new car but we guess it would be a crossover based on the SX4 platform. Will Suzuki bring the 1.6L diesel engine to India? there is no news about it as of now.
An SX4 with 1.6L diesel engine would be a great option considering the car and Maruti’s popularity in India. Bigger tyres, high ground clearance and masculine looks of SX4 with power of a 1.6L diesel could have been a perfect recipe for Indian conditions. Who knows, Suzuki might consider the 1.6L diesel SX4 in India at a later date.
What is more interesting is Suzuki not opting for VW’s 1.6 TDi. VW and Suzuki are in collaborative terms for mutual benefits and everyone in the auto industry had expected Suzuki to use the VW’s 1.6L TDi diesel engine. Choosing the Fiat’s 1.6L instead of VW’s 1.6 TDi has come as a surprise!
Suzuki is tightlipped about the new car but we guess it would be a crossover based on the SX4 platform. Will Suzuki bring the 1.6L diesel engine to India? there is no news about it as of now.
What is more interesting is Suzuki not opting for VW’s 1.6 TDi. VW and Suzuki are in collaborative terms for mutual benefits and everyone in the auto industry had expected Suzuki to use the VW’s 1.6L TDi diesel engine. Choosing the Fiat’s 1.6L instead of VW’s 1.6 TDi has come as a surprise!
Yamaha to launch R15 facelift in India
Yamaha R15 when launched had created a new segment of biking in India. The bike was almost every youth's dream to own one. After over 3 years of R15 launch, Yamaha has decided to give a facelift to its most popular bike in India.
The facelifted YZF-R15 will sport a chunkier rear tyre, new chiselled tail fairing with an attractive LED brake lamp. Other changes include a restyled front fairing, new split seats, stylish rear number plate mount and tyre-hugger mudguard.
However there will be no change in the engine. The same 149.8 cc 4 stroke, liquid cooled, single cylinder will power the facelifted bike. Yamaha might not hike the price of the facelifted bike considering the serious completion from its Japanese counterpart Honda, bike but do not expect price to be below the current model as well.
The facelifted YZF-R15 will sport a chunkier rear tyre, new chiselled tail fairing with an attractive LED brake lamp. Other changes include a restyled front fairing, new split seats, stylish rear number plate mount and tyre-hugger mudguard.
However there will be no change in the engine. The same 149.8 cc 4 stroke, liquid cooled, single cylinder will power the facelifted bike. Yamaha might not hike the price of the facelifted bike considering the serious completion from its Japanese counterpart Honda, bike but do not expect price to be below the current model as well.
Honda teases 2012 CR-V on its US website
Though it is not a teaser photograph of the vehicle, Honda has displayed a picture of a road under tunnel with the 2012 Honda CR-V tag on it in its US Website. Last month we had showed you the spy picture of the 2012 Honda CR-V with stretched rear end to accommodate the third row of seats.
The 2012 CR-V looks to be based on the current CR-V platform with a bulky rear end. The tail lamp resembles very much with that of Volvo's XC series SUVs. As we all know Honda is good at creating a vehicle with a futuristic design, the 2012 CR-V could also like an SUV from the different planet. The front end could get a sharper theme as that of the new Civic.
As for as the power train is concerned, we expect the Accord's 2.4L diesel will find its place under the new CR-Vs hood. It might take little time to come to India but the rumours of new CR-V has already created flutter in the already crowded SUV segment.
The 2012 CR-V looks to be based on the current CR-V platform with a bulky rear end. The tail lamp resembles very much with that of Volvo's XC series SUVs. As we all know Honda is good at creating a vehicle with a futuristic design, the 2012 CR-V could also like an SUV from the different planet. The front end could get a sharper theme as that of the new Civic.
As for as the power train is concerned, we expect the Accord's 2.4L diesel will find its place under the new CR-Vs hood. It might take little time to come to India but the rumours of new CR-V has already created flutter in the already crowded SUV segment.
Renault's V Platform small car to take on Wagon R
Renault's small car for India will be an all new car developed on its V platform and will take on the Wagon R. The car will have similar architecture of that of Wagon R with a tall stance and wide doors. However expect the car to stylish than the Wagon R as Renault will give a French touch to it.
The small car has been developed in Renault's technical center in Mumbai. Since the car has been designed and developed in India, expect to see lots of India specific features. The teaser image with the car covered has been shown to a select group of journalist in New Delhi by Renault. With the teaser image it is evident that the car will be tall resembling that of the Wagon R. Well Renualt's has already got a tall vehicle in its portfolio - the Twingo, but the Twingo will not be launched in India.
Powering the Renault's small car will the same Micra's 1.5 CRDi and 1.2L petrol engines. Renault will share Nissan's manufacturing facility at Orgadam near Chennai to produce the small car. The small car will make its official debut at Auto Expo 2012 in January.
The small car has been developed in Renault's technical center in Mumbai. Since the car has been designed and developed in India, expect to see lots of India specific features. The teaser image with the car covered has been shown to a select group of journalist in New Delhi by Renault. With the teaser image it is evident that the car will be tall resembling that of the Wagon R. Well Renualt's has already got a tall vehicle in its portfolio - the Twingo, but the Twingo will not be launched in India.
Powering the Renault's small car will the same Micra's 1.5 CRDi and 1.2L petrol engines. Renault will share Nissan's manufacturing facility at Orgadam near Chennai to produce the small car. The small car will make its official debut at Auto Expo 2012 in January.
Toyota Etios Liva launched in India, starts at Rs. 3.99 lakh
Toyota has launched its much awaited small car Etios Liva in New Delhi today. The Etios Liva is priced between Rs. 3.99 - 5.99 lakh ex showroom New Delhi. This is the first car from world's largest automobile manufacturer Toyota in India. Earlier in December 2011, Toyota had launched the Etios sedan in India creating a flutter in the entry level sedan segment.
The Etios Liva is powered by a 1.2L 4 cylinder petrol engine with 80 Bhp of power at 5600 rpm and 10.6 Kgm of torque at 3100 rpm. Toyota has worked extensively on reducing Etios Liva's weight which is just 890 Kg. This low weight helps the car to deliver good fuel efficiency of 18.3 Kmpl (ARAI certified).
The Etios Liva has been built for India keeping in mind the conditions prevailing in the region. A lot of effort has been put for cost reduction to make the car competitive. In spite of reducing in the production cost, Etios Liva promises to deliver a decent performance.
The Etios Liva will be available in 4 variants. The company aims to sell 1,00,000 units of Etios sedan and Etios Liva in the first year.
Speaking on the launch of Etios Liva, Mr. Sandeep Singh, MD Toyota Kirloskar Motors said that Toyota now has become a complete manufacture in India with range of cars from small car to high end SUVs. He commented that Etios Liva is a stylish compact and a useful car.
With the launch of Etios Liva and pricing it competitively, Toyota has created a price war in the B segment category. Other manufactures would definitely feel the heat and do not be surprised to see some price correction in the segment.
As for the diesel Etios Liva, there is no news about it as of now. But Toyota indents to launch its small car Liva with its frugal and efficient diesel engines some time next year. It is the diesel Etios Liva which the industry is waiting for to compete against the market leader Swift. Since the diesel Liva would take some more time to come, Maruti can breathe easy for a while.
The Etios Liva is powered by a 1.2L 4 cylinder petrol engine with 80 Bhp of power at 5600 rpm and 10.6 Kgm of torque at 3100 rpm. Toyota has worked extensively on reducing Etios Liva's weight which is just 890 Kg. This low weight helps the car to deliver good fuel efficiency of 18.3 Kmpl (ARAI certified).
The Etios Liva will be available in 4 variants. The company aims to sell 1,00,000 units of Etios sedan and Etios Liva in the first year.
Speaking on the launch of Etios Liva, Mr. Sandeep Singh, MD Toyota Kirloskar Motors said that Toyota now has become a complete manufacture in India with range of cars from small car to high end SUVs. He commented that Etios Liva is a stylish compact and a useful car.
With the launch of Etios Liva and pricing it competitively, Toyota has created a price war in the B segment category. Other manufactures would definitely feel the heat and do not be surprised to see some price correction in the segment.
As for the diesel Etios Liva, there is no news about it as of now. But Toyota indents to launch its small car Liva with its frugal and efficient diesel engines some time next year. It is the diesel Etios Liva which the industry is waiting for to compete against the market leader Swift. Since the diesel Liva would take some more time to come, Maruti can breathe easy for a while.
Honda City revamp in India soon
Things are definitely not going well for Honda in India. First it was the Tsunami disaster which made to company to stop production for a while and then the launch of Volkswangen Vento and redesigned Hyundai Verna which is eating substantial share in City segment. The petrol price hike has given a bigger blow as Honda has only petrol vehicles in its portfolio. Honda City slipped to 4th spot in the C segment cars in which it dominated for 13 years. In a damage control move Honda reduced up to Rs. 66,000 on City’s price.
Few days back we had reported that Honda City will get a facelift to stay in the competition. Now the news of not just a facelift but a revamp of the model is out. Along with the facelift the City will get top notch optional features such as sunroof, new multimedia and infotainment additions like Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and new colour combination.
The tail lamps could get an LED treatment and some internal changes such as modifications with instrumental panel, new interior trim and a new CD player system will be done in the new City.
As far as the diesel City is concerned, the company is working hard to get one as soon as possible. The sooner the better for Honda.
Few days back we had reported that Honda City will get a facelift to stay in the competition. Now the news of not just a facelift but a revamp of the model is out. Along with the facelift the City will get top notch optional features such as sunroof, new multimedia and infotainment additions like Bluetooth and iPod connectivity and new colour combination.
As far as the diesel City is concerned, the company is working hard to get one as soon as possible. The sooner the better for Honda.
Sachin sells his gifted Ferrari, buys a Nissan GT-R sports car
Sachin Tendulkar has sold his red Ferrari 360 Modena gifted to him by Fiat to a Surat based business man for an undisclosed amount. Souces say the decisicon to sell the car was a tough one for Sachin as it was gifted to him by Fiat through Michael Schumacher when he equaled Bradman’s 29th Test Century in 2002. Sachin friends reveal that, since people were aware of Sachin’s Ferrari, it was difficult for Little Maestro to drive on Mumbai roads as people would identify him and get attracted towards him.
The little Maestro after selling his Ferrai has bought himself a Nissan GT-R sports car priced at $87,000 which is around Rs. 4 crore in Indian currency. The new Nissan GT-R sports car was flown from Dubai along with 2 engineers who demonstrated the vehicle at Sachin’s home in Bandra. With the Nissan GT-R sports car, Sachin has now 4 cars in his garage – 2 BMWs, a Skoda and Nissan GT-R.
The little Maestro after selling his Ferrai has bought himself a Nissan GT-R sports car priced at $87,000 which is around Rs. 4 crore in Indian currency. The new Nissan GT-R sports car was flown from Dubai along with 2 engineers who demonstrated the vehicle at Sachin’s home in Bandra. With the Nissan GT-R sports car, Sachin has now 4 cars in his garage – 2 BMWs, a Skoda and Nissan GT-R.
Diesel price hiked by Rs. 3
Govt. of India has hiked the diesel price by Rs. 3 from 25th July 2011. A litre of diesel which earlier costed around Rs. 42, now will cost around Rs. 45 per litre. Prices vary from city to city depending up on tax in that region.
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