Volkswagen developing low cost MQB platform for emerging markets

        Volkswagen is currently developing a low cost MQB platform for a series of low cost models for emerging markets like India and China.

        Volkswagen’s low cost MQB platform could serve as foundation for Dacia like sub brand which the company mentioned to create in the upcoming markets.

        Volkswagen is planning to cut costs by using less of high strength steel and aluminium. There could also be simpler suspension, more basic interior cabins and also more emphasis on localisation of components depending up on where the car is assembled. 

Toyota unveils Mirai fuel cell vehicle, has 300 mile range

        Toyota has unveiled the production ready Mirai fuel cell vehicle which has a range of 300 miles before it runs out of hydrogen. The Mirai fuel cell can refill hydrogen in just 5 minutes.

        Mirai meaning “Future” in Japanese gives Toyota an opportunity to get the tag line “the future has arrived”. Toyota Mirai will reach dealerships in japan in April 2015 and later will make its to North American shores as well. Toyota Mirai will cost around $60,000 when launched in Japan. 

Honda FCV concept image gallery

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Honda unveils all new Fuel Cell Vehicle concept in Japan

        Honda has unveiled an all new Fuel Cell Vehicle concept in Japan which is expected to be launched in Japanese market by early 2016. Honda aims to sell the FCV concept in international markets as well, especially North America and Europe in future.

        Honda FCV concept is the second concept from Honda. The first being the FCX Clarity which was shown at Los Angeles Auto Show 2013.

        The FCV is powered by an electric motor which does 134 bhp, an increase in 60% compared to the FCX Clarity. The fuel stack size of FCV concept has also been reduced by 33%.

        According to Honda, FCV is the first vehicle to feature an entire fuel cell powertrain in its engine bay. Honda claims FCV can do 482 Km with full tank of fuel and refuelling time has been redued to just 3 to 5 minutes.

        Competing FCV concept will be Toyota’s fuel cell car Mirai, and Hyundai’s hydrogen powered ix35.

Next generation Suzuki Alto unveiled in Japan, for Japan market

        World’s largest small car maker Suzuki has released images of the next generation Alto for Japanese markets. The next generation Suzuki Alto will be launched in Japan on December 22, 2014. It will replace the earlier model which made its debut in 2009 Tokyo Motor Show. Will it come to India, probably not as Maruti has recently launched the Alto K10, which is basically a modified Alto 800.

        Looking at the design Suzuki designers have tried to give a distinct identity to the car. The unusual shaped headlamp, fiat inspired front grill and upward kinking of rear door window is something we see for the first time in a Suzuki car. There also a sportier looking model with dual tone colours theme with black bumpers, hood scoop and side cladding.

        The new Suzuki Alto could be powered by the same 660cc 3 cylinder petrol engine that pumps out 54 Ps of power at 6,500 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm. It might also get a CVT gearbox along with 5 speed manual and 4 speed automatic.

        The most interesting fact is the new Suzuki Alto will be offered in 2 and 4 Wheel Drive options. Fuel efficiency is expected at 21 Kmpl. A more powerful turbocharged engine is also on the offer.

        A small car with 4 WD option? That’s the vehicle suited for India roads. Suzuki, are you listening. 

Tata Zest gathers 6 months waiting period

        Tata Zest, the compact sedan from Tata Motors developed under its “Horizonnext” strategy has gathered waiting period of up to 6 months for some of its variants. This brings a long gap for any Tata vehicle to gather this much of waiting period. Its was Nano small car when launched in 2008 had managed to gather some waiting period.

        The long waiting period for Zest is attributed to supply chain constraint and inadequate production capacity. In the month of October 2014, Tata Zest sold more than Honda Amaze, and such popularity of the car had created demand more than the production. Till date Tata Motors has sold over 10,000 units of Zest since its launch in August 2014. According to company sources, the petrol variant of Zest is also gathering momentum in sales.