Mahindra buys 55% stake in Reva, renames it as Mahindra Reva

     Mahindra & Mahindra have bought 55.2% controlling stake in Bangalore based Reva Electric Car Company and has renamed it as Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicle Company.

     Mahindra Reva will continue the production of Reva electric cars and hopefully sell it through the Mahindra’s existing dealership network. The EV technology will slowly be incorporated in the entire range of Mahindra vehicle in the coming years.

     Reva had collaborated with GM to provide EV technology for its small cars. GM had showed its electric small car concept eSpark at this year Auto Expo which was slated for December launch. However with the Mahindra buyout, GM is expected to back out from the venture.
Press release:
Mahindra enters high growth electric car segment; acquires majority stake in REVA


• Mahindra to have 55.2% equity in REVA Electric Car Company (REVA).

• Company to be renamed Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicle Company (Mahindra REVA)

• Mahindra REVA to leverage Mahindra’s vehicle development expertise

• Mahindra REVA electric technology to be deployed in Mahindra vehicles

• Dr Pawan Goenka elected Chairman of the newly constituted board

Nissan’s next plan for India - Micra sedan

     It looks Nissan and Renault has come to India with some serious plans. After launching the Micra small car, Nissan is contemplating to launch a sedan based on the Micra. Booking for Micra has already been started and the response so far has been very good.

     Though the sedan will be based on Micra platform, technically speaking - ‘V Platform’ which is created by Nissan and Renault JV for low cost vehicles, the exterior styling will be different as compared to Micra. As seen from the picture the sedan boast a very aggressive look with some sharp edges in front and rear.

     Micra Sedan might be a late entry to the crowed Indian mid sized car market, but if priced competitively as done for the Logan, who knows it might snatch a good share of its pie from the market leaders.

VW starts Vetno production in India

     Volkswagen has started the production of its mid sized sedan Vento at its plant at Chakan, Maharashtra. Vento is the sedan version of the small car Polo which was launched couple of months back.

     Vento will be positioned to rival segment bench marker Honda City. It would be hard for VW to match a Honda product, the diesel option will surely make it a definite winner. Thanks to the competition, Honda is also considering to power its cars with diesel engines now.

     Vento is expected to be launched by August-September this year. It is expected to be priced competitively between Rs 7 to 9 lakh.

Nissan Micra bookings opened in India

     The much awaited small car from Nissan is not far away from launch. Nissan has opened the bookings for its Micra small car from 25th March 2010.Nissan Micra will be currently available in four variants all of which are powered by a Petrol engine. Nissan claims a mileage of 18.06 km per litre for Micra.

     Micra received overwhelming response when it was displayed at showroom and bookings opened. A Nissan dealer in Bangalore received 15 bookings for the car on the first day.

Prices in Bangalore

 

 
 
     Delivery of the vehicle will commence from July 15th 2010. The Nissan showroom in Bangalore is expected to get 75 cars per month. Booking amount is Rs 50000/-. Terms and conditions of supply will be as per contractual document to be signed at the time of booking.

Tata Indica Vista Drivetech 4 with free maintenance and free insurance

     Tata Motors is leaving no stone unturned for success of its popular hatchback Indica Vista Drivetech 4. The company is offering a free maintenance for 3 years and free insurance on the new Vista Drivetech 4. This is not the end. There is also a buy back scheme in which you can sell your car for 60% of its value after 3 years. Exchange bonus and corporate discounts are also available. This is something which we are seeing first time in India. Its for sure that "more car per car" tag is changing now to "much more car per car".

Next Generation VW Beetle rendering

     The world's most beautiful car (though according to me) will soon ceases production. An independent designer David Cordoso has his version of the next generation Beetle. David's forecasts the next generation Beetle would be emission free with fully electric powered motor.

Tata Indigo e-CS launched, claims to be the most fuel efficient car in India

     Tata Motors has launched Indigo e-CS and claims it to be the most fuel efficient sedan in India with ARAI certified fuel efficiency figure of 20.03 kmpl from its 1.4 litre common rail diesel engine. The Indigo CS which is a compact sedan based on the Indigo platform has been relauned with e-CS badge.

     The car is priced competitively at Rs 5.13 lakh ex-showroom New Delhi for the diesel version and the petrol car and be yours at just Rs 4.07 lakh ex-showroom.

     Indigo e-CS is available in 1.4L common rail diesel and a 1.2L petrol engine. With less than 4 meters length and good fuel efficiency of over more than 22 kmpl, it is sure to give a run for the money for the small cars, let alone the entry level sedans. Both the engines are BS IV complaint which means the car will be available in all parts of the country including the 13 major metros.

     Indigo e-CS comes with host of many features. On the outside there a new grill, body colored bumpers, chrome inserts on rub rails and indicators in the rear view mirrors. Interior has been borrowed from the Indigo XL including the new centre console and steering wheel. Blue tooth enabled music system and electric controls for the rear view mirrors add value to the car.

     The car will be available with an unlimited run warranty of 18 months and will be sold through 230 Tata Motors dealerships across the country.