Toyota Etios Liva launch postponed

     Toyota has postponed the launch of its hatchback Etios Liva from April to June this year. Toyota wants to reduce the waiting period of Etios sedan by half the current time. Toyota is taking various steps to boost Etios production like starting a second shift, reducing the production time per vehicle and one of them is postponing the launch of the Etios Liva hatchback.

      TKM Managing Director, Hiroshi Nakagawa said: “We are thankful for the positive consumer response to the Etios and for the resulting demand. Our customer-first philosophy means that we put the customers' needs ahead of everything else - it is this philosophy that has always helped Toyota manufacture quality products and maximize customer satisfaction.”

Volkswagen's IPL Edition cars soon

     Volkswagen brand has associated itself with the popular Indian Premier League this year. Volkswagen will launch IPL Edition cars on the 10^th of March. A Special Limited Edition Polo is also expected which could mark the 1^st Anniversary of Volkswagen in India.

Skoda releases new logo, unveils concept car at Geneva Motor Show

    Skoda unveiled its new logo at the Geneva Motor Show. The new logo features flying arrow in green colour encircled with a chrome ring. The major change seen is the absence of ‘Skoda Auto’ on the logo. The logo also comes with a tag line “The New Power of Skoda”. Skoda will use the new logo on its cars from now on and the dealerships would update the logo very soon.

Along with the new logo, Skoda also unveiled a concept sedan called Skoda VisionD. The VisionD concept seaming to be built on the Octavia platform might replace the current Octavia in the future.        The VisionD concept reflects Skoda’s new design language. Though the concept has been conceptualized from the scratch, a typical Skoda like design is evident. The notable inclusion in the concept is the extended wheelbase and coupe like trunk. The extended wheelbase gives more comfort and luxury to the passengers and newly designed boot provides extra luggage storage space.        The Vision D concept is an example of the future Skoda cars. The C shaped tail lamps, extra lines and corners are the main features of the concept. The grill still looks very familiar to the current Skoda cars. Video

Volkswagen developing Innova beater for India

     Volkswagen is looking into its range of vans except the costly Caravelle, which could be altered and modified to take on the Innova in the Indian Market. All new Microbus concept (Bulli) is one of them which the company is seriously looking about. The Microbus concept is 3.99m in length and 1.75 m in width and can accommodate 6 passengers in its front and rear seats combined. VW might stretch the chassis to accommodate a third row of seats for Indian market.

     The Microbus concept features retro-styling of 1950 yet being modern. It has a short nose, squat stance and two tone colour job. VW feels a 1.0L and 1.4L petrol and 1.6L diesel motor suits the vehicle. A removable iPad as a centre console, seats that fold easily to create a compact camper, and a stereo developed with Fender for that live music feel are some of the special features of the Microbus.

Volvo S60 India launch on March 10th

     Volvo will launch its new S60 sedan in India on 10^th of March 2011. The price details of the car will be available a day later after the launch. The S60 is expected to be powered bythe  2.4-liter 205hp twin-turbo diesel and 3.0-liter T6 6-cylinder petrol with 300 Bhp of power. S60 will be sold as CBUs and will compete with Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes C Class in India.

Mitsubishi unveils its small car concept at Geneva Auto Show

     Mitsubishi which had released the sketches of its small cars few days ago has now unveiled the car at the ongoing Geneva Auto Show. Measuring 3740mm long and 1680mm wide, the hatchback is aimed at emerging markets like India, China and Brazil.


     The car now called e-concept will be run by 1.0L and 1.2L engines when launched. It incorporates intelligent brake energy and start stop system which will help achieve exceptional fuel efficiency figures. The car has been designed to accommodate a full electric powertrain as well.

Honda Brio India launch on March 17th

     Honda will launch its small car Brio 17th of March in India, 6 months ahead of expected launch. Honda had previewed the Brio Concept at Thailand 3 months ago. Honda wants to launch Brio before the launch of Etios Liva which is expected in the 2nd quarter of this year.

     Honda Brio is the small car from Honda developed for emerging markets like India and South East Asia. A company official refused to comment on the Indian launch saying “We do not want to comment on this at the moment”. Brio is expected to be priced competitively at Rs. 5 lakh. 

Source: Goa on Wheels via ET