Mercedes Benz low floor buses to hit Indian roads

     To cater to the Indian urban needs Mercedes Benz has decided to launch low floor city buses. A prototype with capacity of 38 person low floor city bus was showcased recently. At present the company has 2-axle and 3-axle inter city luxury coaches in India.

     The company plans to set up a dedicated assembly line that will cater to the production requirements of the city buses. The new body building facility for the city buses will be set up at Pune.

     Mercedes will send prototypes of the city buses to various cities and take feedback from urban commuters. Based on the feedback the company will fine tune the vehicle as per the commuter requirements. This would take about 6 to 9 months before the final batch of buses roll out. We can expect the new Mercedes city buses by early next year.

     The demand for low floor city buses has risen exponentially in India, Thanks to JnNRUM and promotion of public transport system. Mercedes estimates to produce and sell 500 units of these buses per annum.

Continue Reading | comments

Hyundai Verna Transform launched in India

     Hyundai Motor India has launched the facelifted Verna termed ‘Transform’. The company calls it as ‘Dynamic by DNA’ luxury sedan. The Verna Transform has only cosmetic changes and there is no change in the technical specification what so ever.

     The cosmetic changes in the Verna Transform are - new headlamps, radiator grill and bumper. The rear also gets some cosmetic changes and so do the interiors. Two petrol and three diesel variants are available with the top end diesel variant having automatic transmission option.

     The Hyundai Verna Transform is priced in the range of Rs 6.55 to 7.50 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.87 to 9.21 lakh for the diesel variants.

     On the occasion of the launch, H W Park, MD & CEO, HMIL, said, “The Verna Transform is all set to boost Hyundai’s already superior line-up of products in India by raising the benchmark in the sedan segment, even further. The car’s distinctive sporty styling and dynamic features complement the refined power and thrilling performance that the Verna brand stands for. We are confident that the new Verna will prove to be very popular with car enthusiasts and will transform ownership into a thrilling experience. “

Continue Reading | comments

Chevrolet Beat Diesel launch by early 2011

     General Motors will launch diesel variant of Chevrolet Beat hatchback by early next year. The company has announced the manufacturing of 1 litre diesel engines from its Talegaon plant which will power the Beat. Beat has been received well by the customers and a diesel option will be a feather in the GMs crown.

Continue Reading | comments

Peugeot planning to re-enter India

     Europe’s second largest auto manufacturer Peugeot Citroen is planning to re-enter Indian market. The company is in search for the location in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to set up its manufacturing plant.

     According to the research conducted by the company last year, it is likely to bring in its hatchback 307 and sedan C5 in India. C5 sedan had been spotted testing in Bangalore few months ago.

     Peugeot had discussions with ARAI regarding understating of regulations and homologation for its products in India. The company officials have confirmed the report of them approaching Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh Govt.

     The company has already had discussions with the Automotive Research Association of India to understand the regulations and homologation (making the vehicles meet the Indian rules and norm) needs for its products, the sources said.

     "The global economic crisis has slowed the plans and that the company is strongly in favour of operations in India as and when conditions become favorable." said Mr Rajesh Nellore Vice President India, Peugeot Citroen.

Continue Reading | comments

Tata Nano Convertible

Two Tata Nanos roof chopped ferrying visitors at its plant in Sanand

Continue Reading | comments

Next Generation Suzuki Swift revealed in Hungary

     The next generation Suzuki Swift slated for 2011 has been revealed in Hungary. The new Swift is ligher, longer and more spacious that its older sibling. The new Swift is also has better dynamics, increased performance and reduced CO2 emissions.

     The wheelbase has been increased by mm and overall lenght by mm. The increase in wheelbase might create more space for rear passengers. Use of high strength steel has made the car chassis ligher and stiffer. Front brakes and Rear brakes are wider by 10mm and 5mm respectively.

Continue Reading | comments

Scoop: 2011 Suzuki Swift caught without camouflage

     The spy pictures of the next generation Suzuki Swift has been doing rounds in the net for a while. But nothing like this pictures without camouflage had surfaced earlier. The pictures show the rear end of the Swift which looks similar to the present model with little modifications. The tail lights tapper with more angular edges and blend neatly with the boot. With these image we can comment little on the car but Suzuki would have done their job to provide good leg space at the rear which is lacking in the present model.

Continue Reading | comments