Suzuki to preview 2 new models at New York Auto Show

     Suzuki Motor Company of Japan has announced that it will preview two new models at the upcoming New York Auto Show. First of it will be an all new variant of Suzuki Kizashi with a high performance turbocharged engine with 290 Bhp of power. The car will sport a 19 inch wheels, re-tuned suspension and a rear spoiler as well. The second model will be the all new Swift Sport concept. Suzuki recently showed its Swift based S-Concept at Geneva Motor Show.

Source: ACI

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Ssangyong KEV2 SUV concept to debut at Seoul Motor Show

     The Ssangyong KEV2 SUV concept will be the first vehicle ever since Mahindra tookover majority of the stake in Ssangyong Motors. The KEV2 SUV concept will debut at the Seoul Motors Show which starts on 1st of April.


     The KEV2 SUV concept is a electric crossover based on the Korando C. The design has been futuristic unlike the old Ssangyongs which looked like derivatives of Mercedes Benz SUVs.

     The KEV2 concept seats four persons with lots of LCD touch screens and an advance interface which makes you feel like being in a space craft. The passenger cabin is spacious with lots of leg room and the comfortable seats takes you longer distance without being tired. Around the passenger there are lots of controls, knobs and buttons
making it surely a space age vehicle.


     It is not clear when the KEV2 SUV concept will be officially launched, but we can expect something similar to it in the near future. Is Mahindra thinking to bring it to India? Well we think they do, after all Mahindra is an Indian company!

Source: IAB

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Honda Civic to get a diesel engine by 2013

     Though not in India, Honda’s flagship model Civic will get a diesel engine by 2013 in UK. The Managing Director of Honda UK Mr. David Hodgetts has hinted about Civic diesel by 2013 in UK.

     Honda has been developing a diesel engine for its range of cars Accord, Civic and Jazz. The Civic could get the 150 Bhp i-DTEC engine. However we in India need to wait for another year and the price of the diesel Civic could go up beyond acceptable levels in India.

Source: Am-Online via IAB

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Mahindra’s top 100 vendors to go to South Korea before Ssangyong launch in India

     Home grown utility vehicles major Mahindra will soon launch Ssangyong vehicles in India. To remind, last week Mahindra completed the purchase of majority of stake in the South Korean automobile manufactures Ssangyong Motors.


     Before launching the Ssangyong vehicles in India, Mahindra wants is top 100 vendors to visit South Korea to integrate sourcing operations of Ssangyong’s vehicles in India. The company has already invited its top vendors such as Sona Steering, JBM, Lumaz, Lokesh, Minda, Varroc, Visteon and Delphi.

     The company sources said, new business opportunities will be explored and also look for communisation of parts to improve production practices. Some of the parts could be exported to South Korea from the local manufacturers.

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Ford India crosses 1,00,000 engine production mark in 14 months

     Ford India has crossed 1,00,000 engine production mark from its new plant in Chennai which was opend 14 months ago. The engine plant started its operations in January 2010.

     Ford has invested $500 million at the Chennai’s Maraimalainagar plant which has a capacity to produce 1,50,000 engines per year. The plant produces five 'Duratec' petrol engine variants and one 'Duratorq' diesel engine variant for Ford vehicles. The plant is important for Ford’s future prospects in domestic as well as overseas markets.










Ford India President and Managing Director Michael Boneham - "This world-class manufacturing facility reinforces our intent and commitment to compete with great products and powertrains in all segments." The report mentioned that Ford is confident that the next 100,000 engines will be produced at an even faster pace.

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Ssangyong Rexton spied testing in India

     The Automotive India forum member Shona 210 could snap a picture of Ssangyong Rexton being tested in Delhi with the badges covered with tapes. This means we can expect the Rexton SUV to be launched in India very soon. The Rexton is based on the earlier generation Mercedes M Class. The powertrain for Rexton has also been licensed from Mercedes Benz. Will Mahindra get an access to the Benz engines for India? We will have to wait and see.

     The Rexton is powered by Mercedes sourced 2.7 liter diesel engine that procures power of 165 Ps on manual transmission and 186 Ps on automatic one. The Mercedes Benz T-Tronic transmission help boost power by over 20 Bhp. The torque stands at 340 Nm on the manual and 402 Nam on the Automatic model. Safety features such as Airbags, ABS and ESP could be expected for India

Source: IAB

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Ashok Leyland Nissan JV to launch 2 more CVs in India

     After the unveiling of Dost – the first vehicle from Ashok Leyland Nissan JV, the two companies are planning to launch 2 more commercial vehicles in the next two years. First one will be Nissan logoed a body type product which will hit to the Indian streets next year. The second one to be followed will be Ashok Leyland badged commercial vehicle with little more payload capacity.

     The Ashok Leyland and Nissan joint venture took of as a Master-Cooperation Agreement in October 2007 for vehicle manufacturing, powertrain manufacturing and technology development. An investment of Rs. 2300 crore has been done jointly by the two companies. The JV has identified three platforms in the commercial segment, covering applications up to 7.5 tones Gross Vehicle Weight. The engines will be manufactured for Euro III and Euro IV standards.

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