Vahan Show:Interview with Mr.Sandeep Singh, Deputy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor

When newbies are firing on all cylinders, Toyota which came into India 10 years back has just finalized its strategy. But Toyota believes the slow an steady progress it made during this period will help when it starts unleashing Indian specific models in 2010. Till then it wants to lead whatever the segment which it is present. In the pursuit of leading the entry level D-segment, Toyota has brought the 10th generation corolla to india. We interview  Mr.Sandeep Singh, Deputy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor at the sidelines of Corolla altis launch and he share with us how Toyota plans to sailthrough the toughest economic conditions. Being a player in the premium segment, he worries about the spiralling inflation, staganting salaries and credit crunch. But he became happy when we started talking about the proposed Toyota’s small car. He also talks about the launch of Fortuner in India. Watch the interview…

Vahan Show:Interview with Mr.Sandeep Singh, Deputy MD, Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Government to levy 25% cess on big diesel cars

Prices of GM’s Captiva, Mitsubishi Montero, Mitsubishi pajero and many more big diesel cars may soon undergo a dramatical raise. Government of India is considering dual pricing strategy for diesel fuel to limit the losses incurred by Oil marketing Companies. As part of a dual fuel pricing policy, Government may impose a 25 per cent cess on ‘BIG’ diesel cars. What ‘BIG’ diesel cars really refers to? any car above 4meters in length. Then expect things to go much worser.

“Big car owners do not deserve subsidised diesel. We want them to pay market price but it will be difficult to ask petrol pumps to charge them higher than other vehicles. So it is being debated if a 25 per cent cess on the car price may be imposed on big cars,” a top Petroleum Ministry official said. “The idea is to limit sale of subsidised diesel to transport and agriculture sectors only,” he said.. If cabinet approves the policy,  Petroleum Ministry expects the cess on big diesel cars would give about Rs 150 crore additional revenues annually.

Straightfrmtheheart: Frequent changes in automobile policy would hit the market badly. The uncertain policies would create confusion and might deter auto majors from making further investments. Please stay firm on your policies.

Honda to launch new city in Thailand on September 09th

The much aniticipated new city will make its debut in Thailand tommorow. As the Thailand is the mother country, this time too the city will make its internationl debut in Thailand. India one of the largest market for city will get the car by this month end. Though built on the hatchback (Jazz) platform the new city borrow styling cues from its elder sibling civic.   Powered by a 1.5L i-VTEC engine with optional automatic transmission this new city is expected to set new standards in its segment. For the Thailand market the new city will be available in three grades (variants) – S,V and SV. The top end model City SV would feature class leading features like the F1 inspired paddle shift, dual airbags and 16 inch alloy wheels. Honda’s new city is expected to be priced 10 -15% higher than the current city.

Here’s a teaser video on Honda’s new city.

Honda offers discounts on City and Civic

Following Hyundai, Maruti Suzuki, GM and Ford,  Honda offers discounts on its city and civic sedan. This is the fist time Honda is offering discounts for its products in the Indian market. Honda has waived 50% insurance premium for those who are buying City and Civic sedans. Honda also offers offers comprehensive warranty and service packages to the customers. Remember the city will be replaced by the new generation city soon.

YO-Byke Onam special offer

E-bike maker Electrotherm  has come up with a special offer for onam. According to Yo-byke onam special offer you would save road tax worth Rs 2,020 free on purchase of ‘Yo-speed’ and free vehicle insurance worth Rs 750 on buying Yo-smart. “The Onam festive offer, which is valid till September 30, will only enable YObykes to reach out to many more people in Kerala, while adding to the happiness and colours of Onam”Mr Avinash Bhandari, Director-Operations, Electrotherm, said.

@Vicky.in forums – Pulsor (Vs) Unicorn, Yamaha Gladiator vs Honda CBF Stunner Vs Discover 135 sport and much more

Lot of interesting discussion and threads on bike comparisons, spy photos, new launches etc are going on the  recently revamped vicky.in forum. Here is the glimpse. Have a look at it and start participating in discussions.

  • Pulsar or Unicorn – Which one to choose ?
  • Yamaha Gladiator vs Honda CBF Stunner Vs Discover 135 sport
  • WAITING PERIOD FOR HONDA ACTIVA
  • Toyota Altis Special – Pictures, Features, Specification

Suzuki A-star is Nissan’s Pixo

As you know, Maruti Suzuki is all set to launch its A-star in October. The A-star produced in India is not just for Indian market but also for export markets. 50000 units A-star will be exported to europe possibly from January 2009. But the european A-star will not be the same as the indian A-star. The front including the badge gets a modest change.  Yes, as part of agreement between Nissan and Suzuki, the later will export the A-star as pixo for european markets.

The new pixo (A-star) will be powered by the Suzuki’s 1.0L  K-series engine similar to A-star. However pixo would get a four speed automatic transmission for easy city commuting. If Maruti Suzuki comes up with a automatic transmission for its A-star then the battle with the i10 would be intense. Remember Hyundai recently rolled an automatic variant of i10. Nissan plans to showcase the pixo at the upcoming paris auto show. The dimensions of the pixo is out, pixo is 3565 mm long, 1470 mm tall, 1600 mm wide and it has a wheelbase of 2360 mm. Take a note of it as A-star would have same dimensions and you come to know this very first time.  Nissan says that because of the efficient design and packaging the pixo (A-star) would offer a roomy interior and a generous luggage space. But Nissan admits that the pixo would be a four seater. Don’t try to carry three in the rear seat of the A-star.

Picture of Maruti Suzuki A-star:

Picture of Nissan Pixo:

Ford Fiesta Diamond Offer

As the festive season is about to kicks in, many manufacturers are preparing to launch new models while others rely on discounts to sell their models. Ford which recently faclifted its Fiesta is now offering a distinct gift to Fiesta customers. Ford celebrates 75000 Fiestas on road with assured diamonds this festive season. Ford has partenered with Tanishq to offer diamond worth Rs20,000 for every customer who book a fiesta. Ford is also offering special offers for corporate and government employees.

GM Chevrolet Diwali offer

As usual GM Chevrolet edges out other manufacturers to announce its Diwali offer. Last year it shocked everyone by discounting Rs52,000 on spark as part of its Diwali offer. This year chevrolet is offering discounts and offers for all its products. Here are the details.

Chevrolet spark offer:

You can save upto Rs58,000 on buying spark in addition to the Financial payout. GM also offers warranty for three years / 100,000kms.

Chevrolet Aveo U-VA offer:

Save Rs27,000 on buying Aveo and get a Financial payout extra. GM also offers warranty for three years /100,000kms. Free maintenance package 3 years/ 45000kms comes is also part of the package.

Chevrolet Aveo offer:

Save Rs28,000 on buying Aveo and get a Financial payout extra. GM also offers warranty for three years /100,000kms. Free maintenance package 3 years/ 45000kms comes is also part of the package.

Chevrolet Optra magnum offer:

Save upto Rs28,000 on buying spark in addition to the Financial payout. GM also offers warranty for three years / 100,000kms.

Chevrolet Tavera:

Save up to Rs46,000 on Tavera

Yamaha plans to launch FZ-16

The vibrant Yamaha is all set to unleash a rogue in the Indian market.  While the race inspired R15 conquered the premium 150cc segment, Yamaha’s new FZ-16 would be a muscular one to pull crowds. FZ-16  is the same bike we seen at the Auto expo (known as FZ 150cc). Unlike to what we believed this FZ-16 will be a 160cc bike. An air cooled, caruberetted 160cc mill will power the new FZ-16. Tuned for torque, this motor is expected to generate around 15bhp of maximum power. FZ-16 will come with 5-speed transmission. The toe only lever gearshift pattern will be the well accepted 1-down 4-up.

If you think R15 does not suit your taller body profile, remember this FZ-16 is a street fighter and its styling will suit for well builds. Inspired from iconic FZ 1000, FZ-16 is large,chunky and looks massive. There is nothing to hide – the engine, the injection system,  chain and tractor tyres are open and sure to intimidate fellow riders. The

Though it may not be as hi-fi as its sibling R15, the FZ-16 will offer features that are on par or more  than its peers. At the rear FZ-16 sports mono-suspension becoming the third bike after Honda’s Unicorn and Yamaha’s R15 to offer this feature. A digital speedometer will be on offer. The analog tachometer’s redlining is at 9000 rpm. Let’s ready to screw the engine to its red-line and go to Ladakh. Mull over it, serious off-roaind should not be an issue. The macho tyres of the FZ-16 would be tubeless both at the fore and aft. However in the pursuit of bringing an affordable bike (atleast this time) FZ-16 comes with a drum brake at the rear.

FZ-16 is expected to be priced between Rs70,000-Rs80,000 and will take on the new Apache RTR FI. Yamaha might launch the FZ-16 in September itself. Start visting your nearby Yamaha showroom daily to know about the booking.

To view pictures of FZ-16 (known as FZ 150cc) visit http://www.vicky.in/blog/yamaha-fz-150cc-pictorial-preview/