Buoyed by the sales of S80 and X90, Volvo has decided to manufactures cars in India. While the other luxury car makers Mercedes,BMW and Audi have already set plants in India. Volvo is currently offering CBU of XC90 and S80 in India and it plans to bring C70 convertible to India. But the 114% import duty makes the Volvo compete with the locally assembled other luxury cars in the world. As the volumes picks up, Volvo has finally made up its mind to invest in India. “As of now, Volvo’s passenger cars are imported from Sweden. This attracts an import duty of 112% making them pricey. On the other hand, the demand for Volvo cars in India is increasing. So, company is planning to set up its manufacturing unit in India,” said managing director of Euro Cars, Kirit Patel. Euro Cars. Once the production of Volvo cars begin in India, the price may come down by 30%. “The cars, which cost around Rs 40 lakh and above now, would cost a few lakh less,” said marketing director of Euro Cars, Darshan Gajjar.
Tata Nano Mileage
The age of making tall claims by auto manufacturers on their product mileage may be soon over. Soon all the cars and bike with a certified fuel Indicator. The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) that tests vehicles for conformity to norms under Central Motor Vehicle Rules, will certify the mileage before they are launched. “ARAI tests each vehicle for fuel efficiency in any case so it does not mean any new procedure to be included into a manufacturer’s manual,” said Dilip Chenoy, director general, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). “So far, these figures were kept secret but now they will have to be made public.”
This new procedure will kickstart when the Tata launches its Nano next month. Nano was tested by ARAI and certified a mileage yesterday. The fuel efficiency figures or mileage of Nano will be displayed at the Tata’s dealerships. The mileage certified by the ARAI will also be supplied to Nano buyers along with the documentation of the product..Other products will also follow the same
With the introduction of mileage indicator with every product, ARAI hopes to moderate increasing competition between car and 2-wheeler companies on fuel efficiency stakes to rest.. However, the figure will only be indicative in nature and companies can’t be taken to court if the product fails to deliver the mileage claimed.
Toyota launches new Corolla Altis
Toyota today launched the much hyped Corolla Altis in India.New Corolla altis will replace the corolla in India. With the formal launch at the Noida Expo ground corolla altis is now available across the Toyota Dealerships for sale. “This year’s target is to sell 63,000 vehicles, and by fiscal 2015 we are aiming for a market share of about 10 per cent. The Altis marks our big step toward the achievement of this goal,” Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Vice-Chairman Vikram Kirloskar said. Corolla altis is powered by a 1.8L, 4 cylinder gasoline engine which pumps out maximum power of 130bhp at 6000rpm. The new altis comes with a standard 5-speed manual transmission and an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota says the new corolla altis is dimensionally bigger and it offer good cabin space. According to Toyota the new corolla altis offers 22 storage spaces and a 475 litres of boot space. Toyota has also introduced two novel safety features in india with the launch of the corolla altis. Electrochromatic inner rear view mirror which will reduce the glare and automatic headlamp washer which will ensure a good visibility are first in class features. The three variants of the new corolla altis are – 1.8G manual, 1.8GL manual and 1.8VL automatic. The five colours on offer for the new corolla altis includes Silver Mica Metallic, Light Blue Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic,Champagne Mica Metallic and White Pearl Mica. The new corolla altis competes with Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata Embera and Volkswagen Jetta. The new corolla altis is priced between Rs 10.83 lakh and Rs 12.86 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Toyota plans to sell an average of 2,000 Corolla Altis a month.
More details are expected and photos will be uploaded soon.
To view the technical specifications of new corolla altis visit http://vicky.in/forums/topic/toyota-corolla-altis-specification
Update
The price of new Toyota Corolla altis
Grade Price
1.8 V (L) A/T Rs. 1,286,000
1.8 G (L) M/T Rs. 1,209,000
1.8 G M/T Rs. 1,083,000
2008 SIAM Convention
Notable announcements at the Industry conference and SIAM convention
Honda Siel to launch Jazz
Honda will launch the company’s first small car possibly the Jazz in the December quarter of 2009. Honda Siel Cars India’s first phase of a new plant in western Rajasthan state will be completed by the end of this month, Jnaneswar Sen, vice president of marketing at Honda’s Indian unit told on the sidelines of an industry meet.
General Motors new Beat and diesel engine
* GM plans to launch an another small car in India which would be launched in second half of 2009. Engineers at its Bangalore R&D centre have been working on the small car, which would also be exported to overseas markets.
* GM is planning to ramp up its dealership network to 200 by the end of December.
* GM is also planning to manufacture a smaller diesel engine which will power its future small cars.
We understand that the natural tendency in India is to look at a smaller diesel and we are actively exploring that option through GM Powertrain.” Dittoed Nick Reilly, president, GM Asia Pacific and GM group vice president, said: “We are looking at different displacements and there is an opportunity for a small diesel as well.” “The diesel engine (in the new plant) will come from the (1.3 litre Fiat multijet) family,” Mr Reilly said.
Skoda to launch Fabia sport, new superb and new Octavia
Skoda plans to introduce as many as eight models in next five years to make India amongst the top-five of its global markets.
“We are looking at introducing sports utility vehicles (SUVs), multi-purpose vehicles and a car below Fabia,”
Skoda Auto India Member of the Board (Sales and Marketing) Thomas Kuehl said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008.
Skoda’s small car would be in the price range of 3-5 lakh and would compete with Hyundai I10 and Chevrolet Spark. Skoda also plans to bring the recently launched new generation Superb in 2009. Skoda is also planning to introduce a sporty version of its hatchback Fabia, which could be priced around Rs 10 lakh. Skoda will also launch a replacement for Octavia sedan. Skoda is also working on a station wagon version of its hatchback Fabia
Fiat’s cheapest car
Similar to its Indian partner, Fiat also plans to launch a cheaper car in 2010. However the small car will not come under Fiat brand and will not be manufactured in India. “By 2010, Fiat is planning to launch a low-cost car, not under the Fiat brand, but under another brand,” Fiat CEO Sergia Marchionne said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008.
Mercedes – Benz may bring A-class
Mercedes Benz says it is evaluating a possibility for introducing its small range A-Class car in India.
“We are evaluating the Indian market regarding price positioning and overall perception of the company as far as the A-Class range is concerned. However, we have not taken any decision so far whether and when to introduce the A-Class car in India,” Mercedes Benz COO Rainer Schmuckle said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008
Maruti Suzuki to launch A-star
As announced, Maruti suzuki will unveil its ‘A-Star’ compact car model in India in October. Also with the launch of new A-star Maruti Suzuki will introduce the K-series engine in India. he global compact car A-Star uses the advanced K-series engine which is not only fuel-efficient but also complies with Euro-V emission norms, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) chairman RC Bhargava said. He also added Maruti Suzuki will launch the splash in India early 2009.
Nissan to launch Murano,new Teana and new X-trail
Nissan which will launch indian based models in 2010 plans to bring the new Teana and Xtrail in India.Nissan also plans to bring the Murano Crossover to India.”We will launch a high-end crossover vehicle Morano along with new Xtrail and a new Teana sedan, which could be launched in 2009,” Kimura said on the sidelines of the 48th SIAM Annual Convention 2008
Hyundai new i20
Hyundai is all set to unveil the new i20 at the Upcoming paris auto show. Today Hyundai has released a few info and a picture of the i20. I20 is third product after i30 and i10 in the Hyundai’s i series. Similar to i10, i20 will also be produced in India. But unlike the i10, i20 is designed for the European market with an emphasis on build quality, comfort and value. The i20 will replace the Getz in western markets but will add to Hyundai’s small car line-up in India. ‘The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs,’ said Kun Hee Ahn, president of Hyundai Motor Europe. ‘It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive. Shown above is the official picture of Hyundai i20.
The styling of the i20 is clearly heavily influenced by the existing i-series models. Looking at the little chrome grille, teardrop headlights and elliptical glassarea anyone can tell that its an i-series car. Thanks to the use of strong crease over the plain surface i20 is more masculine unlike the feminine i10 . Inside Hyundai is promising clever packaging and generous equipment levels.
i20 has a roomier interior and longer wheelbase than the Getz. i20 which is based on a all new platform will be offered with three engine options – 1.2 , 1.4-litre petrol engines and an eco friendly 1.4L common rail engine. The indian i20 will get the recently introduced 1.2L kappa engine to qualify for the small car excise norm. Hyundai may tune up the 1.2L kappa engine for the superior performance of the i20.
i20 i-blue
Similar to other carmakers like (greenline of Skoda and blue tec for Mercedes) Hyundai will also launch an ultra efficient and eco friendly variant of i20. The 1.4L diesel mill will power the i20 blue. The motor will pump out 89bhp and will be coupled with a six speed transmission.The i20 i-blue will also use shorter springs, underbody panels, front fascia tweaks and low rolling resistance tires for better fuel economy. According to Hyundai the i20 i-blue emits only 99g/km and returns 68mpg (24kmpl). The chance of India getting this i20 i-blue is very low.
Tata Motors Unveils Indica EV
Shown above is the picture of Tata Indica EV
Tata Motors has unveiled the electric variant of Indica today at an Industry conference. Christened as “Indica EV” the car will use battery power to run. Tata is developing the Indica EV in association with a Norwegian partner. The new Indica EV is based on the previous generation Indica platform(not the Indica VIsta) and powered by superior lithium ion batteries. According to Tata Motors, on a full charge which takes about eight hours, Indica EV will run 175 – 200 km. “This is one of the technologies that we are looking at, as you know that electric cars are almost zero emission,” Tata Motors Managing Director Ravi Kant said.
Tata plans to launch the left hand drive version of Indica EV in Norway by 2009. Indian market might get the Indica EV sometime in 2010. Tata cites the lack of infrastructure for the delay of the launch. “Norway has the necessary infrastructure in place to run electric cars which India lacks.” “Right now we want to test it out in Norway with the Norwegian party. Because, you know, lot of infrastructure is required for electric vehicles and … in Norway, they are making arrangements for electric cars.” “We will bring that to India at an appropriate time” he added.
GM launched Chevrolet new Tavera Neo-2
As we earlier reported http://www.vicky.in/blog/chevrolets-new-tavera/
GM today launched a facelifted version of its MUV Tavera. Named as Tavera Neo-2 gets new features both on the exteriors and interiors. “As a result of the feedbacks received, the Chevrolet Tavera once again raises the bar in terms of features and personal amenities for its segment,” said GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym. Tavera Neo-2 is priced at Rs9.54 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). GM (General Motors) which currently sells 1700 – 1800 units of Tavera hopes to sell 2000 units with the introduction of Tavera Neo-2. General Motors announced it will launch an all new mini compact global car in 2010 which will complement the Spark and the UVA which are currently available in the Chevrolet stable.GM also said that it would launch a small car that would complement spark and U-VA in 2009.
New features includes
* A larger grille with a bigger Chevrolet bowtie and an elongated air dam for the new facelifted tavera neo-2.
* Stylish graphics on the body panels
* Three spoke steering wheel replaces existing two spoke in the new Tavera neo-2
* GM Tavera Neo-2 also gets a refreshed instrument panel and the central console is now projected towards the driver
* The new Tavera Neo-2 gets a closed glove box.
* Dual tone beige interiors is a new addition in the Tavera Neo-2
Happy Vinayaka Chaturthi
Ganapati Bapa Moriya
Pictorial Preview on new Honda city
Unlike anywhere in the world, Honda is enjoying a special love among Indian customers. Indians ignores the Toyota, Ford’s and even the Maruti’s to buy a car from Honda. The astounding success of city,civic,CR-V and accord is the witness of this love. City which has almost come to an end of its product lifecycle is still sticking to No.1 spot piping the masculine SX4 and frugal logan. But as typical for any successful team, Honda engineers are under pressure to beat their previous performance. The task before them is to create a sedan that should outperform the experience of the current city. Difficult isn’t it?
1) New Honda 2008 / 2009 city: What makes their job more tough is they have to play within the limitations. Unlike the civic, city is not a global car it is confined to asian market.Hence the investment cannot be huge, similar to previous generation city the new city shares the platform with the Honda’s super hatch Jazz. But credible effort is made to hide the hatch root of the new 2008 city.
2) New Honda 2008 / 2009 city: The funky look of the Jazz is gone, the headlamps are neat with integrated indicators. Two large crease on the bonnet and 3D dimensional grille gives the new 2008 city a distinct look. A more muscular front bumper makes the 2008 city to resemble the ‘cab forward’ style of other Honda products.Unlike the current city which looks awkward when viewed from rear, this new city looks nice. The sedan has an upswept shoulder line to complement the muscular front and flows into the angular tail lamp cluster. The curved surfaces all over its length conveys that the car will have better aerodynamic co-efficient and hence the mileage.
3) New Honda 2008 / 2009 city: When we think about the mileage, we remember Honda’s promise of fitting superior i-VTEC in all its upcoming models. i-VTEC is the Honda’s trademarked acronym for Variable valve Timing and Electronic lift Control.In the new unit the valves are opened wide and for a longer period for more power. Be ready to scream this engine till 6500rpm and challenge the SX4. Honda will carry forward the five speed gearbox and a auto box from the Jazz.
4) New Honda 2008 / 2009 city: Thanks to Honda for sourcing the steering wheel from Civic for the new city 2008, the interior looks sporty. The chrome ringed dials, height adjustable seats and paddle shifts is sure to raise heart beat.However the two tone interiors as shown in the photo is again a letdown from Honda. The chrome strips at the centre console fails to bring the upmarket look which the segment buyer would look for.
5) New Honda 2008 / 2009 city: Similar to the current city, the new city 2008 might come in three variants. The top end version of the new city 2008 would feature front and rear fog lamps, mirror mounted indicators,60:40 foldable seats,integrated CD player,chrome door handles, 15 inch alloy wheels and chrome cutter for exchaust. For the safety of the occupants the new city 2008 will come with G-CON body construction,ABS with EBD and Brake Assist and Airbags for driver and front passenger. The disc brake on all wheels.
6) New Honda 2008 / 2009 city: Are you owner of current generation city and worried about its resale value after the launch of new 2008 city? the following words might excite you. Contrarty to its tradition of replacing the older one when the new generartion cars are introduced, there are rumours that Honda might keep selling the current city along with the new city at a lower price.
The new city 2008 will make its international debut on 09th Septemeber in Thailand. Honda Thailand has already started running a teaser campaign for the new city. http://www.honda.co.th/city/teaser/main.php
Honda’s new city would hit the Indian market before the end of this month. The philipines, Singapore and Malayasia will get the new city by 2009. This new city will be hit the Pakistan and China soon.
Photo Source: wou1wou2
Singur losses Tata Nano
Tata has formally announced that it is suspending work at Nano plant in Singur citing the continued confrontation and agitation at the site. Tata Motors also said that it is evaluating options for alternate site for manufacture of the Nano. A detailed plan to move plant, machinery to another site is under preparation.
More news awaited .. Keep watching this space ..