Bajaj plans Platina 125cc

Wind 125 –> platina 100cc –> platina 125cc

Its’ going to be the second entry for the platina in the 125cc segment. Yes as part of its revised strategy, Bajaj plans to roll out a 125cc variant of platina soon in the Indian market. In 2003, Kawasaki in association with Bajaj launched the wind 125 based on much touted world bike platform. Wind 125 was designed and developed by Kawasaki in Japan and there were more representation of Kawasaki than the Bajaj in the bike. The decals on the Wind 125 and the chrome finished protection shield on the silencer scream Kawasaki, with just the Bajaj logo featured alongside. But the bike failed to set the sales charts soar and hence Bajaj discontinued Wind 125 in the domestic market while marketing the product in select markets abroad. In 2006 Bajaj introduced a 100cc bike on this platform called Platina in 2006. Infact except the engine platina is a replica of the wind 125. However this new strategy yields better results for Bajaj and platina continues to dominate the entry level 100cc segment.

To furthere ride on the wave, Bajaj will introduce Platina 125cc either in the month of September or in October. Bajaj will fit the XCD 125cc engine in the platina 125cc which produces 9.53PS @7000rpm and 10.85Nm@5000rpm. The superior 125 cc DTS-SI is more refined and more powerful than the platina’s 100cc engine. Along with the introduction of new engine, Bajaj will also come up few costmetic upgrades for the platina 125cc.

The platina 125cc will also come with practical features like electric / self start. With the introduction of 125cc platina Bajaj might cease the production of 100cc platina. The platina 125cc is expected to be priced in between Rs35000-Rs37000. Expect the platina 125cc around Diwali.

Tata’s new Indica V3 Vista

The next generation Indica V3 shown at the Auto Expo will be out soon. To be christened as Indica V3 vista, the car will come with two engine options. A suffix will be added to its name depending on the engine. The petrol model will be called as Indica V3 Vista  Safire as it will be powered by a 1.2L VVT (Variable Valve Timing) Safire engine. The diesel model would be called as Indica V3 vista Quadra-jet and it will be powered the popular 1.3L Quadra-Jet Common Rail Direct Injection Diesel engine. Both the new Indica V3 Vista Quadra-jet Dicor and Indica V3 Vista safire features a 5 speed synchromesh gearbox that comes with a overdrive.

The new Indica V3 vista dynamic and flowing lines will distinguish it from the previous generation Indica. Except for the name and the layout everything seems different.  If the new sweeping headlamp cluster fails to catch your attention, then the chrome handles is sure to catch everyone’s eye.  However the full length pillar mounted tail lamp is an eyesore. But more than the exteriors, the interiors of new Indica vista will be more exciting. The ergonomic seating position, distinctive centrally mounted instrument panel, comfortable seats, generous space and more importantly the quality buttons, fit and finish will convey the Indian customers that Tata Motors has come of age. Tata has been fine tuning the car for a longer time to upgrade its quality and thereby to give the car an upmarket feel. The new Indica vista will also come with host of special features.  The exterior features of the new Indica Vista includes fog lamps and rear wiper. The other comfort features includes head rest for the rear passengers, Integrated CD player, 60:40 split folding rear seats and fabric lining on seats & doors.

The generous dimensions of the new Indica V3 Vista (3795*1695*1550mm) is sure to make the so called spacious sedan to shy away. The new Indica V3 Vista will run on high profile 175/65R rubber. Both the new Indica V3 Vista Dicor and Indica V3 Vista safire features a 5 speed synchromesh gearbox that comes with a overdrive.

The Indica vista saffire will be priced in the range of Rs4-5lakhs and the new indica vista Dicor would be priced Rs4.5-6lakhs. The new indica V3 vista will be pitted against Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Skoda’s Fabia. Expect this indica Vista sometime in August.

Update: Vicky.in reader Benjamin has spotted the new Indica V3 Vista in Bangalore. The unmasked indica vista is a sign that the launch is very much round the corner.

Bajaj Discover sports – Pictorial Review

While the Bajaj has successfully settled (though not to the expectations of Bajaj) in the lower 125cc segment with the XCD. It has no warriors to wrestle with upmarket TVS Flame and Honda’s CBF Stunner. The presence of 135cc Discover doesn’t make the difference. Though it selling like hotcakes, the CBF stunner and Flame makes the Discover out of the loop.

This is detrimental for the manufacturer who created the 125cc segment. Especially when the much anticipated launch of XCD sprint pushed to 2009, Bajaj is left with no bikes in premium 125cc segment. To counter the new comers Bajaj has come with a new variant of Discover with a unique top of the line sports version, clearly aimed at CBF stunner. Let’s see how this new Discover 135cc.

1) Bajaj Discover sports version: When everyone of us expecting the Discover 150cc (exhibited at the Auto Expo), Bajaj has surprised us with a new sporty Discover 135cc. This new sports version of Discover comes with all novel features that featured in Discover 150cc. Also from our reliable sources, we come to know that Bajaj is revisiting its market strategy to cope up with the changing market dynamics and has put on hold its to launch an 150cc variant of Discover. The launch of XCD sprint is deferred to next year.

2) Bajaj Discover sports version: When the Bajaj introduced the Discover 125cc, the styling of the bike has raised eyebrows of many. Even after flying around for years and its omni presence, the bike never makes you bored. The new discover gets an attractive front cowl. Bajaj has also given new graphics and racing stripes at wheel rims to increase the bike’s style factor to an extent. But the addition of new tank mounted spoilers (might be borrowed from the XCD) with turn indicators has spoiled the simple styling of Discover. The tank mounted indicators and large shrouds fails to gel with overall styling and looks like an after treatment.

3) Bajaj Discover sports version: The 135cc exahausTEC, Trips DTSi mill develops 13.10 PS of peak power at 8500 rpm and 11.88 Nm of peak torque at 6500 rpm. This electrifying engine oozes out lotsa power

4) Bajaj Discover sports version: After the alloy wheels and self start, digital console has become a must feature if you want to sell a bike. Discover 135cc gets a new digital speedometer with tachometer and a reserve fuel indicator.

5) Bajaj Discover sports version: However the significant difference over the old bike the new nitrox Suspension at the rear. The proven nitrox suspension gives a plush ride and is sure to save your back in monsoon hit road.

6) Bajaj Discover sports version: With the new change the Discover has become dearer by Rs 2,500. The sports version of new Discover 135cc costs Rs52,990. The new discover is available in three colours – black,blue and red.

Whenever there is slowdown in market manufacturers tend to roll out special / limited edition models or upgrade the models to lure the customers. This strategy helps the manufacturers to keep their products afresh at the same time it saves significant amount of money. The new discover 135cc sports is one such usual upgrade made by India’s second largest automaker Bajaj.

However,the new clothing and features has increased the appeal of the Discover. The new Discover offers you contemporary look and attractive features at a competitive price. If you have narrowed down to stunner or Flame it’s time to rethink your decision and include Discover 135cc sports in your list.

Mahindra and Mahindra eyes Hummer

Get ready for another indian showdown, last year Tata successfully acquired Jaguar and Land Rover. This year another Indian manufacturer may get control of one of the world’s finest brand.The iconic Hummer brand of General Motors is on the block. Several parties including India’s Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra, a russian company and a Chinese company are in the fray. Mahindra and Mahindra which has global ambition in the SUV segment might compete fiercely this time. Also this buyout will be very important for M&M since it is already getting ready to enter world largest automotive market  America.

Tata might sell Chrysler’s Wrangler in India

Tata Motors could be the final saviour for yet another global car maker. Chrysler which is facing bankrtupcy because of skidding sales is looking at Asian markets to save from it. Who could be the ideal partner other than Tata’s. Chrysler has been in talks with Tata Motors to sell and assemble jeeps in India. Recently Tata and Chrysler agreed to sell electric variant of Ace in America. Tata will export the Ace as CKD from India and Chrysler’s Global Electric Vehicle division will fit the motor and retail the Ace in USA.

Coming back to the Wrangler story, if the tie-up happens it may possibly lead to Tata’s buying the Jeep brand. However this sounds a blow for Mahindra and Mahindra. Since M&M is the Chrysler’s old partner and they sold jeeps for a longer period. Infact Mahindra is still known as a jeep maker for many in India.

About Wrangler:

Wrangler is popular off-road vehicle and the successor of willy’s jeep. It is produced by Chrysler under its jeep marque. The wrangler name was introduced in 1987. Chrysler re-designed the off-road-ready Wrangler in 2007, adding a popular four-door version of the SUV that has emerged as the linchpin of its Jeep line-up. In India Mahindra and Mahindra started its business by selling Willy’s jeeps in 1947. Eversince the jeep brand is associated with Mahindra and Mahindra.   Across India, there’s a small but a strong group of jeep fanatics exist. Jeep Thrills (www.jeepthrills.in) is a fraternity of those who believe that the jeep is the only vehicle worth driving. And preserving.  To know more about Chrysler 2008 wrangler visit http://www.jeep.com/en/2008/

Toyota plans big for India

Toyota which has been passive and blamed for its poor show in one of the world’s largest growing automotive market seems finally wakes up. Toyota today inagaurated its second plant in Bangalore. Toyota Motor has also said it will double its investment in India to Rs 2,800 crore as part of its plan to launch a ‘strategic small car’ in the country by 2010. “We will double the investment in the future, which will go up to Rs 2,800 crore from Rs 1,400 crore,” Toyota Motor’s Senior Managing Director Akira Okabe said.

Toyota’s new plant will start producing cars in 2010 and will have an installed capacity of 100,000 units annually. Toyota will produce atleast three-four models in this new plant  in which an overwhelming part will be for its first small car in India.  The new small car codenamed 800L  will be different from Toyota’s international small car and will be designed exclusively for the Indian market. It is believed that the Toyota’s small car would be on the likes of Maruti Suzuki’s Swift Dzire and Tata Indigo CS. The 800L would come both in petrol and diesel versions. Soon after the launch (within five to seven months) of this compact sedan, a hatchback version will be rolled out. After the India launch, the same model is expected to be manufactured in Brazil, China and Russia. The Indian plant will also exporting these models to other countries.The other models to be developed in this plant includes a range of cars and utility vehicles.

Mahindra and Mahindra acquires Kinetic Motors

Mahindra and Mahindra today formally entered into the 7million Indian two wheeler market with the acquisition of Kinetic Motors.A new company called Mahindra Kinetic is formed in which will have control of 80% stake in the new company and 20% would be held by Kinetic Motors. Mahindra & Mahindra have acquires the majority stake for Rs 110 crores. For Mahindra and Mahindra which has been scouting to enter into the two wheeler industry, Kinetic offered a best fit with a decent presence in the Indian two wheeler industry. For Kinetic the mony it got through this deal will be used to pay off the debt and flourish other kinetic auto components,elevators and infrastruture.

Kinetic Tie-ups:

Kinetic ‘s taiwan partner SYM would continue to be a shareholder in Kinetic Motor Company and would become technical partners to the new alliance. SYM has acquired 11% stake in Kinetic Motors last year. Kinetic has also acquired rights to manufacture and sell seven scooters of Bolgona based Italjet in 2005. The new Mahindra Kinetic will manufacture Italjet models and high end motorcycles under the new brand. But all is not good to hear, Mahindra and Mahindra plans to hike prices of all models.

Kinetic product portfolio:

Mopeds – V2, King and Luna.

Motorcycles – Comet, Aquila and Stryker

Scooters & scooterettes – 4S, Nova 135, Kine,Blaze and Flyte

Mahindra Renault to jointly sell Renault cars

Mahindra and Renault may extend their retailing partnership to sell Renault’s future cars  as well. Through the existing Mahindra-Renault a 51:49 joint venture between both the companies are producing and retailing logan presently. Though Mahindra had pulled out of the proposed Rs 4,000 crore tripartite venture with Renault and Nissan to manufacture vehicles at a new plant near Chennai, Mahindra-Renault may be the distribution network to sell renault’s new cars if the talks fruitfy. “We are negotiating with Renault to sell their new cars, which will be launched in the next two years from Chennai. While there are no talks to take the current joint venture beyond the Logan, and M&M does not wish to introduce any more cars, we are hoping to sell Renault’s cars through our distribution network under Mahindra Renault Ltd,” M&M president (automotive sector) Pawan Goenka said.

Skoda hikes prices of all models

Skoda Auto today raised the prices of its models in the range of Rs10000 to Rs25000. Skoda cites increasing raw materials cost for the raise in prices. “The price hike has been necessitated by a variety of cost push factors like surge in freight costs and in prices raw materials. The company has made efforts to absorb maximum costs to keep the price rise marginal so that impact to our customers is minimised,” Skoda India Member of Board of Director for Sales and Marketing Thomas Kuehl said.