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BMW eyes No 1 position

Few days back, BMW announced that its Indian operation will break even this year. Here’s yet another announcement which will certainly create ripples in Indian Auto industry. “We have far exceeded our performance in India with 1,387 units sold last year. As we get closer to Mercedes, you can imagine we have in our sight that we want to overtake Mercedes, whether we do it in 2009 or 2010 we will have to see,” BMW Director Region Asia Pacific David Panton told. He said the Indian customers have accepted the BMW brand well and the company’s future growth in the country would depend upon how the market develops. In 2007, BMW revised its sales target twice and finally ended with selling 1,387 units. At present, BMW assembles 3-series and 5-series in Chennai plant and offers X3,X5, M3 coupe,M5 sedan,M6 Convertible and BMW 6 series individual and BMW 7 series individual as CBU. For the year 2008, BMW plans to sell 2,000 units in the India. To reach the target, BMW will expand its dealer network to 12 from the present nine outlets over the 2008. BMW would also make an announcement on a possible launch of mini brand in Indian market. BMW is also planning to set up a first-of-its- kind company-owned brand display studio in India.

Mercedes which launched new c-class in India recently, plans to sell as many as 3,000 Merc’s in the current calendar year. Mercedes has been assembling cars in India since the mid 90’s and sold 2,491 units in the country in 2007.

Xenitis new 150cc scooter

Global auto a JV of Xentis Group and China’s Guangzhou Automobile Industry has launched a new 150cc scooter called UFO0150. Xenitis new 150cc scooter is priced Rs34,990. Global Automobiles made headlines few months back by launching 100cc motorcycle (Rock 100) at a price of Rs20000. More details are expected.

Mercedes launches new C-class

Mercedes today launched the new C-class in chennai. With this launch, Daimler has taken only 10 months to bring the new C-class after its international debut. This signifies the importance of India in Daimler global operations. Unveiling the car, Mr Sahajwala Head Marketing, DaimlerChrysler India said the new C-class has already created a lot of excitement in the Indian market. We have to believe his words Daimler has already received orders for more than 160 plus new C-Class since the unveiling at the Auto Expo.

The design of the new C-class is based on the modern Mercedes idiom which reflects the technical superiority of automobiles bearing the star with taut lines and large tranquil surfaces. In addition the new c-class is more spacious and power packed than before. Here are few pictures from the launch function

Vahan Show: Interview with Mr.Arun Jaura Sr VP, R&D and Global Developement, Mahindra and Mahindra

You may wonder how Mahindra brings out innovative technologies quite often when others struggles to do atleast once. We spoke with the brain behind all these things. The man who is very instrumental in Mahindra’s theme for the future i.e sustainable mobility solutions. Mahindra will soon launch a micro hybrid version of Bolero and Scorpio. 2009 is going to be the memorable year in the history of Indian Automotive Industry. Yes, in 2009 you can see scorpios plying in United States Of America. Mahindra scorpio hybrid is almost ready, infact Anand Mahindra reached the Auto Expo from the Delhi airport in a Zero emission scorpio. The man behind all these Mr Arun Jaura explains about the Mahindra’s new 6 speed Automatic Transmission, Scorpio Hybrid and the new Ingenio MPV

Interview with Mr.Arun Jaura Sr VP, R&D and Global Developement, Mahindra and Mahindra

Vahan Show: Interview with Mr N.K. Rattan, Divisional Head, Marketing and Sales,Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters has been the market leader in the scooter segment since the launch of Activa. Honda has become the reliable partner for Indian customers. Currently, Honda sells Activa, Dio, Eterno, Shine and Unicorn in india. Recently Honda announced its intention to sell superbikes in India. We interviewed Mr N.K. Rattan, Divisional Head, Marketing and Sales,Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India. He talked about the launch of Honda’s CBR in India, superbikes and its safety in Indian roads. He said that the new Aviator scooter will help the Honda to target the Urban male who needs performance and aggressive styling. He shared his views on the new 125cc segment in scooter and answered queries on sporty shine. However,he told us Honda doesn’t have any plan to roll out escooters or ebikes. Watch the Interview

Interview with Mr N.K. Rattan, Divisional Head, Marketing and Sales,Honda Motorcycles and Scooter India

Vahan Show: Interview with Mr.Harri Seppanen, Customer Director, Volvo

Volvo India which recently launched S80 and XC90 in India unveiled C70 convertible at the Auto Expo.Volvo’s C70 is the second generation convertible of C70 from volvo cars. A three piece retractable hardtop transforms the volvo C70 from coupe to convertible at the touch of a button. C70 is developed by volvo in co-operation with an italian design firm called Pininfarina( with whom India’s ICML tied up for its world car platform). Globally,C70 is available with three petrol and two diesel engines. C70 has won some prestigious awards in Europe. Volvo will sell this C70 soon in India. Volvo India currently has three dealerships – Delhi,Mumbai and Chandigarh. Volvo India plans to expand to 7-9 dealers by the end of 2008. We spoke with Mr.Harri Seppanen, Customer Director, Volvo. He talks about competition with BMW, Mercedes and Audi. However, he said Volvo will not assemble/produce these cars/SUV’s in India atleast in the near future.

Interview with Mr.Harri Seppanen, Customer Director, Volvo

Vahan Show:Interview with Mr Subodh Kumar, Brand Manager, C-class,Mercedes India

Mercedes announced the launch of new C-class in India. The new C-class makes its India debut after extensive testing and development work targeted at making India-specific changes. The new C-Class sedan will compete with the BMW 3-Series and soon to be launched new A4. DaimlerChrysler India has priced the new C-Class at Rs 27 lakh for the petrol C200 Kompressor variant and at Rs 30 lakh for the diesel-engined C220 CDI variant. We interviewed Mr Subodh Kumar, Brand Manager,C-class Mercedes India. What’s new in the new c-class? Can it beat the BMW 3-series? Get your answers here

Interview with Mr Subodh Kumar, Brand Manager, C-class,Mercedes India

Volvo’s C70 Convertible

1) Volvo which so far sold 100 S80’s and Xc90’s will soon start selling C70 convertible in India. . The distinguishing feature of the C70 is a three-piece retractable hardtop, which transforms it from a coupe to a convertible at the push of a button. According to Volvo, the design of the C70 is to create two cars in one without compromising on the design or the power. Volvo developed the C70 in close cooperation with Pinnafarina of Italy, its interiors are inspired by Scandinavian product design. With an emphasis on uncluttered surfaces, honest materials and good function.

2) Whether its a SUV or a coupe protection the occupants is volvo’s first priority. The design of the door-mounted side airbags is one such example of Volvo’s legendary safety theme.The airbags are made to stay inflated for a longer period of time and deflate slower to provide as much protection as possible in a rollover accident. C70 has six airbags, stability control and pop-up rollover bars.

3) Volvo has not specified timing of launch and price in Indian Market. However comparing the prices of C70 in other markets and the import duties C70 might be priced around Rs 42-44 lakh. Volvo which is targeting sales of over 500 cars this year will soon expand its dealership network across India . Volvo will add 7-9 dealers over the year 2008 in India. Volvo also plans to sell its S40 and S60 sedans soon in india.

Vahan Show: Interview with Mr.Mittal Director,ICML

ICML the group company of Sonalika which is known for Rhino SUV has created ripples in the industry through its new world car platform.ICML would build a new SUV and luxury sedan in this platform and plans to sell these cars in europe. To make it’s dream true, ICML has partenered with Pininfarina an italian design firm which is instrumental in design of Ferrari’s,Jaguar’s and Maserati’s for the new world car platform. We spoke to Mr.Raman Mittal Director, ICML at the Auto Expo at the Auto Expo. In this interview, he talks about the new Rhino Rx and the world car platform. According to Mittal, unlike other manufacturers, ICML doesn’t want to be identified as low cost maker but as a manufacturer who sets benchmark. It seems that ICML is really on its way to set benchmarks. India’s first SUV with Zero manufacturing defect would soon come out from ICML stable. (Sonalika has already done this for the tractor). Watch the interview.

Interview with Mr.Mittal Director,ICML

ICML’s new Rhino Rx

1) ICML Rhino Rx: ICML refreshes its Rhino Rx MUV with new interiors at par with any luxury high end car. New interiors are conceptualized by the in-house styling team. New Rhino Rx gets a two piece instrument panel with dual colour theme and 3D night glow effect,digital LED Electronic Instrument Cluster adds a subtle aesthetics to the Rhino’s interior. The new steering wheel also exudes a rich feel inside the Rhino Rx. New integrated console gives maximum utility with mobile charger and bottle holding spaces.

2) ICML Rhino Rx: is currently powered by a 2.0L direct injection, intercooled turbocharged engine which pumps out 100bhp at 3600rpm of maximum power and 220Nm at 2400rpm of maximum torque.

3) ICML Rhino Rx: Rhino Rx is available in three variants S1,S2 and DLX. Prices starts from Rs 6lakh. ICML’s own finance arm International Auto Trac Finance Ltd makes finance easy for the Rhino Rx.

4) ICML Rhino Rx: ICML currently has more than 100 dealers and plans to expand its dealer network across India by the end of 2008. ICML also exports Rhino to Nepal, Bhutan and Srilanka. Picture shows the Rhino Rx Nightingale technology based instrument cluster.