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Tata hybrid & electric indica

Tata’s electric appeal:

To meet the strigent european emission norms, Tata Motors chooses an easy way to re-enter european market. In October 2007 Tata Motors confirmed that it is looking launch its products again in european market. Already, we reported you tata motors is working on electric variants of ace and indica(known to Europeans as the City Rover) which would be called as Neighbourhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) for european and United States of america. Today (on november 21st) Tata Motors confirmed it by saying “We are working on converting Indica into an electric platform for the European market”. Worldwide automakers are facing the heat enviromentalist for polluting the atmosphere. Most of the developed countries particularly United states of america and european have already proposed strigent emission norms from 2008(american automakers have filed a suit against norms in california). At the same time these countries are offering rebates for electric and hybrid vehicles. In United Kingdom, all Electric vehicles are exempt from road tax and the daily London Congestion Charge of £8 (Rs 648), which is worth over £2,000 (Rs 1,62,000) per annum.

Indica electric in europe:

Electric vehicle market is big in europe and Tata’s wishes to capture a significant share in the segment. Tata Yazaki Autocomp Limited, a division of Tata Auto Comp Systems Ltd (TACO) has been working on electric and hybrid technologies for past many years. Tata Yazaki is already supplier of hybrid fuel technology to global majors like Ford. Tata is currently testing the Indica hybrid. The hybrid indica would have the facility to turn off the engine when it is not needed such as when the car is stopped at signals, and turned on again. Besides the Indica Hybrid, Tata Motors is also working with a US-based company on electrification of its most popular light commercial vehicle, ‘Ace’, and hybrid buses for city transport.

Reva’s territory:

Already an indian manufacturer called ‘REVA’ has been exploiting these rebates and sells decent number of cars every year. Reva introduced its electric car G-Wiz in 2004, in 2007 alone it will sell around 3000 units. Increasing awarenss about the pollution and raising fuel cost has pushed customers to choose electric cars. Infact Reva is very optimistic about its sales in 2008, it expects the sales to raise by 10 fold times i.e. 30000 reva’s in United Kingdom. Reva’s G-Wiz comes at a price of 7299 pounds(around Rs6 lakh).

About City Rover:

Tata Motors launched its indica under the name city rover in alliance with MG Rover in 2003 in europe. The city rover was launched at a price band of £6,500-8,500. Quality issues, inappropriate pricing and differences with the local partner cost the Tata badly. Tata motors discontinued the city rover in 2005. But after the corus acquisition Tata’s brand has become popular in europe. Tata Motors is a leading bidder in Ford’s jaguar and Land Rover sales. Now tata motors plans to relaunch its product range in europe.

Indica hybrid for india:

While Honda is serious about the launch of its civic hybrid in india and Toyota plans to bring the prius hybrid to India. Homegrown Tata Motors confirmed that it would launch a hybrid indica in india in 2008. Tata Motors will launch a ‘mild hybrid’(no pure-electric driving mode) of Indica in 2008. The company said that electricity-run Indica would not suit the Indian scenario as the domestic market is yet to mature

Hyundai’s i20 – Pictorial preview

Hyundai launches the i20 on December 29th 2008 (today) to read the latest informations,specifications and pictures visit http://www.vicky.in/blog/tag/i20/

1) Following the Hyundai i10 which has been doing well since its debut, Hyundai India will come up with an another small car called ‘i20’. While the i10 will cater to the needs of A segment customers, the new i20 will meet the needs of B or B+ segment lovers. The new i20 developed under the codename ‘PB’ will replace the getz in global markets but in india it will co-exist with the exist atleast for some period of time. The i20 (codenamed PB) will be positioned above the existing Getz.

2) Unlike the i10, the new i20 is designed specifically to meet the european consumers(not for indian). But since Hyundai is shifting its small car production to india from korea, Hyundai will offer the new i20 as a bonus to indian consumers. Already, Hyundai india manufacturers european atos prime(santro in india), i10 and getz for global markets. Soon the new i20 will join this line-up. With this almost 30% of Hyundai production will be manufactured in the chennai plant by 2009.

3) Hyundai’s new i20 hatchback is largely inspired by its premium hatchback i30 (already launched in europe and korea). i20 front is defined with a low slung grille, large headlamps and sporty round fog lamps. The steeply raked winds screen flows smoothly and merges with a novel tail section. Similar to Renault Clio, Hyundai i20 features an upright tailgate which means more room for luggage too. Interiors will be top notch with high-quality plastics and it will be comfortable with a more flexible seating layout similar to i10. If you believe getz is the most spacious hatchback, time has come to rethink! the new i20 will be offer plenty of space to live-in even more than the spacious getz.

4) The i20 will be powered by a new 1.2 litre gasoline engine (kappa) developing 58KW. Hyundai is also developing a new 1.1L CRDi pumping out 55KW. In european market a three door hatchback of i20 will be launched in 2009. The next generation kia rio will be built on the i20 platform. According to Hyundai, similar to i10, the localisation content in i20 for the domestic market would be around 93 per cent and 70-85 per cent for the global markets.

5) Hyundai’s i20 will be launched in 2008 both in indian and western markets. In india, the i20 will take on the upcoming skoda’s fabia, Honda jazz and Volkswagen polo. The i20 will be priced around Rs5.5 lakhs.

Kerala Automobiles new van & autorickshaw

Kerala Automobiles Ltd launched two vehicles -Kerala 1000 pick-up van and Kerala passenger deluxe autorickshaw in the three-wheeler segment on Novemeber 21st.Kerala automobile plans to sell 300 vehicles a month through its dealer network in kerala. Kerala Automobile also developes LPG powered vehicles developed which will be introduced in the market in the near future. The public sector unit had a strong presence in the northern states, including Rajasthan, Haryana and Punjab. Kerala Automobiles has been also exporting its products to countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Guatemala, Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa.

Preview on Hyundai’s santa fe

santa fe – Hyundai’s CRV Challenger..

You wonder why so many SUVs plying in our roads. Here’s the reason, we(indians) though ruled by British, India resembles americans in loving SUVs. The poor roads which demands high ground clearance pushes indians to prefer SUVs. Also rather than bringing and stripping a small car to suit Indian market, manufacturers also prefers SUVs for their debut. Volvo and Volkswagen are recent examples. Sales of sports utility vehicles are expected to grow 25-30% and reach 7,000 units in the fiscal from 4,800 units sold last year. The total utility vehicle market (including SUVs) grew 24% to 59,369 units in April-July.

Currently SUV segment is ruled by Honda CR-V, Ford Endeavour, Maruti Suzuki vitara, Hyundai tucson and Mitsubishi Montero. Next generation vitaras, Endeavours, new Montero and refreshed CR-V was already here also Chevrolet plans to make a foray with a diesel punch in this segment soon and rumours are floating that Volkswagen may bring its Tiguan to India. Really, this segment is boiling like anything. Considering all these, Hyundai seems to be the only one to left behind. Last year it phased out its Terracan SUV on account of poor sales. Tucson’s fate is not far away from Terracan(though Hyundai repeatedly reinsists that it will sell both the santa fe and tucson), it is sticking to the showroom’s floor. To survive, Hyundai has to bring its new models to India. Santa fe means ‘holy faith’ Hyundai has complete faith in the 2nd generation santa fe to make its mark in SUV segment, santa fe will replace the ageing Tucson in India.

Engine and Powertrain:

Hyundai plans to bring in the contemporary second-generation Santa Fe in both petrol and diesel options. Power options include an all-new diesel, the D-2.2 that delivers 153ps @ 4000rpm and 35kgm of torque @ 2000rpm with the help of a Variable Geometry Turbocharger. Fuel is delivered by a second generation 1600-bar common rail diesel injection system governed by a new 32-bit microprocessor while a variable swirl control device and electric air control valve contribute to improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions. The cylinder head has a two-layer water jacket, which increases the strength of the head to permit higher combustion pressures. An electronically-controlled water-cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve helps minimise emissions to comply with the latest Euro IV standards. Santa fe diesel comes with a new five-speed transmission. An optional five-speed automatic gearbox may also on the Hyundai’s charts. The special feature in this 5speed automatic is, you can manually change gear in a Tiptronic fashion, knock the lever over to manual mode and simply push it forward or back to change gear.

The Santa Fe may also be available with a choice of v6 petrol engines. The 2.7L petrol engine develops a peak power output of 138KW(185PS) @ 6000rpm and 248Nm of maximum torque @ 4200rpm. Hyundai calls this V6 engine as ‘Mu’. The new ‘Mu’ variant of Hyundai’s V6 uses continually variable valve timing (CVVT) and a variable intake system (VIS) to offer better mileage/fuel efficiency. The 2.7 V6 petrol might come with a five-speed manual transmission. A 4 speed automatic transmission may also be offered.

Both the engines are good, but this beast weighs almost 1.8tonnes, hence don’t expect this to be your performance pet.

Design and styling:

Santa fe styling is not so innovative, look at any angle you will come up with a vehicle which you have seen takes cues See the BMW X3 in the rear pillar and taillamp design from the Volkswagen touareg. Some cues from the Audi Q7 too. BMW X3 and Volkswagen Touareg will be launched in india soon. Hence, whichever comes first will lures the charm from the others.

The Santa Fe is a very smooth looking machine, it’s a fairly brave design. The front end has a very appealing style, with smooth curves everywhere and a strong grille bordered by fine headlights with diffuse parking lights that make it upmarket slightly.The rear end is particularly shapely for a vehicle of this type, with well integrated tail lights and a deep rear window. Santa Fe’s taller roofline makes it look shorter in length though it has excess dimensions (wheelbase is 2700mm) to comfortable interiors and large stowage space. Color-coded wood and aluminum trim decorates the santa fe’s two-tone interior. Instruments and controls are lit in a cool blue color.

Engineering and Comfort:

Rear seat passengers are also catered for with smart cupholders integrated into the rear armrest and their own B-pillar air vents.the Santa Fe’s spare was under body.Tailgate swings up.
This is due to a more efficient common-rail injection system that also reduces noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).The Santa Fe is a crossover and built on the same assembly line as the Sonata sedan.

A flip and fold seat makes the access easier to the 3rd row.The roof rack crossbars can be adjusted with one finger. The hatch lid is balanced to stay open firmly and close easily. The front cupholders are lit, making it easy to plant your Pepsi. The A/C in the GLS and SE uses an innovative variation on the classic three-dial setup, and the Limited’s climate control can automatically switch between fresh and recirculated air based on outside air quality. 2nd-row passengers get their own face-level air vents and the optional 3rd-row seat includes its own vents and fan control. Everywhere you look, you see what a well-thought-out vehicle the Hyundai Santa Fe is.keyless entry system.

Santa fe shares all the common sin in SUVs of this size – poor headroom for third row passengers and lack of thigh support.

usp:

The flat folding 3rd row seats were also very well presented, and were easy to use; it took a total of 10 seconds to bring the 3rd row to life. Of the other SUVs we have driven with optional 3rd row seats, the Santa Fe is certainly a class leader. The best part is you don’t even know there is a 3rd row there when not in use, as they fold flush with the floor, remaining hidden until the ankle biters need a lift.

Safety and Special features:

In 2007, Hyundai’s midsize SUV Santa Fe earns 2007 TOP SAFETY PICK award by IIHS. Also, received 5 star safety rating by NHTSA. Antlilock brakes, electronic stability contro and airbags are standard safety features. You can keep an eye on their back-seat easily through a special wide angle mirror(will be helpful if your kids are at the back). Santa Fe features a torque on demand four wheel drive system, similar to that of the Tucson. In normal conditions, only the front wheels are driven. Electronic sensors monitor road and driving conditions and automatically engage all-wheel drive when required, to gain the best possible traction and maintain vehicle stability, working in conjunction with the vehicle’s other active safety systems, including ESP (electronic stability programme), ABS with EBD and TCR (traction control). When conditions demand, four wheel drive can be engaged simply by pushing the 4WD button on the front console. This locks all four wheels into permanent drive for better performance when travelling off-road or on low-grip road surfaces.

Price and the Launch:

The next-generation Santa Fe has debuted in the US and Europe is likely to come as a completely-built unit (CBU) from Hyundai’s Korean plant like Tucson and its predecessor Terracan SUV. Hyundai will bring its second generation santa fe to replace its ageing tucson by mid 2008 after the launch of its small car ‘PA’ and getz diesel.

This segment is going to invite Chevrolet captiva, Mitsubishi outlander, scorpio automatic and many more models in 2008.

What this means to you: SUV market will tyrannize us with an overwhelming number of choices.

More from BMW arsenal for india

BMW India which recently revised its sales target from 1000 to 1200 is now planning big for 2008. It plans to expand its product range and dealership network. So far BMW has invested over Rs110 crores and assembles most variants of 3-series and 5series, it imports the 7-Series luxury saloon and the 6-Series coupe and convertible. BMW is now considering to import the 3-Series convertible and coupe and the new X6 hybrid concept (showcased at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show). In the meanwhile, the BMW X5 and the X3 luxury Sports Utility Vehicle imports are being launched in a phased manner. The X5, which has just been homologated will be available for deliveries to customers starting December this year and the company is said to have received confirmed orders for more than 20 units. The X5 will be powered by a 3-litre diesel engine and is to be priced at about Rs 63 lakh, ex-showroom. BMW is also conducting a feasibility for the introduction of the Mini Cooper brand in India.

BMW will also appoint new dealers in 2008 in four more cities including Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi and Kolkata. The German carmaker is also considering setting up smaller authorised service outlets in Tier II cities. Also as part of its brand promotion, it is also planning to set up a BMW Pavilion in Delhi by the second quarter of next year, which will not only have its cars on display, but also a lot of other concepts. BMW is also mulling to get into get into the used car business, it may consider a soft launch of the exclusive Premium Selection brand in just the two metros of Delhi and Mumbai

Porsche eyes big in India

Porsche which opened its 2nd showroom in india hopes to triple its sales in three years. So far Porsche has sold about 350 cars in India in the past three years. Currently Porsche sells boxster,cayman,911 and cayenne in india. Cayenne SUV contributes to 65% of total sales. The number of wealthy individuals in India grew at the second-fastest pace in the world in 2006, according to a study by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini. To tap the growing number of wealthy consumers, porsche will soon add showrooms in Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai in addtion to Delhi and Mumbai in 2008. It also plans to open a facility in the North of Mumbai in 2009. Porsche plans atleast 10 such centeres in India. “India is an extremely important emerging market for Porsche,” said Papke managing director of Porsche Middle East and Africa. Inidan luxury car industry is estimated at about 6,000 units annually i.e 2-3% of total car market.”The luxury car segment is still in its infancy, but the potential is enormous, and the key is to unlock that potential,”he added. Indian luxury car industry is expected to double in next few years. Hence most luxury car manufacturers are switching their expansion plans to fast lane Construction of Porsche’s Mumbai showroom started in 2006, and now the finished building is home to the Porsche product range. The technological and sporting icon of Porsche, the Carrera GT, will be on display for a few weeks before it will be flown back to Germany. Though it does not offer its enitire product line-up in india, Porsche says its products, which sell for between Rs 55 lakh and Rs 1.4 crore, will all be available in India, even though it might involve a 14- 16 week waiting period. Precision Cars India the importer of Porsche in India sells the cars through its dealers named Shreyans Motors Pvt. Ltd. Porsche will launch the Panamera in late 2009.

Mounting a laptop in your car

Steering Wheel Mounts: A steering wheel mount usually snaps on the steering wheel of a car without too much assembly. A good feature is to be able to easily remove the mount and tuck it under the car seat while the laptop mount is not being used. A steering wheel mount will require that you don’t have the laptop mounted while driving the car.

No frill laptop mounts: These use existing infrastructure in the car. Example: they use existing seat bolts. Many of these will allow the laptop to stay mounted in a moving car. Ability to mount a laptop in a car without drilling is key if you have multiple cars. Good quality auto laptop mounts will come with ability to absorb vibrations. While choosing a car laptop mount make sure the mounting mechanism is specific to your model.

Car desks: These provide work surfaces to put laptop and accessories. Some of them have efficient slide-out design to save space and yet be useful when you need to spread out the work. Using a laptop on a rear seat tray is straightforward. A back-seat based desk simply attaches to the back of the front seat. Be careful before using a general purpose back-seat tray – it may not be strong enough to hold the weight of your laptop.

Suzuki access vs kinetic flyte

Choosing a scooter is really a tough task, this becomes even tougher when you are given two new items. Suzuki has unveiled its access and Kinetic has unveiled its flyte in the new 125cc segment. Also, is it for the sake of 125cc whether you have to wither your love to the scooty, activa and pleasure. Lets check out!

Engine and powertrain:

Both the access and flyte features 125cc engines. Access has an edge over the flyte in power and torque but only by a small margin. Suzuki Access develops 8.58bhp at 7000rpm and 10N-m at 5500rpm while the flyte generates output of 8bhp at 7000rpm and 9.1Nm at 5500rpm. Since they are powered by 125cc engines both the Access and flyte is reaching 80kmph at ease where 100cc scooters used to run out of steam. The access and the flyte’s transmission is through CVT(continuously variable transmission). Kinetic flyte features powerful 9Ah battery which means less number of kicks for starting during cold season. Access returns a combined fuel efficiency/mileage of 43kpl as against 40kpl returned by flyte. Both in the performance and fuel efficiency sense there is not much difference between the two. Hence we have to look for other things to pick the best.

Design and Styling:

The design of either access or flyte is not revolutionary and hence both lacks the wow factor. While the Access inspires Hero Honda’s pleasure the flyte resembles TVS scooty.Flyte’s practical, impact resistant, body coloured mirrors add extra charm to its look. Body coloured mirrors is not even in Suzuki’s accessories list. Flyte’s plastic grab-rail also match its body colour in the access a classic black (metal) grab rail is used.

Build and quality:

Modern day scooters are build with great car to reduce the maintenance usually associated with them. Both Suzuki and Kinetic have ensured quality by importing few parts. Grips, levers, and switchgear are top notch. Kinetic has imported the telescopic front fork from sym and Suzuki has imported the footpegs. Fit and Finish has taken care well in both the access and flyte. Usage of high quality plastic minimises the gaps between the panels. Suzuki’s access is more eye-catching than flyte (a facelift/upgrade flyte with sleek graphics is needed).

Ride and handling:

Kinetic flyte and Suzuki access makes use of telescopic fork and single coilover suspension at the rear. Flyte’s ride is little bit bumpy while the access is comfy. For the access comfy ride credit should be given large and wider seats.The larger front & rear tyres and the longer 1260mm wheelbase of the kinetic flyte offers better stability and grip over suzuki’s access. Flyte’s handling is better than the access with larger 130mm drum brakes compared to the 120mm.

Features:

Both access and flyte features special ignition key which comes with shutter (first time in scooters). To activate the shutter you have to use magnetic area provided on top of the key. According to the companies, this shutter mechanism will reduce the theft. This feature will You have to get down and unlock the seat to fill fuel in the access but in the flyte because of the front fuelling you can fill like the fellow motorcycle rider.

Flyte features 22 litres of double layered underseat storage space large enough to hold small items in addition to the helmet. Access 20L storage space is limited just to hold a helmet. In addition kinetic’s flyte has a small but usable glove box with a bag hook but in suzuki’s access you have to pay extra for the glove box. Kinetic’s flyte and Suzuki’s access features choke knob at the front. Also, flyte is contemporary with features like mobile charging point. Flyte is more featuristic(usable) compared to suzuki’s access.

Verdict:

We should be happy to have two new scooters in a new segment(125cc). Similar to what is happening in motorcycle market the new 125cc segment in scooters will create new set of customers also it will give competetion for the 100cc scooter makers like TVS,Bajaj,Hero Honda and Honda. Both the scooters are build superbly and performance of both the access and flyte are definitely superior to the activa or scooty. But as of now if you can shell out extra 3000 – 4000 rupees for the sake of slighter quicker acceleration and top speed go for 125cc scooters otherwise stay with your activas and scootys

Between the Suzuki’s access and Kinetic’s flytem, access holds the edge over the flyte in performance (a little bit) and Suzuki’s brand image will help the access further. But the ‘sabke wish kare pori’ access does not satisfy the needs of all but flyte does it by being more practical with many innovative feature.

Royal Enfield 500cc Electra EFI

FI engine to power bullets:

Vintage bikes are so cool! when they embrace modern technology while keeping their typical chracterstics champagne (champion) is made. Royal Enfield plans to adopt Fuel Injection (FI), twin sparks and integrated gearbox for its next generation engines. The engine is developed in 350 cc and 500 cc engine displacements. Royal Enfield has invested around Rs50 crores for the next generation engines and designs. Already Royal Enfield confirmed indian market will only receive the 350cc engine(developing maximum power around 22bhp) with gearbox integrated and two spark plugs. The advancements also escalate the cost of prodcution hence the new thunderbird UCE will be priced around 1lakh. Provision of FI might further escalate the price and the consequence the RE may not find enough buyers in india. Hence the new ‘thunderbird twinspark’ bares the Fuel Injection. The 500cc FI will be launched in advanced markets and the company has made no word on the model for the indian market.

Electra EFI and a facelifted classic:

Pricing is not the factor for export markets and since Bullets has to comply tougher EURO III emission norms(In India motorcycles have to follow Euro II norms), Royal Enfield will use the 500cc UCE with Fuel Injection for developed markets like U.S, U.K, Germany, France, Australia, Italy, Hungary, Japan and others. Currently, Royal Enfield has two international models – the ‘Classic’ and the ‘Electra models’ . Of these the electra will be replaced with the new Electra EFI and soon a facleifted classic will be introduced that will suit the new generation of classic design and styling.

Recently, a pre-production version of Royal Enfield Bullet electra 500cc with Fuel Injection(FI) technology is tested by a French magazine. The new 500cc engine also comes with an injected catalyst to meet euro 3. Royal Enfield has built the engine with the help of experts in countries across the world. Though the new engine’s main architecture is being developed in chennai, NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) and internal combustion of the engine is tested by European design consultants. While its reliability is tested with the help of Japanese consultants. Royal Enfield’s 500cc EFI engine produces 30bhp. According to the French magazine, the 500cc FI engine rolls up at 110 km/h without sustained pressure and capable of reaching 130kmph. More details on this new machine are expected

Islamic car in India

car specifically fro muslims..

Malaysian carmaker Proton has announced plans to develop an ‘Islamic car’, designed specifically for Muslim motorists. Muslims pray five times a day in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest place in Islam, to help the occupants, the islamic car would boast special features like a compass pointing to Mecca and a dedicated space to keep a copy of the Koran and a headscarf. The idea of buliding a car specifically for muslims around the world came during a visit to the Middle East by a delegation of Malaysian politicians and businessmen. Malaysian press reports say officials in Iran originally suggested the idea.

Proton and Naza’s small car in India:

Proton thinks vehicles designed specifically for Muslims across the world represent a huge gap in the market, and therefore a major opportunity. Proton is planning to team up with manufacturers in Iran and Turkey to create the islamic car.”We will identify a car that we can develop to be produced in Malaysia, Iran or Turkey,” Malaysian automaker Proton’s managing director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir told. The car to be developed by will be aimed at the global export market. There are an estimated 1.3 billion Muslims in the world, with the largest populations in Indonesia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey and Iran. Also Muslim world population is growing very fast. Being the home to the third largest population, chances are high that Indians recieving the islamic car. Currently, Proton is also holding discussions with the Sonalika Group (parent of ICML) for a possible small car. NAZA an another malayasian car maker is already making a feasibility study to roll out its small car in india. Naza plans to set up a car assembly unit in Tamilnadu. Recently, Naza had unveiled its first locally(malayasian) built compact car, called the Sutera in 2006 and at the time of the launch, Naza officials indicated that it will target overseas markets such as India, Britain and South Africa. The 1.1 litre Sutera sells in Malaysia for the price equivalent of Rs 4.5 lakh.

About Proton:

Proton has been building cars since the 1980s, and sold about 150,000 in 2005 before experiencing a slump in 2006. Most of its sales are domestic although it also exports to countries mostly in the Middle East and Asia. The state-owned carmaker has been in talks with Germany’s Volkswagen AG and General Motors Corp. of the U.S. about a possible alliance to turn around its fortunes..Proton announced last week that it had won an order to supply 5,000 units of its compact Waja model to be used as taxis in Tehran as part of the city’s $US200 million ($221 million) public transport renewal initiative.

In 1999 Proton announced that it will set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India to sell its cars. Proton and Hindustan Motors of India also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for assembling Proton cars in Chennai. But the deal never fruitified.