Alfa Romeo heads India

Next time when you watch a Ferrari or a jaguar or a land rover or an aston Martin you may not excite as you do now, yes these dream cars are heading India next year. Indians may dislike maybach(yes, we dislike!) the 5crore maybach is not finding enough customers but porsche’s and bentley’s are finding difficult to satisfy the Indian needs. Mercedes was the sole luxury player in India few years ago, last year BMW assembled its cars in chennai, Volkswagen and Volvo made its indian debut recently. Now its turn for another set of new players – alfa romeo, jaguar and Land Rover are planning to debut in 2008 in india.

Ferrari’s

We earlier reported that Fiat is planning to launch Ferrari, Maseratti and Alfa Romeo in india. Now it seems that Fiat is finalising its plans. Porsche may see the world’s favourite sports car – Ferrari in its rear mirror soon in India . Fiat is planning to launch two new Ferrari’s – a 612 Grand Tourer, a big four seater and a F430, an absolute sports car. Tata Motors will market and set up engineering centers as a post sale services for these cars.

Jaguar and Land Rover:

Tata’s may or may not get jaguar and Land Rover but Indian’s will. Yes, jaguar and land Rover will make their way to India(does not depends on the outcome of the Tata’s bid). Jaguar latest sexy offering the new jaguar XF may hit Indian shores next year. Styled in typical Jaguar tradition, this car could be anywhere in the range of Rs 35 lakhs to 50 lakh. This car positioned to take on Audi A6 and BMW’s 5-series. The jaguar models could possibly be sold by land rover’s sole dealer in India Navnit Motors.

Aston Martin:

Aston Martin earlier announced(in 2006) that it would bring the DB9, V8 Vantage and Vanquish SV12 to India. Each of these cars would cost upwards of Rs 1 crore. However, no further developement are seen.

Alfa Romeo:

Autocar India reports that Fiat is planning to introduce its jaw-dropping gorgeous Alfa Romeo 159 in india in 2008. We are aware of Mercedes and BMW a lot even before thier launch(even Audi’s too some extent). But why many of us don’t even heard of Alfa Romeo? Since Alfa Romeo is not as comfortable as a Mercedes, not as sporty as BMWs and alfa’s cannot match in Audi’s in Engineering. Globally too they have not made any great strides. Then why Fiat is planning to bring Alfa Romeos here, since the Alfa 159 is an odd product in Alfa’s line-up. It is an absolute gem. Alfa 159 was awarded the prestigious five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP. The Alfa 159 inherits the unique sex appeal with its Italian flair. Those triple headlamps and perfect proportions are typical alfa romeo. From grille to tail pipe and all 4.6 metres in between, the Alfa 159 has something to draw the eye and entice the onlooker. Alfa 159 combines sportiness, technology and elegance in a unique design. Alfa 159 will be powered by a range of engines that includes a 2.2L JTS which produces 185bhp and an Alfa’s new-generation diesels (either a 150bhp 1.9L or a 200bhp 2.4L). JTS – Jet Thrust Stoichiometric(Alfa’s term for gasoline direct Injection engine).
The alfa 159 will compete with the recently launched BMW 3-series and the upcoming new Mercedes C-class and the new Audi A4. Alfa Romeos will be sold through a group of exclusive dealerships to be set up in the coming months. Alfa 159 might be launched with an entry price of Rs 28 lakh(since it will be imported as a CBU).

Can’t wait till the launch check out the dream here http://www.alfa159.com/

Ashok Leyland plans M&M Axe rival

Another Humvee from an Indian Manufacturer: 

Similar to M&M, Ashok leyland plans to foray into the utility vehicles segment with both military and civil models. Ashok Leyland has indigenously developed a new four-wheeler light specialist vehicle (LSV). Ashok Leyland’s LSV is a Humvee-type vehicle and the company will offer a prototype to the Indian army for field trials soon. The LSV (Mahindra & Mahindra has also developed an LSV variant called AXE) marks Ashok Leyland’s entry into this category of vehicles. Ashok Leyland spokesperson confirmed that the new vehicle has been developed by its own R&D. “It’s a vehicle for special needs and trials are underway. The four-wheeler will be rolled out soon and meets army specifications with special purpose weapon capabilities,” the spokesperson said.

Ashok Leyland is the second largest manufacturer of trucks and buses in India. The company produced 83,558 units in the last fiscal and is now aiming to tap the potential of smaller utility vehicles. Company sources said that the army vehicles will be followed by a civilian version of the LSV in the next few years.

Civilian version:

“Though an exact civilian version is too early to expect, we are working on different multi-purpose vehicles that could hit the civilian landscape in the sub-1-tonne segment. These vehicles are at the design stage and in due course, we will look at market-able variants of these high-powered vehicles, blended with different powertrains,”.

source:economictimes

Diwali and Dussera Dhamaka from Bike majors

Bajaj Auto:

Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) reduced the price of its 100 cc bike Platina by Rs 4,000 to push sales during the upcoming festival season. Platina would now be available for Rs 29,990 (ex-showroom) as against the existing Rs 33,990. However, Bajaj Auto does not offer any discount on 125 cc DTS-Si XCD , 135 cc Discover and pulsar.

Hero Honda:

Hero Honda has announced a discount of Rs 2,020 on its entry-level bike CD Deluxe to celeberate sales of 20 million units in India. According to the recent advertisement, Hero Honda’s 100cc splendor NXG is now available at Rs38,550. Before the price cut Splendor NXG is available at Rs. 40,990(cast) and Rs. 41,990(alloy). Discount by Rs2400. All the price indicated here are ex showroom Delhi.

Suzuki India:

Suzuki Motorcycle India is also offering free petrol worth Rs 3,500 with every purchase of Zeus and Heat. Suzuki earlier announced a similar scheme in Kerala during Onam which received a good response from customers. Suzuki now offers this discount scheme (except Kerala) and is valid till November 15. Suzuki plans to sell 10,000 units a month in these festive season.

Yamaha India:

Yamaha Motor India (YMI) has announced a maximum discount of upto Rs 10,000 on every purchase of its motorcycles – 125 cc Gladiator and 106 cc Alba. As per the festive season discount scheme, the company would offer a minimum discount of Rs 3,000 on every purchase while giving an additional exchange bonus of Rs 3,000. Yamaha would offer a scratch card on every purchase with Rs 3,000 as assured discount.

TVS Motors:

While the TVS flame, 110cc star city, scooty EV and apache RTR FI is planned after festive season. TVS Motor is offering two gram gold on every purchase of its 100 cc Star City.

Kinetic India:

Kinetic Motor plans to offer two roundtrip air tickets to any domestic destination in India with every purchase of its scooter, as part of special promotional offers during the festival season. Kinetic’s promotional offer would start on October 12 and would extend up to November 15. Two roundtrip air tickets can be used to travel to any destination within India as per the customer’s choice. The offer is available on Kinetic’s existing range of gearless scooters Nova 135, Kinetic 4s, Kinetic Blaze and Kine.

Honda India:

Honda which launched refreshed dio and eterno now uplifts its flagship product activa. Honda’s new activa is now available in attractive colours with new graphics. Honda has also announced a special contest named ‘happy family contest 2007’ under which customers have to send their happy moments to Honda. Honda’s customers may win attractive prizes 1st prize(mauritus trip for 5 families), 2nd prize(kerala trip for 10 families) and designer honda jackets for the rest. You can participate in the Honda Activa ‘happy family contest 2007’ till 15th November.

discuss more about dscounts in Vicky.in Forums

2008 Suzuki Hayabusa

Engine Type 4-stroke, 4-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC
Bore x Stroke 81.0 mm x 65.0 mm
Compression Ratio 12.5 : 1
Oil capacity (overhaul) 4.0L (1.6 US gal.)
Starter System Electric
Transmission 6-speed constant mesh
Final Drive Ratio 2.388 (43 / 18)
Rake / Trail 24.2 degrees / 98 mm (3.9 in.)
Wheels Front 17 M/C x MT3.50, cast aluminum alloy
Rear 17 M/C x MT6.00, cast aluminum alloy
Tires Front 120/70ZR17M/C (58W), tubeless
Rear 190/50ZR17M/C (73W), tubeless
Overall Length 2,195 mm (86.6 in.)
Overall Height 1,170 mm (46.1 in.)
Seat Height 805 mm (31.7 in.)
Dry Weight 220kg (485 lbs.)
 
 


Honda’s new dio,eterno, Activa & sporty shine

facelifted Dio,Activa and Eterno

To counter the new competition – 125cc Kinetic flyte and Suzuki Access and to tap the festive demand Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India (HMSI) has upgraded entire scooter line-up the Activa, Dio and Eterno . The new activa,dio and eterno will look fresh with new graphics and new shades. “We have introduced new designs and graphics on our scooter range, which will be available to customer in next few days. These new changes, based on customer feedback, will come along with our special finance schemes for the festive season.” Honda GM, sales and marketing, N K Rattan said. Through these facelift/upgrades Honda will get more time before launching its complete new scooter. Honda’s new scooter, a notch above Activa, is believed to be built on a completely new platform. Honda will showcase its new scooter at the AutoExpo next year, which will be launched in later.

a sporty shine and a new scooter

The sluggish japanese monster finally seems to wake up, it plans to expand its product offering size to eight models by 2010. Honda plans a new sporty model of its 125cc shine. As honda feels that the exisiting 125cc Shine is not meeting younger people’s demands, it plans to make a sporty avatar of the shine. Honda facelifted shine is expected by the end of this year.

Honda’s 100cc bike:

Also in the Honda line-up is a 100cc bike, but unlike the existing 100cc bikes Honda’s new 100cc bike will not be a commuter bike. Honda’s 100cc bike will target a niche audience such as off-road bikes and it will come at a premium price over the existing ones.

Honda’s super bikes:

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India Ltd (HMSI) will also launch completely built units (CBUs) of higher capacity (500 cc) motorcycles in the next few years. Recently the company had said that it may assemble these bikes in the country to avoid the high import duty of 110%. Honda is looking at importing its cult bikes CBR 1000 and GLX 1800. Honda will develop models after carrying out market research studies in India.

Hot News – October 2007 part 2

1 lakh mania is back

* Hyundai says it plans to bring an entry level car with a minimum price tag of $3000(Rs1,20,000) like the one Renault is planning. However Hyundai says it will not make 1 lakh car. Here are Hyundai’s comment on new low cost car, the small technology and proposed Tata 1 lakh car, “Considering the safety issues and norms and input costs from our point, making a Rs one lakh car is impossible,” Hyundai Motor India Managing (HMIL) Director and CEO H S Lheem said. “We have the technology for small car…already there is an 800 cc engine in Korea. We can develop technology for a 650 cc engine,” Lheem said, however, adding HMIL was not in a hurry to enter the segment. “There are no immediate plans to enter into the 800cc or 650 cc segment. This time around, we will give it a go by but in future, we may look at it,” Lheem said. On when Indian customers could have such a car from Hyundai, Lheem said: “Probably in five years’ time.” On what could be a feasible price range for the company to be a serious competitor in the small car market, he said: “USD 3000 (nearly Rs 120,000) could be a minimum range.”

* It seems that Bajaj Auto’s Joint Venture with French car maker Renault for producing a Rs1,20,000 car will be ready in two months. “Right now, it looks like the study will be done in six to eight weeks,” Executive Director Sanjiv Bajaj said. Renault and Bajaj said in July they were in initial talks on making “very competitive” vehicles in India.

* Yamaha which is working on 1000crore restructuring plan, plans to foray into the automatic scooter segment. Yamaha India is evaluating the right segment to which will suit the indian needs. Yamaha India has already commissioned a market survey regarding the same. Internationally Yamaha has several scooter models, ranging from 110 cc to 400 cc.Yamaha is likely to introduce its automatic range of scooters with dual disc brakes and twin-shock chassis with high-powered liquid cooled engines in the premium segment. Yamaha may also hit the entry-level segment with its fuel-injected 125 cc four-stroke engine and compact-sized scooters. While its high powered 150 cc to 250 cc scooters will hit the urban markets, the 100 cc to 125 cc scooters will target smaller cities and towns.Here are those official words

YMI managing director and CEO Tomotaka Ishikawa told ET, “We will enter the scooter market but are yet to finalise the segment and the products. Once we introduce our new range of bikes in early 2008, we will concentrate on the right kind of scooter for the Indian market. We plan to hit the premium segment first and target customers who prefer to go for style and power rather than use scooters for their commuting needs.” “We will have India-specific products, though our high-powered range in Europe and sub-150 cc Asian models could also be considered. We will bring new and better features in our scooters with comfortable suspension which will meet high safety standards,” Mr Ishikawa said.

* Yamaha which bifurcated its Indian operations into two subsidiaries – Yamaha Motor India for manufacturing and Yamaha Motor India Sales for marketing two years ago is now investing Rs 250 crore to set up a new subsidiary in India. Yamaha plans to use this subsidiaryfor importing its import its high-end super bikes, speciality vehicles like snow mobiles, golf carts and all terrain vehicles into India. The new subsidiary will make, market and export two-wheelers and parts, import two-wheelers and parts not made in India and import other products from its global portfolio like all terrain vehicles, outboard motors, snow mobiles, generators, multi-purpose vehicles, water pumps, electric hybrid bicycles, racing and golf carts. Yamaha also plans to find a new partner for this new subsidiary. The reported talks between Yamaha and Bajaj has not matured.

* Hero Honda plan to join hands with their Japanese partner Honda Motor Company (HMC), to tap the potential of different low-cost markets in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Hero Honda has been eyeing various emerging markets where Honda has been operating independently and has not been performing well. The new arrangement is expected to be along the lines of the current spare parts supply arrangement where Hero Honda supplies different low-cost spares to HMC for its worldwide operations. “We had mooted the proposal with HMC, but nothing concrete has emerged so far. There has been no development or positive indication from HMC on that front, though we want to exploit the potential of various emerging markets together.” Hero Honda managing director Pawan Munjal told.

* West Bengal government has decided to set up an auto components hub at Guptamoni in West Midnapore district. The auto components hub would come up on 500 acres of land at Guptamoni. Bengal Srei Infrastructure Development, a joint venture company between Srei Capital Markets and the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation (WBIDC), will develop the infrastructure required for the auto components hub.

* Automotive lubricants maker Valvoline has appointed Australian cricket team’s captain Ricky Ponting as its brand ambassador.

* The European Court of Justice on Tuesday ruled illegal a German law established decades ago to shield carmaker Volkswagen AG from foreign takeovers, clearing the way for rival Porsche AG to increase its 31% stake.

Hyundai new small car the i10

Hyundai’s new small car which will be slotted between santro and getz is likely to be named i10. The i10 will replace the atos prime (santro in india) in western markets. Hyundai is developing the car under the codename ‘pa’ and is currently testing the car in chennai. Hyundai’s i10 will be launched first in India also India will be the sole global production hub for the i10 — code named Pa. The i10 is almost and Hyundai is currently testing the car in chennai. Similar to the Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai wishes to have more than 2 cars in small car segment. To facilitate the i10 (pa) Hyundai has recently rationalised pricing for the Santro and trimmed the variants santro to two. Hyundai’s new i10 will inherit most chracters of the Santro – the most sucessful model for Hyundai.

Similar to the santro, Hyundai’s new i10(pa) will initially sport a 1.1 litre engine. Hyundai may later launch the i10 (pa) with a much powerful engine. Also in dimensions, i10 will be a ditto of santro, i10’s length(3565mm/140inches) and wheelbase(2380mm/94inches) is likely to be same as the santro. Though the Hyundai’s i10 (pa) will be only 1550mm/61inches longer(shorter than the Santro by about 40mm/1.6inches), the cabin space will remain spacious. Hyundai i10 is wider than santro by 70mm/2.8inches.

Hyundai i10 is complete new car and is styled contemporary. Similar to the Ford verve concept and new aveo U-VA(both shown in recent Frankfurt Show) i10’s low slung grille features the number plate is sure to attract to most attention. Between the two large headlamps is the Hyundai’s badge. Steeply raked windscreen and ellipsoidal glass area makes the i10 more stylish. In the rear i10 features santro type tail lamps. It seems that i10 is likely to be equipped with features like – fog lamps in the front bumper, alloy wheels and rear wiper. In the interiors too i10 might surprise everyone with more upmarket features. Similar to the popular Fiat 500, i10 will dashboard integrated center console instead of conventional floor shift pattern.

Hyundai iTen will be hit the showrooms by the end of october or early November. Hyundai’s i10 will compete with other sub-compact segment cars such as Chevrolet spark, Maruti Suzuki zen estilo, Maruti Suzuki wagonR and Tata Indica xeta. i10 is expected to priced around Rs 4lakh($10000). Hyundai will continue to sell the santro even after i10 (Pa) hits the market as santro sells 14,000 units of out of Hyundai’s total monthly sales of 18,000 units in India. Infact Hyundai plans to launch newer variants of the santro.

The ‘i’ name demystified:
Hyundai chose an alpha-numerical code that could establish a link between technology and the Hyundai brand’s core values. With the ‘i’, Hyundai chose the letter that could carry both messages. The letter ‘i’ has a long tradition as an icon for technology products. In addition, the ‘i’ is also part of Hyundai’s brand promise. In the 1990s, Hyundai changed its entire corporate focus, moving away from its original business philosophy of producing ‘good-bargain’ vehicles, to acquire a more sophisticated profile. Hyundai wanted to become more inspiring. Today, the desire to ‘inspire’ forms one of the cornerstones of the Hyundai brand. The letter ‘i’ recognises this fact and brings it direct to consumers. The i30 is the first Hyundai to carry the ‘i’ in its name. The number 30 is the numerical equivalent of the letter assigned to the i30’s segment, the European C segment. i + numerical equivalent of segment letter:

i10 = A segment
i20 = B segment
i30 = C segment
i40 = D segment
i50 = E segment

Will i10? be an another iPod/iPhone?

For i10/PA photos visit Hyundai Pa pictorial preview

update 1:

Hyundai i10 (PA) is likely to be powered by an 1.1 gasoline engine producing 65 horsepower, a 1.1 liter diesel(CRDi) rated 75 hp and a 1.2 liter gasoline engine producing 80 horsepower may join the lineup shortly after the car’s debut. Also there are spy photos showing i10 with moon/sunroof but this will not be available in India because of the pricing. The featuristic i10 will replace the Atos and will be on sale in the European market in 2008. The european i10 may have automatic transmission. Hyundai plans to sell the i10 (pa ) in over 100 countries around the world.

Here are leaked/spy pictures of Hyundai’s new small car i10 (codenamed pa).

It seems i10 will have a basic variant – black bumper and black mirrors are the clear signs

Pictures of Hyundai’s i10 (PA) interiors has been posted in autocar. As expected the center console is dashboard mounted. Dash looks simple with smart controls. Hyundai’s ‘H’ is mounted on the three spoke steering wheel and rounded knobs for different controls is hust above the gear lever.

For more spy pictures of Hyundai’s i10 visit vicky.in forums

update:

catch the intelligently driven, innovatively designed, intuitively safe, inspiringly luxurious Hyundai’s i10 tommorrow(october 30th). visit the http://www.Hyundai.co.in to catch the i10. Hyundai has released a teaser for the upcoming i10 with the tag “soon,india will catch it and the world will have to wait”. enjoy the i10!
update:

visit http://www.hyundaii10.co.in

here’s screen capture of Hyundai i10

hyundai-i10-front.jpg

update:

Hyundai Motor India unveiled its India-made i10 minicar, code-named Pa in New Delhi today. Hyundai’s i10 is equipped with a 1.1 litre iRDE(intelligent Responsive Drive Engine) petrol engine with five speed manual transmission. The car will be sold in India as well as shipped to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.‘i10’ priced between Rs 3.39 lakh (U.S. $13322) and Rs 3.98lakh (U.S. $15641). The i10 will be manufactured only in India and will be exported to over 70 countries.
Hyundai i10’s 1.1L iRDE develops 66.7PS at 5500 rpm of power and a torque of 10.1 kgm(7.44lb-ft) at 2800 rpm. Interestingly, i10 will be the first two-box hatchback in India to come with a factory-fitted sunroof. i10’s other features include the rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel, leather wrapped gear knob, keyless entry system and a stereo. Safety features of the i10 includes anti-lock braking system (ABS), seat belts with pre-tensioner, dual airbags, impact sensing auto door unlock system and high-mounted stop lamp. Similar to the Volkswagen’s luxury sedan passat, Hyundai’s i10 i10 comes in four variants – D-Lite, Era, Magna and D-auto. The D-lite is priced at Rs 3,39 Lakh, while the Era is priced at Rs 3.74500 and the Magna is priced at Rs 3.98 lakh. However the price of D-Auto is yet to be reveled.

Tata’s new Indica

Tata Motors has launched an upgraded Indica – Indica V2 Turbo now comes with dual airbags and ABS. India’s largest selling diesel car – the Indica V2, has enhanced its Turbo range with a new variant, which packs in the power of the turbo-charged intercooled engine with superior safety features – dual front airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS).These safety features will be available on the top end Indica V2 Turbo DLX. The Indica range already comes with standard safety features like anti-submarine seats, side-impact beams, front crumple zone, collapsible steering column, energy absorbing bumpers and ELR type seat belts. The car complies with European standards for full-frontal, offset-frontal and rear crash for passenger survivability and has acquired a reputation of being one of the safest hatchback cars on Indian roads.

The variant comes with the powerful 1405 cc turbo-charged intercooled diesel engine that delivers a power of 68 PS @ 4500 rpm and a high torque of 130 nm @ 2500 rpm. The new Indica V2 Turbo variant will be available in three colours: Salsa Red, Arctic Silver and Carbon Black. It will be priced at Rs. 4.76 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The Indica V2 has been amongst the top 3 selling cars in the industry and its segment for the last several years, with production of over 8 lakh units since its launch.

Hero Honda Hunk 150cc is out

Hero Honda’s reply to Bajaj Auto:

As Bajaj invades into the Hero Honda’s strong 100cc territory through its 125cc XCD, Hero Honda comes out with an another 150cc bike to dethrone the mighty pulsar and to counter the raising apache RTR’s threat. Already there are three two 150cc bikes from the Hero Honda’s stable – Unicorn Achiever and CBZ X-Treme. Hero Honda has doubled its volume and marketshare in the premium segment since the launch of 150 cc CBZ Xtreme in october 2006. But as Pulsar mania refuses to die and as Suzuki and Yamaha planning to launch 150cc bikes in 2008, Hero Honda feels that yet another bike in the 150cc segment is necessary to maintain the market share. ‘Hunk’ is Hero Honda’s diwali bonaza.

Hunk’s Engine:

Hunk’s engine is same(neither bored nor stroked) as the X-Treme’s 4 stroke 150cc engine. Hunk’s 150cc engine develops 14.4Ps at 8500rpm of power and 12.8Nm of Torque. Hunk’s 150cc engine is mated with a conventional 5speed (1-down 4-up pattern) gearbox. Engine breathes by means of CV carburettor. Similar to the TVS CVTi engine the Hunk’s 150cc engine produces tumble induction for efficient burning which means more efficiency. The Hunk has a 150cc engine integrated with advance tumble flow induction (ATFI) technology, which delivers a balance of fuel efficiency and power.

Hunk’s styling:

Hunks headlamp resembles the TVS flame but thanks to Hero Honda for moving away from the older chrome stripped unicorn type front fairing. Unexpectedly hunk does not come with a full fairing, this Hunk has a small fairing and has tank shrouds. The tank shrouds are big and Hunk’s tank has good knee recess. Dummy cowl raises from the swingarm bolt section and extend up to the Hunk’s large scoops. Similar to some popular international bikes, Hunk’s telescopic fork is golden in colour. This nicely gels with the 5 spoke black alloy wheels. The gas holder of the rear suspension is also golden. Hero Honda’s hunk embraces the contemporary black theme – the handlebar weight, alloy wheels, silencer guard and the grab rail of the new Hunk are painted black. Suspension is through telescopic fork at the front and the rear suspension is a 5 step adjustable gas charged one. Hero Honda has coined out a new term called ‘GRS’ with the new Hunk 150cc. GRS – Gas Reservoir Suspension

The size of the Hunk’s tyre is same as the CBZ X-Treme and Hunk’s rear tyre comes with tuff – up tube. With the fatter rear cowl and the inverted gas charged absorbers Hunk again resembles the TVS apache. The rear of the Hunk is not attractive as CBZ X-Treme and mud-flap seems to be hanging on the bike. Unlike the CBZ X-Treme, Hunk’s indicators at the front and rear are conventional (not integrated). Hunk’s graphics and the decals are simple(Hunk badge is shiny and embedded on the top of the tank shrouds).

Hunk’s Dimensions:

Hunk’s is almost CBZ X-Treme dimensionally. The wheelbase(1325mm), length(2080mm), width(765mm) and the kerb weight(143kg) are same as the X-treme. The only change is with the bike’s height Hunk is 50mm shorter than CBZ X-Treme. As visible in the photo, the tank has grown up in size. Hunk’s fuel tank can hold 12.4L of fuel with 2.2L of usable reserve.

Hunk’s instrumentation:

Similar to the Hero Honda’s super splendour, Hunk features tripod instrumentation. Fuel gauge, speedometer and rpm meter are analogue. Nothing digital!. Hunk speedo(red in the background) which houses the Hunk decal is bounded by a chrome ring. Hunk’s battery is the same 12V-7Ah and the ignition is through AMI(Advanced Microprocessor Ignition). Contemporary pilot lamps and LED tail lamps fails to find a place in the Hero Honda’s new Hunk.

Hunk’s price and the colours:

Hero Honda launched its 150cc bike ‘Hunk’ at a starting price of Rs 55,000 (at ex-showroom Delhi). Hero Honda has launched two variants of the mobike kick-start and self-start. While kick-start would be available at Rs 55,000, the company would charge a premium of Rs 2,000 for the self-start model which is priced at Rs 57,000. Hero Honda’s Hunk will be available in four colours – black, blue, red and silver

Hero Honda’s bets on Hunk:

The Hunk is the fourth offering in the premium bike segment for the Hero Honda after 156 cc CBZ Xtreme, 150 cc Achiever and 225 cc Karizma. Hero Honda once led the performance segment with the CBZ wanes to become a 100cc maker after the advent of Bajaj’s pulsar family. Presently, Hero Honda has 15-20 per cent share in the premium bike segment which is currently dominated by Bajaj’s pulsar and TVS apache RTR. Hero Honda hopes to regain the top slot with the new Hunk. Here are those official words, “The Hunk would complete our product portfolio in the premium segment. From our models in the premium segment, we are expecting highest numbers from the Hunk,” HHML Managing Director Pawan Munjal. But he declined to project any sales targets for the new Hunk.

Wanna test drive the Hunk?

The ‘Hunk’ will be immediately available for test drives and bookings are open acroos the Hero Honda’s wide network of dealers. Hunk would be available commercially by the last week of this October.

Hero Honda dedicates the Hunk:

Pawan Munjal, Managing Director and CEO, HHML, said “The ‘Hunk’ is our tribute to the Youth of India today – confident and ready to take on the world. It personifies the very fighting spirit and resilience of our youngsters, who are making a mark for themselves in their chosen fields of vocation. Some of the key findings of our extensive research amongst the youth have been incorporated into the ‘Hunk’ to make it a complete package of world class technology, unprecedented features and stunning looks. I am sure there will be many more ‘Hunks’ on Indian roads soon.”

Here is the hero Honda’s 150cc Hunk pictures

photos from Hindustan Times and The Hindu

Buy Reva electric cars online

India’s largest eCommerce company, mJunction services limited has launched a path breaking automobile portal, autojunction.in through which it plans to sell Cars online for the first time in India. The portal aims at making the car buying experience hassle free by providing complete end to end car buying options in the Internet itself. mJunction is a joint venture between SAIL and Tata Steel.

mJunction services has tied up with Electric car manufacturing company Reva Electric to be its first Auto eRetail partner to sell the Reva i electric car. For Reva electric car company, which has very limited number of dealers all over India, this association will be a big boost to improve their sales. mJunction plans to tie up with more automobile manufacturers to sell their products online in he future.

The portal has the option of purchasing the three varients of Reva i – Standard, AC and Classe. It also provides the option to customize the car by picking a favorite color among the list of 6 available colors and by picking the accessories among the available. An advance non refundable amount has to be paid while checkout and the balance amount has to be paid before the car despatch by the manufacturers. Autojunction.in’s Authorized Service Franchise partner(ASFP) across the country will assist in vehicle delivery and other registration formalities. In addition to the buying option, the site also has general information about Reva brand including Virtual demo of its varients.

The new launched portal on the first look looks extremely simple and nice. The overall buying process is just a five click process including all customization process, though some two intermediate steps can be avoided with a better design. The site fails to work properly in Firefox but has no issues in Internet Explorer. I really wonder many times on why this web developers ignores the fastest growing browser , Firefox while designing the site. The homepage of the portal is completely customized to include Reva’s detail and looks better and exhaustive than Reva’s official site. I’m not sure how they are going to retain the homepage when they tie up with one another manufacturer.

Automobile eRetailing is very immense in India. According to autojunction.in estimates, eRetailing saves 40 -50 % of distibution cost of Cars , which will then result in Rs. 12,000 to 14,000 rupess of benefit in the cost of Cars to the customers. This is the key to drive customers to pick eRetailing over existing dealer based buying options. Also eRetailing need not to be considered as a threat to the normal dealer network sales system, because unlike consumer electronic sales, Automobile sales needs has huge role for dealers in delivery and after sales support. So both eRetailing and dealer based system can coexists and help each other to grow.