Renault Duster to debut at Auto Expo

Renault,the French auto maker will make the Indian debut of its mini-SUV Duster at the Auto Expo.The car is expected to be launched by July 2012.Built on the platform of Mahindra Verito,the Duster will be available only in two-wheel drive version in India.

Duster will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options.It will be powered by three engines namely a 1.6-litre petrol engine and two 1.5-litre diesel engines.The petrol engine will deliver a power output of 105bhp and the two diesel engines will deliver 90bhp and 107bhp respectively.The car is expected at an aggressive price tag of Rs.7-8 lakhs.

Mahindra to hike prices of XUV500 from January 2012

Mahindra has announced price hike of its recently launched SUV,XUV500.The price hike will be from January 2012 and it will be in the range from Rs.30,000 to 55,000.

Regarding this,M&M says,”The prices have to be increased as they were ‘introductory invitation price’ and there has also been a considerable impact of increase in raw material costs and the rupee depreciation with respect to dollar and euro.”

Hence from January,the base W6 variant of XUV500 will be Rs.30,000 more from the current rate.Similarly,the W8 2WD and the W8 4WD variants will be Rs.50,000 and Rs.55,000 more respectively.For the current bookings which are not delivered,the increase would be just 50 percent of the announced price hike.

TVS to kick off scooters, bikes with common engine

Two-wheeler maker TVS Motor Company will kick off new gearless scooters, motorcycles and other variants with new and common fuel-efficient engines in 2013 and gain from economies of scale, a senior company official said Wednesday. Vinay Harne, president, new product development informed that they have developed a new engine incorporating patent pending technologies that would give a scooter owner 20 percent fuel economy and a motorcycle owner an easy riding experience like a scooter.

According to him, a motorcycle fitted with this engine will not have clutch and the gear could be changed with the touch of a button, or can be put on automatic transmission mode. Harne added that they have developed the technology and tested the product. However, the engine has to be tested in various climatic conditions and it should undergo 100,000 km of road endurance. Hence, a new model fitted with the new engine could be launched only in 2013.

The engines that have been designed are 110cc four-stroke and the technology can be applied to make engines with higher cubic capacity, say up to 250cc, Harne added. According to Harne, the engine can be used for other models like skubeks, step-thru apart from scooters and motorcycles.

Asked about the engine’s compatibility with three-wheelers that TVS Motor rolls out, Harne told IANS: “An engine with this technology can be applicable for three-wheelers as well as they also use a similar capacity engines. But our initial focus is on scooters followed by motorcycles.” He said the new engine had been tested on road for several months and its performance was satisfactory. Harne said the focus of the developing the new engine and the technology was four-fold – improving the engine and transmission efficiency, energy saving and reducing the engine weight.

On energy efficiency, he told the new engine will not have cooling fan that consumes fuel. The cooling would be done but by taking in the air. The new engine is lighter by five kg compared to the existing one. About the changes in the engine production line, he said it would be minimal but declined put a number to the cost benefit the company would derive because of the common engine while agreeing that it would be significant.

According to Harne, the main objective is to deliver a compact engine layout, that will deliver enhanced fuel efficiency and which is usable across product forms like scooter, motorcycles and step-thru’s. He said the technology also delivers the lowest carbon di-oxide emissions in scooters while providing for low floor board and space for luggage. The company has filed patent for the technology in India and abroad and does not foresee any of its competitors complaining of infringement. TVS is looking at launching a scooter with the new engine first and other models later.

Maruti to unveil new compact SUV concept at the Expo

India’s leading car manufacturer Maruti plans to unveil a new compact SUV concept at the Auto Expo.The new compact SUV may replace Maruti’s Jimny and Gypsy.It seems that Maruti could built the new SUV on the SX4 platform and is expected to go on sale in 2014.The teaser images of the new SUV concept has been released which shows a bold grille,unique fog lamps,L-shaped tail lights and big wheels.The expected price of the new SUV is around Rs.8 lakhs and would mainly compete with Ford Ecosport and Renault Duster.

Nissan and Honda salutes People’s choice

Japanase automakers – Honda and Nissan salutes the customers for making the best cars as winners at 2011 Vicky.in People’s choice awards. Honda  Brio has won the “Hatchback of the Year”  award and Nissan Sunny CAAR commercial is the “Car commercial of the Year”. Read their messages to you!

Honda on BRIO winning the “Hatchback of the Year” award  at Vicky.in People’s choice car and bike awards

Expressing delight on receiving the Vicky.in People’s choice “Hatchback of the Year” award Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, Senior VP, Sales & Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India said “We are pleased to receive Vicky.in People’s choice award for Brio.  Honda Brio has been specifically designed for India, it is the finest combination of futuristic, sporty, aerodynamic exteriors and ultra stylish spacious interiors. At Honda our mission is to offer value to our customers through latest products and technologies, which suit their needs and requirements. Vicky.in People’s choice award laud’s our customer focus and also strengthen our resolve to provide our valuable customers with aspirational cars that are high on technology and overall driving pleasure.”

Nissan on Sunny CAAR commercial winning the “Car commercial of the Year” award at Vicky.in People’s choice car and bike awards

Mr.Kiminobu Tokuyuma, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd said, “We are delighted to know that  Sunny commercial has been chosen by people as best “car commercial of the year” at 2011 Vicky.in People’s choice award. This recognition is a proof that Sunny commercial, and thereby Sunny have captured the imagination of the people. We will make every effort to fulfill the aspirations of people by ensuring that Sunny petrol and Sunny diesel, for which we started booking on Dec 12, are best in class.”

Mahindra welcomes triple win at prestigious 2011 Vicky.in People

Mahindra which won three awards at 2011 Vicky.in People’s choice car and bike awards thanks the Vicky.in customers and welcomes their vote. Here’s the official word from XUV maker.

Mahindra and Mahindra on XUV500 winning the coveted Vicky.in People’s choice “Car of the Year award”

Speaking on the occasion of winning the awards, Mr. Vivek Nayer, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, “We are extremely delighted to have received Vicky.in People’s choice awards for the XUV500 and Maxximo from one of India’s leading automobile  site, Vicky.in and its many users.”

“Awards like these validate our conviction that our strategy of customer centric innovation is in the right direction and they actually inspire our team to do more in future,“ he added.

Mahindra and Mahindra on Duro DZ winning the Vicky.in People’s Choice “Scooter of the year” award

Speaking on the occasion of winning the award for Mahindra Duro DZ, Viren Popli, Sr. Vice President (Strategy and Market Development), Mahindra 2 Wheelers said “We are pleased that Mahindra Duro DZ has been selected as scooter of the year in the Vicky.in People’s Choice Awards. The new Mahindra Duro DZ has been recognised by both leading experts and consumers to be the best scooter on Indian roads. The Duro DZ has been designed as a tough and powerful scooter meant specifically for our road conditions and is the result of our R&D team working closely with consumers and extensive testing. We thank Vicky.in for having provided us this opportunity to win the People’s Choice Awards.”

 

Tata Motors upgrading old Nanos with new starter motor

Tata Motors is upgrading old Tata Nanos, produced up to mid-September 2011, with a new starter motor to enhance their performance. This is in line with the company’s practice of upgrading its vehicles; on the Nano itself, the company had upgraded the exhaust and the electrical system in November 2010, as was announced then.

The installation of the new starter motor, which is a vendor supplied part, began in October this year. Owners of all old Nanos were informed about the exercise, and about 50,000 cars have already been done. There are about 65,000 owners who are yet to visit their dealerships and the company is in continuous contact with them.

This new starter motor is already installed in the Nano 2012, which was introduced in November this year with a host of new features, of new colours, new interiors, best-in-class AC, a more powerful gasoline engine and even greater fuel efficiency of 25.4 kmpl, further improving on its record as India’s most fuel efficient petrol car – all at the same price as before.

Making the Tata Nano even more desirable, the car’s 624cc engine has been made more powerful delivering an impressive 38PS of power (earlier 35 PS) and 51Nm of torque (earlier 48 Nm). Yet fuel efficiency, already a high point with Tata Nano owners, has been taken to a new high of 25.4 kmpl (earlier 23.6 kmpl). The ride and handling, also already highly appreciated by existing owners, now has become even better with a revised suspension set-up, including an anti-roll bar at the front, and a steering mechanism made even easier. The interiors are completely new with enhanced premiumness in look and feel – luxurious beige in the Nano LX, rich black in the Nano CX and stunning medium graphite in the Standard version. The exteriors are now a veritable vibgyor of 10 colours, eight of them new. All the variants come with an unmatched warranty of 4 years or 60,000 kms, whichever is earlier.

Tata Motors’ customer satisfaction studies with Nano owners indicate that over 90% are delighted with the car, because of it being small yet spacious, its performance, maneuverability, durability, mileage, safety etc. The surveys also demonstrate that the owners deeply treasure their Nanos, resulting in spontaneous suggestions of improvements. Several new features in the Nano 2012 are such insights from the owners.

Tata Motors will continue to add new features to the Nano, even as marketing initiatives, expansion of distribution network and good customer response to the Nano is resulting in a progressive increase in the car’s sales.

Straightfrmtheheart: We are hearing from our sources, Nano 2012 has been received very well. Amidst this the proactive move from the Tata Motors to upgrade the starter motors of older nano’s would further accentuate the reliability of the Nano.

Audi to unveil Q3 at the Auto Expo

Audi’s Q3 SUV is to make its Indian debut at the 2012 Auto Expo and will be launched in mid-2012.The Indian version of Q3 will come with Audi’s Quattro four-wheel-drive system.It will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options.

The petrol variant of Q3 will be powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine which churns out a power of 211bhp.Similarly,Q3’s diesel variant will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine which will offer a power output of 176bhp.Price details are not yet confirmed but is expected at an affordable price tag.

Along with Q3,Audi also plans to display its A3 E-Tron concept and its V10 R8 Spyder,new S6 coupe and the brutish RS5 models at the Auto Expo.The A3 E-Tron concept car of Audi will be featuring a 211bhp 1.4-litre TFSI motor coupled with a 27bhp electric motor.Anyhow,the much-awaited A4 facelift which is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2012,will not be displayed at the January Auto Expo.

GM India, Ford India and HMSI celebrates success at prestigious 2011 Vicky.in People’s choice awards

GM India on Beat diesel winning Vicky.in People’s Choice “Diesel car of the year” award

” We consider the “Vicky.in People’s Choice Award” as the most coveted recognition as it reflects the customers voice.   We are happy to learn that our most fuel efficient car Chevrolet Beat Diesel has won the “Diesel Car of the Year” award in the customer choice category .  We thank the Vicky team for conducting the poll,” General Motors India Vice-President,  Balendran said

“Vicky.in People’s choice award that reflects the customers voice is the clear validation of our promise to deliver best-in-class products to our valued customers.  We are excited by the continued overwhelming response to Chevrolet Beat Diesel which is one of the “most fuel efficient cars,” P.Balendran added .

Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India on Honda CBR250R winning the Vicky.in People’s Choice “Bike of the year” award

“We thank vicky.in and its many readers who have voted CBR250R as the People’s choice “Bike Of The Year”. India’s endorsement of Honda quality, CBR250R global style, advanced CABS technology and truly affordable price give that immense choice and encouragement to continue bringing customer centric two wheelers in future too,” said Naresh Kumar Rattan, operating head, (sales, planning and marketing) of Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI).

Ford India on Ford Fiesta winning the Vicky.in People’s Choice “Performance Car of the year” award

“People Choice awards are always special as they represent the voice of real customers. We are extremely happy and proud to have won the Vicky.in ‘People Choice Award’ for the all-new Ford Fiesta. Since its launch, the all-new Fiesta has led the segment with intuitive first-in-class smart features, addictive driving experience and unmatched fuel economy. With the several segment firsts that the Fiesta offers, this is extremely gratifying and befitting to be recognized by a popular online site like Vicky.in as the ‘Performance Car of the Year’. We thank the consumers for making the Fiesta their car-of-choice,”said Anurag Mehrotra, Vice president, Marketing, Ford India.

Mahindra bags three awards @ 2011 Vicky.in People’s Choice Awards

Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) homegrown auto major seems to be the favourite of Indian customers. Mahindra has won in all the three categories it contested. That’s not all. XUV500 and Maxximo Mini Van have swept the votes and left the other contenders trailing by a huge margin. In an award where over 1,00,000 votes registered, Mahindra’s SUV XUV500 and Maxximo mini van garnered huge praise.

Car of the year Mahindra XUV 500
Commercial Vehicle of the year Mahindra Maxximo mini van
Scooter of the year Mahindra Duro DZ

XUV 500 futuristic, masculine and affordable SUV was the front runner since the Vicky.in People choice awards were announced. But when the competitors like Maruti’s swift and Hyundai eon in the fray, we found XUV 500 going down on some occasions. Especially the swift fans rallied for the swift and gave a tough fight to XUV 500. Finally the chettah all the way.

If you believe, commercial vehicle customers are not over online. Then change your perception right now! we were amazed by the votes we received for this segment at Vicky.in People’s choice awards. Maxximo Mini Van faced little competition from Ashok Leyland Dost and Magic iris. But Maxximo mini van won the venture only by a thinner margin.

Mahindra Duro DZ is our scooter of the year. Duro DZ is our editors team unanimous choice not just because it had to contend only with TVS scooty streak facelift and LML NV4 but also because of the sheer improvement and newly found toughness.

Undoubtedly, 2011 belongs to Mahindra. We wish Mahindra team and their fans hearty congratulations.