After the huge success of recently launched Apache RTR 180 & Flame SR125, TVS India is all set to tap the market of clutchless bikes with the launch of TVS Jaive.
Though no official announcement has been about the price and launch date of Jaive but it is being speculated that TVS is going to launch it in last week of November. TVS Jaive will feature an automatic clutch and four gears. TVS has good experiance in manufacturing bikes with automatic clutch as they are selling TVS Neo in Indonesia and it is selling in good numbers.
Yamaha Motor President, Takashi Kajikawa made the announcement that the company will be setting up a motorcycle manufacturing facility in Pakistan, to be located at the National Industrial Park in Bin Qasim, near Karachi.
The plant is expected to be up and running by mid-2011. The company plans to assemble at least 22,000 units at its new plant by 2012, following which it will start using locally sourced components to start manufacturing bikes in that country. Mr Kajikawa has also stated that the company intends to make Pakistan a base for exports to neighboring Asian and African countries in the coming future. Come 2017, Yamaha will also start production of motorcycle engines in the country.
In India too, Yamaha is growing by leaps and bounds at an unprecedented rate. The company posted staggering growth of 160 percent in sales in September 2009 as compared to the last year. It sold 26394 units in September 2009 as against 10142 units in the same month last year with the newly launched Fazer contributing a significant part of it.
GM India has cut prices of the Chevrolet Captiva in order to make the SUV more value for money. The price reduction for the manual transmission variant of the Captiva is Rs 2.16 lakh which now costs Rs 18.37 lakh whereas the automatic variant is now cheaper by Rs 2.32 lakh taking the price to Rs 20.18 lakh (all prices ex-showroom, Mumbai). This sudden price reduction surely has something to do with a car which has changed the fortune of this segment.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a leading player in the small Commercial Vehicle segment in India, today launched the Mahindra Gio, India‟s first 4 wheel 0.5 ton Compact Truck. A category creating vehicle in the cargo commercial vehicle segment, the Mahindra Gio combines the style, status, comfort and safety of a four wheeler with the low operating and maintenance cost of a three-wheeler. The Mahindra Gio is available at an amazing price of Rs. 1.65 lakh, ex showroom BSII; BSIII price is Rs 1.68 Lakh. Equipped with a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, the Mahindra Gio gives best-in-class mileage of 27 km per litre.
“With the launch of Mahindra Gio, we have created a new Compact Truck category in the commercial vehicle segment. The Mahindra Gio is the first of its kind entry level 4 wheel cargo vehicle, and is all set to change the dynamics of the small CV segment. As city limits gradually expand and distribution needs increase, the Mahindra Gio presents a high earning potential for customers who will benefit from its high mileage, low maintenance cost, optimum utilization of space and low acquisition cost,” said Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
The Mahindra Gio has undergone rigorous test runs and has been validated on all performance, safety and reliability parameters. This brand new offering from Mahindra‟s commercial vehicle stable also boasts of several class leading features, including the best-in-class fuel efficiency, “car like‟ controls and features, and a trendy & stylish look. This value for money load carrier scores highly on various parameters, including affordability, space, comfort and safety. It is also the most economical vehicle in the small CV industry, making it ideal for intra city operations.
The Mahindra Gio is being manufactured in Mahindra‟s Haridwar plant and is being launched in a phased manner. It will be available initially in West, North and select Eastern states and shortly thereafter in the rest of the country.
Perfect for intra city movement - The Mahindra Gio is most suitable for intra city operations. Its compact 0.5 ton cargo box ensures maximum utilization of space. A small turning radius of 3.8 metres, dashboard mounted gear shifter and “car like‟ steering wheel allows this nifty 4 wheel load carrier to negotiate the narrowest of roads with ease.
Exceptional value for money - India‟s first Compact Truck is powered by a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, which provides class leading mileage of 27 Kmpl. The Mahindra Gio also offers exceptional value for money with a low maintenance cost which is as low as that of a three wheeler. These features, coupled with an attractive price tag and better load optimization make the Mahindra Gio a great purchase.
Cares for your comfort and safety - Mahindra Gio offers greater comfort even on long trips. This stylish Compact Truck boasts of several class defining features, including adjustable cushioned bucket seats, roll down windows offering more ventilation and a car like Macpherson front suspension, ensuring comfortable ride and handling.
A tall and wide cabin with extra leg room allows easy entry and exit, adding to overall comfort. Easy to operate car like controls and an easy to read instrument panel enhance the Mahindra Gio‟s driving pleasure. A semi-forward cabin with a crumple zone makes the Mahindra Gio a safe vehicle, while a balanced structure provides more stability leading to a safer drive. Multi focal reflector halogen lights, side indicators and bigger rear view mirrors offer optimum visibility.
Strong performance - A strong gear box – 4 forward and 1 reverse -, coupled with the powerful Kohler engine gives the Mahindra Gio good pickup & load carrying capacity, while spring leaf suspension with a rigid axle enhances load stability. The load body comprises of a fully corrugated 5ft cargo box which is strong and long lasting.
Attractive style - The Mahindra Gio doesn‟t just deliver on performance and economy. It is also one of the most stylish vehicles in its class. The signature Mahindra front grille on the flat front cabin adds a distinctly macho look to this smart Compact Truck. Five youthful shades – Peacock Blue, Royal Red, Golden Yellow, and Sporty Green ensure that the Mahindra Gio cuts a striking figure on city road.
Premier India which was once famous for its padmini sedan, has made a bang with the launch of all new SUV – The Rio. Premier Rio is basically the Zotye Nomada which is a mini crossover which is manufactured by leading chinese auto manufacturer – Zotye Autos. The factory occupies 500,000 square meters and there are over 6,000 employees. They have the capacity of annually producing 100,000 cars.
Premier Rio is a small city SUV which has been developed on basis of advanced technology from domestic and international autos. The company has tied up with a Chinese auto company Zoyte International. The CKD version of the car will be assembled at premier’s Chinchwad facility in Pune, where it currently manufactures Sigma van and Road-star pick-up. Rio is less than four metres in length and has 1489cc engine which is below 1.5 litre engine capacity, so it gets the tax benefit of a small car.
Powered by Premier’s own engine that is essentially a downsized Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine, the Rio’s engine capacity now measures in at 1490cc and develops 65 Bhp of peak power. The engine is Euro-III ready and the company is taking adequate steps to meet Euro-IV emission norms, come April 1, 2010. The 1489cc Turbo Diesel engine generates maximum power of 65 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 152 Nm at 2250 rpm. Premier Auto has launched Rio in three models – The EX, which is priced at Rs 5.25 lakh, the DX at Rs 5.50 lakh and LX at Rs 5.95 lakh – all ex-showroom, Pune.
After the huge success of New Honda Activa now Honda India has launched New Aviator 110 to compete with the likes of recently launched Mahindra Rodeo & Mahindra Duro. When Honda launched the New Activa with a 109cc engine, it was obvious that they would soon launch the Aviator with same 109cc engine. The 109cc engine is super refined, has absolutely no transmission judder and is also a tad more fuel efficient.
The engine of New Aviator 110 generates maximum power of 8 Bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 9 Nm at 5500 rpm. New Aviator will be available in two model:
- New Aviator 110
- New Aviator 110 Deluxe
The basic model of Aviator 110 has been priced at Rs 42,000.00 which the deluxe model will retail for Rs. 47,000.00. These prices are Ex-showroom New Delhi. The price of Aviator 110 Deluxe model is Rs. 6,000.00 more than the Activa Deluxe but Aviator 110 is definitely a much better scooter than the Activa as it offers better suspension, better brakes and alloy wheels.
- New Aviator 110 ———– Rs. 42,000.00
- New Aviator 110 Deluxe – Rs. 47,000.00
World’s cheapest car, Tata Nano appears to have developed a technical snag prompting Tata Motors to launch a pre-delivery audit of the car’s electrical systems and inspection of the units already sold.
Three cases of the car developing short circuit near the combination switch in the car’s steering wheel have already been reported from Delhi, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. The cars have had smoke emnate from the steering wheel area even when parked with ignition off and in one case has caused the area around to melt due to heat. Following the incidents, Tata Motors has decided to do a pre-delivery audit of all the electrical circuits and has also offered to check the cars that are already with the customers.
The company isnt however calling this as a “Recall”. According to a company spokesman the problems are not generic and hence there is no question of a recall but pre-emptive checks may be carried out on cars that have already been handed over to the customers. Two of the customers from Lucknow and Ahmedabad have already given their Nano for repairs to their respective dealerships which have been repaired at free of charge. The other customer from Delhi is yet to give the car for repairs and has instead lodged a complaint with the police citing manufacturing defect as the reason for the mishap.
Maruti Suzuki India is back with new improved SX4 to make the deal better in comparison to Honda City, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo & Hyundai Verna. They have plonked new 1.6 VVT engine in SX4 so that it complies with the strict emission norms which will be in effect from April, 2011 in 11 cities in India. The new engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing 104 Bhp which is 2 Bhp up from previous 102 Bhp. Maruti has also given some cosmetic design upgrades to the exterior and interiors to make it look more muscular and smart in comparison to FiatLinea and Honda City.
The New engine is a 1600cc VVT(Variable Valve Timing) powerplant producing maximum power of 104 Bhp at 5600 rpm with maximum torque of 145 Nm at 4100 rpm. ARAI has also announced the mileage figures of new SX4 – the manual version willl return 15.5 kmpl while the automatic variant is expected to return 12.5 kmpl.
The VVT or Variable Valve Timing allows the timing of the intake valve to be changed while the engine is in operation, thereby ensuring that there is never a shortage or wastage of power. This leads to improved engine efficiency, optimized fuel consumption and lesser carbon emissions. With the advanced VVT technology, the car starts, accelerates and climbs steep slopes better. In essence, the technology is an intelligent system leading to a smoother, more luxurious drive and better mileage.
8 Additions & New Features Of Maruti SX4
1) Upgraded 1.6 Litre engine with VVT head which now develops 104 bhp. It also meets the Bharat IV norms. 2) All New Brown/Beige Interiors plus option of leather interior in ZXi variants. 3) USB Input for the Dash Integrated Music System – only in ZXi variants 4) Wooden finish door console for power window buttons and control of rear view mirrors. 5) Flush fitting central rear seat arm rest – but surprisingly without cup holders 6) New Honeycomb Grille – looks much better than the grille of outgoing model 7) New 10 spoke 16″ alloy wheels – but the 5 spoke design was more muscular and sppealing Automatic Transmission Option – only in Zxi variants
Maruti has launched New SX4 in five variants – SX4 VXi, SX4 ZXi, SX4 ZXi Leather, SX4 ZXi Automatic & SX4 ZXi Leather Automatic. The extra features in ZXi in comparsion to base model VXi are Dual SRS airbags, Alloy Wheels, ABS (Anti Lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution), Audio system controls on steering wheel, Front fog lights, Body colored door moulding, Automatic control system and Silver finish interior door handles. The ZXi leather variants have leather clad steering wheel, gear knob and leather seat covers.
The Automatic variant has same features like the ZXi variant – the only difference is that it comes with 4-speed automatic transmission. A cluster of computer controlled sensors constantly manage the throttle input and optimize the engine response accordingly, thus requiring no changing of gears. The overdrive mode in the Automatic Transmission provides additional power on the tap, whenever needed.
Here is a price list of New Maruti SX4, Ex-Showrrom New Delhi:
- New SX4 VXi ————— Rs. 6,68,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi ————— Rs. 7,37,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi Leather —– Rs. 7,71,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi AT ———– Rs. 8,02,000.00
- New SX4 ZXi Leather AT – Rs. 8,35,000.00
Shades Available In New Maruti SX4
New Maruti SX4 is available in seven shades. Two new shades have also been introduced – Oyster Blue & French Eclair. Following shades are available:
- Azure Grey
- Pearl Arctic White - French Eclair – New Shade
- Oyster Blue – New Shade
- Clear Beige
- Silky Silver
- Midnight Black
The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic 500 was unveiled by Royal Enfield at Intermot exhibition in Germany.
They have already launched this mouthwatering classic version of its legendary motorcycle abroad. Bullet Classic was first launched in Germany followed by European launch. It is expected that it is going to be launched in India on 4th November, 2009.
Main Styling Elements Of Bullet Classic 500
- Traditional looking front number plate - Classic style round headlamp - Visible steel springs - Deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire - 18″ Spoke Wheels - Fuel tank with post war graphics - Thigh pads and single saddle seat with springs - Body colored frame
Main Technical Highlights Of Bullet Classic 500:
- 280mm Front Disc brake - 5-speed Gearbox - UCE (Unit Construction Engine) - 27.2 Bhp of Maximum Power - Peak Torque of 41.3 Nm - Electronic Fuel Injection System
Though no official launch date and price has been announced for Bullet Classic 500 but it is expected to be launched in India on 4th November, 2009 and is expected to retail for around Rs. 135000.00.
Automatic Transmission Option – only in Zxi variants
