Auto Industry Updates and Reviews
BMW India is set to make a bang with the launch of BMW 3-Series Executive which is stripped down version of regular 3-Series from which many options and accessories have been removed to make it more affordable.
It is expected that BMW 3-Series Executive is going to be priced around 24 lakh rupees which will make it the best sedan in its segment in comparison to its main rivals Audi A4 & Mercedes C-Class.
Audi is all set to publically unveil the all new A8 on the eve of Design Miami on November 30th. The Audi flagship will be presented in a truly innovative way in a temporary museum structure, Audi pavilion which is focal point of “The Art Of Progress” which exhibits cultural and technological progress and echoes the value of the new A8: Vorsprung durch Technik and design expertise that stirs the emotions.
Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, commented on the exhibition concept: “Our claim “Vorsprung durch Technik” also embraces design, which is one of the outstanding elements of the Audi signature. And as top design has now emerged as an acknowledged art form, we see the bridge between art and architecture as a logical step in advancing our brand.”
The new Audi A8 promises to be an ultimate combination of performance, looks, luxury and technology. The flagship Audi luxury sedan will come with a slew of new engines which include V6 and V8 petrols and an all new Hybrid. A high performance model on the lines of the BMW 760Li and Mercedes S600 may also be launched.
[Via: CC]
MUMBAI: Three brands of Super Hyper Cars (SHCs), including the world’s fastest car, Ultimate Aero, are all set to storm Indian roads by the end of this year. Dubai-based Ultimate Motors, one of the leading distibutors of exotic and luxury sports cars in the world, will be launching the three brands of commercial SHCs - Shelby, Zenvo and Arash, by December. The three will be SSC Utimate Aero , Arash AF-10 and Zenvo ST1 .
“The demand for luxury cars in India is increasing of late and people are now keen to have customised cars. We are in touch with four leading dealers in India and expect to launch the commercial SHCs by the end of this year,” Ultimate Motors’ President, Nasser Al-Hai, told PTI here on the sidelines of a luxury lifestyle event here. Expect price of all three cars in range of 4.5 to 7 crores.
According to a report by leading auto magazine BIKE INDIA 3 months after the official entry, Harley Davidson India has revealed its core members for India. After announcing its arrival in India Harley-Davidson is ready with its core team for an initiation in the Indian market. This new team consists of people like Sanjay Tripathi who has been in the Indian motorcycle industry for quite some time and is well aware of the likes and dislikes of the discerning Indian riders. He has been appointed as the director of Marketing.
Other experienced members include Rajiv Vohra - Director of sales and dealer development, who has worked with Honda Siel earlier. Yogesh Phogat, former BMW India employee, is appointed as the company’s director of operations and finally Manish Agarwal who will be handling the financial department of HD India. With a team of industry experts HD is surely here to capture the hearts of Indian riders.
Ducati Motor Holding, the world’s leading producer of Racing inspired bikes today announced the opening of its first showroom in the Indian market in partnership with Precision Motor India Private Limited. Due to its great potential to provide opportunities for growth and further establish the Ducati Brand, Mumbai has been chosen as the location for Ducati’s first flagship showroom.
On this occasion, Mr. Cristiano Silei, V.P. Sales, Ducati India said: “We are very excited about the Mumbai opening. We believe India will play an increasingly relevant role in the motorcycle industry and we are pleased to be among the first to recognize it and be and active part of the development in the market”
Mr. Ashish Chordia, Chairman and CEO of Precision Motor India Private Limited said: “The Ducati brand which symbolizes racing success, innovative technology and the highest quality standards are a perfect fit for Precision Motor India as we are committed towards excellence in all the premium brands we represent. We are passionate about promoting and developing Ducati in the Indian market. We are proud to be a part of this great journey that we have jointly undertaken in India and I am sure that Ducati will have a great presence in this country”
[Via: cartradeindia]
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.
[Via: BIKE]
Press Release - Mahindra & Mahindra India
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 roads.
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.
[Via: Cars India]
12th October is turning out to be a hot date to launch cars with 3 cars scheduled to break cover including the Chevrolet Cruze, the new Maruti SX4 and also the BMW Z4 Roadster.
BMW India will unveil its rear wheel drive sports car in Mumbai which is expected to cost around Rs. 60 lakhs and would be imported as a CBU from Germany. BMW India is hopeful of selling 40 units of the Z4 in the first year.
[Via: motorbeam]
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 will be less than four metres in length and will have a less than 1.5-litre diesel engine, it may thus get the tax benefit of a small car.
It is expected that the Premier Rio is likely to be priced around Rs 5 lakh. Premier Auto hopes to sell 1,000 units of the product initially. The existing 30 dealerships of Premier will sell the product and the company is opening up another 20 by the year end. The investment in this project is just a couple of crores as of now as the company would be using its existing assembly line in Pune.