Friday, December 4th, 2009
Chevrolet Beat will be another major launch by GM India after the recent launch of Cruze which has been recieved very well by Indian Customers. It is expected to be launched on 4th January, 2010. Chevrolet beat has replaced the Daewoo-sourced Matiz/Spark in GM’s lineup. Chevrolet Beat will be powered by a 1.2 litre 4 cylinder engine which will generate 79 Bhp of maximum power at 6200 rpm with 108 Nm of maximum torque at 4400 rpm.

The Chevrolet Beat is expected to be priced around 3.5-5.0 lakh rupees and 20-25% of the production volume is for overseas markets like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. It will be available in three variants:
- Chevrolet Beat 1.2
- Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LS
- Chevrolet Beat 1.2 LT
It is expected that Chevrolet Beat is going to be in the league of Maruti Estilo & Hyundai i10 but it will easily beat its rivals as it features very different interior and exterior styling.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009
Volkswagen India is going to launch the Beetle in Indian on 4th December, 2009. It is going to compete with the likes of Fiat 500 and it will be imported as a completely built unit in India which will make it pricier due to high import duty.

It is expect to be priced around Rs. 20 lakh for the base variant and can go upto 24 lakh for the convertible variant. The company has planned a complete advertising campaign including internet, print, electronic and digital media to generate a furor about its upcoming high cost model. The main aim of launching Beetle in India is to build a brand image in the country.
[Via: cartradeindia]
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Thursday, November 19th, 2009
Toyota Corp is planning to showcase nearly 45 concept and production models at the upcoming Guangzhou Motor Show in China. There has been a tremendous increase in the demand of SUVs in the country, especially mid-sized models. The Lexus GX mid-size SUV has been on sale since 2003 but Toyota will use China’s 2009 Guangzhou Auto Show for the world debut of its latest and advanced model of Lexus GX model.
Toyota is also planning to sell its latest updated Prius model in China from early 2010. This model will also be showcased at the China show. Toyota is targeting sales of 3,000 new Prius cars a year in the country. Toyota’s other models that will be displayed at the show are Camry Hybrid and its executive car Crown that goes on sale in the country from next month.
There will be various concept models like FT-EV city model, urban plug in model Hi-CT, and FT-HS hybrid sports model. Toyota will be aiming at zero emission and fuel efficient cars that will highlight “the diversification of the energy sources”.
[Via: Cartradeindia]
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Wednesday, October 28th, 2009
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 road.
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Tuesday, September 8th, 2009
Passenger Vehicles segment during April-August 2009 grew at 11.97 percent over same period last year. Passenger Cars grew by 13.47 percent, Utility Vehicles fell marginally by 0.10 percent and Multi Purpose Vehicles grew by 22.67 percent in this period.
During April-August 2009, all segments except Passenger vehicles registered de-growth. Overall automobile exports registered a growth rate of 3.18 percent.
[Via: CW]
Posted in Manufacturers | No Comments »