Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009
According to the latest statement in London from Tata Motors MD, Ravi Kant, the company may allow Tata Nano to be assembled and sold under a different brand name by other manufacturers. Ravi Kant was spaaking at an award function in London where he indicated that Tata Motors will allow micro-assembly units that can produce 10,000 units a year.
“Tata Motors was always toying with the idea of outsourcing a small batch of Nano to third-part automakers. However, it is just in its embryonic stages and the company will take a final call in due course,” well-informed sourced from the industry were quoted saying about Tata Motors.
It is presumed that Nano under different brand name will be sold in the Indian market only as it has yet not made its foray into the overseas market. So far Tata Motors has delivered 7506 units from its Uttrakhand plant in Pantnagar. Tata Motors also has a joint venture with Fiat Auto India Limited and Fiat will be looking after the overseas marketing of Tata Nano. It is quite speculative that Fiat may assemble additional units of Tata Nano under a different brand name.
[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, October 6th, 2009
Premier India which was once famous for its padmini sedan, is now planning to make a bang with the launch of a all new SUV – The Rio. Rio is basically the Zotye RX6400 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.
Rio a.k.a RX6400 is a small city SUV which has been developed on basis of advanced technology from domestic and international autos. And its strong power comes from Mitsubishi engined 1500cc engine.
The Doshis of Premier Auto have been waiting to be back with a bang. 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 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.
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
Ford Figo Images/Photos
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009
Ford has unveiled its new small car Figo today in New Delhi with Alan Roger Mulally, Ford’s president and chief executive, making a lightening visit to the country for the unveiling. It is expected that Figo will be priced in the range of 3.5-5 lakh rupees and will compete with the likes of Maruti Ritz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz & Skoda Fabia.
Today’s press conference in Delhi was the first public preview of the exterior design of the new Ford Figo. Ford is reserving further details about the vehicle until closer to its production launch early in 2010. Design-conscious Italy inspired the new Ford Figo’s name. Figo is colloquial Italian for “cool.”
Sharing key elements of Ford’s kinetic design language with vehicles like the globally renowned Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo and the Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo features a fresh, contemporary shape that will be a distinctive alternative to traditional brands in this segment. The design language conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in motion.
Quality, substance and generous proportions are clearly evident in the design of the new Ford Figo, which features a solid stance, an invitingly large interior and a vibrant, youthful character. Its package is right-sized for the market, which is predominated by congested urban driving conditions.
From its modern headlamps, grille shapes and sculpted bonnet of its distinctive face to the subtle integrated spoiler and chamfered window shape at the rear, Ford Figo is filled with kinetic design touches. These also include sculpted shapes to the body side – chiseled front fenders, a “comet tail” undercut in the doors and additional light-catching sculpting in the lower bodyside – which combine to communicate the solidity, substance and protective safety of its design.
The bold graphic of Ford Figo’s large side window shape is another key kinetic design feature hinting at the comfort and spaciousness awaiting occupants’ front and rear. The side window graphic is executed with a blacked-out B-pillar, an elegant design touch that unifies the side windows into one shape visually.
With its wheels positioned at the four corners of the vehicle with minimal overhang, Ford Figo’s bold wheel arches self-assuredly signal its agility and solidity.
New Ford Regional Production Centre
The introduction of the new Ford Figo marks a significant shift for India’s role in Ford’s strategy. Transformed with a production capacity of 200,000 units, the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for small-car engineering and production.
Ford Figo models will be produced at the plant for export to international markets. The plant is also being groomed to produce diesel and petrol engines for local vehicle production and export within Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa region.
With more automation and high-tech new facilities, the new site reflects the latest Ford manufacturing processes globally and pioneers new technologies for Ford and India. Created with a “best of the best” approach, it has been benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in the Indian market, for quality and production efficiency.
The transformed plant introduces eco-friendly production techniques like its new Three-Wet High-Solids paint process. This approach produces beautifully painted vehicles with three wet coats – primer, base coat and clear coat – of high solids-content paint applied one after the other without oven curing between coats. A first for India, it produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions and reduces volatile organic compounds emissions by about 20 percent compared to current medium-solids solvent-borne paints. Use of high-solids content results in a paint finish with high levels of gloss and depth ofcolour which is more resistant to scratches and stone chips.
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Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Ford is likely to unveil its new small car Splash on 23rd September – Today – in New Delhi with Alan Roger Mulally, Ford’s president and chief executive, making a lightening visit to the country for the unveiling. Though there is no official confirmation about it but it is expected that they are going to unviel a ‘Made For India’ small car.
Codenamed B402/B517, Ford’s small car might use its existing Ikon or Fiesta platforms for a hatchback. It is also likely that Ford may tweak the new car model KA which is being developed jointly with Fiat in Europe.
Here is a snapshot from Ford India’s Official Website which is a confirmation that a new small car is coming!!
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Thursday, September 10th, 2009
In a bid to spice things up for the worlds cheapest sedan, Tata Motors will launch a Limited Edition variant of the of Indigo CS this festive season. The Tata Indigo CS Limited Edition will get new headlamps with blinkers, turn indicators on rear view mirrors, new wooden finish centre console, leather wrapped steering wheel, new door handle caps, sport pedals and six way power electric seats. The limited edition variant will be available in Procelain White with dark chrome coloured badges which seems quite similar to the Limited Edition Indica Vista.
[Via: motorbeam]
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Friday, September 4th, 2009
Ford’s manufacturing facility near Chennai is readying for volume production of its soon-to-be-introduced new car after a comprehensive transformation to double its capacity and become a strategic production hub for Ford Motor Company.
Attracting an investment of $500 million from Ford Motor Company, the Ford India plant, located in Maraimalai Nagar, was selected as the ideal production source for Ford’s new car. It will be produced not only for India but also for export to other international markets.
“This new world-class manufacturing facility is a symbol of Ford’s commitment to India and our intention to compete with the best in the market,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “When the first new car rolls off the line, it will be a moment when Ford achieves its potential as a major player in the Indian automotive industry.”
[Via: carwale]
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Friday, August 28th, 2009
Nissan has announced its decision to shift production of its small car – the new Micra hatchback – from the UK to India. ‘We have decided to manufacture the Micra at our upcoming factory at Oragadam, near Chennai,’ said Nissan India MD and CEO, Kiminobu Tokuyama, speaking to a national Indian newspaper.
The new Nissan Micra will be sold in India and will also be exported to Europe and some Western Asian countries. Moving production of the Micra to India has been prompted by better cost efficiencies and the presence of a high-quality vendor base here, which would ultimately allow Nissan to rationalise the Micra’s prices in the hyper competitive small cars segment.
Over the next 3-4 years, in addition to the new Micra, Nissan is also expected to produce another 7-8 models at its facility near Chennai, where production will start from May 2010. Nissan’s plant at Oragadam will have a production capacity of 400,000 units per annum and Nissan expects to invest as much as Rs 4,500 crore in this facility, by 2015.
[Via: indiaautomotive]
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Wednesday, August 26th, 2009
“The Sanand plant will be ready by January next year. At first stage, the plant will produce more yellow and silver coloured cars as they are in demand in the market,” Chairman Ratan Tata said at the company’s Annual General Meeting here. The new plant will cater to the domestic demands first.
Later, when the plant is fully operational, it will manufacture cars to cater to demands from Europe, Africa and Asia. Tata Motors started delivering the first batch of cars in India last month. “European, African and some Asian countries have expressed great interest in Nano,” said Ratan Tata.
Tata Motors is also planning to build higher capacity engines for its Nano car. It had launched the car targeting the lower income group in India who wish to own a car. However, looking at the strong demand from the export market, now the company is planning for its higher end versions as well.
[Via: cartradeindia]
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