Launches To Be Seen For Auto Expo 2012!!

Despite the economic slow don faced by the auto industry the carmakers have decided to shrug off the slowdown and launch over two dozen automobiles in 2012. Perhaps there's no other way. Growth in car sales dipped by 4% in the first eight months of this fiscal year as against a robust growth of 30% the year before.

If carmakers have to turn the tide, the only way to do that is to woo consumers with more. "New cars are the best bet to revive fortunes. Every new car generates excitement leading to incremental sales and better volumes, which is the need of the hour," says Abdul Majeed, partner for the automotive practice at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Manufacturers are also counting on interest rates coming off their highs and a re-alignment in the petrol-diesel price skew, which will spur demand for petrol models. Manufacturers such as Maruti, Toyota, Ford and Renault Nissan are investing in capacity expansions to cater to the next two to three years of growth.

Some of them are also engineering their models to suit local tastes and conditions. ET takes you through the most exciting launches lined up for 2012. Which one will you choose?

Ertiga, a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), will herald Maruti Suzuki's entry into the utility vehicle space. It will also be the first compact MPV on Indian roads. Based on the RIII concept that Maruti Suzuki showcased at the Auto Expo of 2010, the Ertiga multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) is likely to be priced between Rs 6 and Rs 9 lakh. The car is likely to be available in both petrol and diesel options and will challenge the Toyota Innova.

Bajaj Auto's Small Car To Be Unveiled At The Auto Expo 2012

After a long wait, Bajaj Auto is finally ready with its small car, which will be unveiled in the upcoming auto show beginning January 4, 2012 .

"The car's model is already complete. However, the company has got the final nod from its other partners, Nissan and Renault, which have approved the design," an executive from Bajaj Auto confirmed. According to sources, the car has an 800 cc petrol engine compared to Tata's 624 cc engine. Also, it is slightly more spacious than Nano. The car will be priced higher than Tata Nano .

Bajaj Auto will announce the final price and other specifications of the car at the New Delhi auto show. The first prototype of the car was shown in 2008 at the Indian Auto Expo.

"Earlier the car was supposed to be cheaper than Nano. However, other partners (Renault-Nissan) said that there should be no compromise on quality even if it means pricing it higher," the executive added.

"Moreover the company had the advantage that it could rework on the mistakes of the predecessors in the segment. Only cheap car is not enough to attract customers as consumers want value for money in this segment," the executive added.

However, he refused to reveal any other finer details about the car. Though no clear details are available, the car is a five-seater, like Tata Nano, and boasts of 30 km per litre mileage. This compares to Nano's mileage of 23 km per litre. The car will be pitched against Tata Nano, Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon.

Three years ago, Bajaj Auto, Nissan Motors and Renault announced that they would work on a small car, which will be priced lower than Tata Nano.

According to the initial agreement, Bajaj Auto was to work on the model, while Nissan and Renault were to be responsible for sales and marketing. However, after Nissan and Renault launched their cars on the Indian roads, rumours were rife that Renault was not happy with the model and at one point of time it was also believed that the project has been shelved.

However, after a few disagreements the project was back on track. Bajaj was working on the model for one year.

The Countdown To Auto Expo 2012 Has Begun!!

With over 1500 participants from 24 countries, the 11th Auto Expo will be host to 50 new launches including Cars, Two-Wheelers and Commercial Vehicles and a special focus on Green Technologies which will reach Indian shores.

New entries like Peugeot, who have already started construction of their Sanand plant in Gujrat would showcase their current line-up. Since India is one of the fastest growing automobile sectors across the globe, international attention on the Indian automotive industry is on the centre of the cross-hair. With the current year having a bit of a slowdown, manufacturers have not slowed down and the industry on a whole has seen a decent progress. Present at the occasion were Rajive Kaul, Chairman, Steering Committee, Auto Expo 2012 with S.Sandilya, President SIAM and Vikram

Kirloskar of Toyota Kirloskar Motors, Vice-President SIAM. Accompanying them was Arvind Kapur, President, ACMA who pointed out, “Exhibitors from the auto component industry have a strong presence in Auto Expo 2012. Some of the major component manufacturers from Belarus, Canada, People’s Republic of China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey and UAE  are participating in the 11th Auto Expo. Making it, a truly “India’s global Automotive show.”

Bigger contingents from Germany and China will also be present at the 11,500 square metre venue. This time around, emphasis the use of green mobility would also be given in lieu of the deteriorating state of the environment and ever increasing rate of traffic in India. Just as at the last Expo, the January 5 would be Goodwill day which would be open to the physically challenged.

Adding to the innovative additons to the show, the expo would gave its focused pavilions as well for accessories, audio, alternate fuels, gas technologies, design, IT diesel equipment and the ‘asli-naqli’ pavilion, which primarily focuses on the harm of using fake parts for your vehicle. “Like in the past the 11th Auto Expo will also showcase future vehicles that will be launched in Indian market during the coming months and years and it is hoped that the event will be a harbinger of revival of the industry in the new year,” concluded Vikram Kirloskar, VP, SIAM

Comprising of the Confederation of the Indian Industry (CII) in association with Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer (SIAM) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the Auto Expo is the only auto show to be accredited by Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles (OICA). The International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers was founded in Paris in 1919 and its membership comprises 41 national trade associations around the world, including all major automobile manufacturing countries.

Toyota Aqua – The Launch Of The Smallest Fuel-Efficient Hybrid Car Yet!

Toyota has launched its hybrid highly fuel-efficient small car model by the name “Aqua” in Japan during the Tokyo Motor Show. Aqua is named as “Prius C” in the United States where it is to be launched in early 2012 at the Detroit Auto Show. This car has a higher fuel efficiency of 35.4 kilometer per liter as compared to Prius that has an average of 32 kilometer per liter, the highest offered efficiency by a car of this kind till now.
Nissan Motor and General Motor are on their path to launch vehicles of this kind in the near future, but the price of these cars is supposed to be significantly high because of the high battery cost. Toyota aims to launch more than 10 models of these kind of gasoline cars by the year 2015, and this would make a great move for the “Green Revolution”, if the response is good. Toyota Motor Corp. aims that the sale of the car in Japan would reach a monthly high of 12,000 units. The price of the model starts at $21600.

The model is equipped with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and has an electric motor. The model is very sleek and light weighed. It is estimated that the efficiency of Aqua is higher than that of Prius. Aqua has a length of 3.9 meters as compared to 4.48 meters Prius and costs around 22% less than the leading model till date-Prius. Apart from this, the model has awesome and comfortable interiors, elegant design, great speed and acceleration. Aqua has an Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system to cool down the engine and thus improve the efficiency. it is also equipped with a a battery powered power pump and a design that reduces friction. The battery is made up  of nickel metal hydride.

Toyota launched its hybrid fuel-efficient small car model “Aqua” in Japan in the Tokyo Motor Show. The same model will be termed as “Prius C” in the United States where it will be launched in early 2012 at the Detroit Auto Show. This car has a higher fuel efficiency of 35.4 kilometer per liter as compared to Prius that has an average of 32 kilometer per liter, the highest offered efficiency by a car of this kind till now.

Nissan Motor and General Motor are on their path to launch vehicles of this kind in the near future, but the price of these cars is supposed to be significantly high because of the high battery cost. Toyota aims to launch more than 10 models of these kind of gasoline cars by the year 2015, and this would make a great move for the “Green Revolution”, if the response is good. Toyota Motor Corp. aims that the sale of the car in Japan would reach a monthly high of 12,000 units. The price of the model starts at $21600.

The model is equipped with a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine and has an electric motor. The model is very sleek and light weighed. It is estimated that the efficiency of Aqua is higher than that of Prius. Aqua has a length of 3.9 meters as compared to 4.48 meters Prius and costs around 22% less than the leading model till date-Prius. Apart from this, the model has awesome and comfortable interiors, elegant design, great speed and acceleration. Aqua has an Exhaust-Gas Recirculation (EGR) system to cool down the engine and thus improve the efficiency. it is also equipped with a a battery powered power pump and a design that reduces friction. The battery is made up  of nickel metal hydride.

2011: The Year Of The Diesel Cars?

The car industry cruised into 2011 on top gear , growing about 25% yearon-year , but is exiting the year on a low note after shrinking for four consecutive months before registering a 7% sales rise in November.

Rising fuel prices , spiralling interest rates , component supply issues and labour troubles , and negative consumer sentiments have all slowed down passenger car sales , which has dipped 4% in the first eight months of the financial year.

Most carmakers cut prices and offered high discounts in spite of increasing costs to attract buyers in a cutthroat market . Experts say the tough ride to continue for some more months . "The auto industry will have to live with smaller margins . The kind of super-normal profits that car companies enjoyed , is on the verge of coming to an end ," says BVR Subbu , former head of Hyundai India , who is now on board of several Indian and global companies.

The year saw several launches . Some such as the new Swift , Skoda Rapid , XUV 500, Hyundai Verna and Audi A4 took the market by storm , while others such as Nissan Sunny , Maruti Kizashi , Honda Brio , Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Eon failed to capture the consumer's imagination.

Mercedes To Launch The E-Class Hybrid In January

Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in its brand's core segment and at the same time setting new standards for luxury-class business vehicles: the E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, available as a Saloon and Estate, impresses with new record values when it comes to efficiency. The 4-cylinder diesel engine of the E300 BlueTEC HYBRID has 204bhp and 500Nm. Combined with an electric motor producing 20 kW and 250 Nm, this results in a coherent overall concept. The E 300 BlueTEC HYBRID is the most economical luxury-class vehicle in the world.

The V6-cylinder petrol engine in the E 400 HYBRID produces 306bhp and 370 Nm, and is also supplemented by a further 26bhp and 250 Nm from the electric motor.

Auto Expo 2012 Promises Some Very Interesting Niche Launches...

With more than 60 new models and upgrades lined up for debut, Auto Expo 2012 in Delhi will pack in a lot of launch excitement. But unlike earlier years, this time car companies are looking to expand their stable by creating niche products.

Across the price spectrum, from Maruti to Mercedes Benz, the idea is to try out something new, beyond bread and butter segments. Given the slowdown in demand, companies feel it's time to explore new segments which will be less price-sensitive and create a buzz. 

Known for its formidable footprint in the small car market, Maruti Suzuki is showcasing two new products this time round - the Ertiga MUV and a concept compact SUV. Neither falls in the small car category.

"This is our way of expanding our portfolio and branching out into newer segments," says Mayank Pareek, managing executive officer (marketing & sales), Maruti Suzuki. "Right now the Ertiga segment is virtually non-existent in India. So, we want to create this niche and ride the first mover advantage. That's the job of the market leader - identify niches and cater to them ahead of the pack."

MNC biggie Volkswagen, also known for its small car focus, will showcase its iconic Beetle, a premium hatch whose Rs 20 lakh-plus price tag means it will never be a volume spinner. But as brand builder it pulls a mean punch. The company isn't showing its UP small car, already showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show and has plans for an India launch.

"Our brand is still at a nascent stage of awareness so we wanted a brand building tool for the Auto Expo. The Beetle is our most iconic product and the best vehicle to create brand awareness," says Neeraj Garg, member board & director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India. The company says there's no decision on launching the Beetle in India just yet.

In the premium segment too the buzzword is niches with a difference. Both Mercedes Benz and BMW are showcasing products that are miles away from their core market of luxury saloons.

While BMW is launching the iconic Mini Cooper premium hatchback in India, arch rival Mercedes Benz will showcase its B-Class premium hatchback, which is due for debut in India by 2012 winter. The Mercedes roster will also include models like the SLS AMG Roadster, the SLS GT3 and the DTM car along with a range of performance cars from the AMG stable.

Like Maruti, Ford too is expected to showcase a compact SUV concept though company officials are tightlipped about the details. The company has only announced that it will showcase an "all new vehicle planned for introduction in India and other global markets in the near future".

M&M will highlight its Ssangyong range including Rexton and Korando E. "The idea is to create some excitement during the expo but not everything that we showcase will come to India immediately," says Pawan Goenka, president-auto and farm equipment division, M&M.

Auto Expo To See The Launch Of Mahindra & Mahindra Ssangyong's SUVs Rexton, Korando

Auto major Mahindra & Mahindra is to showcase its Korean subsidiary Ssangyong's vehicles for the first time in India during the upcoming Auto Expo next month, following the acquisition of the firm over a year ago.
The company will showcase its sports utility vehicles Rexton and Korando, which will be launched in India soon, at the auto show to be held in the National Capital.

"Post the acquisition of Ssangyong Motors, there has been a lot of interest within Indian consumers to see for themselves some of these world-class products. Keeping in mind this aspiration, Mahindra will showcase among other vehicles, both the Rexton and Korando E which are slated to be launched in India shortly," the company said in a statement.

In November, 2010, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) had signed a definitive agreement with Ssangyong Motor Company (SYMC) to acquire 70 per cent stake in the ailing South Korean auto maker at a total cost of USD 463 million (about Rs 2,105 crore).

Besides, the company will also showcase an electric variant of its sedan Verito during the Auto Expo. Electric vehicle Mahindra Reva NXR will also be displayed.

Now Renault All Set To Launch The Diesel Versions Of Every 2012 Models!!

With diesel variants now accounting for over a fourth of India's passenger car sales, French major Renault has decided to roll out this fuel's versions in three of its new launches next year with more locally-sourced parts to cut costs.

"Every model which we launch next year will have a diesel version," said Len Curran, Renault India vice president for sales and marketing. "Our focus is on diesel cars," Curran told IANS in an interview over phone from Chennai. 

Last year, diesel cars accounted for 27 percent of the 2.52 million passenger cars sold in India and the Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers ( SIAM), the apex lobby for the auto industry, expects this share to go up to 33 percent by the end of this fiscal.

Renault has made this strategic move at a time when the auto industry is facing a rough patch, following falling passenger car sales due to high fuel cost and soaring interest rates. Petrol prices were hiked five times this year, while diesel remained stable.

Renault has plans to launch Pulse, a hatchback in B segment, at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January 2012. In the second half of the next year, it will launch Duster, an SUV. In the fourth quarter of the year, it will roll out a sedan.

Renault launched a luxury sedan, Fluence, in May, that runs on petrol and diesel. In September, it came up with a compact SUV, Koleos, that operates only on diesel. The company also has big plans for its K90 diesel engine in the Indian market.

Curran, who expects India to be the second fastest growing market after China, said his company aims to cover a minimum of 35 Indian cities through its distribution network before August 2012.

He said local sourcing was a strong strategy to cope with currency fluctuations. "The two vehicles launched in May and September have a very low level of localisation. But Pulse and Duster will have over 60 percent of localised parts."

Asked whether the company would raise prices of its models if the rupee plunges further, the Renault executive said the company will follow the strategies of other auto firms. "Our benchmark is the strategies of competitors. We will be following the market."

On Wednesday, the company said it will raise the price of Koleos from Rs.22.99 lakh to Rs.23.99 lakh from Jan 1, 2012, due to rupee depreciation and rising input costs.

Honda India Launches The New City & Cuts Prices Of Sedan

Desperate times call for desperate measures. After losing out to Volkswagen's Vento, Japanese carmaker Honda is striking back by slashing prices and improving features of its flagship City sedan.

The carmaker has cut prices of City for the second time in six months and launched a new version priced at Rs6.99 lakh (exshowroom, Delhi).

This will pit the sedan, which had been a market leader for many years, in direct competition with Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento that are also priced at Rs 6.99 lakh.

"We are adding features and cutting prices to make our cars more realistic to the prevailing competition in the market," Seki Inaba, who took over as director (marketing) at Honda's India subsidiary in March this year, told ET.

BMW Mini To Be Launched On 5th Jan!

My dear Indians, you will soon be introduced to a new brand of cars that have never been seen before in the country. Well, there may be a few exceptions to this, I agree. But for now, let’s consider no one has seen a Mini roaming around on our streets before. Having said that, BMW, who now own the British iconic car brand- Mini will be launching the cars in India soon. If Volkswagen Beetle is for Germany and Fiat 500 is for Italy then, Mini would be the brand loved by one and all from Britain. Unlike the other two Minis have even raced around the globe.

Small and agile Mini Coopers have raced in the World Rally Championship. They’ve even featured in touring car races. So that’s about the macho image of the Mini. Even the ladies have had a special bonding with these cars. They are favorite among girls for their looks and practicality. Dr. Andreas Schaaf, who heads BMW’s India operations has been big fan of the brand and had always wished to see the cars coming to India during his tenure as the President of BMW India. His efforts seem to have thus paid off and he has finally managed to convince the top bosses at BMW to launch the Mini brand in India.


That said, like the Beetle and Fiat 500, Mini is a lifestyle product and as history suggests, such products haven’t especially done well in India. We too had our doubts when BMW chose to go for the Mini instead of the 1-Series. But times have changed since Volkswagen launched the Beetle and there could be a surprise in store for us. If the Mini does catch the imagination of the Indian buyer and BMW manages to sell a decent number, it will be a true triumph given the price of the car which is expected to be over Rs 18 lak depending upon the model.

We think, BMW might offer the complete range of Mini cars including the four-wheel drive crossovers, but that is just a hunch and we will have to wait till BMW makes the final announcement 23 days from now. So, the Mini will be launched at the upcoming Delhi Auto Expo and IndianCarsBikes.in will be there covering every other launch in detail. We hope to catch up with you during the Auto Expo. We will keep you updated with all the happenings from the show. Until then you can checkout Mini’s official India website.

Nissan Launches The New Diesel Version Of Sunny

Japanese auto major Nissan today launched a diesel version of its mid-size sedan Sunny. 

The 1.5-litre diesel version is priced at Rs 7.98 lakh for the base model and Rs 8.78 lakh for the top-end model (ex-showrooms, Delhi), the company said in a statement. 

"We are delighted to introduce the diesel variant of the Sunny. At a time when the market is witnessing an increase in demand for diesel cars, Sunny diesel, with high fuel economy will be the right choice for our valued customers," Nissan Motor India managing director and chief executive Kiminobu Tokuyama said.

Targeted at the youth, the Sunny diesel mirrors the petrol variant's sophisticated style and roomy interiors.

It is the second model after the Micra hatchback to use Nissan's pre-eminent 'V' platform that carries advanced engineering to deliver a modern, light weight structure that provides integral strength, robust ride refinement and dynamic on-road behavior, it said.

The Sunny is manufactured at the Chennai facility, which the company jointly owns with French maker Renault, its international alliance partner.

Tata Aria For The Indian Roads?!

Tata Aria is creating news more than often these days. Now, a left hand drive version of the Tata Aria is spotted while doing the test runs. Quite obviously, the Tata Aria LHD version means an export vehicle, definitely not meant for India. Country’s leading car manufacturer had mentioned about an automatic gearbox earlier. But, the spotted Aria LHD version does not carry an automatic gearbox. So, we will have to wait and see when is it that Tata India will introduce a Tata Aria AT in the country. The slow sales of the Tata Aria SUV have bugged the auto major right from the beginning. There is nothing actually wrong with the car as such.

It’s another case of wrong pricing from an auto major as sensible as Tata India to place the Tata Aria price in a tad too expensive range. The SUV might have attracted enough consumers on its own, but the cost has driven them away for other contemporaries in the segment. Then earlier this year, the auto major finally made a smart move.

That is by introducing the 4x2 variant of the Tata Aria with some price cut. Though initially, things started to look bright, but the sales slowly fell back to the usual. The November month had been particularly nasty with just 140 units sold. Now, however, the discount offer of Rs 2 lakh seems to be more tempting for any consumer to withstand, the straight Rs 1.60 lakh cash discount is definitely mouth-watering.

It’s after the discount that the Tata Aria 4x2 sells at Rs 9.9 lakh, which should have been the real Tata Aria 4x2 price to begin with. The price discount on one side which is likely to continue for some time, the consumers on the other hand are eagerly waiting for an automatic variant of the Tata Aria. Will the company go for an engine replacement to override the existing 140 Bhp 2.2 L DICOR engine producing 320 Nm torque or continue with the same is yet to be seen. But, one thing is for sure, the discounts now can benefit to a certain extent while placing the Tata Aria AT price more smartly this time. Stay tuned for more updates on this.

Luxgen5 Sedan: The First Car With Android Launched!

Luxgen Motors, a Taiwan based automaker, has unveiled a first of its kind car with an infotainment system based on Android operating system. The car, named Luxgen5 Sedan, is a premium sports sedan.

Luxgen Motors has partnered with HTC, the famous Taiwan based smartphone maker and together they developed THINK+ system. When an HTC mobile phone is connected to the THINK+ Touch system, all of the mobile phone calls will then be controlled directly through the 9 inch smart touch screen on the central console. Users can also access Facebook, send and receive e-mails or look up local sights through the touch screen.

The Luxgen think+ Touch system's five key functions include Multimedia, Phone, Safety, Information and hTC mode. Apart from using the touch screen itself, shortcut buttons are provided below the screen.
Another feature allows GPS navigation function using the HTC mode. Users can check the map and set routes in the car. The hands-free Bluetooth system means users can also make calls using the car's convenient hands-free interface.

You also have a very convenient phone dock in the car adjacent to the central control. Although no details have been provided, from the pictures available it is evident that the dock will charge your phone apart from keeping it safe.

The Android interface will also tell you better about the cars' state of health, though no details have again been offered. You will no longer need to decipher codes (that is what you get in other cars) to know the problem with the car, you will get clear words stating that to you.

While this is the first car to have this system but the company promises that even other cars and SUVs in its lineup will get it too. And we promise you, similar systems will start appearing in other cars from other manufacturers soon enough.

Happy Days For Automobile Industry As Car Sales Go Up By 7%

Domestic passenger car sales increased by 7 per cent to 1,71,131 units in November, 2011, from 1,59,939 units in the same month last year.

According to figures released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) today, motorcycle sales in the country grew by 22.67 per cent to 8,69,070 units during the month from 7,08,476 units in the corresponding month last year.

Total two-wheeler sales grew by 25.27 per cent to 11,63,294 units last month from 9,28,660 units in November, 2010, as per the data.

Sales of commercial vehicles grew by 34.99 per cent to 66,264 units in the month under review from 49,087 units in the year-ago period, SIAM said.

Total sales of vehicles across categories registered a jump of 22.22 per cent to 14,89,714 units in November from 12,18,885 units in the same month last year, it added.

The New Ford EcoSport SUV To Be Introduced In 2012!

 

Ford Ecosport, the all new compact SUV from Ford India will be introduced at the 2012 Auto Expo in January. What makes it so special is that the mini SUV will be built sharing the same platform of Ford Fiesta. The mini Ford Ecosport could house an all new 1.2 L petrol ecoboost engine. Ecoboost engines are considered to be one of the most fuel efficient ones that can ultimately turn out to be the key selling point for the car.
The thoughtfulness of offering a diesel engine will not go wasted amidst the increasing demand for diesel cars catching up of late. The diesel powertrain could be the same from Ford Fiesta with 1.5 L capacity to churn out the peak power output of 90 Bhp and a peak torque output of 204 Nm.   This again is likely to break some records where the fuel efficiency is concerned. On the other hand, Ford Fiesta AT launch is also anticipated at the 2012 Auto Expo.Moreover the Ford Ecosport price is expected to fall in the range of Rs 7 lakh-9 lakh.
                                                       
Ford Fiesta sedan has never been known for its spacious interiors and the same can be expected of the new mini SUV from Ford. However, the SUV will be large enough to accommodate 5 passengers comfortably. The exteriors of the car will more or less fall under 4 m in length to capitalize on the Government’s policy to benefit on the sub four meter length cars.

The drive on the mini SUV will make it all the more exciting with the compact structure that scores points with its great off-road capabilities. The high ground clearance only enhances its performance on the most difficult terrains. The 15 inch wide tyres offer good grip during the adventurous rides.  The spare wheel on the rear end of the car amplifies its rugged image. The auto giant might bring in the two-wheel drive variant of the SUV as of now, without any information pointing out to a possibility of a four-wheel drive variant on the cards.

Maruti Suzuki To Start Exporting Select Models CKD kits

India's leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki plans to start exporting select models as completely knocked down (CKD) kits, beginning with its new multi-passenger vehicle Ertiga, which it plans to launch at the Auto Expo in Delhi next month.

"There is a great potential to export vehicles as CKD in many markets in Asia," Maruti Suzuki India MD S Nakanish said. "Maruti will act as the biggest supplier of cars to the parent SMC and to start with we will dispatch Ertiga MPV and other new models from next year," he added.

Ertiga, a seven-seater MPV which will be available in 1.4 litre petrol and 1.3 litre multijet diesel engine options, will be initially shipped to Indonesia and later to Thailand. The CKD kits will include critical parts, such as engine and transmission, fuel tank, wheel rim, brakes, partsstrengthenof suspension and steering that will be sealed and dispatched from the company's Manesar plant.

The move is aimed at strengthen ing Suzuki Motor Corp in the highly competitive South East Asian markets. Maruti Suzuki, which is ramping up its production facilities in India to target annual production of 20 lakh units by 2015, will eventually export more cars under the Suzuki badge.

TopGear Awards Announced!! Audi RS5

Last night BBC TopGear India awarded some of the best cars and bikes of the year in a sizzling ceremony held in Mumbai. Maruti Suzuki's most sought after small car, Swift, won the Small car of the Year. "We are pleased to receive an award from TopGear which is not a magazine but an institution in itself and it endorses the iconic status of the Swift," said Mayank Pareek,managing executive officer, sales & marketing, Maruti Suzuki "Every award is a validation to the fact that the direction we are heading is right and the product innovation strategy that we have put in place is correct.

Whilst the all important award of Car of the Year 2011 was given to the fierce Audi RS5.  The Bike of the Year went to Honda CBR 250RR and the Superbike of the Year award went to BMW 1200 GS. Mahindra & Mahindra's hot selling SUV XUV 5OO received two awards for Best Value for Money Car of the year and Reader's Choice Car of the year. TopGear Man of the Year award went to Sameer Gaur, MD & CEO, Jaypee Sports International for successfully staging the first F1 race in India. 


"It's not a conventional choice, but Top-Gear is never about conventions," said Girish Karkera, editor, TopGear magazine India

Maruti Suzuki To Launch SUV & MUV's For The Indian Roads

 Maruti Suzuki India has announced the launch of new vehicles in the sports utility and multi utility segment in their bid to regain 50% market share by 2015 according to the company MD, Shinzo Nakanishi.

Maruti, which is a 54.2% owned subsidiary of Japanese carmaker Suzuki Motor Corp, would develop these vehicles with the parent company and target their launch in the upcoming Auto Expo 2012 and beyond.

"There is a vast chunk of market, almost 18% of the passenger vehicles sold in India where we don't have any presence. So, as we aim to regain our market share and take it to beyond 50%, we will introduce vehicles in the new segment that are not in our current portfolio," Maruti MD S Nakanishi said.

Maruti sells 15 models in the Indian market and almost a dozen of these are in the compact vehicle segment. It has lost almost 5

India To See The Launch Of Porsche Sports Car Marqueein In 2012

Volkswagen AG, Europe's largest carmaker, will launch the iconic Porsche sports car marquee in India next year and appoint a new team to steer its sales in the overcrowded Indian automobile market. 





Two people close to the development said Volkswagen will import the Porsche models 911, Cayman, Boxter, Panamera and Cayenne SUV for the Indian market and look at local assembly at one of its facilities in Maharashtra when volumes pick up.  The cars, to be distributed and sold under the Volkswagen banner in India from next year, carry price tags ranging from Rs 70 lakh to Rs 3 crore (ex-showroom, Delhi).