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.

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.

The All New Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 2013 Model To Boost 650hp

The 2013 Mustang line being unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show is more exciting as it packs a staggering 650 hp for the 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500. This makes it the most powerful Mustang to yet hit the road, and it will almost certainly be the least expensive 650-hp new car money can buy.

Here's what the beast on the road looks like:

The 2013 Mustang GT gets LED fog lights and a bump from 412 hp to 420 hp, thanks to internal friction reductions in the engine. The six-speed Select Shift automatic will allow full manual control, with no default upshift at the redline. Recaro seats will be available all the way down to the V6, in cloth or leather.

There will be new performance packages, upgraded audio systems and a new option called Track Apps, with an on-board accelerometer. Track Apps can save and display lap times, quarter-mile times and g-loads on the new 4.2-inch LCD in the center stack, not to mention a range of engine telemetry options, right down to cylinder-head temperatures.