Nissan to parade its 9 models in another two years

In a time span of another two years, Nissan Motor introduced at least nine models for India, said company sources. The company’s CEO and MD said the company is in an aggressive mood to penetrate the Indian car market. As a result, there will be nine models of which five will be domestic made and the remaining four from the apex in Japan, he explained. The company’s priority with this task is to reach the 1 lakh mark and 100 dealers in the country ,from the existing 20, in another 3 years, he quoted. He however clarified that there wont be diesel version of Micra as committed by the company earlier.

Micra is doing well for Nissan in India with the sale of 2110 units in a period of 45 days since its launch in July this year. In addition there is booking for 4000 units and is giving scope for export which may materialize anytime, he exclaimed. Nissan’s export venture will cover the regions of Middle East, Africa and Europe. He was very categorical that the year 2010 proved to be an action-packed for Nissan with the commissioning of First Alliance Global Plant, Renault-Nissan Automotive India and the manufacturing of the global car in India, Micra. The CEO and the company’s VP for marketing both expressed their gratitude to
the EVM Group, the dealer for Kochi in Kerala, who has done a marvelous job for Nissan.

Discount Spree from Maruti amidst sale peak

For Maruti, the marketing strategy is somewhat precious even receiving thumping response to its models. Anticipating the purchase fever during the ensuing festive season, Maruti has come forward to offer valuable discounts for the customers. The practice, however, in the marketing on such occasions of demand superceding the supply, is to curtail discount and book the vehicles on premium note. Maruti’s tactic in the current market is to shun the competitors who still face stocks dumping at showrooms. But for Maruti, the waiting scene still runs though its Alto F-8 and K-10 are facing tough encounter from Hyundai’s Santri and Tata’s Indica and Nano. These companies too offer discounts to clear the stocks and Hyundai is keen on countering Maruti’s WagonR. Maruti is too willing to clear off the old version of Alto and Alto F8 by offering Rs42000 for old WagonR and Rs19000 for new version.

The bone of contention in this marketing strategy has kicked off from the Ganesh festival three days ago and will proceed till Diwali, it is expected. According to some industry analysts the discount spree from Maruti is a surprise in the market despite heavy demand for its vehicles, especially WagonR. Maruti’s SX4 is sold with a highest discount of Rs60000, reason being the customers opting Swift Dzire, which comes with just Rs5000 discount, for this SX4. Alto K-10 has a wait period of more than 4 weeks, Swift and Dzire asks for a wait of more than 6 weeks and it is three weeks for the rest models of Maruti. The only cars available on purchase are M800 and Estilo.

The north Indian car dealers are aware that this discount galore will be effective till 23rd instant when after that the period coincides the inauspicious Shraddh. The sensation will revive only during the Pooja festival in October. However, there are precedents of the previous years when the dealers offered the best deals during this Shradd period to instigate the buyers at least for bookings.

Honda launches special edition variants of Jazz,City,Civic,Accord and CR-V

The festive season has begun! Honda today announced the launch of special edition variants of its cars – Jazz,City,Civic,Accord and CR-V to celebrate the festive season.

The special editions will have special accessories kits, which will be made available at a special price for the forthcoming festival season.

The Great Honda Fest – from September 15 to November 5, 2010 – is an annual Honda event, which offers incredible value to the Honda customers who choose to purchase their dream car during this period. Apart from the Special Editions, Honda cars will also have some attractive offers during the Festival period. Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, VP Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India said, “Through the Great Honda Fest we wish to join our customers in their celebration, in this festival season. This is in line with Honda’s philosophy of offering enhanced value to people who aspire to buy a Honda.”

Hero Honda launches Splendor Pro

Hero Honda has launched a new variant of its popular motorcycle Splendor called Splendor Pro. Hero Honda enjoyed a great success with its Passion Pro and the company wants to replicate the same with the Splendor Pro. Hero Honda splendor pro gets new features and new body graphics. The much needed electric start, grab handle integrated carrier, alloy wheels and decals. The speedometer is also redesigned and the splendor pro gets new decals too.

Pictures of Hero Honda Splendor Pro

Our special thanks to Chetan of goaonwheels

Ford Endeavour Automatic

Ford India today launched a new variant of Endeavour SUV. The new Endeavour 4 X 2 comes with automatic transmission. The 3.0 L TDCi common-rail turbo-diesel engines with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) engine delivers maximum power of – 156 PS at 3200 rpm and class leading torque of 380 NM at 2500 rpm.

Ford Endeavour 4X2 AT is priced at Rs. 17,88,760 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru) the Endeavour 4×2 AT. ”Like other variants in the portfolio, the 4X2 variant is robust, good looking, great to drive and versatile. We describe it as a ‘smooth operator’ SUV with the state-of-art 5-speed auto transmission technology that provides a superb and effortless driving experience whether negotiating congested city streets, cruising on the highway or exploring country hills and back roads, ” said Boneham.

Mahindra to launch 125cc and 300cc bike

Mahindra will formally debut into bike segment with the launch of two new motorcycles. Mahindra will initially launch a 300cc bike to build its brand which will be followed by an 125cc bike. Mahindra has already unleashed a teaser ad for its performance bike. Mahindra says the bike is tested in italy, coming to India. Mahindra is giving final touches to its marketing initiatives which indicates the launch of 300cc bike is very much round its corner.

The 125cc motorcycle which would follow the performance will mark Mahindra’s debut into competitive motorcycle industry which is dominated by the likes of Hero Honda, Honda, Bajaj Auto and TVS. Mahindra’s 125cc bike will follow the Mahindra muscular DNA.

Picture of mahindra bike (Diablo ??)

Mahindra upcoming bike pictures and video

To view the specifications and Pictures of Mahindra Mojo. Visit Mahindra Mojo bike pictures

You have read many times at vicky.in on Mahindra’s plan to storm the two wheeler market. We have been reporting you on Mahindra’s bike. Mahindra showcased incredible 125cc motorcycle at the Delhi Auto expo. The reel is all set to become real. Mahindra plans to roll out a superbike (possibly a 300cc one). The 300cc bike “Diablo” (as rumoured) will hit the showrooms soon. Mahindra’s bike is said to be equipped with cutting edge technology. From the video, the bike seems to possess inverted forks, twin muffler and disc brakes at front and rear.

The advertisement was shot at world renowned Vallelunga Moto GP race track in Rome, Italy, the ad highlights the bikes’ Italian design credentials and the fact that they have undergone rigorous tests in Italy before coming to India. The ad has the message: Tested In Italy, Coming to India – Mahindra Motorcycles towards the end. The commercial ends with a musical tune sign off that has the potential to become a signature tune for all advertising of Mahindra 2 Wheelers. Bollywood king Aamir Khan is said to be roped in as brand ambassador for Mahindra’s upcoming bike

Pictures of Mahindra bike

Video commercial of Mahindra bike

Volkswagen launches Polo 1.6L

Volskwagen has rolled out powerful variant of its successful hatchback Polo 1.6. The new 1.6 L Polo comes with a 4-cylinder petrol engine and claimed to have a fuel efficiency of 15.96 km/litre. “With the introduction of this variant, the Polo becomes even more exciting for our customers as it becomes more powerful and fun to drive while continuing to maintain all the features available in the 1.2-L Polo,” Volkswagen India director for passenger cars Neeraj Garg said. Volkswagen Polo 1.6 is priced Rs6,16,000 (ex-showroom Delhi)

Maruti planning for durable strength for its products

After hitting the market for more than 25 years in Indian car segment, Maruti Suzuki is scheduling the future plans for a perfect product range. The move is to utilize high strength steel in a bid to reduce the weight of the cars and ultimately the carbon emission. The project is slated for 2012 and is earmarked for reputed brands, said its DGM for Supply Chain. The purpose of using this high strength steel is that it has less thickness which will enable fuel consumption and reduced carbon emission, he added. Already the process is being carried out by Maruti for it’s A-Star which emits 109mg /km carbon from the other metal’s 150mg/km he justified. Maruti will apply this high strength steel for the base floor and chassis thereby reducing the weight of the vehicle by 120kg, he clarified. Currently Maruti has been procuring 6 lakh million tonnes of steel per year of which 50% is import from Korea and Japan containing 15-20% high strength steel.

Audi spreads its wings in a mammoth showroom in Mumbai

The temptation is not to be resisted with less performance and the German luxury car maker Audi seems to widen its presence in the country by various means. Recently the company opened a spacious showroom at a stretch of 18000sq.ft in the flamboyant area of Andheri (West) in Mumbai. The showroom is situated at the New Link Road in Andheri West in a 2-floor set up surrounded by typical urban population. The star studded attraction is this showroom for the passersby which has the space to accommodate 12 cars a time for display. The transparency is at its peak with the glass worn interiors of the showroom. The ones at the display on the inaugural occasion were the stealing R8, Q7 and all. Even the presence of the Bollywood boom Bipasa Basu as the guest of honor could not deprive the visitors from glancing the romance of Audi ranges. Coincidentally, Basu owns an Audi Q7!

The move is one of Audi’s intensive campaign for increased network in the country to reach the mass at ease, said its Executive Director for Region Overseas. According to the company’s Head for India Audi, the showroom replicates the company’s philosophy of providing sporty look and luxurious experience right from the showroom itself. He said the showroom is a result of the global concept of “Audi Terminal Concept” for luxury showrooms having incurred less expenditure and yielding economy for the customers as well the company. Moreover, it provides good environment for the place aided by solar lighting. In addition to the space for accommodating 12 display cars, there is an Audi Shop and the Audi Exclusive Elements for buying customized products and branded merchandise. Audi has a very big service centre in Santa Cruz at 40000sq.ft now Mumbai gets an added flavor from Audi from this showroom. Audi has its showrooms in Kolkata, Bengaluru and one in the offing are in Chennai, Ludhiana, Delhi and Jaipur.