Bajaj to launch Avenger 220

In a logical move, Bajaj plans to launch an upgraded version of Avenger cruiser. The new Avenger will come with 220cc carburetted engine to replace the existing 200cc engine. Bajaj has already stopped booking for Avenger 200cc and Avenger 220 is expected anytime soon. Avenger was first introduced as Kawasaki Eliminator, then it was upgraded with 180cc engine and 200cc engine in 2007. Having phased out the Pulsar 200cc, Bajaj would like to save cost by featuring same 220cc engine in Pulsar and Avenger. Bajaj pulsar 220cc engine produces 21.04PS at 8500rpm and 19.12Nm at 7000rpm. Avenger 220 may come with identical specification. Bajaj might increase the price marginally for Avenger 220cc

Nissan Micra Price

In a glittering ceremony, Nissan has officially launched the Micra small car in India. As expected, Nissan Micra is priced between Rs3,98,000 and Rs5,28,000. Here is the price list of Micra variants

Nissan Micra XE – Rs3,98,000

Nissan Micra XL = Rs4,69,500

Nissan Micra XV -Rs5,28,800

Similar to Mitsubishi, Nissan has adopted a uniform pricing policy across the country to offer a fair and equitable benefit to customers all over India. Thus, the ex-showroom prices will be uniform across pan India except for states/cities where differential VAT, entry tax, Octroi and other local taxes applicable would be levied extra.

Launch pictures of Nissan Micra

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Altis from Toyota may prompt more competition in the sector

Altis diesel to hit the Indian roads soon

The sedan market in India seems to gain momentum with Toyota making all out efforts to promote its premium sedan Altis this month. The car is in the market as a petrol version soon to see the diesel version too. The monthly sale of petrol versions is 750-800 units and the introduction of diesel version may increase the sale, said its MD for marketing. The cost of these vehicles in the range of Rs10-15lakhs like Chevrolet Cruze [images], volkswagen Jetta [images], Skoda Laura [images], Honda Civic [images]. The segment is slightly recovering from the economic downfall occurred last year and the growth now is 30% and the monthly volume is 3000 units which may increase further.

The demand for diesel version is on the increase with the launch of GM’s Cruze which sells 800 units per month and gives hope to GM to carry the torch further. The diesel version of corolla altis is fitted with 1.4 lit turbocharged engine and may see the number of sale to 1100 units/ The cost of Altis [images] petrol is Rs10-14 lakhs but the diesel may cost at the premium rate, due to its fuel efficiency and brand image.

Tata Motors, JLR to join hands for engine, vehicle development

Tata Motors is in a mood to share its efficiency of skills for the engine development with Jaguar Land Rover. The move follows after the take over of the UK firm British Marques for $2.3 million. The venture will involve in developing vehicles too and every inch of the skill will be properly utilized, said its spokesperson. The venture, involving Rs4700 crore will come into effect once the shareholders express the consent. More details about this venture is expected anytime. The company explained that the move will reduce the expenditure and procure savings for the company as well as subsidiaries.

SUVs of high end will soon become less in price

The coming one year will see the turn of events in the car market with ranges in High-end SUVs will see more volume plying on roads. The price of these vehicles may come down since the car makers are in a position to assemble them in India itself. The major global players in this venture are Audi, Volkswagen, Renault, Tata Land Rover, BMW, Hyundai and SUVs from these companies may cost not more than Rs30 lakhs, it is learnt. The current prices of these vehicles are in the range of Rs35-40 lakhs which is due to the whooping 110% excise duty for import. The assembling of the cars after the import of components will reduce the price by 65% duty exemption. The venture was initiated by Toyota for its Fortuner SUV which is on date the most wanted car having two third percentage within one year of its launch.

The company is too pleased with the thumping performance of this SUV, said its Deputy MD, and is too contented to disclose the six month waiting period. The customers are also in the mindset to gauge the cars on the features worth the cost of the cars. BMW’s X1 will be the cheapest among its range, similar to its X3 and X5 which reach the high end customers looking for features, said BMW President for India. Audi is intended to reach the top slot in this segment before 2015. Audi Q3 will roll down in the global market in 2011 to be followed in India to counter BMW X1. The cars will be in the price range of Rs25- Rs28 alkhs.

Audi dares to meet the market challenge in luxury car segment

The passengers across the India need not brood over the costly affair of luxury driving. The market of this luxury car has stabilized much thanks to the pouring models from many players. The growth, at 40% on general brands and that of Audi is 70%, shows the increase in the demand in coming months. The volume of Audi in Indian luxury car market is 20% which it intends to increase to 25% by this December. The similar is the situation in the camp of BMW and Mercedes Benz. Currently Audi is the top most seller of luxury cars in European Union and China, and wants to reach that slot in India too, says its Head for India.

He revealed that the strategies and planning have been devised for the market penetration in the next year, by which time it expects to reach the target. Altogether in the Indian luxury car market there are 20 new models with 10 more on the listing for sooner launches. This invokes tough competition among the players and the battle royal for the supremacy is among Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz. Audi is gradually stepping into the competitive market only to reach the terrain diplomatically not later than 2015. According to the industry analysts the Indian and the Chinese markets will usher in new future for the cars. Both will expand their business and stretch the market to enfold more number of cars and thus invited the global players to invest at the will. Audi has allocated 30 million Euros for increasing the capacity akin to Tata’s venture for Jaguar and Land Rover in India.

Volkswagen to launch Polo 1.6L

Ever since Volkswagen entered the market, it has been delighting customers with products. After the polo and the vento, now comes the powerful polo. Polo is set to get a 1.6L petrol engine (the same engine would power the Vento as well). Polo 1.6 produces 103.5bhp at 5250rpm and 15.6kgm of peak torque at 3750rpm. Polo 1.6 would be first hatchback to suit the auto enthusiast. Icing on the cake is, Polo 1.6 may cost just Rs43,000 higher than Polo 1.2 petrol Highline variant. Bookings have already started. You can book for Polo 1.6L by paying Rs50,000 as down payment. Volkswagen may officially launch the Polo 1.6L by October

Source: Autocar

Audi aiming for the peak in luxury car sale in India

The German football team would have lost its slot in the FIFA world cup, but not Audi. The world fame car maker is aiming to peak the terrain in its segment, which it owns in China and EU, said its Head for India. The first half of this calendar year has been a promising one for Audi with the sale meeting a 71% hike with the sale of 1400 units. The Q1 of this year too was progressive with the sale of 622 units, which meant a 42% growth on quarterly basis against the corresponding period in 2009. Last month alone Audi sold out 233 units and it neared the company’s strategy and expectations. The target for the eastern region is 450 units.

Bajaj Auto and Renault-Nissan ink a pact for car

The ongoing growth of cars in the Indian market and the other potential markets has initiated the two giants in the industry- Bajaj and Renault Nissan- to enter into an alliance. These two companies are already in a pact for a small car slated for launch in 2012. Of late, Bajaj has made a scintillating growth in its two wheeler segment particularly with Pulsar and Discover bikes. Bajaj has romped a steep 68.39% hike in its two wheeler sale by selling 2,82,808 units last month. In all the growth of auto industry in June 2010 was very firm and fantastic due to relieved financial constraints and extended money flow from the banks and other institutions. The Q1 of this FY saw the launch of 8 new models and 11 redesigned vehicles in the range of LCVs, two wheelers and other main segments.