Toyota has got many gears to speed up its presence in India

Toyota is not only doing sound business in Japan but its presence in India has more means to deliver. One of the proposals is to introduce diesel variants for small car segment particularly its Etios hatchback and sedan. The Deputy MD for Toyota Kirloskar Motor said the company has been receiving lot of enquiries for diesel variants of small cars. He added that the launch of new hatchback Etios by this year end will see the promotion of gasoline engines, of which 70% will be localized. This will bring down the cost of the car considerably, he said, and the move is not directed towards the sedan version yet. All depends on the outcome of the discussions made with the apex body in Japan, he remarked.

He said the ongoing Toyota U Trust facility would be extended further to make it 15 in the country. This facility is meant for exchange of old cars for new ones and Toyota offers warranty for its own cars only. This apart from the monsoon campaign of comprehensive tests for Toyota vehicles all over the country.Toyota has made a thought to increase the dealer numbers too from the current 99 to 150. This is in view of the ensuing launch of Etios, which is targeted to double the overall sale volume. The launch of Etios must increase Toyota’s share in market from 3% to 6%, he said.

Figo

Ford India has better reasons to rejoice as sale of its Figo [images] excelled in this period. The overall figure of Figo volume-30000 units- is more than the net production made in 2009, thereby forcing Ford to go in for the second shift at its facility, said the company’s President and MD for India. If the second shift commences from July, the output will be 1.4 lakh annual units an addition of 40000 units from the current one lakh units. The lion’s share of this volume will be occupied by Figo, which the company feels as the ever best launch in the auto industry. Within the three month of its launch Figo’s sale volume crossed 16000 units and there are 21000 bookings pending still. Ford hopes to reduce this booking number and the waiting period, once the second shift starts delivery. In addition

Ford is in need of units for its export to South Africa with 1000 units already packed for export next week. The company recently had a memorable moment, the delivery of 1000th unit of Figo. In a move to ease the delivery Ford has chalked out plans to increase the dealer network, since for Ford the supplier capacity is the biggest challenge. Currently there are 167 outlets spread in 97 cities of which 50 outlets are coming under Quick service bays. This scheme envisages service within 90 minutes for executing regular services.

Not only vehicles, but engines from Ford too have brought in laurels- Ford exports engines to Thailand under Fiesta programme. The projected export of engines under this scheme is 2500-3000 units a month. Further, Figo has got the distinction as the top seller of cars in May with sale of combined 8080 units against 2168 units during the corresponding period of the previous year. The company’s Director for Marketing, Sale and service said that there will be growth potential in the Kerala market as efforts are on to meet the demands from the customers. A dealer from Kochi rejoiced over the increase in the sale of Figo- 700 units in April and 72 units in a particular day.

Toyota to offer 24-hour on road assistance

The new initiative from Toyota Kirloskar Motor has come off with the announcement of 24-hour road assistance to its vehicles. The scheme enables the Toyota owners to avail this free assistance for a period of three years, and the area of coverage will be 100kms from the dealers. The assistance will include rectification of jumpstart due to battery down, spare tyre provision, fuel and major problems. The centralized Assistance Centre will take care of this assistance with the toll-free number 1800-102-5001.

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Suzuki launches GSX-R1000 and Bandit 1250S in India

Suzuki Motorcycles has brought two iconic motorycles to Indian market – GSX-R1000 and Bandit 1250S. Suzuki which already sells legendary Hayabusa and intruder has added GSX-R and Bandit to tis portfolio. While GSX-R is the costliest Suzuki bike in India, the Bandit is the affordable premium bike in Indian market.

Launching the charismatic bikes, Mr. Katsumi Takata, Chairman, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “This launch is in line with our aim to deliver outstanding technology and performance to the Indian market. We are pleased to offer exciting riding experience to pro-bikers.”

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Atul Gupta, Vice President (Sales and Marketing), Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Suzuki has been delivering superior technology which has been proven worldwide. We intend to showcase the same in India. With the launch of these two bikes, we extend our Big Bikes range in India and continue the momentum that had begun with the launch of Hayabusa and Intruder a year ago. Suzuki is all set to support the craziest and sportiest young enthusiasts who are looking for these iconic mean machines.”

The GSX – R1000 is available in two colours – White / Blue & Black /Silver and is priced at Rs. 12,75,000.00 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) The BANDIT 1250S is available in two colours – Metallic Gleam Gray & Pearl Nebular Black and is priced at Rs. 8, 50,000.00 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) The bikes have been launched today in 11 cities – Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Bhubaneshwar, Raipur and Cochin.

Tata Motors brings Jaguar XJ to India

Jaguar has begun deliveries of XJ in India. The car was shown in India during the Delhi Auto Expo in January this year and the stunningly beautiful and revolutionary new product from the Jaguar stable was acclaimed by one and all. Commenting on the occasion, Mr S Krishnan, Tata Motors’ Senior Vice President (Commercial), Passenger Car Business Unit, said, “We notice a very intense aspiration in India to own an XJ. We are encouraged by the number of customers who have expressed a desire to own this iconic car.”

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, the all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. It offers a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering. The elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette and lies at the heart of its flowing design. It does not just look streamlined — its drag coefficient of 0.29 makes it the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever, along with the XF.

Picture of Jaguar XJ

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Colors combined to excel- Enfield and Kinetic join hands

The bullet is still powerful and the demand for Royal Enfield Motorcycles in always on the rise. But the strange thing is the insufficient supply against the demand. Royal Enfield’s monthly sale volume is 4500 bikes but the orders are somewhat more than 50% of this. The company’s CEO told that the company has been exploring all possibilities to get rid of this situation. The company is worried about the increase in the waiting period from six months.

The major hitch in the delay of supply is painting of the bike for which Kinetic has come to the rescue. Recently Kinetic Group amalgamated its business to M&M but the Ahmednagar plant is still with Kinetic. Royal Enfield intends to spare this facility for painting the components like front and rear metal fenders, toolbox, jubilant covers and cover tubes of the Classic models. Royal Enfield is looking for a permanent solution in this regard, since the Chennai plant is on the outskirts of the city, compared to those of Ford or Hyundai whose plants are nearer.

In spite of these hitches, Royal Enfield still is the king in the motorcycle sector of high-end cadre. The assumption of the current CEO Mr.Ravichandran five years ago made all the difference- the company could recover from the bottomline performance and limited editions of bikes and sale dumped. His stature made the company to involve in retrieving the market needs with new engines and new models, quality standards all backed by a vigorous team of professionals. The wait period of 6 weeks to 8 months make the show’s impressive feat.