Suzuki

Suzuki is in the revival phase of its products in the car market. however, it is not in a hurry to pit against Nano in small car sector. Nano may pose a grave threat to the small car makers especially Maruti-Suzuki who holds 50% stake of the net car market in India.

But the company Chairman negated any proposal to counter Nano. Suzuki feels that the low price car may end up with lapses in safety and comfort measures, so far designated in its brands. The point of contention is applicable even to the cheaper wind shield he believes.

Two new variants of GL class are in the list from Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz has accrued two more variants of its SUV in the Indian car market. GL 350CDI BlueEfficiency is designed as seven-seated luxury SUV and is crafted with off-road package, 7-G TRONIC gear box, 4Matic Permanent all-wheel drive, full proof sun roof, electrically foldable 3rd row of seats and other regular features.

Other notable features are hill-start assist, standard-fit AIRMATIC air suspension, Downhill Speed Regulation, ADS (Adaptive Damper System), COMAND system with integrated 6-disc DVD changer, reversing camera, precise speed-sensitive steering, 19-inch alloys. The MD and CEO of Mercedes-Benz disclosed that this GL-Class is on and off of the competition and is a new landmark in luxury sector, safety and overall performance. It is to be the largest in the SUVs and the unique car to offer the third row of seats in full size.

It has an independent AC ventilators. The ground clearance is at 307mm is the best in the SUV luxury segment. The genre is BlueEfficiency to indicate the environmental suitability. GL-Class is equipped to utilize the power of a 3-lit diesel engine, torque capacity of 52kgm and the BlueEfficiency tech for fuel economy. GL-Executive costs Rs63.57 lakhs while the GL-Luxury costs Rs68.48 lakhs ex-showroom price Mumbai.

Ford plans to re-enter used car market

Following the footsteps of BMW, it is now Ford to enter the used car market. the Ford Assured Programme was initially launched a decade ago for buying and selling used cars under Ford India. But it failed to romp home the desired result. But the current Indian car market is growing and the used car market is also promising a lot. Hence Ford intends to take advantage of the situation.

The dealers involved a dedicated role in buying, reconditioning of the used cars. The company is on a market study now and the results will pave way for used car market it is learnt from the Vice President of Ford India. Recently he launched the new compact car Figo in UP and is available in 4 models LXI, EXI, ZXI and Titanium. They are available in both petrol and diesel versions. The entry level Figo LXI to cost Rs3.56lakh (petrol) and Rs4.55 lakh (diesel). The top end Titanium is to cost Rs4.5 lakh for petrol and Rs5.39 lakh for diesel.

Ford was the first car maker to systematize the used car segment by dealing with cars of all makers. In addition to the existing dealers, Ford India has earmarked 28 new dealers across the country to take the toll to 164 spread in 97 cities. Figo comes from the Chennai unit with a wait time of 4 weeks for delivery. It is equipped with 85% localization. Once the Indian market is stabilized it will see the overseas markets of South Africa and the Figo engines will be made for other car make.

BMW on used car business from April

Used car market in India to get one more giant into its fold- BMW Premium Selection. The projected business figure is 30% of the total sale in India, said its President for India. The first showroom will be in Chennai on April 1 while other in Gurgaon in the Q3 of 2010.

This decision is based on a study made in 2007 which revealed that an average age of premium luxury car with the real owner is 5-6 years. BMW tries to reduce it to 3-4 years and establish its brand in the country. The cars will be studied by the company engineers and technicians. While the used car buyer will get a warranty for the cars. The cars launched after 2006 will be considered for take up in used car segment.

Renault working on new lease of life for Logan

Notwithstanding the stiff resistance from M&M, Renault has come forward to localize the Logan in India. But the modifications will not in any way disturb the movement in Europe, said its CEO. The Indian facility will explore the possibilities to upgrade the vehicle to suit the new requirement ably guided by engineers and technicians.

M&M is on the urge to reduce the length of the car to 4metres to avail 10% relaxation on excise duty. (the government of India has announced a relief of excise duty for cars with 4 metres on 1.2 petrol and 1.5 diesel engine and 22% for other segments. The reduction in length will procure Rs75000 on the net price of the car. But Renault sees the sale in other countries as good irrespective of excise norms. Hence M&M will have a free hand to decide the shape of Logan to avail the maximum benefit.

Style and design will undergo changes it is expected and the car will continue for sale in India. Renault is not happy with the sale of Logan in India, just 500 units a month and the earlier reports hinted at the depart of the JV between Renault and M&M. Now Renault is shaping its future of Logan by going along with M&M on certain key issues. The modifications will be on the basis of the needs of the Indian customers, said the CEO. Apart, Renault is doing its business of launching the Sandero hatchback in India.

The crucial factor on this vehicle is the cost of the car. Initially it was planned to be made in Nashik plant but the economic unfeasibility made the resistance to withdraw for quite sometime. Hence it is proposed to make it in Chennai plant under Renault-Nissan roof.

Nissan’s next vehicle to roll out from Chennai plant

Nissan’s new sedan on platform V will come out from its Chennai plant on parallel with Mirca. The Nissan-Renault JV will see this Versatile on three varied vehicle body – hatchback, sedan and a compact MUV. The market for this sedan is yet to be arrived at by the company. By launching this sedan, a new strategy will be devised to reduce the weight of the car for fuel efficiency and reduced material utility.

Further the new platform will meet the global needs on safety and emission norms. As such, the new Mirca is to weigh less than 945kg of kerb based on the country to which it is designed. More reduction in weight is applicable by 4-5% in certain European countries. The new vehicle is in the reversal of designing as more auto industries go in for increase in the weight for meeting the quality norms. To make this reduction, the company has reduced some 18% parts in the net number, especially in the instrumental panel it has come down by 50 from the earlier 83.

Volvo to launch XC60 in India this June

The launch of XC 60 by Volvo is almost certain to happen in India this June. This 2010 XC60 will juxtapose with Land Rover Freelander 2 as these two are the offsprings of Ford. But the Indian version of Volvo XC60 will accompany lot of safety aspects like self-braking at the time of possible crash with another or the failure of brake.

Royal Enfield Electra TwinSpark

Following the launch of Classic 350 and Classic 500, Royal Enfield is all set to launch the Electra Twinspark. Electra Twinspark is a long awaited bike ever since its sibling Thunderbird got a twinspark engine. The twin spark Unit Construction Engine (UCE) is the advanced engine of Royal Enfield and is being fitted across models to comply tighter emission norms. Electra Twinspark pumps out 19.8bhp of peak power at 5250rpm and oozes out a peak torque of 28Nm at 4000rpm. Royal enfield claims the Electra Twinspark is capable of reaching 120kmph. Electra twinspark weighs 180kg the other dimensions remains the same. Pictures of Electra Twinspark