Tata Nano is to enter into Srilanka and Bangladesh this year or next. The trial production is already in process at Sanand and export of this car is in the study by Tata. This will be in addition to the proposed electric version in Europe before 2013, said its Vice Chairman. The price will also see the hike from December due to the changes in the component price and the taxation from the government budget. The first lot will be delivered at the committed price of Rs1 lakh, he assured. He said the company is spinning the coin to decide on the allotment of the new cars for the bookings or to the direct market.
Fiat Reveals 2cyl Twin-Air Engine
the Geneva Motor show will see the revolution from Fiat with the launch of 2 cylinder Twin-Air engine. At 900 cc 8 V, this engine is capable of delivering 64bhp and 104bhp. It will include Multiair system and fluid dynamics for utmost performance and efficiency. Multiair is an electro-hydraulic management system for fuel economy. The 84bhp twin-air engine consumes 15% less fuel and gives 25% additional power compared to 1.2 8V engine capable of 55mpg. After 45mpg, 1.4 16V engine, Twin-Air engine saves fuel by 30% and there is a turbocharger for extra torque. This engine weighs 23% less light and 10% lighter than a 4-cylinder engine. Fiat has the long run mode for this engine which is compatible for electric mode in the future.
There will be a reduction in size, carbon di oxide emissions (less than 95g.km). The company will offer two turbocharged and an aspirated version and this 84bhp version is to be on Fiat 500 from this July.
New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport! to be launched in mid 2010 reports Overdrive
Sport drive of Pajero from Mitsubishi is expected to roll down in middle of this year. The new version will be based on Triton pick-up platform and will enter into SE Asia, South America, Latin America, South Africa and Russia. New Pajero will encounter Toyota Fortuner running on Hilux pick-up and is in the process of make in Thailand. It will then be imported to India from early 2011 to be sold at an approximate cost of Rs20 lakhs.
The Thailand market gets this Pajero coming with two engines options- 4M41 3.2 DID common rail diesel presently fit in Montero. It has the power of output range of 165ps and 351Nm torque helped by 4 speed auto tran. Another engine is 4D56 2.5 lit 4 cylinder common rail diesel. This engine has the output power of 140 ps, 31ps. However, the drawback is with the 2.5 engine in Thailand which does not have 4WD.
Hindustan Motors- Mitsubishi partnership is making all out effort to import this engine plant to India to reduce the overall cost of the car. Now for this Sporty car, Mitsubishi has to chalk out a different strategy with engine and drive train. We must admit that this Mitsubishi Pajero Sport wears a nice interiors and exteriors, along with suspension, soft ride, and is ideal for off and on the road. With the arrival of this Pajero Sport, the current model Pajero will become Pajero classic before getting outdated in metro cities on Euro norms.
Nissan is greasing with Ashok Leyland for global small car
The Japanese car company Nissan is moving to the horizon of small car in alliance with the Indian Ashok Leyland. Costing @Rs2.5 lakhs, the car will be on par with Tata Nano. Nissan is already in association with Renault and Bajaj for a small car which is getting ready for 2011-12. This, according to Nissan’s VP, is a part of negotiations with the like minded partners in China, Indonesia and Japan.
The move is to concentrate on the small car which gives a lot of scope. Big car companies like VW, GM and Ford do not design cars on this price. And for this car, China will be the most targeted market, followed by Vietnam, Brazil, Indonesia, Colombia and Latin American countries. The new car will be in the mid range between Nano and Maruti Swift.
Nissan and Ashok Leyland are in the pact on 51:49 basis since 2007 involving an investment of Rs2300 crore for LCVs, trucks of 3 tonnes and 6 tonnes. Till they get the joint manufacturing plant, the companies will produce cars in their own units at an annual target of 1 lakh. The partners are under an MoU with the Government of Tamilnadu for an integrated plant near Chennai.
Nissan to enter the small car fray
Nissan and Ashok Leyland will appear in the news again with the small car project. The information released by the Executive Vice-President of Nissan at the Geneva Motor show confirmed this. The car would cost Rs2.5 lakh. He asserted the expertise of Ashok Leyland is an addition to the already existing feature in LCvs and small cars.
Nissan is targeting China as the potential market for this small car and for India the compact car will be an added advantage. Once this project materializes it would be the next best step towards small car in the footsteps of Tata’s Nano. It is to be remembered that a small car proposal @Rs2 lakh is already in the process involving Renault- Nissan and Bajaj in which Renault would be the dominating partner.
In the series of small car is also Hyundai slated for 2011-12 at Rs2.5 lakhs. It would be a wealthy competition for the companies. In the meantime, Nano is slow pedaling due to the shift of the plant to Gujarat. Somehow, 20000 cars are expected to roll in every month. Never to leave the scene, Maruti-Suzuki is refining its Alto in the small car segment.
Tata Motors eyes on Trans- nation ventures
Tata Motors is in the auto industry ever since the Indian roads found adhesive to the vehicles in large numbers. After hectic marketing in the Indian industry, Tata is now focusing its expansion to a select international markets, said its Vice-Chairman. The product ranges will be choosy as much as the platforms of globe, he added. Apart from South East Asia, the company now looks penetration into other African countries, Latin and Central America. Also in the listing are Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and West Asia.
He said the potentials are there in the markets of Russia, Ukraine, Eastern Europe (Poland). For this expansion of market and upgrade the company is implanting the expertise of the people of high caliber including Carl-Peter Forster as Group CEO and Dr.Ralf Speth as CEO of JaguarLand Rover. Facing the failure over Indica Vista in the US, the company is exploring the possibilities to move into the market of the UK. Other proposals include Nano Europa in two years and the Indica Vista electric for the Europe in this year.
Tata has no regrets over the flow of Jaguar Land Rover but seeks positive frame in the days to come, he said. Amidst these ebb and low journey, Tata Motors could fetch a net profit of 55million Pound in Q3. This is higher than the standalone efforts. The blessing in disguise came in the way of failure of Jaguar and Land Rover. Tata is quite contented with the imminent success of Ace and the Nano. The company is still in the race by launching new models despite stiff competition. Ace is on the verge of increased level of 25-30%. He said the company has nothing to say in the case of fuel pricing and the Sanand plant will carry on with the trial production and the commercial production to start in another couple of months.
Audi
Audi, the jewel of the crown within Volkswagen group, shall bring out A1, a premier B-segment car for Indians. The smallest and the lowest bid hatchback from the Audi stable, unveiled in the just ended Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, will debut in Europe August, 2010. It is expected to be priced around Rs 9.8 lakhs. Every major automaker is eyeing on the 11 per thousand car owners ratio in India that aspects huge scope for entry level cars and also, aspiring middle class people. A1 might take the end of December 2011, or the birth of 2012 January to arrive here.
A1 could be a major boost for the Audi in India, just like Toyota trying out their hands in Etios concept. Audi A1 has a small car sports profile matching BMW Mini and Alfa Romeo Milto. Not all the three variants, namely the 1.2 liter 1.4 liter petrol hearts and 1.6 diesel hearts shall fit into Indian Audi A1. But, state of the art features like Start-Stop system, ABS, air bags assures safety to the add the safety.
Audi also unveiled the electric variant, the A1 e-tron, at the Geneva show that boasts a top speed of 130 kmph taking a quick 10.2 seconds to reach 100 from a stand still.
Unlike Audi’s A4 and A6, A1 is a CBU (Completely Built Unit) inviting 110% tax levied by Government, which might be fateful to Audi, unless they assemble the units locally. Like the BMW and Benz, expanding the premier segment brand, Audi is likely to grab a wholesome pie on luxury Indian buyers.
Bajaj Discover DTS-Si discovers 500000 owners
Bajaj Auto, second largest two-wheeler maker, has more reasons to celebrate this week, for it hit a record of 5, 00,000 units of Discover DTS-Si 100cc motorbike in 225 days. The ascending petrol prices, has created more demands for the 100 cc fuel efficient segment of bikes especially, in North East regions and West Bengal of India. The recently launched Pulsar 135LS has also been a major hit by selling 50000 units in just 75 days.
Although, the demand in February month was too much for the under producing Bajaj plants, the company managed to deliver the Discover as soon as possible. Discover DTS-Si, launched in July 2009, stormed output from the before 75,000 units to 1-lakh units per month to satisfy the customers. Bajaj Discover DTS-Si Electric start has a 94.38 cc churning out 7.7 bhp @7500 rpm and a maximum torque figure of 7.85@ 5000 rpm. The 5-speed bike has 8 liter fuel tank capacities and delivers around 65 kmpl and is available in five colors at Rs 41,736 (ex-showroom Delhi price).
Tata Fiat Free Checkup Campaign in Mumbai with 10% offer
Tata true to its commitment to provide world class services launches Fiat’s comprehensive service program to host free check up camps in Mumbai. The free check up campaign will be held between 13th & 14th of March2010.
It is a nationwide service campaign for all Fiat customers and Tata Motor’s engineers will undertake a comprehensive 40 point check on the car, provide free top up of consumables & free mopping. Tata Fiat free check up under ‘First Banner’ will be held at nine of Tata Fiat’s dealer outlets in Mumbai.
The dealer outlets that will offer the free service checkups are: Car Repair Shop (Worli), Wasan Motors (Kandivali), Wasan motors (Deonar) Fortune Cars (Nerul), Fortune Cars (Thane), Fortune Cars (Powai), Balaji Cars (Thane), Balaji Cars (Kalyan) and Bharti Automobiles (Jogeshwari).
Fiat Customers can also avail 10% discount on any spares or labour used on paid jobs beyond the free service initiative.
Honda Siel launches Electric Sun Roof Accord 3.5L V6
The leading car manufacturer Honda Siel launched a new premium sedan, Accord 3.5L V6 that boasts unique Electric Sun Roof. Accord with electric sun roof is seamlessly outfitted with incredible luxury features and provides a panoramic impressive feeling.
The Accord V6 will also feature Ambient Light and Footlight which accentuate the style and enhance visibility during darkness allowing enough light to see the controls. The car will also be equipped with 2 sets of Keyless entry for added convenience to the customers.
Accord’s V6 3.5-liter i-VTEC engine with 275 PS makes it the most powerful Accord ever built and it will be available at the Ex-showroom Delhi price of Rs. 18,52,000 for 2.4L MT, Rs.19,27,000 for 2.4L AT and Rs 26,15,000 for 3.5L V6.
