TVS Apache 220 Version Coming up

TVS has finally made up its mind to please the bike lovers with its Apache 220. The new version will arrive hot with necessary modifications to take up the rivals. The bike will go in for production in February , by getting a new sporty outlook- this 220cc will have 22bhp power (varying from the current one which raises at 150 km/h speed.

The bike will be ideal for power segment at a price tag of Rs95000, though higher than the same range of bikes in the market. But TVS assures better quality and performance. There will be changes in form of size (bigger) and sturdy (stronger) than the current 180 version. TVS knows that this Apache will offer more style than fuel economy- meant for the racers and speedsters.

This April will certainly hot with the arrival of this Apache 220. Wait for the coo moment.

Suzuki delivers two more models for India

By resisting the no-gain-entry of Hayabusa and the Intruder, Suzuki has not lost its heart. It launches two more models in this summer – GSX-R 1000 and Bandit 1250S. both will be powered on the Indian roads as imported units.

Gixxer-Thou is delayed due to the imminent success of CBR10000RR Fireblade and the YZF-R1. However, the beginning of 2010 is seen as an ideal time for the arrival of Gixxer to counter Yamaha’s 2010R1. Sources claim that no major changes could be expected of from the 2010 Gixxer except colors. Let’s wait and watch what is new in this.

2010 Bajaj Pulsar 150cc

To prevent any cannibalization from its younger sibling Pulsar 135LS, Bajaj launches its new Pulsar 150cc (Pulsar 150cc UG IV) which comes increased power for better performance. The new 2010 Pulsar 150cc produces 15PS at 9000rpm (earlier 14.09PS) and comes with sporty features like clip-on handle bar. 2010 Pulsar 150cc improved breathing with a bigger carburretor and exhaust system ensures better performance. New pulsar comes at a premium of Rs500 over its predecessor.

Bajaj to buyout KTM

Bajaj which holds 30% shares in KTM might soon become owner of the European bike major. The promoters of KTM have offered Bajaj to take 90% (incuding Bajaj’s 30% stake). KTM promoters are looking to sell out their 60% shares for a cash offer of Rs1000 crores. If the deal goes through, Bajaj could become a notable player in the global sports bike market. The deal will have impact in India as Bajaj can leverage the technology and quality engineering of KTM to build their bikes in India.

Source: ET

Batteries for e-Spark from India-GM finalises

GM India has finalized its move to ship in batteries for its e-Spark from India. The earlier move was to get from China or Japan. As a result, the talks with vendors in India has been initiated and a formal agreement might be inked by this June, said the VP for corporate affairs of GM India. The sourcing will be lithium ion batteries for e-Spark, which are imported. e-Spark offer two battery options –lead acid and lithium ion.

GM is already on a technical know-how with Bangalore based Reva Electric for developing the battery car but not the battery from Reva. The company is exploring all possibilities to bring in lithium ion battery for the proposed launch of e-Spark in October, he said.

India sidelined by Honda for its global car hub

Honda has formulated the land of Thailand, instead of India, as its car hub for Asia and partial Europe, said the company’s CEO. However, the small car production will see a new perspective by the end of 2011with Thailand all set to be the company’s key sector for exports to the ASEAN countries and segments of Europe. Already, the second plant is still on the air in Thailand for a year where the capacity is not largely used due to the downfall in the market globally.

Once the improvements come in handy, the Thailand plant will be geared up for 100% production, he said. Similarly, in India, the company has set up its second plant in Rajasthan with more powerful production intended than the first plant at Greater Noida. Another factor that went against India in this regard is the AFTA (ASEAN Free Trade Area) agreement. This relaxed the tariff barriers among ten countries in the region. This made Honda to capitalize on the cost-factor to meet the demands in Asia and partial Europe. But the net focus will be on Indian domestic car market which is ever potential for small car.

By 2011, Honda will have different marketing strategies for India and Thailand markets, regarding small car, meeting the eco policy, said the official. By this policy, the car made in Thailand will be mandated to provide 20km/lit for eligible to claim tax relief. Honda, then, has to employ less steel and even plastic. In Thailand, the initial quantity will be 40000 to be upgraded to 100000 units earmarked for export largely in the ASEAN region. But the Indian production will be much more as the prospects indicate the future market for China and Brazil. This is due to the downfall in Japan market while the US and Europe still on the revamping process.

M&M in search of global tie-ups for its premium bikes

Mahindra&Mahindra is in a vigorous search for the global partners to enter the premium bikes segment. Already it is in touch with Triumph and Moto Guzzi of Britain. The move comes following the company’s take over of Kinetic and it is keen on global tie-up to hit the roads powerfully. The company’s sale of gearless scooters, since September last, is around 10000 in January @ average sale of 7000 units a month. The target for the period till April is 15000 units per month, said the company’s President for Two wheeler Sector.

The existing scooter range includes Rodeo, Duro and Flyte and process is on for a new line up Kine. M&M has wound up Kinetic 4S and Nova. The company is sourcing the components from China, to make the cost effective more effectively, said the President.

M&M is in a tie-up with Kinetic on 80:20 basis and is in full swing to launch new bikes and later on high-end bikes. The mid-segment bikes will be on 110-125cc sector from the company’s Pithampur plant. The designing of the bike will be based on the concept from the Italy’s Engines Engineering and Taiwan’s Sanyang Industry.

The premium engine is to be on a global tie-up, due to the image stature, he said. M&M faces an unprecedented rivalry from Honda and Suzuki who dominate the domestic scooter market. to counter such heavy competition, M&M involves in applying strong in-house design, product enhancement and innovative market strategies. A new wave was set in by M&M with its launch of Duro and Rodeo power scooters.

Luxury sports car from Aston Martin quite certain in India

A resolving move from the British car maker Aston Martin Lagonda for instilling the sports pleasure into India seems certain. With the model for India yet to be decided, negotiations are on with the local dealers for the formal launch of the car, said an official spokesman over phone.
Amidst the downfall in the industry in 2009, luxury cars shone bright giving hope to the makers better fare in the Indian market. BMW secured a growth of 28% during the fiscal year(2627 units) Audi 977 units @ the growth of 61%. Mercedes-Benz India met the dismal show with the fall in its sale to 2% by selling 2478 units. Observers see the mind set among the buyers who switch their loyalty to the brands and the new comers take advantage of this.

Luxury sector in two wheelers too promised a lot as Harley-Davidson launched new ranges of its bikes as well as Ducati furthering its flock to the areas of the country. With the opening of second showroom in Gurgaon, Ducati sketched its operation to other cities like Kolkata, Bangalore.
The luxury car segment oscillates towards the new ones because the customers look forward for exclusivity. This paves way for the new comers in the industry to thrive on more potential. This where Aston Martin forges ahead, targeting the new buyers who shift their brand stature. Aston Martin had been with Ford Motor till 2007 until it was taken over by David Richards and John Sinders (businessmen) in a joint bid with Investment Dar and Adeem Investment (Kuwait) for $848 million. India is a part of the company’s expansion activity by which it has already made presence in China, Russia and West Asia.