Innovation at best

In a world surmounted by technology, innovation is not a means but a skill. The Auto Expo in New Delhi is witnessing the innovative deeds carved out in the form of Personalised Mover(slated for Commonwealth games) and a Formula Student Car- both developed by the students belonging to Delhi Technological University. The Mover, named Mitra, can carry a single person by standing on a motorized board.

The vehicle is ideal for places like airports corridors, institutional campuses and speciality buildings like hospitals- to evolve zero noise pollution. The trial is scheduled for bigger complexes at the ensuing Commonwealth games. The Formula Student Car, weighing 205kg, is designed from carbon fibre body and other chassis segments. It is powered by Honda CVR 600 RR MPFi engine and is ca[able of 70BHP output from its electronic fuel injection. It is aided by a G-force indicator and data loggers. The car will be showcased at the Formula Student Car competition in Britain.

Trucks patter with tricks

The Auto Expo in New Delhi is radiating to better glimpses as trucks of all likes glow exponentially. World leaders Volvo, Daimler and Navistar have showcased their masterpieces as domestic makers refresh for new ventures. The trucks display the sophistication and the indigenous concepts.
Daimler is brushing its face with its Actros to be imported though it has plans to launch new ranges. The company is depending on its Chennai Greenfield plant, invested at Rs4400 crore. Volvo, another giant in the truck industry, has unleashed its vehicle for Rs1 crore.

The trucks carry with them the luxury features – automatic transmission, air suspension systems, adjustable power steering, electronic seats and front and side air bags. All these features are uncommon in many cars of these sector. Further, these trucks have the advantage of regular gizmos. The irony is that many of these ranges do not fit into the allocated pavilions of the Expo.

Volvo is scooping on the technological advancements and infras. Volvo India’s President said that Indian market would find the company’s trucks smooth enough to drive away and the quality, allied with technology would sell. M&M’s MD said that there’s wider scope for trucks and the Indian market would spin off the boom for trucks. He defined the market as a good platform for the new comers, since there is no plateauing.

M&M has an association with the US Navistar under 51:49% basis and has launched two products at the Expo- MN49 and MN40. More variants and buses are also in the offing. The purchase of such costly machines is possible courtesy better surface roads and voluntariness of transporters to invest in best vehicles.

According to the MD of Ashok Leyland, these trucks represent the trucks of the future to meet the needs of growing economy. Tata Motors is in the fray with its next generation truck Prima costing Rs50lakhs. Prima is capable of carrying 50-200 tonne load against conventional 16 tonne load to run 700kms per day against 300-350kms by conventional trucks. The transporters invest huge amount seeking valuable returns and they are most sought after in steel /cement industries. The drivers of these trucks are exposed to extra care and special modes of driving.

Smaller than the small- BMW

BMW, the German car maker, is all virulent to unleash itssmaller car than the Indian sensation Nano. It sparkles along with the legendary models numbering about 67. The Heritage Motoring Club of India attracts the car lovers with its scintillating display of vantage cars, even as old as 1904. The cars are owned by the residents of Delhi and are displayed by retaining their original charm. This has been the non-commercial corner to have the passion and love, said its secretary who happens to display 12 such cars.

His parade includes 1934Rolls Royce silver ,convertible red Impala, BMW Isetta 300 blue and white. This 2-seater bubble car of 1955 enthralled every passerby. Viewers felt that the one from BMW is smaller (egg-shaped, 2.29m long and 1.37m wide) than Nano(3.1m long and 1.6m wide). Fitted with a lifting panel, it has a 298-cc engine and the front having both entry as well as exit.

One of the members of this club owns a Chevrolet Impala Convertible (1962); another one is 1920 Fiat, restored from dumping, after 70 years. It still retains its original seating and the clothing and the interiors as old as 90years. For two wheeler lovers there are 17 bikes and scooters of which the oldest one from Germany NSU having a 350cc engine (1904).

Other delights in this segment are from Lambretta, Enfield Custom and Hobber. The fantastic appeal, according to the club’s secretary, is the 19th century French horse carriage, displayed at the Expo. Made in wood this will be the cynosure among the non=commercial sector, he added.

Nano Africa certain

The popularity wings of the India’s cheapest and people’s car Nano is to spread to Africa, said its MD of Tata Africa Holdings. This company is the keen promoter of Tata Motors’ products in the African segments comprising 10 countries. The Rs1lalh car will be at display in Smithsonian’s National Design Museum in Washington DC to mark the contemporary excellence.

Though Nano is receiving all world acclaim Africa prefers it most on its price tag. The primary assignments for seemingly possible launch are at process now he said. The varying norms for the launch are analysed deeply and Dhawan will be jubilant if Nano enters Africa as this will be his second great stint after initial entry to Zambia for Tata Motors 30 years ago. In all these years Tata has gained a thumping popularity in Africa for its commercial vehicles.

Maruti

In a bid to face the challenging competition Maruti has now planned to introduce its 5-seater van for Rs259000. Maruti is a 54.2% share owned Japan’s Suzuki company, to sell the -seater Eeco for Rs275000. The electric version of this vehicle was available in the Auto Expo. Maruti, having a stronghold in the India market with large ranges and 30 years presence, hopes to sell 40000 units of Eeco per year.

Toyota

Priced at Rs26.55 lakh and Rs27.86 lakhs, Prius hybrid from Toyota have found display at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. With the launch Toyota seems to have fulfilled its commitment towards eco-friendly cars in India, said its Deputy MD. This 3rd generation Prius has a 1.8 lit petrol engine with a battery of 60KW and has 3 driving modes- power, Eco mode and Electric vehicle mode(battery).

The vehicle has been in the highlight since 1997 as the first hybrid vehicle in the world and continues the same stint with a sale volume of 1.5 million. Toyota emphasized its continued fervor for enviro-friendly cars in India with Altis CNG and Innova CNG and Camry – all at display in the Expo. Prius will be imported as CBUs against the already firm orders numbering 200 from Toyota Kirloskar Motors for sale during March-December this year, he added.

e-Spark from GM on commercial launch in October

General Motors’ electric version of Spark will go commercial from October 2010 at the price range of Rs7 lakhs. The car will be derived from Talegaon unit at the capacity of 5000 units with the technical collaboration(battery) served by Reva Electric car of Bangalore. The car is on display at the Auto Expo.

Fiat on

A new variant of small car from Fiat called ‘By Diesel 500’, now at display in Auto Expo, is ready for launch in India. This will be an additional portfolio to Fiat and more numbers of this version will be available depending upon the demand from the customers, said its CEO and President. However, the price of this new version will be higher than the existing 500 model, which was brought in 2008 @Rs15 lakhs and already the company has sold 55000 units so far.

The motif behind introducing the new version of 500 is to enhance glamor and charm known for the European segment of Fiat ranges. The rise in the customers seeking fashion statement has made Fiat to please them with this new version 500. The car could be delivered in a time span of 2 months as CBU from Italy.

Maruti Launches Spacious Colossal-EECO

The hope reaps good as the anticipated Maruti Eeco is revealed in the expo. Maruti Eeco is spacious to accommodate 5 to 7 persons. This mammoth is motorized with 1.2 lit petrol engine with a maximum torque rate of 111nm at 3000 rpm.

Maruti has unleashed Eeco with 3 variants- 5 seater standard, 5 seater AC standard, and 7-seater standard. The ex-showroom price of these variants in Delhi is Rs 2.59 lakhs, Rs 2.85 lakhs, and Rs 2.79 lakhs respectively.

Eeco rages out at a maximum speed of 73 bhp at 6000 rpm. Eeco is crafted magnificently with the height of 1800mm, length of 3675mm, width of 1475mm, and with a wheel base of 2350mm.The wagon is equipped with powerful braking system where the front brake is outfitted with ventilator disc followed by drum brake at rear.

The new Eeco sweeps the floor with the minimum turning radius of 4.5.The awe-inspiring feature of this colossal is incredible with AC, Sliding Driver Seat, Dual tone styling, and it floats in air with tubeless tyres.

Maruti EECO Pictures