Indian Auto Industry to Set New Sales Records this FY

It's 31st March today, and it's going to be a landmark day for the Indian domestic auto industry. Any guesses, why? - As the current financial year comes to an end today, the sales figure is set to hit an all time high of 12.2 million units in 2009-10 that surpasses its previous sales records of 10.1 million units in 2006-07.

This phenomenal growth is thought to be a resultant of four main things:

• - New launches, mainly in the the compact car category
• - Easily available car loan schemes with low interest rates
• - 4% reduction in excise duty as part of the fiscal stimulus
• - Phenomenon of low base-effect

Surge in auto sales during the mid-year festive season also contributed significantly to this two-digit growth performance. In fact, that was the reason why Society of Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) revised their one-digit fiscal forecast to a two-digit one.

The growth which mainly comes from the passenger car volumes and two wheelers and commercial vehicles, seems to be have given the confidence of SIAM a major boost. The apex industry body representing leading vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers recently said, the growth momentum is here to stay and will continue further for the next couple of years in the domestic marketplace.

However, experts are of the view that there might be a slump in auto sales as the year proceeds. But for now, it is celebration time for automakers in India.

New 2011 Hyundai Verna to Reach India Soon

Hyundai, the Korean Company, has come up with the changed version of Verna, which has already been launched in Korea and is soon going to hit Indian roads. And the new Verna is to be named as “Verna Transform”.

The Verna Transform features a few styling updates to the exterior, which are supposed to make the car look more ‘sporty and aggressive.’

Hyundai in earlier years was famous for copying designs from other manufacturers but now things seem to have change drastically. Moreover, after the successful launch of the new Sonata in the U.S. markets, the company is trying hard to change the looks of the Verna, as well. It has been revealed that the 2011 Hyundai Verna has taken the cues from its sibling, Sonata, and looks like a mini-version of its elder sibling. The new Hyundai Verna Transform could go on sales in India by mid-2011.

Skoda has No Plans to Upgrade Octavia to Bharat IV Emissions

Skoda India has finally taken the decision to not to upgrade the old Octavia to meet the new Bharat IV emission norms, which go into effect early next month.

The 1.9 TDi Pumpe Duse engine oil, one which is currently installed in the car, will need huge modification to meet these standards and this is why the company has refused to make the car Bharat IV compliant. So, Skoda Octavia will only be available in Bharat III cities.

BMWX1 Worth Rs.25 lakhs to be Launched in India by Dec 2010

The BMW X1 is a small crossover as per normal SUV standards. It is expected that BMW is going to launch this little edition, BMWX1, by Dec 2010. In India BMW X1 crossover would be launched in both diesel and petrol versions. And the X1 is likely to cost you around Rs 25 lakhs, according to market speculation. BMW has once again made its intentions to play a price game for X1 as well. The similar kind of price gaming was evidenced by the recent launch of BMW 5 series also.

With loads of features in built, BMWX1 is said to be “a ultimate driving machine”, some of the classic features of the car are:

• - The BMW X1 takes its styling examples from its bigger versions and offers a compact, sporty package to its customers.
• - Also you get all the driver-centric design features and of course, with the quality of a BMW.
• - The compact size of BMWX1 doesn't mean that the car is designed impractically, the rear row offers adequate seating for three adults.
• - The latest BMW iDrive controller would be available in the X1.

Moreover, the company has not yet revealed the exact specifications of the engines. With this Peter Kronschnabl also announced the forthcoming launch of the BMW 5-series in India as CKD. The car would be powered by a 2000 cc diesel engine and will cost around 25 lakhs. The launch of this edition is expected in July 2010.

Royal Enfield's launches Electra Twinspark

Royal Enfield, part of the Eicher Group, has launched its latest version of bikes- the Electra Twinspark. The bike is loaded with many special features. It would have spark Unit Construction Engine (UCE), can generate 19.8 bhp of power at 5,250 rpm and 28 Nm of 4,000rpm, and can be driven at a maximum speed of 120 kmph. The bike weighs 180 kilograms.

The bike, like its earlier versions, comes in two forms. The one with the electric start option will cost you Rs. 93,846 while the one with kick start feature will be available at Rs. 89,846, at ex-showroom prices of New Delhi. And the bike can be chosen in three colors-red, silver and black.

With the launch of Electra Twinspark, the company is trying to serve more modernized version of its Royal Enfield to its customers, and yes not to forget....the bike is also coupled with performance and fuel-efficiency. Moreover, this new bike will help the company reach to the next level while maintaining the old characters of Royal Enfield.

RL Ravichandran, CEO, Royal Enfield Motorcycles, said that the bike is about riding a lifestyle and is guaranteed to make the customers happy and satisfied.

2011 Volkswagen Touareg to Hit Indian Roads Soon

I hope 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is one of the most awaited cars of this year, but all those who are crazy for this brand, have to wait for few more months, as this stunning model of volkswagen will be launched in India towards the end of this year.

It is announced that Touraeg is one of the sports utility vehicle, about 208 kilos light in weight and is 20% more fuel-efficient than its previous model. And the most amazing part is, the company has developed a hybrid version of this SUV for the very first time, which has the ability to travel 50 km in full electric mode.

Moreover, this hybrid version of volkswagen is expected to be launched in both petrol and diesel engines. Some of the features, enhancing this model are eight-speed automatic gearbox, stop-start technology and 4Motion all-wheel-drive.

However, there's no conformation about the price and other details of this VW model in India.

Nano Celebrates it's First Birthday Today!!

It is Nano's birthday today, but Tata Motors finds no laurels to celebrate, says one of the officials from Pantnagar.

One of the spokesperson of the state government wants the auto major to continue production from the Pantnagar facility, he also congratulated Ratan Tata on the eve of Nano's birthday.

Ratan Tata commercially launched the Nano and fulfilled a dream of all those who had never dreamt of a car. Although, there have been several criticisms raised against the car, but still there's no doubt in saying that, Nano rocks. The company with its extreme efforts has been able to do wonders around the globe. And the car is known for its value engineering and has also placed Tata Motors on the world map in the field of car manufacturing. Cheers to Tata Motors!!

Hero Honda Pleasure Special Edition Launched

The leading two-wheeler manufacturer Hero Honda has launched a new special edition 'Pleasure' in India. The new Hero Honda Pleasure comes with impressive new colours Pearl White and red.

Hero Honda Pleasure Special Edition comes with exciting new body graphics, stylish white body colored rear grip and maintenance free battery. Along with new graphics, the scooter also boasts of a new elliptical meter console.

The special edition pleasure will be available at regular company authorised showrooms. This special edition is priced at Rs 37250 (Ex-showroom, Delhi).

Honda Launches Select Edition Jazz

Honda Motor Co. has launched a 'Select Edition' of the Honda Jazz car in India. The new model from Honda boasts of stylish interiors, superior styling and remarkable performance and fuel efficiency.

This special edition of Jazz comes with stylish alloy wheels, a rear parcel tray and front and rear mudguards. Honda Jazz is powered by 1.2L i-VTEC engine with 5-speed manual transmission and is fully loaded with unique safety features like ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution System), Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts.

Honda Jazz Select Edition will be available at the Honda dealerships from next week.

The Jazz select edition is priced at Rs. 7.21 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)

Renault to Launch Electric Car Twizy in India

French auto major Renault has sketched out plans to introduce Twizy Z.E electric car in India by 2011. Renault intends to launch this zero-emission vehicle in order to amplify its market share in India. There is a seating capacity for two people who can sit one behind another.

Renault Twizy was showcased at the recently concluded Delhi Auto Expo 2010 where it the attention of large number of visitors because of its new concept and unique design.

Twizy Z.E. concept car is 2.30m in length and just 1.13m wide. The concept car is powered by a 15kW electric motor and has a driving range of 60 miles with the maximum speed of 46 miles/hour.

The price of the electric Twizy Z.E car is estimated to be around Rs 8 lakhs.

New Maruti Suzuki WagonR Reaches India by March 2010

India's largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki will launch the new and updated model of WagonR by March 2010. The new model comes as a part of Maruti Suzuki's efforts to upgrade its models according to new Bharat IV emission norms which will be applicable at all the major metros by April 2010.

The all new 2010 WagonR will be poweredby the 998cc KB series engine that develops 67PS of maximum power at 6200rpm and 90Nm of maximum torque at 3500rpm. It will also be available with CNG option.

The interior of the Maruti Suzuki WagonR 2010 will be re-designed with intimate ambience than the earlier version. Maruti Suzuki WagonR exteriors will be upgraded with a new headlamp to give a new modern look with the addition of ABS and airbags.

The new WagonR is estimated to be priced between Rs 3.2 to 4.5 lakhs

Tata Nano Prices to Increase Soon

If you thought your dream of owning Tata Nano will come true at a price of Rs 1 lakh, then this piece of information would shatter your dreams into pieces. The world’s cheapest car may no longer stay as cheap as Rs 1 lakh, the price at which this small wonder was launched. Tata Motors may increase the price of Nano.

Though the automaker has not disclosed the hike in price, the reason for the expected increase in prices has been made clear by Tata Motors. The increase in prices of commodities and logistics is the major reason that will affect the cost of Nano. Mr. Ravi Kant, vice-chairman, Tata Motors said,"Deliveries to the first lot of customers should be over by December. And prices of commodities and logistics have gone up, so we’ll look into the pricing of the car closer to the date of fresh bookings."

The other factor that may lead to increase in price is the commencing of Nano's production at Tata's plant at Sanand, Gujarat from April, 2010. The Sanand plant in Gujarat does not get tax concessions as the Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand. This will lead to increase in tax outgo thereby affecting the 1 lakh price tag of Tata Nano.

The second phase of bookings for Tata Nano is expected to begin a couple of months later.

Nano Electric Vehicle at 80th Geneva Motor Show

We have said it earlier that its the age of Tata Nano. The small car from Tata Motors is hogging the limelight through out the world. Nano has now reached the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. Tata Motors, the automaker displayed its small car at the 80th Geneva Motor Show. But, the small car displayed by Tata was not the basic model, it was the Nano Electric Vehicle (EV).

The Nano Electric Vehicle is an eco-friendly car that uses super polymer lithium ion batteries, as in the Tata Indica Vista EV. The Electric Nano showcased at Geneva Motor Show gives an output of 160 km and an acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.

Maruti to Unveil its First Ever Made in India Small Car in 2012

Maruti Suzuki, the leader in the Indian auto market, after enjoying a stupendous market presence for over a few decades is now gearing up for one of its biggest challenges. The company has currently outgrown its parent company Suzuki Motor Corp. in sales figures. Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is 54.2% acquired by Japan based Suzuki Motor corporation is now aiming to grow out of its parent company's shadow and independently manufacture vehicles in India. It will unveil its completely 'Made in India' car by 2012.

For this purpose, the company intends to have its own research facility near Rohtak (Haryana). So far, Suzuki’s research and development facility in Japan has served as the research ground for all Maruti vehicles. The car will be conceived, designed and developed exclusively in India. Also, the company has hired 1000 engineers to aid its new R&D facility.

Maruti India is already using its R&D engineering proficiency in recently launched car models like Maruti A-Star and Maruti Eeco in India. Both of the models were showcased at Delhi Auto Expo in January 2010. Maruti Suzuki chairman RC Bhargava added that the idea behind creating a self-sufficient facility in India is to manufacture company's India-oriented small car in the country itself.

GM Recalls 1.3 Million Compact Cars

General Motors Co. has planned to recall 1.3 million Chevrolet and Pontiac compact cars sold in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in order to fix the power steering assist that can break down due to faulty electric motors. GM has initiated this step after the U.S. started an investigation spurred by consumer complaints.

General Motors will change a motor in the power steering system of Chevrolet Cobalt small cars and three Pontiac models. The vehicles recalled are the 2005-2010 Cobalt, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico.

A solution to this problem is being developed and the customers will be notified when to come in for repairs.