Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is a supercar manufactured by Aston Martin since 2001. It rose to fame after being featured as the official James Bond car in Die Another Day, the twentieth James Bond film. In the film, the Vanquish has the usual Bond film embellishments, including active camouflage which rendered the vehicle virtually invisible. The Vanquish is powered by a 5.9 L (5935 cc) 48-valve 60° V12 engine, which produces 343 kW (460 hp) and 542 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque. It is controlled by a fly-by-wire throttle and a 6 speed 'paddle shift' or semi-automatic transmission. A special V12 Vanquish S debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show with the power upped to 388 kW (520 hp) and 577 N·m (426 ft·lbf).
Maybach
The Maybach 57 and 62 were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since the brand's revival by DaimlerChrysler. They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow (which was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan). DaimlerChrysler attempted to buy the Rolls-Royce/Bentley marque when Vickers offered the company up for sale. When this attempt failed (they were outbid by BMW and Volkswagen respectively) they introduced the Maybach as a direct challenger in 2002. Both models are variants of the same ultra-luxurious automobile. The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The engine is a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, generating 550 hp.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a sports car and supercar automobile co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars. It is assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Most people presume "SLR" to stand for "Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport" (German for "Sport; Light; Racing"). The car's base price is £300,000 or $455,500. The SLR has a supercharged 5.5 (5439cc) litre dry sumped 90 degree V8. It produces 466.8 kW at 6500rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm.
World's most expensive car.
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
CAR CARE TIPS..!!!
In this world of soaring fuel prices along with your dream car getting more expensive by the day, you would surely want to get the best out of your car while keeping the running and repair costs to the minimum. After all, with the prices of today's cars, they're well said to be one of your biggest investments in life – which you would like to protect at any cost.
But how to do that? Do you have to be an auto expert or learn some exceptional tricks to achieve that milestone? No. Instead, just following the owner's manual as well as paying heed to some useful tips would do the needful.
Here they go.
1. One of the best things you can do for a car's longevity is start it up properly and drive conservatively -- easy on the accelerator as well as the brakes. Jackrabbit starts and hard braking do more than wear the obvious parts more quickly, and thus can lead to more repairs down the road.
2. Drive your car regularly and as much as you can. Simply because not driving your car regularly can be as damaging as driving it too hard and recklessly. If not more, it may weaken the battery of your car as also lead the brake rotor to rust which will need to be replaced immediately.
3. Avoid riding the clutch as far as possible. Simply because holding in the clutch for extended periods or touching the clutch pedal unnecessarily may weaken clutch springs and also wear it prematurely, which is not cheap to replace. For beginners, thus, it would help practicing proper co-ordination of pressing of accelerator and release of clutch pedal. It would also help to remember that clutches and transmissions are not made to slow and stop the car – a job better done by the brakes. And it is much cheaper to replace the brakes than the clutch.
4. You should always be careful about tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 10 percent and also effect stability during drive. Excessive air pressure, on the other hand, results in faster wear of treads, giving a hard and bumpy ride. Keeping your tyres properly inflated, therefore, can increase fuel mileage and help reduce flats caused by uneven tyre wear. "You should also avoid fitting oversized tyres or nutty accessories. They may impress a few, but not your car's performance," warns automotive expert Murad Ali Baig.
5. Always keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
6. Serious damage could also result if you don't pay heed to the warning lights, such as the oil pressure light and charging light. These lights come up when you turn on the ignition and fade away after a few seconds of engine operation. You should sense a problem if either a light doesn't come on during ignition or doesn't go away even when the engine is started. For instance, if you operate the engine with the 'oil pressure light' on, this can result into severe engine damage. Experts say that when the oil pressure warning light illuminates, it is signaling that the engine has lost the pressure that supplies lubricating oil to vital engine parts. Likewise, if the 'malfunction indicator' light comes on when the engine is running, there is a problem with the emission control system itself.
7. Remove excessive items from the vehicle so far as possible. Experts say that an extra 100 pound in your car could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.
8. Oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and should be changed at twice a year or every 3,000-5,000 kms. Also, the engine should maintain the amount of oil it is programmed to receive. True, "changing your oil and filter religiously doesn' guarantee that you'll get more than 200,000 miles out of a car, but I can tell you that all the people I've met who have racked up well over that amount had been diligent about it," observes Joe Wiesenfelder, global automotive expert and senior editor, cars.com, a leading online automotive shopping destination and a joint venture of major newspaper companies in the US.
9. Modern cars, in fact, are believed to be exceptionally well made. In the past decade alone, maintenance intervals for things such as spark plugs, emission and cooling systems have been stretched out to 100,000 miles. Still the need for periodic maintenance hasn't changed. "In fact, given the longer life expectancy of the typical vehicle today, the need for periodic maintenance has never been greater if you expect to get the most from what has become the second biggest investment most individuals will ever make," according to the US-based National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Vehicle maintenance, therefore, is the most important aspects to its safety, longevity and value.
10. Your owner's manual itself lists specific time or mileage intervals between major and minor services your vehicle requires. Make sure all these jobs are done in time. "More because the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is based on normal driving, whereas very few of us drive normally," says Rajiv Gupta, works manager, Basant Motors, a Delhi-based authorized service station of Maruti.
Moreover, in a country like India, even driving conditions are pathetic, leading to a fast wear and tear on your vehicle. This can be prevented only by proper maintenance. If not more, a well-maintained vehicle -- apart from speaking volumes about you as an owner -- will at least not desert you when you need it most!
But how to do that? Do you have to be an auto expert or learn some exceptional tricks to achieve that milestone? No. Instead, just following the owner's manual as well as paying heed to some useful tips would do the needful.
Here they go.
1. One of the best things you can do for a car's longevity is start it up properly and drive conservatively -- easy on the accelerator as well as the brakes. Jackrabbit starts and hard braking do more than wear the obvious parts more quickly, and thus can lead to more repairs down the road.
2. Drive your car regularly and as much as you can. Simply because not driving your car regularly can be as damaging as driving it too hard and recklessly. If not more, it may weaken the battery of your car as also lead the brake rotor to rust which will need to be replaced immediately.
3. Avoid riding the clutch as far as possible. Simply because holding in the clutch for extended periods or touching the clutch pedal unnecessarily may weaken clutch springs and also wear it prematurely, which is not cheap to replace. For beginners, thus, it would help practicing proper co-ordination of pressing of accelerator and release of clutch pedal. It would also help to remember that clutches and transmissions are not made to slow and stop the car – a job better done by the brakes. And it is much cheaper to replace the brakes than the clutch.
4. You should always be careful about tyre pressures. Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 10 percent and also effect stability during drive. Excessive air pressure, on the other hand, results in faster wear of treads, giving a hard and bumpy ride. Keeping your tyres properly inflated, therefore, can increase fuel mileage and help reduce flats caused by uneven tyre wear. "You should also avoid fitting oversized tyres or nutty accessories. They may impress a few, but not your car's performance," warns automotive expert Murad Ali Baig.
5. Always keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.
6. Serious damage could also result if you don't pay heed to the warning lights, such as the oil pressure light and charging light. These lights come up when you turn on the ignition and fade away after a few seconds of engine operation. You should sense a problem if either a light doesn't come on during ignition or doesn't go away even when the engine is started. For instance, if you operate the engine with the 'oil pressure light' on, this can result into severe engine damage. Experts say that when the oil pressure warning light illuminates, it is signaling that the engine has lost the pressure that supplies lubricating oil to vital engine parts. Likewise, if the 'malfunction indicator' light comes on when the engine is running, there is a problem with the emission control system itself.
7. Remove excessive items from the vehicle so far as possible. Experts say that an extra 100 pound in your car could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.
8. Oil and air filters prevent dirt and harmful particles from damaging the engine and should be changed at twice a year or every 3,000-5,000 kms. Also, the engine should maintain the amount of oil it is programmed to receive. True, "changing your oil and filter religiously doesn' guarantee that you'll get more than 200,000 miles out of a car, but I can tell you that all the people I've met who have racked up well over that amount had been diligent about it," observes Joe Wiesenfelder, global automotive expert and senior editor, cars.com, a leading online automotive shopping destination and a joint venture of major newspaper companies in the US.
9. Modern cars, in fact, are believed to be exceptionally well made. In the past decade alone, maintenance intervals for things such as spark plugs, emission and cooling systems have been stretched out to 100,000 miles. Still the need for periodic maintenance hasn't changed. "In fact, given the longer life expectancy of the typical vehicle today, the need for periodic maintenance has never been greater if you expect to get the most from what has become the second biggest investment most individuals will ever make," according to the US-based National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Vehicle maintenance, therefore, is the most important aspects to its safety, longevity and value.
10. Your owner's manual itself lists specific time or mileage intervals between major and minor services your vehicle requires. Make sure all these jobs are done in time. "More because the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule is based on normal driving, whereas very few of us drive normally," says Rajiv Gupta, works manager, Basant Motors, a Delhi-based authorized service station of Maruti.
Moreover, in a country like India, even driving conditions are pathetic, leading to a fast wear and tear on your vehicle. This can be prevented only by proper maintenance. If not more, a well-maintained vehicle -- apart from speaking volumes about you as an owner -- will at least not desert you when you need it most!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Maruti retains top position in Indian automobile mmarket
Despite incresed competiton in the domestic market, Maruti Suzuki has maintained its grip over the Indian automobile market by topping the annaul India Performance Execution and Layout study (APEAL) conducted by customer research body JD Power Asia-Pacific.
Four of Maruti Suzuki’s car models — small cars Wagon R and Swift besides sedans Swift Dzire and SX4 — topped their respective segments as over 6,000 customers who purchased a new vehicle between November 2007 and July 2008 voted for the company. Maruti’s newly launched Swift Dzire, which was pitted against Hyundai Accent, Mahindra Logan, Tata Indigo, scored 802 points on a 1,000-point scale. It was rated best on the 10 factors on which all cars were rated, covering aspects such vehicle exterior, fuel economy, driving dynamics, engine power and transmission smoothness, driving safety, music system and air-conditioning.
Maruti’s other cars—Swift and SX4—topped premium compact and mid-size segments for the second consecutive year in a row. Customers were particularly satisfied with the improved fuel economy of Swift Diesel.
“The newest generation of Maruti Suzuki products has clearly helped improve the brand’s overall image,” JD Power and Associates Asia-Pacific senior director Mohit Arora said.
All the top positions within different categories were bagged by Japanese carmakers. Honda Motor’s Civic and CR-V topped the premium sedan and SUV segment. While Toyota’s Innova was ranked highest in the multi-utility vehicle segment. South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor India failed to bag any top slot, but it improved the overall appeal on the back of its new small car i10, which is among the top selling models in the country.
Four of Maruti Suzuki’s car models — small cars Wagon R and Swift besides sedans Swift Dzire and SX4 — topped their respective segments as over 6,000 customers who purchased a new vehicle between November 2007 and July 2008 voted for the company. Maruti’s newly launched Swift Dzire, which was pitted against Hyundai Accent, Mahindra Logan, Tata Indigo, scored 802 points on a 1,000-point scale. It was rated best on the 10 factors on which all cars were rated, covering aspects such vehicle exterior, fuel economy, driving dynamics, engine power and transmission smoothness, driving safety, music system and air-conditioning.
Maruti’s other cars—Swift and SX4—topped premium compact and mid-size segments for the second consecutive year in a row. Customers were particularly satisfied with the improved fuel economy of Swift Diesel.
“The newest generation of Maruti Suzuki products has clearly helped improve the brand’s overall image,” JD Power and Associates Asia-Pacific senior director Mohit Arora said.
All the top positions within different categories were bagged by Japanese carmakers. Honda Motor’s Civic and CR-V topped the premium sedan and SUV segment. While Toyota’s Innova was ranked highest in the multi-utility vehicle segment. South Korean carmaker Hyundai Motor India failed to bag any top slot, but it improved the overall appeal on the back of its new small car i10, which is among the top selling models in the country.
See i20 by the end of December this year.
Despite a dull market, Hyundai Motors India is planning to launch its five-door hatchback i20 by the year-end. The car had made its debut at the Paris Motor Show 2008 in October and will be priced in the Rs 5-5.5-lakh range.
Hyundai i20 will take on Suzuki Swift Zxi and Skoda Fabia, priced at Rs 5.08 lakh and Rs 5.24 lakh, respectively. It will sport a 1.4-litre petrol Kappa engine and will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Chennai plant.
In fact, Hyundai had started exporting i20 to Europe in November 2008. While this model will replace Getz in Europe over the medium term, the company is non-committal about its phase out schedule for India.
“A lot will depend on the market conditions. In another five years, a number of our models may or may not be phased out,” said Hyundai Motor India senior V-P Arvind Saxena. He also clarified that the company had no plans to launch a diesel variant of i20 as of now.
Hyundai i20 will take on Suzuki Swift Zxi and Skoda Fabia, priced at Rs 5.08 lakh and Rs 5.24 lakh, respectively. It will sport a 1.4-litre petrol Kappa engine and will be manufactured at Hyundai’s Chennai plant.
In fact, Hyundai had started exporting i20 to Europe in November 2008. While this model will replace Getz in Europe over the medium term, the company is non-committal about its phase out schedule for India.
“A lot will depend on the market conditions. In another five years, a number of our models may or may not be phased out,” said Hyundai Motor India senior V-P Arvind Saxena. He also clarified that the company had no plans to launch a diesel variant of i20 as of now.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
M&M launches 'MICRO-HYBRID' Scorpio, Bolero
Automobile manufacturer Mahindra & Mahindra today launched its 'micro-hybrid' technology- equipped variant of sports utility vehicles - Scorpio and Bolero, priced between Rs 6.5 lakh and Rs 6.97 lakh.
"This is the technological innovation which we have developed with the support from Bosch. This will give an average fuel saving of about five per cent from the normal vehicles," Mahindra & Mahindra President (Auto Motive sector) Pawan Goenka told reporters here.
The micro-hybrid technology enables vehicle engine to turn off automatically when idle or in neutral gear. The engine restarts once the clutch is pressed. Goenka said the company is planning to bring this technology would be available in all of the company's high-volume products, including Mahindra Pick-up and other engine series such as the M-Hawk.
The company is also considering to use the technology in its yet-to-be launched Ingenio SUVs, he said. Asked about the sales target of this new product, he declined to give a specific answer. On possibilities of exporting this vehicle, he said "We may look at similar markets like South-East Asia and Nepal in future but our present focus will be on the domestic market."
M&M has also applied for a patent for a specific sensor, which it has developed as part of this technology. He said the company is considering to focus on the hybrid vehicle development but "is taking time due to certain issues".
"We will take at least another two years to come with the full-hybrid as we are coming across many issues such as costing, " Goenka. Goenka also said although the micro-hybrid technology will not get direct incentives from the government, he was looking for some benefits in the form of excise.
"This is the technological innovation which we have developed with the support from Bosch. This will give an average fuel saving of about five per cent from the normal vehicles," Mahindra & Mahindra President (Auto Motive sector) Pawan Goenka told reporters here.
The micro-hybrid technology enables vehicle engine to turn off automatically when idle or in neutral gear. The engine restarts once the clutch is pressed. Goenka said the company is planning to bring this technology would be available in all of the company's high-volume products, including Mahindra Pick-up and other engine series such as the M-Hawk.
The company is also considering to use the technology in its yet-to-be launched Ingenio SUVs, he said. Asked about the sales target of this new product, he declined to give a specific answer. On possibilities of exporting this vehicle, he said "We may look at similar markets like South-East Asia and Nepal in future but our present focus will be on the domestic market."
M&M has also applied for a patent for a specific sensor, which it has developed as part of this technology. He said the company is considering to focus on the hybrid vehicle development but "is taking time due to certain issues".
"We will take at least another two years to come with the full-hybrid as we are coming across many issues such as costing, " Goenka. Goenka also said although the micro-hybrid technology will not get direct incentives from the government, he was looking for some benefits in the form of excise.
Eco friendly sedans by MERCEDES-BENZ
You needn’t loosen your purse strings on this one as it runs on compressed natural gas (CNG), the cheapest auto fuel in the world. The three-star iconic luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz, just drove in with a CNG-complaint engine, making it more fuel efficient than the India’s cheapest car Maruti 800, which runs only on petrol.
New CNG variant of Mercedes-Benz runs over 20 km on a kg of CNG against its petrol sibling which guzzles a litre for every 12 km. Moreover, CNG comes at less than half the price — Rs 19 — against Rs 45.52 for petrol in Delhi. And it’s much more cleaner than petrol.
As energy crisis grips the world and speculations mount about a hefty fuel price hike, CNG has taken centre stage in Mercedes India plans. The German company has already imported a couple of CNG-compatible cars in Delhi and Mumbai, allowing even the monied to have cheaper fuel options. According automobile industry sources, Mercedes-Benz plans to bring its globally-successful CNG sedans to India.
“We have some cars running on CNG in India. It’s a successful technology and has been developed over the years. We are also trying the bio-diesel option on the E Class saloon here. If these extensive trials are successful, we shall introduce these cars in India too,” said a Daimler India senior executive.
Mercedes-Benz, India’s largest luxury carmaker, had sold 2,491 cars in 2007. Buoyed by 50% increase in sales to 1,330 cars — both locally made and imported — in the first four months of 2008, it is looking at its worldwide successful new CNG models to garner higher sales.
It had already launched its B class B170 NGT and the E 200 CNG sedans in the US and Europe and plans to extend them to India. For its new CNG range in India, Mercedes is banking on institutional sales where vehicles ply largely on CNG technology.
Other luxury car makers are also not lagging behind on green plans. BMW is looking at bringing its clean hydrogen technology, which runs on water and emits only steam. The technology has not yet been commercialised.
“The high-tech BMW Hydrogen 7 is our answer to green fuels. It is an expensive technology but with rapid expansion of the luxury car market in India, there is a potential for alternative fuels in future,” said BMW India spokesperson.
CNG and other green fuels are likely to change the image of luxury cars known for guzzling fuel. With crude oil touching $135 a barrel, alternative fuel options are becoming basic characteristic of luxury cars too. With over 7,000 luxury cars sold in India in FY08, some exciting fuel options are likely to hit the segment soon.
New CNG variant of Mercedes-Benz runs over 20 km on a kg of CNG against its petrol sibling which guzzles a litre for every 12 km. Moreover, CNG comes at less than half the price — Rs 19 — against Rs 45.52 for petrol in Delhi. And it’s much more cleaner than petrol.
As energy crisis grips the world and speculations mount about a hefty fuel price hike, CNG has taken centre stage in Mercedes India plans. The German company has already imported a couple of CNG-compatible cars in Delhi and Mumbai, allowing even the monied to have cheaper fuel options. According automobile industry sources, Mercedes-Benz plans to bring its globally-successful CNG sedans to India.
“We have some cars running on CNG in India. It’s a successful technology and has been developed over the years. We are also trying the bio-diesel option on the E Class saloon here. If these extensive trials are successful, we shall introduce these cars in India too,” said a Daimler India senior executive.
Mercedes-Benz, India’s largest luxury carmaker, had sold 2,491 cars in 2007. Buoyed by 50% increase in sales to 1,330 cars — both locally made and imported — in the first four months of 2008, it is looking at its worldwide successful new CNG models to garner higher sales.
It had already launched its B class B170 NGT and the E 200 CNG sedans in the US and Europe and plans to extend them to India. For its new CNG range in India, Mercedes is banking on institutional sales where vehicles ply largely on CNG technology.
Other luxury car makers are also not lagging behind on green plans. BMW is looking at bringing its clean hydrogen technology, which runs on water and emits only steam. The technology has not yet been commercialised.
“The high-tech BMW Hydrogen 7 is our answer to green fuels. It is an expensive technology but with rapid expansion of the luxury car market in India, there is a potential for alternative fuels in future,” said BMW India spokesperson.
CNG and other green fuels are likely to change the image of luxury cars known for guzzling fuel. With crude oil touching $135 a barrel, alternative fuel options are becoming basic characteristic of luxury cars too. With over 7,000 luxury cars sold in India in FY08, some exciting fuel options are likely to hit the segment soon.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
SUZUKI to stand alone in Indian Markets.
SUZUKI MOTOR has bought out its local prtner Satya Sheel Khosla and family in two wheeler joint venture firm SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA (SMIPL). the Japanese automaker, which is also present in Indian four wheelers market through Maruti Suzuki, is estimated to have picked 26% stake in the motorcycle company for around Rs. 180-200 crore, making it a wholly owned company.
The transaction was completed a few days ago, said a senior executive with the two-wheeler firm on conditions of anonymity. Mr. Khosla, said: “I would not like to make any comment at this stage.” An announcement is expected next month, when Suzuki obtains all the statutory requirements.
Suzuki re-entered the Indian market in 2006, after it severed a decade long ties with Chennal-based TVS Motor Company in 1999-2000, after the five-year non-compete clause expired. It formed a new joint venture company SMIPL with Mr Khosla, who was also appointed the managing director of the firm.
Mr Khosla has been closely involved with Suzuki’s Indian operations for the last two decades and in the past was also a director on the board of Maruti Suzuki. Suzuki has invested around Rs 500 crore in the venture, while the investment by the local partner could not be ascertained.
SMIPL has a manufacturing plant spread in an area of 37 acres at Gurgaon in Haryana with an annual capacity of 1.75 lakh two-wheelers. The company is currently utilising less than one-fifth of the land and has planned a major capacity expansion to hike the annual production capacity by around 40% to over 2.5 lakh units next year.
Suzuki plans to invest Rs 150 crore more in the two-wheeler business. Currently, it sells three motorcycle models in India — Heat, Zeus & GSI150R besides a 125cc scooter Access. It has also launched two high powered super bikes, the legendary 1,340cc Hayabusa and the 1,783cc Intruder. Both these bikes are imported from Japan.
Three of these six products were launched in the past two months, and the firm plans to introduce two new products every year to consolidate its position and increase its current 1.7% market share in the 7-million strong Indian two-wheeler market. Suzuki sold 85,622 two-wheelers between April and November this year.
Suzuki already has a controlling stake of 54.2% in the largest passenger car company in India, Maruti Suzuki India. Now with a wholly-owned subsidiary, it is looking at strengthening its presence in the Indian automobile market.
The transaction was completed a few days ago, said a senior executive with the two-wheeler firm on conditions of anonymity. Mr. Khosla, said: “I would not like to make any comment at this stage.” An announcement is expected next month, when Suzuki obtains all the statutory requirements.
Suzuki re-entered the Indian market in 2006, after it severed a decade long ties with Chennal-based TVS Motor Company in 1999-2000, after the five-year non-compete clause expired. It formed a new joint venture company SMIPL with Mr Khosla, who was also appointed the managing director of the firm.
Mr Khosla has been closely involved with Suzuki’s Indian operations for the last two decades and in the past was also a director on the board of Maruti Suzuki. Suzuki has invested around Rs 500 crore in the venture, while the investment by the local partner could not be ascertained.
SMIPL has a manufacturing plant spread in an area of 37 acres at Gurgaon in Haryana with an annual capacity of 1.75 lakh two-wheelers. The company is currently utilising less than one-fifth of the land and has planned a major capacity expansion to hike the annual production capacity by around 40% to over 2.5 lakh units next year.
Suzuki plans to invest Rs 150 crore more in the two-wheeler business. Currently, it sells three motorcycle models in India — Heat, Zeus & GSI150R besides a 125cc scooter Access. It has also launched two high powered super bikes, the legendary 1,340cc Hayabusa and the 1,783cc Intruder. Both these bikes are imported from Japan.
Three of these six products were launched in the past two months, and the firm plans to introduce two new products every year to consolidate its position and increase its current 1.7% market share in the 7-million strong Indian two-wheeler market. Suzuki sold 85,622 two-wheelers between April and November this year.
Suzuki already has a controlling stake of 54.2% in the largest passenger car company in India, Maruti Suzuki India. Now with a wholly-owned subsidiary, it is looking at strengthening its presence in the Indian automobile market.
AUDI and VOLKSWAGEN cut prices of thier premium cars.
German car makers Audi and Volkswagen today cut the prices of their products by up to Rs 2.79 lakh and Rs 80,859 respectively in response to the government's move to cut CENVAT by four per cent.
Audi has reduced the prices of its luxury sedans A8, A6 and A4 by Rs 2.79 lakh, Rs 1.51 lakh and Rs 1.21 lakh, while the company's sports-utility vehicle Q7 would be cheaper by Rs 1.85 lakh, Audi India said in a statement.
"We welcome this decision by the government of India. Audi believes in providing value to the customers and hence the entire four per cent reduction will be passed on to our customers," Audi India Managing Director Benoit Tiers said.
Likewise, Volkswagen has slashed the prices of its sedan Jetta between Rs 46,086 and Rs 57,814.
The car maker's luxury sedan Passat would now be cheaper by Rs 75,674-Rs 80,859 across India, it added.
"We are happy to pass on the full benefit of the duty reduction to our valued Indian customers. Going forward, it will be our endeavour to support government initiatives aimed at arresting the economic downturn," Volkswagen Group India President and Managing Director Joerg Mueller said.
Audi has reduced the prices of its luxury sedans A8, A6 and A4 by Rs 2.79 lakh, Rs 1.51 lakh and Rs 1.21 lakh, while the company's sports-utility vehicle Q7 would be cheaper by Rs 1.85 lakh, Audi India said in a statement.
"We welcome this decision by the government of India. Audi believes in providing value to the customers and hence the entire four per cent reduction will be passed on to our customers," Audi India Managing Director Benoit Tiers said.
Likewise, Volkswagen has slashed the prices of its sedan Jetta between Rs 46,086 and Rs 57,814.
The car maker's luxury sedan Passat would now be cheaper by Rs 75,674-Rs 80,859 across India, it added.
"We are happy to pass on the full benefit of the duty reduction to our valued Indian customers. Going forward, it will be our endeavour to support government initiatives aimed at arresting the economic downturn," Volkswagen Group India President and Managing Director Joerg Mueller said.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
In keeping with the current market slump, where car-makers look for new avenues to increase sales, GM India will roll out its used car retail initiative on January 15, 2009.
Branded as ‘Chevrolet OK’, GM will initially open 10 outlets as part of existing Chevrolet dealers in metros like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
The company will also be launching LPG version of its small car Spark and CNG version of its sedan Aveo in April and June 2009, respectively.
GM India president and MD Karl Slym told media: “We will provide customers with certified used-cars guaranteed by Chevrolet. The cars will undergo a 110 point check-up and certification.” Mr Slym said that the various expansion plans of GM India will not be impacted by the failure of the $14-billion bailout package that the Big Three—GM, Chrysler and Ford—were expecting from the government back home in the US.
Chevrolet OK, which will deal only in GM’s cars, will be rolled out next month as part of a pilot test. Adds Mr Slym:
“The results should be out by the first half of 2009, after which we will decide expansion plans for Chevrolet OK.” GM has come to realise the advantage of having a used-car business, much like other manufacturers. The organised used-car market in India has grown by over 30% this year.
BOSCH in expansion mode in India.
Bosch, the world's leading manufacturer of automotive components and leader in industrial technology, today announced expanding its business operations in India by opening more than 100 exclusive Bosch System Speciality Showrooms (BSS), a new concept in power tool market, across the country in the next two years.
"The shortlisted authorised dealers would be investing from Rs 5 lakh to 30 lakh for the BSS exclusive outlets depending upon the showroom size", Bosch Power Tools Division Country Head Vijay Pandey said.
He said that of the planned total, 12 BSS outlets would come up in South India alone. "We are also planning to establish BSS outlets in Tier-II cities of the country by 2010".
Pandey said the company would authorise select dealers from their list to set up BSS. "We are in the process of selecting dealers from our list. The selection process is based on stringent rules and regulations, which will be imposed on them for setting up the showrooms,on par with international standards", he added.
"More than 150 types of power tool products would be sold in these BSS", he said adding that the BSS dealers would also ensure best services after sales.
Pandey, who was here to inagurate a new BSS outlet, said "we have initially fixed a target of minimum Rs eight lakh sales turnover per year for each new BSS".
FIAT postpones launch of Linea.
The Indian unit of Italy's Fiat has deferred the launch of its mid-sized Linea sedan to January from December, the company said on Tuesday.
The company attributed the delay in launch to the attacks in Mumbai last month, in which 179 people were killed during a three-day siege in India's financial heart.
"We do not feel like celebrating the joy of Linea now," the company said in a statement. Fiat India Automobiles Ltd started the production of the Linea in November and was to have launched it this month.
Monday, December 15, 2008
YAMAHA india appoints new CEO as part of turn around strategy.
Yamaha Motors, the world’s second-largest motorcycle maker, has appointed another CEO for its loss-making India operations in the hope of turning it around. The India arm has now seen three chief executives at the helm within a year.
Yamaha Motor India, which used to hold a 25% share in the mid-90s, today has less than 3% of the six-million motorcycle market. The motorcycle maker has now put its manufacturing head, Y Tsuji, as the new CEO in place of Tsutomu Mabuchi, who came in January and has now been recalled by the parent company.
The company spokesman refused to comment on the new CEO, saying he has not received any official communication to this effect.
Mr Mabuchi’s predecessor was T Ishikawa, a turnaround specialist who changed Yamaha’s fortunes in Thailand. Asked to do an encore in India, he was the CEO for over two years but couldn’t revive sales. Soon after his recall to Japan in January 2008, Mr Ishikawa came back to India and joined rival Bajaj Auto as a full-time advisor in April 2008.
Yamaha’s India operations have seen exits of several key executives in the last few months. The company’s chief marketing & sales officer, T Maeda, went back to Japan last month while Sunil Vij, in-charge of re-branding quit in the middle of the year. The head of corporate planning, Om Prakash, also left in September.
The company has introduced new models, the 150 cc YZF R15 and FZ16 and two super bikes, the 1,670 cc MT 01 and 1,000 cc YZF R1. In May 2008, Yamaha Motor revamped its India operation and offered an undisclosed equity to Japan’s third-largest trading house, Mitsui Corporation. It has outlined a planned capital investment of Rs 560 crore for new initiatives in marketing and products.
Yamaha Motor India, which used to hold a 25% share in the mid-90s, today has less than 3% of the six-million motorcycle market. The motorcycle maker has now put its manufacturing head, Y Tsuji, as the new CEO in place of Tsutomu Mabuchi, who came in January and has now been recalled by the parent company.
The company spokesman refused to comment on the new CEO, saying he has not received any official communication to this effect.
Mr Mabuchi’s predecessor was T Ishikawa, a turnaround specialist who changed Yamaha’s fortunes in Thailand. Asked to do an encore in India, he was the CEO for over two years but couldn’t revive sales. Soon after his recall to Japan in January 2008, Mr Ishikawa came back to India and joined rival Bajaj Auto as a full-time advisor in April 2008.
Yamaha’s India operations have seen exits of several key executives in the last few months. The company’s chief marketing & sales officer, T Maeda, went back to Japan last month while Sunil Vij, in-charge of re-branding quit in the middle of the year. The head of corporate planning, Om Prakash, also left in September.
The company has introduced new models, the 150 cc YZF R15 and FZ16 and two super bikes, the 1,670 cc MT 01 and 1,000 cc YZF R1. In May 2008, Yamaha Motor revamped its India operation and offered an undisclosed equity to Japan’s third-largest trading house, Mitsui Corporation. It has outlined a planned capital investment of Rs 560 crore for new initiatives in marketing and products.
TOYOTA cuts production in India by 30%
World's largest carmaker Toyota on Moday said it has cut production in India by 30 per cent this month, but is not holding back its planned investments of Rs 3,200 crore in the country.
The company, which operates in India through a joint venture with Kirloskar Group -- Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), said the slowdown in the auto market has forced it to revise its sales target in India for this year.
"Everywhere else in the world, Toyota has put on hold all investments for expansions, except India," TKM Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa told reporters here.
The company, which produced 2,886 units in November, has decided to cut its production in the current month due to slowdown in the domestic automart.
"We will be producing 30 per cent less in December due to falling sales. We will decide about the future productions for January and February depending on the market condition for this month," Nakagawa said.
He said the company has revised the sales target for this year on account of falling sales.
"Our latest challenge is to reach last year's sales volume," Nakagawa said.
TKM had announced a sales target of 60,000 units for 2008. It had sold 54,181 cars in 2007 in the Indian market.
The company posted a fall of 48.55 per cent in sales in November this year at 2,087 units compared with 4,056 units in the same month last year.
The company is also planning to launch the CNG version of its utility vehicle 'Innova'.
"Currently, we are conducting the trial run of CNG 'Innova'. We are hopeful of commercially launching the vehicle by the end of January, 2009," TKM Deputy Managing Director Sandeep Singh said.
The company, which operates in India through a joint venture with Kirloskar Group -- Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), said the slowdown in the auto market has forced it to revise its sales target in India for this year.
"Everywhere else in the world, Toyota has put on hold all investments for expansions, except India," TKM Managing Director Hiroshi Nakagawa told reporters here.
The company, which produced 2,886 units in November, has decided to cut its production in the current month due to slowdown in the domestic automart.
"We will be producing 30 per cent less in December due to falling sales. We will decide about the future productions for January and February depending on the market condition for this month," Nakagawa said.
He said the company has revised the sales target for this year on account of falling sales.
"Our latest challenge is to reach last year's sales volume," Nakagawa said.
TKM had announced a sales target of 60,000 units for 2008. It had sold 54,181 cars in 2007 in the Indian market.
The company posted a fall of 48.55 per cent in sales in November this year at 2,087 units compared with 4,056 units in the same month last year.
The company is also planning to launch the CNG version of its utility vehicle 'Innova'.
"Currently, we are conducting the trial run of CNG 'Innova'. We are hopeful of commercially launching the vehicle by the end of January, 2009," TKM Deputy Managing Director Sandeep Singh said.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
MARUTI turns 25.
At a time when the Indian automobile industry is passing through one of its worst phases, the country's largest car-maker, Maruti Suzuki India, will celebrate its 25th anniversary and is aiming to be a global player.
"Twenty-five years ago, when we set out on our journey, the objective was to modernise the Indian automotive industry and bring about a change in personal transportation. I can say proudly we have achieved that," Maruti Suzuki India Chairman R C Bhargava told PTI.
He said in the 25 years to come, the company's objective would to be to take its mission forward and become a global player.
"Now we want to be a global player in every sense ... from research and development and designing cars to manufacturing; we want to be among the best in the world," he said.
Bhargava said although the current market conditions are tough, they would not deter the company in striving to achieve its goals.
"The future will be even more challenging, but we are up for it," he added.
Since the rollout of the first Maruti 800 (M800) from its Gurgaon plant on December 14, 1983, the company has so far sold over 70 lakh cars of 12 models with over 100 variants, with the M800 alone accounting for 27,36,046 units, of which 25,43,132 units were in the domestic market and the rest abroad.
"Twenty-five years ago, when we set out on our journey, the objective was to modernise the Indian automotive industry and bring about a change in personal transportation. I can say proudly we have achieved that," Maruti Suzuki India Chairman R C Bhargava told PTI.
He said in the 25 years to come, the company's objective would to be to take its mission forward and become a global player.
"Now we want to be a global player in every sense ... from research and development and designing cars to manufacturing; we want to be among the best in the world," he said.
Bhargava said although the current market conditions are tough, they would not deter the company in striving to achieve its goals.
"The future will be even more challenging, but we are up for it," he added.
Since the rollout of the first Maruti 800 (M800) from its Gurgaon plant on December 14, 1983, the company has so far sold over 70 lakh cars of 12 models with over 100 variants, with the M800 alone accounting for 27,36,046 units, of which 25,43,132 units were in the domestic market and the rest abroad.
GM slashed prices significantly..!!
Automobile manufacturer General Motors on Wednesday cut the price of its vehicles by up to Rs 30,500, following the government reducing excise duty.
With immediate effect, the company has reduced the prices of its small car 'Spark' by Rs 8,000-Rs 10,200, GM India Vice President P Balendran told media.
The prices of hatchback 'Aveo U-VA' has been cut between Rs 12,000 and Rs 16,000, while that of entry-level sedan 'Aveo' is slashed by Rs 16,700-Rs 21,000.
Likewise, the company's multi-utility vehicle 'Tavera' would be cheaper by Rs 16,500, Balendran said.
"These price cuts are in addition to the discounts offered by the company between Rs 20,000 and Rs 58,000 on our different models," he added.
With immediate effect, the company has reduced the prices of its small car 'Spark' by Rs 8,000-Rs 10,200, GM India Vice President P Balendran told media.
The prices of hatchback 'Aveo U-VA' has been cut between Rs 12,000 and Rs 16,000, while that of entry-level sedan 'Aveo' is slashed by Rs 16,700-Rs 21,000.
Likewise, the company's multi-utility vehicle 'Tavera' would be cheaper by Rs 16,500, Balendran said.
"These price cuts are in addition to the discounts offered by the company between Rs 20,000 and Rs 58,000 on our different models," he added.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
