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Showing posts with label Auto News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Auto News. Show all posts

Friday, August 12, 2011

Ashok Leylands Ace Killer - DOST


After forming a joint venture on 2007 august Ashok Leyland and Nissan Motors have launched their first product – Dost. The LCV is expected to heat up the competition in the already crowded LCV market. Dost will surely present stiff challenge for TATA Ace, Ape Truck, Mahindra Maximo and Force Triumph on their run.

The vehicle is equipped by a 3-cylinder, 55 hp high-torque, turbo-charged Common Rail Diesel engine. The payload capacity of 1.25 Tonnes will the highest of the segment. The Ashok Leyland DOST will be available in 3 versions: a base version with manual steering, a mid version with power steering and a higher version which will have dual tone interiors, power steering and AC. The vehicle will be available in both BSIII and BSIV versions.

Dost, carrying the Ashok Leyland badge is the fist product of the joint venture. The production of dost is on full swing at Ashok Leylands hosur plant near Chennai.The second vehicle from the joint venture, Atlas will carry a Nissan badge and the third again will carry Ashok Leyland badge.

“We are going completely into a new chapter. Ashok Leyland did not have products in the 7.5 GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) category. With this association (with Nissan Motor Company) we are going into a segment which is more crowded…,” Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd Chairman and Hinduja Automotive Executive Vice-Chairman Sumantran said during the launch

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Tayota Etios Liva -





Toyota Etios Liva Price : Rs 3,99,000* - Rs 5,99,000*

27th-June-2011: The Japanese auto giant Toyota launched its first hatchback car i.e. Toyota Etios Liva in New Delhi today. The car was launched at an event organized by Toyota at The Grand Hotel, Nelson Mandela road, Vasant Kunj in New Delhi at 11:00 am. The latest inclusion of Toyota received overwhelming response by the audience and now Toyota Etios Liva is all set to hit the Indian roads. Toyota Etios Liva features basic requirements of Indian car market i.e. highest standards of quality at competitive prices. As for now, Toyota launched only the Toyota Etios Liva Petrol variant which is driven by 4-Cylinder 16V DOHC engine and delivers a fuel efficiency of 18.31kmpl. However, with Toyota also planning to release the Toyota Etios Liva diesel variant anytime soon, Indian consumers are eagerly awaiting release of another power packed machine from Toyota Stable. Toyota has rolled out Etios Liva in five variants - J, G, G+, V and VX. The bookings for this compact hatchback begins today.

Toyota Etios Liva Price

Toyota Etios Liva price begins at Rs3.99 for base variant and goes upto Rs5.99 (ex-showroom Delhi) for the top end model.

Toyota Etios Liva Description :

Overall

Toyota Etios LivaEarlier, when the announcement of Toyota Etios Liva was made by Toyota, the company was quite anxious as for the first time Toyota Motors announced a low ranged model named Etios Liva which already created benchmark for affordability in India. Now with Toyota Etios Liva launch, just like a perfectionist and moving side-by-side with Indian sentiments, Toyota trimmed the cost of this hatchback without leaving a single dent on the company's formidable reputation. To abate its cost, the skillful car maker has used its knife at places where the users just can’t make out. This is the first time that Toyota will be dealing with customers at lower end and the savvy player is all set to face the big challenge.

Toyota Etios LivaOn stepping in to a new market, Toyota will now face some real experts like Maruti, which is India's most successful car maker. And not to forget Hyundai and Tata, who have abysmal experience of playing best in this segment. This will certainly not make the fight easy but Toyota here has a big advantage and that is the low price, which will be the trump card for Toyota. It is worth mentioning that Toyota Etios Liva price starts at Rs. 3.99 lakh which is posted on Toyota Etios Liva base model.


Toyota Etios Liva is designed, keeping in mind the Indian customers and every detailing shows the efforts taken by engineers. The hatchback is blessed with 3NR-FE, Gasoline, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC engine which acts as the power house of this hatchback. Reaching the heights of efficiency, the car can smoke out a maximum Power of 80 BHP and distribute maximum torque of 104Nm. Its performance is further improved with 5 Speed Manual Transmission. It claims superb fuel efficiency of 18.31kmpl. The Toyota Etios Liva looks robust and functional with pretty good luggage space of 251litre which is the selling feature of this hatchback.

Toyota Etios Liva Models

Toyota Etios Liva J: It is the base variant of petrol model of Toyota Etios Liva that comes with less standard specifications and luxuries like - Dual SRS Airbags, ABS, EBD, Driver Seatbelt Warning etc.
Toyota Etios Liva G: The model comes affixed with some additional features like Tubeless Tyres, Power Windows, Electric Power Steering, Central Locking, keyless entry and Immobilizer.
Toyota Etios Liva G Plus: This model of Toyota Etios Liva petrol comes added with optional features like Dual SRS Airbags, ABS, EBD, Driver Seatbelt Warning.
Toyota Etios Liva V: This model include some additional features Chrome Garnish on Boot, Rear Defogger, Tachometer, Audio System (with Remote), Audio Controls on Steering Wheel,Chrome Accented Air Vents, Remote Fuel Lid Opener, Door Ajar Warning, Dual SRS Airbags. It comes with alloy wheels as well
Toyota Etios Liva VX: This is top end variant of Toyota Etios Liva petrol which comes with all the Standard features including Audio Controls on Steering Wheel and Safety features. It comes with alloy wheels and roof spolier.

Compare Toyota Etios Liva Models

Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

Toyota Etios Liva is loaded with a stunning 1197 cc, 3NR-FE, Gasoline, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC engine that churns out 80 bhp of power while generating a maximum torque of 104Nm and assuring high fuel efficiency of 18.31 kmpl in petrol version. It comes affixed with 5 speed manual transmission to offer supreme control over the drive. The affordable hatchback comes accompanied with all high end technologies to assure good fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the car comes with a fuel tank capacity of 45 litres.

Power

Toyota Etios Liva PowerThe 1197 cc engine of Toyota Etios Liva car is supported by four valves per cylinder so as to breathe better, and blending the perfection under the hood, the car generate 80 bhp power, a modest figure for a hatchback. Moreover, if we look at the proportion of power and weight, the Toyota Etios Liva will rule out major players in the segment. The kerb weight of the car is 890 Kg and with that it will also assure easy to drive motor. The 104Nm torque spread of the car is one of the striking features just like in its saloon version which gives the car excellent linear power delivery.

This high power output increases the drivability of the hatchback and good liner power delivery makes it the best option to carry it in town on busy roads.

Acceleration and Pick up

Toyota Etios Liva SpeedometerToyota manufactured vehicles are known for their performance, power and reliability. Company is too possessive for its yet untamed image and for that company will surely come up with some striking figures in terms of acceleration and pick up. The acceleration of the Toyota Etios Liva is yet not revealed but as compared to 1197 cc, 3NR-FE, Gasoline, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC engine, and 80 bhp of peak power it will surely give decent acceleration. The car has a total weight of only 890 Kg and this will play a major role in displaying high acceleration.

In terms of suspension, Toyota Etios Liva comes fitted with McPherson Strut suspensions at the front and Torsion Beam at the rear.

Toyota Etios Liva Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

Toyota Etios Liva ExteriorsThe exterior of the Toyota Etios Liva is not just attractive but also well balanced with long wheelbase of 2460mm. However, coming to the basic looks, it has not entered any new grounds as the grille speaks mythological Toyota designing with sharp curves. It bears the identifiable creases on its bonnet which again helps it identify as Toyota's creation. Toyota Etios Liva is beautified with small lights and tame bumper with two tiny fogs.

The side looks of the car is something patent to it as it bears up-sweeping crease lying on the lower half of the doors. These elegant creases are simply outstanding and discriminating feature of this car. The Toyota Etios Liva bears 175 / 65 R 14 tyre which will simply improve Liva's stance. The back side of the car is typical to hatchback as it adjusts to bring good boot space. But with Toyota Etios Liva, the adjustments are not compromised with its stunning looks.

The front grille of the Toyota Etios Liva gives a look of smiling face with its upper grille, lower grille and headlamps taken together. Moreover the headlamps look like dimples on the car. The rear view mirrors are painted in body color giving it an even look. The upper grill is in chrome finish while the lower one will be in black.

Exterior Measurements

The Toyota Etios Liva comes with an impressive ground clearance height of 170.00 mm and the color of its bumper matches with the body color. The first look of this car gives you a soothing look as it wears attractive creases and the little detailing of metal. You might not get bowled out with the mere looks of this car but this is not an ordinary hatchback, it is a Toyota car in just 3.99 lakh rupees. The Toyota Etios Liva when observed very closely do have some points which show the cost cutting strategy of Toyota but they certainly have shown expert work with its styling in lo cost. Toyota Etios Liva also have a sporty body kit which will not be made available as a standard feature, rather we expect that it will come only in case of special order. The basic looks are rest proportionate and somewhere more attractive than its sedan version. The hatchback weighs 890 Kg with Length of 3775mm, Width of 1695mm and Height being 1510mm.

Toyota Etios Liva Interiors

Interior Appearance

Toyota Etios Liva InteriorsStarting with the interior of Toyota Etios Liva, Toyota has brought something stunning with the help of its out of the box thinking. But problem lies with the fact that they had no prior experience in a hatchback segment so it took help from the best source, one who best know the segment, owners of the cars. Toyota Etios Liva is based on intensive market research and thus is truly customer oriented. So Toyota Etios Liva offered the best appearance and the dream hatchback for Indian costumers.


The interior of the stunning hatchback surely adds new horizon in its segment for comfort and most importantly space. You might not get bowled out with its exterior but the interior surely give you all one expect from a good hatchback. No doubt Toyota Etios Liva is claimed to be the most comfortable option in its segment and with that it makes it apt for long drives. With its space the car makes other models in its segment feel like pigeonhole. The car offers best rear seats with large squabs, apt amount of cushioning and perfect backrest angle. The Toyota Etios Liva gives very comfortable sitting posture with its fine tuned H-point. The front seats are surely a point of attraction with perfect padding as in its sedan version. The car is something which not just gives comfort in city but also for long drives. The 13L cooled glove-box delivers one of its kind experiences. The interiors are designed in contemporary manner with amazing mounted instrument panel with offset AC vents. These AC Vents are carved out in round shape, which further adds to the modernity in its basic appearance. Also, it incorporates seven one-liter bottle holders, mobile holder and many more such useful storage spaces inside the car.


Toyota Etios Liva come affixed with safety belts to ensure safety of all passengers in car. It is available in dual tone along with its three spoke steering wheel in same dual shade and it looks stunning and again anonymous in segment. The interiors are made roomy to ensure comfort to everyone. The Toyota Etios Liva is in direct competition to Maruti Swift and as compared to that it has more space and comfort feature giving it advantage over it. Coming to the middle of the dashboard, it holds instrument panel, including Tachometer and Digital Tripmeter. Other attributes of Toyota Etios Liva interiors are Power Windows, Electric Power Steering, Central Locking, Front Cabin Lights, Front Power Outlet (12V), Sporty Front Headrest, Pillow Type Rear Headrest, Rear Defogger and Tilt Steering.

Interior Comfort

Toyota Etios Liva Interior Comfort

Toyota’s latest invent, Toyota Etios Liva is a hatchback which offers maximum comfort in segment with stand-out headroom, legroom, and storage space of 251 liters. The driver gets a spacious headroom and legroom but had to adjust with the footrest. Overall, the car assures all comfort to the driver so that he can drive efficiently.

The stunning hatchback, Toyota Etios Liva is comes with power windows and remote central locking which makes it convenient to have control on car door and windows. It encompasses spacious boot space of 251 liters which is again a selling feature of the car. The availability of remote fuel lid opener in the hatchback along with slim rear wipers is also an additional advantage. The AC provided in the Toyota Etios Liva lacks climate control which is a little dent on its image but other attractive features are there to replace its loss like rear defogger, steering adjustment and manual driver seat adjustment.

The user is also provided with a audio control on steering wheel and powerful remote controlled music system, giving it a high entertainment quotient as well. The rear seats can be made to fold as well and the glasses will be tinted giving it a privilege over other cars.

Interior Measurements

Toyota Etios Liva is a beautiful four door designed to seat five passengers at a time. It gives very comfortable legroom and headroom which assures not just safety but also comfort to all passengers. The back seat of the car is very spacious which can seat 3 people at a Toyota Etios Liva Interior Measurementstime with assured comfort to all of the passengers. The users space for their knees, thighs and back which will make the seat same as a couch at home.

Engine Capacity and Performance

This beautiful hatchback from Toyota will be powered by 1197 cc, 3NR-FE, Gasoline, 4-Cylinder 16V, DOHC Petrol Engine which is capable of churning out Maximum Power of 80 Bhp. The engine used in the Toyota Etios Liva is built on high end technology to give enhanced performance and it is evident from the fact that company has employed best of all class engineers to build this first ever low cost car from Toyota. The company has not announced the diesel version of Toyota Etios Liva, so for now the users have to stick to the petrol version only. All the versions of this model are expected to be loaded with the same engine generating a peak power of 80 Bhp and deliver maximum torque of 104 Nm.

Wheels

Toyota Etios Liva WheelsToyota Etios Liva comes affixed with 175/65 R14 size tyre which gives the car strong grip even on high speed drives. The big size of the car also gives stunning balanced look to its overall appearance. The high end version of Toyota Etios Liva enjoys broader tyres measuring 185/60 R15.

Braking and Handling

The Affordable hatchback from Toyota encompasses efficient braking system which further ensure excellent grip over drive. The Front breaks of Toyota Etios Liva are disk type and on the Rear of the car, drum breaks are used. Owing to the front disc brakes, the Toyota Etios Liva Handlinghandling and controlling of Toyota Etios Liva becomes quite easy. A broad wheelbase further adds to it making a better option in the segment. It also comes with front independent and rear non-independent shock absorbers.

Handling and Safety

The safety measures offered by Toyota Etios Liva are almost same as offered by all other cars in B segment. It is blessed with many wonderful features like Power steering, Power windows, remote central locking and Dash integrated music system which make the handling of car far more interesting. The safety quotient is taken care by front airbags to save the driver and front passenger in case of collision. This measure is most effective in case of severe frontal collision. The basic designing of the Toyota Etios Liva is such that it can absorb the sudden shock and spread it to the whole body. It is thus capable of protecting the cabin from severe damage hence protecting the passengers.

Additionally for ensuring complete safety of the occupants the car includes - Dual SRS Airbags, ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) for safe braking, EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) so that the breaks when applied, get distributed evenly to all the tyres, Immobilizer to avoid car theft, Keyless Entry to ensure easy driving and no hassles of car-key, Driver Seatbelt Warning for safety against collision and Door Ajar Warning.

Stereo and Accessories

Toyota Etios Liva StereoThe hatchback from Toyota is designed not just to give best in class design and space but also keep the passengers entertained with remote control audio system. The 2 DIN 1CD MP3 AM/FM audio system added with four speakers increase its entertainment quotient and addition of audio control on steering wheel acts as additional advantage for the occupants.

Toyota Etios Liva Pros :

Low price, high comfort and good mileage.

Toyota Etios Liva Cons :

No Automatic Climate Control, adjustment with footrest.


Thursday, February 3, 2011

Maruti Kizashi launched at Rs 16.5 - 17.5 lakhs


The top most car manufacturer in India Maruti Suzuki launched its Kizashi luxury sedan priced for Rs17.5lakhs. The engine is set to have the power of 2.4 lit, with the specifications of 178PS, @6500rpm, and 230Nm torque @4000rpm and is derived from the Japanese apex facility. The MD and CEO of Maruti Suzuki India said that the launch of this car is a major step forward by offering the global standards to the top-end customers in India. There will be two versions of Kizashi sedan at Rs16.5 lakh (manual transmission) and Rs17.5 lakh for automatic transmission.

The company’s Managing Executive Officer explained that this Maruti Kizashi is the latest offering from Maruti in the upper segment, to be claimed as A4 with A5 features. Incidentally this sedan is positioned as the sports luxury car with classy engine to yield the utmost power range. The additional features of Maruti Suzuki Kizashi, are electronic stability programme, ABS, cruise control, EBD and 10-way seat adjustment. The manual version of the car has the acceleration of 0-100km /h within 7.8 seconds and the CVT version has the acceleration with the time of 8.8 seconds. The corresponding speed is 215km/h for the manual version while it is 205 km/hr for CVT version. The car is set capable of running 12.53km per lit for the CVT and 12.45 km/lit for manual version.


He further said Maruti has designed this car for the exclusive customers of Kizashi with altogether different modes of sales and service. The bookings are on already for which the delivery will be made in March , it is learnt. Maruti is deriving this car as a CBU and will counter the likes of Honda Accord, VW Jetta and Skoda Laura. With the new aim of launching a new car for every year, this year there will be new Swift and SX4 diesel, he said. He cleared that the company will retain the strategy adopted in 2008 when the excise duty was revised by the government. He convinced that the long wait for the deliveries of some model has become inevitable inspite of efforts taken.


The company has increased the production of Swift to 12000 per month from the earlier 5000 units. So is the case of Dzire whose number has been increased to 8000 from 2000 units a month and that of Eeco from 2000 to 7000 units a month. He was happy that the customers have that much of patience to get the vehicles which they love. Maruti is setting up a new facility this year to increase the production he added.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Mercedes Benz Maybach In India


German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz is contemplating on relaunch of its Maybach for the Indian market. The move comes in the wake of rising demand for the super rich cars in the market. Mercedes Benz Maybach is capable of running at 275km/hr speed and Mercedes may fix the price of this car as Rs51 million in India. The company’s Chief Executive said the Indian luxury car has such a dearth for supercars as the cost may be on par private jets.

The analysis of the last year’s economy by Forbes revealed that there have been 17 new billionaires in the Indian population adding to the already existing to make it 69. As a partner of Daimler AG, Mercedes has sold 200 Maybach in the world market under two models – Maybach 57 S and 62. In the Chinese car market Mercedes has been selling 20 units of this Maybach but as of now there is no fixed target for India.

The executive said since its launch in 2004 Maybach has been moving at its own speed and for the Indian car market it is too early. But the company intends for a second push, he added. In the event of the launch of this Mercedes Benz Maybach in India, Mercedes would face VWAG’s Bentley and BMW’s Rolls Royce in this sector. This strategy is to migrate to newer markets as the developed markets have come to soft pedaling.

10 new models from Mahindra this year


Looking to build on the sales momentum achieved so far this fiscal, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) today said it plans to launch 8-10 new products, including a premium sports utility vehicle, across various segments by March 2012.

"From this year to the end of March 2012, there will be a slew of products launched across passenger and commercial vehicles segments," Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) President (Auto and Farm Sectors) Pawan Goenka told reporters here.

Already the company has started with the launch of pick-up vehicle 'Genio' last month. There will be about 8-10 substantial new products, including variants and refreshes, launched during the period, he added.

The highlight will be a premium sports utility vehicle (SUV), which will be positioned above its existing 'Scorpio'.

"With the new SUV, we will be moving up the chain. This will be a completely new vehicle on a brand new platform and will be launched by the third quarter of this calendar year," Goenka said.

The company has invested about Rs 600 crore on developing the vehicle platform, he added.

Goenka said there would be new products and variants from the 'Maxximo' and 'Ingenio' platforms besides new trucks and tippers from M&M's joint venture with Navistar.

In the April-January period this fiscal, M&M has posted 26.22 per cent increase in domestic sales at 2,90,566 units as against 2,30,189 units in the same period last fiscal.

When asked about sales prospects for the new fiscal, Goenka said overall the industry growth that has been achieved in this fiscal so far is unlikely to be sustained.

"The auto industry has been seeing around 30 per cent sales growth. We expect it to be around 15-18 per cent next fiscal," said Goenka, who is also the president of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers.

He, however, said if interest rates and commodity prices changed adversely, then growth could be impacted.

For the farm equipment segment, he said tractor sales have seen a growth of 20 per cent so far this fiscal and is likely to come down to 10-12 per cent in the next fiscal.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Renault soft pedals its role in Bajaj small car


Bajaj Auto’s ultra low-cost car project may have a bumpy ride ahead, with partner Renault India still to take a final call on branding and marketing the vehicle.
“We have not seen the car being developed by Bajaj. We will take a decision on whether to partner on branding and marketing the vehicle only when we see the final product. The product being developed by Bajaj has to be a car for us to go ahead with the agreement,” said Jerome Stoll, executive vice-president (sales & marketing) at Renault.

According to a 2008 agreement, Renault and Nissan will brand, sell and market the Bajaj car. However, launch of the vehicle has been postponed twice in the last three years. The project has faced several delays on branding, pricing, distribution and marketing.

Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj declined to comment on Stoll’s statement. In an emailed response, Bajaj said, “I have no comments at this stage.”

Renault’s take on the ultra low-cost car project comes at a time when the French automaker is preparing to independently develop a small car for the Indian market. Renault has a technical centre in Chennai manned by 1,500 people and has set up an engineering & design studio in Mumbai.

“The ultimate directive for the engineering & design studio is to understand consumer preferences and come up with a car for the Indian market,” said a senior executive at Renault’s local unit. The product will then be customised for markets such as Brazil and Russia.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Mahindra Thar Launches in Kerala


Mahindra & Mahindra , market leader in utility vehicles today introduced the Thar CRDe , 4x4 offroader in the Kerala market.

It is priced at Rs 6.11 lakh for BS IV variant (ex-showroom price) Kochi.

Kerala has been the largest market for such vehicles and the company was totally geared to meet any requirements,Behram Dhabher, General Manager (Vehicle Development) told reporters here.

The Thar aims to play a significant role in shaping the lifestyle vehicle segment both in urban and rural India. Consumers are looking for a different lifestyle as they seek adventure and a fun experience which the vehicle will offer, he said.

The Thar is a manual 4x4 machine coupled with a powerful CRDe 105 BHP engine and driven by wire technology, which is capable of providing it variable speeds and acceleration. To handle this excess power, Thar CRDe's tough rigid ladder frame chassis has been optimised to enable crisp handling.

The vehicle would be available in Mumbai, Delhi , Chandigarh, Jaipur, Bangalore, Kochi, Mangalore and Kolkatta and would be launched in the rest of India by this month.

It will be positioned as a lifestyle vehicle for the rural market with both two wheel and four wheel options. The BS III variation will be priced at Rs 4.33 lakh (ex showroom kochi), Sunil Lohani, General Manager (South Zone)said.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

101 BMW in single deal by Aurangabad rich men


Together, 101 residents of the tourism centre of Aurangabad in this state who’d mass-booked a BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH) car each, are jointly negotiating with State Bank of India to get a seven-year loan at a seven per cent rate of interest.

They did the booking on Sunday at a Pune-based dealer, Bavaria Motors, and are also negotiating with the latter to supply the models (3-series, 5-series, 6-series and 7-series) at a 10-20 per cent discount. The total deal is expected to be worth Rs 40 crore.

A BMW car costs between Rs 28 lakh and Rs 1 crore. The buyers include young entrepreneurs, doctors, builders, politicians and other professionals.

Something similar had taken place in Aurangabad earlier in the year, when 150 people got together to book a Mercedes-Benz each. They got the car last month, in a Rs 65-crore deal.

Pankaj Agarwal, a young entrepreneur who took the initiative in this regard, told Business Standard: “We have organised a road show and test drive on December 3, 4 and 5 at Aurangabad to get acclamatised with various models of BMW. We expect to strike a deal with the Pune-based dealer within a month and hope to take the delivery in January.”

After the news-making Mercedes deal, he said, the group had approached BMW for a similar one. “The company was quite enthused and directed us to coordinate with Bavaria Motors. We expect a discount of 10-20 per cent on each car, like Mercedes, which had offered 22 per cent discount to the buyers.”

“Talks are at a preliminary stage,” said a senior executive of Bavaria Motors.

SBI normally grants scuha loan for only five years, but the group is holding out for seven years, at seven per cent. “Each buyer would have to pay an advance of Rs 4-5 lakh,” said Agarwal.

Maruti And Volkswagen Pact Working Wonders

The pact between Suzuki Motor Corp and the German car maker Volkswagen has paved way for launching more cars and components. This has given an opportunity for the chief of Suzuki to make a visit to the Maruti premises. Volkswagen has acquired 20% stake in Suzuki Japan. The visit, third to India in this year, is marked as an assessment of Maruti’s indigenous manufacture of cars on global standards. Further, the line up from Nissan for Volkswagen will also be taken into account, said a company press release.

Nissan is currently marketing Maruti’s A-Star in Europe as Pixo. Maruti’s share in the JV is worth 54.4% with an investment of Rs5500-6000 crore marked for the next two year activities. The plan includes expansion of R&D and erecting two new plants at Manesar. These facilities are expected for the production of compact cars for Volkswagen, along with Skoda Fabia and Superb models. By procuring the stake in Suzuki, VW intends to grab 20% marketshare in the Indian car market in another 8 years. It is estimated that by that time the market feeding would be around 15 million annual units. Since the pact between Suzuki and VW there are frequent discussions about the organizational set up especially frugal engineering.

The Chairman of VW said that they seek as much from the Indian top car maker. Maruti is on the verge of making its own compact car in India which may hit the roads in another two years while exploring new models for VW brands. This is because VW has dropped its plan of launching its small car UP on the competitive price factor in the Indian car market. In the meantime both companies are engaged in exploring the utility of the facilities VW’s Chakan and Maruti’s Manesar for designing VW’s diesel engines for small cars. In a sense, Maruti is facing a stiff competition from the global players like Ford, GM and Toyota and was almost losing grounds from its 50% share in the domestic market.

Friday, January 8, 2010

Harley Davidson ties up with ICICI bank for financing




Harley Davidson India said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private lender ICICI Bank for financing its broad spectrum of services, including launches and operations in India.

As per the MoU, the two parties will be involved in consumer financing, dealer financing and providing banking services to Harley Davidson India.

‘We are delighted to partner with ICICI and are confident that our customers will be well served by their pan-India network,’ said Harley Davidson India Managing Director Anoop Prakash.

The Bank will provide finance to the company’s customers starting at 11 per cent for a period of upto five years, with a starting EMI of Rs 12,845 per month for a 2010 XL883 Low Sportstar.

The company also said that all its showrooms will be ready in the country by June this year.

Harley Davidson plans to open dealerships in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chandigarh with the aim of increasing the dealerships to more than 20 in the next five years.

The US-based motorcycle brand will enter into the country with its full range of five motorcycle families, the Sportstar, the Dyna, the VRSC, the Softail and the top-of-the-range Touring series and will launch Twelve models of Harley-Davidson in India.

The bikes are priced in the range of Rs 6.95 lakh and Rs 34.95 lakh ex-showroom.

While bookings begin in April, Harley-Davidson will start delivering the motorcycles from June.