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Audi has introduced the business edition of sports efficacy vehicle called SUV Q5 2.0 TDI Quattro.This newly introduced sports utility vehicle costs around 3,513,000. This new vehicle will be available in the market for purchase from October 2011.

Mr Michael Perschke, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi Q5 2.0 TDI Q is perfectly equipped to further strengthen our leadership position in the luxury SUV segment. As the Audi Q5 already has a broad fan base in India, this attractive price will now make this premium experience accessible to a wider customer base who aspires to own a luxury SUV.” Continue Reading »

In a period of upcoming months, many Indian and Chinese brands are about to make their debut in US market but a recent study has shown that Americans are not very keen on buying cars from Tata, Mahindra or BYD.

A research study by a market research firm GfK Automotive’s Barometer of Automotive Awareness and Imagery Study found that both these Asian countries could face almost a similar purchase consideration curve like that of Korean vehicles when they got launched in the US. Continue Reading »

Like we all are familiar to the style of making sequels to a film, similarly, the cars undergo many sequels to its existing version with advanced technique and more stylish architecture. Indian auto maker, Mahindra & Mahindra has announced the launch of its entry level Scorpio EX from the Scorpio Stable in Delhi. The new Scorpio will have 2.5 liter m2DiCR engine which will churn out 75 bhp and a 220 Nm of torque which will take it to from zero to 60 km within an hour in 11.2 seconds. Similarly like its elder versions, the basic version will also be equipped with the Micro-Hybrid Technology and give a performance of fuel efficiency of 14 km per liter as per ARAI.

Mr. Vivek Nayer, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said “At Mahindra, our endeavour has always been to offer the best-in-class products and this new offering from the Scorpio stable is no exception. With its easy drivability, great mileage and refined performance, I am sure that the Scorpio Ex will be an instant hit with young customers looking for an affordable entry point into the Scorpio franchise. Continue Reading »

Japan’s biggie Honda Motor, world’s largest motorcycle maker, is gambling on the small capacity 100- cc economy bikes as it boards upon rural push in the second- largest two-wheeler market of the world. The Japanese firm which is separated from its long-term Indian partner turned rival Hero MotoCorp, has appointed 5 management teams all over India led by Japanese officials. It is being done to create a new decentralized marketing strategy to maintain consistency in sales, industry experts said.

This Tokyo based two-wheeler firm is currently working on a new version of the CD platform in the 100- cc segment. In this segment, Hero Motor’s CD Dawn and CD deluxe have the highest sales so far. This new technology of 100-cc is targeted at India’s huge rural strata. Continue Reading »

 Recently, Mercedes- Benz India has launched the new generation SLK 350 in New Delhi. Built with an extremely distinctive design and a sporty outlook, mirroring the sharp ancestry of SLA- AMG and the SL class, this car is sure to lure car lovers. Adding another feather in the cap to Mercedes-Benz India’s luxury car range, this engineering wonder for the first time introduces the ‘Magic Sky Control’ panoramic vario-roof.

Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes- Benz India said, “The New SLK 350 is one of the most revolutionary products to come from the stable of Mercedes-Benz. Demonstrating the rich blend of sophistication with the latest in design and technology, the car is a testament to our continued endeavor to offer a thrilling experience to our customers. With its powerful innovative features and state of the art technology, the car proves not just to be an exhilarating experience to the driver but also a visual delight, consolidating its status as a benchmark product world over.”

The company stated that, it gives the comfort of driving as per its dynamic design transforms the roadster into a sporty look at the touch of a button. Continue Reading »

New Maruti Suzuki Swift is one of the most awaited cars of the year as even before its launch, the car had heavy bookings for diesel model and petrol too. It is one of the most beloved and best-selling cars of Maruti which is all set to enthrall its customers with its new design and upgraded version. Here are some of the customer’s reaction to it and their expectations from the new version before its launch.

Sameer Takalkar of Mumbai says, “I have heard so many reviews from my friends and relatives that I could not wait for the new Swift launch. It looks much more powerful and efficient than the K-series. I have already booked the diesel variant and I am just waiting for the delivery.” Continue Reading »

As the domestic of auto market is on a downhill sliding position due to extensive fuel hikes and increase in the interest rates of the banks, Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki have decided to cut its production as the auto industry brace up for single digit sales growth rate this economy.

However, car producers are hoping positively for a sales growth due to new launches, including MSI’s Swift, Volkswagen’s Jetta, Honda’s Jazz and Brio and newly launched General Motor’s Beat, diesel version.
A Tata spokesperson said, “Our production is exactly as per demand. We keep in mind the need to keep inventories at both the company and dealers’ end in balance.”
He further added, “If there is a requirement for adjustment in production, the company does it. At the moment there is a slowdown in demand.” Continue Reading »

In order to gain back their customers, Honda India has cut down the price of its new version of Jazz to 1.62 lakh. This hatchback will now have starting price range of Rs 5.50 lakh, competing with Hyundai’s i20, Volkswagen Polo, Nissan’s Micra, Fiat’s Punto, Skoda’s Fabia, Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Toyota’s Liva.

Seki Inaba, Director (marketing), Honda Siel Cars India said, “The new Jazz, with an attractive pricing, will surely appeal to customers. With better sourcing and economies of scale for Jazz from higher production, we would be able to garner larger chunk of sales in the premium hatchback segment.”

The new Jazz is powered by the same 1.2 liter i-VTEC petrol engine with an average of 16.7 km per liter. It is also improved in terms of its looks by its aerodynamic design on the front grill in addition to beige interiors and a USB port in the music system.

Monthly sales of Jazz dropped to almost 50% since few months to about 250, despite the fact that the customers were offered freebies and cash incentives. The car launched in India in June 2009 by Honda Siel Cars India had sold more than 13,000 units with the price of 7 lakh. Trade analysts predict that the price slash can re-create the magic for Honda. Continue Reading »

Within hours of Maruti Suzuki announcing about their plans to launch an upgraded version of their flagship hatchback Swift, Nissan and Renault have started their preparations to give their rival a very tough competition. 

Leaving the Logan fiasco behind, which was produced in a joint venture with Mahindra and Mahindra, Renault has reentered the Indian automobile market with the launch of the luxury sedan Fluence. The company has a target of setting up over 100 dealerships across 75 cities by 2012. The date coincides with the launch of the company’s small car B58, Renault plans to unveil the car in the 2012 Auto Expo.

Although the company has not revealed anything about the car yet, it is speculated that the car will be based on the Nissan V platform, which is the same platform that supports Nissan Almera, Nissan Micra and Nissan Sunny. The buzz is that the car will have the same engine as Micra, a 1.2 litre petrol and a 1.5 litre diesel engine. The car will be designed at the company’s Mumbai design studio, and it is likely to have looks like the Maruti Wagon-R. The French auto giant has refused to comment any further on the design or the technical specifications of the car.

It is evident that the car will be pitted against market leader Maruti Suzuki’s Swift, Toyota’s Etios Liva and Hyundai’s flagship hatchback i10 and i20. The car is expected to offer a similar engine horse power as well as mileage as that of the above mentioned cars, therefore it is a matter of speculation as to what new features will be offered with the Renault B58. Continue Reading »

2010 could be written in golden words as the Indian automobile market saw a 30% hike in the sales figures of various auto players.

The last decade has been a fruitful year for Indian automobile industry as it saw many players realizing the potential of the sector. It included launching their models, enjoying a significant run and not to mention making a good position for themselves following a stint of high quality products.

But, having said that, it shall also be said that the New Year 2011 has not started on a positive note for Indian automobile sector as major automobile giants like Maruti, General Motors (GM) and Hyundai increased their car prices owing to increased hike of production and input cost of the raw materials. Continue Reading »