New Modified Honda City with CNG Launched at Rs 9.54 lakh

HONDA has launched its new modified Honda City, which is compatible with CNG bi-fuel option in India to complement the lifestyles and needs of the customers who are looking for an alternative fuel vehicle with unmatched performance and outstanding fuel efficiency. A buyer will have to pay an extra sum of Rs 50,200 over existing prices to get the CNG kit installed.

The new modified Honda City will be available in V grade which will get retrofitted by a Honda approved CNG kit at all the 45 Honda dealerships located in 28 cities where CNG fuel option is available in the country. Rohan BRC has been appointed as the authorized dealer for providing the CNG kit. The modified Honda City will come with a 2 year warranty as standard value for all buyers. To enhance the performance, the modified grade of the City has an optimized 1.5L, 4 cylinder i-VTEC engine and the suspension has been modified to adjust the additional weight of the CNG cylinder to offer similar driving experience as that of the petrol City. The safety of passengers and pedestrians is a first priority for Honda and the new CNG ready City is fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts. The front body structure of the car ensures advanced pedestrian safety features.

“Interactive Intelligence” AVN grade

Additionally, new Option City 1.5V Leather with AVN(Audio Visual Navigation) has been introduced in the City line-up which will feature ultra-premium-one-class-above features - Touch Screen, Audio Visual Navigation, Bluetooth, DVD player in addition to CD Player, USB/I-Pod/Aux-in connectivity and Leather upholstery with Leather wrapped steering wheel and Leather wrapped Gear Shift Knob (in MT). The complete range of the City has been expanded to give more options to the customers and will now be available in the following: Corporate, E, S MT/AT, V MT/AT, V (Leather with Sunroof) MT/AT, V (AVN) MT/AT (new) and V MT modified for CNG kit fitment (new).

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, Sr Vice President, Honda Cars India Ltd. said “Honda City is one of the most successful car brand in the country and certainly the most desirable sedan in its category due to its unmatched values of performance, mileage and overall reliability. We are extremely happy to bring the City with a CNG option for our customers. Adapting the CNG technology is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers and will add to the appeal of the car, as it will not only be cheaper to run and maintain but also eco-friendly.“ “In line with the preferences of our customers, we are delighted to introduce the new variant with Audio Visual Navigation which makes the car even more desirable in its category”, he further added.

Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 Touches 21,000 Booking mark, a New Record

Maruti Suzuki India that launched the all new Alto 800 on 16th October, exactly a week ago, has now set a milestone of touching 21,200 booking mark, and expects to make the success even bigger in the ongoing festive season sales.

Showing the excitement, Maruti Suzuki India's Chief Operating Officer (Marketing & Sales) Mayank Pareek said, "So far this festive season, there has been 15 per cent increase in overall bookings compared to last year. The growth is coming from across our models but the new Alto 800 has also received a very good response," The all new car has been getting response both in urban and rural markets,"Out of that we have retailed 7,000 units," Pareek adds. In fact the car had touched the mark of 10,000 pre-launch bookings even before the prices were revealed.

Speaking about the launch programmes to push further sales, he adds, "As the market was not moving, we needed a sledge-hammer approach to push sales and adopt a very customer centric approach and launch it everywhere at our showrooms," MSI has been holding over 50 mega camps to display the vehicles, where the customers can directly come and buy off the shelf. 

The company had delivered a total 200 units of the all new Alto 800 to customers last week at a single outlet in Kottakkunnu in Mallapuram district, Kerala. 

Tata Motors Introduces 'Tata Alert', a highway Assistance Programme Across India

Tata Motors has introduced ‘Tata Alert’, a highway assistance programme for medium and heavy commercial vehicles, which will be available across all national highways in India. Through ‘Tata Alert’, drivers will receive on-site breakdown assistance within 4 hours of dialing a toll-free helpline number (1800-209-7979). The 24x7 ‘Tata Alert’ service will ensure that a vehicle is put back on the road within 48 hours from the time restoration work begins. In case of major repairs and the vehicle carrying perishable goods, ‘Tata Alert’ will provide load transfer assistance.

The initiative was launched on the occasion of the Commercial Vehicles Business Unit’s (CVBU) National Customer Care Day, to celebrate the business’ bond with its customers and channel partners. Tata Motors CVBU also introduced, for its Tata Ace and Tata Magic customers, an extended warranty of 12 months or 36,000kms, over and above the existing warranty, for a nominal fee. This value added service can be availed within 30 days of purchase of the vehicle.

An E-workshop manual is being introduced which will enable technicians and channel partners to access latest information, at the convenience of the user. The existing Tata Motors e_Catalogues will also be upgraded and published in 3D format, which will further enhance awareness levels of channel partners and customers, leading to effective order placement of aggregates and components. The company has also launched the Dynamic Order Pad for spare parts ordering, which will enable spare part teams to make better recommendations to customers, while placing an order.

Smart Forvision Concept Car Developed by BASF and Daimler Unveiled in India

BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, today unveiled the ‘smart forvision’, a concept car at the Indo-German URBAN MELA in Delhi coinciding with its theme of Sustainable Urbanisation. Jointly developed by BASF and Daimler, it combines futuristic design with innovative technologies in the areas of energy efficiency, lightweight design and temperature management. The smart forvision is the perfect vehicle for showcasing new technologies.  

Through Daimler's automotive expertise and BASF's material and system competence a vehicle has been created which showcases technologies for sustainable and holistic electric mobility of the future. The researchers and designers intentionally realised a mixture of visionary materials and technologies in the concept vehicle - some of these are still at a laboratory stage while others have a realistic chance of entering series production. Smart forvision was first showcased at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt.

BASF, the world's largest supplier of chemical products to the automotive industry, develops sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions for the energy-efficient mobility of tomorrow. The two companies combined their technological competencies for the first time, developing a forward-looking vehicle concept that offers decisive solutions to the challenges of the future. Transparent organic solar cells, transparent organic light-emitting diodes, all-plastic wheels, new lightweight body components and infrared-reflective films and coatings all help to reduce the vehicle's energy consumption and so  increase its range and practicality.

Energy efficiency

State-of-the-art materials and technologies allow new concepts to be implemented in the electric car that not only save energy, but even generate it. The resulting increase in range contributes to further improving the performance and economy of electric vehicles. The smart forvision features energy-efficient solutions such as power-generating solar cells based on organic-chemical dyes on the roof. Combined together with energy-saving organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), the vehicle's roof, which is covered in solar cells, is not just environmentally friendly, but a real design highlight as well.

One challenge in ensuring the continuing development of electric mobility is sustainably producing and using the power required to drive the cars. Electric mobility is at its most effective in preventing climate change and protecting the environment when the energy required for it is generated highly efficiently and with minimal CO2 emissions. For this reason BASF is also working on solutions for producing electricity from renewable energies, such as wind and solar power.

Multifunctional lightweight design

The lighter an electric vehicle is, the less drive energy it requires, and the greater its range will be. Making vehicles lighter will therefore be one of the key challenges for electric mobility in the future, and BASF can make an important contribution here. Lightweight design means replacing heavy, metal components with composite plastic materials that offer the same functionality and stability. Weight can be reduced particularly successfully by substituting load-bearing components, for example the chassis, with fiber-reinforced plastics. Moreover, the smart forvision features the first ever all-plastic wheels suitable for series production, made from the new high-performance material Ultramid® Structure developed by BASF. This material, which is just as stable as metal, can reduce weight by up to 30 percent.

Comprehensive temperature management

The heating and air conditioning systems in vehicles are major consumers of energy. The amount of energy needed to heat up or cool down the vehicle's interior can be reduced with the help of a comprehensive temperature management system that uses innovative materials such as polymer films in the windows to reflect thermal radiation, and high-performance insulating materials.

The smart forvision brings together these forward-looking technologies from the chemical industry with a unique mobility concept and distinctive design. Together, the automotive and chemical industries are making a significant contribution to the affordability, environmental friendliness and safety of electric vehicles. In the smart forvision, Daimler and BASF have laid the perfect foundations for efficient, sustainable, uncompromising electric mobility.

Ford EcoSport to Come in Automatic Transmission as well

Ford EcoSport is unquestionably one of the most awaited vehicles of recent times, and it has got all the reasons to get this much attention. It's compact, has got looks to fascinate one and all , and above all, the award-winning EcoBoost engine that promises to return an impressive fuel efficiency without compromising on the power. Now the latest news coming in is about its Automatic variant, till now everybody was expecting the vehicle to just come in the Manual transmission option, but unlike its competitors including the newly launched Renault Duster, the Ford EcoSport might also come in the AT version.

Such a version was spotted doing test runs at places in India, which further gives us a sense of surety, however nothing on the same has been claimed by the company as of now. And If speculations are to be believed, the EcoSport will sport the similar dual-clutch automatic gearbox knows as Powershift, which is the cheapest dual-clutch gearbox in the world.

Ford uses the similar dual-clutch gearbox in its flagship sedan, the Fiesta as well. However, if it happens, the cost of the vehicle would certainly go up, so whether the company launches the AT version initially or bring it after seeing the response, is still a mystery.

And like we reported some days back, Ford India has officially said to launch the vehicle in February 2013. Although, The prices are not announced yet, we are expecting the car to cost between Rs 7-9 lakh. Stay tuned for more updates on the same . Cheers!

Rolls-Royce Introducing Wedding Editions of Ghost and Phantom in India

The super luxury car maker, Rolls-Royce is all set to introduce the special wedding editions of its flagship salons in India- the Ghost and the Phantom, to lure India's super-rich class. What has inspired RR to come up with the decision is the inspiring fact that every 10th car sold by the giant in India is gifted majorly during the wedding season. Rolls-Royce has launched a purposely hand-crafted model for the occasion.

Speaking about the same, Herfriend Hasenoehrl, GM, emerging markets-Asia told ET that the wedding edition is a car brought on customers’ requests."The wedding season begins on October 30. Requests have started coming in and there are two couples right now who are talking to our dealers about giving personal touches to the cars they want."

He also said that except choosing the colours and veneers, customers are also given the facility to have their name engraved in specific places within the interiors. Rolls-Royce that sold 100 units in 2011, expects to take the number to 150 in 2012 in India, so showing the confidence in India, Hasenoehrl said, "India has the potential to be the largest market in Asia Pacific by 2015 from its current number three position,"

Stay tuned for more updates on the same. Cheers!

Gul Panag Launches Audi Q Life at Women's Power Drive in Mumbai

The German auto giant recently organized Women’s Power Drive, an exclusive program to give women a chance to experience the driving pleasure of the Audi Q range in Mumbai as part of their rollout of ‘Audi Q-Drive’ in the city. The ‘Audi Q-Drive’, is a one of its kind program which gives participants a chance to experience and test drive the Audi SUV range that includes Audi Q7, Audi Q5 and the Audi Q3.

“The notion that SUVs are being chosen by men only, is passé. Undeniably, these sporty vehicles have fast gained a preference among today’s women. A good number of our luxury SUVs are being driven by women in India. Audi has always been at the forefront of bringing out new technologies and offering its customers a luxurious and sporty driving experience. Customer delight is one of the pillars on which we plan to build our future and events like these are designed to give our customers a truly once in a lifetime experience”, said Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India.

Audi enthusiast film actor Gul Panag who had earlier co-hosted the Women’s Power- Drive in New Delhi, took women in Mumbai through the finer aspects of ‘Audi Q Life’ while explaining the features of Audi Q3, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7. Incidentally, Gul also owns an Audi Q5 and recently took a roadtrip to the Sach Pass in the Audi Q5 and Audi Q3. Like Gul, women from all walks of life, cinema and fashion, corporate or professional are also enrolling into the ‘Audi Q Life’.

“I am very devoted to the cause of promoting driving for women. I am certain that Audi’s special focus on catering to this segment will inspire many more women to take to the wheels. The Audi’s Q range - Audi Q7, Audi Q5 and the Audi Q3 are SUVs with different dimensions but all are equally apt for women. I am especially proud and excited to be associated with the ‘Audi Q-Drive’, as it will give women like me an exclusive opportunity to experience the power of the Qs and see how suitable it is for them as well. It was a delightful experience to interact with women Audi enthusiasts in Mumbai and Delhi”, said actor Gul Panag.

To make the experience even more exhilarating, Audi has put together a team of India’s most prominent motorsport experts at the helm of the event. “This festive season we have initiated an exciting campaign, ‘Gift the Q Life’ to enroll more and more people into the ‘Q Life’ not only by buying our sporty range of Q SUVs - Audi Q7, Audi Q5 and Audi Q3 but also gifting a slice of the ‘Q Life’ to their near and dear ones,” added Mr. Perschke.

Earlier this year, Audi had organized a unique drive experience -‘Audi R-Drive’, for its customers across eight (Delhi, Chandigarh, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Bangalore Chennai) cities in India. The ‘Audi R-Drive’, was a unique initiative which gave participants a chance to experience the award winning Audi R8 V10 Spyder and the Audi RS5. 

Volvo V40 Crossover Launch Slated in March 2013

Volvo India putting a lid on the speculations, has officially announced the launch of the new V40 crossover in India by 2013. The Swedish Auto major has four models in its Indian portfolio Volvo S60, Volvo S80, Volvo XC60 and Volvo XC90 at present. With the forthcoming Volvo V40 crossover the company is going to amplify its position and get a stronger hold on the Indian market and will turn the heat on the BMW X1 and Mercedes B-class, the top position runners of the crossover segment .

The crossover is spawned on the newfangled five-door V40 hatchback, however the modish V40 crossover is cosmetically  altered to get a more sporty and agile looks. An all new front grille, bumpers, side sills, rear skid plate and daytime running lights. With a ground clearance of 173mm Volvo V40 crossover sits tall on alloy style body kits which enhances the rugged looks of the car.

Indian shores is likely to the 2.0-litre D3 diesel motor under the hoods of the V40 crossover. The six speed AT gearbox mated to the 2L engine honks 163bhp power to give you a speedy drive. What’s more attractive is the unique amalgamation of a class appealing body style of the crossover which will not go amiss when you drive in the city, can fulfill your crave for the rough terrain drive as well.

Apparently its just the launch date which is out in the open, the price tag and the specifications are all speculated. However as per the auto analyst the Volvo V40 crossover is likely to be tagged at a price of Rs. 30 lakh and is likely to lure the elite class with its next-gen attributes.

2012 Indian Grand Prix Trophy Unveiled

The F1 fever reached its penultimate levels as 2012 Formula One Airtel Indian Grand Prix trophy was unveiled today at Buddh International Circuit in the presence of Mr. Sanjay Kapoor, CEO, Bharti Airtel Limited, India & South Asia, Mr. Bernie Ecclestone, President and CEO of Formula One Management and Administration, Mr. Manoj Gaur, Executive Chairman, Jaypee Group and Mr. Bharat Bambawale, Global Brand Director. The trophy is an aesthetic interpretation of a contemporary and forward looking India on a global pedestal.

The idea behind selecting this design was to ensure that it symbolizes the spirit of F1 fandom in India. The trophy personifies the energy of 2012 F1 Airtel Indian Grand Prix and showcases the best of technology, design and glamour, resonating Formula One’s legacy and is truly in tandem with Airtel’s brand message.

Honda Cars India's Diesel Car Line-up

Honda Cars India which is facing a tough time due to unavailability of diesel cars, is now all set to launch its first ever diesel car in the country by early 2013. The said vehicle will be the Brio sedan based on the company’s flagship hatchback, the Brio’s platform. The similar car has been recently revealed at Honda Thailand’s official website ahead of its launch in November this year over there.

But only a single diesel car won’t help them much to increase the market share, so the company is considering to launch the diesel variants of generation next Honda City and the Jazz, besides a new MPV/SUV, and if speculations are to be believed  Brio hatchback as well can come in a diesel variant. So the major focus of the company seems to be on entry level cars. 

However the company hasn’t commented on the exact specifications of the engines to be used, we are expecting a 1.2-litre i-DTEC and a 1.5-litre i-DTEC that are downsized version of the company’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC, which currently powers European Civic and CR-V.

Speaking about the company’s future strategy in India, Honda Cars India president and MD, Hironori Kanayama said, "We have very ambitious plans for diesel in the coming years. The new engine will drive all new models lined up for the future, including the new small sedan next fiscal. We hope to have at least 3-4 diesel models in the next two years, we are thinking of a sequence and which model we will fit the engine for the launch."

Commenting the company’s diesel line-up for India, he further added, "India is a small car market with over 50% of volume coming from compact cars. So we will explore all options,(sub-4 meter) sedans and utility vehicles. We will be looking at optimisation of the existing platform to reduce development time and cost,"

Stay tuned for more updates on the same. Cheers!

Source: ET