CarSalesIndia.com has recently launched a forum for all its users. Now this allows you to raise any questions, discuss topics and to read more from others discussions.
Dont miss the boat. Visit now, introduce yourself and participate!
Visit the forum now
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Car Forums especially for you
CarSalesIndia.com has recently launched a forum for all its users. Now this allows you to raise any questions, discuss topics and to read more from others discussions.
Dont miss the boat. Visit now, introduce yourself and participate!
Visit the forum now
Dont miss the boat. Visit now, introduce yourself and participate!
Visit the forum now
Friday, January 29, 2010
A UK Lotus Commercial
Most Americans really aren't familiar with the Lotus name. We British car enthusiasts know Lotus for building light, nimble and - occasionally - troublesome cars. Modern Lotus cars are expensive driver's machines. The Elise, for example, is quite basic (exposed aluminum structural supports intrude in the cockpit) but it is sublime to drive.
Here is a commercial for UK audiences about the new Lotus Europa. The Europa looks like it belongs on my list of cars I'm buying with my lottery winnings.
Here is a commercial for UK audiences about the new Lotus Europa. The Europa looks like it belongs on my list of cars I'm buying with my lottery winnings.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
2011 Chevrolet Aveo U-VA
The interim facelifted Aveo U-VA didn’t make it to India. We believe that was a good move by GM as internationally the facelift did more harm than good to the U-VA’s image.
Going by GM India’s frightening (for its rivals) pricing strategy for the Beat, the competition has good reason to be scared. Expect the car to come with modern petrol as well as diesel powerplants and follow in the footsteps of the Aveo sedan after a gap of a couple of months. Stay tuned for more juice on this car. 
2011 Chevrolet Aveo U-VA
The interim facelifted Aveo U-VA didn’t make it to India. We believe that was a good move by GM as internationally the facelift did more harm than good to the U-VA’s image.
Going by GM India’s frightening (for its rivals) pricing strategy for the Beat, the competition has good reason to be scared. Expect the car to come with modern petrol as well as diesel powerplants and follow in the footsteps of the Aveo sedan after a gap of a couple of months. Stay tuned for more juice on this car. GM to build own electric engines from 2013
General Motors has officially announced that it will be manufacturing electric motors for hybrid vehicles in house from 2013. The American automotive marquee is currently sourcing the engines from various suppliers. The decision to self manufacture the electric engines has been taken to improve their quality, reliability and reduce the costs involved in making them. The manufacturer intends to invest to around $246 million for the purpose. As of now GM has not announced which manufacturing facility will be utilized for building their electric engines. The manufacturer intends to launch a hybrid vehicle in 2013 which will be powered its own electric engines.
During a conference call with reporters, Pete Savagian, Engineering Director for electric and hybrid vehicles, said that the company needs to not only buy the parts but also to really understand them. He also revealed that GM had started work on developing an electric engine in 2003 and will shortly become the first American manufacturer to build its own electric engines. The manufacturer has some prior experience in building these engines. It had developed one to power its electric car EV1 in the mid-90's. In fact, the engineers which had earlier worked on that project have been roped in for developing their new electric engines.
GM to build own electric engines from 2013
General Motors has officially announced that it will be manufacturing electric motors for hybrid vehicles in house from 2013. The American automotive marquee is currently sourcing the engines from various suppliers. The decision to self manufacture the electric engines has been taken to improve their quality, reliability and reduce the costs involved in making them. The manufacturer intends to invest to around $246 million for the purpose. As of now GM has not announced which manufacturing facility will be utilized for building their electric engines. The manufacturer intends to launch a hybrid vehicle in 2013 which will be powered its own electric engines.
During a conference call with reporters, Pete Savagian, Engineering Director for electric and hybrid vehicles, said that the company needs to not only buy the parts but also to really understand them. He also revealed that GM had started work on developing an electric engine in 2003 and will shortly become the first American manufacturer to build its own electric engines. The manufacturer has some prior experience in building these engines. It had developed one to power its electric car EV1 in the mid-90's. In fact, the engineers which had earlier worked on that project have been roped in for developing their new electric engines.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Meeting Activity
The next SABCC general meeting is scheduled for February 9th at our usual venue - the Lake Forest Yacht Club. We will have a quiz about radiator mascots and marque badges. Do YOU know which marque used an octagon in their badge?Good for you - that's not on the quiz. See you there!
A Tiger in Monte Carlo
Here's some historic footage of the 1965 Monte Carlo rally as seen through the windshield of a Sunbeam Tiger. These hairy chested beasts packed a lot of Detroit horsepower under their bonnets and were much more civilized than their AC Cobra half-brothers.
Enjoy the video and note the wheel-sawing by the driver.
Enjoy the video and note the wheel-sawing by the driver.
Nano to cost 3 times its price
Tata Motor’s ‘Ultra Low Cost’ creation christened the ‘Nano’ has become famous worldwide as the “cheapest car.” Costing a little more than a lakh INR (base model ex-factory) in India, the Nano indeed is the cheapest car out here. Tata Motors made use of the Detroit Auto Show as a platform to unveil the Nano in North America for the first time. There were rumors that the Americanized Nano would cost as little as $5,000. However, the Detroit News reported that according to a source within the company, the car would be priced at $8,000 which is approximately a whopping Rs 360,000, almost triple of the price prevalent here in India. The car is reported to hit the American streets in the next three years.
See More about Tata Nano Cars:
Nano to cost 3 times its price
Tata Motor’s ‘Ultra Low Cost’ creation christened the ‘Nano’ has become famous worldwide as the “cheapest car.” Costing a little more than a lakh INR (base model ex-factory) in India, the Nano indeed is the cheapest car out here. Tata Motors made use of the Detroit Auto Show as a platform to unveil the Nano in North America for the first time. There were rumors that the Americanized Nano would cost as little as $5,000. However, the Detroit News reported that according to a source within the company, the car would be priced at $8,000 which is approximately a whopping Rs 360,000, almost triple of the price prevalent here in India. The car is reported to hit the American streets in the next three years.
See More about Tata Nano Cars:
Monday, January 25, 2010
Maruti reports record profits
Maruti Suzuki’s domestic sales volume grew by 37.8 per cent to 218,910 units in the October – December 2009 quarter. The cars that led the sales in this period of time were the Alto and WagonR. The firm’s domestic A2 segment and A3 segment sales volume grew by 38.6 per cent and 41.7 per cent respectively as compared to the sales in October – December 2008. The firm’s exports observed a growth of over 167 per cent to 39,116 units as compared to the 14,634 units exported in October – December 2008.
The company stated that favorable conditions in the domestic market supported by the government’s stimulus package and ease of automobile finance facilities helped achieve the good sales during the quarter. Commodity prices too were favorable for a major period of the quarter. However, the last few weeks observed considerable price rise. The firm also cites the successful export figures of its A-Star as a reason for its good sales.
Along with this, the Board of Directors also confirmed the approval of the investment in capacity expansion at the firm’s Manesar plant. Maruti Suzuki has invested a sum of about Rs 1700 Crores for the expansion of the production capacity of its plant. The plant will be able to manufacture 250,000 cars on an annual basis.
Maruti reports record profits
Maruti Suzuki’s domestic sales volume grew by 37.8 per cent to 218,910 units in the October – December 2009 quarter. The cars that led the sales in this period of time were the Alto and WagonR. The firm’s domestic A2 segment and A3 segment sales volume grew by 38.6 per cent and 41.7 per cent respectively as compared to the sales in October – December 2008. The firm’s exports observed a growth of over 167 per cent to 39,116 units as compared to the 14,634 units exported in October – December 2008.
The company stated that favorable conditions in the domestic market supported by the government’s stimulus package and ease of automobile finance facilities helped achieve the good sales during the quarter. Commodity prices too were favorable for a major period of the quarter. However, the last few weeks observed considerable price rise. The firm also cites the successful export figures of its A-Star as a reason for its good sales.
Along with this, the Board of Directors also confirmed the approval of the investment in capacity expansion at the firm’s Manesar plant. Maruti Suzuki has invested a sum of about Rs 1700 Crores for the expansion of the production capacity of its plant. The plant will be able to manufacture 250,000 cars on an annual basis.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Discounts of up to Rs 40,000 on Honda Jazz!
Honda Siel had produced as much as 1000 units of the Jazz in December 2009. But, the firm only managed to sell 300 units of the car that month. As a measure to boost the sales of the Jazz, Honda dealers are reportedly offering a discount of almost Rs 40,000 and interest rates of less than 6% on loans for the Honda Jazz. Even though dealers are said to be providing discounts on the car, Honda Siel has not announced any plans to reduce the cost of the Jazz yet.
Discounts of up to Rs 40,000 on Honda Jazz!
Honda Siel had produced as much as 1000 units of the Jazz in December 2009. But, the firm only managed to sell 300 units of the car that month. As a measure to boost the sales of the Jazz, Honda dealers are reportedly offering a discount of almost Rs 40,000 and interest rates of less than 6% on loans for the Honda Jazz. Even though dealers are said to be providing discounts on the car, Honda Siel has not announced any plans to reduce the cost of the Jazz yet.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Nissan launching Micra in July
Nissan aims to make a strong hold in the Indian market with a mass production vehicle like the Micra, as compared to small volume players like the Teana and the X-Trail. With a competitive price tag for the Micra, Nissan aims to take on its Japanese competitors like Suzuki, Toyota and Honda along with other players like VW, Tata and FIAT. Kiminobu Tokuyama concluded saying, "It's not too late, we are ready to challenge. We have come here to become a major player..."
Nissan launching Micra in July
Nissan aims to make a strong hold in the Indian market with a mass production vehicle like the Micra, as compared to small volume players like the Teana and the X-Trail. With a competitive price tag for the Micra, Nissan aims to take on its Japanese competitors like Suzuki, Toyota and Honda along with other players like VW, Tata and FIAT. Kiminobu Tokuyama concluded saying, "It's not too late, we are ready to challenge. We have come here to become a major player..."
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Tata and M&M join the Price Hike bandwagon!
Joining the recent list of car manufacturers who have increased prices of their vehicles are Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. Tata Motors has increased prices of its Indica and Indigo variants by around Rs.5000-8000. While M&M has increased the prices of its Xylo variants by around Rs.4,500, Scorpio variants by around Rs.6000-9,000, and Bolero variants by around Rs.5,000.
According to Arun Malhotra, Senior Vice President of Automotive Sector, Mahindra and Mahindra, the Primary reason for price hike across all vehicles is the rise in prices of the inputs required to make them.
BMW and Honda Siel Cars India have recently increased prices of their cars with Maruti Suzuki following suit. The main reason for the above manufacturers in increasing prices was also the rise in input costs along with the appreciation of foreign currency Yen. Hyundai is also expected to announce a price hike shortly.
According to Jnaneshwar Sen, Vice President Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India, the value of Yen has appreciated in the last few months along with the import content in their cars ranging from 24% in the City to 100% in the CRV which has increased the costs of manufacturing.
Tata and M&M join the Price Hike bandwagon!
Joining the recent list of car manufacturers who have increased prices of their vehicles are Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. Tata Motors has increased prices of its Indica and Indigo variants by around Rs.5000-8000. While M&M has increased the prices of its Xylo variants by around Rs.4,500, Scorpio variants by around Rs.6000-9,000, and Bolero variants by around Rs.5,000.
According to Arun Malhotra, Senior Vice President of Automotive Sector, Mahindra and Mahindra, the Primary reason for price hike across all vehicles is the rise in prices of the inputs required to make them.
BMW and Honda Siel Cars India have recently increased prices of their cars with Maruti Suzuki following suit. The main reason for the above manufacturers in increasing prices was also the rise in input costs along with the appreciation of foreign currency Yen. Hyundai is also expected to announce a price hike shortly.
According to Jnaneshwar Sen, Vice President Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India, the value of Yen has appreciated in the last few months along with the import content in their cars ranging from 24% in the City to 100% in the CRV which has increased the costs of manufacturing.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Volkswagen Phaeton will be launched in March
Every Phaeton is hand-built at VW's glass factory located at Dresden in Germany. A buyer has the option of seeing his Phaeton being assembled from the intial stage when a chasis is selected. Onc e the luxury saloon goes on sale in the country, even our desi buyers will have the option of going to the factory and seeing their Phaeton being assembled or customised.
Speaking to the media after the unveiling , Neeraj Garg, Member of Board of Directors, Volkswagen Group Sales India, said that once the Phaeton is launched in March it would mark the manufacturer's foray into the high-end luxury segment.
Volkswagen Phaeton will be launched in March
Every Phaeton is hand-built at VW's glass factory located at Dresden in Germany. A buyer has the option of seeing his Phaeton being assembled from the intial stage when a chasis is selected. Onc e the luxury saloon goes on sale in the country, even our desi buyers will have the option of going to the factory and seeing their Phaeton being assembled or customised.
Speaking to the media after the unveiling , Neeraj Garg, Member of Board of Directors, Volkswagen Group Sales India, said that once the Phaeton is launched in March it would mark the manufacturer's foray into the high-end luxury segment.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Nissan 370z to be launched on 20th January
Specs: 3.7-litre V6, 332 bhp @ 7000 rpm, 366 Nm @ 5200 rpm
Just 2 days remain to the ‘Z’ cars launch in India. One of Japan’s most popular coupes will soon be landing up in Nissan showrooms across the metros. Known as one of the most entertaining coupes to drive, the 370Z stands in stark contrast to its clinical German adversaries. Elsewhere in the world it is also priced a good couple of lakh rupees cheaper than its rivals. It also debuts with a clever gizmo which automatically blips the throttle and matches the revs to the engine speed on downshifts, even with the manual gearbox!
But as the 370Z is coming through the CBU route, India will get only the top of the line versions, just like the Boxster. Sadly, the real ‘value for money’, variants won’t make it to our shores thanks to the 40,000$ minimum price limit enforced by our government on CBU imports. The Z car might not be anywhere in the league of its big brother GT-R but it will be a worthy adversary to German coupes be it the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, BMW Z4 or the Mercedes SLK.
Nissan 370z to be launched on 20th January
Specs: 3.7-litre V6, 332 bhp @ 7000 rpm, 366 Nm @ 5200 rpm
Just 2 days remain to the ‘Z’ cars launch in India. One of Japan’s most popular coupes will soon be landing up in Nissan showrooms across the metros. Known as one of the most entertaining coupes to drive, the 370Z stands in stark contrast to its clinical German adversaries. Elsewhere in the world it is also priced a good couple of lakh rupees cheaper than its rivals. It also debuts with a clever gizmo which automatically blips the throttle and matches the revs to the engine speed on downshifts, even with the manual gearbox!
But as the 370Z is coming through the CBU route, India will get only the top of the line versions, just like the Boxster. Sadly, the real ‘value for money’, variants won’t make it to our shores thanks to the 40,000$ minimum price limit enforced by our government on CBU imports. The Z car might not be anywhere in the league of its big brother GT-R but it will be a worthy adversary to German coupes be it the Porsche Boxster, Audi TT, BMW Z4 or the Mercedes SLK.
Maruti Suzuki Cars are now costlier!
The company stated that the average increase in prices would be around 0.6 per cent. But, the Ritz VDi and the Swift Dzire LXi models will witness a rise of 0.12 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively. However, the firm did not comment about the hike in terms of Rupees.
Maruti Suzuki also confirmed that it’s recently launched multi-purpose vehicle Eeco and the petrol engine powered Swift and Gypsy models will be spared from the price hikes.
A Maruti Suzuki official confirmed, “The price increase is to partly recover the increase in the input costs arising out of raw material costs over the past one year. For some models the increase in the costs are being absorbed by the company.”
Along with this, the company also confirmed that the introductory prices introduced in August last year for its refreshed Estilo has been withdrawn. As a result of this, the Estilo will now be costlier by Rs 1,234 to Rs 2,486 as per variants.
Maruti Suzuki Cars are now costlier!
The company stated that the average increase in prices would be around 0.6 per cent. But, the Ritz VDi and the Swift Dzire LXi models will witness a rise of 0.12 per cent and 1.9 per cent respectively. However, the firm did not comment about the hike in terms of Rupees.
Maruti Suzuki also confirmed that it’s recently launched multi-purpose vehicle Eeco and the petrol engine powered Swift and Gypsy models will be spared from the price hikes.
A Maruti Suzuki official confirmed, “The price increase is to partly recover the increase in the input costs arising out of raw material costs over the past one year. For some models the increase in the costs are being absorbed by the company.”
Along with this, the company also confirmed that the introductory prices introduced in August last year for its refreshed Estilo has been withdrawn. As a result of this, the Estilo will now be costlier by Rs 1,234 to Rs 2,486 as per variants.
Maruti’s Swift and Swift Dzire get a more efficient engine
The new K12 Engine that powers the Ritz and A-Star will now be fitted to the Swift and Swift Dzire. This change has brought about an increase of Rs 10,000 to the price tag of Swift Dzire. However, the Swift's price remains unchanged.
Maruti’s Swift and Swift Dzire get a more efficient engine
The new K12 Engine that powers the Ritz and A-Star will now be fitted to the Swift and Swift Dzire. This change has brought about an increase of Rs 10,000 to the price tag of Swift Dzire. However, the Swift's price remains unchanged.
Another Interesting Car-Themed Web Site
The New MG6
Most you know that MG is now owned by the Chinese firm SAIC. They've been cranking out the Former Rover 75 in China and have restarted (in fits and jerks) production of the (modern) MGTF in Longbridge, Birmingham, UK.
The first car designed under the current ownership is the new MG6 saloon. I've posted a YouTube video of the teaser ad developed for the Chinese market. I note - with no small sense of irony - that the actors are westerners and the theme of the ad is 'freedom'.
The above-mentioned Rover 75 is now badged 'Roewe' 750 and is loosely pronounced 'wrongway'. To the Chinese ear, it apparently sounds similar to the original Rover name. You remember that the Rover name is owned by Tata - the current owners of Jaguar.
The first car designed under the current ownership is the new MG6 saloon. I've posted a YouTube video of the teaser ad developed for the Chinese market. I note - with no small sense of irony - that the actors are westerners and the theme of the ad is 'freedom'.
The above-mentioned Rover 75 is now badged 'Roewe' 750 and is loosely pronounced 'wrongway'. To the Chinese ear, it apparently sounds similar to the original Rover name. You remember that the Rover name is owned by Tata - the current owners of Jaguar.
Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car Magazine
I enjoy several automotive publications but the only one I subscribe to is Hemmings Sports & Exotic Car. It's not the thickest magazine on the shelf but it always has the kind of articles I want to read. The focus is on the kind of imported cars we grew up with.Each month there is the 'Drivable Dream' article where the staff highlights a less-than-perfect car that is usually a daily driver. It brings hope to those us that struggle to keep our cars on the road, knowing full well that we'll never win a trophy at a car show.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Standard Oil Gas Pump Globe
I scored a really nice gas pump globe from a Standard Oil gas pump.Those of us of a certain age remember that all the major oil companies had their own globe design to make their product stand out. Standard used a flame device. I think the red indicated 'regular' gas instead of the more expensive 'ethyl' grade.
I'm going to try to make this into a garage lamp.
Friday, January 15, 2010
New Chevrolet Aveo unveiled in China
The Sail/Aveo is available with a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.2 litre S-TECH II and a 1.4 litre S-TECH III. The base 1.2 litre variant retails for just 3.9 lakh rupees in China. However, don’t expect it to cost anywhere below 6 lakh rupees in India. If priced competitively in India, this car can easily take on the might of established rivals like the City, SX4, Fiesta, Linea and even the upcoming Etios Sedan.
New Chevrolet Aveo unveiled in China
The Sail/Aveo is available with a choice of two petrol engines, a 1.2 litre S-TECH II and a 1.4 litre S-TECH III. The base 1.2 litre variant retails for just 3.9 lakh rupees in China. However, don’t expect it to cost anywhere below 6 lakh rupees in India. If priced competitively in India, this car can easily take on the might of established rivals like the City, SX4, Fiesta, Linea and even the upcoming Etios Sedan.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Mahindra receives awards from the automotive media
NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards also declared the recently launched Mahindra Duro Power Scooter as the Scooter of the Year.
M&M’s path-breaking FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology also bagged the Auto Bild India Golden Steering Wheel for Technology of the Year award. The environment friendly and economic technology was developed by the Mahindra Research & Development team along with the assistance of M/S BOSCH.
Mahindra receives awards from the automotive media
NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards also declared the recently launched Mahindra Duro Power Scooter as the Scooter of the Year.
M&M’s path-breaking FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology also bagged the Auto Bild India Golden Steering Wheel for Technology of the Year award. The environment friendly and economic technology was developed by the Mahindra Research & Development team along with the assistance of M/S BOSCH.
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