Tata Motors to launch Nano in Europe

Tata Motors Ltd says it plans to introduce a new version of the Nano compact car, in the European market in four years.

In an interview to the German magazine Focus, head of Tata Motors’ small vehicles department Girish Wagh said that the company would develop a successor model of the Nano in four years, which will meet the Euro 5 emission regulations and European safety standards requirements.

Wagh told the magazine the company’s target was to reduce the fuel consumption to three from currently five litres per 100 kilometres (62.5 miles).

Tata Motors, which unveiled the $2,500 Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car, on 10 January January at the ninth Auto Expo in New Delhi, said it will initially produce about 250,000 Nano and expects eventual annual demand of 1 million units.

The company will focus on the domestic market for two to three years before considering exporting the Nano to countries in South East Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Source: Dhwanish Dave

New ‘Baby Fiat’ by Fiat India soon!

Fiat India is all set to launch the New Fiat 500, also called Baby Fiat a two-door five-seater car in India at a starting price of Rs13 lakh.

The Baby Fiat re entered the European market after a gap of 33 years in July last year and has since then become a big seller.

Fiat India plans to launch both Fiat 500 and the Fiat Bravo (a large and stylish hatchback) in an image building exercise in India and hopes that the cars will set the way for future launches like the Fiat Linea sedan and the Grande Punto hatchback due at dealer showrooms in September and December 2008 respectively company officials said.

The Fiat 500 comes in a choice of three engines two of which are petrol engines while the third is an advanced turbo-diesel. The diesel variant is claimed to offer a great mileage of almost 25km / litre. The petrol 1.2-litre version will sport a 69bhp engine while the 1.4- litre variant has a peppier 100bhp powerhouse under the bonnet.

Unlike the Baby Fiat of 33 years ago, which was a basic car much like the M800 or Nano, the base 1.2-litre model of the current Fiat 500 will have ABS brakes, air conditioning, power windows, locks and steering, as well as a six-speaker MP3 capable audio system and seven airbags.

With a length of 355cm Baby has extensive safety features like seven airbags including a knee-bag. Apart from this all Baby Fiat models feature the electronic stability programme - yet another luxury car feature.

All these make for an extremely safe car that has already received a five star rating in EuroNCAP tests.

In India Fiat is targeting celebrities and those wishing to make a style statement for the car.

A company spokesperson said, “We expect the Baby Fiat to be a hit with the celebrity circuit and trendsetters in the metros since they are aware of the value a genuine lifestyle statement the 500 makes.”

Fiat India will bring in the car through the CBU (completely built unit) route, which effectively almost doubles its price.

The 500 comes with several engine options, and we can expect the 100 bhp 1400cc petrol as well as the 75 bhp 1300cc MultiJet diesel that’s already seen in the Suzuki Swift in India.

The Fiat 500 received the coveted European Car of the Year 2008 award and has also become a big seller so much so that Fiat had to declare a one year waiting period for delivery of the car.

In the UK alone Fiat expects to sell 18,000 units of the Baby Fiat which is an impressive increase of more than 30 per cent on overall Fiat sales over last year.

Globally the car competes with BMW’s retro styled Mini and Volkswagen’s Beetle. Incidentally the German carmaker is planning to bring its Mini in India too priced at around Rs 20 lakh. This may make the Fiat 500 look better though for its celeb target audience, a higher price may give more snob value.

Reports coming out in European press suggest that the car’s popularity is mainly due to its cute and cuddly looks. The good part is that looks are backed by a good product which gives an excellent ride quality and distinctly sporty feel to the overall driving experience.

Source: Domain B

Source: Dhwanish Dave

Mercedes Benz Roadster with new glossy finish

Sleek and elegant, a dream in black with brilliant red leather seats. This is the look Belgian classic car aficionado Andries Meuzelaar’s 300 SL Roadster will be sporting when it returns as king of the road in the near future. At the moment, the Mercedes Benz is still hidden away in Stuttgart, where the legendary model is getting a makeover. Even in its current state, however, with its paintwork sanded off, inner workings removed and body perched up on blocks, the supple curved body provides a glimpse of the vehicle’s grace and elegance. “It’s a real gem, a milestone in automotive history,” says Meuzelaar. It’s no wonder, then, that his standards for restoring the roadster are extremely high. “I trust Glasurit. My experience with Glasurit paints in the past has been excellent, and they are my obvious choice this time around, too.”

Brimming with anticipation:
The task of putting Meuzelaar’s 1960 Roadster back on the road has been assigned to restorer Johannes Kleissl. “Restoring these cars isn’t just my job, it’s also my passion,” says Kleissl, owner of the HK-Engineering restoration company, which deals exclusively with Mercedes Benz 300 SL models. The company has four locations in Germany and an international service network, making it one of the world’s largest restoration companies. Meuzelaar’s Mercedes will soon be wearing a new coat of Glasurit paints, and Kleissl thinks that’s great. “We want only the top of the line for this legendary car.” The fact that the 300 SL is more than a mere set of wheels for Meuzelaar goes without saying: “I can’t wait to see and experience my car in all its glory – I’m as excited as a little kid!”
Paint competence “made in Münster”:
The 300 SL is not the first Mercedes Benz “Sport Light” to be revitalized with a coat of Glasurit brand paint. This past April, the U.S. hit series “Dream Car Garage”, which is currently restoring a 300 SL coupe, was on location at sites including Glasurit in Münster-Hiltrup. In order to match the original as closely as possible, the “Dream Car Garage” crew is using waterborne Glasurit 90 Line paints to refinish the car in its original color. The Glasurit COLOR-PROFI System is making a major contribution to the restoration. The world’s largest color archive has 200,000 color chips with original paint, documenting the color history of an entire century. Meuzelaar himself is no stranger to Glasurit. Two years ago, experts at Glasurit supported him in the search for the original color of his Horch 853 classic sports convertible. After meticulous research and a number of test mixtures, the Glasurit paint experts finally came up with the original color, which they identified using pictures from the old Horch brochure.

The Roadster was manufactured until 1963. It had six cylinders and a nearly 3,000-cubic centimeter, 215-horsepower motor and could reach maximum speeds of 250 kilometers per hour.
Source: Infibeam.com

Source: Dhwanish Dave

HSCI launches Limited Edition Sports Civic in India

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, launched a limited edition sport variant of its premium executive sedan – the Honda Civic. This special sport edition has been launched to celebrate the milestone of HSCI acquiring 300,000 happy Honda car customers in India.

The new Civic variant offers distinctive sporty features with front under-spoiler, side under-spoiler, rear under-spoiler and a trunk-spoiler in addition to best-in-class luxury and driving pleasure that customers enjoy with the Honda Civic. This sporty look is further accentuated with features like exclusive white aluminum alloy wheels, side sticker and a special car serial number on the gear shift column to certify its limited edition.

At the heart of the Civic Sport is Honda’s acclaimed 1.8 L i-VTEC engine and is being offered in manual transmission only.

The Honda Civic Sport was showcased at the 9th Auto Expo in January this year and had received an overwhelming response from visitors. On the basis of customer interest in the model, HSCI has decided to make it available at an attractive price of Rs 12.36 lakh including the sports kit (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Announcing the launch of the new variant, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd said, “We are delighted to expand our product portfolio with the launch of the new limited-edition Civic Sport. This launch will help broaden our customer base and appeal to the ‘young at heart’ target audience. The new Civic variant offers a perfect blend of sporty styling, refined elegance and exhilarating driving experience”.

Source: www.dhwanishauto.blogspot.com/

Source: Dhwanish Dave

2009 Honda Fit debuts at New York International Auto Show 2008

The all-new 2009 Honda Fit, set to go on sale in the U.S. this fall, is making its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today. The Fit promises to further its leadership in the subcompact segment with top-of-class feature content, including an available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System; improved interior functionality, including one-motion dive-down rear seats; enhanced sporty demeanor through improved suspension, steering and body rigidity; and high levels of standard safety equipment, including Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure.

“Critics and customers alike have voted the Fit among the best small vehicles on the road,” said Dick Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda. “This new Fit raises the bar even further, taking what was already great about the Fit, making it even better and throwing in a healthy dose of refinement.”

Source: Dhwanish Dave

Acura and W Hotels announces brand partnership

Acura and W Hotels announced a landmark brand partnership at the 2008 New York International Auto Show, which establishes Acura as the Preferred Vehicle of W Hotels. Under the terms of the new partnership, guests staying at any of the 18 W Hotel proprieties in North America will have the opportunity to be chauffeured across town in an Acura MDX luxury SUV. Additionally, for those guests who enjoy driving more than riding, Acura vehicles will be available for test drives at select W properties. Branded the “Acura Experience,” this unique livery service will be offered as an extension of W’s signature Whatever/Whenever concierge service and will be available to guests starting April 1, 2008 and continuing through January 31, 2009.

Source: Dhwanish Dave

Volkswagen & Audi set up new corporate sales office in Mumbai

Volkswagen Group, Europe’s largest automobile manufacturer is poised to further strengthen its Indian operations with the setting up of a new corporate sales office in Mumbai.

The new corporate sales office located at Bandra Kurla Complex will help Volkswagen and Audi in catering to its customers and dealers in India better.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Joerg Mueller, President and Managing Director Volkswagen Group India remarked, “Our Indian operations play a significant role in our overall strategy. To further strengthen the growth in India we will increase our Volkswagen and Audi dealerships across the country from 14 at present to approximately 150 by 2011. We look forward to a long-term relationship with the country.”

In 2007, Volkswagen had first introduced to the Indian market, its indigenously built Volkswagen Passat to cater to the premium automobile segment. This was followed by the recent successful launch of the Volkswagen Jetta, Volkswagen’s mid-sized premium car in India. Volkswagen dealerships are based in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chandigarh and Ludhiana.

Audi entered the Indian market in 2005. The Audi model range in India includes the Audi A8, Audi Q7, Audi A6, Audi A4 and Audi TT and is available at present in seven dealerships across the country: in New Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Pune.

To further increase their footprints in the country Volkswagen offers its top models like the Phaeton and the Touareg as CBUs. Audi will introduce the super sports car Audi R8 to the Indian market in autumn 2008.

With this office Volkswagen Group Sales Private Limited crosses another milestone which firmly grounds it to India and displays its firm aspiration to capture the Indian automobile market.

Source: Infibeam.com

Source: Dhwanish Dave

Indians to get to own Volkswagen Beetle by 2009

Indians could get to own the original people’s car - the Volkswagen Beetle - by 2009. According to Volkswagen India President and Managing Director Joerg Muller, the Beetle is expected in India after Volkswagen strengthens its dealership network in the country.

It is the company’s plan to use the Beetle as a brand building tool for itself as it attempts to move into the highly competitive Indian car segment by 2010. Currently, the company plans to ship the Beetle as a completely Built Unit (CBU) from Mexico.

Alternative plans include setting up a manufacturing plant in Chakan in Maharashtra at the cost of about 580 million Euros (approximately INR 3,600 crores) from where the company will roll out the Beetle.

Currently, the company is on a dealership expansion drive. It has eight dealers currently, and plans to increase to around 15 dealers. By 2011 the company plans to acquire around 120 dealers.

Source: Dhwanish Dave

Volkswagen launches new Golf

Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car – Europe’s most successful with more than 26 million sold – was improved in all areas. “This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before”, says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG. The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market is around 16,500 Euros.

Innovative power – the Golf democratizes progress:
The clear and powerful design of the new Golf is showing the entire brand the way to the future. Its acoustic properties and the overall comfort of the Volkswagen tear down class distinctions. Innovative engines and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard.

Assistance systems such as “automatic distance control” (ACC), “adaptive chassis control” (DCC) and the “park steering assistant” bring additional top technologies on board the Golf. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that counteract whiplash trauma, a “seatbelt detection” feature debuting in the rear seating area of the Golf and daytime running lights – that are standard equipment – provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design – Precision in a new form:
The high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: “We have cast the Golf’s core components in a precise, new mold”, explains Walter de Silva. And the Italian design chief of the German corporation emphasizes this: “The Golf is the global icon car making. So the architecture and graphic form of new model are also absolutely clear and unique.” At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: “It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses.” And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: “Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value.”

Especially in a direct comparison of generations five and six, it becomes clear just how much the new Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva and Bischoff sought to crystallize out the “essential DNA” of the model series and send it on a trip to the future. These stylistic characteristics include the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests – similar to the new Scirocco – on a dominant filled out shoulder section. Responsible for this is a prominent curving line that – like a muscle trained down to the last fiber – extends from the headlights back to the taillights. In its side profile, this line – which Volkswagen Design calls the “character line” – also gives the new Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a side perspective.

All body surfaces are generally more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car takes up the horizontally aligned radiator grille trim strip between the headlights of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is an adjacent section with another air scoop. Also arranged on a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

In the rear too is characterized by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights – very wide now – are identified among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically – with their crystal-clear lines for the turn signal and backup lamps – they bear a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the image of the new Golf – in the interplay of all of its design characteristics – is one of a significantly wider, flatter and even more high-end car.

Interior – imploding class distinctions:
The car’s exceptional value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments derived directly from those of the Passat CC leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car’s interior were also further developed. For example, all operating controls are even easier to use. They include the control of the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) – presented for the first time on the Passat CC – and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

There is a common thread here: Volkswagen’s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of “seatbelt detection” in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognize on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear – separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the example of the cargo area: four practical hooks ensure that after shopping, the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area. Or the example of the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the interior, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located further up and more forward in the door trim.

Noise reduction – the quietest Golf since the first model:
The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special damping film in the windshield also reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal concept for the doors and side window guides. The new shape of the outside mirrors also significantly reduces wind noise. Furthermore, special modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Very quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.

Diesel engines – migration to common rail injection:
Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties are the exceptionally quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 liter TDI engines; they output 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there as production equipment: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 liters of fuel (119 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers – that represents a 0.6 liter reduction! Even the 140 PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liters less.

Gasoline engines – more economical than ever before:
Four variants will define the range of gasoline engines in the launch phase: 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, the TSI engines come with supercharger and/or turbocharger. The fact is that the gasoline engines too are pioneering when it comes to fuel economy. The optimized 80 PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters of Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) – that is 0.5 liters less than the previous model. The other TSI engines are also taking the stage as prime examples of efficiency: at 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters of Super (144 g/km CO2); this yields a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160 PS top version of the 1.4 TSI attains an excellent value at 6.3 liters. Compared to the retired 150 PS FSI, the 160 PS TSI’s fuel consumption was even lowered by 1.6 liters.

DSG – replaces conventional automatic:
With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines can be paired with Volkswagen’s dual clutch transmission (DSG). Depending on the engine torque, either a 6-s0eed or 7-speed DSG is used. On the Golf, the extremely efficient and agile DSG has thereby replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how efficient the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the average fuel consumption of the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent – progress in its best form.

Source: Dhwanish Dave

Volkswagen to launch Jetta in India

Volkswagen begins market introduction of the Jetta in India. The sedan – eight million of which have been sold since 1979 – will be available in three versions. At market launch the innovative 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission will be offered. Other comfort and convenience features round out the program.

The Jetta will be offered in three equipment lines in India. For the entry level model, the Jetta 1.6 Trendline (75 kW / 102 PS), prices start at the currency equivalent of € 18,970. The Jetta 1.9 TDI Trendline (77 kW / 105 PS) is the entry-level variant for diesel engines, costing about € 21,176. The top model, the Jetta 1.9 TDI Comfortline DSG, will sell for about € 24,411.

These engine/transmission combinations, which have enjoyed worldwide success, are linked to equipment packages. Even entry-level models have features such as Climatic or Climatronic, alloy wheels, metallic paint, power mirrors and RCD 300 radio with up to 8 loudspeakers. The top version is rounded out by additional comfort, convenience and infotainment features. These include, for example, power leather seats, rain sensor, cruise control system, an extensive infotainment system (RCD 500 radio with 10 loudspeakers, CD changer, multifunctional display) and additional side airbags in the rear.

Next to the Passat, the Jetta is the second vehicle of the Volkswagen brand to be produced in the Aurangabad plant for India. The Phaeton and Touareg continue to be marketed in India. There is a continued push to expand the dealer and service infrastructure, which is an integral part of the schedule.

source by http://dhwanishauto.blogspot.com/

Source: Dhwanish Dave