New Mercedes E-Class Launched
Mercedes Benz India has launched the launched the all new E-Class on 23rd September, 2009. It is available in only one variant - the top of the line - Avant Garde which has been priced at Rs. 47 lakhs (Ex-Showroom New Delhi).
Mercedes unveiled the E-Class for the first time back in the 1977 (W123). Since then the E-Class got several body shapes and different engines and power. The last facelift was unveiled in 2006. Comparing to this one, the 2009 E-Class is exactly as long as the old one, but the wheelbase has been increased by 20mm.
With the New E-Class, Mercedes-Benz is presenting the pacemaker when it comes to safety, comfort and environmental compatibility in this market segment. With more than 20 new or further technical developments, this saloon further consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the luxury class.
Ford’s Made For India Car Unvieled – It has been christened “Figo”
Ford has unveiled its new small car Figo today in New Delhi with Alan Roger Mulally, Ford's president and chief executive, making a lightening visit to the country for the unveiling. It is expected that Figo will be priced in the range of 3.5-5 lakh rupees and will compete with the likes of Maruti Ritz, Hyundai i20, Honda Jazz & Skoda Fabia.
Today's press conference in Delhi was the first public preview of the exterior design of the new Ford Figo. Ford is reserving further details about the vehicle until closer to its production launch early in 2010. Design-conscious Italy inspired the new Ford Figo's name. Figo is colloquial Italian for "cool."
Sharing key elements of Ford's kinetic design language with vehicles like the globally renowned Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo and the Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo features a fresh, contemporary shape that will be a distinctive alternative to traditional brands in this segment. The design language conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in motion.
Quality, substance and generous proportions are clearly evident in the design of the new Ford Figo, which features a solid stance, an invitingly large interior and a vibrant, youthful character. Its package is right-sized for the market, which is predominated by congested urban driving conditions.
From its modern headlamps, grille shapes and sculpted bonnet of its distinctive face to the subtle integrated spoiler and chamfered window shape at the rear, Ford Figo is filled with kinetic design touches. These also include sculpted shapes to the body side - chiseled front fenders, a "comet tail" undercut in the doors and additional light-catching sculpting in the lower bodyside - which combine to communicate the solidity, substance and protective safety of its design.
The bold graphic of Ford Figo's large side window shape is another key kinetic design feature hinting at the comfort and spaciousness awaiting occupants' front and rear. The side window graphic is executed with a blacked-out B-pillar, an elegant design touch that unifies the side windows into one shape visually.
With its wheels positioned at the four corners of the vehicle with minimal overhang, Ford Figo's bold wheel arches self-assuredly signal its agility and solidity.
New Ford Regional Production Centre
The introduction of the new Ford Figo marks a significant shift for India's role in Ford's strategy. Transformed with a production capacity of 200,000 units, the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for small-car engineering and production.
Ford Figo models will be produced at the plant for export to international markets. The plant is also being groomed to produce diesel and petrol engines for local vehicle production and export within Ford's Asia Pacific and Africa region.
With more automation and high-tech new facilities, the new site reflects the latest Ford manufacturing processes globally and pioneers new technologies for Ford and India. Created with a "best of the best" approach, it has been benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in the Indian market, for quality and production efficiency.
The transformed plant introduces eco-friendly production techniques like its new Three-Wet High-Solids paint process. This approach produces beautifully painted vehicles with three wet coats - primer, base coat and clear coat - of high solids-content paint applied one after the other without oven curing between coats. A first for India, it produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions and reduces volatile organic compounds emissions by about 20 percent compared to current medium-solids solvent-borne paints. Use of high-solids content results in a paint finish with high levels of gloss and depth ofcolour which is more resistant to scratches and stone chips.
Landrover Launches Freelander 2 In India
Press Release Mumbai: Land Rover today launched the highly acclaimed Freelander 2 in India. The Freelander 2 joins the acclaimed Discovery 4, the quintessential sports tourer, the Range Rover Sport and the ultimate luxury 4×4, the Range Rover, all of which were launched earlier in India in June this year.
The Freelander 2 has redefined the compact premium 4×4 segment. It delivers outstanding on-road performance as well as class-leading off-road ability, the hallmark of Land Rovers. A dynamic design, purposeful stance, smart and spacious interior, and an abundance of advanced technologies complete the package.
The Freelander 2 is powered by a 2.2 litre common rail turbodiesel engine. The engine is transversely mounted to provide extra space for better crash protection, front end styling and allows a shorter bonnet for more cabin space. Land Rover's unique Terrain Response system is standard on the vehicle.
The Freelander 2 boasts an exceptionally strong monocoque body and inner safety cell, with front and rear crumple zones which absorb energy on impact. It received a 5 star rating in the rigorous Euro NCAP tests for adult occupant protection - a first in its class. This, along with dynamic technology systems, airbags and command driving position complete the all-terrain, all weather package of the Freelander 2.
Commenting on the launch, Rohit Suri, head, premier car division, Tata Motors, said, "We are encouraged by the response to the Land Rover vehicles in India. The Freelander 2, Land Rover's best-selling model globally, now complements the Land Rover range in the country. As we expand our reach across various cities in India, we will continuously enhance the Land Rover product portfolio and enable more and more customers to experience the benchmark in premium offroading vehicles."
The Freelander 2 is available in 3 trim levels in India - S, SE and HSE - with a starting price of Rs33.79 lakh ex- Mumbai.
Ford Small Car To Make Debut Tomorrow
Ford is likely to unveil its new small car Splash on 23rd September - Today - in New Delhi with Alan Roger Mulally, Ford's president and chief executive, making a lightening visit to the country for the unveiling. Though there is no official confirmation about it but it is expected that they are going to unviel a 'Made For India' small car.
Codenamed B402/B517, Ford's small car might use its existing Ikon or Fiesta platforms for a hatchback. It is also likely that Ford may tweak the new car model KA which is being developed jointly with Fiat in Europe.
Here is a snapshot from Ford India's Official Website which is a confirmation that a new small car is coming!!
New Karizma ZMR Techinical Specification Brochure
New Karizma ZMR Techinical Specification Brochure
New Karizma ZMR Launched
New Karizma ZMR has been making a lot of news in automotive market since some photos of Karizma in white shade leaked on net. Now Hero Honda has finally launched the much awaited tourer bike - New Karizma ZMR Fi in Indian Market.
The stance remains the same as the old Karizma which is still considered to be the best touring bike in India with smooth, refined and relaxed Honda engine at the helm. The major and much needed change is addition of programmed fuel injection (PGM-Fi) in the engine. Additionally it also gets disc brake at the rear, gas charged rear shock absorbers, little increase in power and torque.
List Of New Features in Karizma ZMR Fi:
- Full Fairing
- Split Clip On Handle Bars
- Split rear grab rails
- New Shades
- PGM-FI (Programmable Fuel Injection)
- Mirrors mounted on the fairing
- New rear mud guard
- New headlamp and tail lamp which is now LED
- Rear Disc Brakes
- Bank Angle Sensor
- Turn Indicators Mounted On Front Fairing
- Oil Cooler
- New Graphics
- Slightly reprofiled body work
- Gas Charged Shock Absorbers
New Hero Honda Karizma Fi has been priced at Rs. 91,000 (Ex-Showroom New Delhi) which is on the higher side in comparison to Bajaj Pulsar 220 which comes almost 20,000 cheaper and is more powerful in comparison to Karizma Fi.
Maruti Ropes In Madhavan As Brand Face Of WagonR
Maruti Suzuki has roped in Bollywood actor R Madhavan as the brand face for the WagonR as it aims to increase sales of the car in South India. Maruti had carried out a consumer study before signing the actor and his signing would help increase the brand equity of WagonR nationally and more specifically in the southern parts of India. The WagonR has average monthly sales of 12,000 units and a cumulative customer base of 7.45 lakhs.
"We feel that associating with a personality such as Madhavan will certainly reinforce the brand values of WagonR at an all-India level. Going forward, we feel, the brand shall have an exceptional foothold in the Southern market as well. Given the popularity of Madhavan in the South, the masses will relate to the brand more strongly with a local icon becoming the face of the brand," he added.
[Via: motorbeam]