All New Volkswagen Jetta Unvieled
Here are the first images of the all new Volkswagen Jetta saloon. VW has re-engineered its Jetta saloon and the new model takes a gigantic leap forward - conceptually and in the style department. The new car model has undergone considerable amount of changes and according to VW, it now warrants status as a standalone model like the VW Tiguan. The saloon's styling is based on the lines of the NCC coupe concept car that was shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Still based on the Golf platform, the Jetta sits on a wheelbase stretched by 70mm and is clothed in crisp new sheetmetal inspired by the NCC concept revealed in January. At 4644mm, the new Jetta is 90mm longer than before. The extended wheelbase will result in added comfort and improved overall legroom, helping the Jetta take on the fight with its competitors, the Skoda Laura and the Chevrolet Cruze. At the time of the unveiling the company has shared that 'the new Jetta will no longer share any body components with the Golf and it will be a vehicle type that is just as independent as a CC or Tiguan.'
In Europe, the new Jetta will be launched with a wide range of engine options. However, in India, the saloon is more likely to be offered with a 1.4 TSI petrol and 1.6 TDI diesel engine options. The new longer and wider Jetta is has VW's 'design DNA' helping it sharpen the car's styling. At the front, the prominence of horizontal lines defines the design. The black radiator grille combines with the car's trapezoidal headlights to form a styling unit. It also gets an added cooling air intake and a tray-shaped front spoiler that gives the car a sporty finish.
From the sides, you can notice that the styling characteristics that mark all new VWs launched in the past one year gets moulded into yet another interpretation of the 'design DNA'. Compared to the outgoing model, the new Jetta has also grown in clarity and pre-eminence in its side profile. At the rear, harmonized surfaces and sporty shoulders dominate the look. The visually distinctive taillights are split into two sections, each side extending from the fender into the tailgate.
The interior has its own high-quality identity, but distinct from that of Golf's. The rounded instruments are ideally arranged and the Jetta gets new steering wheel design with optional multi-functional keys on offer. The rear seats split 40/60 and folds, increasing the car's versatility. The US spec model also gets six airbags, improving its safety quotient. VW plans to launch the new Jetta in India by March 2011.
[Via: AutoCarIndia]
Suzuki India Launches GSX-R1000 and Bandit 1250s
Suzuki Motorcycle India has introduced its GSX-R1000 and Bandit 1250S superbikes for the well-heeled enthusiasts in India.
The internationally acclaimed GSX - R1000 supersports bike will be available in two colours - White / Blue & Black /Silver and is priced at Rs. 12,75,000.00 (Ex-showroom, Delhi). The tenth-generation Gixxer comes with three engine modes, which modifies the power delivery depending on the rider's preference, making it one of the friendliest litre-class superbikes out there.
And on the other end,there is the Bandit 1250S, the half-faired tourer whose torque and gearing makes it perfect for those relaxed long rides. It will be priced substantially lower than the Gixxer, at Rs. 8,50,000.00 (Ex-showroom, Delhi) and be available in two colours, Metallic Gleam Gray & Pearl Nebular Black .
The Gixxer and the Bandit 1250S will join the Hayabusa and the Intruder which are already on sale in the country. Both the bikes will be available in eleven cities-Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Bhubaneshwar, Raipur and Cochin.
[Via: BikeIndia]
Honda to increase Activa production
Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India is gearing up to increase production of its flagship Activa scooter by 300 units a day. This step has been initiated by the fact that the Activa is currently asking its prospective customers to wait for a period of five months before they can have their Activa's keys in their hands.
Sharad Pradhan, Regional Head, West, HMSI -
We currently manufacture 2100 Activas per day at our Manesar plant in Haryana which will go up to around 2400 Activas per day
Ahmedabad HMSI Dealer -
There is a high demand of more than 3000 Activas per month in the city and that we have been struggling to meet demand.
HMSI has also initiated the process of setting up its second two-wheeler manufacturing facility at Alwar in Rajasthan, with an investment of Rs. 530 crores. The plant will have an installed capacity of six-lakh two-wheelers per annum which can be scaled up to 12 lakh units per annum. The second manufacturing facility of HMSI in India, is expected to come online by May 2011 and should help in shortening the delivery times of HMSI's products.
The Activa has been a runaway success for HMSI in India, and it revived the dying scooter market in India, when it was launched way back in the year 2000. But, in order for it to remain as its segment's leader, HMSI will have to ensure it is delivered as soon as possible to its waiting customers, since its competitors have developed equally capable products with similar specifications in the same price bracket. Customers not willing to wait for the Activa, will definitely gravitate to these products.
[Via: Business Standard]
Volvo’s growth plan for India
Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles will invest SEK 480 M or Rs. 280 crores in the production of the Volvo Group's new global medium-duty engine in India. The investment gives the Volvo Group a complete facility in India for processing and assembling the new medium-duty engine, which will be introduced in the Group's trucks and buses worldwide in the next few years. Through this investment, Volvo Group will produce most of its medium-duty engines at VECV's plant in Pithampur. VECV has an established supplier base in India and efficient purchasing channels and already today, VECV produces about 40,000 engines per year in the existing plant. The investment in Pithampur will result in an annual production capacity of an additional 85,000 new medium duty base engines.
"Thanks to the joint venture company with Eicher Motors, we have access to a well-established production and supplier base in India," says Volvo CEO Leif Johansson. "The Group will now have an engine platform that combines the latest in Japanese technology with India's highly competitive production cost." At the same time, the Volvo Group will invest an additional SEK 460 M in the Group's production plants for engines in Ageo, Japan and Venissieux in France. Through this investment, the Group will, among other things, have an annual final assembly capacity for 30,000 medium-duty base engines for the European market.
[Via: AutoCarIndia]
Mitsubishi To Launch Evo X In July
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and the wait is set to be over soon with Mitsubishi announcing the launch of this sports car by mid July this year. The latest generation Evo X or FQ - 300 will be powered by a 2 ltr turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that will deliver 300PS of power at 6500 rpm and 407 Nm torque at 3500 rpm. The ECU is likely to be tuned to Indian conditions and fuel quality. Pricing has not been announced yet and since its going to be imported, we don't expect it to come cheap with government duty playing a major part in the price tag.
[Via: Motorbeam]
Ford Sells 16000 Figos In 14 Weeks
Ford has got it absolutely right when it comes to impressing the small car buyer and the Ford Figo has been an outright success in the already overcrowded small car segment. Even the Maruti's could not stop the Figo and Ford has managed to sell 16000 Figo's since its launch 14 weeks ago. Thats about a little more than 163 cars per day, a feat in itself.
Ford has already delivered 16000 Figo's and has more than 21000 bookings at hand. Ford is beefing up its production capabilities with another shift starting next month to meet the soaring demand. One of the reasons for Ford's success is that the Figo is available in a diesel engine unlike the Chevrolet Beat, Hyundai i10 and Maruti WagonR & Estilo. Even the Nissan Micra, poised for a launch next month, will not be offering a diesel engine initially.
[Via: Motorbeam]
Nissan to source more Pixos from Maruti
Nissan has indicated that it will be sourcing 35,000 more Pixo (rebadged, slightly different A-Star) cars from Maruti Suzuki for sale in European markets. The initial agreement between Nissan and Maruti Suzuki was for the supply of 50,000 Pixos to Nissan by Maruti Suzuki. But, due to an increased demand after scrappage schemes being offered to dispose off old cars and get new ones, Nissan is facing a shortage of Pixos for sale.
The recent alliance between VW and Suzuki could affect Nissan's procurement of the Pixo from Maruti Suzuki . Nissan will need a similarly sized car to replace the Pixo, perhaps from another manufacturer. It could source the Twingo from partner Renault, re-badge it and sell it as the new Pixo, given that the current Nissan Pixo and Renault Twingo share almost the same dimensions. Also, the Twingo has a possibility of hitting Indian shores as well, given Renault's plans to launch small hatchbacks here.
[Via: IAB]
BMW rolls out one millionth X5 SUV in America
BMW has hit the record figure of one million units produced with its X5 SUV. This landmark was achieved when the BMW manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina rolled out the one millionth car. The one millionth X5 built by BMW, is a 2011 model year xDrive 35i with a Sapphire Black paint job and a cabin upholstered with Cinnamon Brown Nevada leather.
The one millionth BMW X5 is going to be delivered to a person in China, which could in a few years time have a large number of collectors chasing after it just for the sake of the one millionth X5 tag attached to it.
[Via: IAB]
Nissan Micra registers 400 bookings in 12 days
The Nissan Micra has met with moderate success as 400 bookings were registered within two weeks of the car's debut at showrooms. Before you compare this achievement with Figo's or Fortuner's number, remind yourself that Nissan sold about 300 cars last year and is recognized in India only as a small commercial vehicles manufacturer (Alwyn-Nissan trucks). Add to that the fact that Nissan only has 11 dealerships across India compared to 100+ Ford or Toyota outlets.
[Via: IAB]