Auto BHP Auto Industry Updates and Reviews

17Nov/090

Michelin announces Rs 4,000 crore investment in India

French tyre manufacturer Michelin will set up a new manufacturing facility at Gummidipoondi (about 40km from Chennai), for which it will invest Rs 4,000 crore over a period of seven years. Michelin intends to produce truck and bus radial tyres at this plant, which is expected to be operational by 2012. These tyres will initially be meant only for the Indian market, though Michelin may also cater to some overseas markets at a later stage.

Michelin's tyre manufacturing facility will be situated on a 290 acre chunk of land situated in the SIPCOT industrial estate at Gummidipoondi. Michelin, which already supplies tyres to companies like Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo in India, currently imports most of its tyres from its plant in Thailand.

This isn't Michelin's first foray into the Indian tyre market. The company first came to India with MRF in the early-1990s (the partnership was dissolved in the mid-1990s) and then set up a joint venture (for truck and bus radial tyres) with Apollo Tyres in 2003, which also ended in 2005.

[Via: cartradeindia]

17Nov/090

Mahindra to set up new manufacturing plant near Chennai

Mahindra India will soon be setting up its new automotive project near Chennai, at an investment of around Rs 1,800 crore. The Tamil Nadu Cabinet cleared the proposal recently and the TN government has also allotted 200 acres of land (of the total 450 acres that will ultimately be needed) for the project.

At its new facility in Chennai, M&M will manufacture its utility vehicles, tractors, light commercial vehicles and auto components. The company will also build a test track at the new facility, and an R&D centre and vehicle design studio at Maraimalainagar near Chennai.

[Via: cartradeindia]

17Nov/090

Tata Indica Vista 1st Anniversary Edition Launched

Tata Motors is celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Indica Vista with the launch of Limited Edition Indica Vista. Component wise there is not much changes except some minor tweaks. This includes a new set of alloy wheels,TAN leather strips in cock pit and door trims. which comes in an exclusive colour combination - porcelain white bodywork with a black roof and royal gold with earth metallic finish roof and outside rear view mirrors.

Tata has further added ebony black interior and special S-TEC seats to this special edition India Vista. It will also enhance your in car entertainment experience as it comes with integrated stereo as well. Tata is offering the Special versions in two shades, Royal Gold and Porcelain White.

In addition to the features available in top model of Indica Vista the 1st Anniversary Edition comes with:

- All New Alloy wheels
- Ashen Color S-TEC Leather Seats
- 1st anniversary emblem
- 2 DIN Music System
- Ebony Black Color Interior Scheme
- Tan Leather On Cockpit & Door Trims
- Available In Royal Gold and Porcelain White
- Roof & Outside Rear View Mirros Painted In Earth Metallic Shade

The Indica Vista 1st Anniversary Edition Diesel is priced at Rs 5,20,000 (Ex-showroom Mumbai), while the 10th Anniversary Safire Petrol Indica Vista is priced at Rs 4,27,000 (Ex-showroom Mumbai). The prices of 1st Anniversary Edition are around thirty thousand more in comparison to the price of top model of Indica Vista.

[Via: Cars India ]

16Nov/090

Robotic Runflat tyre fitting equipment introduced in India

Introduction of the latest robotic Runflat/Low profile tyre fitting equipment for the 1st time in India.

Press Release

For the first time in India Siremull Hirachand's Tyrestore in Greams Road, Chennai introduces the revolutionary Italian robotic tyre fitting equipment specially designed to prevent damage to the tyres and alloy wheels while fitment. This is a new-concept tyre changer and a groundbreaking innovation on the international scene. This equipment is recommended by Michelin and Bridgestone worldwide for the fitment of the new generation Tubeless, Runflat, Low/Ultra Low Profile, Hi Performance tyres and is customised to tyrestore's requiremlkck najkents to suit the Indian operating conditions.

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Our customers and car enthusiasts in Tamilnadu, Pondicherry, Karnataka and Kerala can now enjoy the benefits of the latest technology in tyre servicing enjoy a safer drive, ensure that their new generation tyres and wheels are safely/professionally handled and are....... treated with respect!

The Technology: This tyre changer's unique feature is the exclusive robotic Robofit tool (MF patent) which enables the user, with no extra physical effort, to mount and demount any type of tyre without the aid of a bead removing lever. The Robofit tool consists of two different heads, one for demounting and the other for mounting, both made from high-strength plastic to ensure against wheel and tyre damage. Two levers provide simple roller positioning and simultaneous or independent breaking of the upper and lower beads. The breaking of the beads is very fast, effective and safe. An 8-movement joystick helps control the operations of the robotic tool arm.

The main advantages of the equipment being:

1. Preventing Tyre and Sidewall Damage: Bead breaking is dynamic (MF Patent) and guarantees perfect distribution of the force required for the operation around the entire bead circumference, thus ruling out all risk of tire bead/sidewall damage during demounting. The special shape of the high-strength plastic heads cuts bead stretch by up to 50% compared to a conventional tyre fitting tool. In traditional equipments the bead breaking process used to be vertical without any control over the intensity thus creating a possibility of bead/sidewall damage that is not visible.

2. Preventing damage to the wheels: The high-strength plastic used in the heads for mounting and demounting prevent damage to the alloy wheels compared to the traditional tyre fitting equipment in which a metal lever is used, which scratches/damages the alloy wheels and results in damage to the wheels.

Tyrestore is also "future ready" for our customers needs as this equipment can be used to fit tyres upto 26" wheels/tyres. (The current standard fitment for most of the BMW cars in India are only 20" and Rolls Royce at 21" !)

About Siremull Hirachand's "Tyrestore", Greams Road, Chennai
Being the only tyre dealer/retailer using this latest technology in the whole of India, with over 60 years of experience in tyre retailing and having sold over 2 lakh car tyres in Chennai, Siremull Hirachand's "Tyrestore" always strives to be 'a generation ahead in tyre service'.

"The introduction of Runflat/Low Profile tyre fitting equipment is an addition to our innovation that we want to offer car enthusiasts and owners alike and want to delight them with the latest technology and best quality service for their new generation tyres"

Therefore.......We treat your tyres and alloy wheels with respect to ensure a safer ride !

Thank You.

Siremull Hirachand's Tyrestore
Eskay Building, 74 Greams Road,
Thousand Lights, Chennai 600006
Ph: 044-28294589/0806
Mobile: +91 9840920870/1

Email: tyrestore@vsnl.net, Internet: www.tyrestore.in

If you have any queries, please contact:
Corporate Communications
L Nitin Chordia
+91 96000 64846
Email: nitin.chordia@gmail.com

13Nov/090

TVS Flame DS125 Launched

Overcoming a technology infringement case from Bajaj Auto, TVS Motors has re-launched the much awaited 'Flame' with Twin Spark Plug technology after obtaining all necessary permissions and clearances in accordance with law. This executive segment bike has been launched as TVS Flame DS125 and it is propelled by 3 valve CC-VTi technology, fired by twin spark plugs. Developed with AVL Austria, this 125 cc three valve engine is tuned to the ideal swirl-tumble port combination so that it delivers superior performance while simultaneously enhancing low, mid range power and delivering high fuel efficiency.

TVS Flame DS125 is the only motorcycle in the country to have a unique combination of three valves and two spark plugs. Packing in 10.5 bhp at the rate 7500 rpm, TVS Flame DS125 has a top speed of 95 kmph. Futuristic styling and technology deployed in this motorcycle gives it best-in-class appeal. Flame DS125's styling includes trendy headlight with two position lamps and embedded turn signal indicators which give the bike a sporty finish. The 240 mm front disc brake is complemented with a chic triangular exhaust that is not only unique but also enhances performance and delivers a pleasing sound with low emissions. The rear end of the bike sports a dual lens tail lamp. It comes with electric start and has been priced at Rs. 49,200 ex-showroom. TVS Flame DS 125 comes in dual tone colours of red and black.

[Via: Bikes India ]

6Nov/090

Maruti Grand Vitara to be Assembled in India

Maruti Grand Vitara has continuously witnessed falling sales in past few months. Maruti intends to arrest the falling sales figures of its SUV model by bringing its advanced version to India. It currently imports the SUV from its Japanese production facility as a completely built unit which makes the model quite expensive. Now the company is contemplating its options to assemble the model in India itself to offer more features at extremely competitive prices.

"The company is seriously considering bringing in an advanced version of Vitara into India, mainly to arrest the falling sales of the SUV," a source said. Maruti is in talks with auto component manufacturers to supply the parts for the model. An advanced version of the model will be introduced in 2010 and Maruti will decide upon its assembling plans for Grand Vitara after assessing the sales figures of the new model. Grand Vitara is currently available at Rs. 16.67 - Rs 17.97 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes with 2.4L petrol engine with both manual and automatic transmission.

[Via: cartradeindia]

6Nov/090

Toyota Reaches 4 Lakh Mark

Toyota India has been successful in attaining 4 lakh Mark in India. There are now four lakh Toyota cars in India. The company has achieved this mark in the 11th year of its tenure in India. Toyota is the world's largest carmaker by sales. And it plans to increase the Toyota dealerships from 93 to 150 by 2011. By 2011, the company will launch a small car and for its launch the second production plant would be set up in Bangalore at an investment of Rs 3,200 crore.

Sandeep Singh, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) Deputy Managing Director (Marketing), said in a statement that it is a big step for the auto market and the company. Toyota, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, currently sells Toyota Prado and Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Corolla Altis, Toyota Camry, Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Innova. Toyota Prius is expected to be showcased in Auto Expo 2010.

[Via: Cars India

4Nov/090

Royal Enfield Classic Launched In India

The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic was unveiled by Royal Enfield at Intermot exhibition in Germany. They have already launched this mouthwatering classic version of its legendary motorcycle abroad. Bullet Classic was first launched in Germany followed by European launch. But for India Royal Enfield has removed the "Bullet" tag from the name and it is going to be sold as "Royal Enfield Classic" for Indian Market.

The Classic 500 is powered by a 499cc, single cylinder engine which generates maximum power of 27.2 Bhp at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 41.3 Nm at 4000 rpm. And the Classic 350 is powered by a 346cc engine from Thunderbird Twinspark which generates 19.8 Bhp of maximum power at 5250 rpm with 28 Nm of maximum torque to price it competitively in a range of 85-90000 rupees. What is really new in the Royal Enfield Classic is a UCE (Unit Construction Engine). In the Royal Enfield Classic's engine, the clutch and gearbox are situated outside, they are both integrated into the crankcase. Royal Enfield claims that the UCE construction gives the Classic less moving parts, less transmission loss and less maintenance issues.

[Via: Bikes India]

3Nov/090

New Honda CR-V Launched

Honda India has launched the all New 2009 model of CR-V in Indian market. The base model with 2.0 litre engine has been priced at Rs. 22,51,000 rupees (EX-Showrrom Mumbai), which is very high in comparison to its rivals - Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour & Chevrolet Captiva. New Honda CR-V is sold as a CBU import and will be available on confirmed order basis. It also comes with a 2+2 year warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance as standard.

New Honda CR-V comes with a refreshed look, sporting a new two-step front grille, a re-sculpted hood and front bumper design and oval shape fog lamps. The new CR-V is 45mm longer than its predecessor and measures 4575 mm in length while maintaining the same width, height, ground clearance and head clearance. A new 10-spoke alloy wheel design replaces the previous 7-spoke alloy wheel design.

- New Two-Step Front Grille & Re-Sculpted Hood
- New Front & Rear Bumper Design, New 10-Spoke Alloy Wheels
- Oval Shape Front Fog Lamps, Body Colored ORVMs With Side Turn Indicators

The top model of New Honda CR-V comes with three additional features which includes Cruise Control, Electric Sunroof & Option Of 5 Speed Automatic Transmission.

The New Honda CR-V is available in two new colours - Opal Sage Metallic and Premium Mystic Night Pearl along with the existing range of Polished Metal, Alabaster Silver, Crystal Black Pearl and Premium White.

New Honda CR-V is available in 2 engine options - same which were doing duty in the outgoing models - the 2.0 litre & 2.4 litre petrol engines. The 2.0 litre engine is a 1997cc i-VTEC which generates maximum power of 141 bhp at 6000 rpm with maxium torque of 192 Nm at 4200 rpm. The 2.4 litre engine is a 2354cc i-VTEC which generates maximum power of 159 bhp at 5800 rpm with maxium torque of 218 Nm at 4200 rpm.

Price Of New Honda CR-V (Ex-Showroom Mumbai)

- New Honda CR-V 2.0 MT - Rs. 22,51,000.00
- New Honda CR-V 2.4 MT - Rs. 24,00.000.00
- New Honda CR-V 2.4 AT - Rs. 24,78,000.00

[Via: Cars India ]

3Nov/090

Maruti Launches Ritz Aura

To boost the sales of diesel variant of Ritz Maruti Suzuki has launched celebration edition of its hot selling hatchback Ritz called " Ritz Aura ". Ritz Aura comes with six additional comfort and styling features.

- MP3 player with USB port
- Body Side Moulding
- Aura decal
- Body Graphics
- Security system
- Twin front speaker set

Ritz Aura will be available only in Mumbai & Ahemdabad.

[Via: Cars India ]