Bajaj XCD 125 Has Been Discontinued
It is farewell time for the Bajaj XCD 125 , the executive commuter bike that was launched way back in September 2007. This is the second bike that the Pune-based manufacturer has phased out in the last three months, the first being the Pulsar 200 DTS-i.
The reason behind this move was to make way for the slightly bigger and more powerful XCD 135 which was launched way back in February this year. Bajaj decided to pull the plug on the smaller model when its sales dipped below 20000 units a month as compared to the 50000 units expected of it by the company. In contrast, the XCD 135 sold 10,000 units in the first two weeks after its launch.
Commenting on this move, a Mumbai-based analyst stated "Bajaj had launched too many models in the market without many differentiating factors between the bikes. The company always had the option to lower or even completely stop the production of one bike and increase the other, depending on the demand". The company is now planning to concentrate only on the Discover and Pulsar brand in the entry to premium segment while containing the Platina and Avenger within these core groups.
[Via: BIKE Magazine]
Ducati Opens First Ducati Store In India
Ducati Motor Holding, the world's leading producer of Racing inspired bikes today announced the opening of its first showroom in the Indian market in partnership with Precision Motor India Private Limited. Due to its great potential to provide opportunities for growth and further establish the Ducati Brand, Mumbai has been chosen as the location for Ducati's first flagship showroom.
On this occasion, Mr. Cristiano Silei, V.P. Sales, Ducati India said: "We are very excited about the Mumbai opening. We believe India will play an increasingly relevant role in the motorcycle industry and we are pleased to be among the first to recognize it and be and active part of the development in the market"
Mr. Ashish Chordia, Chairman and CEO of Precision Motor India Private Limited said: "The Ducati brand which symbolizes racing success, innovative technology and the highest quality standards are a perfect fit for Precision Motor India as we are committed towards excellence in all the premium brands we represent. We are passionate about promoting and developing Ducati in the Indian market. We are proud to be a part of this great journey that we have jointly undertaken in India and I am sure that Ducati will have a great presence in this country"
[Via: cartradeindia]
Skoda India achieves record sales growth of 98% in October 2009
Skoda India , a fully owned subsidiary of SkodaAuto a.s., Czech Republic, today announced a record of 98% growth in sales for the month of October 2009 over October 2008. SkodaAuto India's total sales for October, 2009 stood at 1753 units as against 887 units in October, 2008.
Speaking on the increase in sales figures for the month of October, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India said "We have witnessed a high double-digit jump of 58% in sales in the last 3 months (August - October) over the same period last year.
The Skoda Superb has surpassed the sales number of 336 cars in October '09, the highest ever since the launch of superb in India. The sales figures for Skoda since the launch of the all new Skoda Superb and the New Laura this year have surpassed our expectations. We are expecting the momentum will continue to see a much stronger response to our products and services and help drive growth in our sales in the coming months."
Mr. Thomas Kuehl further added "Online shopping in India has been gaining importance day by day. Due to dearth of time and tedious ways of traditional shopping, customers are increasingly seeking the convenience of shopping from their home. Keeping in mind the customer profile we have launched "Fabia online sales project" to make car buying a hassle free and a haggle free experience by providing complete and transparent information while also streamlining the buying process with the combination of online and offline activities. We believe that the Fabia online sales project has been a part of success for Fabia and in the past 2 months we have doubled our sales figures over last year in the same period."
Since the Launch of the New Superb in March 2009, the superb has strengthened its position and is outperforming in the premium D segment. In the month of October 2009, the all New Superb has reached the sales figures of 336 units - the highest monthly figures since its Launch. The Skoda Superb had 22.8% Segment share in period January - September 2009 as against 5.4% Segment share in January - September 2008, registering a growth of over 332% in this segment.
Adding on the performance Mr. Ashutosh Dixit, Sr. General Manager, Sales & Marketing, SkodaAuto India said "We are pleased to see such robust growth for all our products and services, which reflects the customer's growing confidence in Skoda day by day."
[Via: cartradeindia]
Mahindra Launches All New Compact Truck “Gio”
Press Release - Mahindra & Mahindra India
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), a leading player in the small Commercial Vehicle segment in India, today launched the Mahindra Gio, India‟s first 4 wheel 0.5 ton Compact Truck. A category creating vehicle in the cargo commercial vehicle segment, the Mahindra Gio combines the style, status, comfort and safety of a four wheeler with the low operating and maintenance cost of a three-wheeler. The Mahindra Gio is available at an amazing price of Rs. 1.65 lakh, ex showroom BSII; BSIII price is Rs 1.68 Lakh. Equipped with a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, the Mahindra Gio gives best-in-class mileage of 27 km per litre.
"With the launch of Mahindra Gio, we have created a new Compact Truck category in the commercial vehicle segment. The Mahindra Gio is the first of its kind entry level 4 wheel cargo vehicle, and is all set to change the dynamics of the small CV segment. As city limits gradually expand and distribution needs increase, the Mahindra Gio presents a high earning potential for customers who will benefit from its high mileage, low maintenance cost, optimum utilization of space and low acquisition cost," said Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
The Mahindra Gio has undergone rigorous test runs and has been validated on all performance, safety and reliability parameters. This brand new offering from Mahindra‟s commercial vehicle stable also boasts of several class leading features, including the best-in-class fuel efficiency, "car like‟ controls and features, and a trendy & stylish look. This value for money load carrier scores highly on various parameters, including affordability, space, comfort and safety. It is also the most economical vehicle in the small CV industry, making it ideal for intra city operations.
The Mahindra Gio is being manufactured in Mahindra‟s Haridwar plant and is being launched in a phased manner. It will be available initially in West, North and select Eastern states and shortly thereafter in the rest of the country.
Perfect for intra city movement - The Mahindra Gio is most suitable for intra city operations. Its compact 0.5 ton cargo box ensures maximum utilization of space. A small turning radius of 3.8 metres, dashboard mounted gear shifter and "car like‟ steering wheel allows this nifty 4 wheel load carrier to negotiate the narrowest of roads with ease.
Exceptional value for money - India‟s first Compact Truck is powered by a high performance 9.1 HP Kohler engine, from Kohler, USA, which provides class leading mileage of 27 Kmpl. The Mahindra Gio also offers exceptional value for money with a low maintenance cost which is as low as that of a three wheeler. These features, coupled with an attractive price tag and better load optimization make the Mahindra Gio a great purchase.
Cares for your comfort and safety - Mahindra Gio offers greater comfort even on long trips. This stylish Compact Truck boasts of several class defining features, including adjustable cushioned bucket seats, roll down windows offering more ventilation and a car like Macpherson front suspension, ensuring comfortable ride and handling.
A tall and wide cabin with extra leg room allows easy entry and exit, adding to overall comfort. Easy to operate car like controls and an easy to read instrument panel enhance the Mahindra Gio‟s driving pleasure. A semi-forward cabin with a crumple zone makes the Mahindra Gio a safe vehicle, while a balanced structure provides more stability leading to a safer drive. Multi focal reflector halogen lights, side indicators and bigger rear view mirrors offer optimum visibility.
Strong performance - A strong gear box - 4 forward and 1 reverse -, coupled with the powerful Kohler engine gives the Mahindra Gio good pickup & load carrying capacity, while spring leaf suspension with a rigid axle enhances load stability. The load body comprises of a fully corrugated 5ft cargo box which is strong and long lasting.
Attractive style - The Mahindra Gio doesn‟t just deliver on performance and economy. It is also one of the most stylish vehicles in its class. The signature Mahindra front grille on the flat front cabin adds a distinctly macho look to this smart Compact Truck. Five youthful shades - Peacock Blue, Royal Red, Golden Yellow, and Sporty Green ensure that the Mahindra Gio cuts a striking figure on city road.
Premier Rio Launched – 3 Variants On Offer
Premier India which was once famous for its padmini sedan, has made a bang with the launch of all new SUV - The Rio. Premier Rio is basically the Zotye Nomada which is a mini crossover which is manufactured by leading chinese auto manufacturer - Zotye Autos. The factory occupies 500,000 square meters and there are over 6,000 employees. They have the capacity of annually producing 100,000 cars.
Premier Rio is a small city SUV which has been developed on basis of advanced technology from domestic and international autos. The company has tied up with a Chinese auto company Zoyte International. The CKD version of the car will be assembled at premier's Chinchwad facility in Pune, where it currently manufactures Sigma van and Road-star pick-up. Rio is less than four metres in length and has 1489cc engine which is below 1.5 litre engine capacity, so it gets the tax benefit of a small car.
Powered by Premier's own engine that is essentially a downsized Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine, the Rio's engine capacity now measures in at 1490cc and develops 65 Bhp of peak power. The engine is Euro-III ready and the company is taking adequate steps to meet Euro-IV emission norms, come April 1, 2010. The 1489cc Turbo Diesel engine generates maximum power of 65 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 152 Nm at 2250 rpm. Premier Auto has launched Rio in three models - The EX, which is priced at Rs 5.25 lakh, the DX at Rs 5.50 lakh and LX at Rs 5.95 lakh - all ex-showroom, Pune.
[Via: Cars India]
Three Tata Nanos Catches Fire!!
World's cheapest car, Tata Nano appears to have developed a technical snag prompting Tata Motors to launch a pre-delivery audit of the car's electrical systems and inspection of the units already sold.
Three cases of the car developing short circuit near the combination switch in the car's steering wheel have already been reported from Delhi, Ahmedabad and Lucknow. The cars have had smoke emnate from the steering wheel area even when parked with ignition off and in one case has caused the area around to melt due to heat. Following the incidents, Tata Motors has decided to do a pre-delivery audit of all the electrical circuits and has also offered to check the cars that are already with the customers.
The company isnt however calling this as a "Recall". According to a company spokesman the problems are not generic and hence there is no question of a recall but pre-emptive checks may be carried out on cars that have already been handed over to the customers. Two of the customers from Lucknow and Ahmedabad have already given their Nano for repairs to their respective dealerships which have been repaired at free of charge. The other customer from Delhi is yet to give the car for repairs and has instead lodged a complaint with the police citing manufacturing defect as the reason for the mishap.
[Via: CC]
Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 To Be Launched On 4th November
The Royal Enfield Bullet has for decades been the byword for rugged, refined cool and a bike handcrafted to perfection. The Bullet Classic 500 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. It is expected that it is going to be launched in India on 4th November, 2009.
Main Styling Elements Of Bullet Classic 500
- Traditional looking front number plate
- Classic style round headlamp
- Visible steel springs
- Deep-drawn fenders of the rear tire
- 18" Spoke Wheels
- Fuel tank with post war graphics
- Thigh pads and single saddle seat with springs
- Body colored frame
Main Technical Highlights Of Bullet Classic 500:
- 280mm Front Disc brake
- 5-speed Gearbox
- UCE (Unit Construction Engine)
- 27.2 Bhp of Maximum Power
- Peak Torque of 41.3 Nm
- Electronic Fuel Injection System
Though no official launch date and price has been announced for Bullet Classic 500 but it is expected to be launched in India on 4th November, 2009 and is expected to retail for around Rs. 135000.00.
Tata Motors Acquires Remaining 79% Stake In Hispano Carrocera
Tata Motors which had a 21% stake in Hispano Carrocera has now acquired the remaining 79% shares by the way of exercise of the existing call option through mutual agreement with the other share holder Investalia S.A Spain.
The agreement cements Tata Motor's ongoing commitment to Hispano Carrocera. The company will now further strengthen the ongoing initiatives to improve operational efficiencies such as productivity improvement, cost reduction, and new product development, to improve market share of the company and enhance brand value. Tata Motors is confident that Hispano will now emerge as an even stronger force in the Spanish as well as Global bus and coach markets.
[Via: cubiccapacity]
Tata-Fiat Alliance To Launch Jeep Cherokee In India
Tata Motors and Fiat joint venture is apprehended to launch Jeep Cherokee in India soon. This partnership will be launching a number of Chrysler models in India. The iconic Jeep Cherokee will be produced at the Ranjangaon facility near Pune. The Tata-Fiat alliance will initially start retailing the Cherokee and follow up with other products.
Italian car major Fiat acquired a 20% stake in Chrysler after the Michigan-based company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. Fiat's 20%, stake in Chrysler could eventually go up to 51%. Chrysler will get access to Fiat's small car technology while Fiat gets a footprint into the US market. With financing from the Federal Government, the `new Chrysler' is supposed to change its product portfolio towards fuel-efficient vehicles. The Tata-Fiat alliance has been expanding production at its Ranjangaon facility.
Recently, Fiat India Automobiles (FIAPL), the Tata Motors-Fiat JV raised $510 million through a multi-tranche syndicated loan, which includes a $200 million term loan for working capital requirements. FIAPL is a 50:50 joint venture between Fiat Group and Tata Motors and manufactures Fiat and Tata cars and produces transmissions and engines.
[Via: Carazoo]
Wuling’s To Launch Vans In India Via GM
By around 2011, Wuling' N200 and N300 series vans will be sold in India, which marks GM's entry into the LCV segment in India. The LCV segment is populated with names like Force, Tata Motors, Mahindra, Piaggio etc. But as GM is going to sell minivans initially, they would have to compete with the likes of Maruti's Omni and Tata's Ace Magic. GM will equip the vans with fuel efficient diesel engines.
Wuling , which operates under directions of GM, is also said to be secretly developing a small car that will be slotted under the Chevrolet Spark in the future in India. Though there is no official confirmation of such a launch, GM officials overseas have spoken about the strategy adopted for the low-cost product which will use a lot of tried and test components from previous generation models.
Wuling's vans are already sold in North Africa, South America and the Middle East as Chevrolets. GM could use the same ploy in India as it enjoys a good status among utility vehicle buyers through the Tavera. GM China sells about 80,000 Wuling minivans every month and cornered a market share of 43 per cent in the Chinese minivan segment. It will look to repeat the same with the Indian market as well.
[Via: BS-Motoring]