Auto BHP Auto Industry Updates and Reviews

3Nov/090

Fiat to Launch Linea T-Jet With Powerful Engine

Fiat India is getting ready to launch Linea T-Jet model in India. It will showcase the new model at the upcoming Delhi Auto expo in 2010. The new T-jet model will be powered by 1.4L petrol engine which will be a turbo-charged version. It delivered 120 ps @ 5000 rpm and torque of 206 nm right from 1750 rpm onwards. It reached top speed of 200 kmph and reach from 0-100 kmph in 9.2 seconds. The new Linea T-jet will be the only model in its segment that will have turbo-charged petrol engine once it is launched.

The new Linea T-jet will also have additional features like rain sensing wipers, reverse parking sensors, automatic headlamps, and Hill Holder function which means that it will stop the car from rolling backwards when you are on an incline and take your foot off the accelerator.

Fiat Linea was launched earlier this year and the model has been quite successful even since its launch. Fiat intends to regain its brand image in the Indian market and has launched premium models like Fiat 500. Fiat has also decided to increase its headcount at its R&D center to up to 200 to strengthen its research and development function.

[Via: cartradeindia]

31Oct/090

TVS To Launch New Star Sport CL 115

After the huge success of recently launched Apache RTR 180 & Flame SR125, TVS India is all set to tap the market of clutchless bikes with the launch of TVS Jaive .

Though no official announcement has been about the price and launch date of Jaive but it is being speculated that TVS is going to launch it in last week of November. TVS Jaive will feature an automatic clutch and four gears. TVS has good experiance in manufacturing bikes with automatic clutch as they are selling TVS Neo in Indonesia and it is selling in good numbers.

[Via: Bikes India ]

30Oct/090

Yamaha ventures into Pakistan

Yamaha Motor President, Takashi Kajikawa made the announcement that the company will be setting up a motorcycle manufacturing facility in Pakistan, to be located at the National Industrial Park in Bin Qasim, near Karachi.

The plant is expected to be up and running by mid-2011. The company plans to assemble at least 22,000 units at its new plant by 2012, following which it will start using locally sourced components to start manufacturing bikes in that country. Mr Kajikawa has also stated that the company intends to make Pakistan a base for exports to neighboring Asian and African countries in the coming future. Come 2017, Yamaha will also start production of motorcycle engines in the country.

In India too, Yamaha is growing by leaps and bounds at an unprecedented rate. The company posted staggering growth of 160 percent in sales in September 2009 as compared to the last year. It sold 26394 units in September 2009 as against 10142 units in the same month last year with the newly launched Fazer contributing a significant part of it.

[Via: BIKE]

28Oct/090

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.

28Oct/090

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]

27Oct/090

New Honda Aviator 110 Launched

After the huge success of New Honda Activa now Honda India has launched New Aviator 110 to compete with the likes of recently launched Mahindra Rodeo & Mahindra Duro. When Honda launched the New Activa with a 109cc engine, it was obvious that they would soon launch the Aviator with same 109cc engine. The 109cc engine is super refined, has absolutely no transmission judder and is also a tad more fuel efficient.

The engine of New Aviator 110 generates maximum power of 8 Bhp at 7500 rpm with maximum torque of 9 Nm at 5500 rpm. New Aviator will be available in two model:

- New Aviator 110
- New Aviator 110 Deluxe

The basic model of Aviator 110 has been priced at Rs 42,000.00 which the deluxe model will retail for Rs. 47,000.00. These prices are Ex-showroom New Delhi. The price of Aviator 110 Deluxe model is Rs. 6,000.00 more than the Activa Deluxe but Aviator 110 is definitely a much better scooter than the Activa as it offers better suspension, better brakes and alloy wheels.

- New Aviator 110 ----------- Rs. 42,000.00
- New Aviator 110 Deluxe - Rs. 47,000.00

23Oct/090

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500

23Oct/090

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.

21Oct/090

Toyota SAI launched at Tokyo Motor Show

Launched at the Tokyo motor show, the long rumoured SAI, which at one point was being considered for Europe, comes in above the Prius as Toyota's new 2.4-litre, front-drive hybrid saloon. Essentially, a reworked version of the Lexus HS250h that's already on sale in the US and Japan, SAI has the same overall profile with those long, sloping A and C pillars and broad shoulder lines running along the top of the doors.

But Toyota has made the SAI almost four inches shorter and up to 70 kgs lighter than the HS250h. The SAI also get subtly different head and tail light treatment, new grille, bonnet, wings and so on. Power comes from the same 2.4-litre hybrid system as the HS. This sees Toyota's long running 2362 cc four cylinder engine (now with Atkinson cycle) team up with an electric motor and reduction gear, with nickel-metal hydride battery pack mounted beneath the boot floor. Total system power stands at 140 kW (or 187bhp).

Curiously, although it's smaller and lighter, the SAI registers the exact same super frugal 56-65mpg as the more plush HS250h in Japan's economy cycle, while C02 is an equally impressive 101-107g/km. Inside, the SAI is clearly a lot plainer and less fancy than the HS250h. Prices start at around Rs 18 lakh for the base model, and Rs 22 lakh for a top spec one in the UK.

Further afield, although Toyota won't confirm it, the SAI's 2.4-litre hybrid is also expected to drop into the upcoming Lexus compact premium hatch, due in 2011, that Japanese sources suggest may be called CT200h. At Frankfurt, Lexus gave an early pointer to this new premium A3 challenging hybrid player, of course, via the LF-Ch concept which may also spawn an SUV.

[Via: autocarindia]

21Oct/090

Hero Honda Hunk & Splendor+ Special Edition

Festive seasons are considered an auspicious time for vehicle purchases and Hero Honda knows the importance of the festive season. After the recent launch of the new Karizma ZMR they have announced two new variants of their existing models - the Hunk and the Splendor+ which by the way has sold over one crore unit!

The Hunk that is targeted at the youngsters with its muscular looks now in its new avatar features special Macho Ebony Grey colour treatment which is carried over to the rear grab handles, side cover, foot rest & handle bar, and has body-coloured rear view mirrors along with contemporary stickering on the fuel tank and the raging bull insignia on the tank shrouds it now also features red coloured rear shock absorber springs.

The Splendor has been Hero Honda's highest and oldest selling bike which now boasts of new-look graphics, gold colour treatment for Splendor+ emblem on side cover and Hero Honda logo on fuel tank, visor and console. The Special Edition Splendor+ features the all black engine, alloy wheels, and front fork among many other changes. But true to its tradition of assigning designers more work than their 'busy' R&D lads the world's largest two wheeler manufacturer has yet again made no mechanical upgrades to these bikes whatsoever.

[Via: BIKE-India]