Ford Motors Launches Ford Figo: Small Cool Car in Indin Market

India's role as an important player in the future of Ford Motor Company's international strategy was underscored today when the company's President and CEO, Alan Mulally, unveiled an all-new car targeting the heart of the Indian car market - the new Ford Figo.

The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market, signals Ford's intention to compete in India's largest and most important small car market segment.

Ford Figo is the result of a significant Ford investment commitment to expand its plant near Chennai for volume production as a small-car centre of excellence regionally. Ford's $500 million investment has doubled the plant's production capacity to 200,000 units per year and introduces major advances in high-quality automation and innovative, eco-friendly production techniques.

"Our exciting new Ford Figo shows how serious we are about India," Mulally said. "It reflects our commitment to compete with great products in all segments of this car market. We are confident the Ford Figo will be a product that Indian consumers really want and value."

Ford Figo is designed and engineered to compete in India's small car segment, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the new vehicle market. It leverages Ford's small-car platform architecture, sharing underlying technology with the Ford Fiesta, already familiar to Indian drivers.

New Shape, Solid Foundation
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.

"We're confident that the new Ford Figo will be extremely attractive to Indian car buyers," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. "It's going to be very competitive with the current market leaders and offer a tremendous value story for our consumers. We believe Ford Figo is a big game-changer for Ford that will help transform our brand into a volume player in India."

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 of colour which is more resistant to scratches and stone chips.

Courtesy: Ford Motors India

Mahindra Renault Launched Stylish & Sporty New Logn Play

Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd launched the Logan Play, a stylish new variant with a sporty and adventurous look. The Logan Play is available in both petrol (1.4 GLX) and diesel (1.5 DLX) options, priced at Rs. 553,231 /- and Rs. 685,916 /- respectively (ex-showroom Ahmedabad).

Special Festive Offer: Mahindra Renault also presents an exciting consumer offer for this festive season, wherein every potential buyer is a guaranteed winner. All one has to do is test drive the Logan to avail of exciting gifts such as 0.99% or 6.99 % interest on a loan or even an I-pod. All entries are eligible for a lucky draw which will see select winners receive an LCD TV, while two grand prize winners will get a free Logan Play.

The new Logan Play will be available at 35 Mahindra Renault dealerships across India in phase 1 of the launch, followed by presence in all 146 Dealerships.

"With its striking exterior, the new Logan Play adds a whole new dimension of fun and adventure to the Logan's existing value proposition of space, fuel efficiency and economy. This new variant reinforces the Mahindra Renault JV's commitment to the Indian market and presents auto enthusiasts across the country with an exciting option for the festive season," said Mr. Vijay Nakra, Sr. General Manager – Sales, West Zone.

The new Logan Play adds oodles of panache to one of India's best performing cars. Available in two colour options – Black and White, the Logan Play sports stylish body graphics and a choice of either red or silver alloy wheels. Body coloured parking sensors and outer door handles, a chrome muffler cutter and chrome front grille complete the picture.

The car's arresting exterior is complemented by a plush interior with seats and floor mats in Black and Red trim, a chrome finished gear knob, music system and centre fascia and end rack in carbon fibre finish

The Logan has received a tremendous response since its launch and has been clocking steady sales numbers each month. It has also received several prestigious industry accolades since its launch.

These include the 'Car of the Year 2007' by HT Cars & Bikes, a supplement of the Hindustan Times, the Business Standard Motoring Jury Award 2008 and the NDTV Car India & Bike India 'Midsize Car of the Year' Award. The J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2007 India Initial Quality Study ranked the Logan as the 'Best Entry Midsize Car in Initial Quality', which is the ultimate measure in quality.

Courtesy: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd

Yamaha India Launched VMAX: 1680cc Super Bike @ 20 Lakh

NEW DELHI: Japanese bike major Yamaha on Wednesday drove in its 1,680cc super bike VMAX, priced at Rs. 20 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the most expensive bike so far launched in India. Notwithstanding this steep price, which can buy a premium luxury car, the company has already got nine bookings and hopes to close the year with 25.

"India is one of the key markets for Yamaha. We are constantly shifting gears to transform the market from utility to pleasure and lifestyle. With the launch of all-new VMAX, Yamaha brings a new credo for the bikers in India," Yamaha Motor India CEO Yukimine Tsuji said after unveiling the bike in the presence of the company's brand ambassador & Bollywood actor John Abraham.

Yamaha already sells two expensive bikes — 1670cc MT01 and 998cc bike YZF-R1 —both priced above Rs 12 lakh. Tsuji said the company has sold 100 units of the R1 and 50 units if the MT01 so far. "While we do not expect sale of many units, we believe there is a set of enthusiasts in India which is interested in brands like the Yamaha VMAX. This is like a dream bike for them, something like a Porsche is in cars," Tsuji said.

However, he admitted that poor road infrastructure was a stumbling block to the sale and acceptance of such products. The entry of Yamaha VMAX comes days after Harley Davidson announced plans to drive in its cruisers next year. "Given rapid development of Indian economy and physical infrastructure, this is the right time to bring the world's greatest motorcycles to one of the world's largest motorcycling nations," Harley-Davidson president, COO Matthew Levatich said earlier.
While India is the world's second-biggest motorcycle market after China, it is primarily a low-cost bike nation. However, a niche segment appears to be developing in the expensive segment, prompting companies like Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki to launch their premium bike range here, all costing around Rs 10 lakh and above.


Courtsey: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

New Honda City Launched by Honda Cars India with 2 New Variants

New Honda City: Feature packed Honda City 1.5V adds more excitement to the festive season.

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched a new feature packed Honda City 1.5V and the new Honda City 1.5S with brand new beige interiors.

The top grade sparkling new variant of the Honda City has been launched as part of the Great Honda Fest promotion and will add to the festivities this season for all the Honda City lovers.

The new Honda City 1.5V (MT & AT) comes with the introduction of attractive 5 spoke Alloy Wheels and elegant Front Fog Lamps for enhanced style and better visibility. The exterior looks of the new City 1.5V gets further stylized by addition of Chrome door handles, new Sporty Exhaust Finisher and Front & Rear mud guards. The new variant has a complete new interior look with the newly introduced Beige high quality fabric seats, Silver Colored Fan Knob, silver color inner door handles, door lining garnish and power windows panel. The car also gets the Dual front tweeters which will enable the customers to enjoy their best quality music and a driver seat back pocket for added convenience.

The new Honda City will now be available as SMT, VMT and VAT. Additionally, all the variants will be available in 2 attractive types – Elegance and Inspire.

Honda City which clearly dominates the premium sedan segment in India will have an additional colour option Deep Sapphire Blue for a limited period during festive season along with existing colors available in the range.

The Honda City comes equipped with a 1.5L, 4 cylinder new generation i-VTEC engine that delivers class leading power of 118PS. In line with the Honda's policy of reducing impact on the environment the engine is E10 compliant and has Euro IV emission levels.

The Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a first priority for Honda. Honda City is fully loaded with various active and passive safety features as standard including ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) with Brake Assist (BA), Dual SRS airbags, pre-tensioner seat belts and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) body with a high integrity survival zone. The front body structure of the Honda City ensures advanced pedestrian safety features.

The All New Honda City is a winner of 12 Auto Awards including the most prestigious ‘Indian Car of the Year 2009' (ICOTY) Award. The new Honda City's instant success is testified by the fact that it has sold nearly 38,000 units since its launch in September last year.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd said, "We are happy to introduce this new V-Grade in response to our discerning customers' feedback. With the recently launched Honda Jazz, the refreshed new Honda Civic and now this V-Grade Honda City, we have a whole new line-up for all our customers to choose from."

New Honda City Price Range (ex-showroom Delhi):

- 1.5S MT Rs 837,000
- 1.5V MT Rs 882,000
- 1.5V AT Rs 954,000
- 1.5S MT Elegance Rs 873,000
- 1.5S MT Inspire Rs 907,000
- 1.5V MT Elegance Rs 916,000
- 1.5V MT Inspire Rs 952,000
- 1.5V AT Elegance Rs 988,000
- 1.5V AT Inspire Rs 1,024,000

Source: Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.

Honda Siel Cars Launched New Honda Civic in India @ Rs.11.8 Lakh

New Delhi, September 8, 2009: Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, today launched the new Honda Civic with aesthically designed new looks.

The new Honda Civic further augments the style quotient of the globally successful and India's most loved LD segment car - the Honda Civic. It is an excellent combination of new-age and sporty design and aggressive appeal together with the cutting-edge technology and refined engine.

The new Civic juxtaposes Honda's advanced technology with striking design. The new Curved 5 Point Metallic Front Grille and restyled Front Sporty Bumper add to a pulsating and aggressive appeal of the car. The introduction of stylized Dark Smokey Headlights & Crystalline Octagonal Tail Lights enhance the contemporary look of the car.

The new Honda Civic comes with more exclusive features that make it an even more desirable sedan. In line with the preferences of the customers, the audio system of the new Civic comes equipped with a USB port together with the CD player. The intelligent fuel economy indicator introduced in the new Honda Civic will enable the customers to achieve the good fuel efficiency.

New HOnda Civic will be available in 3 variants – Honda Civic SMT, Honda Civic VMT & Honda Civic VAT. Honda civic will have an additional color option Polished Metal along with the existing colors available in the range.

The new Honda Civic SMT comes with two tone luxury high quality fabric seats with matching fabric on door panels & armrest. Honda Civic VMT & VAT comes with a steering mounted cruise control system that helps to cruise at the desired speed with one touch operation. It also comes with a new sporty fog light with garnish and newly designed alloy wheel.

Additionally, all the Honda Civic variants will be available in 2 attractive types – Elegance and Inspire.

The 1.8 L i-VTEC engine in the new Honda Civic is the most advanced engine technology available in the segment. It combines Honda's i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology with VTC (Variable Time Control), delivering both powerful performance and superior fuel economy. The i-VTEC regulates the opening of air-fuel intake valves and exhaust valves in accordance with engine speeds. By regulating valve opening to match engine speed, the agile i-VTEC engine adjusts its characteristics to realize both superior power and low fuel consumption. With i-VTEC engine technology, Honda is working to ensure environmental responsibility while delivering driving pleasure.

The ARAI fuel efficiency results of 15.5 km/l for Civic MT reiterates its unmatched fuel economy. In line with Honda's mission to reduce its environment footprint, the new Honda Civic is E10 compatible and has Euro IV emission levels.

Safety of passengers and pedestrians is a top priority for Honda and all safety equipment is standard across all variants. The Honda Civic comes fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti – Lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake – Force Distribution System) & Brake Assist, Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts. Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE) and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) provide a high integrity survival zone that enhances self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other vehicles.

Launched in 2006, the Honda Civic redefined the lower D segment of passenger car segment in India. This segment witnessed unprecedented sales soon after the launch of the Honda Civic. HSCI has sold over 42,000 units in just over 3 years. Honda Civic has won 10 automobile awards including the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2007. It was also winner of the JD Power Initial Quality Study in its very 1st year with the best ever score in the Industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Masahiro Takedagawa, President and CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, "The Honda Civic is a segment defining product both in terms of looks and performance. The new Honda Civic carries forward the legacy of the Civic which is already the most refined and advanced car in the segment."

Bookings for the new Honda Civic will start immediately at the company's distribution network of 106 authorised dealership facilities, across the country. This network is likely to go up to 112 facilities by the end of the current financial year.

The all Honda Civic comes with a 2+2 year warranty and 24-hr roadside assistance as standard value for all new Honda Civic buyers.

The New Honda Civic car is priced in the range of Rs.11.80 lakh to Rs. 14.13 lakh at showrooms in Delhi.

Courtesy: hondacarindia.com

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Photos - Mercedes SLK 350 Pictures - Mercedes New SLK Class Images, Pics

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a beautiful great fast sport car. Mercedes SLK Class is a 2 door, 2 seater convertible designed foe pace. Mercedes-Benz SLK Class priced at Rs. 46.55 Lacs.

Mercedes-Benz SLK Price in India:

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200: Rs. 46.55 Lakhs

Mercedes-Benz SLK 200: Rs. 65.26 Lakhs

Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Exteriors:










Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Interiors:

Mercedes M Class Photos | Mercedes-Benz MClass Pictures | Mercedes New M Class SUV Images, Pics

Mercedes-Benz launched its all new SUV "M Class" in India. Mercedes Benz M Class launched at a price tag of Rs. 56 Lakhs and will compete with BMW X5, Audi Q7, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Volvo XC90.

Mercedes-Benz M Class Price: Rs. 56 Lacs

Mercedes-Benz M Class Exteriors:















Mercedes-Benz M Class Interiors: