Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid & Eeco Charge Electric Concepts for Demonstration

India's car market leader Maruti Suzuki today handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One 'Eeco Charge' to Mr Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon'ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki 'Eeco Charge' vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, "I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles."

Maruti Suzuki has developed the SX4 Hybrid vehicles and 'Eeco Charge' concept vehicles as a part of the demonstration fleet. The demonstration of the fleet of SX4 Hybrids and 'Eeco Charge' vehicles at the Commonwealth Games 2010, is in line with the ambitious NHPP and MNRE program outline.

SX4 Hybrid and 'Eeco Charge' concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)'s High Energy Density Battery Development Program.

Capability building @ Maruti Suzuki

The development of Hybrid and Electric vehicles is one of the exciting initiatives undertaken by Maruti Suzuki to enhance its R&D capabilities and gear itself for greener technologies. Through this exercise Maruti Suzuki is keen to expand its learning's on green technologies that put minimal stress on non-renewable energy. A team of 25 Maruti Suzuki engineers worked on this project with global hybrid technology and component suppliers.

These future technology vehicles by Maruti Suzuki demonstrate how eco-friendliness and personal mobility can be packaged together as an exciting product. These concepts have been developed by a team of Maruti Suzuki engineers and were showcased at Delhi Auto Expo 2010.

'SX4 Hybrid'

SX4 Hybrid is a Full Parallel Hybrid with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) on a sedan platform. SX4 Hybrid presents a case of evolution of transportation system with elements of flexibility, style and eco-friendliness. SX4 Hybrid offers mobility solution in an eco-friendly yet stylish manner.

The hybrid system used in the SX4 Hybrid features an electric motor and twin clutch arrangement with advance Lithium-ion battery technology. This concept combines a 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine and a 50 kW electric motor along with 5-speed Automated Manual Transmission. Together, these provide high fuel economy with lower emissions. The SX4 Hybrid is also capable of running solely on its electric motor, offering a further boost to fuel efficiency and zero emission modes in city driving. The SX4 hybrid offers 25 per cent more fuel efficiency compared to conventional gasoline vehicle.

'EECO Charge'

'Eeco Charge' is a zero-emission, pure electric vehicle developed on a MPV platform. It is powered by a 50kW motor and a 24kWh Lithium-ion battery. On full charge it promises a driving range of around 100km and attains top speed of 100 km per hour. The 'Eeco Charge' also has the 'Sport Mode' for acceleration enthusiast. The battery for 'Eeco Charge' has been packaged under floor for better drivability and retaining ample boot space. The real time display of State of Charge and 'Distance to Empty' addresses user's anxiety. The 'Eeco Charge' can be charged using household power source.

About NHPP and MNRE

The National Hybrid Propulsion Programme (NHPP) is an initiative of the Government of India. It is a public-private partnership initiative and India's first in hybrid technology; being jointly funded by Govt. of India and Indian Automotive OEM's. NHPP is expected to develop awareness and generate interest in the Indian automobile market to the world of hybrids.

Considering the importance of battery technology for successful EV/HEV development, MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable energy) has initiated a program on high energy density battery. The objective of this joint program, funded by Govt. of India & automotive OEM's, is to carry out the local development of high energy Li-ion battery packs by battery manufactures for pure electric/ hybrid electric vehicles.

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has formed a core group of OEM's to take these projects forward. In this initiative SIAM functions as a nodal agency for OEM's, component manufacturers and Government of India. In line with Phase I of the project, OEM's are to showcase their Hybrid and Electric vehicles during Commonwealth Games 2010.

Source: Maruti Suzuki

Volkswagen Launches World's First Talking Newspaper Car Volkswagen Vento in India

It is a talking newspaper from Volkswagen, this time to introduce the Vento, its premium entry level sedan in India.

Unlike most sedans in this segment, the Volkswagen Vento has an extremely elegant and pure design which is a result of passionate craftsmanship. The communication brings this alive through the talking newspaper.

Speaking about this innovation Lutz Kothe, Head of Marketing & PR, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said "our aim was to be able to emotionally connect to our customers with this product and what better way than being able to directly speak to them with the aid of a newspaper."

Volkswagen has partnered with the Times of India and The Hindu for this nationwide communication released today.

Source: Volkswagen

HM-Mitsubishi To Expand Dealership Network in India with 22 New Dealerships

HM-Mitsubishi Motors, one of India’s leading auto manufacturers, is revamping its dealer strategy for the Indian market. As part of the strategy, HM-Mitsubishi will be significantly enhancing its presence in the country, with increased focus on tier II locations. The company will be inaugurating 22 new dealerships by March 2011. With this, HM-Mitsubishi will have 62 dealerships across India.

Speaking about the same, Y.V.S Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice President and Head of Mitsubishi business at HML, said “We have received an overwhelming response for the Outlander 2010, which we recently launched. And by and large we are seeing an increased demand for our brands across different locations, especially for the Pajero and Montero. Given this, and the fact that we will be launching more products for the Indian market shortly, we are adopting an aggressive dealer strategy, to establish our presence in more locations.”

Adding to this Yoshiaki Wada, Head – Dealer Development and Business Development, HM-Mitsubishi Motors, said, “This year, we are looking to aggressively increase our presence in the Indian market. We will be enhancing our focus on the key tier II and III locations, which are playing a key role in the growth and development of the auto sector in the country. In keeping with this, we have inaugurated 14 dealerships in the last five months across tier I and tier II cities. Currently, we are present across 40 locations in India through 54 dealerships and we aim to increase this number to 62 by the end of the current fiscal.”

The Mitsubishi model range in India includes Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi Cedia, Mitsubishi Cedia Sports, Mitsubishi Pajero, Mitsubishi Motero and Mitsubishi Outlander 2010. The entire Mitsubishi model range is available across all showrooms in the country.

Mitsubishi Cars Price in India (ex-showroom Delhi) are given below:

Mitsubishi Lancer Price 7.75 lacs (ex-showroom)
Mitsubishi Cedia sports Price 9.60 lacs (ex-showroom)
Mitsubishi Pajero Price 20.35 lacs (ex-showroom)
Mitsubishi Montero Price 38.95 lacs ex-showroom
Mitsubishi Outlander 2010 Price 20.25 lacs (ex-showroom)

Source: Mitsubishi Motors

Mahindra's Power Scooters Conquer Khardung La

Since their launch in 2009, the Mahindra Rodeo and Mahindra Duro have proved themselves as true city slickers, capable of taking on the toughest urban terrain. Now, these nifty two wheelers have proved their mettle in the mountains as well.

In August 2009, two intrepid journalists from Overdrive magazine, Halley Prabhakar and Kshitij Sharma, decided to ride the Rodeo and the Duro to Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass.

But would the scooters be up to the challenge?

The answer proved to be a resounding yes as these gearless scooters admirably lived up to expectations, in conditions which are known to prove harsh for humans, much less machines. As Halley and Kshitij ascended further into the mountains, the air got thinner and the road got tougher. Yet, the Rodeo and the Duro valiantly soldiered on, even as their riders suffered from altitude sickness.

From rain and steep inclines uphill to boulders, and rough gravel roads that seemed to go on for miles, the Power Scooters took it all in their stride.

As Halley himself put it "they should have been battered, plastics should have shattered and tyres should have been slashed to ribbons. What actually happened was the scooters looked ready to head back without a moment's pause and it was we who felt battered and shattered."

Source: Mahindra

Hyundai Launches Next Gen i10, New i10 priced at Rs. 3.48 - 5.9 Laks - New i10 Kappa2 Photos, Pics, Images

Hyundai India face lifted its successful entry level hatchback " i10" with major changes both in exterior and interior on 23rd, September, 2010. The new i10 got a new sporty front grill with new head lamps. The pricing of the new Hyundai i10 starts at Rs 3.48lakh and goes upto Rs 5.9lakh.

The ‘Next Gen i10’ will replace the existing i10 and will be available in two petrol engine variants of 1.1 litre with a mileage of 19.81 km per litre, and 1.2 litre with a fuel economy of 20.36 km per litre.

New Next Gen Hyundai i10 Exterior Photos:

Renaul Fluence Photos | Renault Fluence Picture | Renault Fluence Launch Date, Images

French car maker Renault planning to launch their beautiful sedan "Fluence" in the Indian market later this year. Renault Fluence will compete with Fiat Linea, Maruti SX4, Volkswagen Vento and Honda City. Renault Fluence will be priced at around Rs. 7-10 Lakhs.

Renault Fluence Exterior Photos:





Renault Fluence Interior Photos:

Hyundai Motor signs MoU with Vijaya Bank for vehicle finance

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter, and Vijaya Bank, a premier public sector bank, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed to mutually benefit both companies by better serving their customers.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing & Sales, HMIL and Sri K. Jayakar Shetty, General Manager, Vijaya Bank on behalf of their respective organisations. Sri Albert Tauro, Chairman & MD, Vijaya Bank and Smt. Shubhalakshmi Panse, Executive Director, Vijaya Bank were also present at the MoU signing ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing and Sales, HMIL, said, “We are pleased to announce this partnership with Vijaya Bank, which has a strong pan-India presence. With this association, we will be able to reach out to a wider consumer base with better and easier finance options. Also, the competitive rates and easily accessible locations of the bank will surely benefit our customers.”

Under the agreement, both Hyundai Motor India dealers and the bank branches will source Hyundai Motor India car loan business using their customer database. The tie-up is extended to cover financing options by all the branches of the bank in India. Both the partners will utilize and leverage each other’s strengths to cross sell Hyundai vehicles along with the bank’s car loans and schemes.

HMIL currently has a 296 strong dealer network and 592 strong service points across India, which will see further expansion by end of 2010.

Source: Hyundai Motor India Ltd

Coming Soon Mahindra Motorcycles

The eagerly anticipated launch of Mahindra 2 Wheelers’ new range of motorcycles is just around the corner and to add to the excitement, there’s a specially created teaser campaign that’s all set to hit TV screens in the coming week.

Shot extensively on the world renowned Vallelunga Moto GP race track in Rome, Italy, the ad highlights the bikes’ Italian design credentials and the fact that they have undergone rigorous tests in Italy before coming to India.

It’s test day at Vallelunga as a team of engineers and a few spectators look towards the race track with eager anticipation. All attention is focused on the circuit as a bike appears in the distance and zooms past the curious onlookers. The camera then cuts to the pit stop and control rooms where you see various monitors displaying the evaluation parameters used to test the bike.

The engineers are elated – the bike has passed the test with flying colours!

The ad has the message: Tested In Italy, Coming to India – Mahindra Motorcycles towards the end.

The ad ends with a musical tune sign off that has the potential to become a signature tune for all advertising of Mahindra 2 Wheelers. While the ad does not show the details of the bike/s, it certainly leaves the viewer with the impression that the Mahindra bikes would have all the latest technological gadgetry courtesy the Italian lineage. The ad will be visible on all key genres of channels ranging from music, movies, mass, news, regional and sports and also on Youtube.

The ad gently exhorts the potential motorcycle buyer to postpone his decision and check out the bikes at the Mahindra show room.

The ad was directed by Andrea Ranalli who is renowned for his work on European Moto GP circuits. The Creative Director is Robby Mathew of Interface Communications.

Mahindra 2 Wheelers’ motorcycles incorporate design elements from the Bologna based Engines Engineering, a boutique design house which was acquired by the Mahindra Group in 2008. In addition to Mahindra 2 Wheelers, Engines Engineering also undertakes design work for companies such as Ducati, MV Augusta and Benelli.

Source: The Mahindra Group

New Volkswagen Polo Petrol Price @ Rs 6.16 Lakhs Launched by Volkswagen India

After the successful debut of the 1.2 l Polo in India earlier this year, Volkswagen, Europe's largest car manufacturer introduces its powerful 1.6 l Polo variant into the market. This hot hatchback will be available to customers in the highline petrol variant at Rs. 6.16 lakhs, ex showroom New Delhi.

Commenting on this new variant, Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said "with the introduction of this variant the Polo becomes even more exciting for our customers as it becomes more powerful and fun to drive while continuing to maintain all the features available in the 1.2 l Polo variant."

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 l Variants & Fuel Efficiency:

The new Polo variant sports a 1.6 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine with an output of 105PS @ 5250 rpm and a Torque of 153NM @ 3750 rpm. It is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box and has a fuel efficiency of 15.96 km/litre.

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 l Exterior:

For the exterior, the Polo continues to get the body coloured bumpers, chrome strip in front grille, body coloured outside door handles & mirrors, galvanized body with 6 years anti-corrosion warranty and 15 inch alloy wheels

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 l Interior:

The interior of this car comes with gear shift knobs and interior door handles in chrome, chrome interior trims, storage compartments for 1 litre bottles, 60/40 split folding rear seats and superior ‘livon' upholstery.

Volkswagen Polo 1.6 l Safety Features:

With regards to safety, it is equipped with front disc brakes, ABS, front airbags for driver and co-driver and electronic anti theft immobilizer. On comfort, the Polo offers multi function information display including door opening warning, height adjustable driving seats, adjustable power steering that improves drive comfort, rear de fogger and power locks with remote transmitters. Manufactured in Volkswagen plant at Chakan, Pune the 1.6 l Polo is available to customers immediately.

Volkswagen Polo Petrol Variant Price @ Rs. 6.16 lakhs, ex showroom New Delhi.

Source: Volkswagen India

Mahindra's Power Scooters Conquer Khardung La

Since their launch in 2009, the Mahindra Rodeo and Mahindra Duro have proved themselves as true city slickers, capable of taking on the toughest urban terrain. Now, these nifty two wheelers have proved their mettle in the mountains as well.

In August 2009, two intrepid journalists from Overdrive magazine, Halley Prabhakar and Kshitij Sharma, decided to ride the Rodeo and the Duro to Khardung La, the world's highest motorable pass.

But would the scooters be up to the challenge?

The answer proved to be a resounding yes as these gearless scooters admirably lived up to expectations, in conditions which are known to prove harsh for humans, much less machines. As Halley and Kshitij ascended further into the mountains, the air got thinner and the road got tougher. Yet, the Rodeo and the Duro valiantly soldiered on, even as their riders suffered from altitude sickness.

From rain and steep inclines uphill to boulders, and rough gravel roads that seemed to go on for miles, the Power Scooters took it all in their stride.

As Halley himself put it "they should have been battered, plastics should have shattered and tyres should have been slashed to ribbons. What actually happened was the scooters looked ready to head back without a moment's pause and it was we who felt battered and shattered."

Source: Mahindra

New Hero Honda Super Splendor: Price, Features, Specifications

Hero Honda Motors Ltd, the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the All-New Super Splendor with new value-added features to further strengthen its leadership in the deluxe segment. The all-new Super Splendor 125cc features aesthetic and technological advancements for superior performance and exceptional riding experience.

Commenting on the launch, Anil Dua, Sr. Vice-President (Marketing & Sales), Hero Honda Motors Ltd said, "The strategy of constantly updating the product portfolio has been key to the success of Hero Honda. Our Splendor range is the leading volume driver in the deluxe segment. And today, it is further bolstered by the introduction of the all-new Super Splendor. This bike caters to the changing needs of customers and offers them more contemporary styling and efficient performance. With this launch, we are confident of further strengthening our leadership position in the domestic motorcycle market."

"With consecutive months of four-lakh-plus sales since the month of May, our sales are moving at all-time-high levels. We are looking to build on this momentum with a slew of new launches leading up to the festive season." In a segment where customers seek styling, performance and higher efficiency, Super Splendor offers a perfect blend of features at an attractive value proposition.

The new Super Splendor is supported by new-age technology featuring the Honda Intelligent Ignition System (HIIS). The motorcycle also features a newly designed Carburetor and ACG for improved engine performance. The 5-step adjustable rear shock-absorber provides a smoother drive and comfort. The well-rounded, universal appeal of the all-new Super Splendor is further enhanced by its upgraded external features such as new body-art on fuel tank, new seat design, new wind screen and tail light, uniquely styled front & rear fender, and an elegantly stylized rear grab-rail that hugs the side cowls – thereby marking its unique aesthetic appeal.

The new Super Splendor (drum version with self-start) is attractively priced at Rs 45,950/- (ex-showroom Delhi). It is being made immediately available through Hero Honda's wide network of over 4200 sales and service points across the country. Hero Honda's Splendor brand was first launched in the year 1994 and since then the brand has become a legend in the motorcycle industry in the country, and indeed across the globe, surpassing a series of milestones on the way.

The Super Splendor 125cc was introduced in early 2005 with the path-breaking Quantum Core engine and enhanced features to give fuel economy even with higher engine power. Since then, the bike has been regularly upgraded to meet customers' evolving preferences and tastes.

Source: Hero Honda Motors Ltd

Maruti Launched Limited Anniversary Edition of Ritz Genus, Priced at Rs 4.52 Lacs, Ritz Genus photos

Maruti-Suzuki launched its successful hatchback Ritz's special limited anniversary edition on the completion of 1 year as "Ritz Genus". A whopping 68,130 units of Ritz sold in its first year. Ritz Genus has some exciting features like a brand new colour Emerald Blue with body coloured handles and rear view mirrors on the car.

Ritz Genus will be available as an option on the Ritz VXi (Petrol) and Ritz VDi (Diesel) models. Priced at Rs. 4,52,349 for the Vxi model and Rs. 5,31,410 for the Vdi variant.

Limited Edition Ritz Genus Features:

To be launched in a new signature colour : Emerald Blue

• Keyless entry
• Tilt steering
• Parcel tray
• Distinct Body graphics
• Rear wash and wiper
• Radio + CD player with speaker
• Body side moldings
• Dual tone dashboard

Maruti-Suzuki Launched Special Swift One Million Edition

Indias largest car maker Maruti-Suzuki celebrating the most loved hatchback of the country "Swift" for creating milestone of reaching 1 million mark with a special Swift 1 Million Edition.

The “Swift One Million Edition” shall be available in a specially created “Goldsmith Black” color with features like body graphics. Other features are special integrated stereo with USB and speakers, luxurious leather seats, cushions, foot-mats and an artistic decal on the exteriors.

The limited edition car, branded as the ‘Swift One Million Edition’ rolled out of the Company’s state-of-the-art plant at Manesar. On the Occasion Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales said,

It is indeed a moment of pride for us. Swift One Million Edition is our gesture to show gratitude to our customers who have strongly supported us in our journey to reach milestone of one million sales in one year.

The Swift One Million Edition is available in Vi version (Petrol) at a price of Rs. 483,079 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Only 1,000 units of this celebration model are being offered.