Maruti Launches Ritz Genus Limited Edition in India

The countrys largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki unveils a special limited edition Maruti Ritz Genus tomorrow, to commemorate the first anniversary of Ritz model. Maruti Ritz Genus will be available as an option on the Ritz VXi (Petrol) and Ritz VDi (Diesel) models. The price of Maruti Ritz VXi will be Rs 4,54,349 (ex-showroom Delhi) and Maruti Ritz Genus VDi will be Rs. 5,31,410 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The limited edition, Maruti Ritz Genus retains the best attributes of Brand Ritz and adds several exciting features, which include: a brand new signature colour 'Emerald Blue The colour is accentuated through matching door handles and body colour rear view mirrors. Smart body graphics run all along the length to make the car distinctly appealing. Body side mouldings add character to the Genuss profile. The rear is enhanced with a back door garnish and graceful Genus decal.


The interiors are plush with a dual tone dashboard with blue-gray shades. For entertainment, the Maruti Ritz Genus is equipped with Radio and CD with speakers and tilt-adjustable steering. Other customer-friendly features include keyless entry, rear wiper-cum-washer, and a rear parcel tray.

Speaking on the occasion Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing) said, Limited Editions are our way to bring excitement to the showrooms. We have excellent experience with Limited editions in the past. While they bring in incremental sales numbers, at the same time customer response to these special models have helped us for future product development and planning. I am confident that the Maruti Ritz Genus will find great appreciation with customers for its new add-on features.

In recent years, the company has brought in `Limited Editions’ for its bestsellers like Swift, Estilo and Alto to bring vibrancy and excitement around its offerings. Maruti Suzuki Ritz, launched in May 2009, delivered the best ever first-year performance in the domestic automobile Premium A-2 segment by registering sales of a whopping 68,130 units in its first year of sales. Cumulatively, Ritz has sold over 86,400 vehicles till date.

Maruti Ritz has endeared itself to its customers for its superb fuel efficiency of 17.7 kmpl in petrol and of 21.1 kmpl in diesel, bold styling and excellent road handling.

Maruti Ritz is available in two power train options: 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K Series petrol engine with maximum power of 85 PS and the highly successful 1.3-litre, DDiS diesel unit that delivers a maximum power of 75 PS. The Ritz comes with Drive-by-wire technology in both petrol and diesel variants. This along with the 32-bit Engine Management System provides faster signal processing and quick response.

Maruti Ritz, developed on the successful Swift platform and positioned at the premium-end of the compact car market, has been specifically designed for India. Maruti Suzuki engineers worked with the Suzuki design team in Japan to co-design the car and carry out India-specific changes such as superior transmission, improved suspension and better ground clearance.

Courtesy: Maruti Suzuki India

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Bajaj to roll out new Pulsar in India in coming year

Bajaj Auto will insinuate its all new face lifted variant of Pulsar in India by next year. Bajaj Auto is achieving great high in the domestic market because of its model Discover. In India the launch of Discover 150cc bike will amplify the prosperity of the brand as stated by Rajiv Bajaj.

Bajaj Auto has plans to sell Pulsar 135cc model in the European markets. With the cooperation of KTM dealerships all across Europe the company is undertaking to market these models. Bajaj Auto owns substantial stake in the Austrian firm and has initiated super luxury bikes from KTM in India.

In Indian market Bajaj Auto wishes to surpass Hero Honda in sales to capture the number one position. Speaking on the occasion S Sridhar, president (motorcycles), Bajaj Auto states that “From the ninth position in the first quarter of 2009-10, Discover has climbed to the third position in the first quarter of 2010-11. This is a huge boost for us. Going ahead, our focus will be on the two brands — Pulsar and Discover,”

In Indonesia market Bajaj has sold Pulsar 135cc model through KTM outlets. Previous year PT Bajaj auto Indonesia scored losses and it is likely to break even by 2012.

By: Amrith K.A.

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Honda VFR1200F Road-Sport Motorcycle Arrives in India

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the 100% owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan – the world’s largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers, today launched its long awaited international Road-Sport motorcycle “VFR1200F” in the Fun bike segment.

VFR1200F - RACING & TOURING CAPABILITIES: The VFR1200 F is a clean-sheet interpretation of the ultimate road sport machine – a concept driven by extensive understanding of customer needs. VFR1200F sets a new standard in motorcycle performance that will stand as a milestone in the history of ‘Fun Biking’ in India. With its state-of-the-art technology and radical styling, VFR1200F delivers a combination of sports and touring capabilities to premium Indian customers who are actively on a look out for brands that have a high ‘FUN’ quotient.


INSPIRATION: A truly international design team of VFR1200F aimed at creating an exciting sports bike with long distance touring capabilities. Their starting point – Imagine waking up to a perfect day and deciding, impulsively, to ride 300km, effortlessly devouring highways and twisty canyon roads, just to enjoy lunch at a perfect location and then head back home. With this inspiration came forward the first sketches of this dream fun bike. Many a refinement and passionate exchanges later, VFR1200F translated from a dreamy sketch to its fascinating self.

ENGINE: The 1237cc VFR1200F is armed with the legendary fuel injected, liquid cooled, compact V4 engine. Famous for its unique “heartbeat engine” feel, the V4 engine offers unrivalled manageability, strong torque delivery and typically produces more than 90% of its maximum torque (129Nm/8,750 rpm) at 4000rpm and has a fuel tank capacity of 18.5 litres.

USPs: VFR1200F is a bike of many technological firsts. Successor to the legendary VFR800 and Honda’s CBR1100XX Super Blackbird, this will be the first bike with Honda’s revolutionary Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology. The radical engineering of the remarkably narrow cylinder heads and cylinder spacing lend more mass centralization and rider comfort; while the ergonomically designed layered fairing technology provides extra stability to VFR1200F.


The unique throttle by wire system in this fun bike ensures outstanding response & seamless acceleration across the engine''s rev range. While aiding control under intense de-acceleration is the slipper clutch, which allows the rider to stay firmly in place. The radical combination of CBS with ABS, link the benefits of ABS with the measured application of front brakes when the rear brake lever is used.

RACING: To leverage its racing capabilities, the VFR1200F utilizes the UNICAM single overhead camshaft cylinder head design and the sealed crankcase system from the world-class CRF motocrossers. Never before used on a road machine, these technologies provide electrifying throttle response and improved fuel consumption.

THE STYLE STATEMENT: A high attention to detail and quality is evident everywhere and every design element has been fine-tuned in tandem with engineering requirements. The fused cowl and body which together create a smooth, unified, aerodynamic surface. The rear design of the VFR1200F is compact and tapers upwards, emphasizing the fun bike’s lightness and dynamic shape while the tail light and rear indicators echo its frontal design. Completing the feel & sound of the bike are the triangular muffler and compact exhaust system which distinguish the raw compelling sound of V4 engine from any other motorcycle. Giving a stylish edge to the VFR1200F are the LCD readouts of fuel, coolant temperature level, Honda ignition security system (HISS) indicator, ambient temperature display and ABS indicator.

In 2010, VFR1200F makes its stylish debut in two stunning hues- Candy Prominence Red and Seal Silver Metallic. These colours have been carefully selected to emphasize the highly polished look, smooth texture and unique shapes and layers of the bodywork. The deep clear-coat finish creates a sharp, memorable profile that launches a million dreams even from a distance.

VFR1200F will be on roads by 3rd week of August, 2010. To cultivate 2-wheeler FUN market with the responsibility of safety and good service, HMSI already provides exclusive after sale services to its customers spread across India, through the highly trained staff at the two exclusive Wing World showrooms in Delhi & Mumbai.

The ex-showroom price for Delhi of VFR1200F is Rs. 1,750,000

Present at the new fun bike launch event were: Mr. Yasuke Hasegawa, Main Project Leader for VFR1200F development from Honda R&D Japan, Mr. Shinji Aoyama, CEO & President, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd., Mr. Atsushi Amataka, President Honda R&D India along with Mr N.K. Rattan, Operating Head – Sales & Marketing, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

Excerpts from Company officials- “VFR1200F is a combination of sports and touring capabilities to premium Indian customers who are actively on a look out for brands that have a high ‘FUN’ quotient. This fun bike is manufactured at the Honda’s most advanced facility & mother plant of global motorcycles – The Kumamoto factory Japan. VFR1200F is a concept driven by extensive customer needs & adoption of state-of-the-art technologies.” Mr. Shinji Aoyama, President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd

Courtesy: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd

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Renault Models To Drive Into India

Renault Motors announces its arrival in India with the saloon model 'Fluence'. Renault Fluence will be priced at Rs. 12-14 lakh and the car will compete with Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra and Chevrolet Cruze. In addition to the much awaited Fluence, Renault Dacia Duster based on Logan platform will be one of the other launches.


Renault Motors was previously associated with Mahindra and Mahindra. Following the failure of its entry level model Logan, Renault wishes to enter the Indian market independently. Renault introduced many of its models at the Delhi Auto Show 2010. The models exhibited include Renault Megane, Fluence, Koleos, Laguna and the electric car model Twizzy.

Besides the swanky cars, Renault will bring the much in news model Koleos in India. The SUV will be assembled at Renault’s plant near Chennai. Koleos will be imported as a CKD model along with Fluence, in a bid to maintain competitive pricing in the Indian market.

By: Amrith K.A.

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M&M Set To Launch Mahindra Xylo Micro Hybrid Model

Mahindra and Mahindra, the auto giant, is contemplating the launch of micro-hybrid model of its best selling SUV-Mahindra Xylo. The launch is in the wake of the growing demand for fuel efficient SUVs. Speaking on the proposed launch, Mahindra Chief, Pawan Goenka, said “The company may launch the micro-hybrid Xylo version by 2010-end”. He added “the company will be using the Reva technology for three commercial vehicles – MaXximo, Gio, and Bijlee”.


The Mahindra Xylo Micro Hybrid will be equipped with the efficient technology. It will be the third Mahindra vehicle to get the fuel amongst Mahindra’s product portfolio. The micro hybrid stops the engine when the car is idle for more than 30 seconds. However, the engine will start as soon as the driver pushes the gas pedal. This ensures optimal fuel conservation especially in congested urban traffic. The fuel saving option is currently available in its flagship SUV Scorpio and Bolero MaxiTruck.

Talking about the green drive, Pawan Goenka said that there are about 50,000 micro-hybrid vehicles from the M&M stable plying on the roads now. He also stated that the company will launch Reva NXG and NXR models in India by early 2011. One other small car that is environment friendly is Reva. The Bangalore based company is gaining popularity with the eco friendly car. M&M was in news after acquiring a 55.2% stake in Reva Electric Car Co. It was later renamed as Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicle Co with Goenka as the chairman.

By: Amrith K.A.

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Hyundai Announces Plans to Re-Launch Hyundai Elantra

Hyundai Motors India Limited is all geared up to launch the Elantra model in India. The model was phased out in 2007 owing to low sales volumes.Speaking on the launch Senior Director Y K Koo said "We are reviewing the re-launch of our Elantra in the country which will be subject to the growth in the market size of the premium segment." He added "The market for premium segment in which Elantra fits in, is just 3 per cent of total market size of cars in the country. But this market is growing.”


However, Y K Koo did not specify the timeline of the launch. The all new premium sedan model Hyundai Elantra will be priced between Rs. 20-22 lakh. The Hyundai Elantra will compete with Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic and Skoda Octavia. In addition to the re- launch of Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai will also introduce its SUV Santa Fe by October this year. Having retained a 31 percent growth from January to May 2010, it plans to increase its dealership network to 320 from present status of 290.

Hyundai i10 has emerged as the largest selling model that constitutes nearly 40-50 percent of its sales. Hyundai has plans to introduce the diesel variant of i10 by next year. Speaking about the proposed plan, HW Park, managing director and CEO of HMIL said “We have been overwhelmed by the huge response for our existing i10 model and the sales are growing. Unlike others, we want to bring in the latest technology even in our diesel versions.” In addition to the present changes, the company has decided to phase out the unprofitable Getz and focus on i20.

By: Amrith K.A.

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New Honda Accord to drive in to Indian roads in October 2011

Honda is a trusted brand in India with Honda Accord as one of the most popular luxury sedans. The current rumor doing the rounds is that the new Honda Accord will be launched in October 2010.The auto manufacturer has revamped the design and tweaked its engines. Pictures of the US edition have been leaked out.


The all new Honda Accord will have enhanced fuel economy and improved transmission. The engine ratio and aerodynamics will also be different. Apart from that, the new Honda Accord 2011 will have a new facelift with changed exterior and interior.

Rumor has it that Honda Motor's new model will be Accord SE model. It will be embedded with alloy wheels. The 8 way power driver seat, automatic headlights and Bluetooth hands free links make the automobile truly special and apt for the Indian user.

By: Amrith K.A.

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Hyundai set to launch the Hyundai Santa Fe in October 2010

Hyundai Motors Limited is looking forward to launching their new model in the Indian market. One of the new launches will be SUV model Santa Fe which will be launched in October 2010. Speaking on the launch Y K Koo, Senior Director, HMIL said “Santa Fe may be launched in the month of October and its price can be in the range of Rs 20 lakh to Rs 22 lakh which will be very competitive”.


The SUV segment in India is expanding everyday but there are very few strong contenders. The Honda CRV comes with a hefty price tag and Toyota has temporarily halted bookings for Fortuner. Besides, the Chevrolet Captiva and Ford Endeavour are extremely popular owing to their diesel engines. As the release plans are gaining momentum, Hyundai Motors Limited is likely to price the vehicle at INR 20-22 Lakhs. The high pricing has created a stir in the automobile arena as there is speculation if such a pricing can be termed “competitive”.

Hyundai India has tried to enter the SUV segment with models like Tucson and Terracan in India. However it has not been successful. The launch of Hyundai Santa Fe will be its third attempt. The auto- giant is hopeful that the initiative will prove fruitful.

By: Amrith K.A.

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Maruti Suzuki Launches Five CNG Models in India

The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, 'intelligent-Gas Port Injection' or i-GPI on five popular models. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon'ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments.

On the occasion, Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said, “‘We are happy to bring contemporary CNG technology to the Indian customer. We are confident customers would value our i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly. Adapting the CNG technology in our vehicles is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers.”


Shinzo Nakanishi Managing Director & CEO Maruti Suzuki India said, “The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India. Compressed Natural Gas is environment friendly and also reduce country's dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki's big ticket entry into CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment.”

Peppy and responsive 'intelligent-GPI technology'
The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.

Service support across the country
As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.

The simultaneous launch of five CNG vehicles with the same contemporary technology demonstrates the company's intent and future readiness to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in large numbers.

Steps in Environment care
Maruti Suzuki has the distinction of introducing a host of environment friendly programmes ahead of government regulations and the industry. This includes implementing End of Life Vehicle (ELV) programme ¿ where harmful elements like Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and Mercury are not used in making vehicles. Maruti Suzuki produced the first BS-IV and E-10 compliant engines much ahead of regulations coming to force in the country. Developing a factory-fitted CNG engine is another effort by the Company to contribute to a clean environment.


Technology up
The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company's range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers.

In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. This highly reliable system delivers accurate amounts of gas to the engine thus ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions.

The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.

While working on the new CNG technology, Maruti Suzuki engineers focused on critical aspects of safety, reliability and performance.

CNG for the future
Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government's aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki's launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India.

The Ex-showroom Delhi price (Rs Lakh) of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles is as under
Alto Lxi - 3.23, Eeco 5-seater Ac - 3.64, SX4 Vxi - 7.47, WagonR Lxi - 4.11, Estilo Lxi - 4.05

Source: Maruti Suzuki India

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Maruti To Launch Maruti Suzuki SX4 Limited Edition

Maruti Suzuki will launch a limited edition of Maruti Suzuki SX4. Maruti Suzuki is one of the most trusted brands in India and the Maruti Suzuki SX4 was first launched in 2007. The revamped version will be launched with a facelift and a slightly higher price tag. The initiative is undertaken in a bid to boost sales and entice new customers.

The existing model is already Bharat Stage IV compliant. It is also equipped with Variable Valve Timing with option of a four-speed automatic transmission. The Maruti Suzuki SX4 Limited Edition will have upgraded features like new chrome decals, parking sensors, bootlid spoilers and OVRM's. Besides, the interiors will be spectacular with leather covers and reading light.

Equipped with impressive features, the new Maruti Suzuki SX4 Limited Edition will compete with models like Chevrolet Aveo, Honda City, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Verna. The premium sedan is apt for customers that look for class and sophistication. Priced at Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000 higher than its existing variant, the all new Maruti Suzuki SX4 Limited Edition is set to take users and automobile aficionados by storm.

By: Amrith K.A.

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