Mar 31, 2009


Fiat Linea wins 'Car of the year' & 'Midsize car of the year' award

Fiat India Automobiles Limited turned a new leaf with the stylish Fiat Linea winning the 'Car of the year' award by UTVi Autocar. The Fiat Linea was also awarded the 'Midsize car of the year' by both UTVi Autocar and CNBC Overdrive.

Fiat Linea IndiaFiat Linea battled the exhaustive list of parameters and was chosen as 'the outstanding contenders' among many other top contenders. The Fiat Linea came out victorious among tough competitors like the New Honda City, Maruti Swift Dzire, Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20, Toyota Corolla Altis and many more for the most awaited and acclaimed awards of the year organised by the leading Indian automotive magazines.

Fiat Linea IndiaThis has been one of the biggest milestones achieved by Fiat in India and the success is well deserved. The Fiat Linea is equipped with sophisticated features in its segment, has certainly raised the bar for the mid-segment in India. The Fiat Linea added one more feather to its cap when it was selected as the ‘BBC TopGear Best Mid-size Saloon 2008’ award by TopGear.

Fiat Linea IndiaOn the receipt of the awards Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd said, "The awards are recognition of the joint effort put in by teams at Ranjangaon Plant, support departments at Turin and Tata Motors in Mumbai. They have worked relentlessly to bring this Italian Masterpiece on Indian Roads".

Fiat Linea IndiaCourtesy: Fiat India Automobiles Limited


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Mar 27, 2009


Honda India to Launch New Honda Activa Deluxe Soon

One of the forerunners in the two wheeler industry, Honda India is all geared up to roll out its two new variants, Honda Activa and Honda Activa Deluxe soon.

Honda Activa Deluxe
This is obviously good news for all Honda Activa fans, as the new Honda Activa variants not only comes with better look but with a newer engine of the Honda Aviator.

Honda Activa Deluxe
However, the variomatic transmission would be carried forward from the current Honda Activa.

On the other hand, the Honda Activa Deluxe would be the top end version of new Honda Activa and would launched with new and additional features.

Honda Activa Deluxe
HMSI (Honda Motorcycles and Scooters Limited) is also planning to launch a mass market vehicle in the current fiscal year (2008-09), but Honda has not disclosed any information about it.

Mar 26, 2009


Mitsubishi Montero 2009 launched in India by Hindustan Motors

Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi Cars India have launched their premium SUV the Mitsubishi Montero 2009 here today. The Mitsubishi Montero 2009 is a crowned Dakar rally winner for an unprecedented twelve times. The Mitsubishi Montero was launched by Mr. R. Santhanam, Managing Director, Hindustan Motors Ltd. Also present at the launch were Mr. Y.V.S Vijay Kumar, Executive Vice-President and SBU Head – Chennai Car Plant, Hindustan Motors Ltd. and other company officials.


The exterior of the Mitsubishi Montero 2009 comes with a refreshingly new chrome-plated front grill making it even more appealing than ever before. This vehicle also has a new seven spoke 17" light alloy wheels which enhances its overall sporty image. The Mitsubishi Montero 2009 is fitted with Yokahama tubeless radials which enables it to cross rocks, mud, snow and river with ease and is capable of extreme off-roading.

The launch of Mitsubishi Montero 2009 coincides with HM-Mitsubishi's inauguration of their second fully-owned showroom – "Autodrome" in Mumbai. The showroom, which opened for business in the Atria Mall, Worli, Mumbai incorporates Mitsubishi Motor’s key retail-design elements.

Mr. Santhanam said: "Mumbai has been one of our fastest-growing markets over the past few years. Bringing Mitsubishi Motor's to Worli is a logical response to that development. In order to build a sustainable, successful business, you have to be present in a market. It is important that we remain committed to our ambitious expansion plans."

Santhanam added that Mitsubishi Motors India has come to Atria Mall to meet the rising demand for HM- Mitsubishi's luxury vehicles.

This showroom is located in the ground floor of the plush Atria Mall in Mumbai's business district of Worli and is well connected with other parts of the city. It will showcase only the top-of-the-line products of Mitsubishi Motors for its upwardly-mobile customers.

The Mitsubishi Montero 2009 is available in both automatic as well as manual transmission version and comes in six exhilarating colours. Black Mica, Deep Blue Mica, Sophia White have beige leather interiors which gives it a warm and elegant appeal. Platinum Beige Metallic, Cool Silver Metallic and Red Metallic have black leather interiors giving a cool sporty look. The Manual Transmission (MT) comes in Cool Silver Metallic and Sophia White while the Automatic Transmission (AT) is available in all six sparkling colours.

HM-Mitsubishi's philosophy of "One Country-One Price" has led to the pricing of both AT and MT versions of Mitsubishi Montero 09 to Rs 41.94 lakhs ex-showroom. The vehicle comes as Completely Built Unit (CBU) and is imported directly from Mitsubishi Motors, Japan.

Mitsubishi Montero 2009 – Highlights:

* 3.2 litre, Turbo Charged intercooled diesel
- Peak Power – 164.5 Ps
- Torque – 383 Nm

* Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi)

* Automatic Transmission & 5-Speed Manual transmission

* Super Select 4WD (SS4-II)

* All wheel Independent suspension system

* Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC)

* Monocoque design body construction

* Superior off-road capabilities
- Approach angle: 36.6-degrees
- Break over angle: 22.5-degrees
- Departure angle: 25-degrees.
- Maximum Climbing ability: 35-degrees
- Wading depth: 700 mm
- Maximum angle of Inclination: 45-degrees

* Cruise control

* Dual SRS airbags

* Front Side airbags and 2 Curtain Airbags

* Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body design

* Engine Immobilizer

* 3-Point ELR seat belts with Pre tensioners

* ABS with EBD

* Front disc brakes with 4-pot callipers

* 7 Spoke 17" Alloy wheels and Yokohama tubeless radials

* Premium Leather interiors – Beige & Black leather

* Multi Information Display

* Rockford Acoustic Design Premium Sound System
- 860 Watt, 12 Speakers
- 5.1 Channel theatre surround
- In dash 6 CD changer
- Audio control in steering

Source: Hindustan Motors Limited

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Mar 25, 2009


Honda Cars to Launch "Honda Jazz" in India by Mid 2009


Honda announced yesterday that it would launch its new hatchback 'Jazz' in India in mid-2009. According to Masahiro Takedagawa, president and chief executive officer, Honda Siel Cars India, "Honda Jazz is a premium hatchback and the company does not expect that it will overcome the sales numbers of the Honda City sedan in India."

The Honda Jazz will be powered by a 1.2-litre intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control (i-VTEC) petrol engine. The premium hatchback will have 70 per cent local content initially, which will be scaled up in phases.

Based on the Honda City platform, the 5-door compact car is speculated to be priced above Rs 4.5 lakh, and would be rolled out from the company's Greater Noida facility. Once launched, it will be pitted against other super-hatches like Skoda Fabia, Maruti Suzuki Swift, Ford Fusion and Hyundai i20, and the yet-to-be-launched Fiat Grand Punto in the Indian market.

It is widely believed that Honda Jazz is coming in early in view of the importance of small cars in India and the enthusiastic response to the car at the January 2008 Auto Expo in Delhi. However, pricing may be a problem, as it is priced higher than the Honda City in foreign markets, but this may not be possible in India.

Takedagawa said the Honda Jazz will be a premium segment hatchback with an engine specifically made for the Indian market. This will be Honda's first small car for the domestic market, which means that under government specifications, it must be less than 4-m long, with maximum engine capacity of 1.2 litres and 1.5 litres for the petrol and diesel versions respectively.

Honda Jazz gets the premium tag due to the company's focus on luxury and safety by adding features like airbags, active headrests, pre-tensioner seat belts, ABS, and G-CON Technology (an advanced passive shield that offers extra protection in an accident). Honda India believes that customers would be willing to pay for the additional features.

Source: domain-b.com

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Mar 23, 2009


The Tata Nano Arrives: People's Car for India

Tata Motors today announced the commercial launch of the Tata Nano, keenly awaited across India since its unveiling on January 10, 2008. The Tata Nano is BS-III* compliant and comes with an all-new 2-cylinder aluminium MPFI 624 cc petrol engine mated to a four-speed gear box and will be available in three variants. The cars will be on display across the country at Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships and other select authorized outlets from April 1st.


Speaking at a Press Conference, the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, said, "The Nano represents the spirit of breaking conventional barriers. From the drawing board to its commercial launch, the concept, development and productionisation of the car has overcome several challenges. It is to the credit of the team at Tata Motors that a car once thought impossible by the world is now a reality. I hope it will provide safe, affordable, four-wheel transportation to families who till now have not been able to own a car. We are delighted in presenting the Tata Nano to India and the world."

The Tata Nano is currently being manufactured at the company's Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in limited numbers. The new dedicated plant, at Sanand in Gujarat, will be ready in 2010 with an annualized capacity of 350,000 cars.

THE THREE VARIANTS
The Tata Nano offers an incredibly spacious passenger compartment which can comfortably seat four adults. With a length of just 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, the Tata Nano has the smallest exterior footprint for a car in India but is 21% more spacious than the smallest car available today. A high seating position makes ingress and egress easy. Its small size coupled with a turning radius of just 4 metres, makes it extremely manoeuvrable in the smallest of parking slots.

The three trim levels and their key features available at launch are:

Tata Nano Standard (BSII* and BSIII*): The standard version, in three color options, single-tone seats, and fold-down rear seat;

Tata Nano CX (BSII* and BSIII*): In five color options, with heating and air-conditioning (HVAC), two-tone seats, parcel shelf, booster-assisted brakes, fold-down rear seat with nap rest;

Tata Nano LX (BSIII*): With the features of CX plus complete fabric seats, central locking, front power windows, body colored exteriors in three premium colours, fog lamps, electronic trip meter, cup holder in front console, mobile charger point, and rear spoiler. Many of these features are not available on current entry-level small cars in the country.

PERFORMANCE & SPECIFICATIONS
Performance: The 2-cylinder engine - delivering 35 PS @ 5250 rpm and a torque of 48 Nm @ 3000 rpm - enables the car to have a top speed of 105 kmph and negotiate inclines with a grade-ability of 30%.

Fuel efficiency: 23.6 km/litre, certified by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) under mandated test conditions, which is the highest for any petrol car in India.

Emission: The high fuel efficiency, coupled with a low kerb weight of 600 kg, ensures that the Tata Nano - at 101 gm / km – has the lowest CO2 emission amongst cars in India. The Tata Nano is BS-III* compliant and is BS-IV* ready. It is also available in BS-II* norms.

Safety: The Tata Nano's safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements - it passes the roll-over test and offset impact, which are not regulated in India. It has an all sheet-metal body, reinforced passenger compartment, crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, besides mandatory seat belts and complies fully with existing Indian safety standards. Tubeless tyres - among which the rear ones are wider endowing extra stability - enhance safety.

Warranty: 18 months or 24,000 km, whichever is earlier.


THE BOOKING PROCESS
In view of the expected significant demand and limited production capacity initially until the Sanand plant is fully ramped up to capacity, the Tata Nano will be available through a booking mode.

Tata Motors has entered into an exclusive agreement with the State Bank of India to manage the booking process.

The sale of application forms and acceptance of booking will start from April 9th 2009 till the end of day April 25th 2009. The application forms will be available at a price of Rs. 300, with a range of offers from select associate Tata Group companies. The application forms will be available at over 30,000 locations in about 1,000 cities through Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships, State Bank of India and its branches, its subsidiaries and associates, other preferred financiers, and outlets of Westside, Croma, 'World of Titan' and Tata Indicom exclusive stores.

After collecting the forms, customers have two options. They can either pay the entire booking amount themselves or seek financing of the booking amount.

For those who seek financing, Tata Motors has entered into agreements with 15 preferred banks/NBFCs for the Tata Nano booking loan product. The booking product offered by these banks will enable a Tata Nano to be booked by paying an amount starting Rs. 2999/- only. Their chosen financier will directly submit their application forms to the State Bank of India on their behalf.

Those, who choose to themselves pay their entire booking amount, can submit their application forms to State Bank of India through 1,350 notified branches in 850 cites, and also at Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships, Westside and Croma outlets. Option to submit bookings online is available at www.tatanano.com.

Within 60 days of the closure of bookings, Tata Motors will process and announce the allotment of 100,000 cars in the first phase of deliveries, through a computerized random selection procedure. These 100,000 allotments will be price protected for the launch prices till delivery of the cars but the booking amounts will not bear any interest for the customers. Deliveries will commence from July 2009.

Applicants have the option to retain their booking deposit, even if they do not get allotment in the first phase. Those who choose this option will be eligible for interest on their deposit, effective from the date of announcement of allotment of the second phase, at a rate of 8.5% for retention period between one year to two year and 8.75% for a retention period of more than 2 years. Allotment of retainees will be simultaneously communicated, along with the allotment of the first 100,000 cars.

PREFERRED FINANCIERS
Tata Motors has entered into agreements with 15 preferred banks/NBFCs for the Tata Nano booking loan product. The preferred financial institutions are: State Bank of India, Tata Motor Finance, State Bank of Patiala, ICICI Bank, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Hyderabad, State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Indore, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, Federal Bank, Corporation Bank, Indian Bank, and the Central Bank of India. The updated list and details are available at www.tatanano.com.

MERCHANDISE & ACCESSORIES
The Tata Nano comes with an attractive range of accessories and merchandise. The range of merchandise includes a Nano phone, Nano watch, T-Shirts, etc. and will be made available online at www.tatanano.com as well at all Tata Motors Passenger Car dealerships, Westside & Croma outlets. Tata Indicom will also market the Nano phone and Titan the Nano watch.

Accessories include alloy wheels, body kits, decals etc., to customize the Tata Nano to individual tastes. Details are available at www.tatanano.com.

Tata Nano Ex-showroom
Prices:

The prices of the three trim levels of the Tata Nano launched today are:

Trim level/ Variant

Ex Showroom Pant

Ex Showroom

Ex Showroom


Nagar (Rs)

Delhi ( Rs)

Mumbai ( Rs)

Tata Nano Std (BS2 )

112735

NA

NA

Tata Nano Std (BS3 )

120960

123360

134250

Tata Nano CX Solid Paint (BS2)

139780

NA

NA

Tata Nano CX Metallic Paint (BS2)

142780

NA

NA

Tata Nano CX Solid Paint (BS3)

145725

148360

160320

Tata Nano CX Metallic Paint (BS3)

148725

151360

163320

Tata Nano LX Metallic Paint (BS3)

170335

172360

185375

The booking amount of the three trim levels will be the same across the country as follows:

Trim level /Variant

Booking amount (Rs)

Tata Nano Std. ( BS2 and BS3)

95000

Tata Nano CX ( BS2 & BS3)

120000

Tata Nano LX ( BS3)

140000


*Note to editors: BS II, BS III and BS IV are the India mandatory norms for Nitrogen Oxides, Hydrocarbons, Carbon Monoxide and particulates. These norms are substantially aligned with the European norms Euro II, Euro III and Euro IV; the main difference is that the peak speed in the extra urban driving cycle is 90 km/h in India and 120 km/h in Europe.

Source: Tata Motors Limited

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Yamaha Gladiator in New Color: Red Hot Redefineda

Riding the wave of sports biking and adding more zing to its portfolio, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd has introduced Yamaha Gladiator Type SS (Sports & Stylish) in red color now. Packed with the advantages of 4-stroke, 125 cc, 11 PS, 5-speed bike; the Stylish and Sporty Yamaha Gladiator is a unique combination of sports biking and style.

Yamaha Gladiator Type SSYamaha's race-bred technology enhances the convenience in riding, agile cornering and precise braking like no other bike can. Added to this, the Yamaha Gladiator has been designed for substantial and overall improvement in running performance, overall sporty design and product reliability with added features and advantages of practical functionality of commuting bikes, such as fuel economy and cost effectiveness.

The Yamaha Gladiator showcases benchmark 125cc styling, refinement and a free-revving 11 bhp engine with Yamaha Throttle Position Sensor (YTPS) that delivers stupendous standing acceleration. 5 speed gearbox allows the rider to make the most of a wide power band to experience excellent performance in both around-town and high-speed riding. With the Aerodynamic racy under-cowl, Yamaha Gladiator is ergonomically designed. Sporty Tachometer, Lowered front cowl, Lightweight Aluminum wheels and powered front Disc Brakes gives it a dynamic yet sophisticated demeanor.

The Yamaha Gladiator Type SS is priced at Rs 46,600/- (ex-showroom, All India)

With the Yamaha signature all over, the Gladiator is an extremely well built, stylish and promises to be the best bike in its class.

Source: Yahama Motor India

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Mar 17, 2009


New Skoda Superb: 7 Key Innovations of the Car

1) The Engine: The all new Skoda Superb's 1.8 TSI engine with an output of 118 KW powers the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/hr in 8.5 seconds. The direct fuel injection technology guarantees low consumption as well as emission.

2) Automatic 7-speed DSG: The 1.8 TSI petrol engine in the all new Skoda Superb comes with a 7-speed DSG Automatic gearbox and includes a sports mode - introduced for the first time in India. The paddle shift is an additional feature which comes as a standard option.

3) The Twin Door Concept: The unique, patented "twin door" variable boot opening offers an extremely practical, functional and well thought out solution. The all new Skoda Superb's tailgate places practically no limits on what can be transported and can accommodate 1670 liters of luggage when folded forward - the largest in its class.

4) Safety Airbags: There are 8 airbags on board the all new Skoda Superb. Two front and side airbags as well as head airbags at the front and back provide all-round protection. ESP & ABS with brake assistant are part of the standard equipment. The Hill hold control: Prevents the car from rolling backwards when the brake is released.

5) Intelligent lighting: AFS (Adaptive Front Light System) improves visibility, adapting to the driving conditions and enabling the driver to recognize obstacles in the road sooner and react quicker. AFS is combined with Bi-xenon headlights in the new Skoda Superb. Skoda Auto is the first brand within the VW Group to provide AFS with this extended range of functions.

6) Design & Technology: The appearance of the all new Skoda Superb is striking in its form. The elegant and timeless body contours, rear-deck spoiler, double exhaust tail pipe, and chrome trims on the exterior as well for the interior are all eye-catching features. The center console houses a touch screen display for controlling air conditioning, audio as well as park assist functions. Intelligent LED illumination systems and front fog lights with Corner Function reveal the thought - where design meets functionality.

7) Space: The interior, with its finely tuned mix of chrome, wood décor and leather reflect excellent workmanship and status. The interior leg room and head room in the all new Skoda Superb is definitely the largest compared to any other luxury limousine on the roads. The presence of abundant storage spaces and compartments offer convenience, function and comfort. The all new Skoda Superb is supported by a shorter wheelbase compared to the previous generation Skoda Superb but its extraordinary design provides even more roominess.

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Mar 14, 2009


Top 5 Fastest Bikes in the World

Here is the brand new list of the top 5 fastest bikes in the World! Includes the BMW K1200S, Ducati 1098s, Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille, Yamaha YZF R1 and the Honda CBR 1100XX!

5. BMW K1200S 167 mhh (268 km/h)


With enough raw power to shock even the most seasoned adrenaline junky, the BMW K1200S hurls you from a dead stop to sixty mph in just 2.8 seconds. Once you're over the whiplash, you'll keep climbing, topping out at speeds that run neck-and-neck with the fastest production motorcycles in the world.


4. Ducati 1098s 169 mph (271 km/h)
The Ducati 1098 is a 1099 cc L-twin sport bike manufactured by Ducati. It was announced on November 8, 2006 for the 2007 model year and replaces the 999. The 1098 makes a manufacturer claimed 160 horsepower, 90.4 ft-lb torque, and weighs 173kg. These figures gives the 1098 the highest torque-to-weight ratio of any production sport bike ever made.


3. Aprilia RSV 1000R Mille 175mph (281 km/h)


The RSV Mille and limited-edition RSV Mille Factory are high performance V-twin powered motorcycles made by Aprilia with a 143 HP 998 cc engine built by the Austrian company Rotax. For 2006, the RSV Mille Factory won the Maxisport category for Masterbike 2006 and overall Masterbike of the year.


2. Yamaha YZF R1 176mph (283 km/h)

The Yamaha YZF-R1 motor-bike, introduced in 1998, was the first significant motor-bike in the true litre class (1,000 cc) "handling arms race" between the Japanese Big Four motorcycle manufacturers (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki & Yamaha). When introduced, Yamaha YZF-R1 motor-bike took the class closer to a true racing motor-bike, and increased the handling capabilities.


1. Honda CBR 1100XX Super Blackbird 178mph (286 km/h)

Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird is a sport-touring motor-bike built by Honda Bikes. Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird combines big engine power, easy operational error-tolerance with touring comfort. The Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird production started in 1997 and the last year of production was 2006. The Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird was the result of Honda's attempt to build the world's fastest bike, stealing the crown from Kawasaki.



Source: funonthenet.in

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Mar 13, 2009


SkodaAuto India Launches All New Skoda Superb in India

Skoda India, a fully owned subsidiary of Skoda Auto a.s. Czech Republic (Volkswagen Group), one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe, launched the all new Skoda Superb in India at the hands of Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India. With the launch of the new Skoda Superb in India, the company is set to further strengthen its position in the premium segment through incremental sales volume.

Skoda Superb in IndiaWith this, SkodaAuto India aims at meeting requirements of the Indian Market with innovative luxury, designed to satisfy the customer's desire for perfection. Through the distinctive, individualistic and exceptional design of the new Skoda Superb, Skoda wishes to give their Indian customers a 7 star experience on wheels. The model compliments the value added features associated with the brand i.e. commitment to quality, luxury, safety and advanced technology.

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales & Marketing, SkodaAuto India said, "When we launch new products, we not only focus on giving more choices to our customers but also offer them a new experience coupled with world-class technology. And with the all new Skoda Superb, we intend to give a 7 star experience to our customers. Further, keeping in mind the demand of our cars in India, we expect to sell more than 1000 units of the car by year end."

New Skoda SuperbWhile explaining the features of new car "Skoda Superb", Mr. Kuehl said, "The new Skoda Superb has got the best in class fuel efficiency and is equipped with advanced styling, luxurious wood, chrome and leather interiors, enhanced comfort and safety in addition to its time-tested quality and reliability. With features like the Electric Sunroof , 16" alloy wheels, Parktronic - front and rear park distance control, the patented Twindoor Technology and 565 litres luggage compartment, the car will be available in TSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection) petrol engine."

Available in an aesthetic array of colors - Black Magic, Rosso Brunello, Cappuccino Beige, Diamond Silver & Candy White, the price range of the Skoda Superb would be as below:

Ex-showroom Delhi - Rs 18,88,743/- Ex-showroom Maharashtra - Rs18,40,001/- Ex-showroom Kolkata - Rs 19,05,722/- Ex-showroom Chennai - Rs18,84,498/-

Globally, the Skoda Superb has bagged a bunch of prestigious awards in 2008 like the 2008 Golden Steering Wheel (Goldenes Lenkrad) organized by the German-based magazine Bild am Sonntag and the Großen Osterreichischen Automobil-Preis organised by ARBÖ every year, where Experts, VIPs and thousands of readers selected the best and most popular vehicles of 2008 from altogether 36 candidates for the year. The car has done Skoda proud with other awards by being claimed the Car of the Year in Czech Republic, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Russia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. It has also been awarded the Most Beautiful Car at Motorshow Katowice, Poland; the Best Company Car in Croatia and the Auto Trophy (Upper class) in Germany.

About Skoda India:
Skoda has been operating in India since November 2001 as a subsidiary of SkodaAuto a. s. Czech Republic (Volkswagen Group), one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe. Skoda has set up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shendra near Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The facility is spread across 300,000 sq. mt. Skoda India has 4 models on sale in India - Skoda Superb, Skoda Octavia, Skoda Laura and Skoda Fabia. Skoda Auto India has a network of 60 dealerships across the country and has sold over 65,000 units since November 2001.

Skoda Auto India Official Website: www.skoda-auto.co.in

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Mar 9, 2009


Skoda India to unveil 3 Skoda Fabia variants

Skoda Auto India, part of Europe's largest-carmaker Volkswagen, will launch three new variants of its flagship hatchback Skoda Fabia, including a new sports model this year, a top company executive of Skoa Auto India said, reports Chanchal Pal Chauhan.

The new sports car, Skoda Fabia Sportline, will have newly-designed interiors and alloy wheels. Skoda Fabia will be fired by a powerful 1800-cc engine to cater to the growing demand for sports vehicles. The existing Skoda Fabia range comes with 1200-1600 cc engine capacity.

"We will launch multiple variants of the Skoda Fabia to leverage on its popularity. We will introduce Skoda Fabia Combi (estate version) and the tallboy Roomster models to consolidate the brand in the Indian market. We will also showcase the Fabia Rally car, though it will not be available for retail sale," Skoda's head (sales and marketing) Thomas Kuehl said.

Skoda, the maker of premium cars, is among the few auto makers whose sales have increased in the domestic market when total auto sales have declined due to the financial meltdown. Its sales grew 22% to 11,309 cars in the April-December period. Fabia is its largest selling brand and the company sold over 7,000 cars in 2008, the first year of its launch.

Currently, Skoda Fabia is assembled at Skoda's Aurangabad facility that will move to Volkswagen's upcoming plant at Pune in Maharashtra in April-May. Skoda will also launch the next generation models of sedans Superb and Laura in the next few months.

"We have finalised plans to launch the next generation Skoda Superb in India and the new Skoda Laura will hit the market in the middle of 2009. We want to remain the segment leader in the Rs 10-25 lakh bracket," Mr Kuehl said.

Skoda India will also venture into the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of its Yeti model in early 2010, expected to be priced around Rs 10 lakh. It will expand its dealership network to 60 this year. In a bid to augment spare part supplies from its European facilities, Skoda has set up a warehouse at Aurangabad at an investment of Rs 12 crore.

Source: economictimes.indiatimes.com

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Mar 6, 2009


Mighty, Muscular Scorpio: New Model Launched by Mahindra & Mahindra

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), the undisputed market leader in utility vehicles, today unveiled the New, Mighty Muscular Scorpio which is also the first product in India to offer a BS-IV compliant version. The Scorpio features the technologically advanced mHawk engine and also incorporates Mahindra’s revolutionary Micro Hybrid technology. The Scorpio’s new, mighty, muscular look will now be available across all variants.

The New, Mighty Muscular Scorpio powered by the advanced mHawk engine starts at an attractive Rs. 7.21 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

"The Scorpio's strong value proposition lies in its versatility, its ability to morph and mould itself according to the changing template of customer needs. The new Scorpio remains a true blue Mahindra vehicle at heart and with its macho, stylish looks and amazing go-anywhere capability, it will further enhance our domination of the UV market," Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

"Mahindra's ingenious approach to driving efficiencies and costs have enabled us to provide additional customer value up to Rs. 70,000/-. The New Scorpio has the ability to expand the market and to appeal to a new set of customers," said Mr. Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief of Operations, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

"We are especially pleased to be the first company to launch a BS-IV compliant version in India, more than a year before it becomes mandatory. We are also delighted to introduce Mahindra's revolutionary Micro Hybrid technology on the Scorpio VLX with mHawk," said Mr. Rajan Wadhera, Chief of Engineering & Development, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

What's New: Front grille, headlights, bonnet scoop, fog lamps, bumpers, embossed side cladding, door handles, rear integrated footstep, seats, upholstery, powered ORVMs, 2-Din audio system, gear knob, parking brake, digital immobiliser.

By: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

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The Car
Racing Cars
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Mar 4, 2009


Yamaha India Launches Yamaha Street Fighter FZ-S

Riding the grand success of its muscular and hottest-looking Yamaha FZ16 while shattering all cliches in biking, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd. has introduced the Stylish Macho Street Fighter - Yamaha FZ-S.

Yamaha Street Fighter FZ-SYamaha FZ-S highlights the style quotient and has more flesh to flaunt with purely European international design like new colours & graphics, aerodynamic chiseled windshield, stylish & sporty carbon pattern meter consol, and more aggressive looking headlight. The all new Yamaha FZ-S is for stylish and attention seeking Macho man.

Yamaha FZ-S scores high in looks not only in its segment but beyond and is designed to satiate the need for style and fashion by riders. Etched with style and geared to today's fashion conscious customers, Yamaha FZ-S is a fusion of machismo and fashion.

Standing head and shoulders above the bikes in 150cc segment, Yamaha FZ 16 has revolutionized the biking scene in India in a short span of its launch. It has bagged the prestigious Bike of the Year Award from UTVi / Autocar, Zigwheels and Business Standard Motoring and Viewers Choice award at UTVi & Autocar India Awards 2009.

Yamaha FZ-S overflows with dynamism and originality. The running performance brims with thrust that overpowers all others with its unprecedented torque. Dubbed as "Lord of the Streets," Yamaha FZ-S is designed and engineered with the potential for active and even aggressive enjoyment of around-town street riding and styling that brings pride of ownership and makes any rider look like they own the road.

With the Triple Macho concept projecting the Muscular silhouette, muscular body parts and muscular chassis, Yamaha FZ-S is an object de'art on the street and reflects visual expression of performance.

Source: Yamaha Motors India

Related Books:
Yamaha Yzf-R6 Repair Manual
Clymer Yamaha Fz1 2001-2005
Haynes Yamaha XVS650 & 1100 '97 to '05

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