Nissan to Increase Prices of Micra and Sunny

Nissan India is all set to increase the prices of its bestselling models- the Micra and Sunny, effective from January 20, 2012. Based on the model, the hikes can go up to 2.09% and while the variants of the Micra Diesel have risen by Rs 3000, the diesel variants will be an additional Rs 20,000. The Sunny will also witness a price hike with the petrol variants becoming costlier by Rs 5000 but the diesel variants remain unchanged.

Commenting on the price hike Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, Kiminobu Tokuyama, said, “The rising input costs and depreciating rupee have left us with no option but to revisit the prices of our models in order to maintain our business momentum. We have kept in mind the customer interest and attempted a very marginal hike. We are sure that our valued customers will appreciate our efforts to give them the global quality products at affordable prices.”

Despite the change in prices the diesel variant of Sunny will remain unaffected owing to the strong demand. Sunny is a very stylish, roomy sedan that racks up the highest sales figures in Nissan India’s model line-up. Since its launch in September 2011, until December, the brand has sold 3,663 units. Nissan is expecting the diesel Sunny to sell in considerable numbers and hence has deferred a price hike.

In the recent past, there have been reports of price hikes in the auto industry. Maruti Suzuki and General Motors will also announce a hike in prices which affirms that the other auto manufacturers will soon follow suit. Auto price hikes is definitely on the cards and how it will affect the consumer, time will tell.

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Mahindra Launches Scooter Duro DZ in India Priced at Rs 42,332

Mahindra Two Wheelers is a part of the USD 14.4 billion Mahindra group. It has announced the 125 cc scooter 'Mahindra Duro DZ', priced at Rs 42,332 (ex showroom Delhi). The all new Duro DZ will be a new addition to the company's existing range of 125 cc scooters, Rodeo and Flyte that cater to different consumer segments.

Commenting on the launch, Mahindra Two Wheelers Senior V P Strategy and Market Development Viren Popli said the Mahindra Duro DZ has been designed specifically for Indian road conditions. He added, “The Duro DZ is the result of our R&D team working closely with consumers and extensive testing."

The new Mahindra Duro DZ comes loaded with:

• A powerful 125 cc engine for improved instant pick-up and multi-terrain acceleration, making it easier for you to carry loads, even on steep inclines and in tough road conditions.
• Dual Curve Digital Ignition System for superior mileage as compared to other 125 cc scooters
• Advanced Telescopic Suspension for smooth ride even on the toughest terrain.
• Superior ground clearance for enhanced maneuverability over speed breakers and rough roads with ease and comfort.
• Long wheelbase and improved braking system offering better safety & stability on the road.
•A broad halogen lamp to provide wider range and depth in visibility.
•An under seat storage capacity of 20L which is apparently one of the highest in its segment. Besides, the Duro incorporates a built in front storage.
•Rear Brake lock lever for safety & parking on inclines

The company has roped in its brand ambassador Kareena Kapoor to promote the new scooter.

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New Mahindra XUV 500 Launched in India - A Style of Its Own

Mahindra and Mahindra, India's leading auto manufacturer has launched a new wave soft-roader, the Mahindra XUV 500. The Mahindra XUV 500 SUV epitomizes style and substance and takes the Mahindra Brand to new heights. The brand new SUV is available in three variants namely W6 2wheel drive, W8 2 wheel drive and W8 AWD available in BSIV versions. The new and refined mHawk 140, Direct injection diesel engine is powerful and generates 138 bhp of power and 330 NM of torque. The 6-speed transmission delivers the ultimate blend of performance and fuel economy.

Mahindra XUV 500 offers unmatched performance, style, technology, safety and features. The aerodynamic body static-bending projector headlamps, and LED parking lamps and racing-inspired twin exhaust are the other features. It is the best when it comes to owning a completely homegrown automaker as 90% of the vehicle is tooled out of India.

This is the first time ever that Mahindra's have tried the monocoque body construction and it is bound to be well received. The XUV has been tested for nearly 24 lakh kilometers and the auto giant went through 250 prototypes before finally launching it. The most interesting part for investors is that the amortisation cycle would be shorter if the vehicle is a hit. Mahindra XUV is the first major launch after Mahindra Xylo and how it fares in the Indian market, only time will tell.

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New Hyundai Sonata Forays in the Auto Expo 2012

Hyundai launches the all new Sonata at the Auto Expo. The Sonata will have Hyundai`s fluidic design. It looks similar to first gen CLS and sweeps upward in a graceful arc from the front to the rear bootlid. The centre console looks much like the Volvo design with somewhat similar button layout and air con controls. The other features include front and rear ventilation HID xenon lamps, cruise control, paddle shift, six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, rear view camera and smart key with push button start.

Hyundai Sonata will have a boot capacity of 463 litres and there will be 6-14 per cent improvement in performance a reduction of 3-5 per cent in fuel consumption. Moreover, it will have rain sensors and a 2DINstereo. The pricing will be in the Rs 16-17 lakh bracket. The new Hyundai Sonata is based on a new platform and it will be code named GDL. Engine is a new petrol with both manual and auto transmission options. There are no diesel plans at the moment.

The Hyundai Sonata will have a 2.4 liter engine called GDI not GDL, a direct injection, 4-cylinder inline engine with the highest power in segment with a power output of 201PS at 6300rpm and a maximum torque of 25.5kgm at 4250rpm. The new Sonata will have a six-speed manual gear box. It also follows the fluidic design philosophy and derives inspiration from the orchid flower. The side profile looks impressive, very rich and luxurious. The Hyundai Sonata is aptly positioned for the premium segment.

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Tata Motors to Launch Nano CNG This Year

Tata Motors, the auto giant known for cost effective and terrain friendly vehicles is set to launch CNG version of the Tata Nano. They will enter global markets such as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia and Bangladesh. The move will be taken following a sharp rise in the price of petrol in the Indian market. The company has plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore on capacity expansion and product development activities next fiscal.

Speaking to the reporters at the Delhi Auto Expo 2012, Mr. P M Telang, Tata Motors' Managing Director, said, "Nano CNG is clearly on the cards. We plan to launch it very soon. Hopefully, we should be rolling it out this year." He added, "We might look for an appropriate car for the European market. The current Nano, as it is introduced in India, would probably have different emission and safety specifications from that of the European market. So it has to be a substantially different car."

The company is working on a different version of the Nano for launch in the European market. Telang added, "We might look for an appropriate car for the European market. The current Nano, as it is introduced in the India, would probably have different emission and safety specifications”. Talking about the expansion plans he added, "Entering into markets like Bangladesh, Myanmar and other South-East Asian countries like Thailand and Indonesia are on the cards. This is the blueprint for a year."

The all new Nano is likely to be first launched in Thailand.

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DC Design Announces Supercar Avanti At Auto Expo 2012

The much awaited super car slated for release by DC design is finally making its entry. The all new supercar is named after the Studbaker Avanti that appears in Tintin comics. Avanti means forward in Italian.

Speaking on the launch, DC Design Founder and Promoter Dilip Chhabria said: "We intend to produce 300 units of the Avanti in 2013-2014 and if all goes well, we could ramp up production to go into four figures per annum." He added, "We are extremely ecstatic to present the DC Avanti today... also as a calling card for our own capabilities, which have now progressed from mere styling in the early days to full prototyping and bespoke one-off manufacturing."

Supercar Avanti will come powered by a 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine from Ford, and eventually it will have a turbo V6 Honda engine. The 4-cylinder turbo petrol will make 265 hp, while the V6 engine will make 400 hp. The Avanti is expected to do a sub-seven second zero to hundred timing. These engines are mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission system!

The engines on offer are being tuned in the UK and shipped to India in crates and they will be installed in India. Much like the engines, most of the other components that go into the cars will be imported into the country. However, the body and interiors are being manufactured at DC's Talegaon plant in Pune.


The car was unveiled by actor and star Amitabh Bachchan. The car will be produced at the DC Design facility at Talegaon, near Pune. According to the company the proprietary parts from various car-makers will be utilized especially in the areas of the drive train and suspension of the car, which would be powered by a Ford EcoBoost 2.0-litre four-cylinder, dohc, and 16-valve engine. The cars will be available at the firm's self-owned and managed sales and service network in five major metros in the country and additional four outlets would also be opened in the 2012.

Though the bookings will start after the Auto Expo, the deliveries will begin from the last quarter of 2013.

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Bajaj Auto Unveils RE60- The Low Cost Passenger Car

Bajaj Auto Limited (BAL) announces the low cost 4 wheeler RE60. Managing Director of India's Bajaj Auto Rajiv Bajaj addresses media representatives that India’s second-largest motorbike manufacturer Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) is happy to announce the long-awaited compact passenger vehicle RE60, just two days before the start of the Delhi Auto Expo. The company, however, insisted it was not a car and was intended as a step forward for three-wheeler.

Commenting on the launch he said "We are not trying to make a car but a four wheeler meant to ferry people in cities," said Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, BAL. “It is not an incremental but dramatic improvement over a three wheeler. There are over 5 million Bajaj three wheelers in the country today. That is the market we are aiming for."

The brand new compact four-wheeler is powered by a pudgy 200cc engine that belts out around 20bhp power. The RE60 is the smallest four-wheeler ever built. Boasting of an eye-popping fuel economy of 35 kmpl, it is also environment friendly with a CO2 emission of 60 gm per kilometer, the lowest in a four wheeler anywhere in the world.

Bajaj Auto has not yet revealed the exact price but the buzz in the market is that the Bajaj RE60 is likely to be priced between Rs 125,000 and Rs 200,000. The pricing and competence will give tough competition to the Tata Nano which is the cheapest car in the world currently. Hence, going forward, Bajaj Auto could well revolutionize mass transportation in the country.

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