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| Sunday, February 04, 2007 |
| Nissan to launch Pathfinder, Titan, and Armada at Chicago Auto Show 2007 |
Pathfinder 2008. Will this new beauty from the Nissan stables help the carmaker revive its fortunes? The company is planning to roll out its 2008 Pathfinder incorporating new front and rear-end styling, bigger wheel designs and new colours.
The Pathfinder, a sport utility vehicle, will come with a 300-horsepower, and a 5.6-litre V-8 engine. Nissan North America has said it plans to show off the Pathfinder 2008, its larger sibling, the Armada, and the 2008 Titan long-wheelbase truck at the Chicago Auto Show next week.
At a news conference, Nissan officials said that the Armada also gets new front and rear styling. It also gets a new headlight and fog-light designs and a 20-inch wheels, the company officials added.
These apart, new technology upgrades include keyless ignition, enhanced surround-sound, Bluetooth and a larger eight-inch screen for an optional rear-seat entertainment system.
Meanwhile, the Titan adds a new off-road model, revised styling, a new seat design and new exterior colors, Nissan said. The new models are expected to pull Nissan out of bad times.Labels: Cars |
posted by a correspondent @ 7:07 AM   |
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| Wednesday, January 24, 2007 |
| Diesel Swift from Maruti: Maruti Swift LDi and VDi |
People have been waiting for this car for long - a diesel version of the best-selling Maruti Swift. Thankfully, this time Maruti has not done a hotch potch job like the diesel Zen of a while back. This car was planned and executed properly. Sure, the LDi and the VDi Maruti Swift versions are not going to beat the Indica diesels out of the market - but then the Indica belongs to a different segment, and in the segment which the Maruti Swift currently rules, there is no diesel at the moment. No Getz diesel, no Ford Fusion diesel, no Chevrolet Aveo diesel. Good timing, Maruti.
So what do we know about the diesel Swift so far?
Price: Rs 4.68 lakh and 4.96 lakh for the Swift LDi and VDi respectively ex-showroom Delhi. (This is the correct price. Thanks, anonymous, for pointing out the error.)
Power: 75 bhp, less than the 85 bhp of the petrol Swift, but good enough for most. And torque will be higher as is normal with diesel vehicles. 17 kgm is the expected figure.
Visually, the Maruti diesel Swift looks identical to the petrol variant.
What will be the fuel efficiency figures like? No official claims so far, and no one seems to have got a diesel Swift for a test dirve, but it was expected to be 22 kmpl under test conditions. We can expect, if that initial figure is right, a mileage of 15 kmpl in real world conditions.
It is a CRD engine, which Maruti calls DDiS.
Here is a quote from Maruti Swift website:
This next generation DDiS engine has a 16 valve cylinder head for more power and higher engine response leading to a smoother ride. Combination of Turbocharger and Intercooler for high performance. Double Over Head Camshaft (DOHC) for precise control of valves. Another first that delivers better fuel efficiency. The only engine with a Chain Drive Timing System
Sounds good. We have a feeling that this one is gonna be a winner.Labels: Cars, Maruti |
| posted by a correspondent @ 3:18 AM |
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| Tuesday, January 23, 2007 |
| Nissan Pino, Nissan's mini car is here - photo gallery, price and details |
Nissan has launched Nissan Pino, a mini car on the lines of Nissan Otti, Nissan Moco and Nissan Clipper. An easy to drive and fuel-efficient everyday small car, the Nissan Pino will be initially available only in Japan. Later, the company may roll out Pino in other countries as well.
A very practical and neat-looking mini-car, the 650-cc Nissan Pino will be available in different variants with manual and automatic transmissions, as well as in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive versions. The car has a very small turning radius of 4.1 metres compared to cars in its category. Nissan claims that the Pino has easy ingress and egress, and is designed as a 24X7, 365-day car.
With milky caramel coloured interiors, the Nissan Pino uses exclusive upholstery inside. The Nissan Pino is supplied by Suzuki as an OEM partner. The Pino has an average fuel efficiency of 21 kmpl of petrol for the two-wheel drive, 3-speed version. It has a flat luggage floor for convenience. There is no diesel Pino yet. In Japan, small cars like the Pino and its peers are eligible for several tax concessions, which may make the car attractive to price-conscious buyers.
The Nissan Pino has an anterior end with the signature Nissan grille design. This is the same grille design which also goes into the Nissan Moco and Nissan Otti. While the headlamps are sharp and clear-cut, the turn signals are round and stylish. In the rear, the Pino has clean lines running from the roof to the bumper, giving it an elegant look.
The Nissan Pino is powered by an inline three-cylinder DOHC 12-valve K6A engine. The Nissan Pino E and Nissan Pino E4 models have electronically controlled 4-speed automatic transmission, sporting optimized gear ratios. Nissan claims that the Pino is fitted with a hill ascent/descent shift control function, which will prevent unnecessary gear shifts. This, says Nissan, is based on the vehicle speed and amount of accelerator pedal depression. The Pino also has S and S-4 models, which have five-speed manual transmission.
The Pino comes shod with 155/65R13 73S tires. It is available in nine colours, including the popular Lime Green Metallic color.
The Pino's driver's seat slides front and back 240 mm. It is 16-way adjustable for maximum driver and passenger comfort. Nissan Pino has rear seats which can be folded for maximum luggage area. The E and E FOUR models have 50/50 split folding rear seat, which can be rearranged to take more luggage.
The Nissan Pino also sports what its maker calls the "green interior". The company says that the interior has anti-bacterial surfaces. It also has an interior air filter to ensure the cleanest air inside the Pino.
The mini car sports a clean speedometer, with easy-to-read display. It also has several storage spaces and compartments. The Nissan Pino E and E FOUR models have their side ventilators, shift knob button and inside door handles adorned with a silver finish, giving a refined look. The Pino has a factory-fitted audio system, including a radio and an integrated CD player, speakers and a digital clock.
Nissan says that in the four-wheel drive models of the Pino, the car is fitted with a system which automatically distributes driving force to all wheels depending on the road condition and the car's speed. SRS air bags for driver and front passenger are standard in the Nissan Pino.
Nissan Pino has a lightweight, impact-absorbing body. The car also sports an advanced brake system of Electronic Braking Force Distribution (EBD), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Brake Assist (BA). All models of Pino are certified to be ultra low-emission vehicles. The Pino's emission rates are far below what is required by law in Japan, says Nissan.
Nissan is planning to sell at least 2,500 units of Pino every month. In Japan, the price will range from 861,000 yen to 1,151,850 yen, including consumption tax. In Indian rupees, this will be equal to Rs 312,427 - Rs 417,967.
Meanwhile, Nissan is believed to be ready to roll out a small car for India from its planned India plant. The car may be co-developed with partner Renault. This may be launched in India as a B-segment hatchback. In India too, small cars are eligible for several duty benefits. Nissan is also believed to be developing a small car for emerging markets like India and Brazil. There have been recent reports that the car may be made in India and exported to the world's car markets.Labels: Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 1:07 AM |
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| Monday, January 15, 2007 |
| Made-in-India Getz |
Get an Indian Getz. If reports are to be believed , South Korean auto major Hyundai is lining up plans to completely shift the manufacturing of their Getz car to its Indian plant.
Getz is currently being rolled out of its Korea and India. With the new decision soon to come, Getz production will completely move to India. It is expected that by March 2007, the Indian facility we will start exporting the Getz to Europe from India. The, company, however has no plans to stop the manufacturing of its Santro models in the country.
Besides this, the South Korean auto giant is also mulling over manufacturing its under-development compact car, codenamed project PA in India. The PA would feature new power train and new design.
With the plans expected to be given final shape soon, Hyundai would start exporting both Getz and PA from its Indian plant. It already exports Accent and Santro from the country. Reports quoting Hyundai Motor India managing director HS Lheem said that the car maker has taken a firm decision that the PA will be produced only in India and it will be exported as well as sold domestically.Labels: Auto Industry, Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 9:55 PM |
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| Friday, January 12, 2007 |
| Maruti Swift D Diesel car price at Rs 4.5 lakh in Delhi |
Maruti Suzuki Swift D to make its debut with Fiat Multijet engineSwift LDi and VDi diesel versions launched! 24 Jan 2007 - click here!
Guess what Maruti is up to? The car maker is swiftly taking its successful Swift to a diesel make over. The company has its sights set on the ever expanding diesel car mart , say reports.
Maruti Udyog Ltd is expected to lift the wraps off its new diesel Swift in a fortnight at an aggressive ex-showroom (Delhi) price of Rs 4.5 lakh. To be christened Swift D, the car will mark Maruti’s first mega attempt at the diesel car terrain. Industry reports said that the new Swift D will be powered by a 1.3 litre Fiat multijet engine, manufactured at the company’s factory at Manesar in Haryana.
It may be pointed out here that the car manufacturer had last year discontinued its two diesel models, Zen D and Esteem D, which had imported diesel engines. But with the Manesar plant up and running, Maruti plans to make a splash in this segment.
The Swift D is said to cost higher than higher price than the current petrol models . The Swift LXi is available at Rs 3.99 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi . Dealers revealed that the Swift D which would debut in three variants by the month end will be the most fuel-efficient in its class. The price of Rs 4.5 lakh will make it the most lucrative deal in the market, they feel.Labels: Cars, Maruti |
| posted by a correspondent @ 7:01 AM |
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| Tuesday, January 09, 2007 |
| Chevrolet Camaro Convertible photo gallery |
Chevy to go convertible with Camaro, Camaro coupe in 2009
The Camaro is here, well almost. After the concept Camaro sports coupe which debuted during 2006’s auto show, Chevrolet is aiming high with a convertible.
The Detroit Auto Show is now looking at the Camaro Convertible Concept.The automaker has said that the Camaro convertible will go on sale shortly after the coupe arrives in 2009. Camaro is expected to be affordable and this is sen as giving Chevy a chance to sell a lot of Camaros.
According to technical analysts, the concept coupe and convertible will be powered by a V-8 engine. It is also being rumoured that Chevy might offer V-6s in a bid to the price down. This may be seen as copying from what Ford does with its Mustang. Analyst predict that a V-6 will start in the low $20,000 range. Mustang starts at around $20,000 for the V-6.
Camaro in fact will be the final member of a trio of new cars on which Chevy is banking heavily. First up is the redesigned 2008 Malibu due out this fall. It's built off the same platform as the Saturn Aura sedan that bowed for 2007. Malibu will be followed by a redesigned Impala and then Camaro.
While it is being forecast that Malibu could sell 200,000 units annually, the Aura might see 300,000 units. Meanwhile 100,000 Camaros are what industry experts expect.
The convertible Camaro is expected to feature a traditional softtop rather than a retractable metal hardtop. This according to the company is being done to reduce cost and retain trunk space . The convertible concept is done in the traditional orange pearl with twin gunmetal gray sport stripes.Labels: Cars, chevrolet |
| posted by a correspondent @ 10:46 PM |
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| Chevrolet Spark in India by April |
Come April, and GM will have another addition to its colourful range of beauties. The auto giant is likely to roll out its mini-car Chevrolet Spark by that time.
The Chevrolet Spark is expected to help GM to cement its place in the India auto mart with a share of at least 10 per cent by year 2010, say industry experts.
Spark will be rolled out of GM's Halol plant in Gujarat initially. The company also has plans to make the vehicles at its new plant coming up at Talegaon near Pune in Maharashtra at a later stage. GM has pumped in an investment of about Rs 1,300 crore a Talegaon.
The Talegaon plant is expected to go on stream by August 2008 and was expected to have a capacity of 140,000 units a year. The capacity expansion at the Halol plant started last year, is expected to be completed by March. GM is pushing up its capacity to 85,000 units a year from the current 65,000 units.
GM also has said that it would roll out its premium sports utility vehicle, Captiva, and a diesel version of its premium sedan Optra this year itself. Talking of year 2007, the company plans to expand its presence to 96 towns from 79 during the year and also has lined up measures to add t its number of showrooms to 214. The automaker has 95 showrooms currently.Labels: Cars, chevrolet |
| posted by a correspondent @ 10:41 PM |
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| Friday, January 05, 2007 |
| New Fiat Palio for India with better price and looks, less horsepower |
New look Palio may help Fiat India notch up better sales.
The Fiat-Tata combine’s new improved Palio is set to debut this month and is expected to prop up the fortunes of Fiat in India. The new look Palio will boast of an updated, snipped capacity powerplant. Fiat is keeping fingers crossed hoping that the new edition would help declining Palio sales look up. According to expert previews, Palio has an all-new nose attracting added attention on its double-barrelled headlamps. This apart, Fiat’s logo gets its prime position right in the centre. With the company set to replace the blue- backed badge with its old logo in red, the look is sure to attain a unque charm. The font and style of the lettering would resemble the nose of Schumacher’s Ferrari. 
Experts who had the first drive say that the lower capacity motor has 25 per cent less power than the current car’s 72bhp. However, the pulling power of the engine from low speeds is better than on the existing version, a welcome feature. The better low speed torque is in such a way that it gives a positive impact on fuel economy. The motor is from Fiat’s own FIRE (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine) family, which promises that the car would smooth and would enable free-revving. Talking of the looks , the new bumper has a unique slot in the centre for better cooling. The door shape stays the same as in the old version. The rear of the car may not seem very good to look at. However, the slab- like vertical tailgate sports a new look. With the new Palio, Fiat and Tata will look at taking this much-loved car mainstream. The expected drop in price, the expected increase in fuel economy as well as the fresh new look of the car are sure to attract customers. Meanwhile, Fiat hasn’t upgraded the car’s interiors as they are not available in right-hand drive configuration. With Fiat and Tata wanting to place the car where it is accessible to the widest audience, the Palio is sure to be up for grabs. Labels: Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 1:07 AM |
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| Tuesday, December 26, 2006 |
| Toyota to enter small car business in India |
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Many an auto maker is mulling over making their presence felt in the small car segment in India. The latest bid has come from Toyota Kirloskar Motor, which has hinted at entering small car business. The move may be seen as an attempt to boost sales to two lakh units by year 2010.
An announcement t this effect is expected from Toyota Kirloskar Motor soon. The company is in fact studying how to grow in the Indian market, and a decision would be taken at the right time.
The company’s Bidadi plant in Bangalore boasts of a capacity of 60,000 units per annum. The mall car from Toyota might be designed by Toyota group firm Dahitsu, the a major in the mini-cars scene. However, the company has not taken a final decision on whether Daihatsu or Toyota would introduce a model from their stable in the Indian market.
The Kirloskar group has 11 per cent stake in Toyota Kirloskar Motor and has investments amounting to Rs 1500 crore. Four new models are in the offing, it has been reported.
Meanwhile, a related report said that the Toyota Motor Corp plans to produce more cars overseas than in Japan for the first time ever in 2007. The Japanese behemoth would expand overseas car production to around 4.4 vehicles, up from 4 million in 2006. It may be noted that Toyota had in 2003 overtaken Ford Motor Co as the world's No. 2 automaker in annual global vehicle sales.Labels: Auto Industry, Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 2:31 AM |
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| Monday, December 25, 2006 |
| New Maruti Baleno in 2007 |
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The Maruti Baleno has always been an underrated car. Nobody wanted to buy it when it was first introduced in India, and the ridiculously high price did not help either.
Anyway, over a period of so many unsuccesful years, the price was considerably reduced and sales picked up, though it was all a bit too late. Maruti is determined not to make the same mistake wit the New Baleno.
The new Maruti Baleno will be competitively priced - that means around the price of the Hyundai Verna and lesser than the top end Honda City models.
I am a lover of the earlier Baleno though. Something in its chunky looks appeal to me, and with the right paint and trim, I prefer it lookswise to many of the more modern cars. Sadly, there were never any engine options either for the power hungry or the economy-crazed. I shall be adding more information on the new Baleno after the Christmas-New Year break and photos too. Do come back to read then.Labels: Cars, Maruti |
| posted by a correspondent @ 9:32 PM |
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| Friday, December 22, 2006 |
| India's auto sector sees a boost |
The auto mart in India seems to have evolved like never before. With vehicles carving a niche in the global market place, laurels have been pouring in from European and US automotive majors of the likes of BMW and Daimler Chrysler. The global auto manufacturers are fast recognizing and accepting the vehicles and components from India, said a report.
The government too has set its best foot forward to enable acceleration of the Indian automotive sector.
The government has emphasized that it would take all the necessary steps to make India world’s manufacturing workshop. The Centre has readied a mission plan for the automotive sector for 2006-2016 period to up turnover by four times. It is believed that the mission plan would take into consideration all the strata of the society, particularly the lower section in rural locales.
India today has the capacity to buy. With the level of disposable income on the uptrend, especially among young adults, coupled with and low EMIs, have made buying a vehicle the easiest task ever.
A recent RNCOS research report has said that the Indian automobile segment is currently one of the top auto industries in the whole of Asia, and that this sector would see a further growth with adequate support from the part of the government.Labels: Auto Industry, Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 10:35 AM |
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| Tuesday, December 19, 2006 |
| Mitsubishi iCar for India, says Reuters - price and pictures |
The Mitsubishi iCar will be produced intially in India in SKD form. 
This news was originally reported first in the Hindustan Times or by Reuters. We tried to find the original source, but with no success. Anyway. The iCar is out of this world. Take one look at the photos, and you will know. You seriously think this car can be produced and sold in India? We are not so sure. Read on to find out more about the iCar. 
First, the Mitsubishi iCar is powered by a 600 cc 3-cylinder engine. Power till be at 52 PS. Now, space age looks or not, can the iCar with a 600 cc engine be sold in India? The small cubic capacity of the engine might be a tough sell in India. On the other hand, the iCar has produces 52 PS - I think that might be more than the power produced by the Maruti Alto. The average car buyer might just get confused and give the Mitsubishi iCar the go-by. 
Then, the space age looks. There is a good chance that the iCar might be looked upon as too fragile. I don't think it is, but you know how conservative the Indian market can be. Or perhaps things have changed - the Swift looks too funky too, and it is selling well. The problem might be the price. Convert the price directly from its UK price, and you get around Rs 7,00,000. Now, no 600 cc car in India is going to be sold, space-age or not, at a price of 7 lakhs. For the Mitsubishi iCar to be a decent proposition in India, it has to be priced below 5 lakh. So what is going to happen? To begin with, the iCar story that appeared in Hindustan Times might be a misunderstanding. Perhaps, they are just planning to assemble the car in India and export it. Perhaps, Mitsubishi has an ace up its sleeve in the pricing department. Perhaps, the market might be too thrilled to have a state of the art car and might plumb for it. Who knows? For the time being, all you can do is to enjoy the pictures. So here they are. Labels: Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 11:51 PM |
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| Friday, December 15, 2006 |
| Maruti Zen Estilo pictures and price |
Waiting for news and pictures on the Maruti Zen Estilo? Good. 
So the new maruti Zen Estilo is here. I haven't seen it on the streets yet, but there is a lot of curiosity building up about it. So let us take a look at the Estilo once again. Update with more info on features and price: Build quality - okay. The car doesn't feel very solid. However, this is just an initial impression. The Estilo is definitely a good looking car though. The design is that of the 5-year old Suzuki MR Wagon, and this car truly is not a successor to the sprightly Maruti Zen. However, the overall feel is that of a sophisticated japanese car. The Zen Estilo has a cheerier interior than most cars with an abundance of beige colour, and serves to make it look a bit spacious. You get a driver's side airbag and ABS on the top-end Zen Estilo at a price of Rs 30,000 extra. The low end Zen Estilo LX comes to you from Maruti at an ex-showroom price of 3,26,000 in Mumbai. That version of the Estilo will have black bumpers and no power-steering, power windows or central locking. The Maruti Zen Estilo VXi, the top-end version, has all that plus remote entry, rear defogger, tachmometer and ABS.
The Zen Estilo engine: The Estilo has the proven engine of the Maruti Wagon R under its bonnet. We are talking 1061 cc, 64 bjp, 8.45 kgm at 3500 rpm. The engine does its duty well on the Maruti Wagon R, and it is expected to be an even better performer on the smaller and lighter Zen Estilo. Styling of the Zen Estilo: Nothing great, but its modern enough. Much more modern that the Wagon R, definitely, and better looking than the Santro Xing too. It looks a bit like a Daewoo Matiz - but remember that the Matiz was one of the best looking small cars ever produced in the world. Interiors of the Zen Estilo: Dual tone. Lots of beige. That's nice. The facia looks reasonably modern - I personally like it a lot. 
Space: You will get a lot of headroom, maybe not as much as in the Wagon R - but then maybe no one needs that much headroom. If you are broad shouldered or on the plumper side, you may feel a bit cramped though. Acceleration and top speed of the Zen Estilo: A 0-60 timing of 6 seconds or a bit more, thats quite decent for a car in this class. It will be a little bit faster that way than the Wagon R. Colours for the Zen Estilo: Purple Fusion, Champagne Beige, Virgin Blue and Olive Green. More colours expected at launch. 
Labels: Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 3:06 AM |
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| Friday, November 17, 2006 |
| Tata One lakh car is really a figment of imagination |
The car exists, yes. But it is not going to be be priced at Rs One lakh.
Calling the Rs 1 lakh price tag as figment of media's imagination, Ravi Kant said the company nevertheless considers the price point as a serious one: Business Standard
Back home in Kerala, we used to say, "Bhesh." In English, you could say, "Brilliant." Or Wah wah.
So who is the person who said these immortal lines?
"The Rs 1 lakh car is being developed by us. It will hit the road in three years," Tata group chairman Ratan Tata told PTI. Click here
"The Rs 1-lakh car is being developed by us. It will hit the road in three years," Tata group Chairman Ratan Tata said recently. Click here
Yes, I get it actually. It is not such big deal. I never believed that the Tata's low cost car is going to cost Rs One Lakh only. That is because it was never meant to cost that - the Rs one lakh figure was just an easy way to describe the potentially revolutionary car for the masses. We ourselves mentioned it in a story 3 years back; that even if you count only inflation, the One Lakh figure would go up substantially when the car is launched.
I just object to attitude - just blame the media. The media is bad and crappy and beats its wife and does not brush its teeth in the morning, we all know that. If the agencies reported Mr Tata's statement wrongly, Mr Tata too never went out of this way to correct the impression. It was convenient for everyone concerned to say the Rs 1 lakh car. Same for the media, same for Tata.
Just don't go overboard when you want to clarify it, Mr Ravi Kant. Just smile and say nicely that hey, that was an easy way for the media and sometimes us, to refer to the car. Let's not get hung up on that.
So cool, right? Just because the company chieftain is poker-faced, doesn't mean that the MD's statements should be poker-faced too.
We repeat what Borat told the feminist, "Smile a bit, pussycat."Labels: Cars |
| posted by a correspondent @ 5:18 AM |
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