Ford Ikon scores highest in the entry mid-size segment

Ford's entry-level sedan the Ford Ikon scored highest in the entry mid-size segment according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2009 India Initial Quality Study SM (IQS). Ford Ikon is the clear winner in its segment scoring 90 PP100 in this J.D. Power study while the industry scores averaging at 123 PP 100 in the entry mid-size segment for Overall New -Vehicle Quality in India.

Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India, commenting on this commendable achievement told that the results speak for itself. It’s about a quantum leap in quality that companies vehicles demonstrate and their laser-focus and commitment to produce world-class quality vehicles for this market that exceed customer expectations.

Both the Ford Ikon and the Ford Endeavour earlier this year had won top scores for 2009 J.D Power Vehicle Dependability in the entry midsize and SUV segment respectively. The Ford Ikon has been ranked No. 1 and much stronger in the initial vehicle quality as compared to the Maruti Swift Dzire and Tata Indigo in the entry mid-size segment. The much awaited cars in India are Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X and Volkswagen Beetle.

Ford to be Launched new Ford Fiesta before LA Auto Show

Ford Auto company has recently launched a limited edition of Ford Fiesta , the model was completely sold out during the launch period. Ford Fiesta is a extremely -successful in entry-level sedan segment models in India. New Ford Fiesta is being launched in the international market soon. New model is now available in the informer preview. Ford Fiesta 2011 model will be available as a sedan and in addition to hatchback model in the US Market. In North America, it's considered to be small car. The new upcoming model with new design and style will lose, because it's not same to European styling, also with the new images of 2011 of Fiesta, according to auto industry experts. But minor changes in the picture shows. The company was done to the European-sourced of Fiesta in which order to meet US concept. Additional changes will be there as minor cosmetic and option changes. Still, there aren't many details available by seeing the leaked pictures. Ford will introduce the car with complete details on Dec 02. Volkswagen also planning to launch a new Volkswagen Beetle and Volkswagen Polo models in India.

Car co experiencing growth in June too

The car companies are enjoying growth in the consecutive seventh month, June. Thanks to the new car launches and low interest rate on auto loans. Maruti Suzuki continued its strong performance by selling 61,773 vehicles in th month which is 10 per cent more than in the same period last year. It also posted a three-fold increase in exports to 13,336 vehicles , taking its June tally 75,109 units. Robust exports helped Hyundai Motor India post 18% increase in sales in June to 47,267 cars. Tata Motors posted flat sales at 17,039 cars in the month compared with 17,017 units sold in June last year. Sales of the Indigo sedan declined 26% to 3,522 units in the month. Utility vehicle Sumo and Safari declined 11% to 3,307 units last month. Mahindra and Mahindra’s (M&M ) domestic sales jumped 24% to 22,526 units in June. Honda Siel Cars recorded a 6.5% increase in sales to 5,039 units on the back of the 2,032 dispatches of its newly launched Jazz hatchback to dealers.

Auto sector growth rate 3% in 2008-09

Auto industry has witnessed a modest growth of three per cent in the year 2008-09. It was 13.6 per cent in 2006-07 while it fell into red (-2.3%) in 2007-08. These figures were disclosed during the presention of Economic Survey in Parliament on Thursday. Although auto industry production grew at a CAGR of 11.5 per cent over the last five years. Auto sector turnover crossed Rs 2 lakh crore in the last fiscal whereas the industry employs 10.5 million people, directly as well as indirectly. "The industry has a strong multiplier effect on the economy due to its deep forward and backward linkages with several key segments of the economy," a finance ministry statement said. The automobile industry, which was plagued by the economic downturn amidst a credit crisis, managed a growth of 0.7 per cent in 2008-09 with passenger car sales registering 1.31 per cent growth while the commercial vehicles segment slumped 21.7 per cent.

Car co joy ride: export to Europe increased

Indian car companies making profit from incentives offered by the government of France, United Kingdom and Germany. These incentives are provided to the fuel efficient vehicles. Hyundai Motor India recorded 33% growth in exports in June to 24,241 cars Maruti to export 2 lakh cars in FY10, up from 70,000 cars the company exported in FY09 Toyota, General Motors and Ford are looking at a possible debut in compact cars segment. “Our parent Suzuki Motor’s distribution network in Europe is clogged with bookings,” Maruti’s executive officer (sales & marketing) Mayank
Pareek said. Maruti aims to export 2 lakh cars in FY 10 from the 70,000 cars it exported in FY ‘09. Eyeing the potential, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, the Indian unit of Japan’s Toyota Motor, has increased investment by an additional Rs 800 crore, taking it to Rs 4,000 crore till 2016 in its small car manufacturing facility near Bangalore. “The Indian subsidiary will play a larger role in global operations. Besides the domestic market, our small car coming next year will also cater to several overseas markets,” said a TKM executive, requesting anonymity.

High-end cars to be priced a little lower

The Union Budget 2009-10 has given a chance to own luxury items at lower prices due to proposed cut in taxes and duties. The auto sector has also been provided with some great announcements like excise duty cut on big cars. As soon as the news spread, several auto makers has promised to reduce the prices of the big cars. Mitsubishi has taken the lead by announcing price cut of Rs 6,000 on its Pajero, Outlander and Montero cars. Responding in the same spirit While BMW, General Motors and Toyota said they would pass on the benefits of excise cut, Tata Motors said it would soon announced its decision on it. "We will pass on the benefits of this excise duty cut to our customers immediately," General Motors India Vice President P Balendran told reporters. Another carmaker Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) would also react according to the Budget's proposal. "We have always been passing on all benefits to the customers, which we get from the government. Though this cut is very minimum, still we will pass on this," TKM Deputy Managing Director (Marketing) Sandeep Singh said.

Now Honda and Ford reduced its car prices

After Mitsubishi's cut prices of its high-end cars after excise duty cut on large cars, Ford and Honda joined in the rally. Both the carmkers reduced the prices of their cars by up to Rs 6,000. Ford India announced a price cut of Rs 6,000 for its sport utility vehicle (SUV) 'Endeavour'. While Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) cut the prices by Rs 5,000 for its luxury sedan 'Accord' and SUV 'CR-V'. Following the price cuts, Honda's Accord would now be available between Rs 17.72 lakh and Rs 24.80 lakh. Its CR-V would now come at Rs 22.92-Rs 23.62 lakh. GM India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and BMW had also said they would pass on the benefit of excise cuts to consumers. The government had proposed to reduce the additional excise duty on big cars with engine capacities of 2,000 cc and above by Rs 5,000 per unit in the Budget for 2009-10.

Hyundai, Tata and Maruti plans to hire engineering talent from Detroit

India’s largest carmaker had sent a team to Detroit to shop for talent. It bagged 10 engineers so far, two of them expats. Maruti also plans to hire around 500 people in managerial capacity in the next financial year. Sunil Goel, director of GlobalHunt India, said there is a serious shortage of skilled manpower in India, which has forced these companies to look outside. Arvind Saxena, senior VP (sales and marketing) said, "We have always believed in hiring the best and if this means extending the boundaries to include those living outside India, we are open. I am sure this will be a good opportunity for many Indians as well, who want to come back home. It will be an excellent opportunity for us too since we will be able to get experienced people, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience in international markets." Volkswagen Beetle and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X are the upcoming cars in India.

Tata Indicruz, Tata Indica Vista Igins at Auto Expo

Tata Motors, one of the largest auto maker in India, is expected to launch a couple of new vehicles at the up-coming Auto Expo. According to sources, the new launches will include Tata Indicruz and Tata Indica Vista Igins. Apart from these, the company will launch a Jaguar-branded luxury saloon. The Tata Indicruz is supposed to be a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and might be priced at Rs 6-8 lakh in India. The CUV is to be pitted against Chevrolet Tavera, Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova. The Indicruz was displayed at Geneva Auto Show in 2005. The CUV is reported to be based on Tata Indica Vista platform.

Tata to showcase Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto show

Tata Motors, one of the India's largest car manufacturer will showcase its Tata Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto Expo, starting 5th January next year. The Tata Indicruz model is expected to be officially launched in the first quarter of next year by the company. Tata Indicruz is a MUV (Multi Utility vehicle) that has been designed to provide a multi purpose vehicle which can be drove in cities as comfortably as in off road journeys.

The Tata Indicruz model has been manufactured at the platform of Tata New Safari model and it is coming with the same 2.2L Safari Dicor engine. Besides the latest engine the Tata Indicruz model is coming with all new safety features like antilock braking system and multiple airbags. It has been designed with a new and stylish exterior designing while the interiors of the car are comfort providing and spacious.

Tata may unveil Prima at Auto Expo 2010

One of the leading auto maker in India, Tata Motors is mulling to launch its concept luxury saloon model Tata Prima at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010. The concept car was displayed at the Geneva Auto Show 2009 for the first time. The saloon model was designed by Italy based design studio Pinanfarina. However, official comment is awaited but sources close to the Auto Expo development confirmed the news. The car is expected to be introduced in India in next two-three years. On the other hand, the model will be shortly available in European market.

Volkswagen Polo launched at Auto Expo

The most awaited Volkswagon Polo, named the 2010 European car has finally come face to face with its viewers today at the Auto Expo. The Volkwagon beauty will be available in showroom from March 2010 with both petrol and diesel engines having three variants in both the engines respectively. The name of the variants are Trend Line, Comfort Line, and High Line. Some of the common features of both the diesel and petrol variants of Volkswagon Polo are its obviously its unique design, adjustable tilt steering, chrome finished exteriors, body colored bumpers, green tinted heat absorbing glass, Halogen Headlamp, Six Year Anti Corrosion Warranty,15inch alloy wheels. The safety features of Volkswagen Polo include Dual front Airbags, Anti Lock Brake(ABS), Central Locking and anti theft Immobiliser. Polo is equipped with power steering and height adjustable seat. On the entertainment front, Volkswagon Polo comes with a CD/MP3 player with four speakers.

Volkswagen Pavilion at Auto Expo

Delhi Auto Expo 2010 at pragati Maidan is the largest Indian auto fair. People are excited to see the hottest cars that will be revealed infront of them. Volkswagen India officials haven't given any detail regarding their products as they are busy in setting up things.

Volkswagen has booked a 1500 sq. mt pavilion to exhibit its new VW Polo positioned in the A2 segment with a 1.2-litre petrol engine. VW Touareg and Beetle, will also share space with the Polo as will the Jetta and Passa at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010. Volkswagen Phaeton also caught the eye of our photographer without cover.

Volkswagen Race Polo unveiled at Auto Expo

Today Volkswagen comes up with a major surprise to the viewers by showcasing Volkswagen Race Polo at the grand show. The excitement on the faces of viewers there was quiet apparent and they were on their toes to take pictures. Its a sports version of Volkswagen Polo with a more powerful engine.

Volkswagen Race Polo unveiled at Auto Expo

Today Volkswagen comes up with a major surprise to the viewers by showcasing Volkswagen Race Polo at the grand show. The excitement on the faces of viewers there was quiet apparent and they were on their toes to take pictures. Its a sports version of Volkswagen Polo with a more powerful engine.

Skoda Yeti unveiled at Auto Expo

Yeti-Skoda's showstopper at the Auto Expo 2010 and its first ever SUV (Sport utility Vehicle), in India, is known for its exclusive features, safety, comfort and countless functionalities. Skoda Yeti, a stylish sporty SUV was launched in Global Markets 5 months back at the Geneva auto show 2009, and is one of the most successful models of Skoda in International Market. Skoda will assemble Yeti at its Aurangabad Plant here in India, and would be sold as a completely knock down unit (CKD) rather than importing at CBU, making the SUV available at best possible price. The SUV is expected to be priced around 18-20 Lakhs. Along with Skoda Yeti, the Czech Auto maker also plans to launch a more powerful version of Skoda Fabia (Skoda Fabia RS).

Maruti Kizashi at Auto Expo

Today Maruti unveils its premium sedan model Maruti Kizashi at the 10th Auto Expo. It is a hottest contested model of the biggest show. Maruti Kizashi will be powered by the 2.4L, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission gearbox that can produce 180Bhp of maximum power with 230.35Nm of maximum torque. Maruti Kizashi is well received in the international market.

Tata Indica Vista Electric unveiled at Auto Expo 2010

Tata Motors' yet another invention is Tata Indica Vista Electric that was showcased today at the Delhi Auto Expo at Pragati Maidan. The eco friendly car comes with a PERM Magnet Motor, 55 KW of power,160 Nm torque.The all new Tata Indica Vista electric is a 1 speed FWD and touches a top speed of 128 kmph.It can go from 0 to 30 kmph in just 4.5 seconds, from 0 to 60 kmph in a matter of 90 seconds and can run upto 160 km per charge with the battery capacity of 26.6 kwh. The new Tata Indica Vista Electric with a seating capacity of 4 passengers is a five door model that comes with dual front airbags.

Tata Motors pavilion at Auto Expo

Tata Motors, one of India's largest car manufacturers, is all set to kick-start the showcasing of its upcoming as well as global vehicles at the Delhi Auto Expo. The preparation of making an attractive as well as splendid pavilion is already at its best. It is exciting to know that the Tata Motors is sharing the pavilion with its global partners Fiat Motors and Jaguar. Each of these three companies has their pavilion one next to the other so that it can help Tata Motors to present its global and joint venture products in this auto show.

Tata Motors is showcasing many popular upcoming car models like Tata Indicruz, Tata Indica Electric. It is expected that many senior officials of the company including Ratan Tata will be present at the time of inauguration of the Auto Expo. At the time of Inauguration of its pavilion in Delhi Auto Expo, a press conference will be held by Tata Motors to provide a brief information about its products. Tata will launch and showcase its commercial vehicles at the show. A grand launch stage is set up inside the pavilion and this might attract the visitors due to its majestic view.

Tata Venture launched at Auto Expo

Tata Motors, with an honest presence of Company's chairman Mr. Ratan Tata, showcases the all new Tata Aria a Seven-seater cross-over between MUV and SUV, with the current line-up amongst the same being Tata Safari and Tata Sumo Grande. Apart from Tata Aria, Tata Prima, Tata venture, Jaguar XJ are previewed here at the Auto expo today. As told to our CarDekho team, the car is supposed to be officially launched in the second quarter of 2010. With still so fresh memories of Tata Nano, Ratan Tata's dream car for Indian consumers, launched here at the Expo 2 years back, the company has 3 new launches lined up this year with the efforts of Indian engineers for the Indian customers.

Maruti SX4 Hybrid and Hatchback at Auto Expo

Maruti SX4 and Maruti Hybrid have been unveiled today morning and the media has been finally allowed to take pictures of the wheels after yesterday's frenzy of setting up the pavilions and being kept away from the company's display of its models. Both Maruti SX4 and Maruti Hybrid are imported as a CBU (Completely Built Unit). Maruti SX4 Sedan with a petrol engine has already been a favourite among the users in the country and now Maruti SX4 Hybrid has had plenty of anticipation and excitement from the public. Maruti SX4 hatchback 2.0 L petrol engine car whereas Maruti SX4 Hybrid possesses the size of a Sedan.

Maruti RIII unveiled at Auto Expo

New Delhi, India-the official venue of Auto Expo 2010!! Maruti Suzuki, India's largest passenger car manufacturer, revealed an exciting Multi Purpose Concept Vehicle (MPV) Maruti RIII, on Tuesday at the 10th Auto Expo. Also, the most-awaited Car from Maruti Suzuki, Maruti Eeco is soon to be launched at this mega event, a platform for all Automobile lovers. Maruti Suzuki with its latest Concept of MPV plans to enter this small segment that's not yet explored by the Company. RIII, the Concept car is a well researched at Maruti Suzuki's Research and Developement Centre. The Car is expected to be a Seven seater vehicle with speculated price range of 4-5 Lakhs, however this is a prototype, with the variants not decided yet, said Company's management Executive Officer I V Rao.

Tata Aria launched at Auto Expo

Tata Motors, with an honest presence of Company's chairman Mr. Ratan Tata, showcases the all new Tata Aria a Seven-seater cross-over between MUV and SUV, with the current line-up amongst the same being Tata Safari and Tata Sumo Grande. Apart from Tata Aria, Tata Prima, Tata venture, Jaguar XJ are previewed here at the Auto expo today. As told to our CarDekho team, the car is supposed to be officially launched in the second quarter of 2010.

With still so fresh memories of Tata Nano, Ratan Tata's dream car for Indian consumers, launched here at the Expo 2 years back, the company has 3 new launches lined up this year with the efforts of Indian engineers for the Indian customers.

Toyota Prius launched Auto Expo

Toyota Motors with a huge pavilion at the 10th Auto Expo in New Delhi displayed the all new Toyota Prius, a full-hybrid electric mid-size car, that will be launched in late 2010 for the Indian customers as quoted by Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Limited. Sure to give a strong competition to Honda Civic-hybrid, Toyota Prius has been recognised as the most fuel-efficient car sold in US.

Prius can be propelled by Petrol as well as electric power. Fuel efficiency is wisely achieved as the engine automatically turns off when the car stops. Toyota Prius comes with an on-board computer program which controls the timing to use the engine, motor, or both to recharge the battery to maximizing efficiency.

Honda models launched at Auto Expo

The all new Honda City was showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo. According to the JD Power 2009 India intial quality,it has been given "the best mid sized car in the intial quality" award. Moreover other models that Honda uncovered today were Honda CRV, Honda Jazz, Honda Accord and Honda Accord V6 and the main attraction an unnamed Honda model given the temporary name of "Honda New Small".

BMW models launched at Auto Expo

BMW X1 displayed today at the Delhi Auto Expo is a modern vehicle that offers a new definition of BMW Sheer Driving Pleasure and a spontaneous lifestyle. Mr Peter Kronschnabl, President BMW India has announced that CKD(Completely Knocked Down) Production will be commenced at Chennai based manufacturing plant by the end of 2010. BMW X1 has demonstrated company's fine sense for pioneer automotive trends and it has opened up a new luxury segment in the Compact Sports Activity/ Sports Utility vehicle class. It has young and sporty design which awakens the enthusiasm for driving.

BMW to launch 5 series GT at Delhi Auto Expo

The German auto maker BMW is all set to unveil its new vehicle 5 series Gran Turismo (GT) at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010. The company intends to launch this vehicle in both petrol and diesel engine this year. Initially, only 100 units of the vehicle will be available for sale in India. The unique features of the class one vehicle are: enough space, estate like exteriors and body, better ground clearance. The vehicle will be equipped with 400 bhp,twin-turbo direct injected 4.4 litre V8 550i GT.

BMW to showcase its latest models in Delhi Auto Expo

BMW one of the largest high segment car manufacturer is all set to showcase its new models in Delhi Auto Expo which is scheduled to be start from January 5 next month in Pragati Maidan. The main attraction will be the BMW roadster which was launched in India in November this year. The BMW Roadster is a two door hatchback model with a 3.0 twin turbo engine. The other attractions from BMW will be the BMW X5 which is coming with a powerful 4.8 ltr engine which has capacity of generating the power of 350 bhp. BMW X3 Series is the other model which will be showcased in Delhi Auto Expo.