Bajaj Pulsar Bikes in India: Price, Features, Specifications, Variants
Mercedes Benz Unveils S 350I & S 350 CDIL BlueEFFICIENCY Luxury Sedan in India
Great attention has been given to the Rear Seat comfort & entertainment package for the rear-passengers. New introductions include redesigned rear entertainment screens with remote control & 2 wireless headphones as well as standard massage function for the rear passenger.
India's First GPS Navigation System for Superbikes 'MapmyIndia TrailBlazer'
TrailBlazer also comes pre-loaded with many popular travel destinations and highway routes. On motorbike cruising trips the gadget also doubles up as an audio-video player on which favorite music and videos can be uploaded and played back. The gadget is priced at Rs. 18,990 and is available online at mapmyIndia.com.
GPS Navigation for 2010 & beyond – Other revolutionary products
MapmyIndia ZX150: Navitainment defined: Beside the GPS navigation system for super-motorbikes, MapmyIndia also launched a revolutionary new gadget that offers complete ‘Navitainment’ (navigation + entertainment) experience. MapmyIndia ZX150 Deluxe merges the sophistication of a GPS navigator with the coolness a high-end, portable audio-video player. The complete Navitainment device is a GPS navigator – loaded with maps of 620 Indian cities – with 5 inch touch screen, FM transmitter, Bluetooth hands-free, music/video playback, e-book reader, photo browser and reverse camera support. ZX150 Deuxe offers the flexibility of using it for GPS navigation or pure entertainment, to be guided to your next meeting or to watch your favorite movie on its 5 inch wide screen.
The Zx150 can also convert a car music system to a car theatre system by connecting to it through the aux-in facility or using FM. This allows you to use GPS navigation or to enjoy video playback or the Bluetooth hands-free facility. It can pair with your phone and route calls you receive to the car speakers. It has a sophisticated echo-cancellation module to ensure that you can speak comfortably while listening in to calls through the car speakers.
Black Box: The GPS brain of your car: MapmyIndia also launched a standalone GPS device for cars, the MapmyIndia Black Box. Acting like the GPS navigation brain of a car, the Black Box – loaded with maps of 620 Indian cities – is hidden under the dashboard. It connects to the screen of the in-dash car audio-video system and offers accurate, turn-by-turn voice guidance. The Black Box is available as an OEM accessory with Mitsubishi Cedia Sports edition and Ford Endeavour. It can also provide navigation for Skoda, VW, BMW and Audi brands as well.
MapmyIndia National Motoring Atlas: An essential in every glove compartment: For those who also like to carry a map book while traveling, MapmyIndia launched MapmyIndia National Motoring Atlas. Priced at just Rs. 290, the maps offer the latest, high-quality and most accurate maps of national and state road networks, states and cities all over India. The map book is also the most comprehensive motoring atlas for the whole country and a great glove compartment companion for all roadsters and auto-enthusiasts.
Says Rakesh Verma, MD, MapmyIndia: “MapmyIndia plans to revolutionize the way GPS navigation gadgets are used in 2010 and beyond. Already MapmyIndia has the most widely approved and deployed GPS gadgets in India. The company has also earned the position of market leader and is already rolling-out GPS products and solutions never before seen but widely needed in India. We are expecting demand for GPS and GPS-based products to grow exponentially in the next few years. Our latest product releases are part of the continuous innovation at MapmyIndia to revolutionize and lead GPS and maps industry.”
"MapmyIndia, India's leader in maps and GPS navigation solutions, has launched TrailBlazer, India's first GPS navigation system for super-motorbikes. Aimed at motorbiking enthusiasts and groups, TrailBlazer is loaded with maps of 620 cities and is the most accurate guide for any biking trip anywhere in India. It is waterproof, and with an FM transmitter broadcasts turn-by-turn voice directions to FM radios within a particular range. On long road-trips, MapmyIndia TrailBlazer can navigate an entire group of bikers with timely and accurate voice guidance.
Source: MapmyIndia
Ford India Introduced Ikon Plus: New Variant of The Ikon Start from 5.17 Lakhs
The Ford Ikon Plus variant is an outcome of customers' evolving needs and feedback. The Ikon Plus is available at a special attractive price of Rs. 5.77 /- lacs for the Diesel variant and Rs. 5.17 /- lacs for the Petrol variant (ex showroom, New Delhi).
The Ford Ikon Plus is attractive on the outside as it is comfortable inside. The macho exterior is augmented with 13" Hyper silver alloy wheels and chrome on the decklid handle & exhaust trims. The immaculate interiors come replete with leather vinyl seats and IPod-compatible MP3 player. The Ikon Plus also boasts of eminent security features such as remote keyless entry and anti-theft alloy wheel nuts.
''The new variant is a follow up to the terrific response witnessed on the Ikon iKool last year. We believe that the new plus pack is further reinforcement to push the limits to give our customers more style, safety and comfort features,'' said Nigel Wark, executive director, marketing, sales and service, Ford India.
Recognized in the year 2009 with two significant and credible JD Power Awards for Dependability and New Vehicle Initial Quality, the Ikon's sales performance resulted in 196% sales growth in 2009 over the previous year. Another noteworthy achievement was last year's Autocar's 'Ikon 20000km cross country drive', demonstrating Ikon's superior fuel efficiency, clocking fuel economy of 28.54 KMPL and an extremely low running expense measured as cost per km of Rs 1.39 per / km.
With more than 1,20,000 vehicles on the road, the Ford Ikon continues to offer a great combination of class-leading fuel efficiency, superior driving experience and great value proposition in the entry level sedan segment.
Courtsey: india.ford.com
Toyota Kirloskar Signed MOU With State Bank of India
The agreement was signed by Sandeep Singh, DMD of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM), and P. Nanda Kumaran, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India Personal Banking Business Unit in Mumbai in the presence of Anup Banerji, DMD & Group Executive (NBG) of SBI and Mr. H. Nakagawa, Managing Director of TKM. Among those present on the occasion were the officials of both SBI and Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited (TKM).
The MOU aims at targeting high end customers who will be availing car loans from SBI above Rs. 5 lacs onwards. SBI has come out with a special scheme called SBI Advantage Car Loan Scheme for this niche segment. This scheme is applicable to individuals – Salaried, Professionals, Self employed, Businessmen and Proprietary /Partnership firms, who are income tax assesses and whose income/net profit or gross taxable income is Rs.2.50 lac and above.
This scheme will be implemented in all RACPCs, all PBBs, all District Head Quarter Branches, Project area branches and Branches specially authorised by AGM (Region). Maximum loan amount will be 48 times of NMI or 4 times of NAI.
Courtesy: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd
Lee Myung-bak: President of Korea Visited Hyundai Motors India @ Chennai
The President visited Chennai on the sidelines of his State visit to New Delhi, as the Chief Guest of the Republic Day Parade, 2010.
The President and the First Lady visited the factory premises and interacted with the employees. The President also felicitated Mr. Venu Srinivasan, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea, Chennai, for his continuous efforts in fostering greater Indo-Korean relationships.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr H W Park, MD, HMIL, said, "It is an honour for us to host the President and the First Lady at the Hyundai factory in Chennai today. His visit is full of symbolism with the East Asian region undergoing economic and structural changes. We are extremely proud of his presence here, and his kind words of encouragement have raised the morale of the management at HMIL."
The visit of the Korean President is a testimonial of the fact that India's economic integration into East Asian economies is growing at a fast pace. Korea's CEPA with India is the first free trade agreement with a member of the fast growing BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) nations. For India also, it is the first such agreement with a member state of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
His Excellency Lee Myung-bak is the 17th President of the Republic of Korea. He is a graduate of Business administration from the prestigious Korea University, and was one of the youngest CEOs to head Hyundai Engineering and Construction. His rich and varied experience reaches across many continents, from the Middle East to the Far East, Southeast Asia, Russia, Europe and South America.
Courtesy: Hyundai Motor India Ltd
Mahindra Win Top Awards for Auto & 2 Wheeler from Automotive Media
The stylish Mahindra XYLO, India's first 'Sedan Plus' vehicle scored a hatrick as it received no less than three awards from the automotive media. These include MUV of the Year from the NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards, UV of the Year from the CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Awards and MPV of the Year from the Zigwheels Car and Bike Awards.
The recently launched Mahindra Duro Power Scooter was declared the Scooter of the Year by NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards.
M&M also received the Auto Bild India Golden Steering Wheel for Technology of the Year for its path-breaking FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology. This technological innovation developed by the Mahindra Research & Development team with the support of M/S BOSCH, is not only environment friendly but also fuel efficient and very affordable.
"We are absolutely delighted to receive these awards from some of the most revered publications in the automotive media. Both the Mahindra XYLO and the Mahindra Duro have proved themselves within a few months of their launch and these awards are a clear validation of their success. This sweeping victory across products is also testimony to the Mahindra Group's focus on customer-centricity and technology which are key elements that go into development of every product," said Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
The NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards, the CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Awards and the Zigwheels Car and Bike Awards are some of the most prestigious awards in the Indian automotive firmament. Research conducted by a third party is the basis of winner's selection. Various parameters are taken into consideration at the time of selection by an eminent panel comprising industry stalwarts from the sector and allied industries, as well as media who have been tracking the sector for a while.
Courtesy: The Mahindra Group
New Chevrolet Spark Electric Coming Soon in India with Incredible Price
General Motors India MD and CEO Karl Slym said "We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence. We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport."
General Motors is also planning to export Chevrolet Spark Electric model to overseas market where Chevrolet Spark currently manufacturing facility available. In overseas market where Chevrolet Spark is being manufactured, General Motors will set up a JV with Reva Electric to set up electric vehicle plants.
The Reva Electric car company has launched two electric car models - the Reva NXR and the NXG – at the recently concluded Frankfurt Motor Show 2009 too much acclaim. Prior to the Frankfurt Motor show, it was revealed that the two companies had decided to work together to produce an electric version of the Chevrolet Spark.
Chevrolet Spark Electric Car Price in India:
The Chevrolet Spark Electric will come with a incredible price tag of 7 Lakh Rs. It will cost at almost double price than its current petrol model. As the small car market is booming and the new car like Chevrolet Spark Electric is coming will surely give General Motors a boost in sales.
Nissan 370Z Sports Car Launched in India; Price @ 53.50 Lakhs
Mercedes-Benz India Launches Popular E-Class Models E 250 V6 & E 250 CDI
Price Range 5 Lakh to 10 Lakh Rs. Cars Rating by CarTradeIndia.com
Upcoming Soon: New Mahindra Scorpio for USA Customers
As per M&M Chief, Pawan Goenka, the US is the top target for the company but it also has its expansion plans lined up for European nations. "We want to be a global player in utility vehicles," he said. He added further that the company may think of manufacturing vehicles in the US if volumes are good.
Currently Indian Mahindra Scorpio Features & Specifications are as under:
Segment:
- SUV
Striking Features:
- CRDe Engine
- 5-zone cushion suspension
- Tower tail lamps
- Middle row sliding seats (only in 8 seater)
- Tiltable steering
- Tubeless tyres
- New spaces for storage on centre bezel, IP and console
Model Variants:
- Turbo 2.6
- Turbo 2.6DX
- Sportz
- Turbo 2.6SLX
Color Variants:
- Nobel Black
- Diamond White
- Coral Blue/ Warm Grey
- Engine Silver
Porsche Panamera Grab 'Import Car of the Year' Award
Speaking at the occasion, Mr Wallace said "It is indeed a matter of pride that the Panamera has won an award within 3 months of its launch in India. These awards reflect the growing popularity of the Porsche brand in India and with more dealers opening in 2010, we are confident of healthy growth this year."
The CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Award was presented by Honorable Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah and the eminent jury comprised of Hari Singh, five time Indian National Rally champion; Sirish Chandran, Editor,Overdrive; Bertrand D'Souza, Deputy Editor, Overdrive; Shubhabrata Marmar, Deputy Editor, Overdrive; Gaurav Gill, Indian National Rally champion, Production WRC driver; Vikram Mathias, Former National Rally Champion and Siddharth Lal, CEO, Eicher Motors.
Courtesy: Precision Cars India Pvt Ltd
Porsche Wins 'Most Sporty Brand' Award in Auto India's Best Brand Survey 2010
Mahindra Bolero Gets Highest Rank in SUV/MPV Car Segment
Tata Motors New Generation Cars Recognize by Auto Critics
Tata Nano Win 'Car of the Year' Award in AUTOCAR AWARDS 2010
The Bloomberg UTV- Autocar Awards 2010 which were presented by HDFC Bank on January 15th 2010 in Mumbai had most of the industry stalwarts attending the show.The special guest for the evening was Formula 1 racing champion Narain Karthikeyan while the chief guest of the function was Minister of State for Road, Transport & Highways Sri.R.P. N. Singh.
Autocar India said: "The beauty of this car is not its cost, but how much it delivers for so little. Tata had to think out of the box and use innovative engineering to create a car that was desirable, comfortable and safe.
"What is great about this car is the refusal to compromise despite the small price tag. Yes there is evidence of creative cost-saving: flat side glass, a single wiper, no tailgate, no rear wiper, three wheel-nuts instead of four, one door lock instead of two - but it's not something you can't live without.
"The Nano also has an unbelievable amount of interior space. It has more space than some cars that are a segment above.
"Recognition is for the full team that worked on the car, and the challenge now is to exceed expectations," Tata Sons' Chairman Ratan Tata said here.
Prestigious Bloomberg UTV AUTOCAR AWARDS 2010 Winners
Car of the Year - Tata Nano
Why - The tiny, twin-cylinder four-door Nano represents a history-making attempt by Tata Motors. When the Nano was launched, people asked is it really a proper car? After all nobody in the world had ever designed and launched a car for one-lakh rupees. The answer is there for everyone to see, feel, drive and live it. The beauty of this car is not how much it costs, but how much it delivers for so little. The Tata Nano is a car that delivers what it promised. Thus making it our undisputed Car of the Year.
Bike of the Year - Bajaj Pulsar 135LS
Why - The new Pulsar 135LS is the smallest Pulsar to date. This aggressive, smart new street machine is testimony that good things often come disguised in small packages. It is packed with enough features to make its rivals go green with envy. It is a frugal motorcycle that will not hurt your wallet despite its strong show of performance. So here is a motorcycle that looks gorgeous, is packed with features and equipment, is fun and easy to ride and live with – all without breaking your bank balance. This is why it is the worthy winner of the Bike of the Year award.
Saloon car of the Year - Chevrolet Cruze
Why - The Chevrolet Cruze is a car that is truly aspirational and one you want to own rather than need to have. It's aggressive, sharp and taut styling gives the Cruze fantastic road presence and it comes loaded with a big list of equipment. The Chevrolet Cruze brings together sharp styling, trendy interiors and stonking performance to win the award of the Saloon Car of the Year.
Luxury car of the Year - Mercedes-Benz E-class
Why - The Mercedes E-Class has always been a brilliant car, but the new E350 raises the bar yet higher. Here is a Merc that upholds the brand’s traditional values of solid build, over-engineering and extreme refinement to the hilt, but like any modern car is also agile and fun to drive when you press on. The E-Class is brilliantly engineered car with outstanding comfort, refinement and top-notch quality. It sets a new benchmark in this segment of the luxury market to win the Luxury Car of the Year award.
SUV of the Year - Toyota Fortuner
Why - When Toyota finally launched the Fortuner in India, its arrival whipped up a frenzy like no other Toyota before it. The reason is not difficult to see. It has got everything the prospective owner is looking for road presence, strong performance, space and practicality. The way the Fortuner combines go-anywhere capability with comfort makes it an ideal all-purpose SUV. Stand next to the Fortuner and it simply towers over you and demands your respect.
Results for other categories are as follows:
Small Car of the year - Tata Nano
Premium Hatchback of the year - Maruti Suzuki Ritz
Best Value for money car - Tata Manza
Luxury SUV of the year - AUDI Q5
Best driver's car - BMW Z4
Variant of the year - Skoda Laura 1.8 TSI
Best design and styling - Fiat Punto
Import Bike of the year - Honda CB1000R
Manufacturer of the year - Maruti Suzuki
Green Award - Mercedes-Benz Blue Efficiency
Technology and innovation award - BMW 7-SERIES
Car advertisement of the year - Fiat Linea
Viewers' choice award, Car - Toyota Fortuner
Viewers' choice award, bike - Pulsar 135LS
Tata Motors Group Global Sales Grow Up to 84% & Sales 74,707 Vehicles
Sales of all commercial vehicles were 37,326 vehicles in December 2009, a growth of 137 per cent. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are 282,136 vehicles, a growth of 25 per cent.
Sales of all passenger vehicles were 37,381 vehicles in December 2009, a growth of 51 per cent. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are 313,630 vehicles, lower by 2 per cent.
Tata passenger vehicle sales, including those distributed, were 16,247 vehicles for the month, a growth of 53 per cent. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are 176,652 vehicles, a growth of 19 per cent.
Jaguar Land Rover global sales in December 2009 were 21,134 vehicles, higher by 33 per cent. Jaguar sales for the month were at 4,794, higher by 5 per cent, while Land Rover sales were at 16,340, higher by 45 per cent. Cumulative sales of Jaguar Land Rover for the fiscal are 136,978 vehicles, lower by 26 per cent. Cumulative sales of Jaguar are 36,510 vehicles, lower by 33 per cent, while cumulative sales of Land Rover are at 100,468, lower by 23 per cent.
Courtesy: Tata Motors Group
Bajaj Bikes Released Q3 Auto Results for FY10
3rd quarter surpassed the records set by the company in the 2nd quarter of FY10 This quarter witnessed:
• "Highest" ever motorcycles sold – 711,991 vehicles
• "Highest" ever three-wheelers sold – 96,167 vehicles
• "Highest" ever exports – 273,902 vehicles
• "Highest" ever turnover – Rs. 3331 crores
• "Highest" ever operating profit – Rs. 688 crores
• "Highest" ever Net profit – Rs. 475 crores
• EBITDA margin – at record 22%
Highlights for the quarter:
• Motorcycles 72% to 711,991 v/s 414,039 in Q3 / FY09
• Three-wheelers 25% to 96,167 v/s 76,637 in Q3 / FY09
• Exports 27% to 273,902 v/s 215,233 in Q3 / FY09
• While turnover 55% to Rs. 3331 crores, Net profit nearly tripled to Rs. 475 crores as against Rs. 164 crores in Q3 / FY09 - 189%
• Profit from operations 151% to Rs. 688 crores
• Operating EBITDA Margin – 22% as against 14.5% in Q3 / FY09 and 22% in Q2 / FY10
Sales in numbers
• During the quarter, motorcycle sales for the company surged 72% as against industry growth of 37%, reflecting the astuteness of the company’s brand-market mix strategy
– The Pulsar brand clocked an average of 50,000 numbers per month. Launch of the all new Pulsar 135 LS should enable the Pulsar to be a million units / year brand
– The Discover DTS-Si is today "India's fastest growing bike". Since its launch, cumulative sales have crossed 350,000 numbers
• Riding this growth momentum, domestic market share for the company has improved from 22% in 2008-09 to 27% in Q3 / FY10. The Pulsar 135 LS should further improve this market share
• Strategy to focus on the "bigger and sportier" motorcycles has enabled the company to grow its market share without compromising on profits – EBITDA margins maintained at record 22%
• Commercial vehicle sales have continued to grow across in-city and semi-urban markets. The company witnessed a growth of 56% in domestic sales
• The company has launched, in January 2010, upgraded versions for its entire range of three-wheeler passenger carriers
• The quarter also witnessed the highest ever exports. Exports, for November 09 alone were in excess of 98,000 units, highest ever for the company. Tabled below are the export numbers.
Operating Results
Margins: This quarter witnessed an increase in cost of raw-material and components. Material, as a % to operating income, rose sequentially from 66.2% in Q2 / FY10 to 68.5% in Q3 / FY10. However, due to higher volumes – resulting in leveraging of fixed cost, effective cost management and focused sales promotional activities, operating EBITDA margin was maintained at 22% during Q3 / FY10
MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi: The Biggest Star Visit India
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yukimine Tsuji, CEO & Managing Director, said, "It is a great moment for India Yamaha Motor to welcome Valentino Rossi to the country. Globally we are a brand known for Motor Sports and we have already initiated the racing culture in India. We are now looking forward to replicate the motor sporting culture in a bigger manner in India. Valentino Rossi is an icon of international sport and in his first visit to India, millions of Indian fans have shown how much they are involved with the sport by their enthusiastic response to his visit. The amount of excitement we witnessed here has surpassed anything we have ever experienced here".
India Yamaha's brand ambassador, John Abraham said, "I have been the biggest fan of Valentino Rossi and ardent follower of his racing career. I still remember meeting him at Brno Grand Prix in 2005 and it is a pleasure to meet the icon again. It is this motor sporting culture and excitement that strengthens my association with the brand. It feels great to co-endorse the brand with the most famous biking legend. My association with Yamaha is truly a special one and I look forward to work closely with the brand".
These are exciting times at Yamaha, with the company going aggressive with its growth strategy for India and leaving no stone unturned in taking biking culture to the next level and Rossi's visit is a step towards this direction.
Rossi's World Championship debut came at the Malaysian Grand Prix in 1996 and he finished his first international season in 9th place with one race win. He became the youngest ever rider in 1997 to take the 125cc World Championship, winning eleven races along the way with Aprilia.
Rossi made history by moving to Yamaha in 2004 and winning the season-opening Grand Prix. He went on to win nine out of 16 races, clinching the World Championship, Yamaha’s first for 12 years, with victory at the penultimate Grand Prix in Phillip Island. He dominated the 2005 season by winning 11 races and helping Yamaha win the Manufacturers and Team titles. In 2006, Rossi took five race wins and five pole positions, more than any other rider. With 9 wins, 16 podiums (both breaking records) and his eighth crown, his sixth in the category with Yamaha YZR-M1, Rossi, popularly known as The Doctor established himself as the greatest ever MotoGP racer in 2008. Rossi cemented his place in the history of Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing in 2009 with seventh title in the premier class and fourth for Yamaha, more than any other manufacturer.
Racing has been in the heart of Yamaha ever since the company was formed in 1955. Yamaha has also set a number of milestones in the racing world, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to win a 500cc Grand Prix (with Jarno Saarinen in 1973) and the first Japanese company to win the 500cc world title, with Giacomo Agostini in 1975, the first time a two-stroke machine had won in the premier class. After pioneering a generation of two-stroke racers, Yamaha is using the new generation four-stroke machines that Stefan Everts has dominated world championship motocross, winning six titles between 2001 and 2006.
Courtesy: India YAMAHA Motor Pvt. Ltd
Audi Displayed Front 225 Roadster & Sportback Concept Car @ Auto Expo 2010
"Audi has shown exceptional promise since we began our India operations. We have grown from strength to strength in every facet of the business. Audi India will continue to play a pivotal role in the worldwide growth strategy of AUDI AG. The Audi Sportback Concept car, which we have displayed at the Auto Expo, effectively demonstrates Audi's future design vocabulary. We will continue to bring latest models from Audi to India. This is part of our commitment to the Indian customer," commented Mr. Peter Schwarzenbauer.
The two international show cars and the current Audi India product range reflect the past, present and the future glory of AUDI AG. The Audi Sportback concept show car is now rolling up to the starting line with a dual mission: As suggested by the name, it symbolizes the Sportback principle in its purest form in the combination of elegance, sportiness and variability.
The technology of the Audi Sportback concept is markedly futuristic. With its pronounced coupé-like silhouette and large rear hatch, the 4.95 m long (16.24 ft), 1.93 m wide (6.33 ft) and only 1.40 m high (4.59 ft) vehicle is boldly progressive for the luxury class. Power is provided by the world’s cleanest diesel technology: the 3.0-liter V6 TDI clean diesel almost completely eliminates nitrogen oxides. And numerous measures to ensure top efficiency mean that the Audi Sportback concept is expected to achieve impressive fuel consumption figures of 5.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.
Audi India has been instrumental in creating new benchmarks in terms of sales and service thereby establishing Audi as a manufacturer of progressive, sophisticated and technically superior luxury cars. Audi introduced "Audi Top Assist", a 24x7 Road Side Assistance Program in India, earlier this year. The increasing familiarity and wider acceptance of the brand across the country is reflected in the robust growth that Audi has witnessed in terms of sales and expansion since start of operations in India.
"We have successfully exceeded our projected sales targets for two consecutive years and have strategically created a niche in the Indian automobile industry. Audi India immensely benefits from the state-of-art-infrastructure, modernised working processes, large pool of skilled personnel and favourable logistical conditions that AUDI AG provides. We will continue to provide unmatched quality 3/4 to our customers in India, reflective of our philosophy of 'Vorsprung durch Technik'," said Mr. Benoit Tiers.
In 2009 Audi India registered a 58 percent growth, a remarkable achievement in a difficult year. This success was attained through the launch of - the new Audi A6, the Audi Q5, the new Audi Q7, introduction of three new engines to the existing range of Audi A4 and expansion of its footprint across India through new dealership openings in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi.
The brand celebrates "100 years of Audi", a journey of the brand's tradition, innovation, commitment, explorations, passion, successes and new ideas. To commemorate this special occasion, Audi India has several new initiatives planned for 2010, which were set in motion at the10th Auto Expo.
The company announced the introduction of Audi Q7 4.2 TDI; the most powerful engine in its class. The 4.2 TDI engine joins the highly successful and popular Audi Q7 family in India. The company also announced a Limited Edition offer on Audi A6 – the highest selling luxury sedan worldwide. The Audi A6 2.7 TDI will now be available at an attractive price of Rs. 37,00,000 onwards (ex-showroom Mumbai) for a limited period. Audi India also announced start of production of the Audi Q5, its highly successful SUV, at its group production facility at Aurangabad, and plans to launch an extended warranty program, later this month.
The international Audi stand concept will give auto enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the entire Audi product range available in India comprising the Audi A4, the new Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi Q5, the new Audi Q7, the Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8, together with the two international exhibits - Audi Sportback Concept and Audi 225 Roadster at the Audi stand. The entire Audi model range is available at eight showrooms across the country: in Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Early 2010 will witness the opening of new showrooms in Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai (West), Jaipur, Chennai, Ludhiana. Further developments include Lucknow, Coimbatore and Nagpur.
Courtesy: Audi India