BMW India launched two new variants of the best selling BMW 3 Series Sedan: the new BMW 320d Corporate Edition (Diesel) and the new BMW 330i (Petrol). The new cars will be available at BMW India dealerships across India from 25 February 2010 onwards.

Speaking on the occasion, Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, "We are proud to expand the BMW 3 Series portfolio in India in both diesel and petrol variants. BMW 3 Series is unsurpassed when it comes to the highest standards of all-round quality, safety and perfection to ensure the highest levels of comfort and luxury. With powerful and efficient engines, innovative technology, elegant interiors combined with pioneering safety features, the new BMW 3 Series offers a perfect symbiosis of sporting performance and supreme style that thrills discerning motorists, a continued testament to why the BMW 3 Series has remained the most widely selling premium vehicle in the world".


New BMW 3 Series Cars Price in India:

The all India ex-showroom prices in INR of the two new variants are as follows.

The new BMW 330i : 33,40,000
The new BMW 320d Corporate Edition : 23,95,000

New BMW 3 Series Cars Colors Available in India:

The BMW 3 Series will be available in a range of six paint finishes: Alpine White, Sapphire Black, Monaco Blue, Space Grey, Platinum Bronze and Titanium Silver. Individual upholstery designs in Dakota leather will be available in four colours: Beige, Black, Oyster and Saddle Brown for BMW 320d Highline, BMW 320i and BMW 330i. Upholstery design in Sensatec Beige or Black is available on the BMW 320d Corporate Edition.

New BMW 3 Series Cars Features in India:
Elegant, sporty design with unrivalled driving dynamics and sports-style performance featuring advanced technology, the new BMW 3 Series offers more than any of its competitors. It delivers a truly exhilarating driving experience. The benchmark in every respect: the BMW 3 Series is, and always will be the vehicle that other sporty compact models aspire to be. And now the world's most successful premium car has expanded its model range in India, offering even more.

The BMW 330i boasts an in-line six-cylinder petrol engine with High Precision Injection featuring a lightweight magnesium/aluminum alloy crankcase. It powers the saloon from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. BMW petrol engines with High Precision Injection and lean-burn combustion deliver fuel exactly where it is needed. The BMW 330i features a 2996cc six-cylinder engine with the maximum output of 190kW at 6600 RPM and maximum torque of 300Nm at 2500-4000 RPM.

The BMW 320d's four-cylinder diesel engine with an all aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct injection also features variable inlet valves and high-pressure fuel injection. The common-rail system separates pressure generation and fuel injection, with electronically controlled injectors delivering the fuel to the cylinders. Third-generation common rail operates at pressures of up to 2000 bars and is therefore more precise in the amount and delivery of fuel injected. The BMW 320d features a 1995 cc four-cylinder engine with the maximum output of 130kW at 4000 RPM and maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1750-3000 RPM.

Source: BMW India

Ford officially introduced the Ford Figo Car in India.

Ford Figo Price in India:

Ford Figo Petrol Variant Price between 3.5-3.75 lakhs
Ford Figo Diesel Variant Price between 4.20-5.0 lakhs.

Ford Figo Colors in India:

New Ford Figo is available in various colors like Panther black, Moondust silver, Diamond white, Sea grey, Squeeze Chille and Color ad red.

Ford Figo comes with two engine options 70 Bhp DuraTec Petrol & other is 68 Bhp DuraTorq diesel engine. The model comes in a hatchback model and also features a new Radio Data System that helps you navigate easily in thick urban traffic. Ford Figo is also supported by Ford’s 24/x7 road side assistance program in India.

General Motors India launched the Chevrolet Cruze AT in Bangalore at a ceremony presided over by its President & Managing Director Mr. Karl Slym. The manual version of Chevrolet Cruze launched in October has already redefined the D-segment with its coupe-like design proportions, comfortable interiors, class leading features and other exclusive product attributes.

The 6 Speed Automatic Transmission will be offered on the LTZ variant which also comes with a host of features like PEPS, Push Button Start, Cruise Control, Smart Screen and Electric Sunroof to name a few. The Automatic variant will also be available in a special 3 coat paint called White Diamond in addition to the exciting six colors already on offer.

The Chevrolet Cruze AT also has a triptronic mode which enables a sportier drive for the customer. Other highlights of this six-speed automatic transmission include Clutch-to-clutch shift operation for added precision and smoother shifts between gears. Also, it has a wide spread ratio with the first gear designed for a very high ratio to provide brisk acceleration from the top while the sixth gear has an overdrive ratio to keep the engine revolutions as low as possible for highway cruising and improved fuel economy. One of the key benefits of this model is that it uses premium fluids in the transmission that does not need replacement during normal use.

"Chevrolet has already become a driving force in India's vehicle market," said Karl Slym, President and Managing Director of GM India. "The Cruze has been receiving excellent market response since its launch in the last quarter of 2009. The auto Journalists in India who had test driven the vehicle have rated it as the best in its segment for its unique product attributes.

Chevrolet Cruze has already won the following awards:

- NDTV Car & Bike Viewers Choice Car of the Year
- Autocar Bloomberg UTV Best Saloon Car of the Year
- ET Zigwheels Midsize Sedan of the year
- Car & Bike NDTV Executive Car of the Year
- BS Motoring Best Value for Money Car of the Year

It builds on the reputation of the brand for attractive design, great performance and outstanding fuel economy in the D-segment. The Chevrolet Cruze is also one of the key drivers of the global expansion of Chevrolet. It is backed by the highest scores in major crash safety ratings. The Chevrolet Cruze has also recently received the maximum five-star rating in European New Car Assessment Program (ENCAP) rating, after winning 5 star ratings in Australian and China NCAP. The latest feather in Chevrolet Cruze's cap is its selection as a finalist in the reputed ‘World Car of the Year' Award.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr.P.Balendran, Vice President, General Motors India said ‘the Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed diesel performance combined with an array of unique features. And with the Automatic transmission option the Cruze offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a Sedan at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money'.

GM's investment in manufacturing the Cruze in India is a demonstration of our sustained commitment to making Chevrolet the most admired and preferred vehicle brand in this country. We believe this vehicle is the right product for India because of the unique product features and fine tuning that were carried out to meet the requirements of our consumer, climatic and driving conditions. As a result, we expect Cruze AT also to set new benchmarks in its segment. By introducing products like Cruze with class leading features, we look forward to continue building on the brand's success nationwide, said Balendran.

Coinciding with the launch of Cruze AT , GM India also inaugurated its 3rd dealership M/s. Trident Automobiles Pvt. Ltd in Bangalore today. This demonstrates our commitment to widening our dealership network to take care of our rapidly-expanding customer base in the city and the state of Karnataka. The new dealership is equipped to provide unmatched services and ambience to its customers. A wide range of exclusive accessories will also be on display for customers' benefit. Additionally, a team of GM trained technicians will be available at the ultra modern workshop with latest garrage tools and tackles, diagnostic equipment, ultra modern body repair shop and computerized facilities for attending to every need of the GM customers in the region.

The company now has 11 dealerships and 12 service centres in the state of Karnataka alone taking the overall tally to 206 sales points and 200 authorised service outlets across the country. It intends to take the network to 300 sales points and an equal number of authorized service outlets by the end of this year. In addition, the company has also set up 4 parts distribution centres at Talegaon, Halol, Chennai and Delhi to ensure timely and easy availability of parts.

The unveiling of the Cruze AT follows GM India's successful launches of Chevrolet Beat and Captiva Extreme last month.

Press Release From: General Motors India

Maruti 800, a car which changed auto industry in India with its small look but big impact. We all know about its reliability and the performance as well.

Maruti 800 will be replaced with its new version "Maruti Cervo". It will be available after April 2010. This new car will be a good one at the price range of 1.5 to 2 lakhs.

"We have no plans to upgrade the Maruti 800 to meet Bharat Stage IV emission norms," RC Bhargava, chairman of Maruti Suzuki, said at an industry conference here.

Bharat Stage IV emission standards come into play in major cities from April 1 and these include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Surat and Agra.

Maruti Cervo will have a 660cc engine, surrounded with 54 bhp, power. Maruti Cervo will come with 5-door model and it will be the one of the cheapest offering from Maruti Suzuki. Maruti Cervo also features 4 speed auto gearbox, a K6A DOHC engine with VVT and Bluetooth capability.

Priced at Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh, the all new Maruti Cervo is set to hit Indian roads in April 2010. It will be the great challenge for the cheapest car Tata Nano.

With a capacity of 250,000 engines a year, Chennai, India stands poised to become a major hub for the exportation of both diesel and gasoline engines moving into the next decade. The new engine plant is more than 40,000 square metres and will quadruple production capacity of the engine manufacturing facility. Currently, a single production line produces approximately 60,000 diesel engines a year.

Part of Ford Motor Company's US$500mn investment at the Maraimalai Nagar site, the new engine plant is designed to meet the growing needs of the Indian vehicle market and is an advanced manufacturing centre that has been created with the world's best practices for engine manufacturing.

"This engine plant was created with a 'best of the best' approach," said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. "We benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in India for quality and production efficiency."

Initially, the plant will focus on the assembly of both the common rail 1.4L diesel engine and the new 1.2L petrol engine. Both engines, along with locally sourced Ford's IB5 transmissions, will be fitted in the new Ford Figo that will be produced at the plant starting in the first quarter of 2010.

The new 1.2L engine has been specifically designed for the Indian market with emphasis on fuel efficiency. The engine also was engineered specifically to run on 88 RON fuel, an important consideration for the Indian market and meet the Bharat IV emission standards, along with complying the latest Euro 4 requirements for export markets.

The 1.2L engine is based upon the family of Ford SIGMA engines and is one of ten types of engines the plant is capable of producing. Displacement for the SIGMA engines range up to 1.6L with engines available with 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Among the first markets to receive the SIGMA 1.4L and 1.6L are countries in the ASEAN region.

The 1.4L diesel engine that currently is produced at the facility will continue production at the plant with increasing volumes. While the plant has been continually producing diesel engines, the new line is completely flexible and will have the ability to handle both diesel and petrol engines simultaneously, depending on market demand and production requirements.

Production of the engines begins with raw castings of the blocks, cylinder heads and crankshafts arriving from Indian and international suppliers for final machining at the facility. The machine shop encompasses more than 16,000 square metres and will include a fully flexible, four-axis CNC machining centre for the cylinder head, block and crankshaft lines with a central coolant facility.

Crankshafts for both the diesel and petrol engines are machined with a fully automated Gantry loading system. Both forged (diesel) and cast (petrol) engine crankshafts will be machined at the new facility. With the launch of the new Figo, the plant is capable of producing up to 250,000 engines annually.

Following final machining, the inspection process for major components will be measured thorough state-of- the-art Coordinated Measuring Machines. Quality checks for best-in-class metal purity also will be inspected at on-site labs prior to assembly operations.

The new engine assembly line stretches approximately 900 metres and nearly 37 percent is fully or semi- automated. Additionally, the new flexible line is set up to produce all engine variants including 1.2L, 1.4L and 1.6L in both petrol and diesel, with a continuous mixed flow and doesn't require to be "bundled" or batch built.

Best practices, including automation in certain assembly operations, have been adopted from Ford's global operations throughout the facility. In critical areas, including piston and camshaft installation, operations are performed manually by highly skilled technicians. Nearly 52 percent of the parts for the engines, including piston/rings/connecting rods are kitted prior to installation to help facilitate ease of installation at the operator level. With the new expansion, Ford India has created close to 700 new jobs in the engine plant.

Seventy-nine percent of the diesel engine parts and 60 percent of the petrol engine components are produced locally in India. Like the assembly operation for vehicles at Chennai, engine component manufacturers and suppliers are conveniently located nearby for better logistics.

While the Indian consumer will be able to choose either the 1.4L Duratorq TDCi diesel or 1.2L Duratec petrol engines for the Figo, both engines will be equipped with Ford's IB5 manual transmission for the Indian market. Export engines will be produced with either the ability to be equipped with the manual or Ford's new 6-speed automatic transmission.

To help reduce shipping weights, export engines will be shipped minus the transmission. Local assembly plants will complete final assembly by adding the transmission as required by market demand, demonstrating growing supplier capabilities.

As part of the plant's continual efforts at 100 percent quality, four engine dynamometers are located on-site at Chennai. Production engines are regularly audited from the assembly line and thoroughly tested on the dynamometers to ensure quality, performance and durability standards are met. Production validation tests are conducted on all engine variations in these facilities to meet standards that are equivalent to 200,000kms. On road durability and endurance testing in dusty and rough road conditions as well as high idle city driving also is evaluated.

Every assembled engine is subjected to a battery of highly sophisticated cold tests including pre-injection for fuel injectors, sensor connectivity, fuel rail leakage, oil pressure and camshaft positioning. Additionally simulated Noise Vibration Harshness (NVH) testing to meet global quality standards is conducted.

Under normal operations, one engine is inspected per 500 built. On new engines, including the 1.2L that will be standard equipment on the new Ford Figo, engineers have been testing engines at increased frequency, followed by a complete teardown to measure wear patterns and any irregularities in the new engine. Quality issues are addressed immediately with changes implemented prior to further production.

Quality levels at the engine plant are expected to reach even higher levels with the new global Class 8 ISO processes and practices in place that insure minimal dust and particulate levels are maintained throughout the plant. The new 1.2L petrol engine will be produced initially in India for Figo and will be a worthy first addition to the family of SIGMA engines.

Export of the engines to additional markets within the Asia Pacific & Africa region and the ASEAN region is expected to begin in 2011.

Source: Ford India

Fiat India announced the opening of Bharati Automobiles, its 100th dealership in India. The new dealership, which is a Tata-Fiat one, was inaugurated by Mr. S. Krishnan, Senior Vice President, Tata Motors. Bharati Automobiles is the fourth dealership that has been set up in the city of Mumbai.

The new dealership is located at CTS 227, Western Express Highway, near Jogeshwari Flyover, Jogeshwari(E), Mumbai and will handle all the three aspects of sales, service and spare parts for Fiat automobiles. This move marks an important moment in Fiat India’s plans for the year 2010.

After enjoying a successful 2009, the opening of the 100th dealership is a positive way for Fiat to begin the New Year. Backed by the joint venture with Tata Motors, the 100th dealership is a firm portrayal of Fiat’s commitment to a large and expansive service network that now spans across 78 cities in India. This achievement coupled with its strong promise of top class customer service marks the importance Fiat gives to providing consumers with the perfect automotive experience.

Bharati Automobiles, the 100th dealership, has also been equipped with a large service station spanning 2300 square metres having 29 service bays within. It will offer 3 of Fiat’s flagship models – the Fiat Linea, the Fiat Grande Punto and the Fiat Palio to customers.

With the opening of Bharati Automobiles, Fiat India now has 100 dealerships offering 106 point of sales and service outlets across India. After such a promising start to the year, Fiat India will now look to continue their drive towards achieving the goal of complete customer satisfaction in the months to come.

Source: Fiat India Automobiles Ltd.

Volvo has made a fast start to the New Year by sharpening its diesel offering for the Indian market. The refreshed Volvo S80 for model year 2010 has an even tougher and exclusive design than before, while providing top-class fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, performance coupled with Volvo's signature safety features. The latest generation D5 Twin-Turbo diesel engine takes performance, fuel efficiency and refinement to entirely new levels. All this reinforces the model's position in the premium sedan segment and satisfies customers with high demands.

Delighted with the enhanced technology, Paul de Voijs, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India, said, "Sometimes a subtle 'hum' is more powerful than a roar. With the new S80, we're placing the bar at the highest level when it comes to exclusiveness, quality and driving properties. Our mission was to develop a modern diesel engine – with the benefits that go with them – which also meets the emission EURO 5. This is yet another step in our determination to reduce the combustion engine's environmental impact, at the same time as we give customers a truly quiet and sophisticated engine with excellent performance. However, the refreshed S80 should not just be seen, it has to be experienced."

The D5 engine has several advanced technical features. With the latest Twin Turbo and Peizo high-pressure technology, the inspiring five-cylinder state -of-art will be high on performance and low on fuel consumption to a record low for a car in this class. A maintenance free diesel particulate filter effectively reduces soot particles in exhaust gases and advanced emission control contributes to low nitrogen oxide level – the new D5 already comply with stringent, upcoming Euro 5 exhaust emission requirements. Volvo is the only car company in India to offer the DPF feature across all its diesel models from the beginning of its operations in the country.

All-new five-cylinder diesel engine

The driving experience in the refreshed Volvo S80 has been elevated with an entirely new twin-turbo five-cylinder 2.4-litre diesel. The new D5 engine offers 205 horsepower, 420 Nm of torque over a very wide range of engine revs. The Fuel consumption and CO2 emission for the car stands at 13.1 kmpl and 203gms/km respectively – a record-low figure for a car of this size and performance level. This state-of-the-art engine delivers a plush drive.

Get the Volvo Advantage

Volvo, the luxury car brand in India provides you with the first of its kind service. Service your Volvo free of charge upto 2 years or 60,000 kms (whichever is earlier). The servicing takes care of all the consumables and schedules maintenances. It however does not include replacement of tyres. Volvo also gives 24×7 road assistance service to ensure that the journey is smooth and uninterrupted.

Design

With complete chrome detailing on the air intakes, lower part of the door moldings, exhaust and under the tail lamps, the exterior changes give the car a more distinctive, dynamic design and striking face. The interior design offers a distinctive blend of intelligent, elegant and unpretentious Scandinavian style characterized by clean surfaces, harmonious lines, exciting contrasts and smooth function for a dynamic and harmonious interior atmosphere.

Safety

An uncompromising ambition to both protect and celebrate life, being human in nature is what makes a Volvo, a Volvo. Volvo Cars has a holistic approach to safety, which encompasses both preventive and protective safety. Distinctive features include:

• IDIS (Intelligent Driver Information System), that help the driver maintain better control over the traffic situation

• Personal Car Communicator (PCC) is an advanced control centre in pocket format.

• ABL – (Adaptive Brake light), which can sense the difference between normal and panic braking

• RAB- (Ready Alert Brakes), reduces the braking distance further when anticipates an emergency braking

• DSTC–(Dynamic Stability Traction Control) is stability control technology which helps prevent spinouts and roll overs.

• WHIPS – (Whiplash Protection System), which cradles the front seat occupants in a controlled manner to help prevent whiplash injuries.

• Like the rest of the Volvo range, the Volvo S80 features a transversely installed engine.

The environment and air quality

The Volvo S80 is built and equipped to impact as little as possible on the global environment, and to provide a clean and healthy in-car environment. Volvo IAQS (Interior Air Quality System) effectively reduces the amount of particles, pollen, gases and certain unpleasant odours in the air that enters the passenger compartment.

Courtesy: Volvo India

More than 150 of India's top Ford dealers and salespersons got their first opportunity behind the wheel of the new Ford Figo last week and the reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

Michael Boneham, Ford India president and managing director, unveiled Ford's newest offering for India providing the first glimpse of the interior followed by a series of technical presentations outlining Figo's key attributes.

The group of dealers also had an opportunity to meet with several key executives behind the design and development of the new Figo, including Scott Strong, APA design director, and Anthony Hall, engineering director for Ford small cars.

Strong, providing details on the application of kinetic design to the interior and exterior of the new Figo, explained that while styling was key to the Figo, the goal of the Ford design team also was to provide a more substantial package offering more amenities than consumers were used to in this type of small car. He also highlighted the interior dimensions of Figo which are more substantial than any competitor in the sub-B segment.

"The new Figo simply isn't a small car," said Kishore Singh Gehlot, owner of four KS Ford dealerships in India. "The Figo looks impressive on the outside and it is very athletic and modern. Inside it is very elegant. Seat comfort was very good and with items like Bluetooth, interior storage power mirrors, the entire package simply offers more than customers have ever seen in a small car."

Styling drew high marks with dealers and many commented that Figo simply looks impressive from every angle – even in the rear view mirror.

Hall, provided the dealers with overview of the technical details of Figo including the new 1.2L petrol engine that Ford debuted for the Indian market. The new engine provides excellent throttle response and fuel efficiency and is designed to run with 88 RON petrol. He also explained the major improvements made to the chassis of Figo including steering and suspension more suited to Indian drivers.

"The overall feeling and vehicle dynamics are excellent," said Ashok Sachdev of Harpeet Ford, Delhi. "The petrol vehicle drives very well, handles very well, maneuvers very well and the steering it absolutely outstanding. "The Figo offers a complete package compared to all the competitors around. It is a very appealing interior with the new dashboard and space and the seats are very comfortable."

The launch of the Figo also will be supported heavily by a host of new programs available through dealerships including Quick Service and Roadside Assistance. The Quick Service programme provides faster service on normal maintenance by the dealer. Roadside Service, which Ford pioneered in the Indian market, provides 24-hour service for a period of two years after the sale.

Summing up the reactions of dealers, Bashir Babu Khan of Forture Ford, Hyderabad exclaimed "I think Figo is a great car. This is going to change the way people perceive the segment in India."

Courtesy: Ford India