Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., announced the World Premiere of the Honda New Small Concept Car today in a press conference at the 10th Auto Expo 2010. This will be the first time when Honda has chosen India for the world premiere of a concept car. The Honda New Small Concept Car is a concept model of a new small-sized vehicle which Honda is currently developing especially for India and other emerging nations.

With its commitment to provide technologically advanced vehicles, the Honda New Small Concept is a 'true Honda' – futuristic design with maximum cabin space. The 'Efficient Energetic Exterior' based on front-forward design lends the Honda New Small Concept an appealing dynamic presence.

Honda's design principle 'Man Maximum - Machine Minimum' has defined the underlying approach in the design concept of the Honda New Small Concept. A wide platform with a stable center of gravity was adopted to create a highly efficient compact size car without compromising on the cabin space hence greater passenger comfort.

Developed at Honda's Automobile R&D Center in Japan, the Honda New Small Concept is designed to be a family car with a capacity to comfortably seat 5 adult passengers.

Addressing the media during an official press conference Mr. Koichi Kondo, Executive Vice President and Representative Director, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., said, "We are delighted to unveil the Honda New Small Concept at the 10th Auto Expo. India has been the hub for the compact car segment and is also the lead country for our research and development work on the New Small Concept. The new model based on this concept will be a global car with features to suit the needs of India customers. We plan to launch this car by 2011."

Commenting on the unveiling of the New Honda Small Concept Mr. M. Takedagawa, President & CEO, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, "This is a remarkable occasion for Honda as we unveil the Honda New Small Concept to the world. India is a focus market for Honda and the World Premier of the New Small Concept at the Auto Expo is a testimony to this fact."

With the booth concept of "Inspired by Dynamism - Truly Honda by Nature" for Auto Expo 2010, Honda will express its relentless dynamism to create cutting edge technologies and its commitment to protect the environment for future generations. True to its nature of challenging spirit and bringing together the seemingly incongruous ends, Honda will bring alive the theme of its booth through an attractive range of displays.

The Honda New Small Concept Car would be priced below Rs. 5,00,000 /-

Courtesy: Honda Siel Cars India

The Tata Motors Group has unfolded the full scale of its product portfolio and the breadth of its technology capability with a display of 37 vehicles, from the Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover brands, at the Auto Expo 2010, which opened here today. Among them are three new Tata vehicles – the Tata Aria, the Tata Venture, the Tata Magic Iris – and the all new Jaguar XJ, which were unveiled by the Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, Mr. Ratan N. Tata.

In passenger vehicles, the Group's displays range from Jaguar luxury saloons and Land Rover SUVs to Tata Indigo Manza sedans, Tata Indica Vista hatchbacks, the Tata Safari, the Sumo Grande MK II, the Xenon XT, and two specially conceived Tata Nano cars. The Nano has been declared as the 2010 Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY). The Tata commercial vehicles range displays include a brand new Starbus platform, the Prima range of world standard trucks, CNG-fuelled truck pick-up vehicles, and a Winger-based special application.

The technology capability on show includes environment-friendly hybrid and electric powertrains, conventional engines with higher fuel efficiency, lightweight vehicle architecture, all contributing to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, besides state-of-the-art drive technologies, latest infotronics, ultra-modern passenger comfort, safety and entertainment systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tata said, "The range of Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles is representative of our technology base, and the direction our brands are taking in pursuing market opportunities. The Company is focused on meeting the full range of customer needs while being conscious of the environment."

The unveiling of the all new Jaguar XJ marks its India launch. The all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury, with a mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering. The car was premiered worldwide in London in July 2009, and deliveries across the world are beginning this year. Bookings for India too have opened, and deliveries will begin from June 2010. Displays from Land Rover, the gold standard in 4x4s, include the Model Year 2010 Discovery 4 and the Range Rover Sport, which expand Land Rover’s 2010 product range in India.

The Tata Aria, to be launched in the second quarter of 2010, blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all terrain assurance and premiumness of an SUV. Its unique design and construction makes it robust, elegant and comfortable. The interiors, with three rows of theatre style seating, present a luxurious world of premium features comprising 3D surround sound, dimming roof lamps, in-dash built in GPS, a state-of-the-art infotainment system, multifunctional steering wheel, dual air conditioning with automatic climate control and cruise control. Top-of-the-line safety features include 6 airbags and ESP, offered by an Indian OEM for the first time. Besides, the chassis frame comprising advanced hydro formed members, a stiffened body cage, and dual zone collapsible steering make the Aria one of the safest vehicles.

Its 2.2 Litre Direct Injection Common Rail (DICOR) diesel engine, delivering 140 PS power and 320 Nm torque, is mated, in the 4x4 option, with an all-wheel drive with torque on demand, which senses and distributes torque to the wheels in accordance with the terrain.

The less than 4 metre long Tata Venture, to be launched soon, has the footprint and maneuverability of a hatchback car, but the interior space of a utility vehicle comfortably accommodating 8 passengers and ample luggage space. The interiors, with a two-tone beige and black theme, are comfortable with dual heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) with roof-mounted ducts. A glasshouse effect with plug-in windows for second row passengers makes it distinctive. Driver comfort has been addressed with power steering, power windows, reverse parking aid, keyless entry with engine immobiliser and rear wipers. Safety features include collapsible steering and side impact beams.

It is powered by a 1.4 Litre turbo diesel engine delivering 70 PS power, with best in class fuel efficiency among diesel MPVs. The Tata Venture will be available in 5, 6, 7 and 8-seater options in 3 row front facing configuration.

The Tata Magic Iris, to be launched this year, is for public transportation, offering safer and more comfortable mobility for those who depend on three-wheelers. Its spacious car-like cabin can comfortably seat four passengers – three at the back and one in the front beside the driver. With its car-like on-road stability and sheet metal roof it provides car-like safety.

The 611-cc water cooled diesel engine, backed by a 10-litre fuel tank, is capable of running larger distances with a top speed of about 55 kmph and yet higher engine life. With its bouquet of features, the Tata Magic Iris will be the ideal small passenger carrier which will upgrade both the quality of public transportation and also the income of their owners.

The recently unveiled 10-to-75 tonne, 150-to-560 PS Prima range of trucks, trailers and special applications has set new benchmarks in India and matches the best in the world in its power, speed, carrying capacity and trims. The range comprises 10 major variants of tractor-trailers, rigid trucks, tippers, mixers and cranes, and special applications. Besides India, it has already been introduced in South Korea, where it has won the prestigious Grand Prize of 2009 Good Design Selection of Korea recognising its excellence in design, functionality, quality and safety.

While expanding its portfolio, the Group is focusing on environment-friendly technologies. Jaguar's lightweight vehicle architecture, Land Rover's e_TERRAIN TECHNOLOGIES SERIES, the Nano with the lowest CO2 emission among Indian cars, the Indica Vista EV, to be launched this year, the hybrid Starbus and existing CNG/LPG powered Tata passenger and commercial vehicles are all representative of how the Group is pursuing the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission and usage of conventional fuels for a low-carbon world.

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Courtesy: Tata Motors Group

Volkswagen, Europe's largest car maker unveiled its much awaited premium hatchback the newPolo at the New Delhi Auto Expo today. The company also showcased the Race Polo for the Volkswagen Polo Cup which will commence in India with the inaugural race event on June, 2010.

Speaking about the showcasing of the new Polo, Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management, Volkswagen A.G, with responsibility for Group Production said, "The Volkswagen brand plays an important role in our success story. The new Polo is a key player in our ongoing strategy. It is an outstanding model in the exceptional range of the Volkswagen Group."

He further added "The Polo stands for German engineering and top technology. It is a lively young and cosmopolitan car. This particular model has been designed with the expectations and wants of our customers in mind, making the Polo a new benchmark in the compact segment and even creating its own class –the Polo class" he concluded.

Commenting on the new Polo, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd said "The new generation Polo offers our brand's core values of innovation, value and responsibility. It is designed to offer the very best in comfort and drivability. It features all new interiors and its pure and powerful design makes the new Polo a bold styling statement. The good news is that this hatchback from Volkswagen will be ready for sale at all our dealerships from March this year."

The new Polo:

The new Volkswagen Polo will be available with a petrol and diesel variant. The petrol variant is equipped with a 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm.

The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm.

It will be available in three trim levels including Trendline, Comfortline and Highline and is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box.

The interior is equipped with storage compartment in front doors for 1 litre Bottles, sunglass storage inside glove box, single folding rear seat backrest and the dashboard are proof of the sure instinct of high design quality which interprets the classic elements of the Polo in a contemporary way.

In exteriors too, the new Polo offers body coloured bumpers with green tinted heat absorbing glass, halogen headlights and galvanized Body with 6 years Anti Corrosion Warranty.

The Polo highline has large 15" alloy wheels, ensconced in their flared arches; give it a higher and more commanding stance.

In safety it is equipped with Advanced occupant safety with Dual airbags, driver and passenger side, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and electronic Anti theft immobilizer.

On comfort the car has a number of unique, thoughtful touches. It is equipped with CD MP3 Player changer with 4 speakers, power steering for better drivability, central locking with unique boot opener in company logo, height adjustable driving seats with a steering wheel tilt which improves the drivability of the passenger.

The new Polo will establish a leadership position in its class with category defining attributes of space, style, comfort, safety and fuel efficiency. It will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s Chakan plant with an annual capacity of 110,000 cars and will be available through Volkswagen’s 40 dealerships across the country.

Race Polo:

The Volkswagen Race Polo which will be seen racing for the first time on the Indian tracks at the Polo Cup comes with a 1.6L R4 common rail diesel engine with an output of 130 HP@4400 rpm and torque of 250 Nm@ 1500-2500 rpm.

It is equipped with a 6 speed manual gearbox, 17 inch alloy wheels with 200/605 R17 slick tyres. Adjustable Sachs race suspension, aerodynamic body kit with front and rear spoiler, side skirts and rear wing form the standard features of this car.

The interior is equipped with integrated head protection in the race seat, a 6 point seatbelt prepared for HANS System, safety net on driver side, additional display and data logger system with on board camera.

Safety and security in the Race Polo is enhanced with the provision of FIA approved roll cage, fire extinguisher system with internal and external release, electrical cut off system and a race brake system with four piston fixed caliper and ventilated 312 mm disk front and 232 mm disc brake rear. In other words perfectly loaded and ready for the Race.

Courtesy: Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd

BMW India is planning to launch the new BMW Gran Turismo, new BMW X6 M, and the new BMW 760Li at the Auto Expo 2010. The new BMW X1, scheduled to be launched in India by end of 2010, will also be unveiled at the Auto Expo. The car will also make an appearance along with the new 760Li with 535bhp twin-turbo, 6.0-liter, V12 engine.

BMW Gran Turismo features 400 bhp, twin-turbo direct-injected 4.4-liter V8 550i engine. The time and venue for the Press Conference are below:
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Date: 5 January 2010
Venue: BMW India Pavilion, Hall No. 9, Auto Expo 2010, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India will be addressing the press briefing and will share the details of the market strategy of BMW in India for the year 2010.

The BMW Pavilion will also showcase the BMW Z4, BMW X5, BMW 3 Series, and the BMW 5 Series.

Headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region) BMW India is a 100% subsidiary of the BMW Group. The initial investment in India is 1.1 billion Indian Rupees. The wide range of BMW in India include the establishment of a production plant in Chennai (Tamil Nadu) and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country. BMW India will further strengthen the dealer network by stepping into Phase II, by expanding into the markets of Ludhiana, Bhubaneshwar, Jaipur and Coimbatore, by the end of 2009.

Courtsey: BMW India

Italian Bikes manufacturer Ducati has opened its 2nd showroom in Gurgaon, India. After opening of Ducati Mumbai Showroom they are looking to strengthening their position in Indian Market.

On the list of Ducati Bikes will be the 1098 Superbike, 848 Superbike, the Streetfighter, the SportClassic, the Monster and the Hypermotard. This Ducati Bikes will cost around 10-15 Lakh in India.

As the sportsbike market is on the growing road thats why Yamaha, Honda, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Triumph and Kawasaki are launching their super sports bikes in Indian Market.

Ducati thinks India has bigger potential than China in automobile arena. At present, the Indian superbike segment sees annual sales of around 1,000. Compare to Chinese market is limited to less than 100 units annually due to government restriction to sell smaller engine bikes.

Ducati bikes price around Rs 14-60 lakh & plans to sell over 150 bikes in India in 2010. Ducati hopes bike lovers will overlook the cost factor and buy this super products.

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced a Limited Edition offer on the Audi A6 – 2.7 TDI, to mark its 100 year celebrations. The Limited Edition Audi A6 2.7 TDI will be available at an attractive price of Rs.37,00,000 /- (ex-showroom Mumbai) from 1st January 2010.

"The Audi A6 with its thrilling design, powerful engines and its combination of dynamic performance and lower fuel consumption truly embodies our philosophy of 'Vorsprung durch Technik'. The Audi A6 is the most successful business sedan worldwide and one of the main contributors to our achievements in the Indian market," commented Mr. Benoit Tiers, Managing Director Audi India.

"India has been a significant growth driver for Audi worldwide and this special offer is our way of thanking our valued customers in India who have made this possible," he added.

The Audi A6 is not just the sportiest sedan in the business class – it is also distinguished by its generous levels of equipment. This applies to its comfort and safety features as well as to both standard and optional equipment. The Audi A6 comes with technologically advanced features like LED daytime running lights, Voice Control, MMI. One can also opt for an additional optional package which includes state-of-the-art features like Audi Parking System Advanced with rear-view camera, Bose sound system, MMI remote control, rear seat entertainment preparation.

The Audi A6 2.7 TDI has proven to be a high-performance engine amongst the spectrum of engines offered in the A6 model range. Recognized for its powerful V6 engine and TDI technology, the 2.7 TDI develops 140 kW (190 hp) from its engine capacity of 2,698 cc. Its maximum torque of 380 Nm is available between 1,400 and 3,500 rpm. This engine powers the A6 from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and all the way up to a maximum speed of 227 km/h.

The Limited Edition Audi A6 will be available at Audi Dealerships across the country. The standard equipment on the car remains unchanged when compared to the equipment offered prior to this special initiative, but at a reduced price of Rs.37,00,000 /- for a limited period of time. The Audi model range in India comprises the new Audi Q7, the Audi Q5, the new Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi A4, the Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8.

Courtesy: Audi

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today announced the launch of the Prado Diesel in India. Inheriting the Land Cruiser's DNA, the redesigned Prado will appeal not only to buyers in the market for a genuine SUV, but also to passenger car owners who are looking to upgrade for the perfect combination of maneuverability and interior luxury.

The basic concept for the new Prado is based on the design philosophy – 'Intelligent & Modern'. The new design aims to create an exterior with the active feel expected of a four-wheel drive and an interior that is refined and roomy.

Specific improvements include a 3.0L Diesel engine, and the adoption of a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) that allows driving stability at city and highway speeds. It also has enhanced comfort features like 3-Zone Automatic Climate Control, Optitron Meter, Multi-information Display, Parking Assist System with front/rear sensors & rear camera and rich leather interiors. A host of Driver Assist Technology such as DAC (Down-hill Assist Control), HAC (Hill-start Assist Control), VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) and A-TRC (Adaptive Traction Control( aid in outstanding off-road performance. The new Prado is available in five exciting colours – White Pearl Crystal Shine, Silver Metallic, Grey Metallic, Greyish Blue Metallic and Black.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Nakagawa (MD, TKM) said, "Globally, the Prado has sold over 1.56 Million units in more than 170 countries so far. And, since its launch in India in 2004, customer response to the Prado's legendary quality, durability and reliability have far exceeded expectations. As part of our long-term commitment to bring the best of Toyota's technology to India, we are very proud to introduce the all new Prado."

Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director, TKM) said, "The new Prado apart from a new diesel engine, offers three core values – the Land Cruiser DNA, Leadership in off-road and on-road performance and excellent maneuverability and interior luxury. It has been a challenge to improve upon the best-selling Prado, which is highly appreciated for its reliability and versatility. We are certain that our Indian customers in India will experience superior comfort and luxury while handling all kinds of terrain."

Mr. Singh added, "With the launch of the all new Prado, Toyota has enhanced its SUV line-up in India, besides the Fortuner and the LC200. A focused marketing campaign comprising print, internet, outdoor advertising and display at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010 will maximise customer awareness of the superior features and benefits of the new Prado, bookings for which will begin from today."

The Tata Nano has won the prestigious Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) award. In its fifth year running and modeled along the lines of the American, European and Japanese Car of the Year, the ICOTY award and Indian Motorcycle of the Year (IMOTY) award have been instituted by leading automotive magazines in India, in association with JK Tyre, to bring the auto industry in India at par internationally in recognising their efforts.

The awards are an expert and independent judgment of all new cars and motorcycles launched in the calendar year in India. An 11-member specialist jury consisting of senior automobile journalists from leading automobile magazines in India got together to vote for the most impressive car and motorcycle on similar parameters to acclaimed international awards for automotive excellence.

After the jury rounds the Tata Nano emerged as the Indian Car of the Year.

The Managing Director of Tata Motors, Mr. P.M. Telang, received the award from the Vice Chairman & Managing Director of JK Tyre Industries Ltd., Dr. R. P. Singhania, at a ceremony in New Delhi on December 20.

This time there was a close contest for the ICOTY award and after all points were tabulated, it was the Tata Nano with 63 points that emerged the victor. Though several vehicles qualified for the 2010 ICOTY, the ten finalists selected by the jury, besides the Tata Nano, were the Chevrolet Cruze, Honda Jazz, Fiat Linea, Fiat Grande Punto, Maruti Suzuki Ritz, Mahindra Xylo, Skoda Superb, Tata Indigo Manza, and Toyota Fortuner.

The expert jury members of the 2010 ICOTY included Yogendra Pratap and Vikrant Singh of Auto Bild India, Gautam Sen and Bob Rupani of Auto India, Bijoy Kumar Y and Srinivas Krishnan of Business Standard Motoring, Aspi Bhathena of Car India, Sirish Chandran and Bertand D’souza of Overdrive and Vardhan Kondvikar and Girish Karkera of Top Gear India. All these jury members evaluate and test cars as part of their journalistic work and are known for their analytic skills and professional competence. Once a year they come together to vote for the ICOTY.

Source: Tata Motors

Ford Motor Company is using a new technology that allows engineers to actually see unwanted sounds and eliminate them during vehicle development to ensure new vehicles have the quietest interior cabins.

Ford is the first automaker in North America to use the new "Noise Vision" tool, which is part of Ford’s drive to lead the industry in top vehicle quality and customer satisfaction. Customers connect an ultra-quiet cabin with overall product quality and satisfaction, and quietness is one of the top reasons to buy a vehicle, according to third-party customer satisfaction studies.

"The key to world-class interior quietness is to pinpoint the source and location of every unwanted sound, no matter how subtle it is," said Bill Gulker, Ford’s leader of Wind Noise Engineering. "Noise Vision already is paying off for Ford, with the new 2010 Taurus, Fusion, Flex and F-150 achieving the quietest interiors in their class."

Noise Vision is a small sphere that is placed inside the vehicle cabin. It is equipped with more than 30 highly sensitive microphones and 12 special cameras. Powerful software reads data from Noise Vision and creates a computerized image showing interior noise "hot spots," including wind noise, a squeak or rattle, or unwanted feedback from the engine or the road.

Ford began using Noise Vision – formally known as the Noise Source Identification Tool – to develop new vehicles for the 2010 model year. The high-tech tool’s thermal imaging is similar to the kind used for military work and medical research.

In the past, Ford engineers worked long and hard to identify unwanted rattles, squeaks or knocks. Finding an unwanted sound often was a process of elimination, which could take days or weeks.

Noise Vision streamlines the process to hours, and it’s saving money, too. In the past year alone, the technology has allowed Ford’s North American NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) engineers to reduce 200 hours of wind tunnel testing time a year – saving more than $300,000 in testing costs.

"We used to rely on trial and error to make a vehicle quieter," said Gulker. "It was a process of elimination that often led us to mask the issue with thicker glass or more sound insulation. Noise Vision literally shows us where the noise is and allows us to eliminate it once and for all."

Quietness and quality leadership
Today, Ford’s initial vehicle quality is equal to Toyota and Honda. Ford vehicle interior quietness also rivals many luxury brands, including Lexus, according to third-party consumer research.

In fact, Ford has the fewest wind noise, squeak and rattle issues of any full-line vehicle manufacturer, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. Ford brands also have higher interior quietness customer satisfaction scores than their Asian counterparts, according to the RDA Group’s Global Quality Research System. Ford’s U.S. vehicle leadership includes:

- The Ford F-150 is the top model in its segment for quietness, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study. F-150 also is No. 1 in quietness customer satisfaction, according to the RDA Group.
- Flex owners are significantly more satisfied with interior quietness than the majority of owners of competing crossovers, according to J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study.
- The Lincoln MKZ beats the current Lexus ES350 in key interior quietness attributes, such as road noise at 30 mph and wind noise at 80 mph, according to the RDA Group.
- Ford Escape is tied with the Honda CRV for first place in the small utility segment for interior quietness customer satisfaction, according to the RDA Group.

Source: Ford Motor Company

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd., announced its plans for a World Premiere of the "Honda New Small Concept" at the 10th Auto Expo 2010 to be held in New Delhi starting from 5th January 2010.

Honda New Small Concept is a concept model of a new small-sized vehicle which Honda is currently developing especially for India and other emerging nations.

In addition to the Honda New Small Concept, Honda will also exhibit the CR-Z Concept 2009, a concept model for a new hybrid model, which was unveiled for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009.

With the booth concept of "Inspired by Dynamism - Truly Honda by Nature", Honda will express its relentless dynamism to create cutting edge technologies and its commitment to protect the environment for future generations. True to its nature of challenging spirit and bringing together the seemingly incongruous ends, Honda will bring alive the theme of its booth through an attractive range of displays.

Honda will personify Human Dynamism in the form of the much-loved, humanoid Robot, the ASIMO. Besides enthralling the audiences at the Expo with its ability to walk forward and backward, climb stairs, the ASIMO will also show its advanced mobility capabilities through running in a circular pattern.

The special display zone named "Design Corner" will feature a glimpse of the elements involved in designing a car from scratch. This corner will also have contests for visitors where they would be asked to design futuristic cars of their choice.

Adding glamour and spunk to the Honda booth will be the 'The Jazz Corner' which will showcase Mugen fitted Honda Jazz in trendy colors.

An exclusive "Engine section" will feature the advances made by Honda in the engine technology realizing both superior power and low fuel consumption. Also on display will be Honda's commitment to passenger and pedestrian safety through G-CON technology and safety features which come as standard on all Honda cars.

Apart from the new products Honda will also display its current refreshed range of cars which includes City 1.5 V, New Civic, Accord V6 and New CR-V.

Commenting on the displays Mr Tatsuya Natsume, Director - Sales & Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, "At Honda, we believe in constant innovation to offer advanced technology that only makes our cars fun to drive but also addresses the ever increasing concern about the environment. Our displays at this year's Auto Expo will focus on bringing alive the spirit of dynamism which is Truly Honda."

Location of HSCI booth at Auto Expo (5th – 11th Jan 2010) Hall 6, Pragati Maidan

Source: Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) Ltd.

Aston Martin releases the first official images of the 'Cygnet' - a new luxury commuter concept car.

The Cygnet concept represents a creative, environmentally conscious solution, being small, yet with presence - and highly fuel efficient, now combined with the prestige of Aston Martin’s luxury brand ownership.

Work on the concept is ongoing and will continue into 2010 when it is hoped that it will become a production reality initially available to Aston Martin customers in the UK and Europe.

Aston Martin Lagonda Limited is a British manufacturer of luxury sports cars, based in Gaydon, Warwickshire. The company name is derived from the name of one of the company's founders, Lionel Martin, and from the Aston Hill speed hillclimb near Aston Clinton in Buckinghamshire.

Aston Martin's model naming can be confusing to the uninitiated. In general, high performance models use the Vantage name, while convertibles are called Volante. The current V8 and V12 Vantage series is an exception to this however, as it is a range of its own rather than a higher performance version of another car.

2009 Aston Martin Cygnet Concept Car Photos:

Source: Aston Martin

After kick starting the trend two years back, Yamaha is back to fuel the growing appetite for superbikes in India with the launch of Super Sports 2010 YZF-R1 in the Indian market. With the launch of this machine, Yamaha is all set to enhance the joy of Indian riders and experience true 'Art of Engineering', which lies at the heart of Yamaha's creations. Embodying the dynamic and exhilarating spirit that today’s super sport rider demands, the MotoGP-inspired R1 is the most advanced Open-class production motorcycle.

Yamaha was the first two wheeler company to introduce the genre of super sports and torque sports performance bike in India with the launch of YZF-R1 and MT01, two years ago. The introduction of these machines, illustrates company's aim of enriching Indian bikers riding experience while elevating the current biking paradigm.

Signifying the launch, Mr. Yukimine Tsuji, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd., said, "While the market for superbikes in India is still limited, consumer response to our previously launched YZF-R1, MT01 and latest VMAX superbikes has been overwhelming. The 2010 YZF-R1 superbike model carries Yamaha's DNA – Performance, Innovation and Design & has one of the most advanced technologies available in the world. Its launch signifies our successful brand transformation efforts in India. In future also, we would continue to launch products that will associate the Indian biking enthusiasts with the combined thrill of technological superiority and artistic brilliance."

The 2010 Yamaha R1 represents a paradigm shift in technology, performance and controllability among litre class sport bikes. The R1 has been designed to be the "Ultimate Cornering Master 1000" of the open super sport class. Inspired by Yamaha's M1 MotoGP race bike, this latest generation 998cc R1 features a crossplane crankshaft design with an uneven firing order to provide outstanding yet easy to control torque and an exceptionally linear throttle feel never experienced before. But there is far more to R1 than just a revolutionary engine.

Crossplane crankshaft technology proven in victory after victory on MotoGP machines provides a high-tech uneven firing interval. Unlike typical inline-four engine design, where the two outer and two inner pistons move together in pairs with 180° intervals, the crossplane crankshaft has each connecting rod 90° with a unique firing order of 270° – 180° – 90° – 180°. This overcomes the inherent fluctuations in inertial torque during each engine revolution, and the accompanying peaky torque characteristics. Instead, combustion torque continues to build, giving the rider more linear throttle response with awesome power and traction out of the corners.

This R1 keeps all the technological superiorities developed for its predecessor: YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle) is MotoGP inspired fly-by-wire technology used to deliver instant throttle response. YCC-I is Yamaha Chip Controlled Intake which is a variable intake system that broadens the spread of power. The fuel injection system provides optimum air/fuel mixtures for maximum power and smooth throttle response.

The R1 features Yamaha D-MODE (or drive mode) with rider-selectable throttle control maps to program YCC-T performance characteristics for riding conditions.

In keeping with this machine's exceptional cornering ability and crisp handling, the aluminum frame has been designed to offer exceptional rigidity balance. The rear frame is lightweight Controlled-Fill die-cast magnesium, contributing the optimum mass centralization. The bodywork does more than add break-away-from-the-crowd styling with its more serious, less busy look. The side fairing is smooth for a sleek appearance. And, instead of the usual four-bulb headlight design, the R1 has only two projector-type bulbs mounted closer to the nose of the bike. This position rams air ducts closer in for a more compact, smooth look. In addition, the rounded lenses are unique to the supersport industry.

The frame has a combination of uncompromising rigidity where needed along with carefully achieved flex for the precise rigidity balance this bike needs to give the rider the full benefit of its handling and engine characteristics.

The press-formed fuel tank has a shape developed using 3-D simulation analysis technology. The elongated shape of the tank allows it to fit neatly within the frame in a way that promotes concentration of mass.

2010 YZF-R1 will be available in 24 authorized Yamaha CBU dealerships in 13 cities including 4 Yamaha Factory Shops located in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune and Kolkata and is priced at Rs 12.5 Lakhs (Ex-Showroom, All India). The color options will be Yamaha Blue, Metallic Black and Bluish White.

Yamaha believes that developing motorcycles is both a technological and an artistic endeavor. It pursues a level of performance that transcends mere specifications. The goal is to produce technologically superior motorcycles that should have a deep and intangible emotional appeal. It is what defines the company and this is what we call the "Art of Engineering"

Courtesy: Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd

New Yamaha YZF-R1 Superbike Photos:

Tata Motors announced the launch of Tata Sumo Grande MK II, an upgraded version of its premium Tata Sumo offering in the domestic market. The Grande MK II seeks to deliver added value to customers through substantial changes in the exteriors and interiors combined with improvements in drivability, ride and handling, and comfort.

The exteriors have been accentuated by a new chrome lined grill, side rub rails with chrome inserts and indicators on ORVMs. The interiors have been refreshed to give the vehicle a completely new, contemporary look with a two-tone theme complemented by a new faux wood centre console and new fabric upholstery.

The changed drive ratio in the Tata Sumo Grande MK II gives a boost to low-speed performance in city driving conditions. While a modified suspension ensures a comfortable ride, particularly for second and third row occupants, optimised anti-roll bars reduce body roll to a minimum during cornering. The existing low NVH levels have been further refined.

Several ergonomic improvements have been made in the Tata Sumo Grande MK II -- significant among these are a smaller steering wheel with floating horns, a grab handle on the 'C' pillar to aid egress of third row passengers, and new inner door handles.

The Sumo Grande MK II carries forward the class-leading features of the earlier version such as best-in-class third row seats and lowest turning circle radius of 5.25m in the category, in addition to having one of the best fuel efficiencies in its class. Dual HVAC with roof-integrated louvers, motorised ORVMs, height-adjustable driver's seat and a state-of-the-art CD / MP3 music system are some of the other features Grande MK II continues to sport. The vehicle is powered by the new generation 2.2-litre DICOR engine fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger which delivers maximum power and torque of 120PS and 250Nm, respectively.

The Tata Sumo Grande MK II will be available in 3 variants - top of the line Gx, Ex and Lx with a seating capacity ranging between 7 and 9 seats in front and side facing configurations. The vehicle will be available in three new colours, walnut gold, platinum beige and castle grey. The Sumo Grande MK II is priced in the range of Rs 6.43 lakh to Rs 7.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). It comes with a warranty of 2 years or 75,000km (whichever is earlier). An additional 2 years’ warranty can be availed through the extended warranty option. Customers would be able to accessorise the Grande MK II with a host of accessories available at dealerships across the country.

Tata Sumo Grande MK II Price:
- Rs. 6.43 lakh to Rs. 7.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
- Warranty of 2 years or 75,000 km (whichever is earlier).
- Additional 2 years’ warranty can be availed through the extended warranty option.

Tata Sumo Grande MK II Variants:
- Available in 3 variants: top of the line Gx, Ex and Lx.

Tata Sumo Grande MK II Colors:
- Available in three new colours 1. walnut gold 2. platinum beige 3. castle grey

Tata Sumo Grande MK II Photos:


Source: Tata Motors India