Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), the Indian subsidiary of Japanese auto giant Toyota, has registered 8,100 bookings for its newly launched sedan Etios in just one week. The Etios was launched on December 1 in India. On an average, Toyota showrooms across the country have booked orders for almost 1,150 cars every day since the launch. The company has 130 showrooms in the country.

Speaking to FE, Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director (marketing) of TKM, said the first unit of Etios will be rolled out from the plant in Bangalore on December 20. Deliveries will start either from December end or in the beginning of January. He said the company will execute the orders, which it received in the first week, in the next four months.

He said around 90% of the bookings were registered for top three variants of Etios, which comes out with 1.5 litre petrol engine. Toyota has released four variants of Etios sedan with a price tag in the range of Rs 4.96 to Rs 6.86 lakhs. "It's good response from the customers. We are planning to manufacture 9,000 units of Etios at our Bangalore plant in the first four months," he said. He indicated that the Etios success will not affect any models of other companies. Instead, he said the 'B' segment, in which Etios sedan has been positioned, will expand further.

Abdul Majeed, leader-auto practice in PricewaterhouseCoopers said the 'B' segment has been witnessing phenomenal growth. The number of cars sold in 'B' segment increased by 44% to 8.9 lakh units in the first six months of the current financial year compared to 6.17 lakh units in the same period a year ago. During the same period, overall passenger car sales increased to 1.4 million unit from one million unit.

Source: Financial Express

The leading Japanese car maker Honda, which is gearing up to launch its first ever small car ‘Brio’ in the Indian market, will manufacture and sell the car in Indian and Thai markets from next year, as reported in a leading Japanese news paper. According to the news report, Honda will commence the mass production of Brio in Thailand from March 2011, and the Indian production will start by the end of this year.

The report further adds that the new small car, which will be sporting a 1.2L engine, will be exported to the neighboring countries located in the South and Southeast Asia after manufacturing them in India and Thailand. Carrying Honda’s traditional trend ahead, the car will possibly be launched in Petrol version only in both of these markets.

The Honda Brio model will be produced on a common chassis on both of these production sites. However, the model produced in the Thai market will emphasize on fuel economy, in a bid to get tax preferences under a government eco-car plan, says the paper.

The model produced in the Thai market will be having as much as 90 percent local content in it and the company will roll-out the car with a starting price of 400,000 baht in that market. While in India, the Honda Brio will be produced with up to 80 percent local content so that its price can be kept attractive in this highly competitive market. The starting price of this car in India would be Rs 5 lakh, as estimated in the report.

The Brio model is expected to hit the Indian market in the festive season of year 2011. The car will be taking on the likes of Maruti Suzuki Swift, Chevrolet Beat, Ford Figo, Volkswagen Polo and recently launched Toyota Etios.

Source: Cartradeindia.com

Automakers in India are contemplating price hike on their various car models in India. There has been a gradual increase in the various commodity prices in the market which has led to rise in input costs. Rubber, aluminium and steel prices have constantly been on a rise since past few months.

Hyundai Motors India Limited will increase the price of its cars by at least 2 percent from January 2011. "We have been absorbing increase in input costs but now we have decided to pass it marginally to customers. From January onwards, there will be an increase in prices of vehicles by 1.5-2 per cent," said Hyundai Motor India Ltd Director Sales and Marketing Arvind Saxena.

General Motors also announced that its cars will become expensive from January 2011 by 2.5 percent. It sells various models like Chevrolet Beat, Spark, Aveo, Aveo UVA, Cruze, etc. in the Indian market.

Maruti has already announced a price hike recently and Toyota is also likely to follow the footsteps of various other car makers in India. "There are cost pressures from various commodities as well as yen fluctuation which is affecting us. We will take the final call in this regard (price hike) by December 20," said Toyota Kirloskar Motor Deputy Managing Director (Marketing) Sandeep Singh. It will take a final call on the quantum of price hike by the end of this month.

Source: Cartradeindia.com

Thrilled by the overwhelming response received by the petrol version of its latest sensation Etios, the Japanese auto giant is now eyeing to roll-out a diesel version of this model in the Indian market by the end of next year. As per a recent statement given by Mr. Koji Nagata, Director, Marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motors, the company hopes that Toyota Etios diesel would be launched in India by December, next year.

It is widely speculated that the upcoming diesel version of Etios will be launched with the same 1.4L, Common Rail Diesel engine that is currently doing duties in premium sedan Toyota Corolla Altis. The engine is capable of delivering a maximum power of 88.4 PS in combination with a peak torque of 205Nm

Interestingly, Nissan, which is one of the closest rivals of Toyota in its domestic market is all set to launch a diesel version of its Micra model in the country this week and it is expected to be one of the biggest competitors of Etios hatchback diesel version in coming years.

Earlier this month, the company had launched its first ever mass segment car – Toyota Etios – in the Indian market on 1st of December. The car comes powered by a 1.5 L DOHC engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 90 bhp with 132 Nm of peak torque. It offers an exceptional mileage of over 17 km/l.

Designed with Toyota’s global quality standards, the new Etios sedan is all set to give its competitors a run for their money. The company has kept it starting price highly competitive at Rs 4.96 (Delhi ex-showroom), in a bid to give it a price edge over its rivals like Maruti Swift Dzire, Volkswagen Vento, Ford Fiesta, Tata Indigo CS and Manza, and Chevrolet Aveo.

Source: Cartradeindia.com

BMW 5 Series sedan car price Rs. 36 lakh

It's a price war in the Indian market! No matter which car segment we talk about, every car maker has realised that the car price tag holds the key to Indian customer's heart. So if there is are low cost cars in the small car segment or Toyota launching entry level Etios in sedan segment, there is now a BMW 5-series model at Rs. 36 lakh.

The premium car segment in India is abuzz with better models at even more competitive price tag than earlier. BMW has launched another 520d model in India which is the fifth engine variant to join the F10 series for Indian market. The model is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 184bhp @4000rpm mated with an 8-speed manual gearbox.

At present, the 5-Series range includes four variants, 525d, a more powerful 530d and two petrol variants: 523i and 535i. The current diesel BMW models have a 6 cylinder engine as opposed to the 520d’s in-line four which produces 185bhp.

Source: cartradeindia.com

Mahindra took over the reigns of age old Indian electric car maker Reva earlier this year thus severing the latter's ties with General Motors to come up with new other electric vehicles for the Indian market. Now M&M owns a stake in Reva Electric and has complete plans lined up for the launch of Mahindra Reva NXR model by mid-2011.

\The new NXR model is apt for small city rides and will be a four-seater model. The company has already launched its two seater model in cities like Delhi and Bangalore. "We intend to take it to other cities in India. Also, we are all geared up to roll out our four-seater Reva NXR by next year," said Pawan Goenka, president (automotive & farm equipment sector), M&M Ltd.

The company is coming up with its new plant in South India with an investment of Rs 200 crore. "As the current plants are running at full capacity and with no plant in south, we are to finalise the venue in next three months. With a capacity of around 1 lakh tractors, we are planning to roll out 50,000 in the first phase," added Goenka on the sidelines of his visit to Ahmedabad for inaugurating the 101st Samriddhi centre in Gandhinagar.

Mahindra Reva NXR reaches a top speed of 104 kmph while providing a range of 160 km. The NXR can text you with crucial information such as Time-to-full-change, pre-heat or pre-cool the car, mail you a report on your driving habits or even unlock the door as you approach. It also features a revolutionary technology that addresses range anxiety– REVive, a remotely activated reserve charge which will get you going, even when you've seemingly run out of charge.

Mahindra is also planning to launch Korando and Rexton in India next year which will be its brand new SUV models from South Korea.

Source: cartradeindia.com

BMW 520d car price Rs. 36,90,000

The country's second largest luxury car maker BMW has launched its fascinating BMW 520d in the Indian market. The new 520d comes powered by a 1995 cc 4-cylinder turbo diesel engine that is capable of delivering a peak power of 184 bhp in combination with a peak torque of 350Nm. The new car comes mated with 8-speed automatic transmission which enables it to offer an impeccable performance on roads.

The new generation 5-series model carries a number of new features including 255/55 R 17 tyres, single Mp3 CD audio player in places of in-dash 6 CD changer music system, standard aux-in, USB port and Bluetooth interface etc. However, the cosmetic features of in this new car are same as available in the BMW 525d premium sedan. The BMW 520d car has been prices at Rs 36,90,000 (ex-showroom Delhi) which is as much as Rs 3 lakh cheaper than its elder sibling 525d premium sedan.

Performance wise, the new 520d leads the segment with good pick-up and acceleration characteristics. The car takes only 8.4 seconds to cross the speed barrier of 100 km/h. The five-seater 520d sedan has been made roomier as compared to its predecessor. While the boot space of the car is 520 liter, the wheelbase measures to 2888 mm. The car comes equipped with a range of safety and performance enhancing features that comprises of Halogen / Xenon lights, Navigation system, Manual Cruise Control, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, traction control and Stability control.

Meanwhile, the company has geared-up to launch its much awaited starting range luxury – BMW X1 - in the Indian market next month. The X1 model is expected to be rolled out in the price segment of Rs 20 to 25 lakh, and will be the cheapest BMW car in India.

Source: cartradeindia.com

The Indian auto JV, Toyota Kirloskar is planning to raise the price of its certain models in an attempt to compensate the hike in input costs and the fluctuating exchange rates. Toyota Kirloskar’s MD for India said that a time has come for the company to revise the prices of its models in the wake of yen fluctuation and input cost rise.

The matter has become a great concern for Toyota Kirloskar since the cost of many components have risen to a great extent, he added. The price rise for Toyota models has become inevitable he said. He said a final decision will come off not later than 20th instant when the actual level of rise will be let known. The revision will become effective for invariably all models barring the recently launched Etios sedan. Toyota’s two plants are with the capacity of 150000 units of which the Bangalore facility delivers SUV Fortuner, Innova MUV, Corolla Altis premium sedan. The import brands are premium SUV Prado and Camry luxury sedan.

In the meantime, the country’s largest car manufacturer Maruti is contemplating an another price rise quoting the rise in the commodity costs. GM India and Hyundai Motor India also follow the suit by which they may hike the price by 2% effective January 2011.

Source: living.oneindia.in

Saina Nehwal, one of India’s best sports personality gets a superb gift from country’s largest car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki Ltd. As promised, a Maruti Suzuki SX4 was delivered to Saina Nehwal (Common Wealth Games Winner) By Mr.Tarun Garg (General Manager Sales), Maruti Suzuki ltd.

1) Vehicle kept ready for delivery

2) Delivery of SX4

3) Handing over of Key

4) Celebrating the occasion with her family & neighbours

5) Giving demonstration of SX4 Automatic vehicle

6) Taking Test Drive of new SX4

Source: Maruti Suzuki

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL), following the successful commercial launch of the petrol variant of its first ‘Made-in-India compact hatchback –Nissan Micra announced that the diesel variant of Micra will hit Indian roads in December 2010. The Nationwide sales for the Diesel-powered Micra would commence from December 10, 2010. The announcement was made by Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. and CEO, NMIPL, Dinesh Jain –CEO, Hover Automotive India Pvt Ltd (HAI) –the strategic alliance partner for Nissan in India, accompanied by other senior officials of Nissan and HAI.

Nissan Micra Diesel is a smart, global hatchback with an affable appearance and engineered for easy handling and sprightly performance, while realizing class-competitive fuel efficiency. The Diesel-powered Micra comes with fuel economy of 23.08 kmpl (as approved by ARAI), making it the best in its class. Positioned in the B+ car segment, the Micra Diesel is powered with the popular 1.5litre Common Rail Direct Injection K9K Diesel Engine, which is mounted for the very first time in India on Nissan's versatile ‘V' platform.

The 8-valves, 4-cylinder Diesel-powered Micra generates Power rated at 47Kw (64PS) @ 4000 rpm, while torque output is 160Nm @ 2000 rpm. The Nissan Micra Diesel comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The wide gear coverage enables the 1.5-litre engine to achieve brisk acceleration in city driving conditions. The engine is refined and very silent, thus well adapted for Indian conditions.

Speaking on the occasion Kiminobu Tokuyama, M.D. and CEO, Nissan Motor India said, "The success of petrol powered Micra in the domestic market has given us huge confidence to introduce the Diesel powered Micra within six months from the petrol version. The Diesel Powered Micra with its best in class fuel efficiency and unique features has the potential to crave a niche for itself in the overcrowded compact hatchback segment in India. This is not just another variant. It is the right product at the right time that will offer the discerning Indian customers a good means of urban mobility with a complete package of performance, features, safety and comfort. We are aware this is a very important phase of our journey and we stand by our commitment to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services"

Starting November 7, 2010, the Nissan dealerships across the country have already commenced the bookings for the Diesel powered Micra. A comprehensive multimedia ad campaign (T.V., Radio, Print and Digital) has also been launched to support this activity. Says Dinesh Jain, CEO, Hover Automotive India, "Ever since we launched the petrol variant in July, we have been flooded with enquiries for Micra Diesel. I am confident that the Diesel-powered Micra, is a good value proposition and a desirable option to choose from, for the Indian customers during this season. We are elated with the initial response the pre-order bookings have generated so far through our dealerships prior to the launch. We keenly look forward to replicate the success of the petrol variant with the Diesel-powered Micra. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be launched nationwide with a comprehensive multi-media marketing campaign featuring our brand Ambassador Ranbir Kapoor. We will also be using some non-conventional forms of media to maximize the product visibility and increase sales."

Nissan Micra Diesel is born out of the need to simplify the city chaos and enrich the urban driving experience. It is a reliable, stylish, safe and eco-friendly car for people who enjoy everyday driving. The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra will be available in two variants of XV and XV (premium). Available with greige interiors, it will be introduced in a range of six colours; Sunlight Orange, Brick Red, Pacific Blue, Storm White, Blade Silver and Onyx Black. The Nissan Micra Diesel will be marketed and sold in India and subsequently will be exported to South Africa next year.

In July this year, Nissan launched the petrol variant of its first made in India global compact car –Nissan Micra (Global compact hatchback), based on the Versatile ‘V' platform at its factory in Oragadam, Chennai. Since the sales began on July 15, 2010, the company has sold over 5000 units of Micra. With the soon-to-be launched Micra Diesel, Nissan will add another variant to its product kitty to cater to its Customers' choice.

Unique Proposition
The Diesel-powered Nissan Micra is equipped with some key technological innovations, which are designed to simplify day-to-day life for its owners. The Micra Diesel offers first-in-its-class Intelligent Key plus Immobilizer, a push-button engine start-stop system and electric foldable mirror.

Another unique feature is the intelligent multi-display meter, which supplies drivers with real time fuel economy information and cruising range. In addition, the driver power windows are fitted with ‘one touch up/down' feature along with a pinch guard.

Source: Nissan India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor launched the Etios Sedan today, marking the company's entry into the highly competitive B Segment in India. The Etios has been developed specifically for Indian customers – 'World First, India First, My First'.

Toyota Etios Price in India:
The Toyota Etios sedan will be available in four variants, J, G, V and VX, competitively priced between 4,96,000/- and 6,86,500/- ex showroom Delhi. The product highlights include innovative styling, best-in-class cabin and luggage space, superior comfort, impressive fuel efficiency and the legendary Toyota QDR.

The Etios was launched by Mr. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and scion of Toyota's founding family, on his maiden visit to India after taking over as the Head of the company. Also present were Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC), Mr. Soichiro Okudaira (Managing Officer, TMC), Mr. Osamu Nagata (Managing Officer, TMC), Mr. Yoshinori Noritake (Chief Engineer - Etios, TMC), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director-Marketing, TKM).

Commenting on the launch of the Etios, Mr. Akio Toyoda, President TMC said: "India is a key market for our overall strategic growth plans, and the launch of the Etios is definitely a milestone not only for Toyota in India but for Toyota globally. Toyota strongly believes in the 'customer first' philosophy, hence it was important to collect valuable feedback from our prospective customers right from the concept stage to what the Etios is today. We at Toyota believe, 'the road makes the car' and the Etios is a product of real-world testing on roads across India. Our testing has covered a hundred thousand kilometers on every kind of road that Indian drivers encounter, from Kolkata to Mumbai, from the Himalayan foothills to the tip of the Indian peninsula.

We at Toyota will continue listening carefully to Indian customers to stay in touch with their changing expectations. We will respond quickly with technological development and continue providing products that Indian customers will love."

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD TKM, said: "The Etios is very important to us, and its launch today marks the beginning of a new era for Toyota in India. In fact this launch will enable Indian customers in the middle income group to own an aspirational Toyota vehicle for the first time. I proudly also announce that production of the Etios will begin as planned in our new plant which is the most environmentally friendly automobile manufacturing plant in the country today.

Earlier this year we announced our plans to locally produce engines and transmissions at the Toyota Kirloskar Auto Parts in the third quarter of 2012 that will help us increase the localisation content of the Etios. Toyota in India will facilitate not just economic growth but social growth as well of the region it operates in, and in turn strive to be the most loved and admired company."

Mr. Yoshinori Noritake, Chief Engineer of the Etios spoke about the development of the product, he said: "It was very important to understand the needs of Indian car buyers before designing an India specific car. We learnt that Indian customers are very price conscious but at the same time want space and comfort for their family, and style to enhance their status. One of the strong points of the Etios sedan is its true sedan design – designed on a sedan platform and not as a hatch with a boot – smart packaging that makes it compact at the same time spacious. More than 2000 engineers from Japan and India have worked in close collaboration over the last four years with a vision to offer Etios customers the 'joy of ownership' and 'quality of life'."

Talking about the Etios Sales and Marketing strategy in India, Sandeep Singh, DMD-Marketing, TKM, said: "We have planned an elaborate marketing strategy to warm up to our target customer and through our various campaigns we aim to successfully establish the Etios brand in India. To start with we signed on Mr. A.R.Rahman as our Brand Ambassador to establish an instant connect between the Etios values and Indian masses. We are committed to give our customers a Q-Class experience through a sales and service network that will be expanded to 150 dealerships by the end of this year. The bookings for the Etios sedan start today and deliveries will begin in January 2011.

We would also like to use this occasion to announce the name of the Hatchback version: Etios Liva, which will go on sale in April 2011."

Toyota Etios Features, Mileage & Specifications:

(a) Exterior
A distinctive front grille with a smile line, sculpted surface and dynamic character-line in the front and rear, enhance the presence of the Etios. The rear has a fluent flowing C pillar, rounded end and three-dimensional combination lamps that enrich the vehicle's exterior from different angles.

(b) Interior
The seats are ergonomically designed units with integrated head rests. An instrument panel clearly divided into the information area and operation area with a large centre meter provides excellent visibility. The Etios has class best cabin and luggage space of 595L, a spacious 13L cooled glove box, seven one litre bottle holders, mobile holder and many more such useful storage spaces inside the car.

(c) Performance and Comfort
A newly developed 1.5L, 16V DOHC engine coupled with a 5-Speed manual transmission that produces high output for best-in-class driving performance. The torque is available at low rpm for less gear shifting and stress-free city driving.

The Etios has a superior mileage of 17.6kmpl which is ARAI tested.

Electric power steering for excellent maneuverability and tilt steering ensures a good ergonomic driving experience. The steering comes with audio controls for comfort at the driver's fingertips.

The flat type rear floor design offers ease of movement for rear seat passengers. With its rigid body structure and world class Mac Pherson Strut, the Etios has superior dampening performance providing superior ride comfort.

A class-first 'clean air filter' which is standard across all grades for purified air in the cabin.

(d) Safety
The Etios has various active and passive safety features ensuring the car matches global safety standards. The various safety features are (i) Energy absorbing body shell (ii) Driver & Passenger Air bags and (iii) ABS with EBD.

Its centrally located combimeter reduces eye movement and hence the driver can concentrate on the road.

(e) Special Treatment
To adopt to the various diverse climate and usage conditions in India, special treatment and countermeasures have been implemented:
- Good ground clearance of 170mm
- Under body protection to prevent damage to fuel and brake lines
- Anti-corrosion steel sheets at areas prone to rusting and stone hits
- Chipping resistant paint on rocker mould & fender

Source: Toyota Kirloskar Motor

Jaguar New Diesel XF Sports Car Price Rs. 48.37 Lacs

Jaguar launched the all new Diesel XF in India. This follows the successful launch of the highly acclaimed 5.0L naturally aspirated petrol XF and the supercharged XFR in 2009. Contemporary, individual and beautifully crafted, the XF has the soul of a sports car, the style and sophistication of a luxury four-door saloon and the visual excitement of a coupe. Delivering high performance, excellent refinement and outstanding dynamic ability, the XF is true to Jaguar’s philosophy of creating beautiful, fast cars.

Launched with the state-of-the-art 3.0-litre AJ-V6 Diesel S engine, the Diesel XF provides drivers with superior driving dynamics, a more striking appearance and an upgraded interior which offers the ultimate in sporting luxury. The twin sequential turbocharged engine with 275PS and 600Nm of torque offers exceptional efficiency and refinement. To deliver the high levels of power and torque seamlessly and with effortless flexibility, this engine is perfectly matched to Jaguar’s sophisticated six-speed ZF 6HP28 automatic transmission and can accelerate the Diesel S from 0-100 kmph in just 6.4 seconds.

Featuring technologies such as the JaguarDrive SelectorTM, JaguarDrive Control, Jaguar Sequential Shift and Dynamic Stability Control with Trac DSC mode the new Diesel XF combines responsive, sporting dynamics with the refined, supple ride expected from a luxury Jaguar. The Diesel XF is fitted with 18” inch alloy wheels with full size spare wheel as standard.

The XF 3.0L Diesel model launched in India includes many premium features as standard: Soft Grain leather seats, Phosphor Blue halo illumination and interior mood lighting, seven-inch full colour touch-screen display and Jaguar Smart Key SystemTM with Keyless Entry and Start. Also included as standard are cruise control, electric glass sunroof, front and rear parking aid with rear view camera and Jaguar Sound System with 6 CD player.

The new Diesel XF introduced in India has been customised by Jaguar engineers in the UK for the Indian market. With ride height adapted for Indian conditions and a non-DPF diesel engine, the 3.0L Diesel XF has been fully homologated and certified at ARAI for the Indian market. This symbolises the importance of and Jaguar’s commitment to the fast growing Indian premium luxury car market. The new diesel XF is available in India in the Premium Luxury derivative and is approximately priced at Rs. 48.37 Lacs, (ex-showroom Delhi).

Courtesy: Jaguar India

Fiat India Automobiles C segment offering Linea won many admirers when it was first launched in January 2009.Fiat Linea T-Jet Yesterday with the launch of the next generation Fiat Linea T-Jet the company is ready to redefine the performance and luxury benchmarks in the C segment. With an array of best in class features the new Italian beauty is reminiscent of higher segment cars. With a brand new T-Jet engine the new Fiat Linea will be a powerhouse. The new imported power train delivers 114 PS power and an unbelievable torque of 207 Nm, enough to leave all its competitors behind. With this, the Fiat Linea will be the first and only car in the premium sedan segment to boast of a turbo charged petrol engine.

The Fiat Linea T-Jet comes with 13 new features and 7 class leading equipment is sure to delight its owners. The cars sets new benchmarks in the area of performance, safety,comfort,ride and handling and in- car Infotainment. All 4 disc brakes(a first in the segment) developed with Dual airbags,ABS with EBD. Bigger 16 inch alloy wheels with wider 205/55 R16 tyers and longest wheel base of 2603mm and enhanced ground clearance of 170mm. Premium imported leather upholstery and soft touch dashboard with chrome accents. Cabin comfort is ensured with Auto AC, with rear knee and foot level AC vents which makes it more luxurious.

The good news extends to the pricing with the car being available in two variants at a special introductory period price. The all new Fiat Linea T-Jet is available with amazing price tag at Rs. 8.55 lacs and Rs. 8.99 lacs (ex-showroom Delhi). Fiat India will initially focus on two of the most important markets, Mumbai / Pune and Delhi / NCR, which constitute 60 percent sales volume in the C plus segment. With its focus on these important markets and other top metros, Fiat expects to drive in the Linea T-Jet with a vroom.

Speaking on the launch of the all new Linea, Mr. Rajeev Kapoor, President and CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Ltd said, We are pronouncing the Linea T Jet as Refined luxury and power. The Linea T jet is a product that has been refined according to the feedback received from existing and potential customers. It literally sets a benchmark in the C plus segment with its robust engine and the never ending list of features. The new Linea offers a perfect blend of sophisticated style, guaranteed performance, class leading comfort, outstanding ride and handling with unbeatable toughness. Linea T-Jet is sure to give competition in the C plus segment, a run for its money.

The beautiful and performance oriented Linea T-Jet will be available in a spectacular new Sunbeam Beige colour. The car will be available at Tata Fiat showrooms in Mumbai and Delhi before it is launched in a phased wise manner across the country. The Linea has won many hearts with its tangible attributes and its creative campaign which had everyone humming the Admiration Guaranteed tune. The new Linea T-Jet will continue to melt hearts with the launch of a new chapter of this popular campaign.

Courtesy: Fiat India Automobiles Ltd

Top Selling Fiat Car Models in India

Fiat Linea Dynamic 1.4 (Petrol)

Fiat Linea Dynamic Pk 1.4 (Petrol)

Fiat Linea Emotion Pk 1.4 (Petrol)

Fiat Linea Dynamic 1.3 (Diesel)

Fiat Linea Emotion Pk 1.3 (Diesel)

Fiat Grande Punto 1.2 Active (Petrol)

Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Active (Diesel)

Fiat Grande Punto 1.4 Emotion (Petrol)

Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Emotion (Diesel)

Fiat Grande Punto 1.3 Emotion Pack (Diesel)

Fiat Palio 1.1 SL (Petrol)

Fiat Palio 1.1 SLE (Petrol)

Fiat Palio 1.1 SLX (Petrol)

Fiat Palio 1.6 Stile Sport (Petrol)

Fiat 500 Lounge (Diesel)

Fiat 500 Sport (Diesel)

SkodaAuto India, a fully owned subsidiary of SkodaAuto a.s., Czech Republic and one of the most promising automobile companies in India, today announced, launch of the 1st SUV in its product line - The Skoda Yeti.

Borrowing from the illustrious Skoda lineage, the Yeti integrates some of the best solutions from each model in the Skoda range to offer a unique mix of safety, functionality and comfort in a signature modern exterior and interior design. The highly anticipated YETI, Skoda's international best seller is attractively priced at 14.98 lakhs (Ex Showroom Maharashtra).

With the launch of Skoda Yeti, SkodaAuto India expands its product range and hence catering to a wider target audience. Ever since the first showcase of the Skoda Yeti at the AutoExpo early this year, the Skoda Yeti has captured the imagination of auto enthusiasts and customers alike.

The Skoda Yeti has all the makings of a cult car in India as it offers comfort & ride quality of a premium sedan while offering fun, technology & functionality of a premium SUV. The smartly priced Skoda Yeti will attract India's young and increasingly auto-enthusiastic consumers by offering additional technology and multi-role capability.

SkodaAuto India has received numerous customer enquiries even before the commercial launch of the car. One of the most interesting aspects of the response is that customer enthusiasm for Skoda Yeti is spread nationally and not restricted to a particular region unlike the traditional SUV market.

Speaking on the launch, Thomas Kuehl, Board Member & Director, Sales & Marketing, SkodaAuto India said, "It has always been Skoda's endeavor to offer unmatched driving experience, and the new Skoda Yeti is a perfect testimony of this. The Indian consumer will truly get to experience a capable off roader combined with the adaptability of a compact SUV and comfort of a premium sedan for the first time. The Yeti will create a NEW SUV segment between the existing premium and low cost offers.

This unique proposition together with an unrivaled price point gives us the confidence that the Skoda Yeti would attract a new host of customers and reiterate the brand loyalty amongst the existing customers. We are very proud to state that our Yeti will reliably transport its passengers not only to work but will be a pleasant and reliable companion on trips for fun and active relaxation."

He further added "In the compact SUV segment, the Yeti has set new standards internationally, due to its off-road design features, high quality materials, intelligent ergonomics and outstanding equipment. We are confident that Skoda Yeti will alter the perspective associated with traditional SUVs that consume more fuel and emit high emissions and offer a completely new SUV concept for India.

It is positioned as a capable and an accomplished SUV that reflects the ‘go anywhere' attitude of the owner and his/her will to succeed. The positioning statement (The Right of Way) resonates with the determination to succeed against all odds and the belief that nothing can stop the willing from attaining their goals."

The Skoda Yeti is powered by a 2.0 Litre TDI CR engine, which generates maximum power of 140 bhp at 4200 rpm. The fully synchronized six-speed manual transmission gives complete power and control to the driver.

The high-pressure direct injection technology system promises optimized performance, great mileage of 17.67Kmph as per ARAI, combined with excellent. Skoda Yeti is a proud proof that even an SUV can achieve low consumption and emissions.

Source: SkodaAuto India

Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. (Mahindra REVA), one of the pioneers of electric vehicle technology in India, today announced that its REVAi vehicle will be available at select Mahindra dealerships in Hyderabad.

This is the first major initiative announced by the company post its acquisition by the US $ 7.1 billion Mahindra Group in May 2010. The Honourable Sabita Indira Reddy P. from the Ministry of Home, Jails, Fire Services and Sainik Welfare, handed over the keys of the first two REVAi vehicles to Mr. Anurag Bajaj of the Park Hotel, Hyderabad.

“We are delighted to launch the REVAi in Hyderabad where there is already a great deal of interest in our vehicles. With issues such as climate change and carbon footprint taking centre stage globally, eco-friendly transportation has become the need of the hour. The electric vehicle market is hence, poised to grow rapidly. Mahindra’s extensive distribution network, coupled with our unique finance plan will help us make significant inroads into the local market,” said Mr. R. Chandramouli, Chief of Operations, Mahindra REVA.

The company has also tied-up with Mahindra finance which will enable them to offer customers a unique financing plan. REVAi buyers can now pay an interest free, refundable deposit of Rs. 1,00,000/-, followed by monthly instalments of Rs. 8999/- for a period of 36 months (3 years) and drive home a REVAi. At the end of 3 years, the customer can either continue using the car by making a final payment of Rs. 50,000/- or return the car and claim the refundable deposit of Rs. 1,00,000/-.

The REVAi is a technologically advanced car equipped with a 'boost' mode for acceleration and power. It also has a ‘hill restraint’ feature which allows enhanced negotiation on slopes. As an eco-friendly and economical car, it offers ease of driving without clutch and gears. Its small size makes parking hassle-free and manoeuvrable for safe driving on city roads. Further, the vehicle can drive at 80 km per hour with acceleration from 0-40 km in 7 seconds.

REVA's patented technology incorporated in its Energy Management System (EMS) ensures optimum performance and life from the battery. The car also has a regenerative braking system by which energy is pumped to the battery while slowing down or applying the brakes. With a range of up to 80 km per charge, the REVAi is suitable for most journeys within the city. Its automatic drive, no emission and no noise make it the ‘perfect city car’.

Source: Mahindra REVA Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd