Tata Motors to Invest in Developing New Technologies for Trucks and Buses

Tata Motors, an India’s largest automobile company, which is also world’s fifth largest truck manufacturer and fourth largest bus manufacturer. The company has over 60,000 employees who are guided by its mission “to be passionate in anticipating and providing the best vehicles and experiences that excite our customers globally.

But recent data shows, unbelievable drop in its commercial segment sales, it drop 49% to 23, 990 units in the last month proving economic slowdown effect. And resultantly the company plans to invest up to Rs. 1500 crore in developing new products and technologies for its commercial vehicle segment.

Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director Commercial Vehicle said about the plan that, “Our capex during a year generally ranges between Rs 1,200-1,500 crore. We plan to spend around the same amount during the next fiscal as well.”

"We have enough capacity for the next five years, so there won't be any additional investments. By investing into development of new products and technology, we want to be ready for the market when it bounces back," he added.

The company is expecting more launch of low-priced truck models, apart from these, the company is looking forward to develop a new range of buses to cater to Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM), an initiative of Government of India.

The company currently eyes to launch new Prima LX, which is about 20 % cheaper than the earlier Prima trucks launched in 2009. And the company also plan to launch new variants of its light commercial vehicle (LCV) Ultra.

While commenting on the revival of the commercial vehicle segment, Mr. Pisharody said: "It is very difficult to say. It won't be back in the first two quarters, may be in the later part of the year."

Manufacturer to Rise Car Prices Third Time in 2014

After announcement of price increase by Honda India, Mahindra, Tata and Renault India, now Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Ford also eyes similar trend to follow. Each car manufacturers are under pressure of maintaining margin and selling good number while industry is facing tough time.

Last month Government reduces the excise duty, car makers pass these benefits to the customers, but though sales did not gear up responding to the benefits. On other hand car makers remain at critical margin at lower sale volume. The car makers says that their operating costs have also gone up due to increase in fuel prices and other overheads. Mr. MayankPareek, COO for Marketing and Sale at Maruti said “As we enter into a new fiscal year, we are closely looking at the cost pressures.”

While Mr. Pravin Shah, CEO Mahindra Automotive Division said, “We have witnessed a sharp increase in operating costs, and there is huge pressure on margins.” And Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, Senior VP of Marketing and Sales said that we have “Considered view to go in for a hike as a number of factors are affecting our profitability”

As we stated earlier in this article, auto makers failed to attract customers, despite reduction in price last month. The total vehicle sales including cars, vans and utility vehicles drop 4 percent to 2.17 lakh units in February.

Next-Generation Toyota Etios to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2016

The Japanese auto player, Toyota has entered Indian market making joint venture with Kirloskar Group of India. The company is fourth largest car manufacturer in India after Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai and Mahindra.

The company have its Corolla, Innova, Etios, EtiosLiva, Fortuner and Camry into India Market manufacture locally. Toyota Etios was launched in 2010, and so far fails to show good performance in the market as company’s other cars like Innova and Fortuner.

The company feels that it failed to fit the design to the Indian customer and need to renovate it. The customer did not accepted the design and they feels like a boxy car. Even though, because of its premium image the car have been widely used in commercial purpose in hotel industry.

Mr. Hisayuki Inoue, CEO Asia-Pacific at Toyota said that “Design is one issue and you will see that the new version will have a much better design”. Now, we can expect the new generation Etios to inspire by new CorrollaAlties.

Toyota is known for its quality cars, and especially Etios’ strengths are its fuel efficiency, good space and durability. According to company source, the company will eyes to take benefits of these competences into newly styled Next-Generation Etios.

What We can Expect in New Etios ?

The new 2016 Toyota Etios will have totally new, transformed top hat, with little added resemblance. The engines can be expected to be same as current options that includes 1.2-litre, 1.5-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel.

Honda to Increase Prices, finds Need to Set off Cost of Material

A leading middle to premium car manufacturer, taken surprising decision of raising price of its all cars including New Honda City, Amaze, Brio and CR-V. The invert move by the car maker is really surprising following the reduction in excise duty on cars by Government of India, and more importantly when Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai reduced price recently.

This move is decided to set off the increasing cost of inputs as Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, Senior VP for Marketing said that “We are deciding the quantum of price increase and are working with our finance and accounts team. It will be effective from April 1”.

As he stated, price increase will be effective from the 1^st April, and it will also include new Honda City which currently have waiting period of about six months.

World Car of the Year 2014 finalists announced

The shortlisted cars for the 2014 World Car of the Year awards have been announced at the Geneva motor show. Now in its tenth year, the title for the World Car of the Year will see the new Audi A3, BMW 4-series and the Mazda 3 slug it out for the top honor.

The finalists for the World Luxury Car of the Year are Bentley’s Flying Spur, Mercedes-Benz’ S-class and the Range Rover Sport. The World Performance Car will be decided between the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 458 Speciale and the Porsche 911 GT3.

In addition, the judges have shortlisted the Audi A3 Sportback G-tron, BMW i3 and Volkswagen’s XL1 as the finalists for the World Green Car award. The World Car Design of the Year will be decided between the BMW i3, Mazda3 or the Mercedes-Benz C-class.

The winners of each category will be revealed at the New York motor show on April 17.

Mercedes-Benz S-class now locally assembled

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it has started assembling its flagship luxury sedan, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, here at its Chakan plant in Pune. According to sources in the company, the move follows increasing demand for the S 500, the top-of-the-line variant of the S-class that is available here.

Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “No other car stands for Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the S-Class and we are delighted to manufacture the new S-Class at our state-of-the art production facility in Chakan, Pune. Quality has all along been the strength of Mercedes-Benz India, and the new S 500 production in India is set to take this success story even further.”

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it has started assembling its flagship luxury sedan, the new S-class, here at its Chakan plant in Pune. According to sources in the company, the move follows increasing demand for the S 500, the top-of-the-line variant of the S-class that is available here.

Eberhard Kern, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “No other car stands for Mercedes-Benz brand promise more than the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and we are delighted to manufacture the new S-Class at our state-of-the art production facility in Chakan, Pune. Quality has all along been the strength of Mercedes-Benz India, and the new S 500 production in India is set to take this success story even further.”

Datsun Go will launch on March 19, 2014

It's finally confirmed that the Datsun Go hatchback will launch in India on March 19. The first product from Nissan's budget brand was first revealed last year in Delhi and since, has been shown at the Auto Expo. The car maker also embarked on a country-wide journey to showcase the new small car to the public some time back.

The Datsun Go will enter a space that is already hotly contested and the car maker has promised a sub-Rs 4 lakh price tag. Its rivals include the popular Maruti Alto 800 and the Hyundai Eon. The Datsun does offer the most space and power among these and this could prove crucial for Datsun's comeback.

The car maker has also revealed plans to enter the Russian market with a new sedan which will be globally unveiled on April 4.

Hyundai Xcent launched from Rs 4.66 lakh

Hyundai has just launched its first entrant in the compact sedan segment, the Grand-i10-based Xcent, at a starting price of Rs 4.66 lakh for the base petrol trim. 

It is available in three variants - Base, S and SX - and in six colours. The Base trim is priced at Rs 4.66 lakh for the petrol, while the diesel costs Rs 5.56 lakh. The S petrol costs Rs 5.32 lakh, and the S (O) petrol is priced at Rs 5.57 lakh, while the S diesel costs Rs 6.23 lakh and the S (O) diesel is priced at Rs 6.98 lakh.

The top SX variant costs Rs 6.22 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.13 lakh for the SX diesel, while the SX (O) variant costs Rs 6.47 lakh for the petrol and Rs 7.38 lakh for the diesel. The 1.2-litre petrol automatic variant is priced at Rs 6.28 lakh for the S (O) variant and Rs 7.19 lakh for the SX (O). Bear in mind that these are introductory prices though and are subject to change at any time.

Since it’s based on the Grand i10 hatchback, the Xcent carries much of the small car’s styling. In fact, there’s nothing to differentiate the two cars right up till the rear doors. However, you can tell the Xcent was envisioned as a compact sedan derivative of the Grand i10 from the very start from the way the tail section blends smoothly with the rest of the design.

On the inside, the cabin is a carryover from the Grand i10, which means a smart dashboard and high levels of fit and finish. As with other Hyundais, the Xcent comes loaded with features. The top SX variant gets a few more features over the hatch; it comes with automatic climate control and a rear-view camera. Steering-mounted audio controls, an audio system with Aux, USB, Bluetooth and 1GB internal storage are features available as standard on the S and SX variants. Dual front airbags are only available on the SX trim. And, much like the hatch, ABS is an option, but only on the S and SX variants. It gets a cooled glovebox as standard on all variants but the Base variant gets only front power windows and no electric mirror adjust. The top SX trim comes with 14-inch alloys as standard, but Hyundai is giving you the option of 15-inch ‘diamond cut’ alloys as well. At 407 litres, the Xcent has got the largest boot in its class, seven litres more than Honda’s Amaze.

The new Hyundai Xcent shares the same wheelbase as the Grand i10 hatchback and this means it will get the same generous legroom at the rear. Rear passengers get the added convenience of a fold-down central armrest with cupholders.

The Hyundai Xcent sedan uses the same 1.1-litre diesel and 1.2-litre petrol engines as the Grand i10. These engines are mated to five-speed manual transmissions as standard, though the petrol car gets an optional four-speed automatic too.

With the Xcent, Hyundai makes its foray into the lucrative sub-four-metre sedan segment, and meeting this small-car regulation has allowed the company to price it competitively. Going by how well the Grand i10 hatchback has been received in India, the Xcent has the potential to cause a serious dent to the Maruti Dzire’s and Honda Amaze’s sales.

New 2015 Sonata's out in the open

Our resident clairvoyant was right once again, as right on cue, Hyundai unveiled the 2015 Sonata in South Korea today.

Though all we had before was a sketch, the final version visibly brings in the new 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design theme that Hyundai has adopted, toning the 'fluidic' aspect a notch below the previous version, giving it a comparatively understated, yet elegant look. The new headlamps sport a more assertive look rather then straight-out aggressive, and the new grill looks a lot more elegant as well.

The car is 35mm longer and 30mm wider than the current version, which translates straight to extra interior space. It also is a lot lighter, and at the same time safer thanks to the comparatively higher use of AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) in its construction.

As we had mentioned before, the car has been put through the grind at the Nürburgring and California's Mojave Proving Ground, to ensure an overall better performance and ride.

The new Sonata comes in three engine options – a 2.0 CVVL producing 166bhp of power and 201Nm of torque. Next, there's the 2.0 LPi making 149bhp and 194Nm. Lastly, the 2.4 GDi that produces 190bhp and 247Nm. All front-wheel drives, mated to 6-speed manual/automatic gearboxes.

As expected, Hyundai has stuffed the new Sonata with an extensive feature list, out of which some of the new and notable ones are Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), hands-free Smart Trunk, driver knee airbag, emergency stop signal, electronic parking brake, and heated rear seats.

We can expect the 2015 Sonata here by late 2014, but that gives you enough time to tell us what you think of the new Sonata in the comments below.Our resident clairvoyant was right once again, as right on cue, Hyundai Sonata unveiled the 2015 Sonata in South Korea today.

Though all we had before was a sketch, the final version visibly brings in the new 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design theme that Hyundai has adopted, toning the 'fluidic' aspect a notch below the previous version, giving it a comparatively understated, yet elegant look. The new headlamps sport a more assertive look rather then straight-out aggressive, and the new grill looks a lot more elegant as well.

The car is 35mm longer and 30mm wider than the current version, which translates straight to extra interior space. It also is a lot lighter, and at the same time safer thanks to the comparatively higher use of AHSS (Advanced High Strength Steel) in its construction.

As we had mentioned before, the car has been put through the grind at the Nürburgring and California's Mojave Proving Ground, to ensure an overall better performance and ride.

The new hyundai Sonata comes in three engine options – a 2.0 CVVL producing 166bhp of power and 201Nm of torque. Next, there's the 2.0 LPi making 149bhp and 194Nm. Lastly, the 2.4 GDi that produces 190bhp and 247Nm. All front-wheel drives, mated to 6-speed manual/automatic gearboxes.

As expected, Hyundai has stuffed the new Sonata with an extensive feature list, out of which some of the new and notable ones are Advanced Smart Cruise Control (ASCC), Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), hands-free Smart Trunk, driver knee airbag, emergency stop signal, electronic parking brake, and heated rear seats.

We can expect the 2015 Sonata here by late 2014, but that gives you enough time to tell us what you think of the new Sonata in the comments below.

Source- Topgear

Datsun Go hatchback launched at a starting price of Rs 3.12 lakh

Japanese car maker Nissan Motors on Wednesday launched its low-cost DatsunGo brand in India by rolling out its GO hatchback at an aggressive price to revive its fortunes after a tough year.

Priced aggressively at Rs 3.12 lakh onwards, the GO will challenge Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon at the entry level segment with a bigger 1,200-cc engine, more cabin space and superior mileage.

Nissan's sales declined 10% year-onyear to 31,309 cars in the first 11 months of the current fiscal. The company expects DatsunGo to help it make a comeback by generating a third of its future sales.

GO will be followed by a bigger wagon, GO+, later this year. With its aggressive pricing, GO is targeting first-time car buyers who account for around 40% of passenger car sales in the country.

Fraud Awareness for Used Car Buyers & Sellers

We normally deal with people we know and in individual, especially if it is a financial cope. What happens if you have to buy or sell a car to a person you met on the Online or through a newspaper classified ad in a popular newspaper? There cannot be a quick and easy way of avoiding a scam but using CarWorld1’s fraud awareness tips for used car buyers and sellers coupled with your common sense, you can save yourself from scams.

If You Are a Buyer

1. Inspect the car

Examine the car to your fulfillment in sunlight. Look for signs of any kind of accident or damage due to surging. Take a test drive to ensure that the engine is in good shape. If you are not sure, take your mechanic or a reputed one along.

2. Check car documents

Examine the car documents carefully. Ask for car registration copy (RC book/card), insurance papers etc. Confirm the basic car details such as number of entrepreneurs, car version, production year, proprietor information etc. with the RC and what was advertised or told to you.

Ask for previous maintenance servicing related papers (whatever the seller has). The servicing papers will carry more value if these are from an authorized service center. Maintenance information records are a good way to verify the mileage (kilometers driven) of the car.

3. Meet the seller

The seller is the most important factor in the entire car buying scenario. You could potentially let go a couple of minor glitches as far as car is concerned but even the least about the seller should be alarming enough not to go through with the deal. The conclusion will be based upon your judgment.

4. Know when to transfer the money

Do not transfer the money until you have seen the car in individual and met the supplier. No cash should be compensated for having a look at the car. Walk away from the deal, if the supplier asks you to exchange a token amount before you can see the car. Become incredibly careful if the price of the car sounds too good to be true. Check CarWorld1 used car prices for a fair idea of the market value of the car.

If You Are a Seller

1. Meet the buyer

Fulfill the buyer in person. Keep a evidence of identification duplicate for your information before you hand over the car. Do not offer the car if you get doubtful about the customer for any purpose.

2. Know how to deal with the money

You may enter the deal by taking some token money. The car can be handed over to the buyer if you have been given a cheque/DD of the amount as per the agreed sale price but the transfer documents should be signed only after the entire payment has been realised.

If buyer gives you a cheque/DD of an amount higher than the agreed sale price and asks you to return the difference, don’t do so. Let’s assume that the agreed sale price of your car is Rs.5,20,000 and the buyer gives you a cheque of Rs.5,50,000 and asks you to return Rs.30,000. In this case, don’t get into the deal.

3. When to transfer the car title

Don’t hand over the original car documents until you have got all your money. At plenty of duration of delivery, have a delivery note signed by the buyer that clearly states that he has taken the possession of the said car and he is responsible for the liabilities arising henceforth.

The car transfer should take place once the complete payment is released. You can sign the transfer documents and hand over all original documents, duplicate car key etc. to the buyer.

Please have an look & confirm before buy used car or new car. This is one time investment for salary people if fault or misleading transaction occurred then average people cant not afford. So beware before purchase. Best of Luck from CarWorld1

Audi announces “Spring Collection” Discounts

Audi India announces a heavy discounts for limited period. The strategy will enhance greater competition from this German car maker. Audi India is already ahead of Mercedes and BMW selling 10,002 in 2013 in comparison of 9003 cars from Mercedes and 7327 cars from BMW.

Audi Spring Collection will include 275 A4, A6 luxury sedan car, Q5 and Q7 SUV. As stated in news article of Autocar India, 176.5bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel Audi A4 sedan is priced at Rs. 28.3 lakhs giving the discount amount of approximately 4 lakhs. While 2.0-litre TDI Audi A6 is on offer for 36.07 lakh availing discount of Rs. 7 lakh.

The article also state that, Audi Q5 TDI with 2.0-litre engine, priced at 37.22 lakh while Q7 TDI 3.0-litre in premium + guise comes for Rs. 56.47 lakh.

Luxury Car makers to postponedits New Launches in Indian Market

The luxury car makers are not in mood to enter Indian market with their new offerings due to continued sluggish Indian car Industry. The car makers differs in their launch timing as they fine difficult to enter the market yet.

Most awaited luxury cars like Lexus, Nissan Infinity, Jeep and many others cars are yet looking forward to opening up of market. German car makers such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes are the major players ripping the benefit of fewer competitors in the market.

Commenting on the matter, Fiat-Chrysler MD, Mr. NageshBasavanhalli said that, we looked at the current market conditions, we said it is better to differ and introduce it once the market sentiments gets better. So we have differed it now, it’s not cancel its just deferment and we will come back shortly.”

The reasons for such decision is backed by current instability in political environment and volatility in currency which leads to decrease in company’s profit margin.

Comparison: Honda City diesel vs Skoda Rapid diesel

After significant success of Honda Amaze, the company launched its very popular car on the Indian road, the Honda diesel is sharing the same engine with that of Amaze. On other hand Skoda Rapid diesel is well known for its powerful performance.

Now let me drive you through the both mid-size sedans, which are competing high to absorb one another’s pie of market when both the players have their own brand image and proposition to Indian market.

Performance and Ability
 

The Honda is loaded with 1.5-litre i-DTEC engine, which is ready to produce maximum power of 99 bhp and maximum torque of 200 Nm. On other hand Rapid has 1.6 TDI CR Turbocharged engine which can produce maximum of 103 bhp and maximum torque of 250 Nm.

Looking at these specification, Rapid is far ahead of City, but when it comes to Mileage City is far ahead of Rapid, with the mileage of 26 kmpl in comparison of 20.5 kmpl in Rapid. Again City lacks behind when it comes to engine voice. City has 6 manual gear transmission whereas Rapid has 5 manual gear transmission.

Driving and Comfort

New City has improved its driving and setting comfort, the new chassis is able to provide better riding experience than its old version. But Rapid is still ahead of City when it comes to comfort level, it give more sense of safety. Honda lacks ability to absorb broken surface during the slower speed but Rapid is better build to manage such surfaces.

Interiors
 

Honda city is far ahead of Rapid in this section, as it has much better dashboard, with well-designed modern looking furniture. Whereas Rapid stands with more of simple and flat dashboard. City has touch screen climate control, which is easy to use and enables ergonomic cabin.

Green signal when you are driving at economic speed, adjustable steering and two bottle holder at front cabin and well-designed armrest. On other hand for Rapid these remains too plain

The Honda has upper hand when we discuss about equipment they are loaded with, Honda city has touchscreen climate control, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, sunroof, keyless entry and exit, cruise control, electric folding mirrors and duel air-con vent.

Whereas Rapid does not have Bluetooth connectivity and keyless entry and exit.

Space

The new city is built with new wheelbase which is 50mm longer than last City, this will enable more space in cabin. The rear legroom is improved and seats are set at the right high, that easy the entry and exit. This may raise headroom issue for some rider.

On other hand, Rapid is equally well space and better headroom as its seats are set at more bottom level.An interesting feature in Rapid is its sliding of front seat that simply helps in deciding rear legroom.

Conclusion

Although Rapid has better engine capacity and ability to perform, but City overtakes it when you compare overall package. So simply it deserve a bit more price than Skoda Rapid. City is capable of catching more eyes than that of Rapid when it is on the road, in addition to that City’s popularity is an added advantage. Let see how they compete to each other and who wins the game finally.!

Disclaimer : For the above Comparison of Honda City and Skoda Rapid, CarWorld1 has taken utmost care in gathering precise and accurate information about prices, specs, features, colours etc, however, CarWorld1 cannot be held liable for any direct or indirect damage/loss. For Honda City and Skoda Rapid comparison, we have considered top-end versions as default, however, any version of these cars can be compared. CarWorld1.com is india fast growing used car listing company in Ahmedabad. Buy Used Car in Ahmedabad with best price from trusted company in Ahmedabad.

Maruti Suzuki clarifies ownership conditions of proposed Gujarat Plant

MSIL has announced a new manufacturing facility in Gujarat last year, and has also started implementation on the project. But as per the company source, it is being said that this plant would be wholly owned subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation.

So this raised concern among the institutional investor and they demanded clarification regarding the same. Now, MSIL has clarified the issue that Gujarat Plant will be wholly owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation but it would sell the cars at a lower price than its own ex-factory sale price.

The company said that at the time of end of contract between two companies, if it will not be renewed with mutual consult of both the companies, the MSIL will buy the plant at fair value at the time of expiry of the contract.

According to MSIL’s statement, Suzuki Motor Corporation’s Gujarat plant “would operate on the basis that while it would not make any losses, it would also not accumulate any cash surpluses.” The production cost would be calculated in “an identical manner”, as that would be followed by MSIL in Haryana. The cost will not include any return on investment and profit to Suzuki Motor.

The company while further clarifying said that the capital expenditure needs of the Gujarat subsidiary would be met by “(i) the depreciation amount available with the subsidiary (ii) by an amount generated as net surplus from the car pricing and (iii) by Suzuki Motor Corporation infusing fresh equity, to the extent necessary.”

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