Yearly Archives: 2012

In addition to shutting down the R&D centre in India, roughly 100 staff scientists in research and development positions at its Technical Center in Warren, Michigan will lose their jobs. If they aren’t offered new positions, the affected workers are reported to have 30 days to apply for other posts within GM before the layoffs commence in early June. The Warren Technical Center currently has around 400 employees.

The downsizing is part of CEO Dan Akerson’s moves for the ‘global restructuring’. Research and development work in India will be realigned with other global R&D locations, says The Detroit News.

“These moves will enable the organization to better focus on commercializing customer-focused innovation in a more efficient and cost effective manner,” GM spokesman Dan Flores tells The Detroit News.

About 90 R&D workers in India could also be reassigned into other jobs.

In other news, Dan Akerson is reported to have mentioned in Florida that Mary Barra, GM’s Senior VP Global Product Development could succeed him as the CEO.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if she were [a candidate],” he told a conference in Florida on Tuesday. But he added: “I think there are a good number of candidates,” saying that he would not like narrow down the field at this stage.

Ms Barra, whose father worked for GM, is said to have started work at GM as an 18-year-old student to help pay her tuition fees. She trained as an electrical engineer and has an MBA from Stanford University. She is now tasked with overseeing and increasing the efficiency of the global design and production of GM’s cars.

Sources: autoblog, The Detroit News, The Telegraph

Lamborghini was the first super car brand to officially establish itself in the country, with the opening of Lamborghini New Delhi in 2006.

“Lamborghini recognized the potential of the Indian market very early on, and we’re delighted to now open our second dealership,” said Stephan Winkelmann. “Our international brand is highly recognized and respected here, and demand for our cars is growing in line with the expanding Indian economy. Our cars evoke emotion and passion: they are the objects of dreams. Delivering on that image and expectation is Lamborghini’s focus throughout the world, just as it is here in Mumbai.”

Located in Prabhadevi, the dealership is owned and operated by Lamborghini’s Mumbai partner, Auto Hangar.

“This is the right time to open our second dealership: India is a dynamic country and economy, with successful entrepreneurs who understand our marque,” added Stephan Winkelmann. “Our Mumbai partner Auto Hangar is committed to our positioning, values and the Lamborghini culture.”

The V10 Gallardo line-up and the V12 Aventador LP 700-4 will be available at Lamborghini Mumbai.

India Yamaha Motor announced the launch of the variants of FZ-S, FZ and Fazer in vibrant colors schemes and graphics.

The latest variants of FZ-S and Fazer are pumped with new features, color and graphics. The two variants boast of a longer and wider pillion seat and a stylish grab bar that not only acts as a back rest but is something the pillion rider can hold on to if the road is bumpy. The bikes also sport a large and wide rear fender as a prevention measure from mud splash and new chain protector so that no loose clothing gets stuck on the chain. FZ on the other hand sports a trendy new meter console in a Full Liquid Crystal Display as also the speedometer, tachometer, trip meter, fuel gauge and other indicators are set in optimum position to keep the field of vision clear.

Speaking about the bikes, Mr. Hiroyuki Suzuki, CEO & MD, India Yamaha Motor said, “Since the launch of FZ series in 2008, these bikes have gained immense popularity amongst customers, especially youngsters. The launch of new variants in FZ series is a clear illustration of how the market has responded to our bikes in this series. Our strategic intent is to provide customers with stylish variant to suite his fashion statement and personality. These bikes have been instrumental in catapulting our sales to an altogether new level. We have kept the essence of FZ series bikes intact while altering the aesthetics to exemplify the masculine feeling these tough machines are known for. We are confident that these variants too will be an instant hit among the biking enthusiasts.”

The new FZ will be available at a price of Rs. 69,250, FZ-S at Rs. 71,280 while Fazer will bear the price tag of Rs. 76,380 exshowroom Delhi.

Yamaha also has put together a comprehensive promotional strategy and will follow a 360 degree approach covering all the elements of promotion namely TV/Print/Web etc. For this, Yamaha will be utilizing its brand advisor John Abraham who along with the product will take centre stage for all the promotional activities revolving around the new variants. Here’s our take on brand ambassadors.

TVS Motor Company today announced the launch of its new 2012 Apache Series RTR with an all new beast themed styling. The new design, with all lines pulled back, all excesses eliminated and all curves chiseled to perfection, synergizes seamlessly with a high performance powertrain to look dynamic, even when stationary, says TVS Motors.

The new design and styling has been incorporated in all TVS Apache models including the 160, 180 and the 180 ABS.

“We have taken the Apache RTR to the next level with obsessive engineering and menacing design. The priority in every step of the Apache brand’s development has been race bred performance. Every system, detail and component has been tuned to maximize performance. Apache as a brand has been very well received,” H S Goindi, President-Marketing, TVS Motor Company said.

The pilot lamps have been inspired by the ‘eye of fury’ – which consists of LED light guide technology combined with new pilot lamps to form a pair of intense animalistic eyes that is activated on ignition, night or day.

Chiseled and sharp tank shrouds constitute a revolutionary new aerodynamic package which helps reduce engine heat says TVS. A new digital console and a lot of carbon fiber accents distinguish the new variants.

As is plainly obvious from the various pictures leaked earlier, the new Apache will have new seat cowls, new engine cowl and ‘grunge’ graphics ( only on the 160 variant).

Four new dual tone colours, green, red, yellow and red with black as the base color for the 160 variant and white, yellow, grey and black for the 180 variant have been announced. ABS is still available only on the 180cc variant in black and white.

The new TVS Apache Series RTR is immediately available in TVS dealerships across the country. While the TVS Apache RTR 160 will cost Rs. 67,505 (Ex showroom Delhi), TVS Apache RTR 180 will be Rs. 72,090 (Ex showroom Delhi) and TVS Apache RTR 180 ABS will cost Rs. 82,780 (Ex showroom Delhi).

Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way, shall we? Unlike car buyer guides from auto magazines, First Gear is of course, a manufacturer initiative. While it is safe to assume that Ford will use this guide as one way to grab the attention of a prospective customer, what’s surprising is that Ford only ‘suggests’ that ‘this’ product from Ford might satisfy ‘these’ criteria.

‘First Gear’ is a colourful, comprehensive first time car buyers guide for Jack and Jill, the typical first time car buyer couple.

First Gear has been designed and published elsewhere, but the content has been greatly customized to the Indian consumer. There are a number of quotes from Michael Boneham and Nigel Wark, addressing issues specific to India. There are also case studies presented with regard to India.

An obvious, yet not so obvious point. While there is the educated car buyer who knows how to get the best deal from the salesperson, there is always the first time car buyer in India, for whom the purchase is more a matter of pride and a symbol of having ‘arrived’ than anything else. He/she might just succumb to the pressure of the salesperson and tick those options they may never use.

There is of course, always THAT car you’ve been waiting for, something you would sell you soul for. Let the sales person get a whiff of your desperateness and he has an upper hand over you. It is always the salesperson’s initiative to convince you to buy a car, so even if you have already made your decision make sure the sales person does his job by reassuring you of your choice.

How much should you optimally spend on a car?

How do you protect yourself from the fluctuations in the cost of oil and raw materials that could drive up the price of components and thus, your maintenance expenses? Page 35 of First Gear gives you the answer.

Chapter 5: Technology on Wheels is the definitive example of what this buyers guide can do for Ford. The chapter lists all the conveniences in a new car, thanks to technology and the All New Ford Fiesta ticks most of the boxes!

Nuggets of wisdom from Ford’s DSFL programmes are also presented here in brief. Changing oil every 3 months, the need to let engines warm at idle before setting off, and buying fuel early in the morning to get more bang for your buck are some of the myths Ford tries to dispel.

The book is a fantastic read, and fulfills its purpose, in addition to providing information that educates the consumer about owning a car. Expect to be handed copies if this book at various promotional Ford events.

Anticipating increased positive sales growth in India, Porsche is enhancing its business set-up by appointing Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited as its sole official importer in India.

“With an increasingly affluent, upwardly mobile population, India is an important market for Porsche, with a promising future”, explains Bernhard Maier, Member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing.

Within this company, the Porsche division will focus on all distribution-related areas for Porsche in India; and increasing the brands presence through the further development of the Porsche dealer network. Anil Reddi, Indian auto market expert, with almost 16 years of national and international automotive experience, will head the operation.

George Wills, Managing Director of Porsche Middle East and Africa FZE, says: “With this new agreement, we are looking forward to exploring the opportunities across India even further. Development of emerging markets is clearly important for Porsche’s future, and we are confident sales in the sub-continent will continue to grow in the coming years, especially with new Porsche models being introduced in the future.”

Since 2004, Porsche has delivered a total of 1,052 cars to discerning customers in India. In 2011, 85 per cent of total deliveries were Cayenne models.

Anil Reddi, Head of Porsche Division at Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd., says: “Building on the growing success of Porsche in India isn’t a challenge; it’s something we are looking forward to embracing with pride. The Indian clientele expect a lot from their vehicles, and they will find Porsche not only meets, but exceeds, their expectations. I’am confident that with our dedicated, professional team, we will take Porsche’s presence in India to the next level. The first highlight of our new cooperation will be the market introduction of the new generation Porsche 911 Carrera, an iconic sports car many said could never be bettered.”

As well as the continuing growth in sales of the Cayenne, Reddi expects a great deal of interest in the soon to be launched Panamera Diesel, and excitement is already building over the recently announced launch of the Macan – the new Porsche SUV which is expected to roll off the German production lines in 2013.