Yearly Archives: 2012

Mahindra NAVISTAR exhibit showcased new applications to the MN25 and MN31 in the forms of a MN25 (6×4) Transit mixer, MN25 Refrigerated van, MN31 Bulker, MN31 Haulage Tipper, MN25 HD Tipper and Tourister 32-seater CRDe Bus refresh.

Mahindra Navistar MN25 (6×4) Transit Mixer

Mahindra Navistar MN25 (6x4) Transit MixerMahindra Navistar MN25 (6x4) Transit Mixer : Side View

Mahindra Navistar MN25 Refrigerated Van

Mahindra Navistar MN25 Refrigerated Van

Mahindra Navistar MN31 Bulker

Mahindra Navistar MN31 BulkerMahindra Navistar MN31 Bulker : Side View

Mahindra Navistar MN31 Haulage Tipper

Mahindra Navistar MN31 Haulage Tipper

Mahindra Navistar MN25 HD Tipper

Mahindra Navistar MN25 HD Tipper

Commenting on Mahindra Navistar’s commitment to its customers, Mr. Nalin Mehta, Managing Director Mahindra Navistar Automotives Limited (MNAL) said, “The new integrated solutions that Mahindra Navistar has launched at the Auto Expo 2012 will further strengthen our brand promise of ‘Outperformance’. The trucks, nearly 3000 of which are on the roads and have clocked more than 50 million kilometers across the length and breadth of the country, are already helping several customers earn more through better turnaround time and through benefits of the efficiencies that have accrued through a superior cabin and sturdy aggregates. The new applications will add a new dimension to this success story. This will be supported by a 940 touch-point strong service network, which has been put in place in a relatively short span of time”.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Troy Clarke, President – Asia Pacific, Navistar Inc., USA, said, “Since its launch at the last Delhi Auto Expo in 2010, Mahindra Navistar has created a significant position for itself in the Indian trucking industry with its superior product performance and sound value proposition. With the launch of these 5 fully built Application trucks, Mahindra Navistar has taken a step towards becoming a complete Integrated Trucking Solution Provider for its customers and I am confident that over a period of time, it will emerge as the most trusted CV brand in India which is its stated vision”.

Mahindra Navistar already has a strong network of 48 dealerships across India and 52 more new dealers are likely to be ready in the next 12-18 months totaling to 100 nos. The company’s 24×7 NOW Expert assistance on call, 208 Authorized service centres and 658 Road side assistance points have together created nearly 940 touch-points across the most vital routes to help look after trucks at a short notice.

The EVALIA from Nissan and STILE from Ashok Leyland showcased the Ashok Leyland-Nissan joint venture’s passenger platform and the PARTNER, a modern LCV showcased the truck platform.

Nissan EVALIAAshok Leyland STILE

Ashok Leyland STILE is a modern Multi-Functional Vehicle (MFV) that Ashok Leyland says, can find application as a people carrier, hotel shuttles, taxi, ambulance, courier service and travel.

Ashok Leyland STILE

Ashok Leyland STILE : RearAshok Leyland STILE : Front

Monocoque body construction results in a higher fuel efficiency thanks to lower kerb weight. A low floor and sliding doors make getting and out of the STILE easy. The STILE will be available in both CNG and Diesel version in either two or three seat configurations.

Ashok Leyland PARTNER

Ashok Leyland PARTNER : Front 3/4Ashok Leyland PARTNER : Profile

Partner is the 6 tonne LCV platform by Nissan, which has been commercially successful. The tiltable cab is designed to be spacious and comfortable. PARTNER is powered by a 120 hp ZD30-DDTI Common Rail Diesel engine which is BS-4 compliant.

The products unveiled today stay true to the mission-deliver Japanese Quality at Indina Cost to the Indian customer.” said Dr.V.Sumantran, Non-Executive Vice Chairman, Ashok Leyland and Chairman, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd.

Dr. Andy Palmer, Executive Vice President, Nissan Motor Company and Chairman, Ashok Leyland Nissan Vehicles Ltd., said “The EVALIA, STILE and PARTNER are reflections if our core understanding of customer preferences and an attempt to deliver appropriate mobility solutions. With best-in-class features, unmatched levels of functionality and quality, both these platforms will be successful additions to our customer’s vehicle portfolio”.

Triumph Motorcycles launched in India

Ashish Joshi, Managing Director, Triumph Motorcycles India said “2012 is a very crucial year for Triumph Motorcycles globally as we take our first steps into one of the most evolving motorcycle markets in the world. Our market entry is perfectly timed as Indian riders have long been longing to begin the power of choice. With the first of our India lineup, our customer base will get the opportunity to choose from some of the most sought after motorcycles in the world. We are extremely proud to present these to the Indian consumer.”

Triumph Motorcycles in India : Ashish Joshi, MD, Triumph Motorcycles India

Triumph Motorcycles launched in India : Rocket III

Ex-showroom prices start from Rs. 5,50,000. Lineup will include Bonneville, Speed Triple, Street Triple, Tiger 800XC and Daytona 675, in addition to the Storm and the Rocket II Roadster.

Some models will be assembled here in India as CKDs. About 3 to 4 dealerships will be opened in the first year and soon about 12 dealerships are planned for the next three years.

Triumph Daytona launched in IndiaTriumph Rocket III launched in India
Triumph Motorcycles in India : Storm

Tata pulled the covers off the Tata Safari Storme, a.k.a. the updated Safari, which had been growing too long in the tooth in the face of recent competition and needed some firepower to add to it’s arsenal. And from what we have seen, if Tata manages to price this right, they have a winner (again) on their hands.

Tata Motors launches new Safari Storme

Tata Motors launches new Safari Storme : FrontTata Motors launches new Safari Storme : Rear

Tata Motors Nano CNG

Tata also showcased its alternate fuel technology capability by displaying four concepts – the Tata Nano CNG, the Tata Indigo Manza diesel-electric hybrid car, the Tata Starbus Fuel Cell (hydrogen) and the Tata Magic Iris CNG.

Tata Motors Indigo Manza Hybrid

Mr. P.M. Telang, Managing Director; India Operations, said, “With the Safari Storme, the iconic Safari becomes a contemporary SUV suited to the desires of today’s SUV lovers. The Ultra range and the LPT 3723 will create new segments and generate higher incomes for their owners. As importantly, we are displaying our progress with alternate fuel technologies towards a more comprehensive portfolio for the future.”

The MINI (MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S), MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Countryman are launched in India and can be ordered as CBU (completely built-up) units.

MINI launched in India

Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President, MINI Brand Management and Business Coordination said, “By launching the new MINI ten years ago, we created the most exciting premium small car brand in the world. Our approach was: From the
original to the original. Since then, we have been busy growing the MINI Family with bold models such as MINI Convertible and MINI Countryman. As one of the world’s top growth markets, India is a great place to continue accelerating MINI?s
global momentum. We are sure MINI fans in India are as excited as we are.”

In 2012, MINI will establish three outlets, two in Delhi and one in Mumbai. Prices ( ex-showroom ) are as follows :

MINI Cooper : Rs. 24,90,000
MINI Cooper S : Rs. 27,90,000
MINI Cooper Convertible : Rs. 29,99,000
MINI Cooper S Countryman : Rs. 31,99,000

MINI Cooper S Countryman launched in India

MINI Cooper S Countryman : MINI LogoMINI Cooper S Countryman : Headlamps

MINI Cooper S

MINI Cooper S

BMW launched the M5 at the 11th AutoExpo 2012 for an exshowroom price of Rs. 95,90,000 and will be brought in as a CBU ( Completely Built Unit).

BMW M5 launched in India : Front
BMW M5 launched in India : BMW Kidney GrilleBMW M5 launched in India : Side VentBMW M5 launched in India : M5 BadgeBMW M5 launched in India : Rear

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW Group India added, “The new BMW M5 is a high performance athlete in a business suit and is a unique blend of two worlds – performance and luxury. BMW M stands for a unique philosophy of driving pleasure – high performance, sophisticated sporting flair and aesthetics. M cars are designed to be fun. And I guarantee, the new BMW M5 is a lot of fun.”

While BMW Vision EfficientDynamics showcases BMW’s idea of sustainable motoring, BMW Vision ConnectedDrive is an exhibition of ‘intelligent networking of driver, vehicle and the environment in the modern world’. An simple example would be how, using the real-time traffic data service BMW ConnectedDrive customers can plan their travel routes in advance with any Internet-enabled device. BMW also has some more radical ideas in the ConnectedDrive umbrella, but that is for another day.

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive at the 11th AutoExpo

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive at the 11th AutoExpo : Red strips of fiber optic lightBMW Vision ConnectedDrive at the 11th AutoExpo : Green strips of fiber optic light

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive at the 11th AutoExpo : Blue Strips of fiber optic lightBMW Vision ConnectedDrive at the 11th AutoExpo : Profile

Audi Q3 launched in India at 11th AutoExpo : Katrina Kaif, Lisa Ray, Peter Schwarzenbauer, Michael Perschke

Audi India launched the Q3 at the 11th AutoExpo. Also on display was the science fictionish A3 e-tron Concept, the Audi S6 and Audi Q7 V12.

Audi Q3 launched in India : Front Quarter
Audi Q3 launched in India : Front Audi Q3 launched in India : Rear

A3 e-tron Concept

The Audi A3 e-tron follows the e-tron shown at the Detroit Motor Show, the e-tron shown at the Frankfurt Motor Show and the A1 e-tron. The A3 e-tron is based on the RS3 Hatch and carries over most of the suspension components. What sets it apart is the electric motor that is added to the drivetrain.

Audi A3 e-tron Concept exhibited at 11th AutoExpo 2012

Audi A3 e-tron Concept exhibited at 11th AutoExpo 2012 : RearAudi A3 e-tron Concept exhibited at 11th AutoExpo 2012 : ORVMAudi A3 e-tron Concept exhibited at 11th AutoExpo 2012 : WheelsAudi A3 e-tron Concept exhibited at 11th AutoExpo 2012 : Profile

Audi S6

Audi S6 at 11th AutoExpo

Audi S6 at the 11th AutoExpo : RearAudi S6 at 11th AutoExpo : Front

Audi Q7 V12

The world’s most powerful diesel-engine SUV.

Audi Q7 V12 at the 11th AutoExpo 2012

Cooper Corporation Ltd., the company that built India’s first diesel engine and a market leader in centrifugal castings, unveiled its Four Cylinder Engine at the 11th Auto Expo in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. It was unveiled by Mr. James Bevan, British High Commissioner Designate who also presided over as the chief guest of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Farrokh Cooper, Chairman and Managing Director, Cooper Corporation said, “We are delighted to present our new state of the art Four Cylinder Engine in the Indian market as this is a step towards our commitment to offer state of the art integrated technological solutions to our valued customers. These engines cater to the current market demand and we are confident of a great success with these. By introducing such products we endeavor to demonstrate our forte which is a strong understanding and application of technology supported by excellence in engineering and manufacturing built up over the last nine decades.”

The engines will be produced both for the genset and other fixed speed applications as well as variable speed and vehicle applications. In the near future Cooper plans to roll out a range of vehicles using its own engines. The forecasted sales for the Cooper Corporation for 2011–12 is Rs.300 Crores.

Cooper Corporation Four Cylinder Engine

Stating the obvious, no they are in no way related to the MINI brand.

Reviewed!: Riot Engine reviews the Renault Pulse

After unveiling the Pulse in October, Renault has launched the hatchback in India at the 11th AutoExpo in Delhi.

Renault Pulse launched in India

Renault Pulse launched in India : Front View

Prices start at Rs 5.7 lakh for the base model and the top of the line model will cost Rs 6.25 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi. The Renault Pulse will be available in two variants the RxL and RxZ.

The Pulse is built on the V-Platform and will be powered by the 1.5L dCi engine both of which it shares with the Nissan Micra.

The Renault Duster was also unveiled, which is expected to launch sometime in 2012 with heavy localization of parts and be competitively priced.

Renault Duster unveiled in India : Mr. Marc NassifRenault Duster unveiled in India

Adding to the growing list of One Make Racing Series in India, Toyota announced the Etios Motor Racing Trophy.

Toyota Etios Motor Racing Concept Cars unveiled at AutoExpo 2012

Toyota Racing Development will support the racing series with their expertise. The EMR Trophy will be held in the second half of 2013 and will have 5-6 individual races. The Etios Petrol sedan will be raced in the first season. The FIA qualified cars will use racing components supplied by Toyota Racing Development. Toyota has also partnered with Red Rooster Racing to have a better understanding of the requirements of the sport.

Toyota Etios Motor Racing Series announced at AutoExpo 2012

Applications will be available online at www.toyotaetios.in/emr from January 15, 2012 and submissions close on February 2012. The selection process for the lineup will run through from March to June 2012.

Toyota Etios Motor Racing Concept Car