According to sources, Renault is clearly targeting the big middle and high middle income segment of the Indian market and will position its early models around Rs.3 Lakhs. The preliminary research which is being headed Car entry strategic expert Gerard Detourbet, clearly indicates that this is the prime segment being eyed by the French automobile manufacturer.

Tavares stated that they could possibly study manufacturing cars below the entry car strategy at an even more competitive price and mentioned that Detourbet had the necessary mindset and experience to drive that kind of a program.

The models most certainly to be introduced are Logan, Duster (which could possibly the first introduction by Renault) and the Sandero. The models are aesthetically designed with no unnecessary “content or frills” and are the right models reflecting the market segment that they would be introduced in.

Tavares added that Renault has an accomplished history as “the most successful car maker” where entry cars were concerned in terms of pricing, design and manufacturing.  “Gerard’s success and ability to make cost-effective products is very much linked to the Indian frugality. This combination of entry car abilities with the frugality of India works very well”, he said.

Tavares was all praise for the engineers in Chennai who would be joining Renault and mentioned that they understand “how to design things that meet one’s needs perfectly instead of a little bit more or less.”

Taveres stated the frugality of Indian engineers combined with the “program management and talent of Gerard” would be a winning combination. Tavares hinted that if all went well, India would be the feeder market for countries like Brazil, Russia, Indonesia and South Africa.

We want to go step-by-step and need to evaluate at each point if the project is feasible at the level of costs. We would be eager to start in India which is so value-oriented unlike any other market in the world,” concluded Tavares.

The problem attributed to the loss in market share is the government policy in high import duties when cars are directly imported. A whopping 110 percent is levied on car imports and only 30 % if cars are assembled in Indian plants. Mercedes Benz has learned its lesson and is now planning on assembling its cars at the Chakkan plant in Pune. Mr. Honegg has clearly understood this ball game and is reportedly stated that for the next three years, eight to nine of its luxury models would be assembled in its India plant from a semi-knocked down stage. Clearly, Mercedes Benz is keen to take the competition head on and regain its market share quickly.

Assembling cars in India for Mercedes Benz is not new as the Mercedes C class, S class and E class are already being assembled here in the country. One questions the wisdom of the management in importing cars directly and thus invoking higher tax duties. The Mercedes GL, B class, A class and the GLC series are most certainly going to be assembled and hence the on road price to the consumer will be reduced and an expected sales growth could be forecast. The assembling of these models comes with an additional investment of nearly Rs.350 crore by Mercedes Benz which would include a paint shop as well.

Mr. Honegg is optimistic and has proclaimed that the company has already received bookings of nearly 100 cars for the ML class models and hopes to sell another 500 units this year. Incidentally, the ex-showroom price of this model is just under Rs.60 lakhs.

After revealing the facelift models or Life Cycle Impulses (LCI) of the X1 and X6, the next in line to join the German automaker’s 2013 LCI lineup is the BMW 7-Series. While the only changes seen on the LCI models of X1 and X6 were bolder fog lamps and revised paint job, BMW will have to chip in more for the upcoming 7-Series, as its German rival Mercedes is coming up with the next S-Class.

According to BMW Blog, the subtle changes to the LCI product of 7-Series include new sound system, revised exclusive paint job and an upgraded power plant. It further reports that the German auto giant will offer new variants in the luxury sedan, which includes the 750d and 750Ld.

Power will be drawn for both the variants from the same 3.0-litre engine that now comes with M Performance upgrade featuring extra turbocharger. This motor has a jaw dropping output of 381 hp and 740 Nm torque. For the entry level diesel, the 730d, BMW boosts the output to 254 hp from the previous 240 hp, and the torque jumps to 560 Nm.

Expecting a launch in July, the new BMW 7-Series comes with three new body colors including, Havana, Glacier Silver and Midnight Blue. It also gets restyled LED headlamps. In terms of interiors, BMW introduces the next-gen iDrive system, with revised features and multi-touch knob.

While the BMW 7-Series gives an option of 4X4 and 4X2 in Europe, the India spec BMW rolls as two-wheel-drive vehicle only. In India, the segment leader Mercedes S-Class is assembled via CKD kits, whereas the BMW 7-Series comes as a CBU, inviting more excise duty. However, the 7-Series has done fairly well in recent years due to its durability on Indian roads.

Image Courtesy : Car Advice

The state cabinet collectively decided to relax the taxation amount on imported and company owned cars. As per previous budget session, the tax on private vehicles was increased by 2 percent on petrol and 4 percent on diesel vehicles. The revised taxation is on private and company owned cars, and will be put to immediate effect.

The skepticism emanates from transporters that Indian road conditions would be detrimental to these luxury buses and chassis damage or axle damage could increase maintenance costs. Mercedes Benz, however, is sure to have taken these factors into account and according to reports, will also keep the comfort factor of passengers with air conditioning and low access platforms intact. The engine will be housed in the rear of the bus, thus eliminating the possibility of sound entering the interiors of the bus. Vibration levels will also be at a minimum. The driver’s seat has also multiple adjustment parameters for the driver to negotiate traffic easily without incurring additional stress.

The buses are being assembled at the Chakkan plant in Pune. The side paneling is first being pasted on the frames and then painted. Mercedes Benz is tight lipped about how comfortable the ride will be on Indian roads famous for uneven road surfaces, pot holes and frequent water logging. Going by the outstanding engineering technology Benz has incorporated over the years, it is sure to evolve its technology to combat Indian road conditions.

Whatever maybe the conditions, Indian bus commuters are all poised to have a safe and comfortable ride in the buses from Mercedes Benz. Mercedes Benz has also put in place a highly skilled force for servicing these buses through a wide network of dealers and service centers.

What compressed air essentially would do in a vehicle is that it would power the piston to turn on the crankshaft, which would in turn power the car. It is not that the car itself would run on compressed air. However, incorporating this technology would reduce dependence on fossil fuels, which is used to power everything including the pistons today. Tata Motors and MDI are working on a feasibility plan to experiment the commercial use of compressed air driven pistons.

The concept of air compression dates back to more than a century, even before the advent of electric motors. It is only the ingenuity of MDI that through research and development and keeping in mind the pollutants emitted from millions of fuel driven cars, that this company came up with using air compression in automobiles. Akin to the internal combustion engine, the air is stored in a tank at a high pressure and electronic monitors and sensors release the air as and when required, which increases the rpm speed of the engine.

Research is on full swing to power cars with compressed air. However, field trials have indicated that the air compressors can only power a car to move at between 30 and 35 miles an hour. But the fuel and air compressor hybrid version can make an automobile run for nearly 300kms and the Tata cars would obtain a maximum speed of 105kms, more than enough for Indian conditions.

This will be the third product by Fiat in the 2012 calendar year. It previously launched the Fiat Punto and Linea at the 2012 Auto Expo in Delhi and revealed no other plans for the year. However, the Italian automaker did announce its plans to expand the dealership network in India, and has only recently established independent networks.

Dubbed, the Grande Punto Sports, is set to roll out on 18 May, sources reveal. Under the hood is a 1.3-litre Multijet diesel motor variable geometry turbocharger, which is good for a 90 hp, 209 Nm output. This makes the Punto Sports, the most powerful diesel hatch in its segment.

As a part of the Sports version, the Punto is also expected to feature some race-specific features like body decals, blackened roof, restyled alloys and race stripes. The sporty guise is expected to follow inside with red stitches on leather seats and chrome inserts dashboard. With revised excise duty by Union Budget, you may have to shed Rs 60-70k extra for the Punto Sports.

With the launch of the Punto 90 hp Sports, Fiat will also take the opportunity to launch the Fiat Caffe in Koregaon Park Pune, its second in country. Stay tuned for official launch coming Friday.

Jay Leno made sure that the Tata Nano was introduced into his collection in true Bollywood style. He donned an elegant sherwani and posed with the traditional “namaskar”, in front of his newly-inducted Nano, against the backdrop of the Indian National Flag.

Often called an ‘automaniac’, Jay Leno has a garage that houses around 200 cars of various makes and builds, in addition to 90 motorcycles. His Big Dog Garage also custom makes and restores old cars. The stand-up comedian is an automobile aficionado and loves to show off his enviable collection of vehicles by exploring new and unique automotive adventures every week.

The talk-show host’s traditional Indian attire caused a lot of buzz on his Facebook and Twitter page, with people saying that for once, Leno wore something other than the typical denim shirts that he’s always found wearing.

The Chevrolet Trax, which measures 4.2 meters in length and seats five passengers, bears a close resemblance to the SUV from Opel, the Mokka. The Trax is set to hit the European markets later this year.

Speaking on the occasion of the Trax’s prelaunch, Mary Barra, Vice President of Product Development in General Motors stated, “”The introduction of the Chevrolet Trax will make it the premier SUV brand of GM.”

The Chevrolet Trax structure under the hood could be similar to that of Opel Mokka, which is powered by a 1.4 liter petrol engine.It also has a 1.7 liter diesel variant. The Trax is almost certain to have start/stop ignition system with the standard Electronic Stability Control (ESB) and better road grip with Traction Control (TC). Another incorporation would be Hill Start and descent assist.

GM has plans of showcasingthe Chevrolet Trax at the Paris International Motor Show in September later this year.

The launch in September is significant as European market consumers are leaning towards buying compact SUV’s. Later the Trax will be made available in Mexico and then to the Asian and Pan Pacific markets.

Barra further stated that the Chevrolet Trax would make a grand entry into the growing market of small Sports Utility Vehicles all over the world and that they were currently aiming at the European market. “Only after seeing its success, we’ll plan to launch in the Asia and Pacific region. The model has been designed for explorers and carries that authentic look of the urban requirement,” Barra added.

The Chevrolet Trax will not be introduced to the US market as the Chevrolet Equinox has a huge share in the compact SUV segment there.

It lets you glide on the floor, while controlling the speed and direction by merely shifting your weight. Honda describes the UNI-CUB as ‘designed for harmony with people’ and it gives the same freedom on a floor as would walking.

A development over the U3-X motorized unicycle that was introduced in 2009, the UNI-CUB features a saddle on a robust base with an omni-directional drive wheel, giving the rider a relative height to other pedestrians.

Designed to roll on office floors, malls and parks, the UNI-CUB runs on electric drive powered by a lithium-ion battery. This enables the device to roll 6 km on full charge, with a top speed of 6 kmph.

Honda announced the demonstration of the mobility device to commence by June with the Japanese National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation. What’s up next? A bot to take your dog for a walk?