2012 Auto Expo Archives - Indiandrives.com

January 12, 2012

GM is going to enter the segment of compact SUVs with its Opel Mokka

The seven day auto bonanza, the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, came to an end yesterday. The automobile event held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan has been a resounding success. Most global car manufacturers were seen to lay special emphasis on two segments this season – the first segment was that of the hybrid electric cars, whereas the second segment under focus was that of compact SUVs. Following the unveiling of the Ford EcoSport, the Auto Expo has already been witness to the unveiling of some other compact SUVs as well. As per reports in the markets, GM India is also getting ready to join this bandwagon in the not so distant future.

It seems that General Motors is finding greater interest in tapping the products of its subsidiaries in order to deliver a suitable option for tapping the growing demand of compact SUVs. It seems that the car maker has zeroed in on the Opel Mokka to fit into this segment. GM India is mainly targeting the Ford EcoSport in this segment. However, unlike the card from Ford, the Opel Mokka, which has been designed by Opel, its subsidiary in Germany, is a latest SUV that has been provided with a length more than 4m. The car has been provided with the option of a 1.7L diesel engine, which has the capability of generating a maximum power of 130Bhp. It is also going to be provided with a petrol engine of 1.6L that is going to be available in different tunings. The engines are going to be mated to an automatic transmission six-speed gearbox, which is going to play a role ideal to the requirements of the Indian auto market.

These days none of the car manufacturers do not want to view a segment in the auto industry, in which they have not recorded their presence. GM India has been making a strong impact in the segment of entry-level hatchbacks with cars like the Chevrolet Beat and the Chevrolet Spark. It has also been able to register significant presence in the premium sedan segment with its top-end sedan, the Chevrolet Captiva and also the Chevrolet Cruze. Like most car manufacturers that are operating in the Indian auto market, General Motors has also been able to recognize the growing momentum that the segment of MPV vehicles is registering. Hence, it has worked in collaboration with its partners from China, Wuling and SAIC, to deliver the CN-100, which has been recently unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo.

It seems that the authorities of General Motors are impressed by this clever step they have taken and have decided to work in the same lines for introducing the Opel Mokka into the Indian auto market. The car is presently being sold in UK markets by Vauxhall, its subsidiary in Britain. This compact SUV, the Opel Mokka, is expected to be showcased at the Motor Show in Geneva this year using its own brand name. The same variant of the car is expected to be launched in the auto market of India sometime late in 2012 or in the beginning of 2013.

January 12, 2012

Best Hatchbacks and sedans seen at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo

The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has proven to be an excellent forum for showcasing products, both for the global as well as Indian car manufacturers, who are looking to create a significant impact with their vehicles and thereby a significant market share in the Indian auto market.

The trend that has been visible at this Expo is that the car manufacturers are taking a deviation from the tried and tested formula in the Indian market of offering cheaper and smaller cars. Hence, the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has seen a lot of new releases in the more prominent segments including SUVs and MPVs. However, bucking this new trend, the auto show has also witnessed the launch of several new sedans and hatchbacks that are going to be significant additions to the vast multitude of choices that are already available.

Hatchbacks have religiously continued going about their task of expanding their footprints in this market. Adding to this segment is the latest version of the Chevrolet Sail and the Renault Pulse. The hatchback segment can now boast of luxury cars with BMW showcasing its Mini range of cars for its Indian consumers. Despite the fact that the Mini falls in the small car category, it has been provided with top end luxury features.

With the increasing list of consumers that the auto industry is now getting from the middle class segment, the sedans have turned out to be very popular cars. The charm of this segment has been further enhanced by new offerings from manufacturers like Fiat, Hyundai, Peugeot and Skoda. In fact, the Skoda Rapid has been particularly designed to cater to the special requirements of the Indian consumers. The other cars that have launched in the segment of sedans include the Fluidic designed Sonata from Hyundai, the latest version of the Fiat Linea and the Peugeot 508.

• Chevrolet Sail Hatchback:

General Motors has unveiled its hatchback, the Chevrolet Sail, at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The car has been designed to be a successor of the Aveo U-VA, which has not been a very successful car from the global car maker. The Sail hatchback has been offered to the consumers in both diesel and petrol variants. In order to keep the costs of this car under control, the Chevrolet Sail has been provided with extensive parts from its predecessor, the Beat. The petrol variant of the Chevrolet Sail gets its power from a 1.2L engine, which has the capacity of generating maximum power of 80.5PS and peak torque of 108Nm. The diesel version is going to get its power from a Multi-jet 1.3L engine. The car engine is being manufactured locally at the Talegaon plant of General Motors, near Pune. The car is expected to be launched commercially within June and July 2012. GM has not gone for extravagance as far as the design of the Chevrolet Sail is concerned; it has rather gone for a conservative and safe styling. To enhance the security of this car, it has been provided with the safety of a cage body, which has been supported extensively by using high strength steel. Muscular cut-lines on its hood give the vehicle three-dimensional looks. The sporty styling tradition of Chevrolet is exuded by the interior and exterior of the Sail hatchback.

• Renault Pulse:

The Renault Pulse hatchback has been launched at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The pricing of this car has been kept in the range of Rs.5.77 Lakh to Rs.6.25 Lakh (as per ex-showroom Delhi). Marc Nassif, the Managing Director of Renault India, has stated that the Renault Pulse hatchback is going to raise the levels as far as compact cars in the premium segment are concerned. The car has been provided with numerous features that are extensively focused on performance and safety and gives the car the combination of being fuel efficient as well as powerful. The Pulse gets its power from the K9K diesel engine by Renault, which according to the car maker is rated among top engines in its segment, both in performance and fuel efficiency. The car has been provided with a five-speed manual transmission gearbox. The 1.5L dCi engine of the Renault Pulse is able to generate power of 64PS at 4,000rpm whereas its torque figure is at 160Nm at 2,000rpm. As per test data of ARAI, the Pulse achieves a mileage of 23.08kmpl. The Renault Pulse has been built on the common V-platform as the Nissan Micra, but its front as well as rear has been revised completely from the Japanese car. Two variants of the Pulse (RxL and RxZ) are going to be sold in the Indian market, but the same diesel engine is going to power both. The top end variant, the RxZ is going to be provided with dual airbags enhancing the safety of both the passenger and the driver, illuminated start/stop button for the engine, automatic rear view mirrors equipped with sensors, air conditioner with climate control, gear knob and steering wheel wrapped in leather, rear defogger having timer, fog lamps at the front and roof spoiler.

• Mini Cooper:

The iconic Mini Cooper has been showcased at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Mini has been regarded as being one of the premier British cars, which brought forth a new motoring era during the 1960s, through its front wheel driving layout that helped in saving space. Its sporty and smooth design has been inspirational for a lot of car makers since then. The most popular variants of the Mini Cooper including the Cabrio, Clubdoor, Countryman and Cooper are expected to be launched in India in 2012. The Mini boasts of a sales figure worldwide of 2.34 Lakh units annually with the cars being sold the most in United States and then in Britain, Japan and Germany. The Mini Cooper has been able to dominate the segment of luxury small vehicles, where even cars like Fiat 500 and Volkswagen Beetle have not been able to register desired impact. The Mini Cooper S has been provided with a 1.6L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that generates power and torque figures of 184Bhp and 240Nm respectively. It has been provided with six-speed manual transmission gearbox along with lower center of gravity. Just like the overseas markets, the Mini brand is going to have an independent identity in India. A retro concept has been portrayed by the car interiors. The car, though small in size, boasts of immense luxury.

• Fiat Punto and Fiat Linea:

The biggest change that can be seen in both the Fiat Punto as well as the Fiat Linea models is the beautiful Oceanic Blue shade that both the hatchback as well as the sedan has been provided with, which is clearly providing both the vehicles with a distinguished look. Ride height of both the cars has been enhanced to 185mm for increasing the stability on roads as well as improving driving comfort. Both the cars have also received brighter interiors thanks to the dual tone combo of grey and black. This has enhanced the class of the cabin and given it more of a premium feel. On the technological front, both the cars have been provided with enhanced features with the latest Punto being provided with a power packed air conditioner having the feature of climate control along with rear vents in the standard models also. Even the base model of the Fiat Punto has been provided with an excellent audio system along with the feature of central locking. The same three engine variants that had been present in the erstwhile models are going to be retained in the present version as well. As far as the new Fiat Linea is concerned, it is now providing safety features even to its base models by including the ABS with EBD along with air bags. Connectivity has been improved by providing the latest Bluetooth system in the medium range versions. It has also been provided with 16-inch alloy wheels and leather seats for enhancing stability and comfort.

• Skoda Rapid:

Skoda, the car maker from Czech Republic, which is also the subsidiary of German auto giant, Volkswagen has showcased its latest compact sedan at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. This is the first brand from Skoda that has been specifically designed to cater to the needs of its Indian customers. The Skoda Rapid is expected to provide strong competition to the Nissan Sunny, Toyota Etios, Maruti Dzire, Tata Indigo Manza and the Ford Fiesta Classic. The dimensions that have been provided to the car include 4.39m length, 1,70m width and a height of 1.47m. The Skoda Rapid has been made available in both diesel and petrol engine variants with the customers allowed to choose between automatic and manual transmissions. The starting price of the Rapid has been kept at Rs.6.75 Lakh for its base variant petrol engine car. The top end diesel specification model has, however, been priced quite high at Rs.9.19 Lakh.

• Hyundai Sonata:

The new Sonata having the latest Fluidic design of Hyundai Motors was unveiled by the car maker at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The car is expected to be priced in the range of Rs.17 Lakh to Rs.20 Lakh. The car gets its power from a 2.4L GDI engine, which has the capacity of generating maximum power of 201PS. However, only a petrol variant of the car has been offered though the choice of manual as well as automatic transmission has been provided. Though Hyundai has not been able to create significant impact as far as big cars are concerned, the latest Sonata comes with the USP of its Fluidic design, which has been acclaimed globally. The Hyundai Sonata is expected to provide strong competition to cars like the Honda Accord, Volkswagen Passat, Toyota Camry and Nissan Teana. The car users have been provided with the option of choosing between six-speed manual as well as automatic transmission gearboxes. The car is also going to be provided with direct injection and VTVT for improving its performance and fuel efficiency.

• Peugeot 508:

The Peugeot 508 has been designed to serve the role of a huge family vehicle. Initially, the car maker from France is going to import this car on the basis of demand and in the future could explore the options of assembling the car in India. The car has been blessed with contemporary looks and its design is being considered to be one of the biggest factors that will enable this car to achieve huge sales figures in the Indian market. The car is expected to be offered at a price range between Rs.20 Lakh and Rs.25 Lakh. The Peugeot 508 is expected to provide a strong challenge to the already established cars including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Skoda Superb and Volkswagen Passat. The car maker claims that it has designed the Peugeot 508 in a manner to get optimum performance from its engines, improve its aerodynamics, reduce its weight and enhance the environmental efficiency. The interior of the Peugeot 508 is very spacious and it has also been provided with enhanced boot space. Peugeot has claimed that its 508 is going to have improved fuel efficiency and at the same time have much reduced emissions. The key features that have been provided to this car include keyless entry as well as starting, air conditioner having four zones, electrically operated parking brakes, daytime running lights, 156Bhp generating Turbo engine and its xenon headlamps.

January 10, 2012

Peugeot planning compact SUV based on its 208 hatchback

Recent times are witnessing a lot of demand for compact SUVs. Most car manufacturers across the globe are already up and running in the task of developing compact SUVs. Peugeot has also not lagged behind and is already making plans to join this race. Though the auto maker could not get the car ready in time for participating in the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, it is well on the path of transforming its image to come out with a compact SUV in the market soon. It does not mean that the company is going to stop making hatchbacks, for which it is widely known across the globe. The Peugeot strategy is to keep manufacturing its hatchback but at the same time, it is going to explore the increasing demand for compact SUVs that the auto market is generating these days.

As far as the presence of Peugeot, the car maker from France, in the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo is concerned, its Citroen has been found to be quite attractive by the visitors. At most of the times during the event, a lot of crowd was seen in front of the Peugeot stall. People were eager to see the offerings that the car maker has brought in to the Indian auto market for registering a stronger impact in their second innings here.

The Peugeot 508 sedan has been seen by a lot of people on a number of occasions while doing test runs. But this is the first time that the car has come out in the open and one can see that the sedan has been designed with a lot of freshness. It now looks a vehicle that has a lot in it to attract a lot of Indian consumers.

The Peugeot Citroen car has been offered only in diesel engine variant of 1.6L, which provides the car with the ability to handle any terrain conditions that the Indian roads are going to offer. It looks ready for action and does not have the possibility of letting down its buyers, given the huge amount of testing that this car has been put through to check its adaptability to road conditions in India. It is expected that the pricing of the Peugeot Citroen is going to be kept around the Rs.12 Lakh mark. The car is expected to offer strong competition to both the Skoda Laura and the Ford Fiesta.

The Peugeot 908HDi sports car is also registering a strong presence at the Delhi event fresh from its second position winning performance at the Le Mans races, where it was only behind the Audi R18. The car weighs 950kg and has been equipped with a powerful 3.7L V8 engine, which has the capacity to generate a stunning power of 550Hp, thereby explaining the amazing performance this car offers. As soon as Indian Drives gets access to any other updates pertaining to this French car maker, it is immediately going to provide the same to its readers.

January 9, 2012

Toyota Prius launched – Rs.27.3 Lakh price set

Toyota Motors launched the latest upgraded variant of its Prius recently, at the platform provided by the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The car is globally recognized as the pioneer and the market leader in bringing about new developments in Hybrid technology. Another noble endeavor by Toyota in its mission of serving the society has been the launching of its “Easy Seat”, which is a swiveling seat that has been customized to address the mobility needs of ‘special’ people. It is expected that the latest Toyota Prius is expected to be kept at a price range between Rs.27.39 Lakh to Rs.29.41 Lakh. This is the third generation of the Prius in the Indian auto market, which had been initially introduced in the Indian auto market in 2010. Hybrid technology has been the core focus of Prius and it is the first hybrid vehicle to be mass produced. Not only has the Toyota Prius been capable of delivering benchmark levels in terms of fuel efficiency as well as lower emission of carbon, the car has also revolutionized the auto market in numerous ways through its high technological design along with the power packed driving performance it offers. This has led to the car being acclaimed greatly across the globe.

The Toyota Prius has always been much ahead of other contemporary cars by not only anticipating, but also answering the special needs of the environment. It has been acclaimed as a car that has been able to set a future benchmark. The car has been built on the basis of the trend setting technological features that has been acclaimed across the automotive world. The current model also comes with another incredible feature of Solar Ventilation. The Prius’ moon roof comes with an integrated solar panel that is able to generate electricity that is able to ventilate the cabin even when the car has been kept parked. The Remote controlled Air Conditioner that the car has allows the users to operate the air conditioner even before stepping into the car. Thus, the cabin temperature is perfectly in tune with your requirements, even when you have just entered the car.

The Sporty Design of its Exterior:

Innovation in design is seen in its front bumper and grille. The Prius also comes with new turn-on indicator having OVRM Retract, headlamps, along with new design of its alloy caps and its LED Tail Lights.

Premium quality and luxurious Interior:

The car has been provided with a latest Audio system that is equipped with JBL 8 speakers. It also has a Back Monitor and an USB port.

In the words of a leading authority of the company, the Toyota Prius has been an endeavor by the auto maker to provide the Indian market with an advanced hybrid technology in the automotive sector. The vehicle aims to encourage other manufacturers to participate in this segment, as far as the Indian auto market is concerned. The main aim of all the technological features that the car has been provided with is in lines with the commitment of the car maker towards a greener environment along with all the necessary convenience features that is going to be received by the consumers.

Toyota Motors has always been committed towards serving the society and has been recognized as a pioneer in offering a lot of customer oriented features. This has also been the core philosophy behind designing the ‘Easy Seat’, which is an accessory recommended by TKM. This is a swiveling seat that has been customized to address transport related issues particularly for people, who are impaired with mobility issues. The Toyota Corolla Altis will be provided with this Easy Seat as a special fitment. This seat is going to cater to a vast segment of people and particularly the mobility needs of ‘special’ people, who can use these vehicles comfortably from now on. This Easy Seat is provided with a mechanism, which allows sliding and swiveling of the seat. The seat is user-friendly and can be easily turned and slid, therefore people having special mobility requirements can easily enter and exit the car. This has been specially recommended for people having medical ailments including arthritis and knee problems. The seat has received the certification of ARAI and conforms to all industry set safety norms. It is a recommended accessory from Toyota.

Toyota has kept the pricing of this Easy Seat at Rs.29,979 and the product has been offered with a warranty of one year. Authorities of the car maker have said that the Easy Seat has been solely designed as part of the global policy of the car maker to provide effective travel solutions for all sections of its customers and is going to enhance their experience about Toyota cars.

January 9, 2012

Chevrolet Sail is going to be launched along with a new MPV this year

The 2012 Auto Expo at New Delhi has been able to empower us with all the information pertaining to the activities of GM cars in the Indian auto market in the current year. In fact, the global car maker has been able to identify the demands of the Indian auto market and has channelized its activities exactly in the specific direction necessary.

Chevrolet CN-100 MPV:

The Indian auto market is a perfect launching forum for an MPV, priced at the entry-level. This is because of the traditionally large size of Indian families along with the price sensitive nature of the market. The trio of GM China, Wuling and SAIC have combined to offered this till date best offering from the Chinese auto market.

The car has a well established track record. Having already surpassed all records in the Chinese market, the company has decided to bring this car to India. It has been provided with the 1.3L multi-jet engine from Fiat and is going to be produced locally in the country at the Talegaon plant, near Pune, of the manufacturer.

The USP of the CN-100 MPV is going to be the utility factor of this car, which is spacious enough to accommodate seven passengers. However, its last row of seats is foldable provided additional boot space is required. However, the car has been provided with average looks. It is expected that the car is going to be launched in the second half of 2012. GM India definitely needs to get the pricing strategy of this car right so that it can take full advantage of the other inherent advantages the car possesses.

Chevrolet Sail:

The latest hatchback from General Motors, the Chevrolet, is also credited to the work done by the trio of GM China, Wuling and SAIC. The car has all the salient features that can make it replace the Aveo UVA and Chevrolet Aveo in days to come. In lines with the Chevrolet Beat, the car has been provided with a petrol engine of 1.2L along with the 1.3L Multi-jet engine from Fiat. The car has been provided with charming exteriors. It has also been provided with adequate space in its interiors and also has been equipped with the latest technological features.

The pricing of the Chevrolet Sail is something that everyone is eagerly awaiting; however market pundits expect that the car is going to be priced around Rs.5 Lakh so that it can provide strong competition to the Maruti Swift among other cars.

January 9, 2012

Maruti A-Star Cabriolet showcased: Visitors taken aback

Auto experts and visitors to the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo were both completely stumped by a vehicle Maruti Suzuki has showcased at the event. The car perfectly displays the positive intentions of the auto giant from India to tread into newer paths so that it can stay ahead of competition.

The vehicle, which is the subject of reference here, is the latest concept convertible from Maruti, the A-Star Cabriolet. The design of this car will mesmerize you to such an extent that you will start wishing that the production variant comes out immediately, so that you can be able to own one.

The Maruti A-Star Cabriolet car has been provided an all-yellow color, which is making most visitors stop in their tracks, as they move through the stall, where the Maruti Suzuki cars have been put for display. The design of this car, which is going to accommodate four passengers, matches up to the high standards set originally by the original Maruti A-Star Cabriolet.

The major change is the soft roof that the car has at its top. It also comes with a completely different set of alloy wheels. Both these features are enough to register the fact that the exterior has a significant deviation from the original model. But, the actual beauty of this car is seen once the roof is pulled back and you get to see what has been provided inside. The seats have been colored in black having a tinge of yellow in some places. It is sufficient to assure that the vehicle, when out in the market, will provide its users with a comfortable ride.

January 9, 2012

Best SUVs and MPVs at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo: An Indian Drives Perspective

True to its billing of being the biggest automobile show in the India, the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has been made full use of by both domestic as well as international auto makers to launch their future range of cars. We take a look at some of the best SUVs and MPVs that have highlighted their presence at this event.

Ford EcoSport:

Ford Motors has unveiled its much awaited compact SUV, the Ford EcoSport at the Delhi event. Though the maker has not yet disclosed any information about its price, market expectations are that the vehicle is going to be offered at aroundRs.7 Lakh to Rs.9 Lakh. The car uses a 1L petrol engine, which has a capacity of delivering a maximum power 120PS and peak torque 170Nm. This latest Ecoboost engine that the vehicle is using will increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicle by 30% whereas its CO2 emission is 20% lesser. A diesel variant of 1.5L is also going to be launched at a later date.

Tata Safari Storme:

Tata Motors has used the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its latest SUV, the Safari Storme. The iconic Tata Safari has now undergone complete redesigning to suit the requirements of contemporary SUVs. The car has been designed to create a strong impact in both performance and styling. It has been provided with a power packed 2.2L common rail 16-valve DICOR engine that has the capacity to generate maximum power and peak torque of 140PS and 320Nm respectively and has been mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

Mercedes-Benz M-Class:

The 2012 Delhi Auto Expo has provided an excellent opportunity for Mercedes-Benz to generate a cool and young image for itself. Working on the same lines, the auto maker launched the Mercedes-Benz M-Class in a glittering ceremony at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, where the Auto Expo is being held. The car has a compact and sharp look. Its bonnet has been redesigned and along with its LED lights, the car gets a younger look. Its V6 2987cc diesel engine generates maximum power of 258Bhp and peak torque 620Nm. It achieves a 224kmph peak speed.

Toyota Innova:

The latest Toyota Innova SUV has been unveiled at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. It has been provided with an improved front grille, new headlamps and fog lamps, freshly designed alloy wheels, an improved bumper, an in-built camera, steering wheel wrapped in leather, DVD, touch screen, Bluetooth along with controls mounted on the steering. The car is expected to be priced in the range of Rs.9.40 Lakh to Rs.13.19 Lakh. The latest design has been provided with a D4D 3.0L diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Mahindra Rexton:

Mahindra has unveiled the Rexton, which has been manufactured by its subsidiary company SsangYong. The SUV is expected in Mahindra showrooms within six months. The Mahindra Rexton has been designed for off-road travel and has been provided with a direct injected 2.7L diesel engine, which generated a maximum power of 184PS and peak torque of 402Nm. The SUV will accommodate seven passengers and has been provided with the most advanced safety features.

Maruti Suzuki XA:

Maruti Suzuki surprised a lot of experts by unveiling its concept SUV, the X-Alpha, on the first day of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Dimensionally, the car looks similar to the Gypsy, which was a favored car for many years on Indian roads. But, this car has a more muscular and brawny design compared to the Gypsy, which it is expected to replace on Indian roads. The production version of this car can be expected in the next couple of years. It is expected to be priced in the range between Rs.8 Lakh to Rs.12 Lakh, when it is launched.

Maruti Ertiga:

Maruti Suzuki has revealed its first indigenously made MPV the Maruti Ertiga using the platform provided by the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Maruti Ertiga can comfortably accommodate seven passengers and has been provided with its latest K-Series 1.4L petrol engine, which is equipped with the feature of variable valve timings. It has also come out with another variant using a turbocharged 1.4L diesel engine. The segment in which the Ertiga has been launched does not have many strong competitors and hence, it can create a category for itself. Maruti has priced this car aggressively at Rs.5.7 Lakh, but its top-end diesel model comes at Rs.8 Lakh. Its headlamp has a resemblance with the Swift whereas the rest of its exterior has been inspired from the Ritz.

Nissan Evalia:

Nissan, the auto major from Japan, has unveiled its seven-passenger accommodating Evalia using the platform of the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. The Evalia has evolved following the partnership between Nissan and Ashok Leyland. The vehicle is going to be produced at its Chennai manufacturing unit. Bollywood heartthrob, Ranbir Kapoor, who is also the brand ambassador of the company, was present during this event. The Nissan Evalia is expected to hit Indian roads by the middle of 2012.

Chevrolet Tavera Neo 3:

Chevrolet, which has registered a strong presence at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, used this event to unveil the latest variant of its Chevrolet Tavera, called the Neo 3. The car has been provided with a larger headlamp, alloy wheels, and its latest bowtie emblem adorns both the rear and front of the car. The exterior has been provided with an additional chrome finish along with two-toned color graphics. The Neo 3 has been given a steering wheel having 3 spokes. A latest Audio System has been provided to this MPV. Storage space has been enhanced with its twin glove boxes. It has enhanced the power of the engine, which is now a TDCi 2.0L diesel variant having direct injection for delivering optimum mileage. Power windows have been provided to this car along with defogger on its rear window.

Hyundai Hexa Space:

Hyundai Motor used the forum of the Delhi Auto Expo to unveil its Hexa Space Concept MPV, which is going to accommodate eight passengers. Optimum utilization of space in this car has been achieved by hexagonally shaping its seats. Hyundai has designed this concept car to target the urban consumers in the age group of 30 to 40. However, it might take three or four years for the production version of this vehicle to come out.

January 8, 2012

Volvo displays its Hybrid Bus the 7700 at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo

Volvo has been known to be a pioneer globally in the bus making business. The company has now decided to increase the portfolio of its passenger buses for the Indian market. The company is launching a completely new range of its buses using the platform provided by the Delhi Auto show. The buses had been unveiled for the viewing of general public just a few days back. Among the new range is a luxury coach of 14.5m length, the 9400 PX, a city bus having multi-axle, the 7400 XL and an inter-city coach that has been well engineered, the 9100.

Volvo launched its first city bus running on CNG at New Delhi a couple of months back. This was part of an initiative run by the DTC. But, at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, the auto maker from Sweden has exceeded itself by launching its first hybrid, commercially viable bus, the 7700 Hybrid.

Though the company has already started the process of commercializing its hybrid solutions and is presently operating them successfully in 20 cities worldwide, this 7700 Hybrid is going to be its first serially produced model that is going to implement environment friendly technology.

The launch occasion for all these designer buses from Volvo was graced by the CEO & MD, Volvo South Asia, Akash Passey. Speaking on the occasion, he said that the 7700 Hybrid offered all the solutions that had been craved for by environmentalists and cities. The company was prepared and was just waiting for the direction from the authorities along with the demand for the vehicles so that the buses could be customized to address Indian requirements. The 7700 Hybrid has been showcased by the company just to show the readiness and intent that it has for India.

Just as in the case of conventionally designed hybrid cars, this Hybrid bus is also going to make use of small diesel engine along with its electric motor; both can be made use of jointly or independently for achieving forward propulsion.

One of the best features of this Hybrid 7700 model that Volvo has offered is that its electric motor can recover its charge whenever the brakes of this bus is applied. Exactly in the same lines of the technology of start/stop that has been fitted to large executive sedans for the purpose of saving fuel, the 7700’s diesel engine also completely switches off, when the bus stops. This helps in providing an exhaust-free and silent environment.

Another latest feature that this bus from Volvo has been provided with is that the coach performs equally well in highly congested city roads as well as in those scenarios where there is a greater gap between two stoppages.

January 8, 2012

Mahindra plans to start selling its electric cars from November

The electric car range of Mahindra is going to be made available for sale from November 2012, as per an announcement by the car maker from India. Mahindra & Mahindra has already proved its expertise in the segment of electric cars. The company has completely denied that the unavailability of proper infrastructure will prove a deterrent for such cars in the Indian auto market. Pawan Goenka, who heads the Farm & Automotive sectors of Mahindra, has said that India, as a market, definitely offers high potential for the electric cars, provided the auto makers are ready to offer options in this market.

Mahindra has, in fact, decided to lead this surge from the front and has introduced two variants of electric cars in the Mahindra Verito and Reva NXR at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo. Mahindra has, in fact, displayed a dominating presence at the Auto Expo has it has put on display as many as 27 latest vehicles that are a mix and match of both commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Its latest version of the Reva, the Reva NXR is a stunning car that provides benchmark levels in terms of fuel efficiency. It can also be said to be the most beautifully designed car under the Mahindra banner. Li-Ion battery has been used to power this car along with the additional option provided by the lead acid battery.

At full charge, the car can travel a distance of 160km. The 80kmph peak speed that it achieves is exemplary by any standards. Mahindra has also been very thoughtful in providing the car three levels of battery options, which allows the users to choose any one of them on the basis of their requirements. The electric powered variant of the Mahindra Verito makes use of Li-Ion battery, which is able to generate a maximum power of 29KW. On being fully charged, this car also travels a significant distance of 100km. Customers will surely be counting the days as they wait for these cars to be launched in the market before the end of 2012. This is going to happen once the auto maker decides to send these prototypes for actual production. The other displayed vehicles at the stall of Mahindra at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, which have garnered maximum appreciation from the crowd visiting the Expo, are the Rexton from SsangYong and Mahindra’s own Korando E.

January 8, 2012

Magneti Marelli at 2012 Auto Expo in New Delhi

During the show (5th to 11th January 2012), Magneti Marelli will showcase in Pavilion 1A, its solutions and products to the Indian market. Among the technologies showcased: Freechoice Automated Manual Transmission, Powertrain flexfuel and Telematics systems for CNG and Lighting Solutions. The company will participate for the 2nd time at 2012 Auto Expo, the largest automotive tradeshow of India held every two years and attracts to New Delhi leading global and national automobile manufacturing companies. The MM stand at this event will feature all main business regions, in which it operates in automotive sector such as Motorsport, Automotive Lighting, Shock Absorbers and Suspensions, Electronic Systems and Powertrain Solutions with special focus on MM’s activities in the country.

Over the past couple of years, Magneti Marelli has managed for reproducing its full industrial perimeter via seven partnerships with leading partners of India, 7 completely operational production plants and another set to begin shortly. The company’s offer to strategic market like India meets the challenge of offering modern technology and innovation at sustainable costs with its growing research and development local network and established manufacturing footprint. At 2012 Auto Expo, the company will be showcasing an Automated Manual Transmission, the electro hydraulic technology designed for dominating manual transmission, combining lower consumptions and emissions with driving comfort. It will also be introducing electronic systems, instrument panels of infotainment and telematics solutions. The sophisticated infotainment systems will combine connectivity, navigation, multimedia and more.

In the engine department, Magneti Marelli offers GDI system that optimizes lower fuel consumptions and performance in gasoline powered powertrains. Since 2007, the company has entered into following joint ventures in India: Suzuki Motor Company and Maruti Suzuki India Limited for electronic control units of diesel engines; Endurance Technologies Private Limited for motor vehicle shock absorbers; with Unitech Machines for automotive electronic systems and SKH Sheet Metal Components Limited and SKH Metals Limited (both part of Krishna Group) for production of automobile exhaust systems. The last partnership signed by Magneti Marelli with Talbros Automotive Components Limited (TACL) in the area of suspensions, dates back to middle of November 2011.

Magneti Marelli produces and designs advanced components and systems for automotive industry. With its 11 R&D centres, 26 application centres in 18 countries and 77 production units, around 34,000 employees and turnover of 5.4 billion Euros in 2010, the entire group supplies all leading carmakers in North and South America, Far East and Europe. Its business areas include: Lighting; Electronic Systems, Suspension Systems and Shock Absorbers, Powertrain, Aftermarket Parts & Services, Exhaust Systems, Motorsport and Plastic Components and Modules. Magneti Marelli is a part of Fiat Spa.