2012 Auto Expo Archives - Indiandrives.com

May 15, 2012

2012 Mercedes Benz ML350 CDI launched in India for Rs 66 lakh

Mercedes fans in India will be thrilled to know that Mercedes has launched the new 2012 ML350 in India for a price of Rs 66 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The German luxury carmaker will bring the first 100 units, with AMG styling, via the CBU route. The 2012 ML350 SUV will be locally assembled later this year and a cheaper variant will be launched for Rs 56.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), without the AMG-bodykit. Mercedes had showcased the ML350 SUV at the 2012 Auto Expo held in January and had planned to launch it in April. However, the hike in customs duty prescribed by the Union Budget had delayed its plans.

The new 2012 ML350 SUV will replace the model currently sold in India and comes with some upgrades. It is powered by a 3.0-litre diesel engine like its predecessor with some performance upgrades and improvements in efficiency and lower emissions. The 5-seaterproduces maximum power of 231hp at 3800rpm and an awesome 620Nm of torque at 1600-2400rpm, enough to take the 2175 kg SUV from 0 to 100 kmh in 7.4 seconds flat! Mercedes will offer a 7-speed 7G-tronic gearbox with the SUV, along with permanent four-wheel drive, brake energy recuperation functions and automatic start/stop.

The new ML350 SUV looks not only more aggressive, but also more appealing than the previous version, with cool cut-wheel arches, AMG style vents on the bonnet and a large front grille sporting the big Mercedes logo at the centre middle.

Mercedes has not neglected the interiors and given them some attention too, with some upgrades that give a spacious and refreshed look. The dashboard looks awesome with an instrument panel resembling that of a fighter jet, central console features and AC vents. The seats are extremely comfortable. Since the vehicle is meant for rough-terrain, safety features have been beefed up with NECK-PRO crash responsive head restraints, two stage front airbags, sidebags in the front and windowbags, optional rear sidebags, energy absorbing rear and front structures, self-supporting body, belt tensioner, PRE-SAFE system, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and acceleration skid control (ASR), ESP/4ETS dynamic handling control system and several more are expected.

The Mercedes ML350 SUV will compete against other majors of the luxury SUV segment, like the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7.

April 12, 2012

Maruti Ertiga LUV Launched In India

MSI (Maruti Suzuki India) Limited has revealed its multi purpose vehicle, the Maruti Ertiga Lifestyle Utility Vehicle (LUV) internationally at the 2012 Auto Expo. The introduction of Maruti Ertiga Lifestyle Utility Vehicle was taken place today in New Delhi, India. It will be available for the price of Rs. 5.89 Lakhs for the base petrol model and Rs. 8.45 Lakhs for the range topping ZDi Diesel variant. It is a production version of Maruti R3 Concept.

The Maruti Ertiga is a designed in India and made in India multipurpose vehicle that offers comfortable third row seat and well designed interior with abundance of quality and space for a comfortable commuter with a group of friends, a large family or for other people mover purposes. The Ertiga has an inexplicable resemblance with Maruti Swift or Maruti Ritz hatchback especially from front; however it is a longer and all-new vehicle developed and designed on Maruti Swift Platform. It is the first vehicle in the company’s lineup to be propelled by a new, sophisticated 1.4 litre K-series VVT Petrol powerplant; it will also be offered with a successful DDiS Superturbo VGT 1.3 litre Diesel engine.

The Maruti Ertiga LUV is available in both diesel as well as petrol versions. The diesel powerplant is a Multi-jet diesel that propels the Lifestyle Utility Vehicle quite competently, while the petrol engine is a K Series Suzuki powertrain. The cockpits are beige and provide an upscale feel with large air conditioning vents for back seat passengers mounted on the roof just before the 2nd row seats. The plastics inside are also beige; on the other hand the light color tone offers a feeling of added space. The dashboard design is quite attractive with an incorporated double-din stereo system in the central console. You will also find a three-spoke steering wheel on the Ertiga that also happens to be beige in color and an elegant gear knob like the SX4.

The middle seats of Maruti Ertiga can be moved down to enable space for the back seat passengers from both right and left side. It comes with integrated audio system with USB, Aux input; steering column mounted audio controls, antilock braking system, dual SRS airbags and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for safety. The outside rearview mirrors feature turn indicators and are electrically adjustable from inside. You will find 4 power windows, while the rear windshield is equipped with rear washer, wiper and defogger. The side profile, alloy wheel design, tailgate and front grille are all stylishly designed keeping in mind the contemporary outlook and aesthetics.

The Maruti Ertiga is available with two different engine choices: the K series 1.4 litre K14 VVTI petrol is good for pulsating 95PS or 70KW at 6000 RPM with 130 newton meters of torque at 4000 RPM. It provides best in class fuel economy of 16.02 kilometers per litre. The turbocharged DDIS diesel powerplant churns out 90 PS or 66KW of power at 4000 RPM with 200 newton meters of torque at 1750 RPM. This engine also offers best in class fuel economy that’s 20.77 kilometers per litre.

The Maruti Ertiga offers comfortable seating capacity for up to seven passengers with its 1st, 2nd and 3rd rows of seats, making it one of the first Indian compact multipurpose vehicle to feature a 3rd row seat. The Maruti Ertiga LUV LXi/LDi comes standard with Manual AC, ABS (LDI only), Power Steering, Engine Immobilizer, Accessory Socket, Internally adjustable ORVM (Manual), Tilt Steering, 60/40 Spilt seats (2nd Row seats with seat slide), Body colored bumpers, Retractable cup holder, Door Lock canceller (front) and Low fuel warning lamp.

Opting for the Maruti Ertiga LUV VXi/VDi will get you all the above features, plus Twin AC, ABS with EBD (Standard in VDi and Optional in VXi), Full Wheel cap, Security alarm system (Door + Hood), Front Fog-lamp, Tachometer, Speakers (FRX2+RRX2), Audio + CD + USB, Front Seat belts shoulder adjust, Seat back pocket (Co-driver side), Front & Rear Power windows, Rear Centre Armrest (w/o cup holder), Colored outside door handles & ORVM, Driver’s side power window auto down, D/N IRVM, Remote Keyless entry, Electrically Adjustable ORVM, ORVM Mounted turn indicators, Front & Rear fog-lamps, Passenger Vanity Mirror, FE display (Instantaneous & average) and Mud guard (Front & Rear).

Besides the above mentioned equipments and features, the range topping Maruti Ertiga ZXi and ZDi provides Driver & Passenger Airbag, Alloy Wheels, Driver’s Seat Height Adjust, Front ELR seat belts with pre-tensioner, Audio Controls on steering, Seat Back Pocket (Front), Rear window defogger, Tweeters (2 nos), Rear wiper + Washer and Outside Temperature display.

The Maruti Ertiga is available in plenty of color shades, which include Ecru Beige, Serene Blue (Character Color), Granite Grey, Firebrick Red, Superior White, Dusky Brown and Silky Silver.

Maruti Ertiga MPV/LUV Price In India:

The official price list of Maruti Ertiga Lifestyle Utility Vehicle ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:

Maruti Ertiga LUV Petrol LXi – Rs. 5.89 Lakhs
Maruti Ertiga LUV Petrol VXi – Rs. 6.60 Lakhs
Maruti Ertiga LUV Petrol ZXi – Rs.7.30 Lakhs
Maruti Ertiga LUV Diesel LDi – Rs. 7.30 Lakhs
Maruti Ertiga LUV Diesel VDi – Rs. 7.90 Lakhs
Maruti Ertiga LUV Diesel ZDi – Rs. 8.45 Lakhs

Watch out Maruti Ertiga video:

December 23, 2011

BMW to showcase its M5 sports sedan at 2012 Auto Expo

BMW India is going to launch its latest M5 sedan at the Auto Expo in Delhi. The improved BMW M5 sports sedan has received major changes to its ergonomics. Its petrol engine has also been substantially modified. The latest BMW M5 sports sedan does not require any introduction for the impact it creates through its aggressive exteriors that gel in perfectly with its compact form. However, the changes are still prominently visible and are definitely go towards increasing the performance levels of this car.

Say goodbye to its V10 engine, its being replaced by the latest V8 4.4L engine. Effects of this new engine are prominently visible with substantial increase of its maximum power and peak torque delivery. The output has increased as it rises from 503Bhp in the erstwhile version to achieve a new high of 552Bhp. If this sounds impressive, your wow factor for this car will go to an all-new level knowing that the peak torque has increased by a stupendous 30%, with the latest variant offering 69.4kgm more. All this gets reflected on the performance with the sedan peaking to 100kmph from static position in just 4.4 seconds. Major changes are also observed on its Servotronic M-tuned steering wheel, which has also been provided with paddle shifters along with its dual-clutch gearbox that has become a major talking point. This seven speed automatic transmission dual-clutch gearbox has been mated to the latest petrol engine.

The paddle shifters that have been provided on the M5’s steering wheel have an M Drive button. Users are provided with two driving options by this button, a feature that had gone missing on its earlier version. BMW has not gone in for much change in the pricing of the BMW M5 sports sedan as it has been available in the similar range of Rs.99 lacs. Strong rumors in the market have been indicating that BMW is planning to introduce a diesel variant for this top performing sports sedan. The rumors further indicate that the luxury car maker has identified the platform provided by the Delhi Auto Expo for launching this variant. It is being said that this M550d variant is going to match the petrol version in terms of performance achieving a 100kmph speed from standing position within 4.7 seconds. However, the main USP that is expected for the diesel variant is going to be its fuel efficient ability as it is expected to offer 19km/liter mileage.

December 19, 2011

Mercedes Benz India Reveals Line-Up for 2012 Auto Expo

Mercedes Benz India will set up the pulse of new generation racing by showcasing concept A-Class, which is internationally acclaimed for its technical marvels and expressive design. The company to set pulse racing at 11th 2012 Auto Expo with its world acclaimed future technologies, new design language and exciting products. Mercedes Benz India has introduced a new design, pulse racing language and showcased the world acclaimed technical marvel and design with its A-Class concept along with Future technologies like Fuel Cell feature. Following the tremendous success attained in the year 2011, the company is all set to further reveal the dynamic and sporty characteristics of Three-Pointed star at 2012 Auto Expo. It will be launching its new enthralling design language, which reflects dynamism and summons excitement of the Mercedes Benz.

Mercedes Benz India will set the pulse of new generation racing by displaying its A-Class concept, which is internationally, highly praised for its technical marvels and expressive design. Amongst main highlights for 2012 Auto Expo, the company will be displaying for the first time in India its next generation of small cars, plethora of exciting product spectrum (hallmark of high-tech innovations in automobile production, synonymous with Mercedes Benz) and next generation technology, including Fuel Cell, which will define the automobile’s future. Mercedes Benz India stall at 2012 Auto Expo will be one of the biggest amongst luxury automobile manufacturing companies spreading more than 3600 square meters.

The Mercedes Benz India’s stall will see the presence of over 10 different performance oriented or driver focused models such as DTM car and SLS GT3 along with spectrum of high end cars from AMG stable. The 2012 Auto Expo will offer the car aficionados of India a chance of enrolling for the soon to be introduced Three Pointed cars – JPSI Performance Driving Academy, the first of its kind platform to nurture racing talent in the country. Mr. Peter T Honegg, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Mercedes Benz India said that their display at 2012 Auto Expo will be imposing both in terms of display cars and presentation.

The Mercedes Benz India Arena situated exclusively at Hall 15 will have its new design language and will display pulse of next generation, the A-Class concept with globally, highly praised Fuel Cell feature. There will be a lounge area for providing exclusive experience and special accessory outlets apart from opportunities for offering networking possibilities for representatives and patrons. You will also find various show-stoppers such as the introduction of eye-catching SLS AMG Roadster. In addition, there will be plenty of striking Mercedes Benz cars and technology demonstrators, which symbolizes automotive technology and design at its best.

December 16, 2011

2012 Auto Expo – A Platform for Car Manufacturers

2012 Auto Expo, the biggest Automotive Show in India, which starts in the first week of January, is not far away and all are waiting with baited breath to get an opportunity to see what all automobile manufacturing companies have to offer. As many as 18 automakers are eagerly waiting for this event. Around 60 cars out of which passenger vehicles are likely to be introduced at 2012 Auto Expo. A huge number of automobile producing companies from Malaysia and Germany will be participating in this event, which is expected to give a fillip to India’s trade with two nations. A CII release said that more than 70 German automakers will participate in this Auto Expo.

Mr. Achim Rauber, Managing Director at German Association of Automotive Industry said that there were chances for both nations in this sector. For instance, India exported vehicles worth 25 million euros in first 3 quarters of 2007 and the supply industry in India had increased its exports to Germany by 20% in first three quarters of 2007. Most significant carmakers, which will participate in 2012 Auto Expo include Bosch, Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz and Skoda. Mr. Mohammed Feisal Ezuan Abdul Aziz, Assistant Manager at Product & Services Development Division in Malaysia External Development Corporation said that building relations, business deals and networking through partnerships are their objective and expectations in Auto Expo 2008.

We have already covered list of models, which will be introduced at 2012 Auto Expo and their manufacturers include BMW India Limited, Audi India, General Motors India Private Limited, Ford India Private Limited, Hyundai Motor India Limited, Honda Siel Cars India Limited, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, International Tractors Limited, Mercedes Benz India Private Limited, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, Peugeot Citroen, Premier Limited, Nissan Motor India Private Limited, Skoda Auto India Private Limited, Renault India, Toyota Kirloskar Motors Private Limited, Tata Motors Limited and Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited.

The Countryman sport utility vehicle, Mini Cooper and Cooper S are likely to be introduced at 2012 Auto Expo. Jaguar Land Rover of Tata, Audi and Mercedes Benz are said to be pretty keen to make it to Auto Expo. It is Bugatti to steal the show with the launch of Bugatti Veyron Supersport. Maruti Suzuki India will also launch its Maruti MPV, Ertiga and full new small MUV and SUV concept at this event.

Volkswagen will soothe discerning buyers with redesigned version of Volkswagen Beetle. Skoda will be an active participant at auto expo. Ford will make its presence well known with its small Ford EcoSport sport utility vehicle, while Premier Motors, Peugeot Citroen, Honda Motors and International Tractors will add to the grandeur. At last India’s leading automobile manufacturing company, Mahindra and Mahindra mulls over to introduce its vehicles, while SsangYong will showcase two new sport utility vehicles called Rexton and Korando.

December 7, 2011

Maruti drops their plan of launching ‘K’ cars in India

Maruti Suzuki has recently dropped plans of launching its ‘K’ cars (660cc) into the Indian auto market. This is because the company has a feeling that pricing of the cars will not be in lines with the financial plans of most Indians. The ‘K’ cars are going to be displayed at the 2012 auto expo. These cars will not have the pricing that could make them compete against the Nano – the very reason for their bringing the vehicles to India. Therefore, due to the high prices of the 660cc ‘K’ cars, Maruti has taken the decision of scrapping its launch.

R.C. Bhargava, Chairman, Maruti Suzuki stated that the ‘K’ cars are not going to be launched as they have turned out too costly for the Indian market.

In Japan, these ‘K’ cars have been made available to consumers after receiving incentive on tax policies, which enabled a price setting of 1 million Yen (Rs.6 Lakh), MD and CEO, Shinzo Nakanishi has said. Palette and MR Wagon, the two scheduled ‘K’ cars, have been stopped from hitting the production lines. They would be restricted to being only displayed at the auto show, said Nakanishi.

Maruti Suzuki is posing questions to customers on the amount they would be willing to spend for getting these cars, said Bhargava. This is because the Indian market normally worked on the principle that the smaller a car engine was, the lesser its price would be. Bhargava also added that these cars did not resemble the Nano and had greater sophistication as well as higher technological levels including aluminium engines. The entry-level variant of the Nano is priced at 1.36 Lakh whereas the cheapest car from Maruti, the 800 comes at Rs.1.98 Lakh.

Angel Broking auto analyst, Yaresh Kothari feels that Maruti does not have any significant reason for launching a car to compete with the Nano. This is because the volumes achieved by the Nano have not been to the satisfaction of Tata Motors itself.

The Nano has not been able to match the expectations of the company that it would achieve gross sales around 25,000 units per month. In fact, in the current financial year, the Nano has just managed sales of 6,000 units every month. On the contrary, Maruti 800 still displays its capabilities by selling 2,500 units per month, even though the company has stopped selling it in 13 cities.

The ‘K’ cars have been designed to offer optimum fuel economy. The cars have a mileage of 30.2km/liter, ranking them amongst the top list of petrol-operated cars in the world. The Nano also offers good mileage at 25km/l. Hyundai, which hold the second position in the Indian auto segment, has chosen to stay away from the segment of ‘basic’ cars like the Nano. They have instead opted to come out with good cars like the Eon, which have additional features. The sentiments of Hyundai were also echoed by General Motors who felt that the non-commercial success of the Nano was reason enough for them to stay away from that segment.

In this present market situation, the decision of Maruti to withdraw the plan of launching its K-car in the Indian market, seems to be well justified.

October 23, 2011

2012 Auto Expo may see the Mercedes B-class

The recently concluded 2011 Frankfurt show saw Mercedes displaying their B-class and it is very likely that India’s very own 2012 Auto Expo would see the B-class being displayed as well. Mercedes had earlier indicated that they had plans of bringing down the B-class to India by 2013 and displaying it at the Auto Expo would present the right opportunities for the manufacturer and they would be able to gauge the reaction of the public to their small car offering.

The platform that the Mercedes B-class uses is quite similar to the one that Mercedes intends to use for its small SUV codenamed as GLK. This one would take on the likes of the upcoming Audi Q3 and also the well selling BMW X1. The Mercedes B class is a near mini van and has got lots of space inside the cabin. Infact, it would be the most spacious hatch in its category. A choice of 4 engines just like any other Merc make this an equally desirable thing. Moreover, manual, DCT or even plain automatic transmissions would also be on offer. Prices? Approximately a shade lower than the current price of the Mercedes C-Class.