Oct 31, 2008

New Ford Ikon in November 2008


Ford is planning to launch its popular model, the new Ford Ikon, with fresh looks and style. One of India’s most popular sedans, the Ford Ikon, was introduced in 2001 amongst Indian customers marking the presence of entry-level sedans in the Indian auto market.

New Ford IkonIt is re-entering the market with a new look and a more refined 1.4 litre diesel option. The 1.4 litre TDCi Dura Torq engine already marks a strong presence in the Ford Fiesta and has established its performance capabilities amongst the Indian customers. The high pressure common rail diesel engine pumps out 68PS of maximum power at 4000rpm and 160Nm of maximum torque.The engine is extremely frugal and returns 13kmpl in the Fiesta. The new Ford Ikon will be launched to spurt sales and the design modifications will lend a new impression to the Indian customers.

The new model has more European looks with new headlamps and fresh front bumpers. The new Ford Ikon carries a young and aggressive look to get back into competition with Dzire, Logan and Fabia. The price of model has not been revealed as yet but it's expected to be priced around Rs. 5 lakh.

Source: Cartradeindia.com

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Oct 25, 2008

Maruti Suzuki increases prices on some models


Maruti Suzuki India has announced that it will increase the price of select models by up to Rs. 6,000 just before Diwali. The price rise ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 6,000 according to a company official.

Maruti WagonRThe post price hike prices of Maruti Suzuki will be costlier by Rs. 2,000 while that of the Alto will be higher by Rs. 2,500. The price of the cars in the compact segment Zen Estillo and Wagon R has been increased by Rs. 3,000 and that of the Omni van has increased by Rs. 2,200.

The Sedan SX4 will be expensive by Rs. 6,000 while the utility vehicle Versa will additionally cost Rs. 3,500. While the Gypsy will cost more by Rs. 5,500, select variants of the premium hatchback Swift will increase by Rs 4,500.

Soure: Infibeam.com News

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Oct 22, 2008

Nano could miss October-December Launch


It seems that Tata Motors could miss the original Nano rollout deadline of October-December 2008, which could now be launched in the January-March 2009 quarter.

At the moment, the company has set an internal target of rolling out 42,000 to 48,000 Nanos on an annual basis from its Pantnagar plant.

According to sources that are familiar with the situation, “The Gujarat plant will take at least a year to set up. Till such time, the company has told its vendors to supply components for 3,500-4,000 Nanos on a monthly basis.

The company took the decision to defer the timeline of Nano launch since it wanted to ensure continuous supply once the car is launched in India. Work at its Pantnagar plant is going on in full swing to ensure steady supply of Nano.”

Source: Infibeam.com News

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Nissan’s SuperMini in India by 2010


The Japanese car maker, Nissan, will launch its super minicar, Nissan March in India by 2010. Tata Nano is slated for launch in early 2009. However, the full scale launch of Nano will be possible only in the second half 2009. In other words, the Singur fiasco has resulted in a boon for Nano competitors.

''The small, next-generation car 'March' will be launched in India by 2010 in the 'A' segmentNissan SuperMini India category. The car would be manufactured at the company's plant situated at Oragadam in Tamil Nadu, though initially the car would be rolled out from the company's Thailand facility followed by India,” said Shouhei Kimura, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India. ''We would have a total of nine Nissan models by the year 2012 in the Indian market and this car would be one of the new models," he added.

Nissan plans to export nearly 110,000 units including the new model. It has recently signed MoU with the Ennore Port in Tamil Nadu which will be the main port for the company to export its cars. Nissan envisions India as one of five most competitive countries amongst is global manufacturing network for exporting and manufacturing its cars.

Source: cartradeindia.com

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Oct 20, 2008

Toyota Venza AS V by Five Axis to debut at 2008 SEMA Show


To illustrate the versatility of the new 2009 Toyota Venza a specially modified show vehicle by Five Axis will make its public debut at the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas from November 4-7.

The Five Axis Venza Active Sports Versatility (AS V) was created to illustrate the versatile applications of the new 2009 Toyota Venza with an emphasis on active sports. It is outfitted with several features offering unique solutions for the transport and storage of all types of winter sports equipment.

The rear of the vehicle houses a very unique utility system. Created by Magna Car Top Systems, an Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) stow away rack system provides numerous opportunities for transporting a variety of wet and dry goods such as skis and bicycles.

To complement the ICC system, Five Axis designed and created a multi-purpose rear cargo unit that allows for storage of various items. This hideaway design offers both privacy and protection from other heavier items that can be easily stored on top of the unit. The system also allows for isolated storage of messy items, offering further protection to the interior.

ASV exterior body enhancements include new front and rear bumpers and over-fenders for a more rugged appearance. Wider 20 x 10.5-inch wheels and larger diameter tires also complement the new look of the Venza AS V.

To best illustrate the active sports theme, an emphasis on winter sports was chosen. The Magna Car Top Systems' ICC unit is fitted with a unique snowboard and ski carrier. At the SEMA Show the Venza ASV will be hitched to a trailer mounted with a snowmobile to display its towing capability.

Finally, a Five Axis custom-blended earth tone color palette of Lunar White and Bronze accents finish off the exterior for a fresh reference to some of latest trends in winter fashion.

TOYOTA VENZA AS V (ACTIVE SPORTS VERSATILITY)

Designed by Five Axis

Exterior Modifications:
• Five Axis custom body enhancement
• Five Axis custom paint and accents
• Five Axis AD R6:F_SPEC wheels
- Front 20"x10.5"
- Rear 20"x10.5"

• Yokohama Advan ST tires
- Front 305/45ZR20
- Rear 305/45ZR20
• Five Axis custom exhaust finishers
• Custom multi-purpose rear cargo storage unit
• Magna Car Top Systems Integrated Cargo Carrier

Brake Modifications:
• TRD Big Brakes
- Front 15" diameter
- Rear 13.6" diameter
• TRD forged calipers
- Front 6 piston
- Rear 4 piston

Source: Infibeam.com News

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Oct 14, 2008

Chevrolet announces pricing for the 2010 Camaro


Chevrolet announced pricing for the all-new, 2010 Camaro. It starts at $22,995 MSRP for the V-6-powered LS model, and $30,995 for the V-8-powered Camaro SS (all prices include $750 destination charge). Customer ordering opened on Oct. 13, with production scheduled to start in first quarter of 2009.

“The wait is almost over,” said Ed Peper, GM North America vice president, Chevrolet. “The return of the Camaro gives sports car enthusiasts a reason to rejoice. It’s a 21 st century sports car with a distinctly American legacy.

2010 Chevrolet CamaroMore than 600,000 enthusiasts have requested information on the Camaro since its production was announced. Chevrolet is reaching out to give them the opportunity to be the first to order one.

The Chevy.com/Camaro Web site carries information regarding early ordering, along with vehicle packaging information, a specification sheet and anticipated frequently asked questions about the ordering process.

Production is scheduled to begin in mid-February at GM’s Oshawa, Ontario production facility, with dealership deliveries shortly thereafter. Complementing the Camaro’s introduction is a range of performance, appearance and convenience accessories – including 21-inch wheels and tires; ground effects and stripe kits; and even a classic-styled Hurst shifter – that customers can order and have installed at their dealership. In some cases, the cost of the accessories and their installation can be rolled into the monthly payments.

“My Own Worst Enemy”
Enthusiasts will see the new Camaro this fall as part of NBC’s new drama, “My Own Worst Enemy.” It stars Christian Slater as a man with two personalities – a suburban dad and covert spy – with the Camaro featured prominently, along with the new Chevy Traverse crossover. The show premiers Oct. 13, the same day ordering opens for the Camaro.

Camaro’s supporting role on “My Own Worst Enemy” follows its big-screen debut as the Autobot named Bumblebee in the blockbuster 2007 movie, “Transformers.”

World-class performance, American heritage
Built on GM’s new, global rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Camaro is offered in V-6-powered LS and LT models, as well as the V-8-powered SS. All models and powertrain combinations are matched with fuel-saving six-speed transmissions. Advanced technologies, including engines with direct injection and Active Fuel Management, enable a satisfying balance of exhilarating performance and good fuel economy.

Camaro product highlights also include:
• Sleek styling with heritage cues and 10 available exterior colors
• Four-wheel independent suspension system, including a 4.5-link rear suspension
• Four-wheel disc brake systems standard on all models, including four-piston Brembo calipers on SS models
• StabiliTrak stability control system and traction control standard on all models
• Family of 18-, 19- and 20-inch wheels
• Six standard air bags, including head curtain side-impact air bags and front seat-mounted thorax side air bags
• RS appearance package available on LT and SS, including HID headlamps with integrated halo rings, spoiler, specific taillamps and 20-inch wheels
• Bluetooth phone connectivity
• USB connectivity
• Remote vehicle starting system
• OnStar
• XM Satellite Radio

Source: Infibeam.com News

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Oct 8, 2008

The New Audi Q7 4.0 TDI cleanest diesel in the world


The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system is the cleanest diesel in the world, and an extremely economical form of propulsion into the bargain. This was demonstrated on the very first leg of the Audi Mileage Marathon on Monday, from New York to Washington. The best participants in this major real-life test criss-crossing the American continent achieved an average fuel consumption of an impressive 7.4 liters per 100 kilometers (31.79 US mpg).

The starting flag went up on the Audi Mileage Marathon at nine o’clock on Monday morning, in New York’s Central Park. The endurance test for this fleet of 23 vehicles from the Audi Q7, Audi Q5, Audi A4 and Audi A3 car lines started with a battle through the heavy traffic of Manhattan. Between now and October 20, the fleet will be covering almost 8,000 kilometers (around 5,000 miles) on its way to Los Angeles, passing through major US cities and the natural wonders of the West. 184 drivers from all over the world will be testing both the supreme sportiness and the extraordinary efficiency of the TDI models on this tour.

The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI with ultra low emission system is putting in its first public appearance here. Its exhaust emission control system reduces nitrogen oxides by as much as 90 percent, and thus complies with the world’s toughest emission standard, California’s ULEV II BIN 5. And it already undercuts the limit values of the Euro 6 standard that will not come into force until 2014. Read More...

StumpleUpon DiggIt! Del.icio.us Blinklist Yahoo Furl Technorati Simpy Spurl Reddit Google Twitter FaceBook

Infibeam - Automobile Industry News