New Delhi: India's second largest automaker Bajaj Auto Tuesday made its foray into the four-wheel segment, unveiling a low-cost, eco-friendly automobile — RE60– targeting three-wheeler customers to shift to the vehicle for a smoother ride inside the city.

"We are looking at the customers who currently operate three-wheelers to shift to this four-wheeler low emission segment," Rajiv Bajaj, company managing director, said introducing the vehicle, which is the first low-cost, four-wheeler commercial passenger carrier in the country.

"This is not a car but a four-wheeler vehicle, which is a new segment in its own right. We have put in a lot of technology and features which are not in three-wheelers or even cars," he told reporters.

The four-wheeler is powered by a 200cc rear-mounted water cooled DTSi four-valve engine that can churn out a top-speed of 70 km an hour.

The company did not disclose the price at which the vehicle would be launched, but said it would hit the showrooms in a few months.

It will come in three fuel variants — petrol, CNG and LNG.

According to Bajaj, the four-wheeler holds a lot of potential in the Indian as well as the European, African and Asian markets.

It had taken four years for the company to develop the vehicle, Bajaj said, without revealing the cost of production.

"My competitors would love to know that (cost). But I can just say that just by going through our existing facility, we have been able to save Rs.350 crore."

The vehicle weighs 400 kg and the engine can provide an output from 15 PS (horsepower) to 20 PS. It would be produced at the firm's Aurangabad facility.

"This is a light weight vehicle which has primary position of a commercial passenger carrier, but it can be used as a personal passenger carrier, as well," R.C. Maheshwary, president, commercial vehicle business, Bajaj Auto, told IANS.

The vehicle travelled 40 km per litre under test conditions and the company said under realistic driving conditions it could deliver 35 km per litre.

On possible participation of Renault-Nissan in the RE60 project, Bajaj said: "They have not seen the physical product as yet, only the one on the virtual media. They will see it at the Auto-Expo 2012 after which we are expected to meet."

In 2010, both sides had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the ultra-low cost (ULC) project in which Bajaj was supposed to have developed the vehicle but marketed through Renault-Nissan.

Bajaj also said the company manufactured half-a-million three-wheelers, a majority of which are exported.

"We make about 5,20,000 three-wheelers a year, of which only 2,00,000 are sold in India and the rest are exported. So we see markets for RE60 in Sri Lanka and Africa."
 

New Delhi:FIAT India Automobiles  has showcased the next generation 2012 Linea and 2012 Punto. The Company is ready to redefine performance and luxury
benchmark in these segments. With its assortment of best-in-class features the new vehicles are the epitome of Italian design and ingenuity.

The FIAT Linea 1.3 Advanced Multijet Diesel and 1.4 Fire Petrol and the FIAT Punto 1.2 FIRE Petrol, 1.4 FIRE Petrol and 1.3 MULTIJET Diesel are loaded with innovative and exciting features and are set to delight its customers. The car sets new standards by introducing a bouquet of features in terms of performance, safety, comfort, ride and handling and in- car infotainment. Through its path breaking innovation and upgradation the cars are a true reflection of FIAT’s commitment towards the Indian consumers. The elegant and performance oriented 2012 Linea and sporty and sturdy 2012 Punto are available in new, exciting and vibrant colour- Oceanic Blue along with the previous range of colours such as Fox Trot Azure, Tuscan Wine, Sunbeam Beige and Exotica Red.

Highlights: Model Year 2012 range:

• Fully refreshed interiors with new interior theme colours and an all new exterior colour i.e, Oceanic Blue

• Bringing segment first features for Linea – Rain sensing wipers & auto switch on/off headlamps,(continuing the past tradition of being the first to bring innovative features
to the segment e.g., Blue & Me and MY Car)

• More features & equipment across the range with much higher value to the customer at every price point
• Significant Quality improvements on key attributes like ground clearance, air conditioning and NVH for diesel versions

FIAT Linea 2012:

The FIAT Linea 2012 has been introduced with a host of all-new exciting features which are certain to delight customers. The excitement is expected to increase as it patrons are set to experience a complete new variety of equipments with an integrated audio system from base version, Auto AC, ABS with EBD, alloy wheels, airbags and ‘Blue and Me’ infotainment starting from the mid version onwards. It also has an improved segment best ground
clearance of 185 mm with a powerful and improved AC.

The new Linea luxury diesel version provides nothing less than leather seats with chrome interiors and 16” alloy wheels. The new segment features include rain sensors and auto switch on/off head lamps. Giving Linea a premium touch with its refreshing interiors is the new light beige theme, comprising of fabric seats and floor carpet, dashboard and door trims. The improved fuel efficiency for the Linea 1.3 ADVANCED MULTIJET DIESEL is 20.4 and for 1.4 FIRE PETROL is 14.6.

FIAT Punto 2012:

Power and style truly personify FIAT Punto 2012 that is now available with an enhanced ground clearance (Punto 1.2- 195 mm and Punto 1.4 and 1.3 – 185 mm). The base variant features comprise of an integrated audio system and central locking along with front power windows making it the only premium hatchback with such rich content in the entry version.

The introduction of new bright grey interiors, fabric seats, carpeted flooring and door trims is sure to leave its customers astonished. A dual tone dashboard now adorns the entire range. The improved fuel efficiency for the Punto 1.2 FIRE Petrol is 15.2, for 1.4 FIRE Petrol is 14.6 and for 1.3 MULTIJET Diesel it is 20.3.

Pricing Info :The good news continues even with the pricing, with the cars being available in different variants at a special introductory period price.
Ex-showroom Delhi:

Punto Active BSIV Petrol 1.2              Rs 481279
Punto Dynamic BSIV Petrol 1.2         Rs 504284
Punto Emotion BSIV Petrol 1.4          Rs 654318
Punto Active BSIV Diesel 1.3              Rs 548294
Punto Dynamic BSIV Diesel 1.3        Rs 611307
Punto Emotion BSIV Diesel 1.3         Rs 671324
Linea Active BSIV Petrol 1.4                Rs 683832
Linea Dynamic BSIV Petrol 1.4          Rs 780855
Linea Active BSIV Diesel 1.3               Rs 783854
Linea Dynamic BSIV Diesel 1.3         Rs 883878
Linea Emotion BSIV Diesel 1.3          Rs  918888

Speaking on the launch of 2012 Linea and Punto,  Rajeev Kapoor, President & CEO, FIAT India Automobiles Ltd said, “At FIAT it is our constant endeavor to provide customers with newer and better cars with timely upgradation in comfort and technology. Since customer satisfaction is of utmost importance, we continuously look at ways to provide better value through our cars. With the launch of 2012 Linea and Punto this year our customer can enjoy an experience which is delightful and uniquely FIAT”
 

Mumbai:Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., has announced the launch of a limited edition of its sedan, the Verito. Christened as ‘Verito Executive’, the vehicle is primarily targeted at working professionals and businessmen. The new variant has been launched to coincide with the upcoming festive season.

The Verito Executive diesel variants have been priced at Rs 6.94 lacs (Diesel BS3) and Rs 7.09 lacs (Diesel BS4) – ex showroom Delhi. The petrol variants with 1.6 ltr MPFI engine are priced at Rs 5.95 (BS3) and Rs 5.99 lacs (BS4) – ex showroom Delhi.

The limited edition ‘Verito Executive’ has been launched in two premium colours, Pearl White and Walnut Brown that add to the style quotient of this sedan. To lend further exclusivity, premium features have been added in the vehicle’s exterior and interiors. The limited edition car comes equipped with alloy wheels and body decals, while the Executive Edition Crest and badging add to the good looks of the car’s exterior.

Premium leather seating gives the interiors a rich, luxurious feel. This plush feel is also extended to the leather-wrapped steering wheel and matching door inserts. The entertainment system with integrated Bluetooth and USB are some of the classy additions to the limited range.  Blue vision headlamps have also been added in the ‘Verito Executive’.

Since its launch, the Verito has been widely acknowledged as a mature man’s sedan with a whole host of features such as class-leading space, mileage, build quality and safety. This festive season, all these benefits come gift wrapped in a  premium package which allows the consumer to indulge himself, without being an unnecessary burden on his wallet. The Verito Executive Edition, as the name suggests, has been largely targeted at the corporate professional or businessman looking to derive the best value for his money, without compromising on the finer aspects of life – someone who stands apart and above his peers without being pompous about his achievements.

Vivek Nayer, Sr. Vice President – Marketing, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., mentioned, “The launch of the Verito Executive Edition will add a more premium status quotient to the sedan. Together with the propositions of space and mileage which Verito is already known for, this new edition will provide premium interior and exterior features to our customers. All this at a competitive price which will further enhance the strong position which the Verito has carved out for itself on Indian roads”.

In addition to these exclusive features, the Verito Executive Edition retains all the features of the Verito D6 including Driver Airbag, ABS with EBD, Variometric Air Conditioning, Body Side Cladding, Ski Racks, Rear Spoiler and Chrome Appliqué.
 

Pune: Automobile major Mahindra & Mahindra Thursday launched its premium sports utility vehicle (SUV) — XUV500 – with an introductory price ranging from Rs.10.8 lakh to Rs.12.88 lakh (ex-showroom price Delhi).

"This is our premium offering aimed at the global market with a very competitive price. We believe the car will expand the market for us and create a new category for itself," Mahindra Group vice-chairman and managing director Anand Mahindra said here at a press conference.

According to the company, the introductory price for the vehicle would remain the same for two to three months. The price revision would depend upon future commodity prices.

The car has three variants, all in diesel, and offers the option of a four-wheel drive.

All the three variants of the car would be produced at the company's Chakan plant, located on the outskirts of Pune with an initial capacity of 2,000 units per month.

"Initially, we will be having production capacity of 2,000 units per month. Going forward we will ramp it up as per the response we receive," Pawan Goenka, Mahindra & Mahindra president for automotive and farm equipment, said.

"The car is open for bookings and we have around 1,000 cars ready to be delivered at our dealers and customers," Goenka added.

The XUV500 was developed over a period of four years at the company's Chennai facility at a development cost of Rs.650 crore. The company also developed – at a cost of Rs.200 crore – a 2.2-litre M-Hawk engine that gives a maximum power output of 140 bhp and a 15.1 km per litre mileage for the SUV.

"We have worked from the design stage upwards to control as much cost as we can. This is why we are able to offer the car in such a price range, such a high mileage and a superb SUV," Rajan Wadhera, chief executive, technology, product development and sourcing, Mahindra and Mahindra, told IANS.

The engine is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox which is also developed by Mahindra. The company is now developing an automatic transmission version for the SUV.

Mahindra officials said that the new SUV is expected to raise the company's exports substantially, which are pegged at 2,500 units per month.

"XUV500 would be lunched in Johannesburg, South Africa, tomorrow and within the next six months would be launched globally in south America, Australia and SAARC countries," Pravin Shah, chief executive, (international operations) automotive and farm sectors told IANS.

"The car would be manufactured here and then shipped to South Africa. But we also have fully-owned operations in South Africa, which can also manufacture the product. The operations can supply the SUV to neighbouring countries such as Botswana, Zimbabwe and Swaziland," added Shah.

According to Shah, the company would later decide on manufacturing of the product in the foreign countries like Brazil and Egypt where it has manufacturing capabilities.
 

New Delhi: Japanese automobile manufacturer Nissan's Indian subsidiary Tuesday launched its sedan car Sunny priced between Rs.5.75 lakh and Rs.7.68 lakh (ex-showroom).

"We are certain that Nissan Sunny will redefine the dynamics of the Sedan segment in India," said Gilles Normand, corporate vice president, Africa, Middle East and India, Nissan Motor Co.

The new car would compete with other mid-size sedans like Verna Fluidic, Ford Fiesta, Honda City, SX4 and Fiat Linea.

The company said the car would be produced at its Oragadam plant near Chennai with 85 percent localized parts.

"We have been able to aggressively position it thanks to localization in excess of 85 percent, which also reiterates our commitment to India," said Normand.

The company further said that bookings for the new sedan would be accepted from Sep 21 and the deliveries would be made in October.

"Sunny with a 16.95 km per litre of fuel economy will be available to customers across the country without any waiting period for delivery," the company said in a statement.

The sedan is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.5-liter double overhead camshaft petrol engine, which can churn out a power of 99 PS at the rate of 6,000 rpm.

The car boost of a large rear knee room for rear seat passengers, large centre armrest with cup holders in the rear seat.

The 10th generation of car launched Tuesday traces its lineage back to 1966 and till date has sold more than 16 million units in 140 countries.

New Delhi: Volkswagen group company Škoda Auto India Tuesday launched a new model of its luxury sedan Laura RS priced at Rs.1,549,000 (ex-Showroom Delhi).

"Laura RS, with its superior technology is aimed at car enthusiasts who have an emotional connect with their car," said Tarun Jha, marketing head, ŠkodaAuto India.

According to Jha, the car entails latest design and technology for optimal performance.

"The new Laura RS is an epitome of performance, aesthetic design, safety and comfort all packaged in one vehicle," Jha said.

The car is powered by a 1.8 TSI petrol engine with a power output of 118 kilowatt coupled with a six-speed manual transmission.

"The engine guarantees an exceptional performance and at the same time provides efficient fuel consumption," the company said in a statement.

The interior of the car comes with sporty Alcantara leather seats with lateral support and an RS emblem set the tone for the interiors.

Chennai: Ashok Leyland has commercially launched DOST – its first entry in India’s fast expanding LCV segment. It also marks the first vehicle to be launched from its Joint Venture with Nissan Motor Company. Competitively priced at Rs. 3.79 lakhs to Rs. 4.39 lakhs (ex-showroom – Chennai), DOST will be sold through a modern dealership network with brand new infrastructure which will grow to 60 main nodes by the end of the current fiscal.

DOST, which has a payload capacity of 1.25T, will be available in three versions with the top-end version featuring air-conditioning, power steering, dual-colour beige-gray trim and fabric seats. The customer will have a palette of three colours to choose from: white, beige and blue. As another ‘first’ in the LCV industry, Ashok Leyland will offer Ready-to-Use Vehicles (RUVs) on the DOST platform for various applications such as Refrigerated containers, Steel containers, Ambulance, Aluminium Fixed Side Decks and Service-At-Site vehicles from the date of launch.

Speaking on the occasion, Dheeraj G. Hinduja, Chairman, Ashok Leyland, said, “With the commercial launch of DOST, Ashok Leyland fills an important gap in its product line up. We had examined the opportunity in this LCV sector for several years. We wanted to make an entry only after we had assured ourselves that we had competitive products as well as a product line expansion strategy. This accelerated since our association with Nissan, who shared our philosophy. I am hopeful that with DOST, Ashok Leyland will write a new chapter of success.”

Dr. V. Sumantran, Executive Vice Chairman, Hinduja Automotive Ltd. and Chairman, Nissan Ashok Leyland Powertrain Ltd. said, “DOST embodies our attempt to deliver to the Indian LCV customer, Japanese technology at Indian costs. It is a true reflection of the evolving needs of today’s Indian LCV customer and we are happy that we have been able to manufacture a product that will be attuned to the growing expectations of the LCV market. We have attempted to pack a lot into DOST – increased payload, improved fuel efficiency as well as class-leading performance, comfort and safety, all aimed at offering a uniquely superior experience at a very competitive cost of ownership.”

DOST enters the Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) market (below 3.5T) which is witnessing a perceptible upward shift in terms of features, performance and payload. The overall LCV market (up to 7.5T) is growing robustly helped by the increase in urbanisation, organized retailing, improved rural connectivity coupled with growth in rural demand. Adding to this are factors like increased focus on the hub-and-spoke model.

The Ashok Leyland DOST is being initially launched in the 4 Southern states (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala), Maharashtra and Gujarat and will be made available across the country in a phased manner as the production ramp up is executed.

Chandigarh : Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s largest selling Utility Vehicle (UV) manufacturer today announced the launch of the ‘New Bolero’. Powered by the refined, peppy new m2DiCR engine with better driveability and excellent fuel efficiency, the New Bolero sports more macho front styling, giving it an aggressive stance. It also incorporates new technology features like Digital Cluster with Driver Information System (DIS) and a digital Engine Immobilizer, all new stylish dashboard, new wood-finish central console and all-new seats and upholstery.
 

The New Generation Bolero, available in 3 variants – SLE, SLX & ZLX, starts at an attractive price of Rs 6.17 lacs (ex showroom Patna, SLE BSIII variant). 

Speaking at the launch of the New Bolero, Mr. Sanjoy Chatterjee, General Manager, Sales – East Zone, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, “The Bolero has reigned as India’s highest selling SUV for the last 5 years in a row. The launch of the aspirational new Bolero further enhances its brand equity of being tough, rugged and durable. I am sure that the New Bolero will heighten its appeal not only amongst its core customers but also amongst the youth, further adding years to its life cycle".

New m2DiCR Engine

Powered by the refined & peppy new m2DiCR Engine that combines the modern common rail engine technology along with the dependability and low operating cost of the DI engine, the New Bolero offers great drivability, high fuel efficiency and superior acceleration.  

Styling and aesthetics

The New Bolero is distinctly characterized by its more masculine styling. The exterior is enhanced with new muscular bumpers and a signature front grille with a classy mesh. Also adding a dash of class leading style and aspirational value to this popular and successful SUV are the specially designed stylish headlamps, outer rear view mirrors and the contemporary body decals.  These new additions on the exterior align to the tough, rugged and sporty DNA of the Bolero.

The smart exterior of the New Bolero is further complemented by its premium dual-tone interiors. Be it the all new stylish dashboard with a wood finish central console, comfortable seats with additional cushioning, drop down arm-rest on the middle row, a sophisticated digital display or the exciting new colour schemes for trims and upholstery – they all add to the SUV’s style quotient. Even the steering wheel comes with the specially designed ergonomic thumb grips for a better feel while driving.

Advanced Technology

Packed with new technology features, class leading comfort and a low running and maintenance cost, the Bolero scores highly over its nearest competitors. The advanced technology features include an advanced digital instrument cluster, a Driver Information System (DIS), transponder-based immobilizer security system, a voice messaging system and the fuel-saving Micro Hybrid technology. The latter allows the vehicle to intelligently switch the engine into the standby mode, when not required – ensuring lower fuel consumption while being more environment-friendly too. It is also equipped with a remote fuel lid opener and a rear wash and wipe.

Mumbai :German auto major Mercedes Benz today launched the all New CLS 350 BE, priced at Rs 67.67 lakh (ex- showroom Mumbai) and said it will launch two more models soon.

"The new CLS 350 is powered by a 3.5 litre V6 petrol engine and is a sports coupe which is the perfect expression for the young aggressive India," Mercedes-Benz India Director Sales and Marketing Debashis Mitra said.    

"We are planning to launch two more models during the festive season," he added, without divulging more details.
Mercedes Benz India sales grew by 40 per cent during the first eight months this year, he said.

"Our sales grew by 40 per cent during the January-August period to 4,890 units this year, as against 3,495 units during the same period last year," Mitra said.

The auto major also plans to introduce up to 10 new brands in the next three years to regain the numero uno position by 2015.

"Our entire product portfolio relevant to the Indian market will come here in the next three years… I think, we will have 9 to 10 new brands by then," Mitra had recently said adding, the new products will also include the company's smaller cars.

New Delhi: As part of its aim to sell one lakh vehicles in India by 2013, French car maker Renault on Thursday launched its premium sports utility vehicle 'Koleos' for Rs 22.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
    
India is the second market after China where the new 'Koleos' has been introduced. It will be followed by Europe this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
    
"India is a key strategic market. We will launch 'Koleos' in 40 countries and India is one of the firsts among these. The first country was China where the SUV was launched yesterday and now it is India," Renault India Vice-President (Marketing, Sales and Network) Len Curran told reporters here.
    
The SUV is the company's second vehicle in the Indian market after the premium sedan 'Fluence', which was launched in May this year. It has so far sold 700 units of 'Fluence'.
    
The 'Koleos' is powered by a 2.0 litre diesel engine and is available in four wheeled drive option with six speed automatic transmission.
    
Commenting on the market, Renault India Managing Director Marc Nassif said: "India is our top three priorities along with Brazil and Russia. We have set a target to sell a total of one lakh units in 2013."
    
The next model in the pipeline is a new hatchback that will be launched during the Auto Expo in January 2012. It will be specifically designed for the Indian market by its design centre in Mumbai.
    
The fourth car for the Indian market will be the SUV 'Duster', which will hit the roads in the second half of 2012.
    
The company had earlier announced to launch five vehicles in India by the end of 2012. All the cars will be assembled at Renault's Indian facility in Chennai.
    
Renault and its global alliance partner Nissan have committed an investment of Rs 4,500 crore by 2015 at the Chennai facility, which will have a total annual production capacity of 4 lakh units.
    
On the dealership front, Nassif said: "Currently we have 14 dealers and it will be increased to 40 outlets by December. By the end of 2012, we will have 100 showrooms across India."