Budget 2008 : Small cars to be cheaper

The domestic auto industry got a major boost with the Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram, announcing a 4 percentage point reduction in excise duty on two-wheelers, three-wheelers, passenger cars, buses and chassis to 12 per cent from the current 16 per cent.

In the Union Budget 2008-09, the Government reduced excise duty on two-wheelers to help the segment revive after witnessing months of declining sales due to high interest rates. The Government also extended a similar reduction in the excise duty of small cars to make India a hub for small car.

In February 2006, the Government had reduced the duty on small car from 24 per cent to 16 per cent. It was at that time that specifications for the small car had been laid out in terms of length and engine size. As per these guidelines, cars with length less than 4,000 mm and a petrol engine of 1.2 litre or less and a diesel engine of 1.5 litre would qualify for the small car benefits. While companies such as Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai are already exporting their compact cars from India, global carmakers such as Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan-Renault are also making additional investments to leverage these incentives. However, with reduction in the excise duty of small cars, the auto industry is of the view that the gap between the premium car and small car would further widen which may affect the sales of the luxury cars.

In case of hybrids, the Budget has also offered an excise duty reduction on hybrid cars from 24 to 14 per cent. The proposed move would help the domestic companies such as Tatas and Mahindras that are gearing up in this direction. But it would also help companies like Honda that would be introducing its Civic Hybrid shortly by a reduction in the countervailing duty to 104 per cent from 114 per cent.

The Government has also reduced the excise duty on electric cars from 8 per cent to nil.

“However, full excise duty exemption for electric cars may not necessarily lead to reduction in its price as the duty on input costs except for a few items was still at 16 per cent. Hence, there will not be any impact on the output price as well,” said Mr Chetan Maini, Managing Director of Reva electric car.

News : TVS shifts tack with single-spark Flame

TVS Motor Company will launch a single-spark 125cc Flame in March even while the legal tug-of-war with Bajaj Auto continues on the twin-spark version. Run-up to Budget 2008-09. The bike will be rolled out across the country and not confined to a single metro. The company had earlier targeted Chennai as the first market for the twin-spark version in December.

Venu Srinivasan, chairman and managing director, TVS Motor, told that the company would also launch the fuel-injected Apache and the three-wheeler in March. The electric scooter, which has already been launched in Gujarat, will be available across the country in 2008-09. However, it is the Flame that TVS Motor is banking on for volumes and to make a significant impact in the executive segment, which is the mainstay of Hero Honda today.

In the process, it hopes that the bike will take up a substantial chunk of its motorcycle portfolio during 2008-09. At present, the company’s entry segment model, Star, accounts for nearly 80 per cent of its bike sales, but the margins are really little to write home about. This is understandable given that it is priced in the region of Rs 35,000. In contrast, the Flame, which will be closer to the Rs 46,000-mark, will clearly be a bigger money spinner.

“We believe that it has the potential to do good numbers, and ideally, take up over 35 per cent of our bike range. This is the only three-valve bike based on patented AVL technology licensed to TVS,” Srinivasan said.

In terms of price and features, it will be part of the segment now occupied by the Super Splendor, Gladiator, Shine etc. The entry-level executive segment, where the Splendor (and the slightly dearer Passion) rules the roost is the one that posts the big numbers. It is here that Bajaj Auto’s 125cc XCD has been slotted with an intention of weaning customers away from 100cc bikes.

Srinivasan said that TVS would launch more products in 2008-09, including two new bikes and a completely restyled Scooty. Two-wheeler sales have been hit by the economic slowdown and tight financing norms. Barring Hero Honda, other players have had a hard time and this could well continue next fiscal till Diwali when a turnaround is expected. As for its Indonesia project for the Neo step-thru, TVS has targeted sales of 60,000 units this calendar. Plans are also under way to expand its presence in the Asean region by setting up assembly units in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

- Sify Finance

Wallpaper : Porsche Boxter S

News : Tata, JLR deal to be finalised by next week

American car-maker Ford is expected to finalise the deal with Indian conglomerate Tata for the sale of luxury brands, Jaguar and Land Rover, by next week, media report here said. Run-up to Budget 2008-09

"The two sides, which have been in exclusive talks since the beginning of the year, are expected to sign a deal worth up to $2 billion next Wednesday or shortly afterwards," The Times said in a report on its online edition today.

According to the report, Ford is expected to seal the sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata, next week after the American car-maker recently agreed to pump hundreds of millions of pounds into the pension fund to smooth the process. The deal is expected to be welcomed by unions, who believe that there is no immediate threat to British jobs or manufacturing, it added. On January 3, Ford had named Tata as the preferred bidder for Jaguar and Land Rover. The Times also said that Ford has pledged to pump in 300 million pounds into the pension fund to clear its deficit. "It has also given assurances over the long-term supply of engines and some other components to the two marques to ease union fears about their future...," it pointed out.

"The two marques had to be sold together because Ford had merged a number of their operations and supplies. The official announcement is being timed for after the Geneva Motor Show, so that the two companies can try to promote their products at the key European showcase," the report added.

Wallpaper : Porsche RS Spyder

The RS Spyder was the dominant vehicle in the 2007 American Le Mans Series (ALMS), demonstrating outstanding stability and notching up 11 wins in the 12 races, including 8 overall wins.

News : Mitsubishi launches Cedia Select in Jalandhar

The Mitsubishi on Wednesday launched its new car Cedia Select, which comes with a factory fitted auto LPG, in the city. Latest new generation alternate fuel technology has been used in the Cedia ALPG and the technological know-how and kit was provided by BRC Gas equipment Company of Italy, a leader in alternate fuel technology, Sumit Seth, Sales Head of Hindustan Motors, Mitsubishi Motors Division, said while launching the car here.

"The Common Rail Gas Injection with Sequent Technology ensures there is no compromise on power and it keeps the car's emissions extremely low", he claimed.

About the features & convenience of the car, he said that shift from petrol mode to ALPG mode and vice-versa with the help of ergonomically placed electronic changeover switch, at the central console, he said adding that the car automatic switches to petrol mode when LPG is exhausted ensuring peace of mind. About the cost of car, he said that basic price of the car was kept a Rs 8.30 lakh.

TVS files plea in HC seeking to set aside single judge order on Flame

TVS Motor Company Limited on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Madras High Court, seeking to set aside a single judge order restraining it from manufacturing, marketing, selling and exporting two or three wheelers with an internal combustion engine, infringing Bajaj Auto's patent.

The appeal is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow. Justice P Jyothimani had on February 16 granted an interim injunction on an application filed by Bajaj Auto Limited, Pune, restraining TVS Chennai from using the technology in any manner and invention described in the patent.

In its appeal, TVS submitted that the single judge failed to consider the specific pleading and evidence adduced by it to show that TVS Flame 125 model was based on adoption of the twin spark plug arrangement patented by Honda in US.

"The functioning of the three valve arrangement was based on the patent granted in favour of AVL in US, licensed to TVS by AVL. The entire IC engine of TVS was distinct from the Bajaj patent and thus does not at all infringe the Bajaj patent specifications and claims of Bajaj," it said.

The judge failed to note that in the absence of Bajaj making out any case of infringement or satisfying the prescribed test, an injunction cannot be granted, TVS contended.

The judge did not apply the correct test of comparing Bajaj's claim as envisaged in its patent specification with the product of TVS, it said.

"The judge failed to note that Bajaj filed the suit without seeing the TVS product and the allegations of infringement were based on guess work. Having come to the conclusion that there are triable issues, the judge ought to have relegated the parties to the trial," TVS said.

- Economic Times

Facts : Airbag

The goal of an airbag is to slow the passenger's forward motion as evenly as possible in a fraction of a second. There are three parts to an airbag that help to accomplish this feat:

1. The bag itself is made of a thin, nylon fabric, which is folded into the steering wheel or dashboard or, more recently, the seat or door.
2. The sensor is the device that tells the bag to inflate. Inflation happens when there is a collision force equal to running into a brick wall at 10 to 15 miles per hour (16 to 24 km per hour). A mechanical switch is flipped when there is a mass shift that closes an electrical contact, telling the sensors that a crash has occurred. The sensors receive information from an accelerometer built into a microchip.
3. The airbag's inflation system reacts sodium azide (NaN3) with potassium nitrate (KNO3) to produce nitrogen gas. Hot blasts of the nitrogen inflate the airbag.

The airbag and inflation system stored in the steering wheel

Early efforts to adapt the airbag for use in cars bumped up against prohibitive prices and technical hurdles involving the storage and release of compressed gas. Researchers wondered if there was enough room in a car for a gas canister, whether the gas would remain contained at high pressure for the life of the car, how the bag could be made to expand quickly and reliably at a variety of operating temperatures and without emitting an ear-splitting bang.

They needed a way to set off a chemical reaction that would produce the nitrogen that would inflate the bag. Small solid-propellant inflators came to the rescue in the 1970s.

The inflation system is not unlike a solid rocket booster (see How Rocket Engines Work for details). The airbag system ignites a solid propellant, which burns extremely rapidly to create a large volume of gas to inflate the bag. The bag then literally bursts from its storage site at up to 200 mph (322 kph) -- faster than the blink of an eye! A second later, the gas quickly dissipates through tiny holes in the bag, thus deflating the bag so you can move.

Even though the whole process happens in only one-twenty-fifth of a second, the additional time is enough to help prevent serious injury. The powdery substance released from the airbag, by the way, is regular cornstarch or talcum powder, which is used by the airbag manufacturers to keep the bags pliable and lubricated while they're in storage.

Taming the beast - driving without driver aids

A major talking point for the new season surrounds the arrival of the Standardised Electronic Control Unit, or SECU, and with it the elimination of driver aids such as traction control and engine braking systems. The SECU enables the FIA to police an article of the regulations central to the ‘DNA’ of Formula One racing - that “the driver shall drive the car alone and unaided”. But, what should we expect as this new era dawns? And how difficult is it to tame a 2008-spec Formula One car? Double world champion Fernando Alonso and Renault team mate, Nelson Piquet Jr, explain…

“It is in the low-speed (second gear) corners that you notice the difference because that is where the traction control would normally kick in,” reveals Alonso. “That means you have to change your driving style quite dramatically. Last year we used to go straight to full throttle, but now we need to be gentler and feather the throttle.

“Another difference this year occurs when you get wheelspin because, in the absence of traction control, it becomes impossible to stop it - even if you back off the throttle. When you have wheelspin, the revs rise and you have more torque, which makes the wheels spin even more. Therefore, to deliver a good lap time, it is essential to avoid wheelspin through all parts of the corner, and that is not easy.”

Alonso also highlights the variation in steering inputs: “With traction control we used to get more understeer at the exit of the corner, but this is no longer an issue. Rather, from midcorner onwards, the car oversteers and slides more, which again influences your driving style and the racing line.”

The new regulations have also removed the engine braking systems (EBS) that used to moderate the locking of the rear wheels, and give greater stability, under heavy braking. It is the loss of this system, rather than the loss of traction control, that Piquet believes has the greatest impact.

“The biggest difference you notice with the 2008 cars is not the loss of traction control, but the absence of engine braking control because the car is much more unstable, especially on used tyres,” says Nelson. “When you look at the telemetry, the brake pressure is now much less compared to last year. With EBS you could brake much harder; if you did that without the electronics, you will simply lock up your wheels.”

Alonso echoes Piquet’s sentiments and emphasises the need to adapt set-up accordingly. “Without EBS you do suffer with locking of the rear tyres because stopping a car travelling at 300 km/h is not easy,” he explains. “You have to adapt the set-up of the car to compensate for the loss of all the systems. It will be down to the driver to adapt and I am convinced that as the season develops we will have forgotten what it was like to drive with these aids.”

And yet, despite all the changes, the speed of the cars remains almost unaffected. The loss of the driver aids represents a loss of between three and four tenths per lap, a difference that is unnoticeable to the naked eye. More important, perhaps, is what the fans now know they are watching: 22 of the world’s best drivers, in total control of the most demanding racing cars on the planet.

Review : Chevrolet Captiva

The General Motor’s new Chevrolet Captiva SUV appears very eye-catching with a tall and sturdy look. The rails on its roof and the side plastic mouldings provide the car a genuine off-road reliability. Whereas the immaculately designed dashboard as well as the centre console look fine. However the flip side’s that one will find the heating panel and the stereo located too low for comfort, while something as minor as a storage cubby is found at the more convenient spot higher up.

In the new Chevrolet Captiva, the 2.0 litre four cylinder 150PS diesel is the very first one in an all-new group of diesel engines. Infact, this diesel engine is the result of collaboration between GM Powertrain and GMDAT along with the Italian firm, VM Motori. It has got aluminium cylinder heads, modish injection systems as well as an alterable geometry turbocharger for an even turbo intervention from low rev / acceleration levels.

Chevrolet Captiva has sufficient room for accommodating five adults easily. This car is 4.6m long, 1.8m wide and 1.7m high, with a wheelbase of 2.7m. When going out in short drives, the third row of seats in the Chevrolet Captiva can seat two teenagers and also grownups. The model comes fitted with a 17 inch alloy wheels, leveling suspension, partially leather trim, heated windscreen and the electronic stability monitoring system, ESP.

There are several other stunning feature of GE’s new Chevrolet Captiva such as a weight limiting net, obverse passenger under-seat cargo placement space as well as compact collection box for containing coins, maps and other similar items. Other add-ons include side safety airbags as standard. The ESP has been installed in the car as per norm along with the all-wheel drive package. This particular package serves impeccably with ESP and comes into play when the situation is slippery and therefore, dangerous.

The apparatus keep tab on all information directed by the steering wheel, tyres, brakes and accelerator pedal robotically making important modifications, controlling grip especially when the situation is not right. On the whole, GE’s new Chevrolet Captiva is proportioned perfectly and highlight packed SUV with fine off-road capabilities. The price of Chevrolet Captiva is expected to be around Rs 18 lakh. This car’s available in nine vibrant colors.

Wallpaper : Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Gallery : TATA Nano

News : Tata to ride Nano to Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors' Nano, easily the world's most talked-about car these days, will make its international debut at the 78th Geneva Motor Show in the first week of March. The five-door hatchback that costs just Rs 100,000 ($2,500), making it the world's cheapest, was unveiled in January this year at the Auto Expo here. Nano would be among Tata Motors' exhibits at the show, a company spokesperson said here.

Sales of Nano, nicknamed the people's car for its affordable pricing that will make four-wheelers available to millions of middle-class people who hitherto rode two-wheelers, is expected to start in the second half of this year. Although the car has its share of critics, it has undeniably put India on the global automotive map and has triggered a race among leading car makers to match the Nano price-point. Already, car manufacturers Renault and Nissan are eyeing a $3000 car.

The Nano, which Tata Motors has said meets all safety and emission norms, will share the limelight with top marques from around the world that are expected at the show. This year's edition of the Geneva Motor Show will mark the 11th year of participation for Tata Motors.

Review : Skoda Fabia

Skoda has introduced its second generation Skoda Fabia in India as a 2008 model. The Skoda Fabia is a 5-door large hatchback which was introduced to the world at the March 2007 Geneva Auto Show. The first generation of Skoda Fabia has sold since 1999 and has been a very successful model with over 15 Lakh of them being sold in Europe and other countries.

The Fabia's anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensures maximum control of the vehicle in emergency braking situations. Its Motor Speed Regulator (MSR) and dual brake assist system ensure utmost safety while driving. The model also features dual front air bags that provide cushioning and reduce the impact in case of collisions. Fabia resembles the Maruti Swift in looks, but it is longer than the Ford Fusion.

The Fabia in India comes in diesel and petrol variants that are borrowed from the Skoda roomster, which is another successful model from Skoda. The 1.4 PD TDI diesel variant comes with an Inline-3 engine that generates 68 bhp. The 1.4 MPI petrol variant has an Inline-4 engine. Both engines are coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission. The diesel Fabia gives amazing fuel efficiency, which is close to 14.1 km/litre in the city and 18.5 km/litre on the highway. The Petrol variant is expected to deliver approximately 14.7 km/litre on the highway.

The Skoda Fabia has an instant appeal with its cheeky cuteness. This large hatchback has a sharp design that makes it stand out in its class. The Fabia successfully gives a compact appearance with a tight-fitting roof, projector headlamps that are a blend of aesthetics and functionality, and a big chrome bar with a classy look. The exterior appeal is further complemented by alloy wheels with wide tyres for better road grip. Stepping into the hatch will give an altogether new experience of comfort, innovative technology, and safety features. The interiors have an impressive dual tone design for a lavish feel. Fabia's multi-textured seat fabrics give a touch of class to the interiors. The interior of the hatch is packed with technology that includes a multi-function information display of the current time, outdoor temperature, instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, distance traveled, time driven, and average speed range. Convenience features include a remote keyless entry for one-touch lock and unlock, electronically adjustable and heated outside rear view mirrors, and front and rear power windows. To keep occupants entertained, Fabia adds a CD/MP3 player with large graphic display and auxiliary audio input to use portable audio players.

ICML plans global SUV, invest Rs 800 crore by 2010

Presently Sonalika group’s International Cars and Motors (ICML) is working on a sports utility vehicle (SUV) model for which it has joined hands with an international design house and will invest Rs 800 crore by 2010 for expanding overall capacity.

Deepak Mittal, MD, ICML stated, “All we can say is that we have tied up with a global design house to produce a global SUV model, which would be sold around the world. The project may take over three years.”

ICML is the newest participant to the Indian MUV market and had recently instigated its flagship vehicle ‘Rhino Rx’.

“Our aim is to become number one player in the domestic multi-utility vehicle market by 2010 and we would invest an additional Rs 800 crore to more than double our production capacity by then to achieve this goal,” Mittal added.

The company functions out of a constructing facility and has already invested Rs 200 crore to establish the plant. Additionally, it would invest Rs 800 crore to take the manufacturing capacity to 5,000 units per month from the existing present 2,000 units. Mr. Mittal alleged that the company would start various novel models comprising a Common Rail Diesel injection (CRDi) engine-powered Rhino and a SUV to enhance country sales.

“ICML is presently working on a CRDi engine for Rhino which is expected to be showcased at the Auto-expo next year,” he also said.

ICML has launched its flagship MUV Rhino Rx in select markets of north India and is planning for a pan-India launch by October-November this year.

F1 Updates : Schumacher back for Ferrari next week

Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher will return to testing action for Ferrari next week, when he participates in the team’s final pre-season test at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya.

Schumacher, who last tested in late 2007, will join Kimi Raikkonen in Spain on Monday, as Ferrari begin a three-day session to finalise their on-track preparations for the coming season with their F2008 machine.

Meanwhile, Ferrari wound up their current Barcelona session on Friday, with Felipe Massa and official tester Luca Badoer carrying out a full race-weekend simulation, starting with the third free practice session, followed by the three qualifying sessions and the Grand Prix, along with all the relevant trackside procedures.

Massa successfully completed the simulation. Badoer, however, had to stop in the final race stint because of an oil leak. Massa ultimately completed 95 laps, with a best time of 1m 20.508s, while Badoer managed 75, his fastest a 1m 21.808s.

Wallpaper : Mahindra BOLERO

Maruti Suzuki, Mundra Port ink pact for mega car terminal

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) and Mundra Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd (MPSEZL) signed an agreement for a mega car terminal, expected to be operational by December 2008, at Mundra in Kutch district of Gujarat.

The agreement was signed by Mr Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, MSIL, and Mr Gautam S. Adani, Chairman and MD, MPSEZL, at Mundra Port in the presence of senior officials from MSIL & MPSEZL.

The initial investment in the project is expected to be around Rs 100 crore. Of this, MPSEZL will invest Rs 60 crore in setting up infrastructure at the port. MSIL will invest Rs 40 crore to set up a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) centre at the port premises. MPSEZL is planning to augment the port infrastructure in due course of time, a company spokesman said.

Maruti Suzuki will commence export operations at Mundra Port from January 2009. In view of increasing export volumes, it will continue exports from Mumbai as well. This mega car terminal's PDI Centre, spread over 7,500 square metres, would conduct the final quality check before the cars are loaded on ships for export. The Rs 40 crore being invested in this facility is part of the Rs. 9,000-crore investment plan announced by MSIL and Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) of Japan. MSIL, a subsidiary of SMC, is the leader in passenger cars and MPVs in India, accounting for almost 55 per cent of total industry sales. It offers 10 models, ranging from the people¿s car Maruti 800 to the stylish hatch-back Swift, SX4 Sedan and luxury SUV Grand Vitara.

Listed on the BSE and NSE, the company had a net sales turnover of $3.25 billion and net profit of $347 million 2006-07.

Mundra Port and SEZ is India's largest private sector port and SEZ, having handled over 20 million tonnes of wide range of cargo including bulk, break bulk, liquid, containers as well as automobiles during first nine months of 2007-2008. The SEZ which is planned over 32,000 acres of land will be self-contained with power, water, social infrastructure, airport, railway line, banking services etc and will house variety of manufacturing and servicing units.

Wallpaper : TVS Apache RTR 160

Volkswagen at 9th Auto Expo, Delhi, 2008

Those who have the taste for the extraordinary can experience genuine enthusiasm in each and every Volkswagen car. The chrome elements, alloy wheels and exclusive interior assert the need for uniqueness and make you stand out in the crowd.

Volkswagen Passat:

It embodies the genuine enthusiasm and minute detailing that have become hallmarks of each and every Volkswagen car. Start exploring what makes this car not only pleasurable to drive, but also one of the safest to be in. But please, do not just stop there. Reading about it can never tell you about the true Passat experience. You will just have to drive it for yourself.

Volkswagen Phaeton:

The Phaeton is in every respect an extraordinary class of car. Built virtually by hand at the Transparent Factory in Dresden, it features the finest materials, innovative technologies, outstanding design and extraordinary levels of comfort.

Volkswagen Tiguan:

Power and economy. Compactness and space. Civilization and wilderness. The new Tiguan crosses all boundaries. Dynamism on the road is guaranteed with its sporty equipment packages.

Volkswagen Touareg:

Thanks to its German engineering tradition, the powerful SUV Touareg TDI combines excellent on and off-road capabilities with environment-friendly fuel efficiency. A host of state-of-the-art features offers you the smooth ride comfort of a premium sedan.

Volkswagen Jetta:

Elegant power delivery at the highest level. The extraordinary design of the Jetta and its range of engines tailor-made to meet a wide variety of demands make it a distinctly superior class car. With technical innovations and the highest level of dynamic driving comfort, it sets new standards in its class.

BMW India : The new home of sheer driving pleasure

Committing to a strong, long-term partnership, the leading brand worldwide in the premium car segment, BMW looks forward to setting another milestone in the automotive history. The dynamic BMW range offers discerning drivers a world of unrivalled innovations, premium quality and sheer driving pleasure.

BMW 3 Series:

BMW 5 Series:



BMW 6 Series Coupé:



BMW 6 Series Convertible:



BMW 7 Series:



BMW X3 Series:



BMW X5 Series:



BMW M3 Coupé:



BMW M5 Sedan:



BMW M6 Coupé:



BMW M6 Convertible:

Wallpaper : Mitsubishi Montero

Alto crosses one million unit production mark

Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has rolled out the millionth unit of its bestselling hatchback Alto, since its launch in September 2000.

The company produced the millionth unit of Alto last evening at its Gurgaon facility, MSIL said in a statement. Alto crossed one million-unit production mark in seven year and five months, of which the last five lakh units were produced in 25 months. The car is India's bestselling hatchback with sales of an average 20,000 units every month.

In November last year, MSIL sold 22,784 units of Alto, which were the highest ever sales for the model in a month since its launch. The company has also exported 1.5 lakh Alto units from its Gurgaon facility. Alto has become the third model for MSIL to cross the million-unit mark after entry-level Maruti 800 and Omni.

The company sells three models of Alto Standard, Alto Lx and Alto Lxi with the top end Lxi outselling the other two.

Hyundai Motor India Inaugurates New Plant

Hyundai Motor India Ltd commissioned operations at its second manufacturing plant at Sriperumbudur in a glittering function which included VIPs, industry and political leaders, HMI`s overseas and domestic business partners, members of the national and international media. Also present for the inauguration was the Chairman & CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, Mong-Koo Chung, who had flown in from Korea specially for the inauguration.

In a decade long history in India, marked by several remarkable milestones, this is perhaps Hyundai Motor India`s most significant achievement. With the commissioning of this new plant Hyundai Motor India is capable of producing 600,000 units per year doubling its present capacity of 300,000 units per annum. The new plant is located within the same 525 acre plot in Sriperumbudur adjacent to the first plant.

Inaugurating the plant, the Hon`ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr Kalaignar M Karunanidhi congratulated Hyundai for its dramatic growth, commenting that the company`s growth had paralleled the state`s rapid industrial development. Also present was Dr. R C Panda, Secretary, Union Ministry for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Government of India, who also commended Hyundai Motor India for its contribution to the Indian industry and the Indian automobile industry in particular.

Speaking on the occasion, Hyundai Motor Company Chairman & CEO Mong-Koo Chung said: “We have recorded huge successes in India in the last 10 years, since we started operations in this country in 1996. Our new plant will be the platform for future growth. I`m sure Hyundai Motor India will play its role perfectly as a global manufacturing hub for all of Hyundai`s small car models. As we have got from India, so we seek to give not only in boosting the country`s industry and business, but in terms of being a responsible corporate citizen of India.”

The new plant will be dedicated largely to the production of Hyundai`s latest offering - the i10, winner of the most prestigious `Car of the Year` awards from the leading automotive magazines and TV channels like Business Standard Motoring, CNBC-TV18 Auto Car, the NDTV Car & Bike and the Overdrive magazine. More importantly, the commissioning of the second plant means that Hyundai Motor India`s status as a global manufacturing hub for all small car models from Hyundai is established. Not surprisingly, Hyundai Motor India`s export destinations are expected to increase from 73 to 90 countries by the end of 2008. Construction of the second plant began in November 2005 and was completed in a record of 19 months. Hyundai has committed a total investment of US $1 billion for the next phase. With the commissioning of the new plant, the company has set a manufacturing target of 5.3 lakh units for 2008.

To support the domestic growth, the company has already strengthened its dealer network from 183 to 230 in 2007; by the end of 2008, it expects to expand this to a 300-strong network. Keeping pace with its production and sales growth, Hyundai has also become a leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) areas creating awareness of road safety through the Hyundai Traffic Squad involving its unique student volunteer scheme, in partnership with the Institute of Road Traffic Education and the traffic police departments.

In addition, Hyundai Motor India in an active partnership with the ITI in Guwahati have helped improve the infrastructure and training facility at the institute. The CSR activities also involve the area in and around the Chennai factory in Sriperumbudur where HMI has taken upon itself to improve the basic facilities in the primary schools in the area. From donating chairs and tables to paving the school area HMI is committed to improving the learning conditions in these schools. Hyundai Motor India Foundation is the social arm of HMI through which it donated more than Rs.83 million in 2007 to support various social development initiatives.

Chevrolet tops in three vehicle segments : Study

Tata Motors commences sales of Sumo Grande

Tata motors today announced the commencement of sales of its latest passenger vehicle offering, the Sumo Grande, in the domestic market. Sumo Grande, unveiled at the Auto Expo in January this year, will be commercially available from dealerships located in metros and select large cities from February 22, 2008, and progressively across the country in a phased manner. The new Sumo Grande combines the looks of an SUV with the comforts of a family car. It has been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of city customers in the areas of driveability, maneuverability and fuel efficiency. The Sumo Grande sports an all new styling with clean chiselled looks mating with flowing contours. The tall aggressive stance is complimented by large clear headlamps, and a cutaway air dam in the front. The clean rear look, with the spare wheel tucked under the body, is accentuated by attractive tail lights and a chrome overlay.

Designed with a longer wheelbase of 2550 mm (existing 2400 mm), the Sumo Grande sports comfortable 3 row seating with best in class third row seats. Beige interiors are complimented by fire and stain resistant fabric upholstery. Dual HVAC with roof integrated louvers ensures personalised climate adjustment for the occupants in each row. Power steering, power windows, motorised ORVMs, height adjustable driver’s seat and a state of the art CD/MP3 music system further add to the comforts and convenience of a family traveling in the Sumo Grande. The vehicle is powered by the new generation 2.2 L direct injection common rail (DICOR) engine, fitted with a variable geometry turbocharger creating a perfect blend of performance and fuel efficiency. Maximum power and torque of 120 PS and 250 Nm, coupled with high torque levels over a wide RPM band enhance driveability in stop start city traffic. For a vehicle its size, the Sumo Grande is extremely maneuverable with the turning circle radius of 5.25 m, similar to a small car.

The Sumo Grande will be available in 3 variants – Lx, Ex and Gx -- all of which have two seating configurations – 6+1 and 7+1. The vehicle will be available in 7 colours, including 4 new shades, Sunset Orange, Zephyr Green, Mineral Red and Marine Blue. The Sumo Grande range is priced in the range of Rs.6.55 lakhs to Rs.7.49 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). It comes with an enhanced warranty of 2 years or 75000 kms. (whichever is earlier). An additional 2 years’ warranty can be availed through the extended warranty option.

Tata Motors NANO : The People’s Car

Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of the Tata Group and Tata Motors, unveiled the Tata ‘NANO’, the People’s Car from Tata Motors that India and the world have been looking forward to. A development, which signifies a first for the global automobile industry, the People’s Car brings the comfort and safety of a car within the reach of thousands of families. The People’s Car will be launched in India later in 2008.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony at the 9th Auto Expo in New Delhi, Mr. Ratan N. Tata said, “I observed families riding on two-wheelers – the father driving the scooter, his young kid standing in front of him, his wife seated behind him holding a little baby. It led me to wonder whether one could conceive of a safe, affordable, all-weather form of transport for such a family. Tata Motors’ engineers and designers gave their all for about four years to realise this goal. Today, we indeed have a People’s Car, which is affordable and yet built to meet safety requirements and emission norms, to be fuel efficient and low on emissions. We are happy to present the People’s Car to India and we hope it brings the joy, pride and utility of owning a car to many families who need personal mobility.”

Stylish, comfortable

The People’s Car, designed with a family in mind, has a roomy passenger compartment with generous leg space and head room. It can comfortably seat four persons. Four doors with high seating position make ingress and egress easy. Yet with a length of 3.1 metres, width of 1.5 metres and height of 1.6 metres, with adequate ground clearance, it can effortlessly manoeuvre on busy roads in cities as well as in rural areas. Its mono-volume design, with wheels at the corners and the powertrain at the rear, enables it to uniquely combine both space and manoeuvrability, which will set a new benchmark among small cars. When launched, the car will be available in both standard and deluxe versions. Both versions will offer a wide range of body colours, and other accessories so that the car can be customised to an individual’s preferences.

Fuel-efficient engine

The People’s Car has a rear-wheel drive, all-aluminium, two-cylinder, 623 cc, 33 PS, multi point fuel injection petrol engine. This is the first time that a two-cylinder gasoline engine is being used in a car with single balancer shaft. The lean design strategy has helped minimise weight, which helps maximise performance per unit of energy consumed and delivers high fuel efficiency. Performance is controlled by a specially designed electronic engine management system.

Meets all safety requirements

The People’s Car’s safety performance exceeds current regulatory requirements. With an all sheet-metal body, it has a strong passenger compartment, with safety features such as crumple zones, intrusion-resistant doors, seat belts, strong seats and anchorages, and the rear tailgate glass bonded to the body. Tubeless tyres further enhance safety.

Environment-friendly

The People’s Car’s tailpipe emission performance exceeds regulatory requirements. In terms of overall pollutants, it has a lower pollution level than two-wheelers being manufactured in India today. The high fuel efficiency also ensures that the car has low carbon dioxide emissions, thereby providing the twin benefits of an affordable transportation solution with a low carbon footprint.

(For more information: www.tatanano.com )

BMW to roll out X5 diesel hybrid at Geneva

BMW is setting out to silence critics of big, gas-guzzling SUVs with a new diesel-hybrid-powered X5 concept that it claims is as economical and clean-running as a modern sedan.

The seven-seat X5 Vision concept will be unveiled at next week's Geneva motor show. It's the latest installment in BMW's Efficient Dynamics program, which highlights the reduction in consumption and CO2 emissions expected when all of BMW's future driveline, electrical and aerodynamic developments are brought together in one vehicle.

BMW says the X5 Vision gets 36.2 mpg and produces 172 g/km of CO2--more than 6 mpg and 42 g/km better than the most environmentally friendly X5 on sale today, the 235-hp, turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder diesel 3.0d. The X5 Vision carries an advanced hybrid drivetrain that BMW is already testing in various prototypes on German roads. It plans to introduce the powertrain in upcoming models such as the new X6 and the 5 Series-based Progressive Activity Sedan. BMW also hints that a production version of the X5 Vision may arrive soon.

"This is no pie-in-the-sky project," says Klaus Draeger, head of development at BMW. "All of the features are production-feasible. We could easily and without too much delay apply the various technology featured on our latest concept to existing showroom models." The X5 Vision's powertrain is different from the full hybrid system unveiled on the X6 ActiveHybrid at last year's Frankfurt show. The X5 Vision's powertrain is a mild hybrid with a diesel engine supplemented by an electric motor.

At the heart of the powertrain is BMW's latest twin-turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine--used in the European-market 123d. With an aluminum block to keep weight over the front axle low and a third-generation injection system operating at 29,000 psi of pressure, it kicks out an impressive 204 hp--a bit more than 100 hp per liter--along with 295 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. An electric motor mounted inside the transmission housing develops 15 kilowatts and a maximum 155 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid system uses regenerative braking to feed electricity to a lithium-ion battery pack stored underneath the cargo floor.

The X5 Vision is equipped with all-wheel drive. It uses an eight-speed automatic transmission--with the generator and electric motor management incorporated into the housing--engineered with ZF. The result is the sort of fuel economy and emissions ratings you'd normally associate with the 3 Series rather than the X5.

Along with the new hybrid driveline, BMW has applied a whole range of features to the X5 Vision to optimize efficiency further, including a stop/start function. Another development is the appearance of two distinct electrical systems. In addition to the conventional 12-volt system, the X5 Vision also uses a 120-volt arrangement. BMW says the two systems, which operate in parallel, help provide a more stable network than the traditional 12-volt system alone, allowing high-power systems to draw electricity more rapidly. The X5 Vision also has a large solar panel on its roof. It produces electricity and sends it to the battery, where it is then used to preheat the engine oil, while providing an immediate source of power for the air-conditioning, cool-box, entertainment and other systems when the car is stationary.

While BMW has not made any big changes to the X5's exterior for the concept, it has given it a new set of low-drag wheels. Developed in BMW's wind tunnel, the wheels have specially designed vanes that BMW claims reduce buffeting within the wheel wells. The wheels are fitted with low-rolling-resistance tires from Firestone.