Audi India to kick off Q5 assembly operations at Aurangabad from mid-2010

Audi India, which has achieved a remarkable growth in the last few quarters, is all set to assemble its Q5 compact SUV at its Aurangabad facility by the middle of this calendar year. However, the price of the model will not be changed. It is to be mentioned that Audi India has raised the performance bar in the SUV segment by launching Audi Q5. Winner of the Golden Steering Wheel and the Best Off-Roader in Europe in 2009, this sporty, versatile SUV comes to India with two powerful engines: 2.0 TFSI (petrol) and 3.0 TDI (diesel). The Audi Q5 range starts at Rs. 3,829,000 for the 2.0 TFSI and Rs. 4,419,000 for the 3.0 TDI (ex-showroom Mumbai) and is being offered in six exciting colours - Stratos Blue, Garnet Red, Ice Silver, Meteor Grey, Phantom Black and Ibis White.

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Tata Fiat outfits to hold free service checkups in Delhi this month

Tata Fiat has announced that is set to continue its free service check up campaign in Delhi on 20th and 21st February 2010, which is part of a nationwide service campaign for all Fiat customers. This nationwide campaign will mark the first comprehensive initiative under the ‘Fiat First’ banner. The free check ups will be held at sixteen of Tata Fiat’s dealer outlets across Delhi. The dealer outlets that will offer the free service check ups are: A-One Motors, Him Motors, Rama Motors, Sanya Motors (Mayapuri), Sanya Motors (Okhla), Techno Automobiles, Elegant Cars, ABS mercantile, Dhingra Motors, Automobile Sterling, Tayal India Motors, Triumph Auto, Tuli Motors, Rachna Automobiles, Trans Automobiles and Dynamic Automobiles.

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World debut for V6 Panamera in 2010 Beijing Auto Show in April

Following the launch of the Panamera last year, Porsche AG has announced the expansion of the model range as it is gearing up to unveil the V6-powered Panamera and Panamera 4. Positioned as its new entry-level Panamera sedans, it will be making its world debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April this year. While the existing Panamera is powered by normally aspirated and turbocharged V8 engines, the new variants are powered by a brand-new 3.6-litre V6 featuring Direct Fuel Injection and developing maximum output of 300 bhp (220 kW) plus peak torque of 400 Nm/295 lb-ft. Following Porsche’s nomenclature, the Panamera transmits its power to the road via the rear wheels, while the Panamera 4 comes as standard with active all-wheel drive.

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Tata Motors forays into combat vehicles for defence sector

Tata Motors today announced the launch of a Mine Protected Vehicle, as part of its strategy to enhance the scope of its defence business right up to frontline combat vehicles. The company has displayed the vehicle at the ongoing DEFEXPO India 2010. The company, which has been a supplier to India’s defence and paramilitary forces since 1958, already offers an extensive portfolio of troop carriers and logistics vehicles. The launch of combat and tactical vehicles and equipment will allow it to leverage the entire defence mobility spectrum. Speaking on the occasion, P.M. Telang, managing director (India Operations) of Tata Motors, said, “Our aim is to participate in the entire defence value chain. Besides consolidating our traditional supplies, going forward we will also participate in creating vehicles and equipment specific to the defence sector as also offer our expertise in upgrades and life extension programmes.

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Ford India to phase out Fusion superhatch

On the sidelines of announcing its dealership rollout pan-India, Ford India Private Limited (FIPL) has stated that it has firmed up its plans to phase out its not-so-successful car, Fusion in the medium term, without revealing any timeframe. The Fusion was launched in the Indian market in 2004 and is available in three variants and the company had promoted it as a combination of a hatchback and sports utility vehicle.

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