More than 50,000 Pulsar 135LS sold in first 75 days since launch

Bajaj’s latest offering in the sports segment, the Pulsar 135LS, is a huge hit with a record 50,000 units sold in its first 75 days since launch. This is a new volume benchmark for any performance bike launch in this country. The Pulsar 135LS, where LS stands for Light Sports, is the ‘first of its kind’ bike in the country, has cutting edge technology mixed with great looks and features at an attractive price point (Rs.51,000 ex-showroom Delhi).
The Pulsar 135LS has been the most appreciated bike by Auto-Experts this year. It has not only won ‘Bike of the Year’ awards from renowned Auto Magazines and Channels but also awards for its cutting edge technology and for also for being the viewer’s favorite.

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Takashi Nagai will be the new prez & CEO of Honda SIEL from April 2010

Honda Siel Cars India will be having its fourth president and CEO from April 1, 2010. Takashi Nagai woulod be taking over from Masahiro Takedagawa who has served as HSCI’s president & CEO for the past 5 years since assuming the position in April 2005. Nagai, who is currently the executive vice- president of Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Thailand, will also assume the position of president & CEO of Honda Motor India Pvt. Ltd.
Masahiro Takedagawa moves to Honda Canada Inc. as president & director after completing his tenure in India. During the five years of Takedagawa’s leadership, HSCI witnessed rapid expansion from a production capacity of 30,000 units per annum in year 2005 to 100,000 units per annum in 2008 and commensurate increase in dealership network from 52 facilities in 41 cities (March 2005) to the current 117 facilities in 70 cities.

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Maruti Suzuki Autocar Young Driver 2010 hunt to begin soon

Maruti Suzuki-Autocar Young Driver 2010 programme, a nationwide search for India’s best young driving talent, is set to begin shortly. Maruti Suzuki - Autocar Young Driver 2010 tests the competitors' knowledge of traffic rules, awareness of road safety along with their real-world driving skill. This contest is open to all individuals, between the age of 18 and 30, with a valid Indian driving license. The winning finalist will be adjudged as the winner and awarded the Maruti Suzuki A-star as a grand prize. He will also be the ambassador of safe driving and promoted by Autocar India and Maruti Suzuki on numerous platforms.
Season One of the Young Driver of the Year saw a total of 3,07,665 online visitors who had checked out the contest and over 4,000 drivers were competing for entry into the second round. Eventually 35 contestants made it to the Grand Finale held at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR), New Delhi.
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Renault-Nissan to inaugurate Oragadam plant on 17th, 2010

Renault Nissan Automotive India plans to inaugurate its Rs. 4,500 crore passenger vehicle joint venture plant at Oragadam on March 18 this year. PTI had earlier reported that that Renault-Nissan Automotive India’s MD Akirai Sakurai met Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister M. K. Stalin in Chennai and urged him to inaugurate the plant. It is widely believed that Nissan's first made-in-India car-Micra or March-will roll off the production line on 17th March, 2010. As a preview to the plant opening ceremony, Carlos Ghosn would be addressing a press conference on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 5:30pm at Hotel Trident, GST Road, Chennai to provide an overview on the business and growth strategy of Renault-Nissan alliance in India.
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Volvo Cars associates with cricket in India for 3 ODI tournaments

In line with its long and enduring partnership with sports events around the world, Volvo Auto India today announced its association with cricket in India. The man of the series in the India vs. South Africa 3 - match ODI tournament will be presented with the recently launched ‘Volvo S80 twin - turbo diesel’. The Volvo S80 is going to be the most luxurious car ever to be presented to a cricketer in India. The car would be on display inside the stadium at all three venues selected for the series - Jaipur, Gwalior and Ahmedabad on February 21, 24 & 27 respectively.
Paul de Voijs, managing director, Volvo Auto India said, “In India our association with sports has been a vital part of our sponsoring strategy – it gives us inspiration as well as exposure. Tournaments serve as an ideal platform for us to showcase our brand and interact with our potential customers. He added, “This time we take our association to the next level by presenting the new Volvo S80 twin-turbo Diesel to the man of the series, adding to the excitement that cricket already attracts in India.”
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Hyundai India rolls out 'Miles & Smiles Rally 2010' in New Delhi for its i20 customers

Hyundai Motor India has announced that it has rolled out the ‘Miles & Smiles Rally 2010’ for its i20 customers in New Delhi. Covering a distance of approximately 81 km, the rally was flagged off from Hotel Crowne Plaza, New Friends Colony and culminated at the same point. Sponsored by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Wynn’s Mekuba (as associate sponsor), the rally garnered a phenomenal response with as many as eighty (80) Hyundai i20 cars – both 1.2 litre petrol and 1.4 litre diesel variants - customers and their families participating with gusto.

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Abhisekh Mishra-Hanumant Singh duo win Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2010

The Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm rally culminated in a grand finale today with Abhishek Mishra-Hanumant Singh winning in the Xtreme category for cars and Jes David claiming the trophy for bikes. Raj Singh Rathore took home the prize in the Ndure category, while Sanjay Takale converted his steady lead into a victory in the Xplore run.
The last and deciding competitive stage, 67 kilometers long, consisted of driving in an open area of undulating plain. Amartej Buwal, who was also in the contention for winning the Xtreme trophy during the early hours on Friday, drove his car into a pond, while negotiating a sharp bend.

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