Made-in-India VW Polo launched

Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car maker launched its much awaited premium hatchback the New Polo in Mumbai today. The New Volkswagen Polo is now available with a petrol engine and will soon be followed by the diesel variant. The petrol variant is equipped with a 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 5400 rpm and a Torque of 110NM @ 3750 rpm. The diesel variant is also equipped with the 1.2 litre engine with an output of 75HP @ 4200 rpm and torque of 180 NM @ 2000 rpm. The New Polo comes in three trim levels Highline, Comfortline and Trendline; is paired with a 5-speed manual gear box.

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By Invitation : California Superbike Racing School in Chennai by Navroze Contractor

It is very fortunate for the riding community in India that we have amongst us, enthusiasts who can make a difference. TT Vrdharajan, MD of Preethi Mixers and Grinders and Dinesh Reddy, MD of Red Rooster Racing brought to us the California Superbike Racing School. Andy Ibbot, director of CSRC, the legendary trainer of champions, with four of his colleagues gave the lucky 24 riders hands on training in riding better and faster.
The CSRC has been around for 30 years, started by Keith Code who needs no introduction. The school has trained Wayne Rainey and many more world champions. Andy Ibbot’s starting philosophy is: 'The skills we teach is for all types of riders, and the skills they gain is for life. Let us be brutally honest, a rider who can improve his riding skills reduces the risks to himself and others'. A few weeks before coming to India, Ibbot was fine-tuning Valentino Rossi, need I say anything more?
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Automatic version of Cruze introduced by Chevrolet in Bangalore

General Motors India today launched the Chevrolet Cruze AT in Bangalore at a ceremony presided over by its president & managing director Karl Slym. The manual version of Chevrolet Cruze launched in October has already redefined the D-segment with its coupe-like design proportions, comfortable interiors, class leading features and other exclusive product attributes. The 6 Speed Automatic Transmission will be offered on the LTZ variant which also comes with a host of features like PEPS, Push Button Start, Cruise Control, Smart Screen and Electric Sunroof to name a few. The Automatic variant will also be available in a special 3 coat paint called White Diamond in addition to the exciting six colors already on offer.
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44th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally to flag-off in Delhi on February 28

Delhi Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna will flag-off the 44th Statesman Vintage & Classic Car Rally on Sunday, February 28th, 2010 at the majestic building of Statesman House in New Delhi. A record 130 entries have been received for this year’s rally which is truly India’s biggest and most popular vintage sporting events. These rare beauties will travel between Delhi and Greater Noida before returning to the picturesque Rail Museum for prize distribution.
The sturdy Fords, little Austins, Bentleys, Lagondas, Minnervas, majestic Rolls Royce, stylish Chevrolets, Buicks & Jaguars, a pleasing 1914 John Morris, the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad,s fire engine are some of the timeless machines participating in this year's rally, drawing passionate heritage motorists from across India.
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The Bentley Boutique at Geneva Motor Show 2010

Bentley is delighted to announce the opening of its first ever dedicated Boutique at the Geneva Motor Show this year. Motor show visitors will be able to choose from a selection of Bentley branded merchandise from the Bentley Collection, together with a limited edition range of new products designed exclusively for the 2010 show. Also on display will be a number of products produced for Bentley under licence from best-in-class partners: Breitling watches, Tibaldi pens, Stockinger safes, Estede eyewear and zai skis.

The branded merchandise is themed around 'A Celebration of Colour'. We have selected vibrant accents from the exciting new colour hues of the cars on the show stand, and have worked with Robert Ettinger of London to produce a Limited Edition range of small leather goods comprising luggage tags, key fobs, passport holders and coin purses. Hand-stitched entirely in England from Bentley’s own hides, Ettinger’s leather goods reflect the finest workmanship and materials. Ettinger is proud to hold royal warrants.

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Anand Mahindra is the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 winner

Anand Mahindra, is the vice-chairman and managing director Mahindra & Mahindra, was named the ‘Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009’ at a function in Mumbai on February 16, 2010. Furthermore, Mahindra will represent India at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award’ function at Monte Carlo, Monaco, in May 2010. It is to be mentioned that Ernst & Young India launched the awards in 1999 and earlier recipients of the award include N R Narayana Murthy, Ratan Tata, Mukesh Ambani, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Brijmohan Lall Munjal, Kumar Mangalam Birla, Subhash Chandra, Anil Agarwal and Tulsi Tanti.

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Opel Flextreme GT/E Concept to debut at 2010 Geneva Auto Show

Opel will unveil its Flextreme GT/E concept car at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (March 4 – 14), that will boost the company’s credentials as a leader in green technologies, offering expressive design with efficient environmental performance – and engineered with German precision. In Opel’s strategy for achieving more independence from fossil fuels, electricity plays a key role. The 4.7-meter long Flextreme GT/E concept illustrates how extended-range electric vehicle (E-REV) technology can be plugged into large or mid-size vehicles, as well as compact cars such as the upcoming Ampera.

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India's biggest cycling event held in Mumbai by BSA

India’s first ever international cycling event, BSA Hercules India Cyclothon and Being Human Tour De Mumbai - Mumbai Cyclothon, held today morning at Bandra Reclamation, received tremendous response, with enthusiasts from all walks of life such as international cyclists, national cyclists, amateur cyclists, cycling aficionados, working professionals, housewives and school children participating, thereby adding color and fervour to the whole experience. Organized by Sport18, the sports marketing division of the Network18 group and ID Sports – a sports management company, the event also witnessed participation from a host of celebrities, government officials, officials from International Cycling Union (UCI), Cycling Federation of India (CFI), Maharashtra Cycling Association (MCA) and Corporates.

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Mahindra Great Escape in Jodhpur puts vehicles to test with off-roading action

The 58th Mahindra Great Escape, one of India’s most loved off-roading adventures, recently concluded in Rajasthan’s ‘Sun City’ – Jodhpur. A total of 50 Mahindra SUVs negotiated a challenging route across 35 km of steep inclines and undulating sand dunes, providing unlimited fun and excitement. This exclusive annual edition of the rally was by invitation only and saw eminent personalities from all walks of life enjoy the Mahindra spirit of adventure. The rally was flagged off by Aravinda de Silva, former Sri Lankan cricketer and Ambuj Sharma, Joint Secretary, Heavy Industries, Govt. of India at Khimsar Fort and concluded at the Khimsar Dunes.

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Hyundai Motor India ships its first batch of i20 cars to Australia

Hyundai Motor India achieved yet another significant milestone with its cumulative exports crossing the 10 lakh mark. The Indian arm of the Korean auto giant, with its manufacturing facilities in Chennai, on 22nd February’10, began its first consignment to Australia comprising 500 i20 models. With this shipment, Hyundai is the first automobile company in India to achieve this feat in a record time of just over a decade.
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Mercedes-Benz India presents S-Guard Special Protection vehicle

Mercedes-Benz India presented its prestigious new luxury limousine, the S-Guard with integrated Protection, also known as a Special Protection Vehicle. The S-Guard follows a long and unique tradition of large, armoured, prestige limousines from Mercedes-Benz and encompasses cumulative experience of 80+ years of manufacturing vehicles with factory-integrated special protection. This model comes powered with a twelve-cylinder bi-turbo engine offering a displacement of 5513 cubic centimeters and with an output of 380 kW/517 hp with 830 Nm of torque. “Like the luxurious and spacious S-Class, the new S-Guard treats its occupants to a travelling environment characterised by generous accommodation and highest comfort while ensuring maximum occupant safety for the leaders and captains that shape the future of countries and corporations,” commented Sunhats Kadlaskar, director - Corporate affairs, Human Resource & IT, Mercedes-Benz India.

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