Tata Motors may display Aria crossover vehicle at 2010 Geneva Auto show

The Tata Aria Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), which would be only crossover in India to come with four wheel drive, is slated to be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show, reports Autocarindia exclusively. Conceived as a global model, the Aria is expected to be available in domestic market initially by second quarter of this calendar year and will then go on sale in the UK in spring 2011. Speculated to be priced Rs. 12.5-14.5 lakh, Tata Aria blends the functionality and comfort of a mid-range MPV with the all-terrain assurance and capability of an SUV. Its 2.2-litre direct injection common-rail (DICOR) diesel engine delivers 139 horsepower and 320Nm of torque, and 4WD is available as an option. The top-end variant will have all-wheel drive and compete against the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva and Ford Endeavour. However, the company is company is yet to take a call whether to get the all wheel top-variant or two-wheel drive car in the market first.


Read more: Tata Motors may display Aria crossover vehicle at 2010 Geneva Auto show - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Spyker Cars finalises purchase of Saab from GM

General Motors and Spyker Cars NV today announced that they have finalized the deal for Spyker to purchase Saab Automobile AB. Going forward, Saab and Spyker will operate under the Spyker umbrella, and Spyker will assume responsibility for Saab operations. The previously announced wind down of Saab operations has ended.


“This transaction represents the successful outcome of months of hard work and intense negotiations, all aimed at securing a sustainable future for this unique brand, and we are pleased with the positive outcome,” said John Smith, GM vice president for corporate planning and alliances. “This is a great day for Saab employees, dealers and suppliers, and a great day for millions of Saab customers and fans worldwide.”

Read more: Spyker Cars finalises purchase of Saab from GM - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

GM India to hire 1,000 professionals in various divisions by 2010-end

There are unconfirmed reports that GM India is looking to hire around 1,000 people in various disciplines and departments by the by the end of this calendar year. The company has said that owing to the burgeoning demand for its cars, it is looking to ramp up its output and enhancing its engineering design and design resources for the nation.GM India had also confirmed that it is on course to ramp up the number of dealerships in the country to 300 by the end of December from 206 currently. The company also plans to have 70 used-car outlets by the end of the year, up from 30 now.


To enrich the technological process in its business, General Motors is on the process of recruiting more engineers in India this year. Some 150-200 engineers will be absorbed to look after every process- transmission, engines, hybrids and controls. Currently, 700 engineers are already working at its powertrain design center to support for automatic transmission and advanced automotive design technologies at its local and global operations.

Read more: GM India to hire 1,000 professionals in various divisions by 2010-end - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

After Toyota, Honda, Maruti, Hyundai is the latest one to join the recall list. Media reports suggest that the Korean auto giant has announced that it would recall over 47,000 units of its premium sedan 'Sonata' from its home market as well as the US to rectify a door lock problem, even though the move will not have any impact in India. It is to be mentioned that the model ‘YF Sonata’ has not been introduced in India yet. Just for the record, the YF Sonata also bagged the IIHS Top Safety Award for 2011 in US. The award is presented to the car that scores a good rating in front, side, rear and roll over crashes.


Read more: Hyundai recalls Sonata YF in US and Korea for door lock peroblem - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

SIAM welcomes Railway Budget initiatives for the auto industry

http://www.wheelsunplugged.com/ViewNews.aspx?newsid=5806The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers has welcomed the various initiatives rolled out for the Indian automobile industry by the Minister of Railways in her budget speech which includes setting up 10 Automotive Hubs in different parts of the country, the first of which is coming up at Shalimar, Kolkata.


The Railway Minister also declared that a freight policy in line with container freight policy is being worked out for movement of automobiles through railways. She also mentioned the induction of specific design wagons for the transportation of vehicles.

M. M. Singh, chairman, Logistics Group, SIAM and managing executive officer, Maruti Suzuki India welcomed the announcements and said that these initiatives will have significant long term impact on how vehicles would be transported in future.

Read more: SIAM welcomes Railway Budget initiatives for the auto industry - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Nissan to premier global compact car at 2010 Geneva Auto Show

The world premiere of Nissan's new global compact car - the replacement of March/Micra - will be made at the Geneva International Motor Show. It is the first new model to be developed on Nissan's all new V Platform. Planned to be manufactured in 5 countries, including Thailand, India, China and Mexico, the production of this model will commence in May 2010 in India and will be manufactured at the plant that is coming up at Oragadam in Chennai. The car will also be made available in more than 150 countries.


Particular attention has been made to minimizing weight on the new V Platform, with the added benefits that it can bring in terms of economy and emissions. Sales will begin in Thailand in March 2010 and in India in July 2010, with European sales starting in the autumn.

Read more: Nissan to premier global compact car at 2010 Geneva Auto Show - WheelsUnplugged Automobile Industry News

Under Creative Commons License: Attribution