Fisichella of Force India makes history, wins 2nd position at 2009 Belgian Grand Prix

It was a moment Force India's owner Dr Vijay Mallya would never forget in his lifetime. Giancarlo Fisichella finished a nail-biting Belgian Grand Prix at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in second position - just one second away from the first place - marking the Force India Formula One Team's first-ever World Championship points.

For full story click here : Fisichilla of Force India makes history, wins 2nd position at 2009 Belgian Grand Prix

By Invitation : The Great Freedom Drive by Navroze Contractor

Once again friends at Sakleshpur organised and pulled off a brilliant off road event. This year, since it fell on the Independence Day, they called it the ‘The Great Freedom Drive’. Organised by the Munzirabad Club, Arvind, Madan and Karthik. This event is gaining in popularity and stature year by year.

For full story click here : The Great Freedom Drive

Vilas Rao Deshmukh inaugurates 49th Annual SIAM Convention

With a backdrop of encouraging news from the IMF on the global recession being on its way out, the 49th Annual SIAM Convention got underway in the presence of several industry luminaries as well as senior ministry officials and bureaucrats.
For full story click here : Vilas Rao Deshmukh inaugurates 49th Annual SIAM Convention

Volkswagen's Heizmann sees vital role for India to revive global auto business

Speaking at the SIAM Golden Jubilee Annual Convention 2009, Prof Dr Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Management Board, Volkswagen AG presented a positive outlook for the automotive industry in India in the coming years.
For full story click here : Volkswagen's Heizmann sees vital role for India to revive global auto business

Maruti Suzuki ranks highest in sales satisfaction among new-vehicle owners in India

According to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009 India Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study released recently, the overall customer satisfaction with the new-vehicle sales experience has increased considerably in 2009.
For full story click here : Maruti Suzuki ranks highest in sales satisfaction among new-vehicle owners in India

ThinkDesign chosen as best CAD package to design VDS Vision 100 eco-friendly car

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Stylus Automotive Pvt. Ltd, a design services company founded by India’s first woman automotive designer, have chosen think3’s ThinkDesign as the best CAD package for the VDS ...
For full story click here : ThinkDesign chosen as best CAD package to design VDS Vision 100 eco-friendly car

Toyota urban SUV Fortuner launched in New Delhi

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched its internationally acclaimed urban SUV, the Fortuner, which promises an unmatched combination of power and luxury supported by cutting-edge technology. The SUV was launched in New Delhi on August 24, 2009...

For full story click here : Toyota urban SUV Fortuner launched in New Delhi

Daimler to roll out lithium-ion-powered Smart ForTwo EV in Europe by Nov 2009

Daimler AG, in its press release, has announced on 20th August’09, that it will start rolling out the lithium-ion battery-powered Smart ForTwo electric vehicle (EV) by November this year. To be rolled off the production line at the smart factory in Hambach, France.

For full story click here : Daimler to roll out lithium-ion-powered Smart ForTwo EV in Europe by Nov 2009

Maruti Made-In-India car could be based on its existing platform

Maruti Suzuki India which plans to build its Made in India car by 2012 will be basing it on its existing platform according to reports available with the website. Informed sources reveal that insufficient engineering strength within the company.
For full story click here : Maruti Made-In-India car could be based on its existing platform

Harley Davidson may add glam to India's motorcycle market by 2010-11

Harley-Davidson (HD), the American motorcycle manufacturer which bought over the iconic Italian sportsbike company MV Agusta last year is upping its ante in India. It plans a major scale up of its operations in the world's second largest two-wheeler market.
For full story click here : Harley Davidson may add glam to India's motorcycle market by 2010-11

Mercedes-Benz launches Special Edition C-Class in India

Mercedes-Benz India has launched ts Special Edition C-Class model which will be available in three attractive colours - Carneol Red, Obsidian Black and Calcite White. The company plans to produce only 60 units of this special edition vehicle in order to maintain its exclusivity.

For full story click here : Mercedes-Benz launches Special Edition C-Class in India

EMC Tech Centre for automobiles inaugurated at VRDE Ahmednagar

A state-of-the-the-art and one of the biggest in the world, Automotive Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test facility, which is also known as 'EMC Tech Centre' at VRDE, Ahmednagar was inaugurated by Indian Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
For full story click here : EMC Tech Centre for automobiles inaugurated at VRDE Ahmednagar

Indian Auto Gas to set up 1,000 auto LPG stations in India by 2013

Indian Autogas Company Ltd, an energy company engaged in trading of auto liquefied petroleum gas (ALPG), on 19th August’09, has announced its strategy to promote 1,000 auto LPG dispensing stations.
For full story click here : Indian Auto Gas to set up 1,000 auto LPG stations in India by 2013

VW AG aiming to clock 100,000 units in India by 2014

Even though luxury carmakers Volkswagen AG are quite bearish about the American and other developed markets, their sentiments are understood to remain bullish towards emerging markets like India.
For full story click here : VW AG aiming to clock 100,000 units in India by 2014

M&M likely to deploy Rs. 2,000 crore to expand its Chakan plant

India’s largest utility vehicle maker, Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), which has outlined an investment outlay of nearly Rs. 5,000-crore from FY 09 to FY 12, may have to pump in Rs. additional Rs. 2,000 crore for expanding its production capacity
For full story click here : M&M likely to deploy Rs. 2,000 crore to expand its Chakan plant

New Volkswagen Caravelle And California To Make World Debut At Frankfurt

First details of the new Volkswagen Caravelle people carrier and California campervan are released today ahead of their world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

For full story click here : New Volkswagen Caravelle And California To Make World Debut At Frankfurt

Yamaha India plans roll out of two new bikes in September 2009

Yamaha India, which is pulling out all stops to carve its niche in the Indian bike industry, is gearing up to roll out a couple of bikes by September’09, as revealed by one of its dealers requesting anonymity.
For full story click here : Yamaha India plans roll out of two new bikes in September 2009

Maruti Suzuki to roll out new KB-engined Zen Estilo on August 25, 2009

In its bid to revive the sagging sales of its small car- Zen Estilo, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, is all set to launch a KB-engined version of the car on 25th August, 2009.
For full story click here : Maruti Suzuki to roll out new KB-engined Zen Estilo on August 25, 2009

By Invitation : Musings on Three Types Of Racing by Navroze Contractor

All the world’s eyes were on Schumacher returning to F1 racing. Just the last article I wrote on Dr. Watson, his comments that Schumacher was the fittest was coming true once again.
For full story click here : Musings on Three Types Of Racing

Radhika and Bharath win 'Mitsubishi Cedia -The Great Driving Challenge'

Hindustan Motors and Mitsubishi Motors unique marketing initiative ‘Mitsubishi Cedia Sports: The Great Driving Challenge’ (GDC), which was flagged-off more than ten days back concluded last night in Mumbai.

For full story click here : Radhika and Bharath win 'Mitsubishi Cedia -The Great Driving Challenge'

Tata Motors looking for PSU bank's support for guaranteeing its loans

According to reports, there is news that Tata Motors is looking towards the Indian public sector banks for seeking guarantee for loans that it is seeking from various foreign-owned banks to turn around Jaguar Land Rover’s fortunes.
For full story click here : Tata Motors looking for PSU bank's support for guaranteeing its loans

Ford India launches Driving Skills for Life education programme for its employees in Chennai

In its bid to promote road safety in the country, Ford India has introduced the ‘Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) programme for more than 1,000 employees at its Maraimalai Nagar manufacturing facility at Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

For full story click here : Ford India launches Driving Skills for Life education programme for its employees in Chennai

TVS Motor to launch a 100cc gearless scooter from Hosur facility

In its bid to strengthen its portfolio in the scooter segment, TVS Motor Company is gearing up to introduce a 100cc scooter from its Hosur facility near Bangalore, though the timeline has not been fixed.
For full story click here : TVS Motor to launch a 100cc gearless scooter from Hosur facility

Tata Motors unlikely to pick stake in design firm Pininfarina following mass exit

According to media reports, Tata Motor may not pick any stake in Pininfarina S.p.A, an Italian car design firm and coachbuilder. According to The Economic Times, the Indian automaker has lost interest after seeing a mass exit of top designers from the Cambiano-based company.
For full story click here : Tata Motors unlikely to pick stake in design firm Pininfarina following mass exit

Kia Venga to officially debut at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer, Kia Motors Corporation has recently announced that its all-new, uniquely spacious and dynamic B-segment MPV will be named 'Venga' when it goes on sale across Europe later this year and will make its official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

For full story click here : Kia Venga to officially debut at 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

Bentley unveils Mulsanne at Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in California

British ultra-luxury carmaker, Bentley Motors has unveiled its all-new flagship grand tourer, Mulsanne at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in Monterey, California.

For full story click here : Bentley unveils Mulsanne at Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in California

Michael Schumacher return to Formula 1 ruled out due to neck injury

Michael Schumacher has confirmed that he would not be returning to Formula 1 owing to the injury he’s currently grappling with. It is to be mentioned that the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion
For full story click here : Michael Schumacher return to Formula 1 ruled out due to neck injury

Three Cambridge graduates set out for a 32,000 km Atlantic coastline expedition to study climate change

A team of three Cambridge graduates have been given a Land Rover Defender 110 alongwith a cheque for Euro 10,000 to embark on an expedition of approximately 32,000 km through 31 countries to raise awareness of the potential impacts of climate change along the Atlantic coastline.
For full story click here : Three Cambridge graduates set out for a 32,000 km Atlantic coastline expedition to study climate change

Tata looking to bring Fiat's Ferrari and Maserati brands to India

Even as Tata Motors is looking to tie up with Fiat Motors to market the low-priced passenger car Nano jointly in Latin American markets, Italian auto maker and India's largest vehiclemaker are also in talks for a joint marketing venture.
For full story Click here : Tata looking to bring Fiat's Ferrari and Maserati brands to India

Ford India rolls out the new Ikon iKool variant in petrol and diesel versions

A new Ford Ikon iKool variant has been announced by Ford India which claims to be a feature - rich blend of advanced hi-tech features, sophisticated design and unmatched drive performance that customers would love to flaunt.
For full story Click here : Ford India rolls out the new Ikon iKool variant in petrol and diesel versions

SIAM data shows July 2009 car and bike sales zoom 30.91 and 19.48 per cent repectively

According to the figures released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the domestic passenger car sales were up by 30.91 per cent at 115,067 units in July from 87,901 units in the year-ago month.
For full story Click here : SIAM data shows July 2009 car and bike sales zoom 30.91 and 19.48 per cent repectively

Canara Bank reduces vehicle loan rates from August 1, 2009

Bangalore-based public sector lender, Canara Bank has announced that it has slashed the interest rate on vehicle loans sanctioned on or after 1 August 2009. The revised rate would be 8.50 per cent for vehicle loans
For full story Click here : Canara Bank reduces vehicle loan rates from August 1, 2009

Skoda India eyeing to roll out Laura RS version by next year

Skoda Auto India, which has lined up multiple rollouts for the next couple of years, is now exploring the feasibility of launching the Laura RS (Rally Sport) in the country, as revealed by dealer sources requesting anonymity.
For full story Click here : Skoda India eyeing to roll out Laura RS version by next year

Maruti Suzuki crosses 80 lakh unit rollout from its plant since inception in India

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, which sells every second car in the country, has got another feather in its cap as its total production have already crossed 8,000,000 units since its was established nearly 25 years back
For full story Click here : Maruti Suzuki crosses 80 lakh unit rollout from its plant since inception in India

VW Polo prices for Europe announced, India rollout by 2010

Volkswagen AG has begun the bookings of its new fifth- generation Polo for its European customers with deliveries scheduled to start by mid-October this year. VW Polo is one of the best selling small cars in the world

For full story click here : VW Polo prices for Europe announced, India rollout by 2010

Sports variants and limited editions becoming frequent to boost sales in India

After witnessing a barrage a slippages like dismal sales, dwindling market shares and production cuts, a number of Indian car companies have been strategically testing waters with the sports variants.
For full story click here : Sports variants and limited editions becoming frequent to boost sales in India

Auto companies have reasons for cheer for another US$ 2 billon refill for CARS programme

Close on the heels of announcing a US$ 2.4 billion grant for the development of electric vehicles and the batteries to be used in these EVs, US President Barack Obama has signed yet another US$ 2 billion extension for the popular 'Cash for Clunkers' program.
For full story click here : Auto companies have reasons for cheer for another US$ 2 billon refill for CARS programme

Hyundai Motor vehicles to become cheaper following signing of FTA between India and South Korea

India’s second largest passenger vehiclemaker, Hyundai Motor India has reasons to be pleased following the signing of India-South Korea Free Trade Agreement on 7th August’09.
For full story click here : Hyundai Motor vehicles to become cheaper following signing of FTA between India and South Korea

New Porsche 911 Turbo to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

Porsche AG will be presenting a new top model of its acclaimed Porsche 911 Turbo at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show. All key features of this high-performance sports car have been significantly improved, the new 911 Turbo combining a substantial improvement in fuel efficiency

For full story click here : New Porsche 911 Turbo to be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show

British-made Honda Civic TypeR hatch to be sold now in Japan by 2010

According to Honda Motor Company, the British-built Civic TypeR will be exported to Japan from next year. The acclaimed 3-door hot hatch, manufactured at Honda's factory in Swindon, England, is to be shipped to Japan where it will go on sale during 2010.

For full story click here : British-made Honda Civic TypeR hatch to be sold now in Japan by 2010

Double win for Jaguar at Auto Express Awards 2009

Jaguar, the premium British brand owned by Tata Motors, has recently won two awards at the Auto Express Awards 2009. While Jaguar's design director, Ian Callum, has won the inaugural 'Person of the Year' award, while one of his most successful designs to date - the Jaguar XF - has been hailed 'Best Executive Car' for the second year running.

For full story click here : Double win for Jaguar at Auto Express Awards 2009

Land Rover wins two SUV awards at Auto Express 2009 New Car Awards

Land Rover now owned by Tata Motors bagged two awards at the prestigious Auto Express 2009 New Car Awards. Freelander 2 won the Best Compact SUV award while Discovery 3 scooped the Best Large SUV award.

For full story click here : Land Rover wins two SUV awards at Auto Express 2009 New Car Awards

Land Rover raises £17,500 for British Red Cross in Annual 3 Peaks Challenge

Six teams of adventurers from Land Rover took part in the gruelling 3 Peaks Challenge and helped raise £17,500 for the company’s UK official humanitarian charity partner, the British Red Cross. The 24 hour challenge started on Saturday 25th July

For full story click here : Land Rover raises £17,500 for British Red Cross in Annual 3 Peaks Challenge

Tata Steel to emerge as a major steel product supplier to Japanese auto plants in India

Tata Steel, the world's sixth-largest producer of steel is looking to supply its products to a number of Indian subsidiaries of Japanese automobile companies like Nissan, Toyota and Honda.
For full story click here : Tata Steel to emerge as a major steel product supplier to Japanese auto plants in India

Volvo upbeat on India operations, plan roll out of S60 compact sedan by 2010

Volvo Car India (VCI), the wholly-owned subsidiary of Swedish car manufacturer Volvo Cars, is upbeat about its India operations and now plans to introduce its global models in a phased manner.
For full story click here : Volvo upbeat on India operations, plan roll out of S60 compact sedan by 2010

IFC to invest Euro 135 million in Volkswagen integrated car plant in Pune

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has agreed to invest Euro 135 million in Volkswagen India Private Ltd to help the company set up an integrated car manufacturing plant in Pune, India, that will help create jobs locally.
For full story click here : IFC to invest Euro 135 million in Volkswagen integrated car plant in Pune

S&P downgrades Tata Motors to B-credit rating as it seeks counter guarantee for JLR loan

Close on the heels of delivering the first batch of world’s cheapest car- Nano, Tata Motors credit ratings got been downgraded to ‘B’ from ‘B+’ by Standard & Poor's (S&P).
For full story click here : S&P downgrades Tata Motors to B-credit rating as it seeks counter guarantee for JLR loan

SIAM 2009 Annual Convention looks for revival and sustainable growth for the auto industry

Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), India’s apex industry association representing all vehicle and vehicular engine manufacturers in the country, will be organizing its Annual Convention in New Delhi on 28th August 2009.
For full story click here : SIAM 2009 Annual Convention looks for revival and sustainable growth for the auto industry

New- market strategies by some Indian auto majors save industry from negative growth

Two leading auto players in India have managed to prop the Indian auto industry which otherwise would have seen a dip of 1.2 per cent in passenger car sales and 4.8 per cent in two-wheeler sales.
For full story click here : New- market strategies by some Indian auto majors save industry from negative growth

Maruti Suzuki to establish India-specific R&D centre for small cars

Maruti Suzuki India, which sells every second car in its domestic market, has announced its Annual Report that it is in the process of acquiring land for setting up its own India-specific R&D centre for small cars and is aiming to design independent full bodies of different models.
For full story click here : Maruti Suzuki to establish India-specific R&D centre for small cars

SB LiMotive to supply lithium-ion battery cells for BMW 'Megacity Vehicle' project

SB LiMotive – the Samsung SDI and Bosch joint venture – will supply lithium-ion battery cells to BMW. The German automaker will install the battery cells in its first electric car, which is currently being developed as part of the ‘Megacity Vehicle’ project.
For full story click here : SB LiMotive to supply lithium-ion battery cells for BMW 'Megacity Vehicle' project

Renault-Nissan Alliance partners govt. of Victoria for zero-emission mobility

The Renault-Nissan Alliance (the Alliance) and the State Government of Victoria in Australia have formed a partnership to explore the development of a Zero Emission Vehicles program.

For full story click here : Renault-Nissan Alliance partners govt. of Victoria for zero-emission mobility

Maruti Suzuki expecting to breach 1-lakh mark in exports during 2009-10

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), which is gearing up to ramp up its Manesar output by one lakh units this fiscal, has said in its annual report that it is likely to clock more than one lakh units in sales in the overseas markets during FY 2009.
For full story click here : Maruti Suzuki expecting to breach 1-lakh mark in exports during 2009-10

Mahindra-Renault JV likely to roll out refurbished version of Logan to prop sales

Logan proved to be the nemesis for Mahindra Renault in India. With poor sales, the company is now reportedly mulling to give the model a facelift and make it compatible with BS-IV emission norms which are going to be effective from April 2010 to revive its sales.
For full story click here : Mahindra-Renault JV likely to roll out refurbished version of Logan to prop sales

Daimler India likely to pump in €700 million for its CV facility in Oragadam

Even after disengaging with Hero Motors from the commercial vehicle joint venture, the Indian arm of German commercial vehiclemaker - Daimler AG has categorically stated that it would continue to pursue its plans to make trucks and buses in India on its own.
For full story click here : Daimler India likely to pump in €700 million for its CV facility in Oragadam

Adishwar Auto is Mercedes-Benz India's new workshop in Secunderabad

Mercedes-Benz India, on 3rd August’09, has inaugurated the state-of-the-art workshop, Adishwar Auto Diagnostics (P) Ltd – Mahavir Motors at Secunderabad. The facility was inaugurated at the hands of Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, MD & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India & Yashwant Jhabakh, managing director of Adishwar Auto the dealers of Mercedes-Benz cars in Andhra Pradesh.
For full story click here : Adishwar Auto is Mercedes-Benz India's new workshop in Secunderabad

Mercedes-Benz M-Class scores top ratings for safety in Euro NCAP Test

Mercedes Benz’s luxury mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) with light off-road capability-M-class-which is also sold in the Indian market has been recently warded with top scores with the latest Euro NCAP test results, which the company claims is a testimony to the innovative safety systems.

For full story click here : Mercedes-Benz M-Class scores top ratings for safety in Euro NCAP Test

Apollo to supply Farm King radial tyres to M&M Arjun tractors

Leading Indian tyre manufacturer, Apollo Tyres, has announced that it has commenced the delivery of its radial tractor tyres, Farm King, to Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) for original equipment (OE) fitment on one of their most popular tractors, the Arjun.

For full story click here : Apollo to supply Farm King radial tyres to M&M Arjun tractors

Tata Motors expects to complete 60 per cent deliveries of Nano allotments by July 2010

According to media reports, Tata Motors is expected to complete despatch of nearly 60 per cent of the one lakh Nano allotees by July 2010, with the balance spilling over to the next calendar year.
For full story click here : Tata Motors expects to complete 60 per cent deliveries of Nano allotments by July 2010

Auto Racing & Medical Care by Navroze Contractor

Motor racing of any form is inherently dangerous. The saying ‘speed kills’ is the truth. In the persuit of going faster, ever faster, companies and people have lost huge fortunes. It is very true to say the most expensive commodity in the world is ‘speed’. It is also something totally abstract. Unlike a gem, property or an art object of immense value, speed is illusive.

For full story click here : Auto Racing & Medical Care

Lewis Hamilton visits New Delhi on Vodafone Essar promotion tour

Reigning Formula One World champion, Lewis Hamilton made a special appearance in New Delhi on 1st July’09 on a promotional tour for Vodafone Essar during his third season with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team. The 24 year old British ace driver has just won the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix and is soon headed for the European Grand Prix in Valencia, Spain.

For full story click here : Lewis Hamilton visits New Delhi on Vodafone Essar promotion tour

M&M Pik-up to start retailing in the US by Feb 2010

On the sidelines of announcing its Q1 FY 2009-10 results in Mumbai, Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) has announced that it is likely to commence production of its 'Pik-up' vehicle for the US market by the end of this year and will began retailing it in the world’s largest automobile market by February 2010.
For full story click here : M&M Pik-up to start retailing in the US by Feb 2010

Toyota Fortuner urban luxury SUV to be launched in India on August 24, 2009

Toyota Kirloskar Motors has also announced that it will be launching its Fortuner SUV in the Indian market on 24th August, 2009. The vehicle is supported by a 3-litre Advanced Common-Rail Diesel engine and will also feature fulltime four-wheel drive.

For full story click here : Toyota Fortuner urban luxury SUV to be launched in India on August 24, 2009