Mercedes-Benz brings Pure Fascination to Kochi

Mercedes-Benz today set off a high-octane start to the year for the South Indian luxury car market by bringing the ‘Pure Fascination’ to Kochi. This theme was highlighted during its participation at the Auto Expo 2010 reflected the company’s strategy in the near future for Indian market.


It is to be mentioned that ‘Pure Fascination’ is an interplay between all the brand values of the company. The hallmarks of the brand: Passion, Perfection and cutting-edge Technology are values incorporated in its theme ‘Pure Fascination’, reflected by the mesmerizing array of products on display, experience offered and world-class infrastructure established. As the inventors of the automobile and the world’s most valuable premium car brand, Mercedes-Benz continues to remain the benchmark for vehicle quality, safety and refined motoring.
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Toyota Verso is the only one to receive the latest Euro NCAP five star ratings

Euro NCAP has released the crash test results for five new cars - the Citroen Nemo, the Kia Venga, the Nissan Cube, the Seat Exeo and the Toyota Verso. And one car, the Toyota Verso, receives Euro NCAP’s maximum five star rating. New Euro NCAP rules and further demands in European legislation in 2010, means this year carmakers face even tougher challenges. Euro NCAP has raised the bar for carmakers to achieve five stars across three areas of safety protection. Performance thresholds for Adult Occupant Protection and Child Occupant Protection rise from 75% to 80% and from 70% to a 75% respectively. However, it is in Pedestrian Protection where the difference is felt the keenest increasing the minimum level required from 25% to 40%. The Toyota Verso is the only car to receive a maximum five star award in today’s results, with good scores achieved in all areas and a worthy 69% in pedestrian protection.


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Hyundai to accelerate European market expansion through UEFA EUROTOP 2010-17 sponsorship

Hyundai Motor Company will serve as the official sponsor of the UEFA EURO 2012 and UEFA EURO 2016.A strategic sponsorship agreement with UEFA was signed today by Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor, Hyoung-Keun Lee, president of Kia Motors Corporation, and Michel Platini, President of UEFA, Union of European Football Associations, at the company’s headquarters in Seoul, extending the company’s sponsorship to cover the 2012 and 2016 UEFA European Football Championship.


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Ford's small car Figo to be launched at New Delhi on March 9th

Despite being absent from the high-decibel 2010 Auto Expo, Ford India is gearing up to introduce its first semi-compact car-Figo- on the 9th of March this year. As per the media invite disseminated by the company, Michael Boneham, president and MD of Ford India, and Joe Hinrichs, group VP, Ford Motor company would be gracing the occasion at Hotel Taj Palace in New Delhi.


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Skoda presents Fabia RS and Fabia Combi RS at the 80th Geneva Auto Show

Skoda Auto is presenting the new Fabia RS and Fabia Combi RS at the Geneva Motor Show, its second sports-tuned car after the Octavia RS. The properties of both Fabia RS versions are indeed impressive: for the first time ever, Skoda Auto is using a double-supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine providing 132 kW of power, despite just 1.4 litres of its volume. A sophisticated compressor-and-turbo combination increases the engine power smoothly and harmonically, and the maximum speed of 224 km/h (Combi 226 km/h) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds in both versions no doubt guarantee a sporty driving experience. With fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km, the Fabia RS offers high power, maximum fuel efficiency, as well as excellent environmental parameters.


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Bentley Continental Range now fully fuelled for the future

At the Geneva Auto show, Bentley Motors today announced that its FlexFuel technology, pioneered on the Continental Supersports Coupe in 2009, now extends across the complete 2011 Continental range, including the new Supersports Convertible. The W12 6-litre power unit now has the technology to run on petrol, E85 bioethanol or any mix of these two fuels – all from a single tank.


Bentley announced its environmental strategy at the Geneva Motor Show in 2008. The three-fold strategy committed the Company to reduce overall CO2 emissions by 15 per cent by 2012; to introduce a new powertrain which will, by itself, deliver a 40% saving in fuel economy; and a commitment that the entire model range would be compatible with renewable fuels, also by 2012.

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All-new Volvo S60 to premier at 2010 Geneva Auto Show

The all-new Volvo S60 has its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on the 2nd of March. It makes its entry into one of the automotive world's toughest segments backed by an extrovert attitude never before seen in Volvo showrooms. The all-new S60 is built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. The first cars will be delivered to customers in early summer 2010, with a roll out in India by early next year. The S60 with targets of 90,000 units worldwide in its first year of production should help Volvo chart a course to build and sell 500,000 cars a year within the next two-three years. In India, Volvo hopes to price the car under Rs 28 lakh for the base model and going up to Rs 32 lakh.

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Tata Motors displays Electric Nano at the 80th Geneva Motor Show

Tata Motors today presented at the 80th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Electric Vehicle (EV), based on the award winning Tata Nano platform. When launched, it will expand the company’s electric vehicles portfolio, which already comprises the Tata Indica Vista EV.


Ravi Kant, vice-chairman, Tata Motors, said, “Electrification will be an integral part of our initiative to launch environment-friendly vehicles. The Indica Vista EV will be introduced in select European countries, beginning this year. We will progressively introduce electric vehicles in all relevant markets.”

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Hero Motors ink JV with ZF Group to roll out chassis for cars

Hero Motors Ltd., a flagship company of the US$ 4.5 billion Hero Group and ZF-Lemforder, part of Euro 12.5 billion, German based ZF Group, today announced their partnership in founding the ZF Hero Chassis Systems Pvt. Ltd as a JV company. The new company is targeted to combine the strong role and reputation of Hero Motors in the Indian market with ZF´s technological expertise and their German know – how in the design and manufacturing of chassis – systems. The products of the new company are expected to play a major role in changing the driving performance for small cars in India.

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Gulf Oil to partner Kings XI Punjab for IPL 2010 for second year

Hinduja Group Company Gulf Oil, an internationally recognizable brand for over 100 years, has renewed their partnership with leading IPL 2010 team, Kings XI Punjab boasting of Kumara Sangakara, Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan amongst others. Gulf Oil will be ‘Official Team Partner’ of the team and has entered into this association for the 2nd consecutive year to further enhance the equity of the Gulf brand. The Gulf logo – the iconic Orange disc – will continue on the KXIP jersey right chest.


Led by Kumara Sangakara, the team is one of the favourites for IPL 2010 to be held in India. The appeal of IPL and more so, Kings XI Punjab team, with its vibrant spirit and, the leading position that the franchise has been able to generate, is something that Gulf Oil sees as a great opportunity that can be leveraged to build its brand.

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Nissan unveils Micra at 2010 Geneva Auto Show, to be launched in India in July'10

Carlos Ghosn, chief executive officer, Nissan Motor Co. unveiled the all new Micra, the fourth generation of the iconic city car, at the 80th International Geneva Motor Show. Boasting breakthrough packaging and small-car engineering, the all-new, fourth generation Nissan Micra (known as March in Japan) is on course to create a whole new set of industry standards. Unveiled today at the Geneva Motor Show, the Micra has consistently won praise and success for in Europe, Japan and other markets, gaining a reputation as a reliable, stylish, accessible compact car enjoyed by a wide cross-section of customers. The new Micra has been designed to build on that trend – in 160 countries.

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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.


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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.”

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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.

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Test Drive : Mercedes S500 - S is for Style and Substance

Most driving impressions are just that – a driving impression of the car with the emphasis being on how the car feels according to the driver. Sometimes though, along comes a car that if treated the same way it would be ignoring the true virtues of the car. I'm talking luxury and super-luxury cars which are usually purchased for several reasons, other than the pure thrill of driving. One reason could be to make a statement. Another could be that one wants to pamper one's self, as one has done enough, worked hard in life, to warrant such pampering. So a Maruti product is infra dig. A Chevrolet just does not cut it. Honda? Been there, done that. In short, when luxury – the best in terms of luxury – is what one is after the Germans, especially Mercedes, are past masters at it. Very few cars can approach the levels of the Stuttgart company's S Class, especially when it's the S500 that was recently launched in India, the day before the Auto Expo started in January. One just don't do a plain driving impression – one has to experience the whole car.

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Indians shine at the Indo-Bhutan Friendship car rally

The 3rd Indo Bhutan Friendship Car Rally which culminated successfully at Thimpu, Bhutan. was sponsored by JK Tyre. The rally was organized by Friendship Car Rally Association and is being supported by Indian Embassy of Thimpu & Royal Bhutan Consulate in Bhutan. The theme of this year’s rally was ‘Connecting People’. The competition witnessed a lot of excitement, thrill and enthusiasm among the participants and organizers.
Indian teams kept the flag flying high by bagging the top three prizes in the open category. Arindam Ghosh & Somdeb Chanda from Kolkata bagged the first position with a cash prize Rs. 75,000 by scoring the total points of 1,043. With 1,091 penalty points in the three legs, car number four, driven by Soham Hazra and Amit Saha won the second prize with the cash prize of Rs. 50,000. The third prize went to Vikas Toshiniwal and Nirav Mehta who scored 1347 points. Dipali Poddar and Shikha Saha got the title of the Best Woman Team from India.

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Maruti Suzuki recalls one lakh A-Stars to replace fuel pump gaskets

India’s leading passenger carmaker, Maruti Suzuki India, has officially acknowledged that it is recalling around one lakh A-Star cars to replace faulty fuel pump gaskets. Maruti, in its official statement, has revealed that it has received reports of leakage in the fuel pumps and all the cars affected by the recall were manufactured before 22nd August, 2009. Furthermore, the company has indicated that it has already kickstarted the repair process last year and has already done the repairs in around half of the affected units. It may be recalled that Maruti Suzuki had launched the A-Star model in 2008 and it has been pretty successful for them and also export this model to several international markets for the parent company Suzuki. Nearly, 60 per cent of the A-Star recalls were sold in global markets, the rest from domestic customers.

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