Keller and Kohler win 'Professor Ferdinand Porsche Award 2009' worth 50,000 Euro

The ‘Professor Ferdinand Porsche Award’, which is worth 50,000 Euro and also one of the world's most coveted awards for research in the field of automobile technology, was awarded recently by the Technical University of Vienna to Dipl. Eng. Michael Keller from Temic Automotive Electric Motors GmbH, Berlin, and Prof. Herbert Kohler from Daimler AG, Stuttgart. With a lithium-ion battery that can be used for the first time in volume production of hybrid cars, the jury thus awarded a development that will make a considerable contribution to the broad use of this technology in future automobiles.

for full story click here : Keller and Kohler win 'Professor Ferdinand Porsche Award 2009' worth 50,000 Euro

Gentex rear camera display mirror now on Ford Motor vehicles

Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is shipping auto-dimming interior rearview mirrors with advanced features for the 2010 Ford Fusion, Ford Mustang, and Mercury Milan.
for full story click here : Gentex rear camera display mirror now on Ford Motor vehicles

Bajaj Auto roll out new 150 DTS-i and 180 DTS-1 Pulsar models in Kolkata

Bajaj Auto Limited has recently introduced its 2009 Pulsar 150 DTS-I and 180 DTS-i at Kolkata in West Bengal. The new range offers unique feature with sportier styling to further strengthen the company’s dominant position in the premium segment. The 150 DTS-I is prices at Rs. 59,580 while the 180 DTS-I is prices at Rs. 63, 148, ex-showroom India. the 180cc version unique features include, a five-speed toe-gear shifter, a 37 mm front fork, tubeless tyres for a superior ride and a unique 3-D logo. The company was planning to launch a few more models like thisin the medium term.

for full story click here : Bajaj Auto roll out new 150 DTS-i and 180 DTS-1 Pulsar models in Kolkata

Ford India now has changed - Interview with Nigel Wark, Executive Director (Marketing, Sales & Service) Ford India

WheelsUnplugged had a interesting Q&A session with Nigel Wark, Executive Director (Marketing, Sales & Service) Ford India to get an insight into the company’s changing image. Anamit Sen reports...

How has Ford India managed to, if it has, weather the slowdown?
In terms of FI, we have had some plans in place that have been supported positively not just by our regional but all the way to the board in terms of the investment that was made in India and during all the changes that have happened globally we have not missed a beat in terms of going after and still delivering on the objectives of our investment – the expansion of the assembly operations, the very significant investment to build a fully flexible engine facility that will assemble engines for local and export and also the development of a small car which is specifically not just for India and gives us export opportunities to take advantage of the costs and the capabilities of the total processes and resources that we now have in India after the 500 million dollar investment.

for full story click here : Ford India now has changed

Ravi Kant becomes non-executive VC while P.M. Telang takes over as MD of Tata Motors

Tata Motors has announced that Ravi Kant, the managing director of Tata Motors, will retire from his executive position on June 1, 2009, on reaching the retirement age of 65 years as per the Company’s policy. However, the board of directors of the company has decided to retain him Ravi Kant on the board as the non-executive vice-vhairman of the company.
for full story click here : Ravi Kant becomes non-executive VC while P.M. Telang takes over as MD of Tata Motors

Jaguar UK rolls out police-pursuit vehicle - Police-spec XF Diesel

Jaguar UK has launched a high performance police-pursuit vehicle based on its award-winning XF Diesel S model. The first ever Police-spec XF is currently being evaluated by police forces across the country. The Police specification Jaguar features the 275PS 3.0-litre Diesel S engine with its unique, parallel sequential turbocharger system. Delivering high torque throughout the entire rev range, improved throttle response and low CO2 emissions, the twin-turbochargers work sequentially to deliver unrivalled response and best-in-class torque that means the XF packs a huge punch at all engine speeds.

for full story click here : Jaguar UK rolls out police-pursuit vehicle - Police-spec XF Diesel

Lohia Auto opens new showroom in East Delhi for e-Bikes

In a move aimed to increase the concept of fuel saving e-biking, Lohia Auto Industries is expanding operations in East Delhi. A new showroom was presented to people of East Delhi in Geeta Colony. The showroom targets the bike and loving youths, housewives, working men & women as well as senior citizen by presenting a world-class treat to the visitors. Entering the showroom, one is amazed with its excellent range of services, which makes the display unit of OMA and FAME rather distinctive. A team of dedicated professionals is present to attend the consumers for all their queries related to finance, insurance, warranty, accessories and other aspects.
for full story click here : Lohia Auto opens new showroom in East Delhi for e-Bikes

J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey ranks Ford,Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Honda select models in India

According to J D Power Asia Pacific Reports, the auto industry in India posts year-over-year improvement in Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). The study, which measures the dependability of three-year-old vehicles, ranks vehicles in 10 segments and examines more than 150 problem symptoms across nine categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidence and higher long-term vehicle quality. Ford models rank highest in the entry midsize and SUV segments, and Toyota models rank highest in the premium midsize and MUV/MPV segments
for full story click here : J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Survey ranks Ford,Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Honda select models in India

Aldiam Hyundai is 3S dealer in Vadodara for Hyundai Motor India

Hyundai Motor India has inaugurated a new dealership – Aldiam Hyundai in Makarpura, Vadodara city of Gujarat. This is the 18th dealership in Gujarat taking the total number of dealers in the Western region to 58. Promoted by Vipul Shah, the new dealership is spread across a built up area of 42,948 sq feet with 3S facility (Sales, Service & Spares), and boasts of a capacity to showcase the entire range of Hyundai cars.

for full story click here : Aldiam Hyundai is 3S dealer in Vadodara for Hyundai Motor India

Mahindra FES now moves brand from tractors to agri-value space

Mahindra & Mahindra recently organized a unique customer-centric initiative for the farmers of Rajasthan. The Mahindra Kisan Mahotsav saw around 1,500 farmers from across the State converge in Jaipur for a special customer meet. The farmers, both Mahindra and non-Mahindra customers received information and guidance on various areas including the latest tractors, implements and other technological innovations.
for full story click here : Mahindra FES now moves brand from tractors to agri-value space

Mahindra Tractors rolls out Samridhi Samman in Jamnagar

Mahindra & Mahindra recently held the first ever Kisan No. 1 - Mahindra Samriddhi Samman in Jamnagar, Gujarat. A pioneering customer centric initiative for the farming community, the event seeks to felicitate farmers who work together with Mahindra’s Samriddhi centers to achieve an increase in productivity through the use of innovative farming technologies. Over 1,000 farmers attended the function. The Kisan No. 1 - Mahindra Samriddhi Samman will initially be held at 10 Samriddhi Centres all across India. In addition to awards being presented to farmers, 20 tractors were also delivered on the occasion.

for full story click here : Mahindra Tractors rolls out Samridhi Samman in Jamnagar

Volkswagen and BYD China sign MoU for hybrids and electric cars

Europe’s largest carmaker, Volkswagen AG, on 25th May, 2009, has said it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese carmaker, Build Your Dreams company (BYD) to jointly develop hybrid and electric vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries. The agreement was signed during an informational visit by the Chinese carmaker led by the chairman of the Board of Management, Wang Chuanfu. The deal will make Volkswagen the first major automotive partner for BYD, itself an auto producer as well as China's largest maker of rechargeable batteries.
for full story click here : Volkswagen and BYD China sign MoU for hybrids and electric cars

Hyundai Motor India mini-car could be launched by 2011

On the sidelines of inaugurating its new dealership at Vadodara in Gujarat , Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has told reporters that its unchristened low-cost car would be launched in India by 2011, and would be positioned below its Santro model. As reported earlier, the fuel-efficient low cost car is estimated to be priced at around US$ 3,500, though no official comments have been made by the company. The new vehicle which is in the conceptual stage at its R&D centre in Korea, will presumably be pricier than Tata Motors' Nano, Bajaj's ULC and GM's upcoming mini-car.
for full story click here : Hyundai Motor India mini-car could be launched by 2011

Honda SIEL to focus at enhancing localisation of its cars to get competitive

Even as global car makers are stepping on the gas to make India an important production base, some of them have already started eyeing the R&D pool in the country. Indian arm of Honda - Honda Siel Cars India - has recently established an in-house research and development (R&D) centre in the country, which is now focussing on enhancing the localisation of its cars in order to make its prices competitive. It is widely believed that the company has resorted to such a move in a bid to curtail its dependence on imported auto components from countries such as Japan, where its prices are skyrocketing due to the appreciating Yen against the Rupee. The current strength of Honda Siel's R&D team is around 25-30 which would be ramped up in phases.
for full story click here : Honda SIEL to focus at enhancing localisation of its cars to get competitive

Tata Motors extends its bridge loan maturity till Dec 31, 2010

Tata Motors, on 27th May, 2009, has concluded an agreement for amendment of its bridge finance loan, extending the final maturity of US$ 1 billion by 18 months up to 31st December 2010. This agreement, along with the earlier repayments and the Bond issue last week, completes the refinancing of the bridge finance of 12 months of US$ 3 billion raised in June 2008 for the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover. 21 lenders, including two new banks, participated in this agreement, leading to an oversubscription of 47 per cent of the extended loan.
for full story click here : Tata Motors extends its bridge loan maturity till Dec 31, 2010