Skoda Fabia sports and road versions on the cards

On the sidelines of inaugurating its boutique showroom in Mumbai, Skoda Auto India also hinted that a new line-up within the Fabia range which would include a sports variant as well as "rough-road" version, tentatively known as 'Scout' was on the cards.  There is also a lot of buzz that the sports version would be Skoda Fabia Sportline, will have newly-designed interiors and alloy wheels. The company sold 16,000 cars in the Indian market in 2009 and is targeting to cross the 20,000-mark in 2010, with Fabia accounting for a significant chunk of the overall pie.

"We will launch multiple variants of the Skoda Fabia to leverage on its popularity and consolidate our brand in the Indian market." Skoda's head (sales and marketing) Thomas Kuehl told reporters in Kolkata.

In a bid to reinforce its sizeable presence in the D-segment cars sold in the country, Skoda Auto India is also evaluating the possibility of launching an upgraded version of its Octavia model in the next few years. It has also been learnt that the refreshed model would be finetuned to make it more India-specific. It is believed that the Indian arm of the Czech automaker is considering building the car on a new platform from its existing Chakan facility near Pune in Maharashtra in the next quarters. However, at this juncture, the company has not revealed any details like specifications, pricing and versions.

Skoda India is also venturing into the sports utility vehicle (SUV) segment with the launch of its Yeti model in the second half of 2010, expected to be priced around Rs 13-17 lakh.  The Premium carmaker is also quite upbeat on its boutique showrooms to increase brand awareness and bring customers closer to the brand. Skoda has around 25 per cent market share in the mid-size segment of cars in India and is pinning its hopes on a stronger brand recall to add incremental market-share in the next 3-5 years.

 

Audi India wins seven prestigious Auto Awards

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, has bagged seven prestigious awards at the annual honours hosted by the automotive media fraternity in India. Audi Q5 won the maximum recognition for Audi India with a total of four awards.  

The highly successful luxury SUV Audi Q5 won accolades from India's leading automotive media houses. It bagged the prestigious 'Golden Steering Wheel Award for SUV (Import) 2010' from Auto Bild India, the "Import SUV of the Year 2010" from Overdrive CNBC TV18, "Premium SUV of the Year" from NDTV Profit Car India & Bike India Awards and 'Luxury SUV of the Year' from Bloomberg UTV AutoCar India. 

The super sports car Audi R8 was crowned the Sports Car (Import) 2010 at the internationally acclaimed Golden Steering Wheel Awards hosted by Auto Bild for the first time in India, while Brand Audi was adjudged as Auto India's Best Brand for Quality and Best Brand for Advanced Technology (for the 2nd consecutive year).  

 Commenting on the achievement, managing director of Audi India, Benoit Tiers said, "These accolades are an acknowledgement of the success and acceptance our cars enjoy with discerning customers and reviewers alike. The crowning glory of course is the recognition we have received in the form of the Best Brand awards for Advanced Technology and Quality which is an affirmation of our commitment to technological excellence and a validation of the success of our core philosophy 'Vorsprung durch Technik'. It is a great honour for Audi to be awarded by such veterans from the Indian automobile industry and this recognition will spur us to set new benchmarks going ahead."

Audi India posted an impressive 58 percent growth in India in 2009, thereby successfully exceeding its projected sales targets for the second consecutive year. Audi India's vehicle sales volume in 2009 grew to 1,658 cars as compared to 1,050 units in 2008. Despite the challenging market conditions prevalent in the last quarter, Audi India sales grew by 19 percent to 325 units compared to 273 units in 2008. Sales figures for the month of December 2009 stood at 108 cars, thereby registering a growth of 42 percent (76 cars in December 2008).

The entire Audi model range, comprising the Audi A4, the new Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi Q5, the new Audi Q7, the Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8 is available at eight showrooms across the country: in Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kochi. New showroom openings in the beginning of 2010 include Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai (West), Jaipur, Chennai and Ludhiana. Further developments include Lucknow, Coimbatore and Nagpur.

General Motors India to use third shift at its Halol plant by 2011

General Motors India is looking to kick off a third shift at the Halol plant near Ahmedabad to cater to the additional production requirement after the launch of a light commercial vehicle (LCV) in 2011-end.

 

It was reported earlier that General Motors India, along with its joint venture partner Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation (SAIC), will start selling LCVs by the end of next year and passenger cars and multi-utility vehicles from SAIC's portfolio by 2012. The company will make additional investments at the Halol plant in Gujarat, which currently operates in two shifts. In commercial vehicle space, GM India is looking at three versions. They are the small vans, pick-up vans and multi-purpose vehicles from the SAIC product line up and would be in the one-tonne category. It is to be mentioned that in China, GM manufactures passenger cars with SAIC, including the Buick and Chevrolet brands. 

"We get a choice of separate products now from our joint venture in China with SAIC. We shall pick up LCVs from that portfolio and bring in three varieties of these vehicles to India at Halol," Slym said on the sidelines of Chevrolet Beat in Kolkata. He added, "Our facility at Halol, that has a capacity of 85,000 units, is capable of producing LCVs, for which we are planning to start manufacturing in 2011. It's very exciting as its going to be a whole new segment for us to begin with here." He also mentioned, "The one-tonne trucks will be made at the Halol plant, which will continue to manufacture GM's current portfolio of passenger cars, too. We have a flexible production line and the Halol plant will be able to produce both the LCVs and the current passenger cars," as revealed by Slym, adding, "Introduction of LCVs will open new avenues for the local suppliers too as we aim to localise 90 per cent of the manufacturing." 

When a newspaper reporter queried as to how much headcount will the third shift generate, Slym said, "The Gujarat based facility of GM at Halol started operating in two shifts in December last (2009). Currently, we have 1,350 people working at the Halol facility that includes non-production staff as well. Roughly, 500 people could be added when a third shift will be started. As for the investment, we plan to make some modifications at the plant. We will also invest in tooling and equipment. But, we are yet to arrive at exact figures." 

Responding to questions on the negative perception in the market over Chinese products, Slym said they still have nearly two years before any products come. He pointed to the successful image makeover by Japanese and Korean brands to overcome negative perceptions, indicating that GM expects something similar for Chinese goods. 

Incidentally, media reports also claim that GM will look at exporting the excess capacity to Asia Pacific region after the plant commences production. The source said that selling engines to a third party and developing engines for Shanghai Automotive Industries Corporation's (SAIC) light commercial vehicles, are options that the company will consider once the plant is commissioned.

Jia Auto is Skoda Auto India's first boutique showroom in Kolkata

Close to the heels of opening its boutique showrrom in Mumbai, Skoda Auto India officially inaugurated its first boutique showroom in Kolkata, Jia Auto Sales Pvt. Ltd. Skoda Auto India further boosted its customer support network in the city by opening another dealership, again by Jia Auto.

The exclusive boutique was inaugurated by Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India and Amit Kumar Modi, Dealer Principal, Jia Auto Sales Pvt. Ltd. Located at Chowringhee Road, Kolkata's premier shopping destination, the boutique showroom is spread across an area of 2,000 sq ft, this is Skoda's first boutique showroom in the city. This boutique showroom in Kolkata is exceptional in terms of the design concept, and is a unique blend of lifestyle and contemporary ambience bringing the customer closer to the brand.

Speaking at the inauguration, Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto India said, "The boutique showroom concept echoes Skoda's philosophy to provide not just quality cars but also a quality ownership experience to our customers. This concept is a step to bring Skoda customers closer to the brand by providing them with a stylish and high level of functionality with 'Customer touch Points' in the high street areas of the metropoles where our customers can have easy access to all the information around the automotive and the Skoda world. With Jia Auto Sales, we will set new standards in customer service and move a step closer to our patrons in the city. We plan to have 15 boutique showrooms in tier 1 and tier 2 cities across India by the end of December 2010."

Promoting a distinctive automotive retail experience, the boutique showrooms will provide a platform for sneak previews of our upcoming models and Skoda fans no longer have to wait for the Auto Shows to see some of the latest cars from Skoda. The boutique showrooms will also cater as an automobile education centre for children, students & enthusiasts through interactive gatherings.

The showroom will also offer the Skoda merchandise collection, a complete range of high quality and exclusive Skoda-branded products. Currently on display are fashion accessories, kit cars and car accessories.

Later in the day, Skoda Auto India further augmented their customer connect network in Kolkata by opening a dealership facility at Judges Court Road. The dealership, also a facility of Jia Auto Sales, was inaugurated by Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India and Mr. Amit Kumar Modi, Dealer Principal, Jia Auto Sales Pvt Ltd.

Commenting on the dealership opening Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto India said, "We have always received an overwhelming response from our Kolkata customers and we are confident that Jia Auto will play a vital role in strengthening our dealer base and continue to enhance the Skoda Customer Care experience. Our expansion strategy is to create a strong authorized dealer network in India to support our growing sales in the region." 

The facility is built on an area of 4,050 sq ft and can service 25 cars per day. Skoda's newest dealership meets the company's global quality standards and layout specifications, promising customers of Kolkata a premium buying and ownership experience. 

Currently Skoda Auto India has 3 dealerships in West Bengal. SkodaAuto's dealership footprint spreads across 65 outlets and covers 50 cities & towns in India. The company continues to expand their and service network to meet local demand and has set a target of reaching 75 dealerships by this year-end.

Mahindra Auto & 2 Wheeler products win top awards

Mahindra & Mahindra, one of India's leading auto companies has bagged a kitty full of awards and accolades this season.The Mahindra XYLO, India's first 'Sedan Plus' vehicle scored a hatrick as it received no less than three awards from the automotive media. These include MUV of the Year from the NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards, UV of the Year from the CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Awards and MPV of the Year from the Zigwheels Car and Bike Awards.

The recently launched Mahindra Duro Power Scooter was declared the Scooter of the Year by NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards.

Mahindra & Mahindra also received the Auto Bild India Golden Steering Wheel for Technology of the Year for its path-breaking FuelSmart system with Micro Hybrid technology. This technological innovation developed by the Mahindra Research & Development team with the support of BOSCH, is not only environment-friendly but also fuel efficient and very affordable.

"We are absolutely delighted to receive these awards from some of the most revered publications in the automotive media. Both the Mahindra XYLO and the Mahindra Duro have proved themselves within a few months of their launch and these awards are a clear validation of their success. This sweeping victory across products is also testimony to the Mahindra Group's focus on customer-centricity and technology which are key elements that go into development of every product," said Dr. Pawan Goenka, president, Automotive Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

The NDTV Profit Car and Bike Awards, the CNBC TV 18 Overdrive Awards and the Zigwheels Car and Bike Awards are some of the most prestigious awards in the Indian automotive firmament. Research conducted by a third party is the basis of winners' selection. Various parameters are taken into consideration at the time of selection by an eminent panel comprising industry stalwarts from the sector and allied industries, as well as media who have been tracking the sector for a while.

JK Tyre Q3 2009-10 net profit up at Rs 36.40 crore

JK Tyre and Industries has announced that its Q3 FY 2009-10 net profit stood at Rs 36.50 crore vis-à-vis a loss of Rs 27.40 crore in the corresponding period last year. The company's net sales for the third quarter of FY10 stood at Rs 802 crore, while its operating profit was at Rs. 97 crore. The company's net sales for the three quarters (April-December period) stood at Rs 2,644 crore, while profit after tax was reported at Rs 197 crore.  

Commenting on the performance, Dr. Raghupati Singhania, vice-chairman & Managing Director said, "JK Tyre has recorded an impressive performance in the third quarter of the current year on account of   cost reduction measures and better operating efficiencies.  As a result, Operating Profit margin has improved.  Our expansions of OTR tyre and radials shall be completed as per schedule by the end of March this year.  The greenfield site project for further increasing the TBR capacity   from 8 lakh tyre to 12 lakh tyres and  25 lakh tyres for Passenger Car Radials is  progressing well. Financial closure is expected very shortly".  

Dr. Singhania further added, "Automobile sector in India has recorded very impressive growth in the last 3 Quarters. This is leading to acceleration in demand for tyres".    

The company's 100 per cent subsidiary – Tornel, Mexico  - a well established tyre company, with 3 manufacturing  plants has done well in the year 2009 and turned profitable.  This fast turn around has been achieved despite the melt down in global markets particularly the Americas. 

The company expects demand for tyres to remain buoyant. With the completion of company's expansion projects, the company looks to promising times ahead. 

Volvo Cars announces 2010 growth plans for the Indian market

Towards strengthening its existing foothold in India, Paul de Voijs, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India, has announced 2010 growth plans for his Indian presence. Speaking to the media he said, "India is the next growth destination in the Asia Pacific region and Volvo Cars is committed to be a part of this growth. In keeping with our strategy until now we have concentrated on laying a strong foundation for our brand. Our mantra for 2010 will be to strengthen our presence in the country. Our goal is to become a trusted automobile luxury brand in the Indian market."  

"We want to include more passion and life and we want to do so more clearly. We have wonderfully well-designed cars that integrate good performance, exciting innovation and fresh communication. At the same time, we are in the lead in our pro-environmental work and in the field of innovative safety."   

Volvo registered a 49 percent growth in 2009 and remains bullish to sustain the momentum this year. The company has aggressive plans to expand its product portfolio and spread out its dealer network across the country.   

Starting with the launch of the all new diesel Volvo S80 with twin turbo technology and the much awaited Volvo XC60 with the revolutionary 'City Safety' technology in the first half this year, the company also plans to introduce Volvo S60 post its Global launch.   

On the dealership front Volvo plans to expand the current dealership base by additional 3-4 dealers targeting cities such as Bangalore, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Goa and Kolkata. Its existing operational dealerships are in Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune and Chandigarh.  

"Going forward we will focus on creating a more powerful, modern and at the same time warmer image of the brand. Safety has always been a cornerstone of the company philosophy. The next step would be to continue to maintain and strengthen that with a holistic approach towards innovative technology," De Voijs further added. 

Volvo Auto India is a new operator in India, a fast-growing market and one of the most competitive in the world. Volvo established a presence in India just over two years ago and has since then worked intensively to market the Swedish brand. With a corporate office in Gurgaon, Volvo Auto India opened its first dealership in March 2008 and currently market's its products through its dealerships in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Kochi, Pune and Chennai.  

Mercedes-Benz reinforces E-Class lineup: introduces E 250 V6 and E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY

Mercedes-Benz India has widened its portfolio of popular E-Class model series with the introduction of two new engines: the E 250 V6 and the E 250 CDI (BE). Both variants have been introduced in the popular "Elegance" styling line. The E 250 V6 is powered by the 6-cylinder 2497cc engine, and delivers an output of 204 hp with 245Nm of torque with top speed regulated at 250 kmph. It is equipped with the 7G-TRONIC transmission and the new-design 17" alloys further add to the aggressive looks of the E 250 V6. The E 250 CDI is on the other hand powered by 4-in-line 2143 cc engine, and delivers a gut-wrenching 500 Nm torque in as low as 1600-1800rpm and offers an output of 201 hp. These impressive statistics make E 250 CDI the class leader in terms of performance and driving dynamics.

 

"We have continued the aggressive price position of the New E-Class with the debutante models: the E 250 V6 is priced at Rs. 41.13 Lakhs while the E 250CDI (BE) costs Rs. 39.87 Lakhs (ex-showroom Mumbai). Our endeavour is offer the best value for money to our discerning E-Class customers" commented Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.

 

The New E-Class showcases the dynamic and passionate genes of the Mercedes-Benz brand, clearly evident from the very first glimpse highlighted most noticeably by the re-designed twin headlamps. Other distinct features include - an arrow shaped bonnet featuring three louvers and chrome surround, sporty rear bumper adding to a sense of width & attractively styled 17" light alloy wheels accentuating the muscular appeal of the new E-Class. Great looks, appealing functionality and great features- the New E-Class has it all.

 

The New E-Class has been a runaway success since its India debut in September 2009 having sold over 450 units of E 350 and E 350 CDI in the last quarter besides winning critical acclaim for its driving dynamics, performance, aggressive looks and environmental compatibility. It has also won the 'Best Premium Luxury Automobile of the year' award in India at the NDTV-CAR Awards 2010, CNBC-Overdrive Awards 2010, ET - ZigWheels awards and lastly the UTVi - Autocar Awards 2010. The E-Class also won the 'Green Steering Award' at AutoBild Awards 2010.

 

 

Nissan launches iconic sports car 370Z coupe

Nissan Motor India as part of its growth strategy to introduce nine models in India by 2012 has today launched its widely acclaimed and iconic sports car –Nissan 370Z in India. The Nissan 370Z enables the discerning performance car enthusiasts in the country to live fast with its breath-taking performance, cutting-edge technology & seductive design and at a very attractive price.  The car exemplifies the famous quality of "Z-ness", meaning a rear-wheel drive configuration and an emphasis on user-friendly considerations.

 

The design features of 370Z with is signature Z elements – the long nose, canopy cockpit, muscular fenders, vertical door handles is a more wheel-oriented, organic design with a sense of precision and agility. It features a front aluminum sub frame, aluminum-alloy engine cradle, aluminum door panels, an all-aluminum hood, and an aluminum hatch. Additional enhancements include the use of a carbon fiber composite radiator housing and strengthening of the rear fender and hatch areas. It comes in eight attractive colours with two interior leather colour options (Persimmon Orange and Black) available in both Manual and Automatic Transmissions.  

 

Designed as an Everyday Sports Car, the 370Z comes with a 2-seat layout built around a deeply scooped instrument panel with a full-length center console separating the driver and passenger's seat. The driver's seat is uniquely different from the passenger's seat, with lower seat cushion cut-outs on the sides where the thighs rest – allowing the driver to push on the pedals without the seat fighting them. Interior comfort and convenience features include Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, power windows with one-touch auto up/down feature, power door locks with auto-lock feature, a center console box with a new non-intrusive cover design, automatic climate control, rear window defroster with timer, two 12volt power outlets, four cup holders (two in door panels, two in center console), dual overhead map lights and a AM/FM/CD/AUX 8-speaker BOSE audio system with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls.

 

Nissan 370Z is powered by a standard 333 PS and 363 Nm Torque, VQ37VHR 3.7 L DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control (VVEL). Power delivery to the rear wheels comes through a new 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters or 6-speed manual transmission which features the world's first synchronized downshift rev-matching system or SynchroRev Match. The 370Z's new 7-speed automatic with Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) and Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) is designed to offer quick, manual-like shifting when operated in manual mode with a target time of 0.5 seconds between shifts. The new 7-speed's wide gear ratios offer improved fuel efficiency, while the Adaptive Shift Control is designed to adjust to the driver's driving style. The Z's advanced braking system provides improved overall brake feel, better fade resistance and improved NVH. The standard 4wheel vented disc brake system includes Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).The variable ratio brake pedal, makes the pedal stroke feel more direct.  

 

Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, Managing Director & CEO, Nissan Motor India Private Ltd said, "These are exciting times for all of us at Nissan and in our effort to provide the Indian customers with an experience of our full range of products, we are delighted to launch our very popular and iconic sports car -370Z in India. The 370Z has been conceived as an "Everyday Sports Car," bringing to life the sweet spot of performance, style and value, which symbolizes the DNA of Nissan cars. It's an authentic sports car that you don't have to make sacrifices to own – or drive everyday. We believe that the 370Z will create an aspirational value for Nissan brand in the country as we gear up for the launch of our first made in India car in 2010."

 

Mr. Abhijit Pandit, VP –Operations, Hover Automotive India Ltd, the strategic alliance partners for sales, marketing for Nissan in India says, "We are happy to launch the Nissan 370Z in India today. The luxury car market in India has registered a fair amount of growth in the last few years and is growing at a significant rate every year. The emphasis has shifted from pure price consideration and affordability to design, quality and pleasure. The 370Z provides passionate performance at an excellent value –just what sports car enthusiasts are looking for today."

 

The Nissan 370Z 6-speed M/T with Synchro Rev Match is priced at Rs 53.50 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) and Nissan 370Z 7-speed A/T with Manual Shift Mode is priced at Rs. 54.50 lakhs (ex showroom Delhi).  

 

Skoda Auto inaugurates its first boutique showroom in Mumbai

Skoda is offering an unique automotive shopping experience with Autobahn Enterprise (P) Ltd, its first boutique showroom in Mumbai, Autobahn Enterprise (P) Ltd. The  showroom located in Bandra West is spread across an area of 1,000 sq ft, and is Skoda's first boutique showroom in the city and Maharashtra. The outlet is exceptional in terms of the design concept that is a unique blend of lifestyle and contemporary ambience bringing the customer closer to the brand.

 

Speaking at the inauguration, Mr. Thomas Kuehl, Board Member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India said, "The boutique showroom concept echoes Skoda's philosophy to provide not just quality cars but also a quality ownership experience to our customers. This concept is a step to bring Škoda customers closer to the brand by providing them with a stylish and high level of functionality with 'Customer touch Points' in the high street areas of the metropoles where our customers can have easy access to all the information around the automotive and the Škoda world. With Autobahn Enterprise, we will set new standards in customer service and move a step closer to our patrons in the city. We plan to have 15 boutique showrooms in tier 1 and tier 2 cities across India by the end of December 2010." 

 

The showroom will also offer the Škoda Merchandise collection, a complete range of high quality and exclusive Škoda branded products. Currently on display are fashion accessories, kit cars and car accessories. Based on this platform the company will shortly introduce a program that encompasses express test drives, quick service bookings, virtual product tours and maintenance/warranty coupons.

 

Currently SkodaAuto India has 6 dealerships in Mumbai and Thane. SkodaAuto's dealership footprint spreads across 65 outlets and covers 50 cities & towns in India. The company continues to expand their sales and service network to meet local demand and has set a target of reaching 75 dealerships and 15 boutique showrooms across India by this year-end.  

 

Meru Cabs rolls out card payment facility in Hyderabad

Meru Cabs, India's favorite and largest radio cab service provider in India, has introduced their brand new convenient alternative payment facility for their passengers in Hyderabad city. This alternate payment option is already implemented in Bangalore.

 

 Meru Cabs has tied up with Axis Bank as its merchant bank to facilitate card transactions in its cabs. Visa and Master Cards debit/credit cards will be accepted for fare payment, thereby making life easier for the Meru passengers. Also Meru Cabs various introduce various promotion programs to promote payment by cards. Keeping in mind the concept of plastic money, Meru Cabs has launched this feature so as to provide a hassle free service to the passengers.

 

 "Plastic money is more convenient and viable payment option today. We got a feedback from our consumers regarding their preference for payment through a credit card. Consumers today prefer the convenience of plastic money over hard cash and often fall short while paying for their fares, making it inconvenient for them as they have to hunt to the nearest ATM. By providing credit/debit card facilities in our cab directly, we are confident that our passengers will find it more convenient and hassle-free," said Rajesh Puri, CEO, Meru Cabs. It is a highly secured application, since the product is almost fully automated. It's inbuilt in the MDT, and the card is swiped in front of the passenger.

 

He added, "Cities like New York, Boston and Tokyo have the facility of paying by cash or card in the radio cabs. In fact, it is a mandate in these cities for the radio cabs to have a card payment option for the passengers. Our goal is to replicate these revolutionary services in India and offer our passengers a truly comfortable & world-class travel experience."

 

With total of 4800 cabs Meru is the largest radio cab service provider in India and to meet the ever increasing passenger demand Meru has been constantly scaling up its presence in the four operational cities - Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and Hyderabad. Also its presence at the airports of the four cities has helped in adding to the international class provided by these airports.

 

For better comforts of the passengers and to keep up with the changing times Meru has been upgrading its technology regularly. Recently, the company has implemented an Oracle ERP system, which has been implemented by Accenture, which makes Meru Cabs the first radio cabs service company in the world to implement ERP systems.

 

As recognition of the pro-active and holistic approach to IT adoption and the seamless alignment of IT with the business strategy Meru Cabs once again won 'NASSCOM-CNBC IT User Award 2009' for the second time in a row.

 

For its relentless effort toward providing comfortable and convenient travel option, in 2009 Meru Cab received recognition by All India Passengers Association and was awarded the best & largest taxi company in the country and Mr. Neeraj Gupta was awarded businessman of the year. In September 2007, the company was conferred with the Excellence Award by the Institute of Economic Studies, Delhi (IES- an established in 1980 by a group of economists, parliamentarians and industrialists) in recognition of the high quality and reliable transport services provided by the company.

 

Suzuki GS150R bags Motorcycle of the Year 2010 award

Suzuki GS150R, the 150 cc motorcycle from Suzuki Motorcycle India has been awarded the 'Motorcycle of the Year 2010' in the segment up to 160 cc by NDTV Profit Car & Bike Awards 2010. NDTV Profit in association with Car India and Bike India presented the fifth year of 'Car India & Bike India Awards' at New Delhi on January 06, 2010. The award honoured the year's best cars, bikes and the people behind them in the automobile sector. Initiated in the year 2006, the Car India & Bike India Awards have emerged as the most credible automobile industry awards. Suzuki GS150R was adjudged the winner in the category 'Motorcycle of the Year up to 160 cc'. 

 

Suzuki GS150R is the flagship model from Suzuki Motorcycle India (P) Ltd, a subsidiary of one of the world's leading two-wheeler manufacturer Suzuki Motor Corporation.  The GS150R marks SMIPL's arrival in the 150cc market segment of the country. The bike is equipped with 150cc, 4-stroke air-cooled engine delivering robust acceleration performance in the low to mid range. The engine is specially designed to fulfill the conflicting demands of acceleration and fuel efficiency. 

 

The bike has a unique GSX-R-derived engine rpm indicator lights that provide indication to the rider about the optimum up-shift timing. Moreover, sporty style headlight, with built-in positioning light inspired from Suzuki international super bike, GSX-R, gives GS150R a very distinct and muscular look. The bike also boasts of a super sleek, streamlined aerodynamic shaped LED Tail Lamp and Integrated Rear Turn Signals based on GSX-R styling, which takes the style quotient to the next level. The dynamic GS150R is offered in four electric colours – blue, orange, grey and black. 

 

Commenting on this occasion, Atul Gupta, vice-president, Sales and Marketing, SMIPL, said "Suzuki has maintained a leading image by leveraging high-quality Japanese technology with its thorough understanding of the local automotive market. We are confident that GS150R will continue to fascinate bikers across India with its agility, comfort and affordable price. This will further provide impetus to our aim to capitalize on the emerging opportunities in the Indian motorcycle industry."

Nissan India to foray into used-car business

Following in the footsteps of its global peers like General Motors, BMW, et al, Nissan Motor Company too is drawing up plans to enter the used car business in India. G.M Singh, vice-chairman and MD of Hover Automotive India (P) Ltd, the service partner of Nissan, said the foray into used cars would be after the proposed small car is launched for Indian roads.

 

Incidentally, Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India, the 50:50 joint venture of automakers Renault and Nissan, has told reporters that it would ramp up its headcount from 1,200 currently to 1,500 by the end of this year, citing a senior official of the company. Till date, about Rs. 65 crore has been invested into the R&D effort in India.

 

"We are happy on the progress of research and development. A small team is engaged (now) in the research of fuel cell membrane," Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India Senior Vice-President Grahame Cornforth told reporters on the sidelines of a an event. The unit has 1,200 staff and intends adding another 300. The centre will work on developing new platforms for cars as well as derivatives of existing ones, and some of these cars may come into India, Cornforth said, adding that the centre also contributes to Nissan's digital vehicle development. He also told reporters, "These days, there are no prototypes as the vehicles are developed and tested on the computer and the Nissan centre is involved in this in a major way. The Renault-Nissan unit also contributes to Nissan global operations in areas such as advanced research and development, advanced computer-aided engineering and information systems development."

 

India is not only the production hub for compact cars for the Japanese automotive major Nissan Motor Company; it is also tipped to be the company's R&D hub. Renault Nissan Technology and Business Centre India has joined hands with the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, for advanced research and development in key areas such as Computer Aided Engineering, product development and digital vehicle development. Some 140 scientists and engineers are in the process of occupying space at the science park that is being put up by the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. This centre will focus on research into fuel cells, especially in the area of raising their efficiency, Grahame Cornforth told presspersons in Chennai.

Dunlop India to operate in full capacity by 2010-11

The Calcutta-based Ruia Group, owner of Dunlop India and Falcon Tyres, has told reporters that it has kicked off the production of the formers brand of tyres in India. Dunlop, which has recently been relisted on the stock exchange is expecting to generate revenues of Rs. 6 billion (£80.6 million) by the next financial year. Before the two facilities ceased operations in 2008 Dunlop India turnover stood at Rs. 900 million (£12.1 million).

"We re-started operations of Dunlop at the Ambattar facility in Tamil Nadu and Sahagunj in West Bengal late last year," Ruia Group chairman Pawan Kumar Ruia told the Press Trust of India. "Our target is to achieve revenue of Rs 600 crore (£80.6 million) from this brand in 2010-11." Ruia added that a similar figure had been invested in the two factories over the last four years, mainly to cover refurbishment, new machinery, settling liabilities and legal tangles. The plants now have a combined capacity of 1.6 million units of truck, bus and off the road tyres. "Currently we are utilising around 25 per cent of the capacity and we intend to reach full utilisation by next fiscal," he said, adding

Plans to produce radials at Dunlop plants are progressing. The Ruia Group also intends to increase capacity for its 'Falcon' brand tyres at its Mysore, Karnataka state factory by five hundred thousand pieces within the next six months.

The Ruia Group, a fast emerging industrial conglomerate with interest in infrastructure & engineering, tyre & rubber products, sugar and electronics, has had a phenomenal growth since its inception in 1993. The able leadership of its chairman Pawan K Ruia has given the Ruia Group a formidable reputation in turning around ailing industrial giants through innovative management practices. The core capability of the Ruia Group lies in identifying the opportunities and reinventing the acquired companies. The Group has a workforce of around 10,000 skilled, committed and qualified professionals.

Bajaj Auto to roll out two new bikes for commuter segment

Though the names of the new bikes being planned by Baja Auto are not known, it is confirmed that the company is working towards creating two new bikes for the fast growing commuter segment, reports Dow Jones newswire service.

 

"We will launch both models either under the Discover or the Platina brand," S. Sridhar, chief executive of Bajaj Auto's two-wheeler business, told Dow Jones Newswires by phone recently. However, Sridhar declined to give details about the engine specifications or the likely prices of the new vehicles. He said, "The commuter segment is doing well. We need more models from this segment."

 

Incidentally, a DNA newspaper has reported that Bajaj Auto is looking establish an assembly line there to avoid the duty barrier. A senior official told the aforesaid newspaper that it would be comparatively easier to enter the Chinese market as the vendor base is in place only the engine will have to be taken there for local assembly. It was reported earlier that Bajaj Auto had outsourced some of its operations to China, where the kitting of the bikes is done before they are assembled at Chakan, Maharashtra, with the engines being made at Aurangabad plant.

 

Kevin Dsa, vice-president (finance), Bajaj Auto, said to the aforesaid business daily, "We have looked to consolidate our position in one market before seeking a new one. When we touched a 35 per cent market share in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, we sought the African market. For now the African market is yielding good numbers, with close to 35,000 units sold monthly, but when it reaches a saturation point, we will consider China and Brazil. Our export story will remain robust this way. In the next 6 months to one year we will sell around 10,000 motorcycles in Nigeria alone.

 

Rakesh Sharma, chief executive officer (international business), told DNA, "The Brazilian market is large and attractive, but has many entry barriers in terms of competition. The Japanese, especially Honda, are very strong there. They have a strong dealership network, after sales service and high localisation. We need to tackle these barriers, but we think that we have a right product mix to cater to that market."