Maserati & Ferrari Cars

The Italian auto giant Fiat and Tata Motors are in talk for a joint marketing project, to sell Ferrari and Maserati cars in India. In addition to this, they are working on further co-operation to add to the existing projects such as partnership to manufacture engines in India.

Mr. Tata, who is also the Fiat director, told Italian Daily, La Stampa, "We have various projects, to take the Nano to Latin America together, to share platforms for new cars, we have projects for (Fiat lorry unit) Iveco and marketing Ferraris and Maseratis. We are talking about a lot of things."

Ferrari and Maserati are both renowned brands that are in Fiat's control. Tata Motors forayed in the luxury car business after acquiring the British brands Jaguar and Land Rover for $2.3 billion from the US automaker Ford last year.

On the other hand, Fiat and Tata are considering the Tata Nano, the world's cheapest car to be sold in Latin America, where Fiat has a strong presence. Brazil is Fiat's second-biggest market after Italy.

Tata Motor's small car, the Tata Nano has hit the roads this month and it is planning to export the car to Europe, South America and Southeast Asia. Mr. Tata said "The Nano passed the European 'crash test' safety standard on Friday, allowing it to be sold in the Europe market and a launch is foreseen at the end of 2011."

The association between Fiat and Tata is going strong with products like cars, engines and gearboxes being manufactured together.

BMW Motorrad Bikes

BMW, the German luxury car maker is planning a re-entry into the high-end motorcycle market in India after a hiatus of 13 years. The initial attempt; a joint venture with the Hero Group did not take off well.

Speaking about the proposed re entry, a senior official said, "The Company is studying India's high-end and premium motorcycle market to introduce its Motorrad range of super bikes in India". Peter Kronschnabl, president, BMW India added "Our people from BMW Motorcycle are having a look at the market. They are also in discussion with us for feedback on the matter. As soon as we see potential for a viable market entry for sustainable growth, we would take that into consideration."

Another BMW official said that the Motorrad bikes range will cost more than Rs. 10 lakh in India. The premium bike market is less than 500 units a year but is definitely good as far as branding and growth prospectus is concerned. The earlier joint venture with Hero; which took off with the launch of F650 failed to click.

Auto analysts say the market for top superbike models such as the Suzuki Hayabusa, Honda 1000RR Fireblade, Honda CBR 1000R, Yamaha MT01 and Yamaha R1 has grown and enhanced the appetite for Rs 10 lakh plus bikes. Besides, Bajaj has plans to launch big bikes from KTM and Kawasaki stables in the near future.

BMW officials have clarified that the plans are not for the short-term and it would take 1-2 years before things get finalized. The German company has used the brand BMW Motorrad since 1923. BMW Motorrad's G series, F series, R series and K series are available all around the world. Designed for off road, sport and touring purposes; the bikes range from 450 cc capacity to 1300 cc capacity.

The market for small bikes has been kept aside and interest for lifestyle bikes is expanding. This is proven by the sale of 93 bikes by Suzuki, 94 units by Yamaha in the Jan-Dec 2008 period. Mr. Atul Gupta, vice-president, marketing and sales Suzuki Motorcycle India said "We are regularly importing containers of our high-end bike Hayabusa and Intruder. Each container has up to 15 bikes and we are ordering new containers of bikes ever 1-2 months". He added that the company intends to sell 100 more high-end bikes costing up to Rs 12.5 lakh by the end of current fiscal.

Hyundai i10 Diesel Car 2010

Encouraged by the great response received for the petrol version of i10, Hyundai is moving a step ahead with the launch of a diesel variant Hyundai i10; reported CNBC-TV 18. Hyundai i10 diesel will be fitted with a 1.1 L CRDi engine which is likely to offer improved fuel efficiency and improved drivability due to the engine's higher torque output as compared to the petrol version.

The launch will qualify the company for small car excise norms and each car's transmission will be constructed in the Chennai plant. The engine would be sourced from its parent company in South Korea. The official company spokesperson declined to comment on the details.

Hyundai has a market share slightly more than 20% in the passenger cars segment in India and is likely to improve it to 25% by 2012. In a bid to expand the existing portfolio it is looking at launching new products. It was earlier reported that Hyundai Motor India Ltd would set up its existing car manufacturing plant at Sriperumbudur near Chennai in Tamil Nadu.

'Live Mint' newspaper, quoted an anonymous source and claimed that the Indian arm of the Korean automaker is likely to invest at least Rs. 500 crore to construct a factory that would have an installed capacity to manufacture around 100,000 engines. This complied with India's second largest passenger carmaker's aim to manufacture diesel variants of its existing models like Hyundai i10 and Hyundai i20 in the country and save the car's cost by around 15-20%.

At present, the Indian arm of the Korean automaker has a petrol engine plant which makes Kappa and Gamma engine strapped onto models like the Hyundai i10 city (Kappa version) car and Hyundai i20 super-hatch. The engine was developed at a cost of over US$ 400 million.

Toyota Fortuner SUV

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) announced the launch of the Toyota Fortuner, in India.

The internationally acclaimed Toyota Fortuner, which offers an unmatched combination of power and luxury supported by cutting-edge technology, was unveiled in New Delhi today by Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice-Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (MD, TKM), Mr. Kaoru Hosokawa (Chief Engineer, TMC) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (DMD, Marketing, TKM).

Available with 5 speed manual transmission, the Toyota Fortuner not only offers unshakeable sturdiness with high ground clearance, long wheelbase, full-time 4WD and excellent drivability on all terrains, but is also loaded with comfort features like Climate Control AC, Optitron meter, Multi-information display, steering control switches, Space-up type 3rd row seats and leather interiors.

The exquisite bodyline and sporty exteriors of Toyota Fortuner are further accentuated by attractive roof rails, rear spoiler, side steps & bonnet scoop. The spacious and comfortable interiors give Toyota Fortuner an unparalleled edge over other SUVs in its segment.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, TMC) said, "We are delighted to introduce Fortuner in the Indian market. Globally, Fortuner has already sold over 2,50,000 units in more than 60 countries since its launch in 2005. The launch of Toyota Fortuner today is an expression of Toyota's commitment to provide best in class quality and technology to our customers in India."

Added Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM), "We're very proud to finally bring Fortuner to India. The sleek yet rugged Fortuner delivers superior performance and excellent luxury for Indian customers. We would also like to thank our customers for the extremely encouraging response to the initial announcement of this launch.”

Mr. Kaoru Hosokawa (Chief Engineer, TMC) said, "Toyota's Fortuner is fully loaded with advanced features and has been extensively tested to suit Indian conditions. The powerful Common Rail type 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger delivers superior power and performance.”

Mr. Sandeep Singh (DMD, Marketing, TKM) added "The SUV market in India has witnessed extensive growth due to launches in Mid/Premium SUV segment. We expect that the launch of the Fortuner will expand the mid-SUV market in India. The Fortuner will be very competitively priced at Rs 18.45 lakhs ex-showroom New Delhi. We will also implement a focused marketing campaign (including TV, print, magazines, hoardings, direct marketing, internet marketing and SMS) targeted at enhancing the awareness of advanced technology features amongst our Indian customers.”

The Toyota Fortuner will be assembled in India at TKM's plant in Bidadi.

Toyota Fortuner Features:

- Globally acclaimed for Rugged and Tough Performance with sedan like Luxury and Comfort – the Real SUV
- At competitive price of Rs 18.45 lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi)
- 3.0 L D-4D Diesel engine with Intercooler Turbocharger offers highest power (171PS) in mid-SUV segment and maximum torque of 343 Nm.
- Incomparable combination of luxurious interiors and sporty features for an exciting driving experience.
- Full-time 4WD & Toyota Outstanding Platform (TOP) to handle all kinds of terrain – the Real SUV.
- Highest standards of passenger safety - Active safety with ABS & Disc Brakes, passive safety with Impact Absorbing body and SRS airbags for driver and front passenger.
- Available in five exciting body colors - Super White, Silver Mica Metallic, Grey Mica Metallic, Black Mica and Light Blue Metallic.

TVS to 100cc Bike

TVS India in order to compete and make its position in the scooter segment is all set to launch a 100cc scooter from its Hosur facility near Bangalore, though the timeline has not been fixed.

Sources claim that TVS Bikes is reportedly considering a gearless scooter and will co-exist with the other two scooters - TVS Scooty Pep and TVS Scooty Streak which have engine displacement below 100cc at the moment.

The third largest two-wheeler maker of the India, TVS Motors Company has already taken a step ahead in improving its motorcycles portfolio in the TVS Apache RTR 180 in the premium segment and the 2009 model TVS Flame SR 125 in the executive segment and is yet continuing without resting. The company has lined up another bike in the executive segment, which will also be rolled out from Hosur facility, says a report that is not yet confirmed.

By the end of this fiscal year, TVS is also planning to launch its three-wheeler portfolio across the length and breadth of the country. Moreover, this three-wheeler is already retailed in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and a few others. Even four-stroke vehicle in petrol, LPG and CNG versions are also on the cards in the cities such as Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata, where it is in great demand.

New Audi Q7 Luxury SUV

India's most successful performance luxury SUV in an all new avatar
- Greater sporty elegance, added refinement and enhanced multifunctional luxury
- The sporty SUV available with three powerful engines: 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro
- Available across all dealerships from 3rd September, 2009 at INR 53,40,000 onwards (ex-showroom Mumbai)

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced the launch of the New Audi Q7 - the latest version of largest selling performance luxury SUV in India. The new Audi Q7 is available in three engine options - 3.0 TDI quattro, 3.6 FSI quattro and 4.2 FSI quattro at Audi dealerships across the country from 3rd September 2009.

The Audi Q7 is a sporty, comfortable, high-performance car for leisure and business. It is the large Audi for customers looking for a vehicle that can take them anywhere and is roomy and flexible. And this character is immediately evident in the design: the side view with the low window area, the arched roof line and the tautly curved body surfaces presents a coupe-like silhouette.

"The launch of the new Audi Q7 comes close on the heels of Audi's Centennial Celebration and spells exciting times for Audi India. The Audi Q7 was launched in India in 2006 and has since established itself as the numero uno luxury SUV in the country. The new Audi Q7 is unmatched in terms of style, performance, safety, comfort and driving dynamics providing customers the complete driving experience which Audi is known for.", said Mr. Benoit Tiers, Managing Director, Audi India.

"Audi India achieved a remarkable growth in the first eight months of 2009 by selling 1128 cars (62% growth). The second half of 2009 continues to record impressive sales, August 2009 recording sales of 171 cars (69% growth). With the new Audi Q7, we continue to offer customers products that are progressive, sporty and sophisticated - reflecting the core essence of our brand DNA 'Vorsprung durch Technik'," added Mr. Tiers.

New accents at the front and rear contribute to even more elegant styling and visual impact. New single-frame radiator grill in high gloss black with vertical chrome bars adds robustness to the car in conjunction with new Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights. The new Audi Q7 also comes with optional high-end headlight version that integrates not only a low beam, high beam, and turning and cornering lights, but for the first time also a special superhighway beam. The restyled tailgate presents a more forceful contour. LEDs are standard equipment in the taillights. An aluminum exterior package adds further highlights to the styling. The S line exterior package is designed for sports-minded customers and is available as an optional equipment.

The Audi Q7 is 5,089 mm long and has a 3,002 mm wheelbase. It provides generous interior comfort, a cargo volume of up to 2,035 liters, and unsurpassed variability. The customer can order an interior with six or seven seats. Many improvements down to the smallest details enhance personal comfort – including interior lights in the door linings, an inlay on the passenger side, and new colors as well as materials. Many operator-control details have been refined and enhanced with chrome elements in the new Audi Q7.

All engines in the Audi Q7 program are powerful and efficient direct-injection versions. Standard equipment includes a six-speed tiptronic that shifts swiftly and smoothly as it transfers the generated power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which distributes it to the axles with modest emphasis on the rear.

Some of the standard equipment of the new Audi Q7 includes 18-inch wheels and adaptive air suspension that enhances the sporty precision of the car's handling as well as its strong off-road performance. The LEDs as a standard fitment in the taillights adds to the appeal of the SUV.

Enhancements in the front include smaller exterior mirrors, contrasting paint finish for the bumper and main body, an enhanced single-frame radiator grille, restyled bumpers, a newly ribbed designed integrated underbody guard in the center section of the bumper, making it more robust. Additions to the rear of the new Audi Q7 have the bumper with a contrasting paint finish and a restyled tailgate.

The new Audi Q7 is powered by highly efficient direct-injection engines and is available in a 3.0 TDI 176 kW (240 hp), 550 Nm torque option, a 3.6 FSI 206 kW (280 hp), 360 Nm torque option and a 4.2 FSI 257 kW (350 hp), 440 Nm torque option.

The hallmark of all Audi cars is the integration of technology with luxury and the new Audi Q7 is no different. The top-of-the line version of the MMI systems includes a hard disk drive, a single DVD player, and voice control, with the option of including a Bluetooth telephone, an advanced radio tuner, Rear Seat Entertainment Preparation, and the Advanced Sound System from Bang & Olufsen.

The new Audi Q7 range starts at (ex-showroom Mumbai) INR 53,40,000 for the 3.0 TDI quattro, INR 55,20,000 for the 3.6 FSI quattro and Euro 42,696 for the 4.2 FSI quattro (non homologated). The new Audi Q7 is available in an exciting palate of new colors like Ibis White, Teak Brown, Orca Black and Graphite Grey as well as the existing colors which include Deep Black, Bahia Beige, Cobalt Blue, Condor Grey, Ice Silver, Garnet Red and Lava Grey.

The new Audi Q7 will be available along with the entire Audi model range comprising the Audi Q5, the new Audi A6, the Audi A8, the Audi A4, the Audi TT and the super sports car Audi R8 at 12 dealerships across the country in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and Kochi.

Suzuki GSX-R 1000cc Superbike

Suzuki Motorcycle India is planning to enter the new segment of bikes, with entry level motorcycles and is also panning to introduce the new Suzuki GSX-R 1000cc super bike well-known as Gixxer.

The Indian counterpart of Japanese giant Suzuki feels that the entry level motorcycles is the highest selling segment, which includes the bikes in the 75cc to 125cc range. The entry level segment is ruled by the motorcycle company Hero Honda with 80% of the market share. Now, Suzuki India will launch an entry-level motorcycle in the next year to compete with the Hero Honda.

As per the recent updates, the Suzuki has recently invested Rs 150 crore on top of its previous investment for the expansion plans and new launches.

Moreover, the Suzuki is also planning to import its 1000cc GSX-R as completely built units (CBU's). Suzuki already has two other modes running in the segment Hayabusa and Intruder. Suzuki has also increased its production capacity to cope up with the increasing demand of the bikes.

Suzuki has seen a good increase in the sales number as well in comparison to last year sales.