India's largest car maker Hyundai Motor India today launched an advanced version of its mid sized sedan Hyundai Verna, price between Rs 6.56 lakh and Rs 9.22 lakh (ex showroom Delhi). This new car Hyundai Verna Transform will be available in two varints of 1.6 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel.

"The Verna Transform is all set to boost Hyundai's already superior line-up of products in India by raising the benchmark in the sedan segment," Hyundai Motor India Managing Director and CEO H W park told reporters here.

Hyundai Cars India has sold more than 80,000 units of the old Hyundai Verna, which was launched in September 2006.

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) today announced that the pre-order bookings of the soon to be launched Nissan Micra has crossed 1000 in just four weeks since the bookings began at the company showrooms from last week of May 2010.

Nissan Micra has so far clocked 1049 pre-order bookings until closing hours of June 21, 2010. In the cities, Delhi leads the race closely followed by Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Chennai amongst others.

Mr. Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, Nissan Motor India says, “We are delighted with this encouraging initial response. With the launch of the new Nissan Micra next month, Nissan will begin an exciting journey in India aiming to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services. We are confident that this booking trend will continue to improve as we move closer to the start of sales by middle of July 2010.”

Says Abhijeet Pandit, Vice President –Sales & Marketing, Hover Automotive India, “We are overwhelmed with the response received on the bookings for the new Nissan Micra and it has already exceeded our expectations. This is very encouraging and we thank the customers for the appreciation and the enthusiasm shown to purchase the Micra. It is also heartening to note that our exercise of announcing Ranbir Kapoor as our brand ambassador has yielded good results and we have seen a jump of nearly 40% since the teaser campaign went on air from June 10, 2010. This is just the beginning but I would like to thank the sustained efforts of our dealer partners for this achievement.”

Nissan launched their multi-media teaser campaign (print, digital, radio and TV) featuring Ranbir Kapoor from June 10, 2010. The all New Nissan Micra is born out of the need of simplying city chaos. With a mix of convenience and high performance features, the Micra stands for simpler city driving and thereby better living.

The new Nissan Micra has created an unprecedented amount of euphoria and attention. The teaser ad campaign featuring Ranbir Kapoor has already created a good amount of awareness and recall and has had a far-reaching impact with the customers.

The new Nissan Micra will be launched nationwide on July 14, 2010.

Source: Nissan Motor India Private Ltd

Japanese car major Nissan today said it will launch its much-anticipated small car Nissan Micra in India in July.

"The new Nissan Micra will be launched nationwide on July 14, 2010," the company said in a statement. The company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Nissan Motor India, will roll out the new Micra from its recently inaugurated facility at Oragadam near Chennai.

The industry sources put the likely price of the base version of the hatchback below Rs 4 lakh. The company has earlier said that it will pit the new Micra, which comes with a 1.2 litre petrol engine, against Maruti's Swift, Hyundai's i10 and i20. These cars are priced between Rs 3.44 lakh and Rs 6.95 lakh.

Nissan Motor India, which recently roped in Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor as brand ambassador, had started bookings of the car in end of May and has so far received 1,049 orders.

"We are delighted with this encouraging initial response. With the launch of the new Nissan Micra next month, Nissan will begin an exciting journey in India aiming to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services," Nissan Motor India Managing Director and CEO Kiminobu Tokuyama said.

The company has announced to produce 80,000 units of the new Micra, for both domestic and export markets, in its first year. Nissan will export Micra to over 100 countries, including Europe, Middle-East and Africa, by later half of 2010.

The new Micra will be produced in five countries including Thailand, India, China and Mexico. The fifth location is yet to be decided.

The Japanese carmaker had earlier said that it was targeting to sell 1,00,000 vehicles in India by 2013, for which it will launch nine models in the next two years, including the sedan version of Micra.

Source: Nissan

Kia, is planning to enter in Indian market soon. Kia is one of the largest car maker in the world. Its cars produced in 14 plants that too located in major markets like the Germany, Australia, China and US.

Kia feels that the Indian auto market is promising these years than 4 years back when it attempted to enter but withdrew the plan. In order to understand the Indian auto market intensely, the South Korean maker has given this job to a global consultancy to conduct product clinics so as to test its cars on Indian roads.

Kia is very confident for India because of Hyundai is already selling their cars in India at good amount as well. Hyundai is the second largest car maker in India. It solds more than 40000 cars in India till May 2010.

It will be interesting to know about what will be the strategy for Kia to enter in India with their portfolio against Maruti Suzuki which is already no.1 car maker in India. But worlds 4th largest car maker Hyundai-Kia group entering with a host of cars, will stir the Indian auto market for sure!

Jaguar Land Rover has begun deliveries of the iconic Jaguar XJ in India. The car was shown in India during the Delhi Auto Expo in January this year and the stunningly beautiful and revolutionary new product from the Jaguar stable was acclaimed by one and all.

Commenting on the occasion, Mr S Krishnan, Tata Motors’ Senior Vice President (Commercial), Passenger Car Business Unit, said, "We notice a very intense aspiration in India to own an XJ. We are encouraged by the number of customers who have expressed a desire to own this iconic car."

Sleek, sporting and sophisticated, the all-new Jaguar XJ brings a daring new spirit to automotive luxury. It offers a seductive mix of striking design, breathtaking performance and engineering. The elongated teardrop shape of the side windows establishes the car’s silhouette and lies at the heart of its flowing design. It does not just look streamlined -- its drag coefficient of 0.29 makes it the most aerodynamic Jaguar ever, along with the XF.

At the heart of the all-new XJ’s construction is Jaguar’s unique lightweight vehicle architecture. Primarily aluminium, but also using magnesium and composite alloys, this allows Jaguar to produce a significantly lighter and stiffer body – the lightest in its class. The structure features aerospace-based riveting and bonding processes, and uses these advanced materials to deliver improved strength, enhanced refinement and superior safety performance.

A coupé profile cloaks a cabin that offers comparable levels of space to saloons with a more conventional style. There is generous accommodation for five occupants. The exquisitely designed interior has a strong sporting character throughout. The spacious cabin is rich in the tactile delight of soft-glove leather, warm veneers and cool chrome.The panoramic glass roof dramatically enhances the sense of light and space inside.

In keeping with its status as the ultimate four-door Jaguar, the XJ introduces a new generation of interior technologies, pioneering the use of display and infotainment systems such as the innovative Virtual Instrument dials, 8" full color Dual View technology Touch Screen display and 1200W Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system.

The all-new XJ delivers a driving experience that is just as memorable as the car’s appearance. Benefiting from technologies like continuously variable damping (Adaptive Dynamics), quick ratio power-steering system, JaguarDrive SelectorTM, JaguarDrive ControlTM, Jaguar Sequential Shift and Dynamic Stability Control with Trac DSC mode the new XJ combines responsive, sporting dynamics with the refined, supple ride expected from a luxury Jaguar.

The new XJ is available in India in the long wheelbase version. It is powered by the highly acclaimed 5.0-litre 385PS AJ-V8 Gen III naturally aspirated direct-injection V8 petrol engine. More information on the product is available on the Jaguar India website at www.jaguar.in

Iconic Jaguar XJ Exterior Photos:

Iconic Jaguar XJ Interior Photos:

Source: Tata Motors

The roads will wonder who passed by. Get ready to renew your faith in the physics of design. The two International winners, four stroke, liquid cooled massive demons of power, steel and style are ready to burn the Indian roads with digital fuel injection and the most enviable wave of tractable power and responsive torque.

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of one of the world’s leading two-wheeler manufacturers Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan, has once again thrilled Indian bike aficionados with the launch of its highly awaited bikes – the GSX-R1000 and Bandit1250S.

Celebrated as the pioneers and leaders in the field of land crusader manufacturing, Suzuki has once again proved its mettle in the Indian bike market with this twin launch. The focus of the launch is to deliver cutting edge engineering and superlative performance to showcase that Suzuki has once again raised the bar in the motorcycle industry with superior technology and innovation.

These bikes which have been successfully reining supreme in the international market for long were desperately sought in India. Both GSX-R1000 and Bandit1250S are seen as ultimate machines and are known for their powerful engines and futuristic styling.

Launching the charismatic bikes, Mr. Katsumi Takata, Chairman, Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, "This launch is in line with our aim to deliver outstanding technology and performance to the Indian market. We are pleased to offer exciting riding experience to pro-bikers."

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Atul Gupta, Vice President (Sales and Marketing), Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. said, "Suzuki has been delivering superior technology which has been proven worldwide. We intend to showcase the same in India. With the launch of these two bikes, we extend our Big Bikes range in India and continue the momentum that had begun with the launch of Hayabusa and Intruder a year ago. Suzuki is all set to support the craziest and sportiest young enthusiasts who are looking for these iconic mean machines."

Suzuki GSX-R1000: Popularly Known As Suzuki Gixxer in India:

It all started in 1985, when Suzuki developed the first ever GSX-R750. The goal was to build a large displacement bike that delivered the excitement of race-winning performance to riders worldwide. With this, the "race replica" category was born. For the first time we were able to offer a pure sportsbike, born on the circuit and bred to dominate the championships – in our showrooms. The GSX-R was built to be the ultimate in engineering, handling, cornering and braking technology. It started in the racing circuit where it demonstrates its full potential and brought the same high adrenaline and full throttle excitement to the street level. Uncompromising, undiluted performance – this is true for every GSX-R that has ever been made in the past 25 years of Supersports know-how. A perfect blend of track engineering and road ready design, it develops a feeling of raw, hi octane power that comes with every twist of the throttle. The latest GSX-R1000 nails it once again.

The all-new chassis with a shorter wheelbase allows you to maintain speed while taking on corners, while a longer swingarm delivers greater traction when powering out of them. A slipper clutch provides an even smoother downshift and greater stability when approaching trickier bends. Ride quality is improved thanks to big piston forks, the first 1000cc production bike to be fitted with them. Three separate performance settings provide instant control over the power delivery to suit the specific road types and conditions, while monoblock front brake calipers increase overall stopping power. In one word, ‘Legendary’!

The GSX – R1000 is available in two colours – White / Blue & Black /Silver and is priced at Rs. 12,75,000.00 (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

Suzuki GSF1250S: Better Known as Suzuki Bandit1250S:

The "real" motorcycle lives on. All the iconic character and attitude of the original Bandit is fitted into this bike along with a 1255cc high-tech liquid cooled engine that produces even more torque from lower down, achieving massive performance figures, but from a bike that loves going for many miles.

A state of the art liquid cooled engine sits at the heart of this serious machine providing smooth power and acceleration. In fact, with torque figures that are comparable to the GSX-R1000, but at a third of the engine speed, it produces phenomenal "roll on" performance. An adjustable seat height maximizes rider comfort.

The GSF1250S has a fuel injected double overhead camshaft (DOHC) power-plant with 1255cc of torque at your service. Delivering a wide spread of power, starting low down in the rev range, the six gear ratios takes full advantage of this torque resulting in extra smooth acceleration and inspiring power delivery, perfect for long distance rides.

A sports tourer made for turning any spot on the map into a precious memory!

The BANDIT 1250S is available in two colours – Metallic Gleam Gray & Pearl Nebular Black and is priced at Rs. 8, 50,000.00 (Ex-showroom, Delhi)

The launch of these bikes has proven to be worth a wait in the Indian market, as the Suzuki bikes epitomize power, style and technology – now introduced to the Indian market to set a new level of excitement on the roads!

The bikes have been launched today in 11 cities – Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Bhubaneshwar, Raipur and Cochin.

Source: Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd

Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) today in an important milestone in the run up to the launch of its first locally made car - Nissan Micra announced the talented, young and rising Bollywood Actor, Ranbir Kapoor as its official Brand ambassador to represent the Nissan brand in India. The contract, which is for a period of three years, entails Ranbir to endorse the products and services of Nissan in India through promotion, advertising and marketing.

Ranbir Kapoor Brand Ambassador Nissan MotorsSays Kiminobu Tokuyama, MD & CEO, NMIPL, "We 'Rishi Chugh'are delighted to have Ranbir Kapoor as our brand ambassador. Nissan is a car company with a "Passion for Cars". Our brand heritage stands for producing cars that maximize life and provide the joy of everyday driving. Ranbir Kapoor is an extremely passionate, versatile and talented film star and he has shown his pedigree in a very short period. We believe Ranbir with his uber cool charm and mass appeal brings in a perfect connect with our brand."

"With the launch of the new Nissan Micra next month, Nissan will begin an exciting journey in India aiming to provide Indian customers with a full range of products and services. We are confident that Ranbir would act as a perfect catalyst to communicate our brand attributes and also enthrall the Indian customers bringing them alive through his persona and charm", adds Mr. Tokuyama.

Says Abhijeet Pandit, Vice President - Operations, Hover Automotive India, "We are thrilled at the prospect of having Ranbir Kapoor as the brand ambassador of Nissan in India. Nissan, though a late entrant stands for spirit of innovation, design leadership and bold thinking. Our product range symbolizes the talent, creativity and dedication of people who work at Nissan. In a very short period, Ranbir has appealed across a cross-section of the audience and received both critical and commercial acclaim. He is bold, cool, easy-going, yet intelligent and hardworking amongst his peers. We believe there is a strong connect of Ranbir with our brand and we hope you would share our enthusiasm for our brand Ambassador."

Speaking on the occasion, Ranbir Kapoor said, "It is an honour and privilege to be associated with Nissan, which is a leading global automotive brand. I have been a great admirer of Nissan cars during my days spent in Europe. Some of their cars like the GTR, 370Z, which has been introduced in India are all iconic products. I am happy to know that Nissan is very serious and commitment in their plans for India and they have an exciting range of products lined up beginning with the new Nissan Micra. The Micra is a class-defining product and I am particularly excited, as it has been designed for city driving. It boasts of many features that are first in its class. I am confident that this product will redefine mobility for many in India. I look forward to an exciting journey with them."

Nissan also announced the start of a multi-media campaign (print, digital, radio and TV) featuring Ranbir Kapoor starting June 10, 2010. The all New Nissan Micra is born out of the need of simplying city chaos. With a mix of convenience and high performance features, the Micra stands for simpler city driving and thereby better living. Ranbir as the smart and uber-cool urban dude will be seen in these commercials dispensing some advice on the art of city living with the Micra.

"The new Nissan Micra has created an unprecedented amount of euphoria and attention. We have been flooded with enquiries from the very beginning and we have received a very encouraging response on the confirmed bookings since we commenced the activity on May 25, 2010. We are confident and excited that with the onset of our multi-media campaign featuring Ranbir, there would be a far-reaching impact and greater awareness of our brand in the run-up to our launch," adds Mr. Pandit.

The nationwide Start of Sales (SOS) of Nissan Micra will commence around middle of July 2010.

Source: Nissan Motors

Honda Siel Cars India Ltd., leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, launched Honda Civic with enhanced features further adding value to the model's appeal. The Honda Civic SMT is now equipped with a steering mounted cruise control system that helps to cruise at the desired speed to ensure comfort and convenience for the customer with one-touch operation and ORVM turn indicators that makes it more stylish and enhances the looks of the car. Honda Civic VMT & VAT comes with back up sensors that enables the driver a smooth and hassle free reversing.

New Honda Civic
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Tatsuya Natsume, Director Marketing, Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. said, "Honda Civic has received high appreciation since its introduction in India because of its unparalleled driving pleasure, contemporary styling, and advanced features. We are now delighted to introduce value added features that will make it even more desirable."

The Honda Civic comes fully loaded with various active and passive safety features including ABS (Anti - Lock braking system) with EBD (Electronic Brake - Force Distribution System) & Brake Assist, Dual SRS airbags and pre-tensioner seat belts. Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering Body (ACE) and G-CON (G-Force Control Technology) provide a high integrity survival zone that enhances self-protection and better compatibility in collisions with other
vehicles.

The 1.8 L i-VTEC engine in the new Honda Civic is the most advanced engine technology available in the segment. It combines Honda's i-VTEC (Intelligent Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology with VTC (Variable Time Control), delivering both powerful performance and superior fuel economy. The ARAI fuel efficiency results of 15.5 km/l for Civic MT reiterates its unmatched fuel economy.

Launched in 2006, Honda Civic redefined the lower D segment of passenger car segment in India. This segment witnessed unprecedented sales soon after the launch of the Honda Civic. Honda Civic has won 10 automobile awards including the Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2007. It was also the winner of the JD Power Initial Quality Study in its very 1st year as well as in 2009 with the best ever score in the Industry.

The Honda Civic comes with a 2+2 year warranty and 24-hr roadside assistance as standard value for all new Civic buyers.

Honda Civic Price in India: (Ex showroom Delhi)
Honda Civic 1.8 SMT Price Rs. 12.2 Lac
Honda Civic 1.8 VMT Price Rs. 13.07 Lac
Honda Civic 1.8 VAT Price Rs. 13.81 Lac

Source: Honda Siel Cars India Ltd.

Gentex Corporation, the leading supplier of automatic-dimming rearview mirrors and camera-based active safety systems to the worldwide automotive industry, has announced that it is shipping a three-mirror auto-dimming system with advanced features including its Rear Camera Display (RCD) for the 2011 Toyota Avalon. The full-size sedan is sold throughout North America and certain Middle Eastern Gulf Coast countries.

An interior auto-dimming mirror with universal garage door opener, compass, hands-free microphone, and the Gentex RCD Mirror is standard equipment on the both the Avalon and the Avalon Limited models without a navigation system. Vehicles with a navigation system offer an auto-dimming mirror with compass, universal garage door opener, and microphone as standard equipment.

The auto-dimming RCD Mirror contains a liquid crystal display (LCD) that works with an automaker-specified video camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle to provide a view directly behind the vehicle while backing up. When the vehicle is shifted into "reverse," a display appears automatically through the auto-dimming mirror's reflective surface.

The display disappears when the vehicle is shifted into any other gear, a capability that is made possible utilizing Gentex's "transflective" coating and lighting techniques, resulting in a bright, high-resolution color image. The compass feature uses Gentex's propri etary Z-Nav compass transducer, a highly accurate compass sensor that determines the vehicle's directional heading. The Limited trim level features standard exterior auto-dimming mirrors.

"Gentex auto-dimming mirrors have been offered on the Avalon for many years, but the 2011 model offers additional safety features, including RCD," said Gentex Senior Vice President Enoch Jen. "The Avalon is the first car in its segment to offer a backup camera as a standard feature, and we are pleased that Toyota continues to offer our technology on an increasing number of its vehicle models."

Courtesy: Gentex Corporation

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. today announced the introduction of the 'Innova Special Edition' to commemorate five successful years of the Innova in India. In addition to the existing Innova line-up, the Special Edition has been designed to give the vehicle an enhanced refined look, and boasts affordable luxury.

The new variant has Power Windows, Power Door Lock and Air-conditioning at a competitive price of Rs. 8,86,960 ex-showroom Delhi. Contributing to the new look are Bumpers, Front Grill, Hood Mould and Rear Door Garnish all in body colour, and Body Stripes with the special edition insignia. The new variant will be available in one colour - Premium Super White.

The Innova Special Edition will be on sale for a limited period, i.e. June to September 2010.
Commenting on the launch of the 'Special Edition', Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, "The Innova has been highly appreciated by our customers, and has been the market leader in the MPV segment ever since its launch in 2005. We are focused on constantly upgrading our products based on customer feedback, and are now delighted to introduce the all new edition of the Innova which offers unique styling in combination with affordable features. Only 700 units of the Innova Special Edition will be available for sale, for a limited period."

The Innova is a result of the unique IMV project from Toyota that was launched in India in 2005, creating a different experience for customers. Since then, the vehicle has carved a niche for itself by offering the luxury of a sedan with the performance of an MPV. The Innova has continued its market leadership with a 31% market share in the MPV segment in 2009 and has maintained the No. 1 status in the JD Power survey every year since its launch.

Courtesy: Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd

Premier Limited, (formerly known as Premier Automobiles Limited) India’s pioneering car maker, today unveiled its Compact Diesel SUV "RiO" in Bangalore. RiO is the first ever Compact Diesel SUV in the Indian market. With the new RiO, Premier has re-entered the Indian passenger vehicle market and is all set to retain its old charm as one of the leading automakers in India. Premier RiO aims to cater to the segment between mid-size passenger cars and large utility vehicles.

The RiO seats five people comfortably and is powered by Premier's 1489 cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology delivering close to 65 BHP and a fuel efficiency of about 16 kms per liter. The vehicle, based on a Daihatsu model, will be sourced from China through a component supply agreement with Zotye Group, the Chinese manufacturer that sells close to 1,00,000 units per annum of this model from its modern plant near Shanghai, China.

Commenting on the occasion, Avniesh Goel, General Manager, Marketing, Premier Limited, said "We have re-entered the Indian market with India’s first ever Compact Diesel SUV. With the luxurious comfort in Rio along with its unbeatable pricing strategy, we are optimistic of redefining Indian customer’s perception about an SUV."

"RiO is being assembled at Premier’s Pune plant and sells through its dealer network across India. The Company currently has 60 dealers, and will expand to 200 in the next 12 months, thereby creating an all India network. Premier is beefing up its sales and service support and will be offering a 3-year warranty for the RiO," he added.

The RiO will retail in three versions with the base model priced at Rs. 5.66 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Bangalore) and the high end model at Rs. 6.40 lakhs.

Premier Limited has signed an exclusive all-Karnataka dealership with Komura Premier, promoted by Taranath R. The showroom is located in Koramangala in Bangalore.

Ex-showroom prices of RiO in Bangalore are:
Premier RiO EX - 5,66,791
Premier RiO DX - 5,93,003
Premier RiO LX - 6,40,182

RiO is available in five exciting colors that include: Brick Red, Tafeta White, Sleek Silver, Royal Black, Cool Blue All models come equipped with power steering, front power windows, central locking and CD/MP3 player. The vehicle is available both in A/C and non-A/C versions. Higher models will have additional features like anti-lock breaking system (ABS) and alloy wheels.

The RiO comes with foldable split rear seats thereby providing multiple seating configurations and, its unique feature is a very high ground clearance enabling it to comfortably operate on all types of roads.

Courtesy: Premier Limited

Volkswagen announced that it will launch its all new Sedan, the New Vento in the Indian market in autumn this year.

It will be the brand's second volume model after its successful launch of the new Polo and will be coming as a premium entry level Sedan in the country.

The New Vento will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s plant in Chakan, Pune and has been completely designed to the needs and expectations of the Indian consumer.

The New Vento will be available in diesel and petrol variants, both which will be powered by 1.6 L engines and will be available in manual and automatic (petrol version with AT) transmissions in the market.

Its timeless, pure and authentic design clubbed with the quality engineering, sturdiness and driving dynamics which is a characteristic of the Brand Volkswagen will set a benchmark in its class.

Commenting on the New Volkswagen Vento, Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said "The new Vento is a major milestone for the Volkswagen Brand in India. We have taken into consideration all the preferences and requirements of our customers in India for this vehicle. It will meet the premium demands of our future customers."

Volkswagen has ensured that the New Vento is equipped with features like excellent suspension to provide great drivability on Indian roads, strong air conditioning to take care of extreme Indian weather, convenient legroom including comfortable rear seats, high ground clearance, safety features like Anti Braking Systems (ABS) and airbags and even a strong horn, necessary for safe driving in India.

The New Vento will be the seventh model from the Brand Volkswagen for the Indian market.

Courtesy: Volkswagen India