Archive for October, 2009

KTM’s bikes in India through Bajaj – Will it work?

KTM_690_Duke_2008KTM 690 Duke could be the entry level KTM initially and its prices are not known

Bajaj Auto is planning to introduce Austrian bike manufacturer KTM’s range of products in India in the next two months or probably during the Auto Expo.

Bajaj seems to be very active in this budget performance motorcycle segment. By tying up with Kawasaki and introducing the Kawasaki Ninja 250R, it is getting ready to launch KTM bikes in India.

This should be an encouraging sign for other bike makers to enter India and sell performance motorcycles. Enthusiasts as usual will be delighted to sit and feel these motorcycles from their saddles.

KTM is planning to launch its Duke 690 model which will be followed by models like 990 Superduke and 690 Supermoto. These bikes are expected to be displayed at the 2010 Auto Expo. Apart from launching their bikes in India, KTM is also planning to bring their entire range of bike accessories and riding gear in the country. KTM is also planning to organize motorcycle tours in India which will be a boost to the biking culture in our country.

Adrian Sutil qualifies third in a rainy Brazilian GP

Adrian Sutil qualified third in a qualifying session that was marked by persistent rain today at Brazilian Interlagos circuit providing Force India with a another big chance of a podium finish in the dying stages of the 2009 F1 season. Who knows? Sutil could climb the top step of the podium and the Indian national anthem playing in the background.

The session, which lasted for over 2.30 hrs, was stopped briefly during Q2 as the other Force India driver Vitantonio Liuzzi aquaplaned and hit the pitwall during his qualifying lap, ending his chances of seeing the top 10. He will commence his racing tomorrow from 15th place.

On the front row tomorrow will be Rubens Barrichello of Brawn GP and Mark Weber in the Red Bull team.

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Tata Indigo Manza bootIndigo Manza’s boot looks more natural and neater than the Swift Dzire’

Tata Motors launches the next generation all-new Indigo MANZA

Tata Motors today launched its new generation sedan, the Tata Indigo MANZA. Built on its new car platform, the Indigo MANZA succeeds the highly successful Tata Indigo, which became a best-seller in the very first year of its launch in 2003 and has since then sold close to 275,000 nos of the range.

Speaking on the occasion of the launch, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, “The Indigo Manza is a modern, contemporary sedan on a new car platform that has the potential to emerge as a class leader.”

The Indigo MANZA is an altogether new car. A complete new body on a new platform houses an all new interior and makes a bold styling statement. With a length of over 4.4m, a width of 1.7m, and a wheel base of 2,520mm, the sedan has grown in size and thus in interior space. The front wraparound three barreled headlamps– one of the most striking headlamp units on any car in India– add to the linearity while giving the Indigo MANZA a feline aggressive appearance. The large 15” wheels, ensconced in their flared arches, give it a higher and more commanding stance. The chrome inserts on the rub rails and outer door handles add that touch of class. The new rear monolithic angular shaped tail lamps give the profile an unmistakable noticeability for following cars. The trunk has a capacity of 460 litres to meet every need of travel.

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Tata_Manza_safetyWith safety and emission levels meeting international standards, the Manza will be sold overseas

Launched yesterday at the NCPA in Mumbai, the Tata Manza was showcased for the press, most of who had not seen the car in flesh before. The function was presided by Mr Rajeev Dubey, President – Passenger Cars, Tata Motors. Mr Dubey explained the details of the car and a Audio-Visual was shown which was followed by the Q&A session.

Available in 7 colors and 4 variants the Manza would be priced starting at 4.80 lakhs for the petrol and upto 6.75 for the fully loaded Aura+ that runs using the renowned Fiat Multijet Diesel engine.

2 years warranty/75000kms warranty would be standard, while the Indigo CS, XL and the Marina would continue to sell along with the Manza.

Later on an electric variant would also see daylight – this was disclosed by Mr Dubey himself.

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Tata launches Indigo Manza in Mumbai

Tata Indigo Manza has been launched NCPA Auditorium Nariman Point, Mumbai. An embargo, pasted on the press release prevents us from divulging the information immediately. Details and exclusive images will follow at 8:00 P.M IST. Stay tuned

VW_UpVW Up! to be manufactured in India at Chakan, now faced with delays?

We got to know that the Volkswagen Up! mini car will be delayed due to some internal problems in the VW Group. They say that the Up! will now be produced starting March 2011 and only by late 2011 will the cars reach showrooms.

Does this mean Up! production in India will also begin in 2011? What happens to the Up-based Skoda small car then? Is that delayed as well?

The dispute is between Skoda and VW, but additional details were not available.

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PAL trying to get back into the game with Rio?

daihatsu teriosWill a mini SUV get Mahindra and Tata interested to develop their own?

Premier Auto Limited (PAL) is attempting to get back in the game. Those of you who don’t remember this name, Premier Auto Limited (PAL) is the company which gave us the Premier Padmini a few years ago.

The Company plans to make a come back after 9 years with an interesting idea — to produce the Cheapest SUV in India till date.

This is set to be another ‘cheapest’ after the Tata Nano.

A Chinese four-wheeler company Zotye Auto will join hands with PAL in this new project. It is for the first time a Chinese automobile maker has tied up with an Indian company to produce a passenger car.

Zotye Auto is not a well known name. Zotye Auto will supply vehicle kits from China to Premier to be assembled at the Pune facility which has a peak annual capacity of 20,000 units.

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Chevrolet Cruze front fasciaWith such a bold stance, the Cruze is certainly a looker

GM India Introduces Chevrolet Cruze Sedan

Diesel performance, refinement and versatility redefine D- segment

Mumbai – General Motors India today launched the Chevrolet Cruze at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai. The all-new sedan with coupe-like design proportions, comfortable interiors and class leading features will be on sale from today. It will be offered in two variants – LT & LTZ in six exciting colors of manual transmission.

“Chevrolet has become a driving force in India’s vehicle market,” said Mr. P. Balendran, Vice President, GM India. “The Cruze has been receiving rave reviews since its recent debut in some other markets. The auto Journalists in India who had test driven the vehicle for their technical auto magazines and previews on TV channels have rated it as the best in its segment for its unique product attributes. It builds on the reputation of the brand for attractive design, great performance and outstanding fuel economy in the D-segment. We expect it to perform well against established D-segment players”, he further added.

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