Some Ford Fusion hybrids have braking issues which will be rectified
If you think hybrids are the future of automobiles, hit your “Brakes” and wait. Over the last few months we witnessed the massive recall of Toyota vehicles in the US and UK to fix faulty accelerator pedals. This is followed by Honda’s recall of its City and Jazz models across many countries to fix faulty electronic windows switches on the driver’s door.
The latest cause of worry is one of Toyota’s best selling cars in the US – the Prius. Toyota has acknowledged a problem with the brakes on the Prius. The hybrid Prius has an advanced regenerative braking system that converts kinetic energy to electrical energy. Apparently, the problem is caused by a glitch in the brake software that has forced the company to issue a massive recall of 270,000 Prius vehicles in US and Japan.
Well, Toyota is not alone. It appears that one of the other best selling hybrid cars might have an problem as well. Ford has launched a “Customer Satisfaction Program” aimed specifically for Ford Fusion Hybrid (sedan, not connected with the Fusion sold in India) customers. Cars manufactured prior to Oct 17, 2009 will receive a free software update to reduce the chances of a brake failure. Ford has not acknowledged a fault with the braking system on the Fusion hybrid, but indicates that the customers might experience a “different brake feel” due to the switch between the electronic and hydraulic brake systems.
“We get a choice of separate products now from our joint venture in China with SAIC, the first part of it is that we shall pick up LCVs from that portfolio, and secondly bring in three varieties of these vehicles to India at Halol.
Our facility at Halol, having manufacturing 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.”
- President and Managing Director of GM India Karl Slym tells The Hindu
The Toyota Etios sedan comes three months ahead of the hatchback
After unveiling the Etios concepts at the Auto Expo in January, Toyota is conducting the ‘Q’ World programme, a two day event where it will display the Etios concepts and the other vehicles it sells in India in 10 cities across India.
Toyota wants to ensure maximum visibility to its products and the new Etios concepts, which it is banking on for multiplying its production volume. According to Autocar India, Etios sedan will come in two variants and will be launched in December 2009 or January 2011. The hatchback model will come three months later.
Mr. Sandeep Singh, deputy MD, Marketing, Toyota Kirloskar Motor -
It could be launched in December 2010 or by early 2011
Toyota will make the Etios in its second plant in Bidadi. The construction of the facility is half way through and initially it will be able to churn out 70,000 cars a year. Production can be ramped up to 200,000 units a month, which Toyota aims to do in the coming years.
click through for Etios hatchback/sedan Image Slideshows
Honda’s small car could take on the Suzuki Swift with a smaller 1.1-liter petrol engine
After an extended period of absence, photoshop freak SRK is back in action. The first of his drawings is this – production model of the recently showcased Honda New Small Concept.
SRK has not taken the trouble to crystallize a new design. He’s given the concept realistic door handles, pasted a new bumper with fog lamps, toned down the lines around the car and colored it using new paint.
What Honda should do, unlike Suzuki did with the A-Star, is borrow as many things possible from the concept. If their small car looks identical to the concept, then Honda will once again have the upper hand in terms of design over Toyota Etios hatchback. Honda should not produce a vehicle that doesn’t share a common vein with vehicles like the Civic and City just because it costs considerably lower.
We’re told Honda could use a 1.1-liter petrol engine on the 2CV (codename). Atypical a Honda, diesel engines could be saved for another day. Honda could target the Suzuki Swift with its sub-5 lakh price tag and the Swift Dzire with a sub 6 lakh price tag.
click through for high resolution image and image slideshow
Entry posted on February 5, 2010 by
Anish;
Read More on Volkswagen
The VW Polo shares underpinnings with Fabia. Will it play havoc in pricing?
VW rolled out the 11,111,111th Polo from its Chakan plant in Pune. The milestone car was launched in the presence of the German President Horst Kohler. Set up in March 2009, the Chakan plant rolled out its first Polo in December 2009.
The Economic Times reported that VW may export the Polo in CKD / CBU versions to East Asian, Gulf and African markets. It would be interesting to learn the differences in the domestic and the export versions should this strategy be adopted.
Also on offer would be accessory kits/sport packages at the dealer level. VW Chief General Manager (Marketing and PR) Lutz Kothe (at the 10th Auto Expo. in Delhi) -
We will be offering cosmetics like safety features, entertainment systems and sports packages in our Polo cars. These features will be available at the dealers end during bookings,
We are eagerly awaiting to understand the definitive pricing for the Polo. There has not been an official statement from VW yet, but going by street talk, we can consider a pricing similar to the Skoda Fabia (if not, a bit more aggressive and a step up over the Swift).
The refreshed Scorpio with an automatic transmission is now in Egypt
Mahindra Scorpio Automatic variant has been launched in Egypt. The Scorpio Automatic utilizes a 6-speed fully automatic gear box and a 2.2 litre mHawk engine.
Mahindra launched Scorpio petrol and diesel versions in Egypt in partnership with the Bavarian Auto Group back in 2008. The Bavarian Auto Group also assembles and distributes other automotive brands in Egypt.
Farid El Tobgui, chairman, Bavarian Auto Group -
With its unique combination of ruggedness, utility and style, the Mahindra Scorpio has acquired a large fan following in Egypt and the Scorpio Automatic will only further enhance the brand equity of this iconic SUV. We are also pleased to extend our association with Mahindra in Egypt where it is a well respected brand name
The Egyptian Mahindra Scorpio will have airbags, ABS, child locks among other safety features. The transmission is permanently sealed and doesn’t require oil top-ups or servicing that can put it in a potentially harmful position.
Tata’s Indica Vista EV (Electric Vehicle) will be available to customers in India in 2011, reports Rediff. Brands like GM and REVA have plans to boost production and market EVs aggressively.
The Indica Vista EV will also be exported to European countries where there is adequate facilities for charging. India’s yet to install a proper facility and we have heard many times in the past that companies are working with the government to make it happen.
India’s not yet seen a proper electric car. The REVA can only seat two adults comfortably and is cramped for tall people. It doesn’t have decent luggage space or features found on petroleum powered automobiles. The Tata Indica Vista or Chevrolet Spark EV with electric powertrain can offer the comfort and convenience that they otherwise offer, and still cost less to run.
The Indica Vista EV was showcased at the Delhi Auto expo last month and will be available at dealer showrooms in 2011. The Tata Indica Vista Electric could cost between Rs 600,000-700,000 bracket, not bad for a large hatchback that costs a fraction to run, is silent but comes with extra torque.
Tata could try handing out a hundred EVs to its Indica Vista diesel/petrol customers on a trial basis. Their feedback could be very valuable as they can point out where exactly the cars lags behind in real world conditions. The company can use this information to make changes to the product or understand where the improvements can be carried out. This is a better process than selling them, receiving feedback, and then making changes.
Some Ford Fusion hybrids have braking issues which will be rectified
