Mahindra and Mahindra has launched the new Logan dubbed Verito at Rs 4.85 – 5.77 lakh rupees (ex-showroom Chennai) for the BS4 edition. Mahindra has stated that the Renault platform will not be used beyond Verito and sub-4 meter Verito. There are also no plans to export the Verito.
Mahindra will refresh the Verito and launch along with it the sub-4 meter version in 2012. One can expect to see the new Verito during the Auto Expo.
Coming back to the present, the Verito will be about 15k more expensive that the Logan. The Verito hits showrooms in the coming days. The Ad campaign will be on air in the middle of May.
Sources have told IndianAutosBlog that Mahindra is conducting a launch of a MUV tomorrow at its Kandivali facility. Details are not clear, but we don’t know another MUV in the Mahindra pipeline apart from the Maxximo passenger van.
The mini van is expected to retain all mechanicals, including the 900cc twin-cylinder CRDI engine outputting 18.4KW power and 55Nm of torque, from the Maxximo load-carrier version.
Mahindra has launched the Verito, a rebadged Logan. That essentially sums up this product. The engines and equipment are no different. The car is very much the same old Logan with flat and boxy proportions.
The roof rails and door cladding haven’t helped transform the look. Mahindra is selling a decent number of Logans ever since it slashed prices last year and there’ no real need to transform it either. The Verito will aim to continue that momentum until the sub 4-meter variant arrives, which will appeal to hatchback buyers.
Additions to the Logan which make it the Verito are
* Mahindra Logos
* New fog lamps
* Side cladding
* Roof rails/ski rack
* Rear Chrome appliqué
* New Upholstery
* Addition of new color Twilight Blue
Ex-showroom prices for the BS3 version start at 4.82 lakh (petrol) and 5.62 lakh (diesel) pan India.
Spyshots on Velociti Magazine and details on this month’s Autocar India magazine prompted SRK to jump on to his computer to dish this one out – Skoda’ Rapid sedan based on the Volkswagen Vento.
Since the car is camouflaged bumper-to-bumper we are not in the know of the number of reskinned body panels. Shoeb’ rendering features a Vento with revised front-end based on the VisionD concept, new tail lamp, indicator on the ORVM and Skodaesque alloy wheels.
There’s not much Skoda can change on the Rapid. Under the hood, configurations will remain similar to Vento. The dashboard can see new color, the steering wheel could be lifted from the Laura. Rear AC vent should also make an appearance on the top-end model. Color choices might not see additions.
Similarly there will be no heaven-and-hell difference in prices. Expect the Rapid to retail not less than 10k below Vento prices.
Volvo’ Concept Universe will be the next generation S80′s source of inspiration and not materialize into an upmarket sedan as we reported before. Before moving on to the high-end of the luxury market, the company will work to consolidate the segments it competes in, its CEO Stefan Jacoby was recorded saying to AutoMotive News.
Stefan Jacoby, Volvo Cars CEO on a BMW 7 Series/Mercedes S-Class competitor -
It is not in our midterm or long-term strategy right now. That has been decided. It is too early to enter the S-class-size market. We are concentrating with our new products on our core segments.
Last year, immediately after Zhejiang Geely Holding Group purchased Volvo for $1.7 billion, Geely Chairman Li Shufu hinted to reporters that an upscale move was going to happen to take on German competitors Audi, Mercedes and BMW. After Jacoby’ statement from China, Volvo is understood to have backed off from that plan.
Volvo and Geely will not share showroom space, its CEO said at Auto Shanghai. Both companies will work together on battery-operated cars and leveraging Volvo’ research on safety to make Geely vehicles safer, but at the front-end, both companies will remain independent.
Volvo is reported to be developing a compact crossover that could be sold as the XC30 and positioned below the S60. Volvo India would love to get their hands on such a product as Audi and BMW are licking their lips with the Q3 and X1.
During the ongoing IPL cricket games, Hyundai is airing commercials teasing the new Verna. Hyundai’ new Verna will be launched on the 11th of next month. The vehicle will come in ten different variants, four engine options including manual and a four-speed automatic transmission.
Hyundai has discontinued the current Verna barely nine months after it underwent a minor cosmetic upgrade. Many customers who bought the new Verna feel cheated, as not often does a manufacturer pull out a product in less than a year after its launch.
Italian supercar manufacturer Ferrari is banking its hopes on India, China and Latin America to realize its annual volume target of 8,000 cars, AutoNews reports.
Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari’ CEO -
A lot depends on India, Latin America and China. There is growth potential there
China is predicted to be Ferrari’ third largest market by the end of 2011 with sales projection of 500 cars, up from 300 last year. Ferrari has tied up with Shreyan’ group here in India to distribute the complete portfolio.
Shreyans will have two dealerships in India – one in Mumbai and another in Delhi. 24 cars were allocated to India in 2011 out of which 14 were taken by the end of March. If Ferrari cannot sustain the high levels of growth in China and Japan, it will look at markets like India and Latin America to reach its annual targets.
