Archive for the ‘Specials’ Category

Silver, Black and White are popular Indian car colors of 2009

White_Tata_NanoSilver, Black and White are three popular choices; Surprisingly the world’s cheapest car doesn’t come in all 3!

Which color is your car wearing? Your answer, I bet should be in the top 5.

1. Silver – 25% percent
2. Black – 23%
3. White – 16%
4. Gray – 13%
5. Blue – 9%
6. Red – 8%
7. Brown/Beige – 4%
8. Green – 1%
9. Yellow/Gold – 1%
10. Others – Less than 1%

White seems to be gather ground in India. At one point, it appeared like white would feature on cars only in history books. Despite religious beliefs, black is found on 23% of cars sold this year. Jazzy colors like Red and yellow/gold are also witnessing a good portion of buyers. This should be credited to the younger buyers who are open to experimenting.

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Entry posted on December 7th, 2009 and filed under Specials

Random Thoughts – Where was I yesterday?

Hyundai_H100I saw a similar test mule yesterday near the Hyundai factory, but I cannot confirm the make or model.

Some of you might be wondering why we have not been posting regularly in the last one week. While Diwali came and went, visitors, friends and relatives filled my home, preventing me from doing anything other than gossiping, bursting crackers and eating junk food. I’ve just come out of the festive mood and to make it easier on myself, I did something no other blogger could think of doing – test mule (prototype) hunting!

While it might sound crazy, I can’t wait to do it one more time. Using help from my sister, I traveled to the Sriperumbudur stretch, which is about 40 km from I live. This stretch has plenty of automotive suppliers. But the important point is Ford and Hyundai produce their cars from plants which are separated by a short distance.

While I was driving towards a suitable spot, I spotted a Tata Ace-like small-sized truck albeit a bulkier cabin and larger loading area but speeding in the opposite direction. I had just one look at it and I got a feeling it was either from Ford or Hyundai. Despite having three cameras on board, I could not manage any images, but the vehicle looked like what you see above. It sported a red number plate with white letters. I don’t know if it is a Hyundai, Ford or a product from some other brand clocking test miles on the road. But it certainly looked like the truck shown above (Hyundai H100).

click through to read more

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Entry posted on October 23rd, 2009 and filed under Specials

IAA Frankfurt 2009 madness begins here…

iaa_2009Here in IAB, updates never stop (except during a break or two here and there). Being true to what we’ve just said, both today and tomorrow, apart from the regular news stories, we will focus on the cars unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show that are relevant to Indian readers.

Due to some last minute goof ups, we were unable to attend the show and bring it to you live from there. Just because we could not make it there doesn’t mean we’re going to rely only on content that is freely available on the internet.

We can’t promise you anything at this point, but we are expecting some exclusive close-up images from where the action is taking place!

We won’t wait till the images come in, we’ll just publish with the company press release and images. As and when the images are shipped to us, we shall post it online for you all to see!

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Entry posted on September 14th, 2009 and filed under Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, Specials

Honda Jazz Origamy edition

Honda_Jazz_origamy

This scaled down version of the Honda Jazz looks crumpled. No, it has got nothing to do with the sheet metal quality.

Look closely – the model is actually made using paper, paint, glue and scissors!

Design by Liem Kou Phing from Indonesia, the website says its is his first paper model design. Imagine how realistic his 100th attempt will be!

The Honda Jazz Origamy edition is truly the most creative and cutest thing ever featured on IAB. It is a shame that there are no high resolution images or clearer pictures of this little creation, but if someone knows how to make it and have decent snaps, you’re work will certainly be featured on our front page.

click through for additional image

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Entry posted on September 12th, 2009 and filed under Specials, honda jazz

Random Thoughts – Beautiful Rain! but only feelings go down drains

Delhi_rain

Usually, rain is associated with fun, love, colorful umbrellas, peacock dancing, hot tea (a cigarette if you’re a smoker) with some snacks sitting next to your loved one in the balcony. Kids make paper boats and youngsters take to their bikes to enjoy a splash of water on their face – these thoughts amazes and stirs one’s soul – and give a nice simper on our faces.

But when it does rain all these thoughts actually goes down the drain. What you see indeed is the opposite of what rain fraternizes in India, all the beauty love & feelings turns into traffic chaos, people abusing and fighting with each other, roads flooded and traffic stranded.

Yesterday Delhi registered 6mm rainfall and see for yourself what’s happening with DTC (world’s largest CNG bus service), 17 buses were stranded in a juncture of just 5 km, which resulted in hours of traffic jams.

Few kids lost their lives just because the water entered the school they studied in, which caused stampede.

Very very sad.

This situation is not limited to Delhi only, that’s the same in length & breath across the nation.

Why won’t the authorities lay proper roads and sort out traffic? Why are they in the list of main culprits every time there’s rain. Why can’t they allow us to purely experience the joy of a post-shower cruise along our favorite road?

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Entry posted on September 11th, 2009 and filed under Specials

Review – Transformers 2 – Revenge of the Fallen

Hello there IAB reader!

The IAB team has taken a short break. We felt it was better to take a slight breather before we overheat.

We got some good news to share as well. Quattro Rodas, one of Brazil’s largest Auto magazines, has featured IAB on the pages of last month’s edition. Our good friend Marcelo Moura even sent us a copy of this greek-and-latin (to me) magazine from Sao Paulo.

This short break has nothing to do with the above paragraph.

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen

Transformers – Revenge of the Fallen review

What I felt as I came out of the room -

I went to the theater today to watch Transformers 2, and it was not fully worth the money. Apart from the two GM concept cars fighting each other out and not amusing anyone, I found the second half of the movie extremely lengthy, boring and sleep inducing. The film just kept rolling endlessly, unaware the characters had lost their charm and grip a long while back.

The best part of the movie –

The first half of this sequel was pretty neat. There was a small portion of comedy and the expectations were built up right from the first few minutes when there is massive fire, explosions and a ruthless invasion by the Decepticons in China. I loved the graphics and effects, which is why you should watch it too. The way in which these lovely cars transform into robots sent adrenaline rushing through my veins. The movie’s glamor quotient is roof-scrapping, thanks to Megan Fox’ glossy lipstick and skimpy clothes.

The last part –

The last part of the movie has been shot in and around the pyramids of Giza, where I spent vacationing in 2004. As I left the theater, a few of those memories crossed my mind, taking my judging off the extra-long climax.

This movie is no where comparable to the first part. I think the climax was its biggest feature. The whole movie was like an aeroplane taking off – it built up steam and by the time it hit the end of the runway, it took off and blasts into the sky. The one today continued to speed along the runway and managed to clear out adjacent land for airport extension.

Why the first movie remains the best –

Part of the reason as to why this one didn’t make it into everyone’ hearts was because there was a truck load of anticipation of how the world would react to an autobot invasion in the first movie. Only Sam, Mikeala and you know there is an invasion which added extra spice to the story. In this one though you don’t have that sensation.

Why should you watch this movie –

If you’re an autobot lover and love watching 3D Animation and graphics, then you should find a theater which is screening this movie at present.

Why was there injustice in this movie –

The Chevrolet Beat (Skids in the movie) should have been given a more meatier character with some unique abilities. Though not the core of the story, the new autobots have been distanced from the limelight they deserved, making them as influential in the storyline as the audience seated around me.

Additional reason to watch this movie –

Of course they’ve thrown in Megan Fox (who does a lot of bending, flexing and running) in there too, if that’s what sails your boat.

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Entry posted on August 29th, 2009 and filed under Specials

The month that answered the wish of the common man

tata_nano_vichare

Wishes of common man answered!

My Envisage

The dream that was vision in 2003 from the glass of the back bench of the ultra luxury car, seeing a family of 4 souring in the rain on the scooter has been realised on 18th July 2009 when Chairman of Tata Motors, Ratan Tata hands over the key of the first “Nano car” or “People’s Car” or “The world’s cheapest car” to Ashok Raghunath Vichare in Mumbai.

That indeed is one of the greatest achievements in Indian automobile Industry and auto Industry across the globe. This engineering marvel depicts a part of a “new breed of 21st-century cars” that embodies “a contrarian philosophy of smaller, lighter, and cheaper” and potentially portrays a new era in inexpensive personal transportation.

“Don’t we owe a salute to Mr. Ratan Tata getting the wishes of common man answered”

Behind the Steering

This weekend while driving my Chevy Optra Magnum Diesel 2.0 LT I was wondering, what is the reason behind this car not having the sale number it deserves?

click on the title to continue reading

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Entry posted on August 2nd, 2009 and filed under Specials

IAB Exclusive – Images from the Hyderabad International Auto Show 2009

Hyderabad International Auto Show 2009 -5

Regular reader of Indian Autos Blog Harsha, had visited the Hyderbad International Auto Show, an annual event organized by Vista entertainments in association with HICC, Hyderabad today morning. He brought back some images and here, he explains the appealing portions of the show.

The show was held at the HICC (Hyderabad international convention centre). A total of twenty two bike and car manufacturers displayed their range and a total of over 100 cars and bikes were brought under one roof.

From electric bikes to Hayabusas, and Altos to Audis, the show thrilled auto enthusiasts here in Hyderabad.

click through for full report and images

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Entry posted on July 18th, 2009 and filed under Specials

IAB Special- Nine new cars we look forward to in 2009

Car manufacturers in India are reeling in the wake of the economic crisis, but none of them intend to give it up anytime soon. Every car maker has its own strategy to deal with poor sales numbers which according to Auto experts continue till the end of this year for many.

Car makers know one thing- You can excite customers and bring them to showrooms only if you have something new to boast of. Listed here are nine glitzy cars that promise to draw the map to car dealerships for customers in India.

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Entry posted on April 15th, 2009 and filed under Specials

Image of the day- 1000th Ferrari in Hong Kong aboard a ship

Image of the day- 1000th Ferrari in Hong Kong aboard a ship

Victoria Harbor played host to a visually spectacular ceremony for the delivery of the 1000th Ferrari to its customer in Hong Kong. Back in the 60’s Ferrari delivered its first car in the country. The model isn’t mentioned, but isn’t every Ferarri special in one way or another?

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Entry posted on March 16th, 2009 and filed under Ferrari, Specials

IAB Special- The Great Debate: FWD or RWD. Which is better?

IAB Special- The Great Debate: FWD or RWD. Which is better?

Last month, GM’s product “Czar” and vice-chairman of global product development Bob Lutz announced that GM is cancelling development of the next generation Zeta large RWD car platform, citing difficult economic and environmental concerns as the reasons.

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Entry posted on February 22nd, 2009 and filed under Specials

IAB Exclusive- Images from 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

IAB Exclusive- Images from 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon

One of my best buddies and a voracious follower of Indian Autos Blog, Anthony Carbone from Madwhips, last night sent me a few exclusive snaps from the Tokyo Auto Salon. All the images he sent me are modified versions of cars familiar to us Indians. Thank you Anthony for giving us some eye candy. We really appreciate this gesture of yours.

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Entry posted on January 22nd, 2009 and filed under Specials, Suzuki, maruti suzuki ritz

IAB Exclusive- A look back at the Chennai International Auto Show in Images

IAB Exclusive- A look back at the Chennai International Auto Show in Images

Over the weekend just gone by, yet another Auto Show took place in our country, this time in the city of Chennai at the Nadambakkam Trade Center. It wasn’t International by any standards, only because a few of the foreign brands like Hyundai and VW had participated, it was named Chennai International Auto Show. The same show organizers were also responsible for the Bangalore Auto Show a few days back.

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Entry posted on January 21st, 2009 and filed under Specials