HND-7 : Showcase in Delhi Auto Expo

Hyundai will showcase its MPV, the HND-7 on  the opening day of the 11th Auto Expo starting January 5, 2012. This is in concept stage.

The other major attractions at the Auto Expo will be the 3-door Veloster, a utility coupe and the premium sedan Elantra. Showcased in the New Delhi Auto Expo 2008 as concept car the Veloster will be present as a premium crossover utility vehicle. The Veloster is now one of the most successful cars internationally.
The new Elantra for display at the Expo is a sedan with sporty looks, internationally it is available in two engine options in both manual and automatic transmissions.

“We are showcasing some very exciting cars from our international range at the Auto Expo. Hyundai’s international range compares with the best, we are extremely happy to bring these cars to the Expo,” Mr Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing and Sales, HMIL.

India now 6th largest vehicle manufacturer

India has become the sixth largest manufacuturer of vehicles in the world overtaking Brazil.  This was stated by International Organisation of Motor vehicle Manufacturers on the basis of Jan 2011-June 2011 figures of vehicle manufuctured.  It has also predicted that by 2017, India will be the third largest in this area after China and US, overtaking Japan, Germany and Korea.

XUV 5OO price hiked

The super successful SUV from Mahindra XUV5OO, whose bookings are going to be reopened in January 2012, is going to be dearer by up to Rs. 55000 with effect from first of January 2012.  Details are given below (current prices of these versions, ex-showroom Delhi, are given in the bracket)-

W6 - Rs. 30000 (Rs. 1080000)
W8 (2WD) - Rs. 50000 (Rs. 1195000)
W8 (4WD) - Rs. 55000 (Rs. 1416000)

Too much difference of opinion?

Various auto magzines express their opinions on various aspects of cars that they test drive.  While there may be some differences, if these are too wide then I think doubts are created how they do the test drive.  A scrutiny of their views regarding ride quality of Honda Brio revealed that how different was their opinion.  Following are views of various magzines given in their exact words-

1.  Auto Car India

What’s surprising is that it rides quite comfortably – the suspension is quite absorbent and silent at low speeds. The short wheelbase, however, does mean it tends to get a bit choppy over uneven surfaces and the ride isn’t as consistent or flat as that of some rivals.

2.  Zigwheels

Where this little Honda really, really impresses is in the ride and handling department. With its absolutely brilliantly damped suspension, driving over bumps, potholes and undulations is something you would barely notice.  So whether you are taking your family on a relaxing drive through the countryside, or enjoying that occasional B-road blast, the Brio does it all with the utmost of ease.

3.  Overdrive

Ride quality, I'd bet safely, is one of the best in the segment and that is something the typical consumer will appreciate highly.

4.  B S Motoring

The ride setup is rather soft, which is fine when you are generally puttering around town, but not so good once you are out on state highways.

So, while two of them saying it to be very good, the other two have termed it good only on good roads.  How is that?

Car models waiting to be a part of the History

There are some cars which are not in demand in the Indian market but are still being manufactured for some strange reasons best known to their producers.  Following is a list of such cars showing sales much lower when compared to sale of other cars within the same price bracket.  The sales figures of these cars have been compared for the month of November 2010 and for November 2011 (monthly sales) -

1.  Aveo U-VA from Chevy

From 286 in November 2010, this has come down to 74 now for November 2011 inspite of all the discounts (the discounted ex-showroom price starts at Rs. 3.56 lakh)

2.  Ambassador from Hindustan Motors

Once upon a time there was a king and there was a king's car.  This car was called Ambassador (or Amby in short).  This car which used to be the favourite of the officialdom in India is now on the verge of death as now even government establishments are not buying it.  Down from 394 units to 107 units in one year.

3.  Lancer/Cedia from Mitsubishi

Then 29 units, now 29 units.  Nothing has changed for this car.  Condition stable with no chances of revival.

4.  Sonata from Hyundai

Down from 14 to 3.  This big, bulky car has trimmed down the Hyundai itself.

5.  Grand Vitara from Suzuki

4 units in Nov 2010 to 0 unit in Nov 2011.  What an SUV (Suzuki Useless Vehicle) from Suzuki.

6.  Teana from Nissan

19 to 18.  Just one down in a year.  Do something, Nissan.  Bring it to zero.

7.  Prius from Toyota

It was six in Nov 2010, now vanished as zero in Nov 2011.  Seems that people are not ready for this type of vehicles, just that.

8.  Fiat (should I name a particular model)
This company is trying to be there in India.  It has just two models, Punto and Linea as per its site.  Where are 500 and Palio.  Do something urgently, Mr. Fiat.  If your diesel engines can do everything for other companies which have outsourced them, then why not you.
 

Fiat Caffe now in India

Fiat has opened two caffe in India -  New Delhi (at Janpath near Connaught Place) and Pune (Koregaon Park).  Here you can treat yourself the beauti of fiat cars while taking Lavazza coffee.

Third showroom of Rolls Royce in India

The Rolls Royce has appointed its third dealership in India at Hyderabad after Mumbai and Delhi.  The full fledged showroom is likely to by functional by the middle of 2012, thus expanding the Rolls Royce into south-eastern part of the country after its entry in India in 2005.

Ford Ecosport to be launched at the Auto Expo 2012

Ford is all set to showcase its small SUV Ecosport during Auto Expo at New Delhi to be held from 7th Jan to 11th Jan. 2012

Facelifted version of Honda City launched in India

Honda has launched revised version of its sedan City in India today at a price starting from Rs. 6.99 lakh.

This facelifted version has now increased ground clearance of 165 mm besides cruise control, new bumpers, sunroof and turn indicators on OVRMs.  Two more colours pearl red and sparkling brown metallic have been added.  The automatic version starts from Rs. 9.42 lakh.

Overdrive Awards - 2012

Following are the winners of prestigeous Overdrive Awards 2012 hosted by CNBC-TV18 -

Micro/Mini Car Of The Year:          Hyundai Eon

Car of the Year (also Compact Car of The Year):                 Maruti Suzuki Swift

Mid Size car of the Year:                   Hyundai Verna

Executive Car of the Year:                 Volkswagen Jetta

Premium Car of the year                   Audi A6

Bike of the Year (also Compact Bike of the Year):                 Honda CBR250R 

Import Car of the year                       Audi A8 

Import SUV of the year                      Range Rover Evoque

SUV/UV of the year (also Viewer’s Choice Award (4-wheelers))  Mahindra XUV500

New Honda City coming to India on 14th December

The latest version of Honda city is coming to India on 14th December, being launched in New Delhi.  Its specifications are the same as those of its Thai version.

Leaf from Nissan – the rising star

Leaf, a 100 per cent electric car, is the latest Japanese Car of the Year.  Interesting thing is that it is the only electric car in 32 year old history of this award to have won it.  In addition to this award, it has also won European Car of the Year (2011) and World Car of the Year Awards.  In European Award, it beat Alfa Romeo, although very marginally.

Following are technical specifications for this car-

Body: 5-door hatchback

Size:   4450 (length) 1770 (width) 1550 (height) mm. Wheelbase: 2690 mm.

Transmission: Front wheel drive. Automatic clutch. Single gear.

Tyres/wheels: 205/55-16 (6.5 X 16)

Engine: Electric AC syncronous motor.

Power - torque: 80 kW (109 hp) at 2,730-9,800 rpm – 280 Nm at 0-2,730 rpm

Maximum speed – 145 km/h       

0-100 km/h acceleration: – 11.9 s.

Top Ten Cars in India

For the month of November 2011, following are top 10 cars sold in India (all the figures have been rounded off to the nearest 100)-

1.       Alto (both 800cc and 1000cc)        Maruti         24400

2.       Swift (Petrol & Diesel)                   Maruti         17300

3.       Wagon R                                        Maruti         12100

4.       Indica (including Vista)                 Tata             10900

5.       Dezire (Petrol & Diesel)                Maruti          10400

6.       I10                                                  Hyundai       10200

7.       Bolero                                            Mahindra      8000

8.       Eon                                                 Hyundai        7400

9.       I20                                                  Hyundai        7100

10.   Nano                                              Tata               6400

Maruti is still the king of Indian Car industry with 4 positions out of the top 5 being its products.

XUV5OO Bookings likely to be opened next month

According to various sources, the super successful SUV from Mahindra XUV 5OO is all set to be ready for booking in January 2012.  This SUV was launched in September 2011 and within 10 days of its launch, the bookings were enough to keep Mahindra production facility up for the next four months.  So, Mahindra decided to close further bookings. The present waiting list for approx. 8000 bookings is likely to be cleared by next month.

Now Hyundai under threat of strike

Strikes, which caused havoc at Maruti Suzuki, are likely to return again.  This time workers are threaterning to disrupt working of Hyundai.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/workers-threaten-strike-at-hyundais-chennai-plant/articleshow/10919843.cms

Trouble is brewing at Hyundai Motor India Ltd's (HMIL) plant in Chennai with a section of workers threatening to go on strike from on Wednesday demanding reinstatement of 18 sacked colleagues.

Hyundai Motor India Employees Union (HMIEU), which is not recognised by the management, is insisting that the workers, who have not been taken back under a tripartite agreement signed in December last year, must be reinstated.

"What we want is that the dismissed employees must be reinstated. We are planning to strike in front of the plant tomorrow," HMIEU Honorary President A Soundararajan told PTI.

Honda to achieve normal production soon

It seems that Honda which is facing the shortage of various parts due to floods in Thailand is all set to return to normal production very soon, atleast in UK.  Sources in UK honda have said that their factory at Swindon will reach normal production on 19th December with a capacity of 638 cars per day.  This will allow mass production of new Civic.

Very cheap second hand cars - beware

One of our readers noticed an advt for sell of a second hand car at a very tempting price.

http://delhi.quikr.com/2007-SKODA-OCTAVIA-1-9-TDI-RIDER-CLASSIC-BLACK-ONLY-AT-RS-285-000-ONLY-W0QQAdIdZ72768048

He decided to look into it as the offer was very good.  Sent a mail at the given address as the car location was stated to be in Delhi.  The reply from the seller startled him as the car was stated to be located in UK.  The reply is given below-

From: schotil mike <automotive.bvd@hotmail.com
To: xyz
Sent: Tuesday, 22 November 2011 4:32 PM

Hello, The car is in the best condition, has no technical damage, full service history,life time tax paid,comprehesive insurance, my car have India documents and registration. I worked in India for and I've purchased the car to use it there. My company wanted me back home, so currently I'm in England (United Kingdom). The car it's now located in ENGLAND - United Kingdom, Berkshire. I'm trying to sell it at this price because I don`t use it anymore , it`s a pity to keep such a car and not to use it. UK registration tax is too high ,i can not afford to pay it and i need money urgently to pay my House Bank Credit Debts. I tried to sell the car in United Kingdom, but nobody want`s to buy it because of the high registration tax . I list my car on India websites so i can sell it faster. The price is correct and the car can be transported to any location. My car is already at one Transport company from UK. I paid them to take care for my car sale protection. I can deliver the car to any location,but if is posible for you to come here to have an personal meeting it will be better . Please write me back to discuss only if you are interested! Then we can continue the discussion about the car by phone ,if you want . Regards

The prospective purchaser sent another mail to know about the shipping charges and address/contact no. of the seller.  But second reply mentioned none of these as reproduced below-

Please read carefully the transaction terms to understand and be able to decide if we continue or not.
I signed an agreement with an car delivery company ,one of the largest and known in Europe and I paid them all the delivery taxes and the delivery insurance because I am interested to sell my car in good conditions .The car is ready to be delivered to the new owner location . This is the only way that we conclude the deal and my only condition in this transaction to use this company because they will secure this deal for us .
The terms in which we can conclude the deal are the following :
- I need your delivery informations ,means name ,delivery address and phone number in order to contact the company to start the transaction.
- You will receive a notification from the transport company as a confirmation that the car is in their custody and also that the car has been tested and verified by their technicians .
- You will have to make a deposit payment to the transport company Bank Account as a guarantee..
- The transport company will verify the payment after they will receive in their Bank Account and if everything is in order they will start the delivery of the car to your location address.
- After you will receive the car and you will be completely satisfied with it, you will confirm to the transport company your decision. You have 10 days to make a total inspection of the car,test drive and take a decision.
- The transport company will take care for all export paper, work documents and they help you to register the car under your name,because i empowered them by a notary to register the car on my behalf.

I will not receive any payment ,first the payment for the car will go into the Shipping Company Bank Account .
The car delivery period to your location will be between 8 - 10 days .
The transport company will keep to them the car payment in their bank account ,until you receive the car and the documents of the car and also until your testing period ends .You will have an full inspection period of 10 days,I think that is enough for you to verify the car .
In this time you can check, test and inspect the car and all the car documents. If by any reason (the car has any hidden damage or it isn't like i describe it) you can reject the deal. In this case the transport company will refund your deposit back in full and they will ship the car back on my cost. The car was verified by the transport company qualified automotive technician and the car have passed all the test with no problems,so I did not worry for the present car condition .
Warmest greetings !

So, you pay the price of the car without seeing it, testing it!

A search for this e-mail address at google led to more offers like this.  Tempting, really tempting offers.

Swift waiting list to be cleared by April 2012

After resolving its labour problems, Maruti Suzuki has increased the production of its super sucessful hatchback Swift significantly.  With the opening of second production line by the end of December 2011 or January 2012, the monthly production is likely to exceed 20000.  Currently, the production is being done in extended shifts to reduce the waiting time which is likely to be completely wiped out by April 2012.

Micra - Discount continues

The party continues for prospective Micra customers-

Thus, there is a discount of Rs. 50,000 on the ex-showroom price of Rs. 4.10 lakh.  Higher interest rates and higher prices of petrol have some benefits too.

Win Car and Bike

Two prominent auto shows i.e. Overdrive (on CNBC) and Car n Bike Show (on NDTV 24X7, NDTV Profit) are going to award the best car and best bike launched during this year i.e. 2011.  For this, viewers have been invited to give their opinion about the best car/bike.  Viewers may win the car/bike on the basis of this poll.  For more details, log on to the following sites-

1.       cnbcoverdriveawards.moneycontrol.com

2.    ndtv.com/siddharth