Bajaj Discover 100 4G Now With Reduced Price And 4 Gears
On smelling the tough competition that Bajaj Auto is going to get with the arrival of two new entries, Honda Dream Yuga and Suzuki Hayate 110, the company has started playing its cards. Bajaj Auto has launched Bajaj Discover 100 4G, an improvised version of its most popular Discover 100, which has 4 speed gearbox and has come up with a reduction of Rs. 2,000 in its price and is now available at Rs. 42,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The dumping of the fifth gear from the motorcycle is expected to have a positive effect on the sale of the bike and also will give tough competition to the new launches of Honda and Suzuki. Apart from this, there are hardly any changes in the new and the older bikes.
The new Bajaj Discover 100 4G comes in a size of 2040 mm x 760 mm x 1087 mm and weighs 115 kg and has a stylish head lamp cowl with twin pilot lamps along with LED tail lamps. This bike has a 94.38cc 4 stroke, air cooled DTS-si 2.0 engine that provides a peak power of 7.5 bhp at 7500 rpm and a peak torque of 7.85 Nm at 5000 rpm, which makes this bike a better option in the commuter segment and the new 4-speed gearbox will help in increasing the efficiency of the bike even in heavy traffic. The wheels of Bajaj Discover 100 4G comes with a wheelbase of 1305.00 mm and are of size 2.75 x 17, 4PR mm and 3.00 x 17, 6PR mm tyres, where the wheels are made of black alloy.
The bike has a self-electric start and comes with Telescopic and Nitrox suspension for front and rear respectively. The tank can contain 10.30 L of fuel and can attain a top speed of 91 Kmph with a mileage of 70 km/L in city. It will be worth watching that how this step will effect the sale of Bajaj Discover in India but the Indian customers are really going to enthralled with such amazing lineups.
Hindustan Motors Profited Around Rs.18 crore in the Last Quarter of FY2011-12
The Indian auto marque, Hindustan Motors has registered a profit of Rs. 18.01 crore in the last quarter of the fiscal year 2011-12, but this profit also couldn’t do wonders for the company when the whole financial year’s profits were considered. Despite this huge profit, the company recorded a stand-alone loss of Rs. 29.96 crore in the FY 2011-12. The company registered a profit of Rs. 75 lakh in the financial year 2010-11. When the consolidated figures were considered the company recorded a lower year-on-year net loss of Rs. 31.42 crore against Rs. 32.17 crore. The fourth quarter’s profit on sale or transfer of investments and immovable properties was reported to be Rs. 43.14 crore; this figure stood at Rs. 100.56 crore for the entire last fiscal year.
Hindustan Motors has recently rolled out the upgraded version of the Mitsubishi Montero SUV with an attractive price tag of Rs. 7.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) in solid white, cool silver metallic and black mica colors. The new Mitsubishi Montero sports new and muscular front bumper and new chrome grille. The interior flaunt new illumination color and new finish on power windows and leather seats. This new SUV derives power from the 3.2-liter DOHC diesel engine that supports intercooler and turbocharger and generates a max power of 202 PS and max torque of 441 Nm.
Peep-In To Know What Can The Future Model Of MINI Be Like
The BMW-owned British car brand MINI is known for the compact stature and design of its cars but unlike its name, the car brand is planning on keeping its portfolio large. At present this car brand has a total of six models traversing the roads all around the world; the number increase a bit if we consider the special editions, limited editions and John Cooper work models. MINI is working on an all new model which is according to this British marque is very crucial. If we are to believe the speculations and disclosed secrets then this car is the heir of the Cooper and will break covers somewhere by the end of the next year. This design of this speculated New BMW Mini Cooper is expected to exhibit a radical departure from the present versions and is also expected to carry more conventional appeal.
The MINI Zero Concept which is designed by the former designer Sonny Lim of BMW is slightly smaller than the MINI Cooper and slightly longer than the MINI Rocketman which has been cancelled; the zero concept measures 140.6 inches from end to end and breaks away from the present generation Cooper while maintaining the heritage of its nametag. This design philosophy of the Mini Zero Concept reflects sleekness, sophistication and smartness and is sure to retain the premium status while recapturing the roots of classic MINI. The Mini Zero Concept flaunts the oval-plated headlights, traditional Mini grille and on this traditional Mini design philosophy a bit of modern flavor is sprinkled. In addition to the body design the performance and overall driving experience of the Mini Zero Concept has also been given extra attention.
There will be minimal changes in the drivetrain from the MINI of yesteryears and when this will be combined with the smaller body-frame, improved performance and better fuel economy is sure to follow. Of-late, the brand has faced a bit of criticism on account of the so-called unflattering trendy extra models and special editions that are believed to be featuring blithe and neoteric design esthetics that are not suited for the key market of this car. BMW MINI needs a refreshed and uncomplicated approach so that it can regain its lost track and position in the premium car segment and buyer’s garages which it is losing to other big players like Audi and Fiat. It is highly anticipated and hoped that the people in power at BMW and MINI decide to launch something that is even remotely similar to the MINI Zero Concept.
Aston Martin Announces New Dealership in New Delhi
New Delhi: With immediate effect, Aston Martin is officially open for business with a new four-car showroom in up-market South Delhi. In addition to the customer reception area and new car gallery, finished in distinctive Aston Martin Corporate Identity, the facility will also incorporate an approved service centre to cater for the needs of Aston Martin owners throughout the area. The total facility, sales and after sales, measures 13,000 square feet. Aston Martin continues to accelerate its dealership expansion programme in the region, which started with the first showroom in Mumbai in April 2011. Located in the prestigious Mohan Co-Operative industrial area, the showroom is operated by Select Cars which has a strong reputation in the Indian luxury car market.
The opening of the new facility will give customers from across the city an opportunity to experience the British car marque’s 14 model line-up of hand crafted luxury sports cars. The dealership will provide customers with access to selected models from the range including the V12 Vantage, Vantage S (Coupe and / or Roadster), V8 Vantage Coupe, V8 Vantage Roadster, DB9 Coupe, DB9 Volante, DBS Coupe, DBS Volante and the four-door sports car; Rapide. Aston Martin’s Global Sales Director, Andy Gawthorpe, reiterated the company's strong focus on widening its presence across key markets and further supporting its customers with value added service. "It's been a long and thorough process to ensure that we have the right long-term business partner for Aston Martin in the Northern region of India. Select Cars has a proven track record in the automotive industry on many levels with a strong focus on trained staff and customer service and we look forward to starting a successful relationship.”
Mr. Yadur Kapur, Executive Director at Select Cars, highlighted the importance of the partnership. “We are pleased to announce our partnership with the marquee of British luxury sports car brands, Aston Martin. The Aston Martin car is a modern statement of exclusivity, speed and extraordinary style and its legacy and reputation will resonate with our discerning customers who are a paragon of perfection and power in their fields. Our customers yearn for supreme exclusivity and ultra-luxurious customization as offered by Aston Martin. We are sure this iconic brand will provide the Indian audience with an unparalleled driving experience”. Aston Martin is a modern, exclusive sports car brand with a unique heritage instantly recognised around the world. In distinctively fusing the latest technology, time-honoured craftsmanship and graceful styling to produce a range of critically acclaimed performance sports cars, Aston Martin has been elevated to a position as one of the world’s coolest brands.
BMW, Hyundai to Join Forces to Produce new Powertrains?
The Auto world is on the verge to see an interesting JV between the German premium car maker BMW and Hyundai the South Korea's largest passenger car brand. The talks are out on the table but it is still an early to commit anything. Another source stated that the two companies had discussed a "comprehensive alliance," including jointly developing an engine and sharing development costs equally. He said he had no knowledge of whether the talks were still underway. As per word in the market, the two companies are mulling to form a broad ranging pact that encompasses the development of a powertrain whose production bill will be divided equally.
Reports are coming from Germany too that the BMW is exchanging words with Hyundai to helpmate 1-2 billion euros,the whooping production cost of assembling the new engine families. Also Chung Eui-sun, the apparent successor of Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo is said to have a hush-hush meeting with the BMW hot shot managers. Although, officially the company is saying that the reports are baseless rumors. The market evangelist reacting on the ongoing rumors say that this JV will be beneficially to both the companies; BMW can achieve economies of scale whereas the passenger car maker Hyundai gets entrée to the advanced gasoline engine used in the large sized vehicles by BMW.
These days the pressure is built up on auto makers to roll out full efficient, Go-Green vehicles as the regulations are stringing day by day. BMW last year hit the top slot with 11.7% operating cost, closely followed by Hyundai along with its partner Kia Motors who grabbed the second spot with 10.4% functional margin. BMW Chief Executive,poured water on the rumor that BMW would extend its partnerships beyond Peugeot, Toyota, Daimler and possibly GM, should the present talks with the US automaker turn fertile. The apparent ventures that BMW is going to form is with Toyota and General Motors; Along with the American brand, BMW is going to work to produce futuristic machinery like fuel cells and this JV may seek help from the PSA Peugeot Citroen on gasoline powered engines. However with the Japanese auto major the company is going all green, the pact states that BMW will supply diesel engines to Toyota from 2014 in Europe and the duo will join forces for R&D on lithium-ion battery for electric cars. BMW has broadcasted in March that the brand is working on brand new powertrain structural design that will help in improving the performance and mileage figures of three, four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.
Dacia Duster Build Up Starts as the SUV Reaches UK Shores Ahead of Pre-launch
Dacia's UK prelaunch events have taken a leap forward with the arrival of the first batch of the left-hand-drive versions of Duster SUV at the brand's dealership in the country. The discerned clientele of the brand can pre-order the highly acclaimed and award winning Duster on June 28th, when the brand reveals the price range and the artillery of the SUV. The Right hand drive versions are going to arrive at the showrooms across the nation form late Autumn 2012, much before the customer deliveries date are set.
Dacia has planned a nation wide display of Dusters from 28th June, in order to do so the company has already dispatched the first batch of 22 left-hand drive Dusters to the brand's import center in UK on the South Shoreline. The budding customers can get the first taste of Dacia, as well a chance to overview the SUV displayed at Dacia dealers. Apparently the Dusters on display are all left hand drive versions, their right hand counterparts are subjected to arrive later around late autumn. The particulars about how the model is going to be sold via Renault dealerships will be made known in the month of June.
The bursting signing up for the brand's E-Newsletter reflects the enthusiasm people have on the brand, and its continuing to grow on a striking scale. More than 5,500 people habe registered to witness the UK launch of Dacia and its initial offering the Duster SUV Sandero Supermini. Dacia will disclose the UK pricing as well as artillery of Duster SUV lineup on 28th June only. The customers have to pay a deposit of mere £100 and then they configure their ideal versions online, including the bells and the whistles, like a tailor made car for yourself. Customers can drive their car home from January 2013, right after Dacia's lifts the cover off its all new Sandero five-door supermini in UK.
Mahindra Reva’s Resurrection in Jeopardy on Account of Policy Vacuum
The Reva electric car has hit rock bottom with a decline of 50 percent in its sales which is the direct result of lapsing of a sizable subsidy scheme that was offered by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. This subsidy scheme lapsed six months before a new and better policy from the National Council of Electric Mobility was supposed to be rolled out. The subsidy amounted to the cheaper of the two prices - 20% of ex-factory price or Rs. 1,00,000; this had made Reva cheaper by Rs. 75,000 – 93,000. According to the President of Automotive Sector of Mahindra & Mahindra, Mr. Pawan Goenka, the company is taken aback by the withdrawal of this subsidy and expects this setback to continue. Two years ago, Mahindra & Mahindra group acquired the major holding of the Reva electric car. After the subsidy lapse took place on March 31, the current prices of Reva models stand at Rs. 4-4.87 lakh (ex-showroom Bangalore).
M&M had managed to build a promising turnaround for Reva after its acquisition but now with this abrupt vacuum of policy, this turnaround is all exposed to disruptions. This Indian auto giant invested Rs. 100 crore in the electric car venture which increased its share to 64.26 percent from 55.2 percent and since then the distribution network of the Reva electric car has increased 50 outlets from initial 2. The company is also launching a new model Reva NXR and is also planning to set up a new plant that would have a capacity of producing 30,000 cars every year. The sales of Mahindra Reva in fiscal year 2011-12 saw an increment of 35 percent; being a niche vehicle this car manages a sale of around 470 units in one year. The aforementioned new policy from the National Council of Electric Mobility directed at the promotion of the sales of electric vehicles in the country is supposed to be operative from the second quarter of this financial year; this policy unlike the previous subsidy scheme will aid the car-makers as well in addition to the consumers.
The approach followed by the new policy is expected to be bit more holistic. The basic aim of this approach would be to develop electric mobility solutions for India so that the country can get better fuel security and an affordable and eco-friendly transportation system. In the words of the Secretary-General of SIAM, Mr. Vishnu Mathur, this new policy is a complete mission and should not be linked to the scheme that has just been withdrawn. According to Mr. Goenka, the fate and commercial success of Reva NXR will completely depend on this policy which is expected to encourage the sales of electric vehicle in the country.
Volkswagen Intoduces new Lineage 'R-Line' to Passat, Estate in Europe
The pedigree "R" models, from the stables of German auto major Volkswagen already winning the race, now to keep things interesting Volkswagen is going to introduce a new lineage called "R-Line" in the European market to the refreshed version of Volkswagen Passat and Estate. The R-line trims of 2012 Passat sedan and Estate will sit between the mid variant 'Comfortline' and the high-end version 'Highline'. The silhouette of the Passat-R is different story from the customary model, as an all new front bumper has been bestowed upon the car featuring an enormous cooling inlet system and incorporated fog headlamps, side sills are adorned with chrome intonation. The Volkswagen Passat R-Line comes with a new boot spoiler whereas the company has incorporated a roof spoiler in the Estate, both the cars have R-line badging also the rear has been refreshed with the infusion of a black diffuser and chrome tailpipes and trims.
The whole R-Line package is finished with the the 17"/18" Mallory alloy wheels shod in the flat run tires of 235mm, in addition the Estate model gets bejeweled with silver roof rails. The two R-Line models are en suite with the sporty suspension that drops down the drive height by 15 mm. On the interiors, the sedan and the estate will lure you with the sport seat upholstery, silver trim lining adorned on the dashboard and the door panels, a run smooth flat bottom and the multifunction steering wheels that is leather trimmed along with the mirror-like stainless steel pedals and door sill plates. And if you are a 'Comfortline' line or the 'Highline' fans, you can order the optional R-line Design Package being offered with the trims that embraces the front and the rear bumper, rear or roof spoiler and the R-Line badges. The base price for the German Volkswagen Passat R Line is €30,225 whereas the elective R-Line Design Package will only shell out €990 from your pocket.
Maruti Suzuki Ritz crosses the milestone of 2 lakh
Mumbai: Maruti Suzuki’s Ritz car has successfully attained the 2 lakh sales mark in premium hatchback segment within a short span of 36 months of its launch. Ritz like its sibling Swift is one of the fastest models to achieve the 200,000 mark. During the fiscal it is one of the bestsellers in the premium A2 segment. The Company in FY 2011-12 sold over 64,000 units in the domestic market. Maruti Suzuki Ritz has been very popular car in Asian markets. Maruti Suzuki has so far exported over 8000 units to these markets. Some of the popular destinations include South East Asia and other neighboring countries.
On the achievement Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Chief GM (Marketing), Maruti Suzuki said, “We are happy that Ritz has found appreciation for itself among consumers across age groups. Launched in 2009, Ritz has indeed played a wonderful inning so far. It is one of the finest offering in terms of technology powered by the two most successful engines 1.2 litre K-series petrol engine (first on Ritz) and DDiS 1.3 litre diesel engine providing the users with ample driving comfort. Ritz owners also, have always appreciated its driving comfort. In current context too, when market is skewed towards diesel, we expect Ritz to gain more volumes in the future as well.” Maruti Suzuki Ritz has been designed after carefully studying the premium A2 segment and the aspirations of car buyers of this segment. The contemporary styling, best in class features and European Design are contributing factors for its success especially amongst the young couples.
Its superior drive quality, engine performance and driving comfort secure its position as one of the best premium hatchback in the market. True to its motto, Ritz’s primary objective is to drive home in calm and comfort, thus the ergonomically designed interiors with its tall boy design is a clear winner. Ritz’s contemporary looks with best in class fuel efficiency along-with Maruti Suzuki’s reliability makes it one of the most coveted cars in its segment. Ritz is a popular choice amongst the premium hatchback category in the automobile industry with people not only loving to buy it but also follow it on Social Media. Ritz has more than 1 million fans on Facebook and was the 1st Indian Auto brand to achieve the milestone.
Ritz Awards and Milestones:
1. Best Premium Compact Car in Initial Quality by India Initial Quality Study,2009
2. Best Appealing Premium Compact Car by India Appeal Study,2009
3. Premium Hatchback of the year 2010 by Autocar
4. Compact Car of the year 2010 by Auto Bild
5. Car of the year 2010 by BS Motoring
6. India 1st Auto Brand to have more than 1 million fans on Facebook
Playboy Publishes a List of 25 Greatest Cars of All Times
The famous magazine for men, Playboy has recently released a list of cars that the magazine thinks to be the greatest in time. Playboy magazine does regular features on the news and interviews related to motoring and auto world. For the May issue which is now on the newsstand in US, the magazine has exclusively compiled a list of its favorite cars from time immemorial. This magazine is known more for its association with the dames, but this magazine makes an exception in case of cars and since 1964 it has been following a tradition of presenting every year a new car to Playmate. Additionally, every year the December issue of the magazine features a complied annual roundup of its favorite new releases.
The editors Ken Gross and A.J. Baime have done exhaustive research for the compilation of this list of favorite cars of all times. This list includes two-seat sports cars, racing cars, muscle cars and few cars from the bygone era; this list also includes the cars from 1940s which is way before the Playboy magazine was founded in 1953. There were mixed reactions to the list, in the eyes of some auto aficionados the picks are generic and it reflects the personality of the publication while some motoring bloggers were unhappy about the exclusion of Lotus Elan and Playmouth Barracuda, some other auto fans state that the list is neither absolutely right nor absolutely wrong.
Playboy’s list of 25 cars that have been the greatest throughout the ages is as follows:
1. Ferrari GTO
2. Porsche 911
3. Shelby Cobra
4. Jaguar E-Type
5. Mercedes-Benz Gullwing
6. McLaren F1
7. Chevrolet Corvette
8. Aston Martin DB5
9. Lamborghini Miura
10. BMW 507
11. Lamborghini Countach
12. Jaguar XK120
13. Ferrari 275 GTB/4
14. MG TC
15. Ford Shelby Mustang
16. Chevrolet Camaro
17. Ferrari 458 Italia
18. Datsun/Nissan Z
19. Chrysler 300
20. Pontiac GTO
21. Mazda Miata
22. VW Beetle
23. Chevrolet Bel Air
24. BMW 2002
25. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
