Tata Motors Sales Rise 21% in October 2010

Tata Motors’ total sales (including exports) of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles in October 2010 were 64,757 vehicles, a growth of 21% over 53,404 vehicles sold in October 2009. The company’s domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for October 2010 were 58,807 nos., a 16% growth over 50,552 nos. sold in October last year.

Cumulative sales (including exports) for the company for the fiscal are 444,870 nos., a growth of 50% over 296,354 nos. sold last year.

Commercial Vehicles

The company’s sales of commercial vehicles in October 2010 in the domestic market were 34,329 nos., a 12% growth compared to 30,541 vehicles sold in October last year. LCV sales were 20,689 nos., a growth of 11% over October last year. M&HCV sales stood at 13,640 nos., a growth of 14% over October last year.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal are 238,571 nos., a growth of 48% over last year. Cumulative LCV sales are 136,031 nos., a growth of 36% over last year, while M&HCV sales stood at 102,540 nos., a growth of 67% over last year.

Passenger Vehicles

The passenger vehicles business reported a total sale and distribution offtake of 26,503 nos. (24,478 Tata + 2,025 Fiat) in the domestic market in October 2010, a 19% increase compared to 22,232 nos. (20,011 Tata + 2,221 Fiat) in October last year. Sales of Tata passenger vehicles are 24,478 nos., a growth of 22% over October 2009. Sales of the Tata Nano were 3,065 nos., higher by 2% over October last year. The Indica range sales were 9,732 nos., higher by 1% over October last year. The Indigo range recorded sales of 8,292 nos., a growth of 69% over October last year. The Sumo/ Safari/ Aria range accounted for sales of 3,389 nos., higher by 38% over October last year.

Jaguar Land Rover sales continued their upward trend.

Courtesy: Tata Motors India

TVS Motor Posts 48% Growth in October 2010

Robust demand for its products across all segments of the two and three wheeler industries has enabled TVS Motor Company to post a total sales growth of 48% in October 2010. The company registered total sales of 195,271 units in October 2010 against 131,941 units in October 2009. Cumulative total sales for the period April to October 2010 therefore stood at 1,184,065 units.

Two Wheeler

During the month, total two wheeler sales of the company grew by 46% with sales of 191,822 units against 131,029 units registered in October 2009.

Cumulative two wheeler sales for the period April to October 2010 increased 34% with sales of 1,162,861 units over 868,509 units in April to October 2009.

Domestic sales of the company grew significantly by 45% with sales growing from 118,563 units in October 2009 to of 173,771 units in October 2010.

Scooter sales led the growth quotient with a substantial increase of 58% from 28,301 units in October 2009 to 44,659 units in the current month. Motorcycles sales too grew by an impressive 49% with sales increasing from 56,465 units in October 2009 to 84,233 units in October 2010.

Exports registered a growth of 45% with sales increasing from 12,466 units in October 2009 to 18,051 units in October 2010.

Three Wheeler

The company sold 3,449 units of three wheelers in October 2010 against 912 units in the comparable period of the previous year. Cumulative three wheeler sales for the period April '10 to October '10 stood at 21,204 units, a growth of 232% over the same period of the previous year.

Robust demand for its products across all segments of the two and three wheeler industries has enabled TVS Motor Company to post a total sales growth of 48% in October 2010. The company registered total sales of 195,271 units in October 2010 against 131,941 units in October 2009. Cumulative total sales for the period April to October 2010 therefore stood at 1,184,065 units.

Two Wheeler

During the month, total two wheeler sales of the company grew by 46% with sales of 191,822 units against 131,029 units registered in October 2009.

Cumulative two wheeler sales for the period April to October 2010 increased 34% with sales of 1,162,861 units over 868,509 units in April to October 2009.

Domestic sales of the company grew significantly by 45% with sales growing from 118,563 units in October 2009 to of 173,771 units in October 2010.

Scooter sales led the growth quotient with a substantial increase of 58% from 28,301 units in October 2009 to 44,659 units in the current month. Motorcycles sales too grew by an impressive 49% with sales increasing from 56,465 units in October 2009 to 84,233 units in October 2010.

Exports registered a growth of 45% with sales increasing from 12,466 units in October 2009 to 18,051 units in October 2010.

Three Wheeler

The company sold 3,449 units of three wheelers in October 2010 against 912 units in the comparable period of the previous year. Cumulative three wheeler sales for the period April '10 to October '10 stood at 21,204 units, a growth of 232% over the same period of the previous year.

Courtesy: TVS Motor Company

General Motors India October Sales Up 36%

General Motors India has registered an impressive growth of 36% in sales in October 2010, compared to the corresponding period last year. It sold 10051 units in October 2010 against 7413 units in October 2009.

The October 2010 sales comprised 3251 units of the Chevrolet Spark, 3021 units of Chevrolet Beat, 1594 units of the Chevrolet Tavera, 957 units of the Chevrolet Cruze, 405 Units of Chevrolet Aveo, 328 units of Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, 333 units of Chevrolet Optra and 162 units of the Chevrolet Captiva.

The increase in the sales was primarily driven by the response to Chevrolet Cruze, Beat and Spark. Chevrolet Cruze and Beat have become the industry benchmarks in their respective segments and a winner among consumers in India, with their best-in-class design, performance and other product attributes. Chevrolet Spark continues to register impressive sales, clearly validating it as the one of the most sought after car in its segment in terms of styling, performance and fuel efficiency offering a value for money proposition. Other car lines have also registered impressive growth during the month.

Commenting on the performance, Mr. P. Balendran, Vice President, GM India said, “We are excited by the continued overwhelming response to Chevrolet Cruze, Beat and Spark. Introduction of best-in-segment cars from the 300 series, increase in customer outreach through distribution network, our unique value proposition like Chevrolet Cashless Ownership offer and our promise to deliver quality and performance are the factors that have led to the impressive sales.”

Chevrolet will complete 100 years of its successful operations globally, next year. With a wide array of products and services, Chevrolet has brought unmatched product quality and unparalleled performance to the customers around the world. Inspirational designs, superior technology and innovative programs have made Chevrolet one of the most-loved and sought after brand worldwide.

Courtesy: General Motors India

Mahindra Auto Sales October 2010

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), a part of the US $7.1 billion Mahindra Group, today announced a 34% growth in its auto sales numbers for the month of October 2010 which stood at 34,495 units as against 25,670 units during October 2009.

The company’s domestic sales stand at 32491 units during October 2010, as against 24538 units during October 2009, an increase of 32%. Auto division exports have grown by 127% during the same period.

The Passenger UV segment has also registered a growth of 21%, having sold 15908 units in October 2010, as against 13114 units during October 2009.

Mahindra embarked on its journey in 1945 by assembling the Willys Jeep in India and is now a US $7.1 billion Indian multinational. It employs over 1,00,000 people across the globe and enjoys a leadership position in utility vehicles, tractors and information technology, with a significant and growing presence in financial services, tourism, infrastructure development, trade and logistics. The Mahindra Group today is an embodiment of global excellence and enjoys a strong corporate brand image.

Courtesy: The Mahindra Group

Hyundai Motor India Signs MoU with Oriental Bank of Commerce

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter of the country, and Oriental Bank of Commerce, a leading public sector bank, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at providing easy finance options for their respective customers.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing & Sales, HMIL and Mr. S.C. Das, Deputy General Manager- Marketing, Oriental Bank of Commerce on behalf of their respective organisations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arvind Saxena, Director, Marketing and Sales, HMIL, said, “We are pleased to announce this partnership with the Oriental Bank of Commerce, one of the prominent and leading banks in India. This association will help us to reach out to more customers with easy finance options to buy our cars. This association reiterates our commitment to provide our customers with a convenient finance option for buying our vehicles.”

As part of the agreement, both HMIL dealers and the bank will utilise their respective customer databases for growing their car loan business. The tie-up is extended to cover financing options by all the branches of the bank in India. Both the partners will utilize and leverage each other’s strengths to sell Hyundai vehicles along with the bank’s car loans and schemes.

The Oriental Bank of Commerce is one of the oldest banks in India with 1,573 branches and extension counters, 1,038 ATMs and more than 15,000 employees. The bank offers a host of services including cash management service, retail lending, internet banking and mobile banking.

Courtesy: Hyundai Motor India Limited

Tata Nano Price Increased; Effective from November 1 2010

Tata Motors is taking a minor price increase on the Tata Nano, effective from November 1, 2010, to partially neutralise the steep increase in input costs in the last two years. The average increase is about Rs.9000/- (ex-showrooms), with prices varying from city to city and model to model.

As of now, Tata Motors has announced open sales of the Tata Nano in the states of Kerala (since August 2010) and Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal (since October 2010). The company has tied up with 39 Banks, NBFC, Cooperative and Gramin Banks to offer customers with loans for purchasing the Tata Nano at attractive rates of interest. More such arrangements are in process. As a result of these tie-ups, the Tata Nano can be owned at an EMI of less than Rs. 3000/-.

Source: Tata Motors India

Honda CBR250R: New Road Sports Bike in Asia Coming Soon

Honda will produce the new Honda CBR250R road sports model in Thailand and launch sales in November. This Honda CBR250R will have the largest engine displacement of any vehicle produced by Thai Honda Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Thai Honda), Honda’s motorcycle production company in Thailand, and will be its first full-fledged road sports model. Following in the footsteps of last year’s PCX 125cc scooter produced and sold by Thai Honda, the CBR250R will be launched as a global model for export to a wide range of countries such as the ASEAN countries, Japan, Europe, North America, and Australia. In Japan, the CBR250R is scheduled to begin sales in the spring of 2011.

R&D for the Honda CBR250R was advanced in both Japan and Thailand starting with the development phase. To satisfy a wide variety of customer tastes from around the world, Honda set up the phrase the “Sport Quarter for One World, CBR250R” as the development concept with the aim in mind of creating a model that allows riders of all kinds, from beginners to experienced riders, to feel the fun of maneuvering a motorcycle.

Thai Honda, the production base for this model, began motorcycle production in 1967 and first started to export to Japan in 1988 with the Cub 100EX. It has produced over 18 million motorcycles to date (as of the end of June 2010) and has exported motorcycles to numerous regions such as Europe as well as its natural base in Asia. Using production engineering and know-how contributed by Kumamoto Factory, the lead plant for motorcycle production, Thai Honda is striving further to enhance its structure for the supply of high-quality products.

Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (Pvt.) Ltd. will also start production of the Honda CBR250R next spring and extend sales from India to South America. Honda will also offer the CBR250R at a more affordable price in the diversified Indian motorcycle market by effectively carrying out global procurement of parts and materials in the same way as Thai Honda.

The CBR250R is equipped with a newly-developed liquid-cooled 250cc 4-stroke 4-valve single-cylinder DOHC engine that is easy to handle. High environmental performance that meets Euro 3 emission standards and Thailand's sixth emission standards was realized by adopting an electronically controlled fuel injection system (PGM-FI) as well as an O2 sensor and taking advantage of the combined effect with a catalyzer fitted inside the exhaust pipe.

The full-cowl body presents a highly advanced design full of functional beauty. The light and compact frame, made of a highly-rigid diamond shape in a truss structure, offers agile handling and steady maneuverability as a sports model, while the cowl design enables optimal control of the wind toward the engine or the rider.

In the area of safety technology, the CBR250R's specifications incorporate Combined ABS, a world first for a 250cc-class road sports model into a designated type. The Combined ABS makes vehicle movements more stable during braking by bringing together a Combined Brake System (CBS, a front- and rear-wheel interlocking braking system) and an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS, a braking system that prevents wheel lock during sudden braking or under unfavorable conditions).

Source: Honda Motor Co., Ltd

Maruti Ritz Crosses 1 Lakh Sales Mark

Maruti Suzuki Ritz, which had created history by achieving the fastest ever 50,000 sales, added yet another feather in its cap by clocking the fastest ever sales of 100,000 units today in A-2 premium segment. The car which was launched in May 2009 has received an incredible response from the very first day of its launch.

At its launch, the Ritz not only created a flutter in the competitive 'A-2 premium' segment, it was immediately hot-listed by the media and industry. Many accolades followed (please see box for details), and the super-car won the Car-of-the-Year in India and abroad, for its path-breaking looks and styling, superior safety features and its ability to balance a dynamic driving experience with a comfortable ride, bold styling and excellent road handling. Ritz delivers superb fuel efficiency of 17.7 kmpl in petrol and 21.1 kmpl in diesel.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales), said, “We are overwhelmed by the terrific response given by our customers to the Maruti Suzuki Ritz. The Ritz was targeted at our discerning customers who, while valuing the traditional Maruti Suzuki attributes of fuel efficiency, reliability and performance, also desired contemporary looks and attitude in the vehicle. The fastest 1 lakh sales mark is customers’ endorsement to all these attributes Ritz stands for.”

The Ritz, developed on the successful Swift platform and positioned at the premium-end of the compact car market, has been specifically designed for India. Maruti Suzuki engineers worked with the Suzuki design team in Japan to co-design the car and carry out India-specific changes such as superior transmission, improved suspension and better ground clearance.

The Ritz was also India’s 1st BS IV complaint car to be launched in the passenger car segment.

The Ritz is available in two power train options: 1.2-litre, four-cylinder K Series petrol engine with maximum power of 85 PS and the highly successful 1.3-litre, DDiS diesel unit that delivers a maximum power of 75 PS. The Ritz comes with Drive-by-wire technology in both petrol and diesel variants. This along with the 32-bit Engine Management System provides faster signal processing and quick response.

"The Ritz reaffirms our commitment to offer world class products to the Indian market. Since a majority of our customers are young who would prefer nothing but the very best in technology and styling, we would continue to feed the market with world class products” added Pareek.

Maruti Suzuki has also started exporting Ritz to Indonesia.

Source: Maruti Suzuki India

BMW Navigation Professional to Feature on BMW 7 Series Car Models

BMW India will launch BMW Navigation Professional as standard feature on all BMW 7 Series models from 01 November 2010. BMW Navigation Professional is a comprehensive solution with all on board systems. BMW Navigation Professional operates through the on board iDrive control with integrated Global Positioning System (GPS) and a full-colour 10.2-inch high-resolution display, instrument cluster and rear-seat navigation control.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “BMW was the first manufacturer in Europe to launch an integrated navigation system for a series vehicle in 1994 which formed one of the foundation stones for innovative systems to network vehicles with their surrounding environment. The BMW Navigation Professional continues to set the benchmark in the luxury car segment in India by offering integrated navigation system as a standard feature”.

Currently the BMW Navigation Professional is being introduced in the flagship model the BMW 7 Series and subsequently will be offered in other BMW models.

BMW Navigation Professional is extremely is easy to operate and guides you quickly to your desired destination. The destination can be conveniently entered in the BMW Navigation Professional using the iDrive or voice control, available as an option. A variety of entry formats for destination entry are available that include PIN (Postal Identification Number) intuitive spelling entry and previous destinations.

The current location of the vehicle is established automatically by the BMW Navigation Professional with the help of the Global Positioning System (GPS). BMW Navigation Professional calculates the best route and guides you step by step to your destination. A digital map of the area can be viewed with a zoom function on the high-resolution display. Instructions are given visually as easy-to-follow arrows and/or as clear verbal instructions over the sound system.

BMW India dealership locations and contact details are also mapped in the BMW Navigation Professional to provide easy access for aftersales and service across all locations in India.

BMW India has engaged the services of CE Info Systems Private Limited, a leading provider of digital map data and consumer navigation services which provides GPS based enterprise solutions under the brand MapmyIndia. Map updates will be available at BMW India dealerships twice a year keeping the data current and more comprehensive with enhanced navigable attributes like one-way, turn restrictions etc. and more number of cities at a detailed level.

Standard Features in BMW Navigation Professional include Fixed, full-colour 10.2" display with1280x480 pixel resolution, Intuitive operation with BMW iDrive controller with direct-selection buttons, Extended 9.2" info display in the instrument cluster, Hard-disc supported system including 12 GB memory, BMW Radio Professional with tuner, Anti-dazzle monitor with split-screen function (navigation system/on-board computer), GPS assisted orientation, North-up, Perspective and of Direction destination mapping options. Optional Features available are Voice control for navigation functions, TV Function and Head-up display.

Source: BMW India

New Hero Honda Hunk Price @ Rs. 59990 Launched in India

Close on the heels of three new launches in recent weeks, Hero Honda Motors Ltd., the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer, launched yet another bike leading into the festive season. The newly refreshed Hero Honda Hunk 150cc will include exciting new features which would add to both the ride experience as also muscularity of the product. Hero Honda recently launched the New Super Splendor, Splendor Pro and a Commonwealth Games Limited Edition bike. The introduction of the New Hunk takes the company's new launches for the festive season to four bikes now.

Commenting on the launch, Anil Dua, Sr. Vice-President (Marketing & Sales), Hero Honda Motors Ltd said, "We are excited to introduce a new version of the successful and popular Hunk. The New Hunk is sportier, sturdier and comes with additional features. I am sure, with its dashing appearance and great riding experience, it will be now even more appealing to youngsters."

"Hero Honda's strategy of constantly upgrading its product range has been instrumental in driving our growth. The new Hunk is another step in this direction and the launch will be supported by a 360 degrees marketing programme."

Beyond its exciting appearance, the irresistible Hunk now comes with Analog & Digital Combo Console, Red Hot LED Tail Lamp, Front & Rear Disc Brakes, Tubeless Tyres, Muscular Front Fender and New Style Visor. With all these loaded in, the rider is sure to have an enhanced riding experience.

The new Hunk will be supported by a high visibility campaign highlighting "the all-muscle Hunk" to further enhance the macho and muscular image of the bike. In a segment where customers seek styling, performance and added features, the all new Hunk will provide a perfect blend of great features and comfortable ride even in extreme road conditions.

The Hunk features an Air Cooled, 4 - Stroke Single Cylinder OHC engine, delivering raw power of 14.2 BHP @ 8500 RPM and a torque of 12.80 N-m even at a low RPM of 6500 with unmatched super acceleration of 0-60 Kmph in flat 5 seconds. The Advanced Tumble Flow Induction Technology (ATFT) engine delivers the best balance of Fuel efficiency and Power and an advanced Microprocessor Ignition System with Multi Mapping Digital CDI enhances quicker throttle response.

Priced at Rs. 59,990/- (cast/disc/self, ex-showroom Delhi), the New Hunk is being made available at all Hero Honda dealerships across the country. Hero Honda continues to strengthen its growth in the premium segment (150 cc+) with its range of five models now - Hunk, Achiever, CBZ Xtreme, Karizma and ZMR.

Source: Hero Honda

New Hero Honda Hunk Price at Rs. 59,990/- (cast/disc/self, ex-showroom Delhi)

New Bugatti Veyron Fastest Car Launched in India; Price @ Rs. 16 Crore

Exclusive Motors Private Limited unveiled Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport, the fastest, most powerful and most expensive street-legal full production car in the world, at the Exclusive Motors Showroom in New Delhi. The Bugatti Veyron debuts in India with its 16.4 Grand Sport. The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport combines state-of-the-art technology and the beauty of a convertible.

Grand Sport's engine, drive, and brakes all deliver superlatives in performance, acceleration, and deceleration. The choice of materials is another indicator of Bugatti's discerning standards: titanium, carbon fibre, magnesium, aluminium – each component is made of the material with the lowest weight and the highest level of functionality. This is also true for the chassis safety features. The Grand Sport's bodystucture consists of a carbon fibre monocoque suspended from an aluminium frame in the front and a carbon fibre/stainless steel frame in the rear. In assembly, too, perfection is the guiding principle: the Grand Sport is manufactured lovingly and meticulously by hand and is a statement of art. This guarantees that precise care is given even to the tiniest details.

Speaking on the occasion, Satya Bagla, Managing Director, Exclusive Motors said "We are pleased to launch Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport in India; the car is a modern statement of ultra luxury, speed and extraordinary style. We have introduced this car in the Indian market for the super premium luxury and sports car aficionados. We are thrilled with the launch of the Bugatti and are confident that the car will receive an overwhelming response from the customers of luxury. The model is a pure evidence of the brand's technological expertise. This hand crafted car is sure to provide the Indian audience with an unparalleled driving experience".

Present at the launch Julius Kruta, Head of Tradition, Bugatti Automobiles SAS said, "Indians have always been great car enthusiasts, they know a lot about cars, so we are sure that they will appreciate the uniqueness of this car." India is furthermore a growing market for luxury and hence it was a conscious decision for us to launch Bugatti here. Our association with Exclusive Motors has been really rewarding and goes back a long way with as they are the Exclusive dealers for Bentley and Lamborghini in India, they were an obvious choice of partners considering their industry expertise. India is the hub of luxury, the country of the erstwhile Maharaja's, who were the true patrons of bespoke luxury. We have, in the past received a heartening response from our valued customers and I think the launch of the Bugatti in India will truly delight our discerning audience".

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand sport is an optimum combination of rigidity and lightweight engineering. The B-pillars have been cross-stiffened using a carbon fibre support, and a central carbon plate has been positioned beneath the transmission tunnel to ensure the vehicle suffers from less torsional flexing than any other roadster. The model has been modified and the special feature added to this Bugatti is the removable roof. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 grand sport can reach the top speed of 407 km/h and speed of 360 km/h with the roof off. In case it rains, an innovative folding roof stored in the luggage compartment can be opened up like an umbrella at any time. When this folding roof is in place, the car can travel at up to 130 km/h.

The doors of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport are made of carbon fibre, and house an integrated longitudinal beam. In the event of an accident, this transfers the load from the A to the B-pillar, thereby dissipating impact energy. Furthermore, the two redesigned air intakes for the 16-cylinder mid-engine now feature 10-centimetre wide carbon-fibre elements to offer protection in the event of a roll.

Along with moisture-resistant, backstitched leather, a range of new equipment features has been added to the interior of Bugatti Veyron 16.4 grand sport, including a reversing camera with 2.7-inch monitor integrated in the rear-view-mirror and the "Puccini" sound system with digital signal processor. Assembled by hand, at the company's headquarters in Molsheim, Alsace, it will be limited to maximum 150 units; with the first 40 of these have gone exclusively to registered Bugatti customers.

Source: Exclusive Motors Private Limited

Bugatti Veyron Price in India: Rs. 16 Crore (ex-showroom Delhi)

BMW Motorcycle sales Starts in India by December 2010

BMW Motorrad starts its sales activities on the Indian motorcycle market with two official importers as of December 2010. With "Deutsche Motoren" in Delhi in the north of India and "Navnit Motors" in Mumbai on the west coast and Bangalore in the southern part of the country, BMW Motorrad is relying on two experienced BMW Group partners. With these three sales outlets the German motorcycle manufacturer is represented in the strategically important regions.

Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad: "The BMW Group has already established itself very successfully in India with a local BMW automobile production and a sales network for BMW Group automobiles. Now the market for premium motorcycles is beginning to develop, too. The sales activities now commencing with our two experienced BMW Group partners are of long-term significance to BMW Motorrad. We are confident our motorcycles will swiftly become established in timely preparation for the growing market."

As the most innovative manufacturer of large-volume premium motorcycles in the segments enduro, touring, sports touring and sports, BMW Motorrad is opening a new chapter in its successful market strategy by starting sales activities in India. The motorcycles will be produced at the BMW Motorrad plant in Berlin and supplied to India as CBU (completely built up) units.

BMW Motorrad will initially offer the current models of the R and K series as well as the superbike S 1000 RR, i.e. premium vehicles in each of the relevant categories. The BMW motorcycles of the R series such as the legendary enduro bike BMW R 1200 GS enthuse customers with their unique and distinctive boxer engine in particular.

The BMW K models are regarded as the benchmark in the segment of large-volume 4-cylinder motorcycles due to their technological innovations and superior engine output. Both series also offer the very finest quality in chassis technology and an exemplary standard of safety with the BMW Motorrad ABS. The S 1000 RR, BMWs first superbike, became the most admired sports bike of its class in the motorcycle season 2010.

Source: BMW

Bajaj Pulsar Now in New Metallic Orange Colour

Bajaj Auto introduced a new Metallic Orange colour for Bajaj Pulsar Range of Bikes. Currently Bajaj Pulsar bikes are available in four colours -silver, black, red and blue. New Metallic Orange colour for Bajaj Pulsar Bikes is because of Diwali festival ahead.

"Pulsar has proven its performance both on the road and on the sales charts as well as. It is by far the leading sports machine in India with a consistent 50 per cent market share beating its Indian and Japanese competitors by a wide margin. To add more zest to the Pulsar, we have introduced a new two tone orange color that is definitely going to make heads turn. The color is specifically for the young Pulsar lovers and shows a good spectrum from a fresh yellowish orange in the sunlight to a deep, reddish orange in the shade adds a fresh new perspective to the bike," said S Sridhar, president of Motorcycle Business, Bajaj Auto Ltd.

The new Metallic Orange colour is available on the following Bajaj Pulsar models:

Bajaj Pulsar 180

Bajaj Pulsar 220

Bajaj Pulsar 220F

Yamaha FZ Series Bikes Midnight Special Limited Edition Bikes Launched by Yamaha Bikes

Riding on the grand success of its muscular and hottest-looking bikes of the Yamaha FZ Series – Yamaha FZ, Yamaha FZ-S and Yamaha Fazer, India Yamaha Motor has announced the launch of Yamaha FZ Series Limited Edition bikes under the Midnight Special version. Since the launch of Yamaha FZ series in 2008, these bikes have gained immense popularity amongst youngsters.

The new Yamaha FZ limited edition variants sport rich and smart graphics with the signature Yamaha looks making sure that the customer feels the pride of ownership. As the version name ‘Midnight Special’ suggests, the bikes will be available in an all black color concept with golden alloy wheel highlighting the exclusive looks of the machines. Yamaha will produce only 1,000 units of each of FZ, FZ-S & Fazer models and the aluminum plate on the fuel tank will bear the vehicle serial number (1-1000) to make the bike look as exclusive as the customer himself.

The limited edition Yamaha Fazer will also carry the signature of the Yamaha brand ambassador of India John Abraham crafted in golden letters on the front cowl of the bike.

Speaking on the Yamaha FZ Series Limited Edition bikes launch, Mr. Pankaj Dubey, National Business Head, India Yamaha Motor said, “Keeping in mind the festive season, we are launching Limited Edition FZ Series bikes and are confident that these too will be an instant hit among the biking enthusiasts. We have kept the essence of FZ series bikes intact while altering the aesthetics to exemplify the masculine feeling these tough machines are known for. The rich & sporty graphics will take the macho image to its next level.”

Yamaha FZ series bikes are designed & engineered with the potential for active and even aggressive enjoyment of around-town street-riding and styling that brings pride of ownership. The strategically use of the sporty graphics and vibrancy of colors on these bikes have been done keeping in mind the end user and is customized exclusively to cater to his needs. The target demographic is 18-25 year old male who is brand conscious, stylish & confident and has an active mindset & inclination towards good things in life.

New Yamaha FZ Series Bikes Price:

The limited edition Fazer, FZ-S & FZ16 models will be available at ex-showroom prices (Delhi) of Rs. 74,500 /-, Rs. 69,500/- and Rs. 67,500 /- respectively.

Source: India Yamaha Motor

Skoda Rolls Out 25000th Skoda Fabia in India

SkodaAuto India, a fully owned subsidiary of SkodaAuto a.s., Czech Republic and one of the most promising automobile companies in India, today rolled out the 25000th Fabia ever built in India from Volkswagen Group’s facility located at Chakan, Pune. The event was even more significant with the presence of Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of Board of Directors of SkodaAuto a.s. and the new Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India & President and Managing Director Volkswagen India Pvt. Ltd, Dr. Frank Loeschmann. In his first visit to India as the new Chairman of Board, Dr. Vahland’s reaffirmed India’s status as one of the most important markets in Skoda Auto’s global growth story. The visit also re-iterates the company’s commitment to dig deep into this market and realize its full potential.

Speaking on India’s potential Prof. Dr. Vahland, Chairman of Board of Directors of Skoda Auto a.s. said “India has contributed significantly to Skoda’s growth as a global brand. Our products have captured the imagination of Indian consumers for years now. We stand by our commitment to our Indian consumers and promise to continuously offer products which will suit their growing lifestyle. Indian market has been earmarked as an integral part of our global growth strategy. We plan to achieve this aggressively by extending product portfolio to get to new segments resulting in profitable growth.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Frank Löschmann, Volkswagen Group India, said, It gives me great pleasure to welcome Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland to the Volkswagen India Chakan plant, which is one of the most modern plants of the Volkswagen Group worldwide. Today, we are proud to roll out the 25,000th Skoda Fabia from our state-of-the-art factory. This marks another milestone in the history of Volkswagen Group India since the start of production in the plant with the Skoda Fabia from May, 2009. I am most delighted to be here today and wish to be a part of many more such historic occasions.”

Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland’s visit follows the successful launch of the new Skoda Fabia. The new Fabia with its complete new package offering has garnered tremendous consumer response making a significant impact in its segment.

SkodaAuto India has recorded a significant growth of 36.6% in sales for the year 2010 till date over the year 2009. Skoda is in its 10th year of operations in India, since November 2001 and has sold over 94500 units. Skoda currently has 3 models on sale in India – Skoda Superb, Skoda Laura and Skoda Fabia, the 4th model the Yeti will soon be added in its portfolio.

Source: SkodaAuto India