Tata Nano Is Expected To Drive In Pakistan

Tata Nano is getting ready for the Pakistan roads. Tata Nano is expected to drive into Pakistan only if the problem s between jv and investment is solved by both countries governments. Pakistani multinational company shown their interest in Tata Nano and CNG Buses. However, due to restrictions on the commercial policy of Pakistan, a plan to import CNG buses from India has been delayed. As with the current standards of the commercial policy of Pakistan, the vehicles are assembled in the country generally binding. On the other hand, the policy of the Reserve Bank of India do not allow investments and joint ventures in Pakistan.

In a statement given to PTI on Tuesday, IMGC Global Chairman Amjad Rashid said, "We already have a letter of intent with the Tata Group as we were interested in their CNG buses. At a later stage, if restrictions in the trade policies of both India and Pakistan are removed, we are interested in bringing the Nano to Pakistan."

Mr. Rashid added, "We raised these issues with Indian Commerce Secretary Rahul Khullar when he was in Islamabad last month for talks with the Pakistani Commerce Secretary and he promised to get these restrictions removed."

Hyosung GT 650R Sportbike Coming Soon in India

Hyosung GT 650R sportbike soon hit the roads of India, the roads in this Independence Day. Hyosung GT 650R bicycle is one of the best in its class, it also has the label of best selling bike in Australia and Europe for the two-wheeler market.

This sport bike is unique in the segment and enter a price range of Rs 4 lakh, which will face tough competition from Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle, which will be available in the market price of Rs 6,00,000 (ex showroom).

This bike has three variations on the international market, naked, half-fairing and fairing complete. It specifically targets youth. The bike Hyosung GT 650R has provided 647cc 4-stroke, water cooled, 8-DHOC valve V-twin powerplant that generates a maximum output of 82 hp at 9000 rpm and 67 Nm at 7200 rpm The comfortable and Cycling safety when the horse, the system front and rear disc brake.

Hyosung GT 650R body dynamic graphics to attract young people, faced with this bike is also attractive. E 'halogen elegant and sporty front of the hood is an extraordinary situation.

Hyosung GT 650R takes less than 6 seconds to reach 100 km / h and up to a top speed of just over 200 km / h. It has backlit digital speedometer, adjustable rear shock suspension for comfort and smooth ride.

Hyundai Domestic Sales Grow by 1%

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter continued to grow with domestic sales growing at 1% for the month of March, 2011.

HMIL’s total sales for March, 2011 stood at 55,552 units as against 55,027 units in March, 2010 registering a growth of 1%. The domestic sales accounted for 31,822 units as against 31,501 units in March, 2010 while the exports grew by 0.9% from 23,526 units in March, 2010 to 23,730 units in March, 2011.

Commenting on March, 2011 sales, Arvind Saxena, Director - Marketing and Sales, HMIL said, “With rising interest rates and increasing prices due to higher input costs the market is less buoyant than what it was last year. HMIL has managed to grow in terms of overall volume although the rate of growth has slowed down. In the second half of the year we expect HMIL sales to grow at a faster pace.”

The segment-wise cumulative sales for the month of March, 2011 are as follows: A2 segment (Santro, i10, i20) 50,488 units; A3 Segment (Accent & Verna) 4,920 units; A5 segment (Sonata Transform) 23 units; Santa Fe (SUV) 121 units.

Source: Hyundai Motor India Ltd

Maruti Suzuki Sales Up 4% YoY

Maruti Suzuki India April sales stood at 97,155 units versus 93,058 units YoY.

Carmarket leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 97,155 vehicles in April 2011. This includes 10,011 units for export.

The company had sold a total of 93,058 vehicles in April 2010.

Segment	Models	April			April'10-
					March'11
		2011	2010	% Change
A1	M800	2528	2258	12.00%	26485
A2	Alto, Wagon-R, Estilo, Swift, A-Star, Ritz	57443	56416	1 8%	808552
A3	SX4. D'zire	13899	9994	39.10%	131272
A4	Kizashi*	35	-	~	138
A: Total Passenger cars		73905	68668	7.60%	966447
B :MUV	Gypsy, Grand Vitara	217	712	-69.50%	56S6
C: Van Type	Omni, Eeco	13022	10654	22.20%	150626
Domestic Sales		87144	80034	8.90%	1132739
Export Sales		10011	13024	-23.10%	136266
Total Sales		97155	93058	4.40%	1271005

* Maruti Suzuki Kizashi waslaunched in February 2011.

TVS Registers 14% Growth in April 2011

TVS Motor Company witnessed an overall growth of 14% in total sales for April 2011. The company registered sales of 167,744 units as against 147,172 units in the corresponding month of the previous year. The growth was led by the company's scooter sales and international business. Three wheeler business of the company also continued to grow substantially.

Two Wheeler

Total two wheeler sales of the company grew by 13% recording sales of 164,183 units in April 2011 against 144,689 units recorded in April 2010.

Domestic two wheeler sales of the company accounted for 141,619 units in April 2011 against 125,471 units reported in April 2010 growing by 13%.

Scooter sales led the growth increasing by 31% with sales of 35,074 units compared to 26,860 units recorded in April 2010. Motorcycles grew by 5%; totaling 69,573 units in April 2011 as against 66,000 units in April 2010.

Exports

Exports recorded cumulative sales of 25,275 units in April 2011 as against 19,657 units in the previous year. During the month, the company exported 22,564 units of two wheelers against 19,218 units in April 2010.

Three Wheeler

In April 2011, the company sold 3,561 units of three wheelers as against 2,483 units in the comparable month of the previous year, a growth of 43%.

Source: TVS Motor Company

Tata Motors April Sales Grew 13%; Tata Nano Sales @ New High in April

- Tata Motors April sales at 64,383 nos.
- Tata Nano sales cross 10,000 per month mark

Tata Motors' total sales (including exports) of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles in April 2011 were 64,383 vehicles, a growth of 13% over 57,199 vehicles sold in April 2010. The company's domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for April 2011 were 60,125 nos., an 11% growth over 54,062 nos. sold in April last year.

Commercial Vehicles
The company's sales of commercial vehicles in April 2011 in the domestic market were 36,738 nos., a 19% growth compared to 30,963 vehicles sold in April last year. LCV sales were 22,802 nos., a growth of 28% over April last year. M&HCV sales stood at 13,936 nos., a growth of 6% over April last year.

Passenger Vehicles
The passenger vehicles business reported a total sale and distribution offtake of 25,436 nos. (23,387 Tata + 2,049 Fiat) in the domestic market in April 2011, compared to 24,899 nos. (23,099 Tata + 1,800 Fiat) in April last year. Sales of Tata passenger vehicles for April 2011 are at 23,387 nos, clocking a gentle growth over April last year. Sales of the Tata Nano were 10,012 nos., higher by 184% over April last year. The Indica range sales were 4,250 nos., lower by 53% over April last year. The Indigo range recorded sales of 5,282 nos., lower by 27% over April last year. The Sumo/ Safari/ Aria/ Venture range accounted for sales of 3,843 nos., higher by 15% over April last year.

Jaguar Land Rover sales continued their upward trend.

Exports
The company's sales from exports at 4,258 vehicles in April 2011 registered a growth of 36% compared to 3,137 vehicles in April last year.

Source: Tata Motors

2011 Hero Honda Glamour Refreshed Version Launched in India

Hero Honda, a leader of bikes in India comes up with another bike with refreshed version 2011 Hero Honda Glamour 125cc in India. New Hero Honda Glamour will be available in two variants in which the bike is launched. The Hero Honda Glamour front disc variant will price around Rs. 51,200 and Hero Honda Glamour front drum variant price will be around Rs. 49,300.

2011 Hero Honda Glamour Changes Includes:

- Digital Display (not speedometer mind you)
- Redesigned Stickers & Color combo
- Redesigned Headlamp
- Redesigned Tank extension
- Redesigned Silencer Heat shield
- 12 v 3 ah maintenance free battery
- new muffler cover
- new stylish visor and headlight

2011 Hero Honda Glamour Price in India:
- Hero Honda Glamour Front Disc Price is Around Rs. 51,200 (Ex- showroom Delhi), Rs. 56,572 (On road Delhi)
- Hero Honda Glamour Front Drum Price is Around Rs. 49,300 (Ex- showroom Delhi), Rs. 54,529 (On road Delhi)

2011 Hero Honda Glamour Refreshed Version Photo:

Audi to Launch Audi A7 on May 11

Audi India is planning to launch Audi A7 Sportsback car in India on 11 May 2011. Audi A7 will be available in petrol and diesel variants. Audi A7 will have features like 3.0 TFSI Quattro Petrol, 2995cc engine which produces 300 PS of power at 5250-6500 RPM and 440 Nm of torque at 2900-4500 RPM. The Audi A7 price is expected to be around 65 to 70 lakhs in India.

Audi India already launched Audi A4, Audi A8, Audi Q5 and Audi Q7 cars in India. Price Range for this cars is approx Rs. 25 lakh to Rs. 1.5 crore. Audi A7 will be awaited car for luxury car buyers.

Ford Figo Achieves One Lakh Mark

Ford Figo becomes a good selling car for Ford Motors in India as it crosses 1 lakh sales mark with domestic and export sales. Ford Figo hatchback car comes with good fuel efficiency. In Indian auto market hatchback cars have good selling. Ford Figo small car already made its impact in Indian market.

Ford Figo has most advanced features and fuel economical power plant which makes the car more popular in the small car segment. Ford Figo gives good competition to other hatchback small cars like Volkswagen Polo, Chevrolet Beat, Hyundai i10 and Maruti Swift.

Ford Figo is available in petrol and diesel variants in India.

Mahindra Maxximo Mini Van Launched in India; Price Starts @ Rs. 3.2 Lakh

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a part of the US $11.1 billion Mahindra Group, today announced the launch of the Maxximo Mini Van, its next generation passenger carrier, in Mumbai. Developed on the technologically superior Maxximo platform, the Mini Van is set to redefine the face of the entry-level contract carriage and stage carriage segments in India. Equipped with best-in-class comfort and safety features and powered by the advanced C2 CRDe fuel-efficient diesel engine, this stylish people mover is competitively priced at Rs. 3.2 lac (Ex-Showroom BS3, Navi Mumbai).

Leading the pack with its wide-body with proper hardtop design, the spacious Maxximo Mini Van comes with ergonomically designed and well-cushioned seats that up the comfort factor. This, along with the Maxximo Independent Front Suspension system raises the bar of riding in comfort.

With its robust monocoque chassis, constructed with bigger box-sections for greater rigidity, and booster-assisted Twin LSPV brakes, the Mini Van is also one of the safest products in its category. Performance meets economy with Mahindra's proven C2 CRDe diesel technology which pumps out 25 HP power and still gives 18 kilometres to the litre. All of this is packaged in what is clearly the most stylish offering in this segment.

Speaking at the launch of the Maxximo Mini Van, Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive & Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said, "A product from Mahindra's state-of-the-art Chakan plant, the Maxximo Mini Van is the perfect embodiment of Mahindra's philosophy of "Rise."

It will drive positive change in the lives of our customers by helping them prosper with the power of advanced C2 CRDe technology, car-like comfort and safety, all in a stylishly designed package. At Mahindra, our endeavour has always been to offer best-in-class products and the Maxximo Mini Van, is no exception."

According to Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, "Last year, the minivan segment in India was more than 1.4 lac vehicles. Such vehicles are increasingly being preferred by both the entry-level contract carriage and the stage carriage segment. We expect the Maxximo Mini Van to be nothing less than a game-changer in this segment. It will also change the face of the entry-level contract carriage segment, as the ideal vehicle for tour & travel operators, schools and other institutions".

About Maxximo Mini Van

- Car-like Comfort & Space

- The Maxximo Mini Van comes with a wide-body design to comfortably seat eight adults.

Ergonomically designed and well-cushioned seats reduce the fatigue of long journeys, while the well-thought out butterfly windows provide good ventilation.

Maxximo's Independent Front Suspension system absorbs the shock and bumps of the roughest terrain and the cable operated gear-shift gives a smooth car-like feel while changing gears.

In addition to a spacious passenger cell, the Mini Van comes with ample luggage space as well.

Stylish Look

The Maxximo Mini Van boasts of a stylish van design and a proper hard-top body.The attractive front grille and futuristic, clear-lens wraparound headlights give the Mini Van a distinguished on-road presence.It is available in two attractive colour options –Diamond White and Appy Red.

Segment-best Safety Features

The Mini Van provides 360-degree-safety with a monocoque body, a proper roof and a fixed-glass rear door. Unlike other offerings in the segment, the Mini Van's monocoque body is made of bigger box sections. This provides greater roll-over strength and greater resistance to roof-crush.

Furthermore, the doors are constructed with intrusion beams to protect occupants in the event of a side-impact.

Twin LSPV (Load Sensing Proportioning Valve) brakes, not seen on competing offerings, provide effective and precise control while braking and booster-assist reduces the effort required by the driver while braking.

Advanced Technology

The Mini Van comes with the proven C2 CRDe diesel technology that powers the Maxximo today.

Along with superior pulling power of 25 HP and a top speed of more than 70 Kmph, the Mini Van offers best-in-class fuel economy of 18 Kmpl, meaning an ideal balance of power and economy for the customer.

Mahindra Maxximo Mini Van Exterior & Interior Photos & Images

Source: Mahindra Group

Mahindra Verito Launched in India; Price Range Rs 4.82 to 5.62 lakh; Diesel & Petrol Version

- Mahindra Verito to Sport Mahindra Badge and emblem

- Styling elements added to unique proposition of space, mileage and performance

- Petrol Version Mahindra Verito Price at Rs 4.82 lakh in India

- Diesel Version Mahindra Verito Price at 5.62 lakh in India

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a part of the US $ 11.1 billion Mahindra Group, announced the launch of its sedan - the Mahindra Verito. The new Verito retains the famed strengths of the Mahindra Logan, while adding a new style with some key changes. Now equipped with several rugged and sporty styling elements, the Verito is all set to be the most exciting buy in the entry level sedan category for Indian consumers. Mahindra Verito is competitively priced at Rs. 4.82 lakh (petrol BS3 version) & 5.62 lakh (Diesel BS3 version). The BS4 compliant version is also available for BS4 markets.

Mahindra Verito which is derived from the Latin word 'Veritas' means truth and goes with the overall image of an honest, sensible and dependable car.

Powered by the Renault engine, the Verito is a sedan which remains true to itself and the consumer by offering the unique proposition of space, mileage and performance along with style. The exterior of this car is quite unique with ski racks and side cladding, which are available for the first time on a sedan in the Indian market. The chrome rear appliqué and rear spoiler increases the car's premium quotient and gives it a distinctive look at the rear. These new additions on the exterior align with the tough, rugged and sporty DNA of a Mahindra vehicle.

On the performance front, the Verito retains all the strengths of the Logan. The new Verito offers the same Renault drive train with the option of a 1.5 DCi CRDi diesel engine or 1.4 MPFI petrol engine. Equipped with this, the Verito offers an amazing 21.03 KMPL fuel efficiency (diesel mileage as per ARAI). The Verito remains the broadest car in its segment, offering unmatched cabin space. It also boasts of a spacious seating capacity and a boot space which is one of the largest, with 510 litre capacity.

Similar to the Logan, the Verito offers a host of safety and technology features like ABS with EBD, Driver Airbag, head restraint for all seats, side impact beams, driver information system etc. Further, a long wheel base of 2630 mm ensures a very smooth ride even on Indian roads.

Packed with class leading space, comfort, proven technology, safety features and a low running and maintenance cost, the Verito scores highly over its nearest competitors.

Mr. Rajesh Jejurikar, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said "The Verito, with its unique value proposition aligns with the Mahindra DNA of offering tough, rugged and sporty vehicles. For the first time, we are using social media platforms to unveil a new product, reflecting alternative thinking. The earlier Logan will continue to get complete service and spares support from us."

Mahindra Verito Features:

- Mahindra Logo

- New bold fog lamps

- Side cladding

- Roof rails/ski rack

- Rear Chrome appliqué

- New Upholstery

- New Colour – Twilight Blue

Source: Mahindra Group

GM India To Reveal Alternative Fuel Options

With a less than 5% marketshare and in the face of stiff competition from Ford and Volkswagen, General Motors India is set to play the alternative fuel game. GM's upcoming half a dozen joint venture products with China's SAIC will have 14 variants.

Apart from the conventional diesel and petrol variants, they will have LPG and CNG versions, said Sumit Sawhney, vice-president, sales and marketing, GM India. GM India, a 50:50 joint venture between GM and SAIC, had earlier announced its plans to launch six new vehicles by 2012, including three mini vans and two cars. GM has already stepped into the alternative fuels space.

It already offers LPG variants of its small cars Chevrolet Spark and Beat. Maruti Suzuki has the widest gas-run car portfolio with CNG-run Alto, Wagon R, Eeco, Estilo and SX4. The higher purchasing cost of gas-run vehicles is more than compensated by their lower environmental cost and better mileage. It is anticipated that by 2015-16, one fifth of cars in India will run on gas.

GM sees virtue in turning green and wants to do it fast as competition is hotting up among emerging players. Riding on the back of its successful small car Figo, Ford has edged past GM to occupy the fourth slot. In 2010-11, Ford's market share rose to 4.81% while GM's slipped to 4.4%. VW is also catching up fast with a 2.6% marketshare.

Source: General Motors

Maruti Suzuki Q4 Results for Year 2010-11

India's number one carmaker Maruti Suzuki India Limited today announced its financial results for the quarter ending March 31, 2011 and for the full year 2010-11.

Quarter Four (Q4):

The Company registered Total Income (Net of Excise) of Rs. 102,121 million during January-March 2011, a growth of 19.19 per cent compared to Q4 2009-10. The growth in Total Income in Q4 over Q3 during the same year was 6.12 per cent.

Net Profit during January-March 2011 was Rs. 6,599 million a growth of 0.5 per cent over previous year. The growth in Net Profit in Q4 v/s Q3 2010-11 was 16.75 per cent.

Dividend:

The Board of Directors recommended a dividend of 150 per cent (Rs 7.50 per share of face value Rs. 5/-). The dividend in 2009-10 was 120 per cent.

Financial Year 2010-11:

The Company's Total Income (Net of Excise) for the year 2010-11 was Rs. 375,224 million, a growth of 24.6 per cent over fiscal 2009-10.

The Company's Net Profit during the year stood at Rs. 22,886 million, a drop of 8.4 per cent over 2009-10.

The company's profit was impacted by adverse currency movement, particularly on exports, higher commodity prices and new model launches.

Key Highlights of 2010-11

• Total sales of 12,71,005 vehicles during fiscal 2010-11, a growth of 24.8 per cent over fiscal 2009-10 (10,18,365 units).
• Exported 1,38,266 units in the fiscal. This included 43 per cent to European countries.
• Sold 8,08,552 units in A2 segment, a growth of 27.7 per cent.
• In the A3 segment, company sold 1,31,272 units, reflecting a growth of 32.2 per cent.
• In the C segment, sales grew by 58.5 per cent touching 1,60,626 units.

During the year, the company expanded its countrywide network:

Number of	31 March 2011	31 March 2010	Increase
Sales Outlets	933	802	131 added
Cities covered by sales network	666	555	111 added
Service Stations	2946	2740	206 added
Cities covered by service network	1395	1335	60 added
Maruti Driving Schools	164	83	81 added

Source: Maruti Suzuki India

Mercedes-Benz Cars May Hike Price from May 2011

Mercedes-Benz India today indicated that prices of all its models will be revised upwards effective 1st May 2011.

"The rising input costs and challenging exchange rates as well as inflationary impacts are areas that have a bearing on the cost of the final product.

We have absorbed these to a significant level but moving forward we will have to pass on some portion of this impact to the customer.

The prices of all Mercedes-Benz models will be revised upwards effective 1st May 2011 for the Indian market." commented Peter Honegg, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India.

Source: Mercedes-Benz India

Jaguar XJ Named 2011 International Luxury Car Of The Year

The International Car of The Year (ICOTY) jury, made up of 12 nationally-renowned automotive journalists, has named the all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ as the 2011 International Luxury Car of the Year for its unique design and stellar performance.

"We're delighted that the 2011 Jaguar XJ has received this honor," said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director." The all-new XJ is a benchmark in both design and technology, and we're thrilled to receive such an accolade from one of the highest international panel of judges in our industry." adds, "This success, along with the redesigned XK and XF, speak volumes about the future of the Jaguar brand as a leading edge premium car maker."

Launched in 1997 at the North American International Auto Show, the ICOTY Awards became the first auto awards to honor new vehicles based on the emotional connection between car and consumer. Today, the ICOTY Awards have evolved and are based on lifestyle compatibility and how well automakers achieve that goal.

"The ICOTY Awards are not about power and performance, but rather about personality and passion," said ICOTY Executive Producer Courtney Caldwell. In order to achieve a balanced perspective that reflects all consumers, ICOTY engages a diverse group of renowned automotive journalists and editors in the voting process. The ICOTY jury consists of a 12 reputable automotive jurors, who represent respected publications such as MSN Autos, Consumer Guide Automotive Auto Week, and Road & Travel Magazine, to name a few.

Since its launch in May 2010, the all-new Jaguar XJ has been extremely well received by customers and media alike, as its list of accolades continues togrow with this ICOTY honor. Other accolades for the flagship model include being named Executive Sedan of the Year by Bloomberg, AUTOMOBILE Magazine's Design of the Year and All-Star awards, Top Gear's Luxury Car of the Year award, and Popular Science's Best of What's New Award for 2010 in the Automotive Category, among others.

Priced from $72,700 on the road, the Jaguar XJ is on-sale now at Jaguar dealerships throughout the US. For all 2011 Jaguar models in North America, the brand's new best-in-class Jaguar Platinum Coverage also offers complimentary scheduled maintenance, no-cost replacement of wear and tear items, 24/7 roadside assistance and a 5 year/50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty.

About ICOTY:
The ICOTY Awards were founded in 1996 by Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. Its unique theme was created to recognize automakers that successfully design and market their vehicles to consumer lifestyles. Today, many automakers use the ‘emotional connection’ theme in their national marketing and advertising campaigns to connect with consumers.

Media Contact: Courtney Caldwell
Phone: 248.561.5660; Email: roadandtravel@gmail.com.

About Jaguar:
From its beginning as a manufacturer of motorcycle sidecars in 1922, Jaguar Cars has grown to become one of the world’s premier manufacturers of luxury sedans and sports cars and with that, one of the most recognized commercial brands. The company's vision is simple: To produce beautiful fast cars that are desired the world over. The company operates two manufacturing plants in the United Kingdom and is fully engaged in environmental programs, community work and brand awareness exercises such as motorsports.

Jaguar Platinum Coverage:
Jaguar Platinum Coverage includes all factory recommended scheduled maintenance for five years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Wear and tear items are limited to brake pads, brake discs, brake fluid changes and wiper blade inserts based on factory specified wear limits or intervals. All work must be performed by an authorized Jaguar dealer. For complete details on Jaguar Platinum Coverage, including warranty and maintenance coverage and exclusions, please visit your local Jaguar dealer or JAGUARUSA.COM. ©2010 JAGUAR LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA, LLC.