Chevrolet Cruze to be launched in september,2009

Chevrolet would be launching their executive sedan in between september-october. This would give the existing cars in this segment like Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis and others a tight competition. It would probably have its two versions launched in India- 2.0l diesel engine and 1.8l petrol engine.

Price : Rs. 13,00,000 - Rs. 15,00,000
Launch : September-October 2009

Toyota Prius expected to come to India in 2010

Toyota Motors is planning to launch the Prius Hybrid in India sometime in the second quarter of 2010. The Toyota Prius, launched globally in 1997, is the world's first mass-produced gasoline-electric hybrid car. It will be imported in India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, MD Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM), said that the company is in the process of studying market conditions, demand for hybrid cars and the tax structure in the country before finalising a launch schedule for the Prius.

Tata Nano to be launched on March 23, 2009

The Tata Nano will be launched on the 23rd of March, and not the 3rd as was earlier believed. Tata Motors said in a statement on Thursday that the Nano would be launched in Mumbai on March 23, and that it would be put on display in showrooms across the country in the first week of April. Bookings for the car will open in the second week of April, 2009.

Hyundai launches new variants of Verna

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) yesterday launched 5 new variants of its mid-size sedan, the Hyundai Verna. These include two petrol and two diesel variants, and the highlight of the show - the VGT SX variant (diesel) which gets automatic transmission – a first in the mid-size segment. Other new features include aerodynamic styling on the exteriors, safety features such as the Anti Braking System (ABS), improved interiors with fancier fabrics and a much better finish, and also an upgraded audio console with a Hi-fi two DIN music system.

New variant list:-
VTVT Petrol
SX VTVT Petrol
CRDi VGT Diesel
SX CRDi VGT Diesel
SX CRDi VGT AT Diesel

GM launches Chevrolet Spark Muzic

GM India has launched a music (limited) edition of its popular hatchback, the Chevrolet Spark. The new variant, called the Chevrolet Spark Muzic, comes with several additional features such as a 2 DIN audio system, remote keyless entry, and improved upholstery. Its exterior styling, too, has received a makeover with bright coloured body side graphics depicting music notes and door handles and outside mirrors that match the car’s body colour. The Spark Muzic also sports special edition badging and OSRVMs with turn indicators. It is priced at Rs. 3.27 lakh (Ex-showroom).

1,625 low-floor buses for DTC

Tata Motors has bagged a Rs.2200 crore order from the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), for 1,625 low-floor buses. The company had previously supplied 650 such buses to the DTC, which is planning to increase its fleet size to 6,000 buses before the 2010 Commonwealth Games. There are currently 3,850 DTC buses running on Delhi roads, out of which 650 are the low-floor kind.

Last week, Ashok Leyland had landed a similar, 875 bus deal with the DTC.

Honda sends legal notice to Maruti over SX4 ad

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has sent a legal notice to Maruti Suzuki over an SX4 ad published in a newspaper in Chandigarh in November 2008. According to Honda, the ad, which compares the Maruti SX4 with the Honda City, shows inaccurate data to make the City appear inferior to the SX4. The company claims that Maruti has misrepresented both the Honda City’s size and audio system details in the ad, which it says is an unfair trade practice. Maruti hasn’t yet responded to the notice.

Fiat launches Linea

Fiat India Automobiles Limited (FIAL) launched its very stylish mid-segment sedan, the Fiat Linea, yesterday. The Linea was first launched in Turkey, and is already being sold in over 50 countries across the world. It has received rave reviews from all quarters and even walked away with two awards at the UTVi Autocar Awards held in Mumbai last week. It will be available in four colours in India– Flamenco Red, Minimal Grey, Perla Champagne and Hip Hop Black, and will have both petrol and diesel variants. The Linea, being produced at Fiat’s Ranjangaon plant, is the first of the three cars that Fiat was to launch this year, the other two being the Bravo and the Grande Punto.

Fiat to launch low-cost car by 2012

Fiat India Automobiles Limited (FIAL) is planning to launch a low-cost, small car in India by the year 2012. The car will be produced at Fiat’s Ranjangaon facility near Pune, which also produces the Palio and the Linea. It will have the Tata Indica, the Maruti Suzuki Alto and the Hyundai Santro as competitors. Fiat is also considering adding the 1.6-litre Multijet diesel engine to its Ranjangaon assembly line (along with the already-in-place 1.3 litre Multijet).
The 1.3 litre Multijet diesel engine is currently being used in the Palio, the Linea and the Tata Indica Vista. Also, if reports are to be believed, it will soon be supplied to GM’s Talegaon plant, though Fiat’s representatives have refused to confirm this. Maruti Suzuki is already producing the 1.3L multijet at its Manesar plant as part of a licensing pact with Fiat.

HDFC Bank to lower interest rates on car loans

HDFC Bank has decided to lower interest rates on vehicle loans by up to 150 basis points, starting from today. While passenger car and commercial vehicle loans will be cheaper by 125 basis points, loans on two-wheelers will be cheaper by 150 basis points. The bank has taken the step in an attempt to provide a much-needed push to dwindling car sales.

Honda sends legal notice to Maruti over SX4 ad

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has sent a legal notice to Maruti Suzuki over an SX4 ad published in a newspaper in Chandigarh in November 2008. According to Honda, the ad, which compares the Maruti SX4 with the Honda City, shows inaccurate data to make the City appear inferior to the SX4. The company claims that Maruti has misrepresented both the Honda City’s size and audio system details in the ad, which it says is an unfair trade practice. Maruti hasn’t yet responded to the notice.

Porsche to bring Cayenne diesel to India

German luxury car maker Porsche is planning to introduce its new SUV, the Cayenne diesel, to India. The Cayenne will be equipped with a 3-litre V6 turbo diesel engine with a horsepower of 240. It is currently being produced in Leipzig, Germany, and talks are underway to bring it to Asian markets soon. The car will initially be available only in selected European markets.