Fiat to introduce MultiAir technology on its two-cylinder engines for ultra low cost car

Fiat is working on its new two-cylinder engines, which will be fitted to Fiat's ultra-low-cost car that should be out in the market by 2010-11. But, no, we don't think the new car will be anywhere as charismatic as the old, 1960s Fiat 500...

After its acclaimed MultiJet common-rail direct-injection diesel engine technology, Fiat seems to be all set to shake things up with petrol engines as well. The Fiat Group has now introduced ‘MultiAir,’ a new technology for petrol engines, which will help cut down on fuel consumption, reduce emissions and boost power and torque!

According to Fiat, MultiAir petrol engines will be up to 10% more powerful (compared to petrol engines of similar capacity, but without MultiAir), have up to 15% better low-rpm torque and will consume about 10% less fuel. With turbocharging, MultiAir engines could deliver up to 25% better fuel economy.

MultiAir engines will also help reduce emissions – a 40% reduction for unburnt hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (HC/CO) and a 60% reduction for oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Finally, Fiat also claims MultiAir engines will provide improved throttle response and enhance driving pleasure.

While MultiAir technology may find its first application on Fiat’s petrol engines, the technology itself is applicable to all IC engines, regardless of the fuel used. Hence diesel engines will also, ultimately, stand to benefit from this.

The first production car to be equipped with MultiAir will be the Alfa-Romeo MiTo, which will get this new technology for its 1.4-litre normally aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines. Fiat will also use MultiAir on a new range of two-cylinder engines it’s developing, which would be used on Fiat’s new ultra low cost car that could be somewhat similar to the Tata Nano Europa.

M&M launches updated Scorpio, cuts prices by Rs 70,000

This is the new, mighty, muscular Scorpio. Er... yeah, well...

Mahindra & Mahindra has given its popular MUV, the Scorpio, a facelift. The new version, referred to by M&M as ‘The Mighty Muscular Scorpio,’ (no, really, we’re not making this up…!) gets minor styling updates, a new music system, electrically operated rear view mirrors and new seats clad in new upholstery.

All versions of the new Scorpio now get M&M’s 2.2-litre ‘mHawk’ common-rail diesel engine, which was earlier only fitted to the top-end variant. The new Scorpio’s top-end VLX variant now also gets stop-start technology (also referred to as ‘micro hybrid’ technology), which improves fuel economy by automatically switching off the engine when the vehicle is stationary and again automatically restarting it as soon as the driver presses the throttle pedal.

The other significant thing is that M&M has reduced prices of the Scorpio by Rs 70,000 making it much better value for money. The vehicle is now priced between Rs 7.21 lakh (LX, BS3) to Rs 9.21 lakh (VLX, BS3). The VLX Automatic costs Rs 9.99 lakh, while the VLX BS4 version, with stop-start technology, is priced at Rs 9.30 lakh.

According to M&M, the company is not worried about any overlap between the Scorpio and the recently launched Xylo MPV, which is priced between Rs 6.35-7.84 lakh. The Scorpio is in the SUV/MUV mould, while the Xylo is positioned primarily as an MPV – a multi-purpose people carrier.

Yamaha to work on fuel-efficient 125cc motorcycle engine for global markets

According to a report on Nikkei, Yamaha Motor Co. is working on a new, highly fuel-efficient engine which it will soon introduce in Southeast Asian markets, followed by India, South America and Europe. This new engine (of undisclosed capacity, though we expect it to be a fuel-injected 125cc unit) will offer up to 20% better fuel economy than other motorcycle engines of similar displacement and output.

The new fuel-injected Yamaha engine will also be fully emissions compliant with the toughest of emissions laws worldwide. Yamaha is said to be very serious about speeding up the development work on this new engine, and is even shifting as many as 100 of its engineers from big bike projects to work on this new, fuel-efficient 125cc engine.

With Honda/HMSI also all set to launch a new 100cc bike (which is likely to have a very fuel efficient, fuel-injected 100cc engine) in India next year, it seems there is going to be a fresh round of battles in the "most fuel efficient bike" segment in the country. We wonder if Hero Honda is worried already...?

Ashok Leyland: Sales down 57% in February 2009

Commercial vehicles manufacturer, Ashok Leyland Ltd. (ALL) has reported a 57% drop in its sales in February this year. The company sold 3,245 units (including exports of 576 units) in February 2009, compared to 7,501 units (including exports of 677 units) in February 2008.

ALL’s production was down from 8,218 units in February last year, to 2,028 units in February this year – a decline of 75%. However, as a small consolation, the company’s sales in February this year were about 33% higher than January 2009 sales, which stood at 2,444 units.

Same Deutz-Fahr India to invest Rs 50 crore towards capacity expansion

Tractor manufacturer, Same Deutz-Fahr India (the Indian subsidiary of Italian company, Same Deutz-Fahr), plans to invest about Rs 50 crore towards capacity expansion at its plant at Ranipet, in Tamil Nadu. By 2010, the company plans to expand capacity to 11,000 units per annum, up from the current 6,300 units per annum.

Apart from catering to the Indian market, Same Deutz-Fahr India plans to produce tractors in the 50-70HP segment, for European and North American markets. The company also plans to supply engines to genset and other industrial equipment manufacturers.

GMI offers substantial discounts

General Motors India (GMI) is celebrating the success of its small hatchback – the Chevrolet Spark – which has crossed the three million mark in global sales. To mark the occasion (and, we suspect, to boost sales!), GMI is offering discounts whereby customers can save Rs 55,000 on the Chevy Spark, Rs 28,000 on the Chevrolet Tavera MUV, Rs 50,000 on the Chevrolet Aveo sedan, Rs 30,000 on the Chevrolet U-VA hatchback and Rs 70,000 on the Chevrolet Optra Magnum sedan.

GMI, which now has two manufacturing facilities in India (at Halol in Gujarat, and Talegaon in Maharashtra), is gearing up two launch a new luxury sedan – the Cruze – in India, which will be followed by the launch of a bigger hatchback, which is yet to be named for the Indian market.

The new Chevrolet hatchback that should be launched in India later this year

Heuliez WILL: Testing Michelin’s Active Wheel tech

The WILL hatchback is a test-bed for Michelin's Active Wheel technology

The WILL hatchback is the first car to feature Michelin’s new ‘Active Wheel,’ which integrates electric motor, brakes and suspension functions inside the wheel itself. The car, developed by French contract manufacturer, Heuliez, is a testing platform for the Active Wheel.

According to Michelin, its Active Wheel would allow carmakers to make massive weight savings as it would allow them to do away with traditional engines, gearboxes and transmission shafts. Twelve years in development, the technology is now production-ready, at a time when many carmakers are looking very seriously at getting to manufacturing electric cars.

Each Active Wheel contains a small electric motor, an electric suspension system and a brake disc. The WILL hatchback has two Active Wheels (both at the front), though a bigger, more performance-oriented vehicle could have four Active Wheels. In fact, French sportscar manufacturer, Venturi, is developing a coupe concept called the Volage, which will have four Active Wheels.

According to Heuliez, the Active Wheel makes it possible to completely rethink the car, since there is no need for a gearbox, clutch, transmission shaft, differential or shock absorbers. The wheel also offers the possibility of a totally flat floor, maximising interior space and under-car aerodynamics, and also freeing up space inside the car for battery packs or fuel cells.

The WILL can seat five people, has luggage space at the front and rear, and the electric drivetrain, with its lithium-ion battery pack, offers a range of 150km.

Mahindra-Renault: Logan Edge Connect launched

The new Mahindra-Renault Logan Edge Connect. Or whatever little you can see of it...

Mahindra-Renault has launched a new variant of the Logan – the Logan Edge Connect – which features new bits like a high end music system with hands-free telephony integrated via Bluetooth, leather upholstery, Driver Information System (DIS), reverse parking sensors, ABS and EBD.

Available in three new colours, the Logan Edge Connect is priced at Rs 5.46 lakh (1.4 GLX), Rs 6.30 lakh (1.6 GLS with ABS), Rs 6.76 lakh (1.5 DLX), Rs 7.21 lakh (1.5 DLS) and Rs 7.40 lakh (1.5 DLS with ABS), all prices being ex-showroom Chandigarh.

Despite being a spacious car that offers good ride quality, the Logan has not really taken off very well in India. This is largely because the car looks and feels old – it’s simply not as stylish and contemporary looking as most of its competitors. We wouldn’t be too surprised if Mahindra-Renault actually decide to drop the Logan from their line-up in the months to come, and decide to focus on the Sandero hatchback, which may do considerably better! Either that, or they may decide to launch a newer, more contemporary Renault sedan that can replace the Logan. Watch this space…

Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce: A cure for the global economic recession?

The Lamborghini Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. Fighting recession, Italian-style!
Pics: Autoblog

What’s the best cure for the worldwide economic downturn? If you ask Lamborghini, they would probably say it’s a bright yellow Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce, which is being displayed at the ongoing Geneva Motorshow. Fitted with a screaming, 6.5-litre, 670 horsepower, 660Nm V12, this top-of-the-line limited edition (only 350 units are being built) Murciélago catapults from 0 to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 342km/h.

‘The new Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce is the systematic continuation of our brand philosophy. It is more extreme and uncompromising than virtually any other automobile. The SuperVeloce displays outstanding driving dynamics and customers can look forward to an utterly unparalleled driving experience,’ says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

Lamborghini doesn’t say how much this car costs, but then we suppose this car is not built for those who have to ask how much it costs – they’ll just order one anyway. Forget cars like the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight and Vauxhall Ampera – the Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce has to be the right way to fight global recession. Go for it, Lambo!

Frazer-Nash Namir: Hybrid cars can also be sporty, stylish and fast!

The Frazer-Nash Namir hybrid looks hot and can hit a top speed of 300km/h!

For those who equate the term ‘hybrid car’ with dumpy looks and dull performance, the recently unveiled Frazer-Nash Namir supercar – designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro – should change your perception. Exhibited at the ongoing Geneva Motorshow, the Namir (Arabic for ‘Tiger’) has been built at Italdesign’s design and engineering centre in Turin, Italy.

Frazer-Nash (a legendary name in British motoring circles) is now a part of the Kamkorp Group and specialises in developing electric drivetrains for hybrid cars and mass transit systems. So, as you would expect, the Namir is fitted with Frazer-Nash’s own hybrid powertrain, which combines an 814cc endothermic rotary engine with four electric motors, with a combined output of 370bhp.

According to Frazer-Nash, the Namir, which is fitted with a lightweight carbonfibre monocoque chassis, will accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, from zero to 200km/h in 10.4 seconds, and hit a top speed of 300km/h! Plus, the hybrid powertrain ensures a fuel efficiency of 39km/l and an emissions figure of less than 60g/km of CO2.

The Namir’s rotary engine runs on petrol and acts as a generator that charges the lithium polymer power cells, and a 50-litre fuel tank gives a total range of almost 2,000km.

We guess in another few years, hybrids and battery-powered EVs will be giving regular cars a run for their money when it comes to outright performance…

Aston Martin Lagonda: The new 'ugliest car in the world' unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow

The new Aston Martin Lagonda concept car. We just hope this mass of unabated ugliness stays a concept car and never actually becomes production reality...!

Pics: Autoblog

The 1980s Aston Martin Lagonda (scroll to the bottom of the page) was one of the ugliest cars ever made, but the newest one, which Aston Martin has unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow, is miles ahead in sheer ugliness. In fact, we think the new Aston Martin Lagonda is the ugliest car ever made anywhere in the world!

According to a press release from the company, ‘Aston Martin is proud to announce the return of Lagonda, one of the oldest and most iconic names in luxury car manufacturing. The revival of Lagonda fulfils a long-term vision and will bring performance luxury into new markets and territories around the world for Aston Martin Lagonda. Ultimately, Lagonda will be a strong presence in 100 global territories, vastly increasing the global brand reach of the company and extending to new customers.’

Hmm… unless performance/luxury car buyers all over the world have suddenly gone blind, we don’t think the Lagonda would find too many takers. Would you just look at that car – what was Aston Martin thinking when they okayed this mountain of sheer hideousness? And this, from a company that makes the DBS, DB9, Vanquish and Vantage – some of the most utterly, compellingly beautiful cars in the world!

Apart from the “dynamic, innovation-focused consumers of Europe, North America and the Far East,” Aston Martin also expects to sell the Lagonda in Russia, the Middle East, South America, China and India. Yes, India too. “The Lagonda is the luxury car of the future, a combination of total usability, a new form and innovative new technology and materials,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO at Aston Martin.

For now, the new Lagonda is a four-seater, 4WD concept car – a luxurious sedan-estate-SUV crossover. Aston Martin may or may not decide to build an actual production car based on this concept, and we certainly hope they’ll decide against it. We don’t really care what heritage or history the Lagonda name has, all we know is that the new Lagonda is ugly as sin and we don’t ever want to see the Aston Martin name on a vehicle that looks like this…!

The 1980s Aston Martin Lagonda was also ugly, but the 2009 version is in a league of its own

Audi India: Sales up 95% in February 2009

Audi is trying hard to catch up with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in India!

Audi India has reported a hike of 95% in its sales in February this year, at 113 cars, compared to 58 cars sold in February last year. Audi sold 1,050 cars in India in 2008, as compared to 349 units in 2007 – a growth of 201%.

While Audi has a long way to go before it can catch up with BMW and Mercedes-Benz in the Indian market, the German carmaker is trying hard to get there as quickly as possible. The current Audi range in India comprises of the A4, A6 and A8 sedans, the Q7 SUV, the TT sportscar and the R8 supercar.

Audi, which has 12 dealerships across the country (in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Ludhiana, Mumbai and Pune), is looking at increasing the number of its dealerships and will also launch new models, including the Q5 SUV, in the country later this year.

IFTRT: Commercial vehicle sales take a bit hit in February 2009

Going by figures released by the Indian Foundation of Transport Research and Training (IFTRT), the commercial vehicles segment in India continues to do poorly, with sales sagging further in February this year. Truck and trailer (up to 49 tonnes) sales in February this year stood at 12,323 units – a decline of 53% over the 25,854 units sold in February 2008.

The 30-49 tonne tractor trailer segment took the biggest hit, with only 356 units being sold in February 2009 – an 86% drop compared to the 2,465 units sold in February 2008. Sales of multi-axle commercial vehicles went down by 61%, to 4,370 units, compared to 11,280 units in February last year.

Sales of tipper trucks in the 16.2-25.2 tonne segment were down 64%, to 2,004 units, compared to 5,510 units sold in February 2008. Medium commercial vehicle (MCV, 15-16.2 tonne segment) sales were down 47%, to 3,010 units in February this year, compared to 5,705 units sold in February 2008.

Intermediate commercial vehicle (ICV) sales in February this year stood at 2,388 units, while light commercial vehicle (LCV) sales stood at 2,244 units in the same month. Compared to February 2008 figures, this represented a decline of 36% for ICVs and 15.8% for LCVs.

According to IFTRT, more than 28,000 commercial vehicles have also been repossessed by banks and finance companies and these have been put up for sale, creating additional cut-price competition for new commercial vehicles. In most cases, manufacturers and dealers are now saddled with four weeks’ inventory, rather than the usual two weeks’ inventory.

The government has announced various measures aimed at helping the commercial vehicles industry in India, but how far these prove to be effective remains to be seen.

Vauxhall Ampera: Electrification…!

GM is really turning up the heat with electric/hybrid cars. First the Chevy Volt, and now this - the Vauxhall Ampera - which is essentially the Euro-spec Volt

General Motors seems to be going all out with electric cars these days. First, it was the very cool Chevrolet Volt and now it’s the equally hot Vauxhall Ampera – the European version of the Chevy Volt. ‘The Vauxhall Ampera shows all the opportunities advanced propulsion technologies offer for car design. We had to maximise the aerodynamic efficiency but still offer ultimate everyday driving comfort. All of that is presented in an upscale, sporty look that builds on Vauxhall’s theme of sculptural forms and expressive lines,’ says Phil Zak, Director - Exterior Design, GM Europe.

With the Ampera, Vauxhall has paid special attention to the car’s aerodynamics and the usage of lightweight materials to minimise drag and maximise performance. The car, which is likely to go into production in 2011, uses the same ‘Voletc’ plug-in hybrid technology as the Chevy Volt, and will have a range of about 60km in electric-only mode, and 500km if the IC engine is also used.

Suzuki completes 100 years, focuses at ‘green’ technologies

From left: Suzuki is testing stop-start technology on the Alto (A-Star in India) and Splash

This year has special significance for Suzuki as its founder, Michio Suzuki, took his first steps in business (as a loom maker) a hundred years ago. Changing form and evolving over one full century, Suzuki today is a force to reckon with – the company sold 2.36 million cars globally in 2008 and expects to do better this year.

Given the changing economic scenario, which also demands changes from the worldwide automotive industry, Suzuki is gearing up to meet new challenges. The company believes that eco-friendly cars that are affordable, low on emissions and fuel-efficient are the future of motoring. On one hand, Suzuki is always working at improving and refining its internal combustion engines and on the other hand, the company is also working on hydrogen fuel-cells and other alternative energy powerplants, some of which may power Suzuki cars in a decade from now.

Two cars that exemplify Suzuki’s ‘green’ thinking is the new Alto (called the A-Star in India) and the Splash, which is also due to be launched in India over the next few months. The new Alto/A-Star has CO2 emissions of 103g/km, while the Splash’s figures are 119g/km (petrol) and 120g/km (diesel). Both cars are not only low on emissions but are also very fuel-efficient and affordable. And to add to that, Suzuki is working on fitting stop-start technology to both these cars, which will further reduce emissions and improve fuel economy.

Suzuki is also working on alternative fuel vehicles – cars that can run on bioethanol (E10) and biodiesel (B7) for Europe, CNG-powered cars for India and flexi-fuel vehicles for South America. Suzuki believes the next 100 years will be all about ‘sustainable mobility’ and the company is committed to working on vehicles that will have a minimal impact on the environment.

Bajaj Auto increases stake in KTM to 31.72%

Pune-based two- and three-wheeler manufacturer, Bajaj Auto has hiked its stake in Austrian two-wheeler manufacturer, KTM Power Sports AG, via its fully owned subsidiary, Bajaj Auto International Holding B.V.

Bajaj’s stake in KTM has now gone up from 26.22% to 31.72%. The Pune-based company picked up this stake last week, when KTM was looking at raising funds via an increase in its share capital. Of the 687,357 new shares that were created, Bajaj Auto picked up 416,216 shares at a subscription price of €25 (US$31) per share. Hence, hiking its stake in KTM to 31.72% would have cost Bajaj about Rs 64 crore.

In the business year ended 31st August 2008, KTM reported revenues of €605.7 million (about US$776.9 million), up 7% from €566.1 million in the prior business year. The Austrian company sold 92,385 units in 2008, a marginal increase over the 90,306 units it sold in 2007.

As has already been reported earlier, Bajaj and KTM are working on a range of 125-250cc bikes for the Indian, Southeast Asian and European markets. Bajaj is also expected to launch a few KTM bikes in India, via the CBU imports route.

Tata Prima: The next big step ahead for Tata Motors

The Tata Prima concept car looks absolutely fantastic!

As you can see in these first official pics of the Tata Prima concept car, Tata Motors seems all set to take its next big step ahead in the passenger car segment. Designed by Pininfarina, the Prima looks absolutely fabulous – it definitely wouldn’t look out of place parked next to a Toyota Corolla Altis or Honda Civic. In fact, if anything, the Prima looks as good as some of the newest cars from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi!

Of course, the Prima is only a concept car at this stage and we don’t know when Tata Motors will actually launch a production car based on this concept. But we’re willing to bet it would be in the not too distant future – perhaps even as early as mid-2010. Fitted with a 1.6 or 1.8-litre petrol engine or a 1.8-litre common-rail diesel, a Prima-based luxury sedan could actually be the car with which Tata Motors can take on competition from Germany and Japan. We certainly hope this will lead to bigger and better things for Tata Motors in the near future…

Tata Nano Europa, Indica Vista EV displayed at the Geneva Motorshow

From left: The Tata Nano Europa and the Indica Vista EV

Tata Motors is displaying a range of vehicles at the 79th Geneva Motor Show, including the Nano Europa, which is a Europe-specific version of the Rs one lakh car. Other Tata cars on display are the Prima, a luxury sedan concept car designed by Pininfarina, and the Indica Vista EV, an electric vehicle based on the regular Indica Vista.

‘We are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in international markets. The Indica Vista EV represents the work of Tata Motors on alternate technologies, while the Prima is an iteration of a luxury sedan we will introduce. They together signify the ongoing evolution in our cars,’ said Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, speaking at the Geneva Motor Show. He added that the Nano Europa would go on sale in Europe by 2010-11.

Tata Nano Europa

With a length of 3.29 metres and width of 1.58 metres, the Tata Nano Europa continues to be small, but packs surprisingly spacious interiors. Its slightly longer wheelbase of 2.28 metres makes it a bit more spacious, without compromising on manoeuvrability. The Nano Europa also features suitably redesigned interiors, with better quality of materials.

The Nano Europa is fitted with a three-cylinder (rather than the two-cylinder engine in the Indian Nano), all-aluminium MPFI petrol engine, mated to a five-speed automatic gearbox. The car will also be fitted with power steering, ABS, ESP and multiple airbags – things that the Indian Nano definitely won’t get in the foreseeable future!

Tata Indica Vista EV

Powered by super polymer lithium-ion batteries, the Indica Vista EV will offer performance that’s superior to most electric cars available on the market today. According to Tata Motors, the Vista EV will be able to accelerate from zero to 60km/h in under 10 seconds and will have a range of up to 200km on a single charge of its batteries.

The Indica Vista EV will be produced by Tata Motors in association with the Norway-based Miljo Grenland/Innovasjon, in which Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has a 70% stake. This car will go on sale in Europe this year, and may come to India by 2011.

Tata Motors also showed the Prima concept at Geneva. More about this car here

Fifth-generation VW Polo unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow

The new Volkswagen Polo. Will VW bring this car to India? We hope they do!

If there’s one car that Volkswagen will, sooner or later, definitely bring to India, it’s the legendary Polo hatchback. The German company has unveiled the fifth-generation Polo at the Geneva Motorshow and the new car is supposed to be lighter, safer and more high-tech than the model it replaces.

The new Polo has been designed by a team led by Walter de Silva (Head of Design, Volkswagen Group) and takes various styling cues from the VW Scirocco. At 3,952mm in length, the new Polo is 36mm longer than the car it replaces. Its width, at 1,682mm, has also grown by 32mm, yet the overall height has dropped by 13mm to 1,454 mm, all of which gives the car a sportier, more aggressive stance.

VW is offering a range of 1.2- and 1.4-litre normally aspirated petrol engines, a 1.2-litre turbocharged TSI petrol, and an all-new 1.6-litre TDI common-rail diesel on the new Polo. Gearbox options include five and six-speed manuals and a seven-speed DSG automatic.

Equipped with cutting-edge safety technologies and offering a brilliant mix of performance and fuel efficiency, the new VW Polo seems to be a car to watch out for.

Škoda Yeti to be unveiled at the Geneva Motorshow

Coming to India soon - the all-new Skoda Yeti mini SUV

Škoda’s new mini-SUV/crossover/MPV, the Yeti is all set to make its debut at the Geneva Motorshow. The five-door, 4.2m long vehicle rides on 17-inch wheels and looks very cool, very contemporary. Engine options include four-cylinder 1.2-litre 105bhp, and 1.8-litre 160bhp, TSI petrol engines, and a 2.0-litre CDI diesel in 110bhp, 140bhp and 170bhp versions.

Available in 4x2 and 4x4 versions, the Yeti offers flexible seating for up to five people and offers 1,760 litres of luggage space with the rear seats removed. We believe the vehicle will handle reasonably well on the road and also offer moderate off-road capability.

Škoda is committed to bringing the Yeti to India this year, though going by their track record and also because of the global economic downturn, we won’t be surprised if the Yeti doesn’t make its way to India before 2010…

2010 Toyota Prius to make European debut at the Geneva Motorshow

The 2010 Toyota Prius is all set to extend its dominance in the hybrid cars segment worldwide

Toyota is getting all set to increase its lead over other manufacturers in the hybrid cars segment. The new, 2010-model Prius, which was first shown in Detroit in January this year, will now be on display at the Geneva Motorshow and Toyota has released more details on the car.

The new Prius’ series/parallel Hybrid Synergy Drive system is more advanced than ever before – around 90% of its components have been redesigned to create a lighter, more compact system and power has been increased by 22%, to 134bhp. According to Toyota, the Prius can now accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 10.4 seconds. Fuel economy has also been improved by 10% to 72.4mpg, while CO2 emissions have been reduced by 14% to 89g/km.

In fact, the Prius exceeds Euro 5 emissions standards and when operating in EV mode at speeds up to 48km/h, the car uses no fuel and produces zero emissions. And apart from being green and clean, the new Prius is also packed with driver assistance technologies that include a heads-up display, touch tracer display, automatic solar ventilation, adaptive cruise control, park assist and so on.

The Prius’ Hybrid Synergy Drive system comprises a 1.8-litre VVT-i petrol engine, an electric motor, a generator, a high-performance battery, a power control unit and a power split device, which uses a planetary gear set to combine and re-allocate power from the engine, electric motor and generator as required.

The new four-cylinder 1.8-litre VVT-i Atkinson cycle petrol engine replaces the older 1.5-litre unit. The new engine generates 98bhp at 5,200rpm and 142Nm of torque at 4,000rpm, making for better drivability, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.

The Prius’ 1.8-litre engine is complemented by a 60kW (80bhp) electric motor, which works with the engine to improve acceleration. In EV mode, the motor, which is fed by a 27kW nickel-metalhydride battery, powers the car without any help from the engine.

For now, it’s clear that the new Toyota Prius leads the way with mainstream hybrid automobiles. It remains to be seen whether the Honda Insight and Chevrolet Volt can challenge the Prius in the months to come. Also, we do expect Toyota to launch the new Prius in India by the end of this year, though the Japanese giant remains non-committal on this issue!

M&M: Passenger car sales up 2.7% in February 2009

Mahindra & Mahindra has reported a 2.7% hike in passenger car sales in February this year – the company sold 15,728 units (including 14,720 units of M&M utility vehicles and 1,008 units of the Mahindra Renault Logan), compared to 15,313 units in February last year.

The recently launched Xylo MPV did well, with M&M selling 2,287 units in February, but M&M LCVs fared poorly, with domestic sales going down 37.2% and exports declining 76%.

M&M’s total sales in February, including passenger cars and LCVs, stood at 19,894 units, up 1.1% compared to the 19,674 units sold in February 2008.

GM India: Sales down 11.5% in February 2009

We don't know what it'll be called in India, but this is the new hatchback that GMI will be launching in India very soon. Yes, it looks hot!!

General Motors India (GMI) has reported a decline of 11.5% in sales in February 2009 – the company sold 4,921units last month, as compared to 5,563 units in February 2008. GMI sold 945 units of the Chevrolet Tavera, 746 units of the Aveo, 89 units of the Optra, 2,940 units of the Spark and 201 units of the Captiva in February this year.

GMI hopes to do better during the second half of the year, after the launch of the all-new Chevrolet Cruze luxury sedan. The company is also planning to launch a new hatchback in India, which may either replace the underperforming U-VA or slot above it in a higher price bracket.

Tata Motors: Sales down 19% in February 2009

Tata Motors has reported a decline of 19% in sales in February this year – the company sold a total of 43,807 units (including passenger and commercial vehicles) as against 54,181 units in February 2008. However, the February sales figure does represent the highest sales figure for Tata Motors since September 2008.

Honda Siel: Sales up 47% in February 2009

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has reported an increase of 47.83% in its sales for the month of February 2009. The company sold 5,579 units in February (the highest monthly sales number the company has ever recorded) this year as against 3,774 units in February 2008.

According to HSCI, the significant increase in sales is because of the new Honda City, 4,739 units of which were sold in February this year. HSCI also sold 530 units of the Civic, 107 units of the CR-V and 203 units of the Accord last month.

Bajaj Auto: Bike sales down 17% in February 2009

Bajaj Auto has reported a 17% decline in motorcycle sales in February 2009 – the company sold 131,785 units last month, as against 158,662 units in February 2008. Bajaj’s total two-wheeler sales during February this year stood at 132,393 units, as against 159,508 units in the year-ago period.

The company’s exports during February stood at 50,738 units, down from 63,182 units in February 2008 – a decline of 19.7%.

Bajaj’s total vehicle sales (including three-wheelers) stood at 153,782 units in February 2009, compared to 183,807 units in the year-ago period – a decline of 16.34%.

India Yamaha Motor: Sales up 162% in February 2009

India Yamaha Motor, which started showing a huge improvement in sales after the launch of the YZF-R15 and FZ16 bikes, continues to show further growth. The company posted a growth in sales of 162% in February this year, selling 15,033 units as compared to 5,746 units in February 2008.

Yamaha has also launched a new variant of its bestselling FZ16. Called the FZ-S, the new variant retains the same engine, chassis, suspension and other mechanical bits, but gets new colours and graphics. The bike is priced at Rs 67,000 ex-showroom.

HMIL: Sales up 45% in February 2009

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) has reported a 45% jump in domestic sales in the month of February this year. The company sold 21,215 units in February 2009 as againt 14,600 units in February 2008. HMIL’s exports and total sales in February stood at 17,039 units and 38,254 units respectively, as against 14,401 units and 29,001 units in the year-ago period.

However, Hyundai’s corporate stance is to not read too much into this increase in sales – the general sentiment is still one of caution, and the company expects ‘a fairly flat sales growth curve’ till March this year.

Mahindra Tractors: Domestic sales up 48% in February

Mahindra & Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector (FES) sold 8,879 tractors in the domestic market in February this year, as compared to 6,005 units in February 2008 – an increase of 48%. Exports during February stood at 244 units as against 517 units in the year-ago period, while total sales (domestic + exports) for the month stood at 9,123 units, as against 6,522 units in February last year.

Maruti Suzuki registers highest ever sales in February 2009

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. (MSI) reports that the company has achieved its highest ever domestic sales, exports and total sales in February 2009. Maruti sold 70,625 units in the domestic market in February this year, an increase of 19.1% over the year-ago period. The previous highest ever monthly domestic sales were 67,005 units, recorded in January this year.

Led by the new compact hatchback, the A-Star, Maruti Suzuki exported 8,565 units in February this year. After the 8,282 units exported in March 2004, this is the new highest ever exports figure recorded by the company.

Maruti sold a total of 79,190 vehicles in February this year, an increase of 24.1% over February 2008. For model-wise sales figures, refer to the chart below.

Model-wise sales figures for Maruti, in February 2009

Hero Honda: Sales up 24% in February 2009

Hero Honda Motors Ltd. (HHML) has reported a 24% increase in total sales for the month of February 2009, at 329,055 units, as compared to 265,431 units in February 2008. The company, which now has a 56% market share in the domestic motorcycle market, recently launched a special edition variant of its 150cc bike – the Hunk – to celebrate its 25th Anniversary.

TVS Motor: Sales up 12.6% in February 2009

South-based TVS Motor has posted a 12.6% increase in sales in February 2009, at 107,300 units, as compared to 95,235 units in February last year. The company also recorded a 32.6% increase in exports, logging 16,583 units in February this year as against 12,500 units in February 2008.

TVS’ motorcycle sales stood at 49,659 units in February 2009, compared to 46,565 units in February 2008 – an increase of about 7%. Sales of scooters were up 35% at 19,500 units in February 2009, compared to 14,400 units in the year-ago period.

HMSI to launch 100cc bike but will not compete with Hero Honda

How the mighty have fallen! At a time when companies like Bajaj, TVS and Yamaha are looking at launching bigger, sportier bikes in the Indian market, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Ltd. (HMSI) is looking at taking a step back – the company will launch an all-new 100cc bike early next year.

HMSI, which already sells the Unicorn 150 and Shine 125 in India, will launch its 100cc bike in early-2010, but the company says its bike will not compete with sister concern Hero Honda’s 100cc bikes. Honda says its 100cc machine will be sportier, more stylish and better equipped than any current 100cc bike on the market today.

Though there is no official word from HMSI on this, we suspect the new Honda 100 will be fuel-injected, which will boost its power/performance, as well as fuel-efficiency. Of course, this will also mean the bike will be more expensive than other 100cc bikes in India, but the Honda name has enough cachet to ensure that the bike will still sell very well.

Even though we often speak of the 100cc motorcycle segment dying out slowly in India, the actual sales figures tell another story. According to SIAM data, no less than 34 lakh bikes in the 75-125cc segment were sold in the country between April 2008 and January 2009, so HMSI may not have too much trouble meeting the two lakh units sales target which it has set for its 100cc bike for 2010.

It’s a pity that manufacturers like HMSI are choosing to focus on two extremes of the Indian motorcycles market, without offering anything in between. On one end, the company is planning to launch 100cc bikes, while on the other end, it’s launching top-end machines like the Fireblade and CB1000R, which cost anywhere between Rs 9.5-12.5 lakh in India. Why the company chooses to ignore the 250-400cc segment – where there’s a huge pent-up demand for affordable sportsbikes that cost between Rs 1.5-2.5 lakh – seems to be an unfathomable mystery!

JLR to supply 13,000 cars to China over three years

JLR will supply 13,000 cars to China, over a period of three years

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which was bought over by the Tatas last year and which is right now in the midst of a raging economic crisis, has got an order for supplying 13,000 cars to China. JLR’s sales in China have already been on the upswing in recent years and the country is the carmaker’s fifth-largest market worldwide.

JLR is understood to have signed an MoU with a business partner in China and will supply 13,000 vehicles over a period of three years. This order might, to some extent, mitigate the financial crisis at the company, which has been laying off people and scaling back on production and new product development.