Honda Brio unveiled, will be launched in India in 2011

The Honda Brio looks rather neat. Should be a bit hit in India, we're sure...

Honda has unveiled its new compact car – the Brio – which has been developed for Asian markets and which will be launched in India and Thailand in 2011. The Brio was unveiled at the Thailand International Motor Expo and while the car is still being billed as a ‘prototype,’ this is very likely to be quite close to the actual production model.

According to a press release from Honda, the Brio will cater to the increasing demand for compact cars in newly emerging nations. ‘Honda would like to expand the joy of mobility to more customers in India, Thailand and other Asian countries through the introduction of a new small vehicle with compact and highly efficient packaging by utilizing our own experiences cultivated by our motorcycle business here in Asia,’ said Takanobu Ito, President and CEO of Honda Motor.

Given Honda’s engineering prowess and brand equity in India, we’re sure the Brio will provide some stiff competition to the likes of the Maruti Swift and Ritz, Hyundai i10, Ford Figo, VW Polo, Tata Indica Vista and Nissan Micra etc.

Tata Hispano CNG Hybrid Buses to be exported to Spain

The Tata Hispano CNG Hybrid bus will be running on the streets of Madrid from 2012...

Tata Hispano Motors Carrocera SA, Tata Motors’ wholly owned subsidiary in Spain, has got an order for supplying ten CNG Series Hybrid low-floor city buses, which will be built on Tata Motors chassis, to EMT Madrid, a Madrid city public transportation company. The buses are due to be delivered in 2012.

The Tata Hispano CNG Hybrid is powered with a series hybrid system, where the engine is not connected to the driveline at all. Instead, it just runs a generator which charges the battery pack at a steady power. The battery pack provides electrical energy to the motor, which in turn generates tractive power. Besides, the engine operates on a constant speed, constant load mode, maximising efficiency, irrespective of variations in vehicle speed and frequent stops and starts etc. The Tata Hispano CNG Hybrid offers substantial improvement in fuel economy and emissions compared to a conventional bus.

The Tata Hispano CNG Hybrid low-floor bus is equipped with a heater, air-conditioner, wheelchair, baby seat, security cameras, WIFI, electrical ramp, ticketing machine, reverse camera, electronic display board, electrically operated in-swing and out-swing doors, and kneeling facility allowing easy entry and exit. Its electronically controlled air suspension (ECAS) and electronic braking provide excellent ride quality, handling and passenger comfort. With strong acceleration and a maximum speed of 70km/h, the Tata Hispano Hybrid provides fast and comfortable urban transport that’s also environment-friendly.