Maruti cars rank highest in the 2008 India APEAL study…

Four Maruti Suzuki cars, as well as cars from Honda and Toyota, each rank highest in their respective segments in new-vehicle design and performance in India, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2008 India Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today.

Now in its tenth year, the APEAL study provides an analysis of what excites and delights owners about their new vehicle’s performance and design during the initial two to six months of ownership...

According to a press release issued by the company, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has postponed capacity enhancement and assembly operations at its second plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan. Initially scheduled for Q4-2009, capacity expansion has now been deferred in view of the current economic slowdown and a drop in demand.

According to Takeo Fukui, President and CEO, Honda Motor Co., the company is taking ‘swift and flexible measures to counter the sudden and expansive weakening of the marketplace in all business areas.’

In view of the negative growth in the Indian automobile industry and in the interest of maintaining lean operations, Honda Siel has also decided to reduce production at its plant in Greater Noida...

The 2009 Honda City is coming to India very soon!

Honda has launched the all-new City in Thailand. This is the same City which will also be launched in India very soon. The car is fitted with the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine as available on the current City, but with some modifications that increase power output and improve the fuel economy. (The less powerful i-DSI engine that’s also currently available, will not be available on the new Honda City.)

Honda will, in a phased manner, launch this new City in India, Philippines, Malaysia, Pakistan, China and Turkey.

The all-new Honda Insight Hybrid. For the first time ever, the Toyota Prius is going to have some serious competition to deal with…!

Honda has released more details on the Insight Hybrid, a five-door family hatchback that looks all set to take on the Toyota Prius on its own turf. Fitted with Honda’s petrol-electric Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system, the Insight is supposed to be one of the most affordable hybrids on the market, with low emissions and great fuel economy in real world driving conditions.

The Honda Insight 1.3 IMA SE also proves that hybrids don’t have to be dull. With 87bhp from its 1...