Ariel Atom & The Bugatti Veyron : Marvels of Auto Engineering

What do you get when you bolt on an engine to some scaffolding and tyres? Before you get carried away, the answer is the Ariel Atom, a road legal track car that is capable of doing a 100 kmph in less than three seconds flat!

The brain child of Nick Smart for his student project back in 1996, the car has now seen three versions over the years with each one outrunning the last. The Ariel Atom (version one) started off with a two liter Honda engine and has grown up to become the Atom 3. I say grown up because the new Atom now comes with an added turbocharger- the secret behind its face distorting acceleration.   Although theoretically you can break any record you wish to if you make the engine as big as possible and the body as light as possible, the key to a good track car is handling.

If your car can stay on the track and trace any path that isn’t a straight line while going fast then you have a winner. Having been tested by Lotus, known for their cars with nippy handling, the Atom has enough grip to take bits of the track with it.

All this said and done it might seem pretty pointless to move any further as the mains story has been told, but the actual story lies in the newest model in Ariel’s lineup, the Atom V8. With a five liter motorcycle derived, eight cylinder engine pumping out 500 bhp, the Atom V8 is a force to be reckoned with.  What makes the Atom V8 so special is the level of technology that runs through it metaphorical veins. The gearbox can shift gears in 1/400ths of a second and you can preselect the next gear before changing them for even more speed.

The wheels are magnesium and the onboard computers can set the car up for each individual owner making it an engineering marvel.  The Atom V8 sadly, despite the power: weight ratio of 900 hp per ton, it is not the fastest accelerating car in the world. That title belongs to the Bugatti Veyron, an engineering marvel that holds the title of fastest production road car. Capable of hitting speeds exceeding 430 kmph, it has a 16 cylinder, eight liter engine with four turbochargers bolted on.

The Veyron is designed not only for speed. What sets it apart from the Atom V8 is the fact that the Veyron is a GT car or a Grand Tourer. Decked up with leather, aluminium and the best sound system in the world to name a few, the Veyron is truly a benchmark for engineering design.  Leaving technology aside, the unique thing that sets the Veyron apart is the cost of manufacture. Bugatti, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen group loses money on every Veyron sold. You may wonder what the point behind such lunacy is and the answer simply lies in the fact that to Ferdinand K. Piëch, the Chairman of VW felt that the Bugatti marquee must be returned to its past glory and the Veyron was his Everest.

The smallest fire truck ever

Gone are the days when even for the smallest of fires one would have to call the fire brigade because now a standard small automobile is being converted into the smallest fire truck ever!

The Nash Metropolitan modified to be a fire truck

Nash Metropolitan – a 1960’s sub-compact economy car was converted into a fire truck by Overland Amusements of Lexington, Massachusetts. Born in 1954, this was the car that introduced a new segment in the global automobile industry – ‘subcompact’. Creating mayhem in the sales charts in US and Canada, the Nash sold almost 95000 in the 9 years for which it was manufactured.                    

The car still continues to pull a lot of heads after Overland Amusements showed the world what it can possibly become. This is not the only conversion that the company has gone through with. The company was responsible for more of such modifications in the ‘50s and the ‘60s.

But maybe you shouldn’t get all excited and start getting eager to buy a Nash yourself just yet. As much of a replica this one is to an actual fire truck, it is not intended to work the functions of an actual fire brigade. 

If you are like Phoebe from the all famous television series Friends and want to compete with her ‘not for hire’ cab then this modified Nash Metropolitan will cost you $29,500 only.

Ferrari Set to Launch Products in India

Its official! Ferrari has inked a deal with the Shreyans Group, appointing the latter as the official importer of the 'Prancing Horse' in India.

It sure has been a long wait, but finally one of the most coveted brands from automotive history is making its official debut in India. Ferrari is finally here and for fans the news couldn't have been better.

The Shreyans Group, which incidentally are the importers of Porsche in India, have now been officially appointed at the official importer of Ferrari in India. The company will set up a separate Ferrari India office and will have Ferrari experienced professionals and dealers manage the show. The first Ferrari dealership will commence operations in Delhi by early spring and the second dealership, which is scheduled for Mumbai, will open in the second half of 2011.

Ferrari has been contemplating an entry in the Indian market for quite  a while and though they tested waters with a trip around India titled the "Magic Discovery Tour of India"a couple of years ago, it was a wait and watch game to see how the company would make its foray in the country. Ferrari is incidentally owned by the Fiat Group, and Fiat and Tata have tie-up, so in fact the ball was in anyone's court to usher in the Ferrari brand, however it seems that Ferrari has chosen the route of Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Rolls-Royce, by appointing an exclusive dealer tie up with the Shreyans Group.

As far as the vehicles for the Indian market are considered, Ferarri will usher in the Ferrari California, 458 Italia,599 GTB Fiorano, as well as the recently launched Ferarri FF. Along with the cars, you can also expect to have a range of some of the best Ferrari merchandise also available at the dealer outlets.

The official pricing for India will be announced once the dealership in Delhi is up and running.

VGA camera in Hot Wheels

Hot Wheels gets its much needed upgradation from Mattel's new Hot Wheels Video Racer. Read on

I, in all totality envy the kids of today and their cool-tech toys; for what better they could ask for than having a camera that records all the adventure in their Hot Wheels. The Mattel's Hot Wheels Video Racer lets you record the racing action from the driver's perspective.

Hot Wheels will now come equipped with a tiny front-facing camera that has enough storage to record up to 12 minutes of video footage and what's more to it. Just like your digital cameras', the racing car will too have a small LCD screen on its belly for an instant play back.

Also, for you to enjoy it on a larger screen, all you need to do is simply attach an USB and view it on your laptop. There's even a custom video editor, which helps you to splice clips together and add your own soundtrack. Not just kids, but even adults can now enjoy and experience what it is like to go through lap after lap, not as a spectator but as a driver driving right from the inside of a car.

Budget 2011: BMW, Audi, Mercedes prices may zoom by over Rs 8 lakh

Playing a partypooper to the country's growing clout in the luxury car segment, a new provision in the Budget could well lead to a hefty hike, over Rs 8 lakh or more, in the prices of entryl evel cars of the companies like BMW, Audi and Mercedes

In what appears to be a bolt from the blue for the luxury carmakers, mainly from the German stable, a change in definition of completely knocked down (CKD) car is threatening to derail the softer import duty regime.

The provision, hidden in the memorandum explaining the provisions of the Finance Bill, has created panic among companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes as they are scared that a jump in the prices of their India-assembled cars will hit demand.

“A definition for ‘ CKD unit’ of a vehicle, including two-wheelers, eligible for concessional import duty is being inserted to exclude from its purview such units containing a pre-assembled engine or gearbox or transmission mechanism or chassis where any of such parts or sub-assemblies is installed,” the Budget provision said.

In simple terms, this implies that auto companies that are doing CKD business in India with fully-imported pre-assembled critical parts like engines or gearbox or transmission cannot claim the lower 10% import duty on them as these will no longer be defined as CKDs. This would bring these vehicles on a par with fully-built units and thus slap a hefty 60% import duty on them, which would go up to 110% after the addition of counter-vailing duty, VAT and other local levies.

The models affected could be all entry-level luxury cars. From BMW, these would include the 3-Series and 5-Series sedans and the X1 SUV; from Mercedes the C- and E-Class sedans; and from Audi the A4 and A6 sedans and the Q5 SUV. Other companies who are having some CKD models will also be affected, and these include Toyota’s Fortuner, Volkswagen’s Jetta and Passat and Ford’s Endeavour.


The affected companies have approached the auto industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) for help. “A delegation of our representatives and Siam have visited the finance ministry to seek clarification on the matter,” an official with one of the luxury carmaker said.


While none of them are ready to speak on record at the moment, they say in private that business would be severely affected if the provision is enforced. “Sales will be hit as affordability goes down. This kind of a provision, if it is there to stay, will be negative for further investments,” said an official, requesting anonymity.


Sources said the German embassy has also been alerted on the matter and is actively looking into the issue. Comfortable prices of luxury cars and growing affluence in India have seen sales of luxury cars zoom. Companies like BMW, Mercedes and Audi have seen India emerge as one of their fastest-growing markets globally (over 70% growth), though volumes are still at a nascent stage.


The total market for luxury cars was about 18,000 units last year, and is expected to double in the next two-to-three years if the lower duty regime stays. “However, all the projections would go haywire in case the new provision is enforced,” an official said.

Budget 2011: Car sales surge in Feb on excise hike fears

Fear of excise hike in Budget and the economic growth kept car sales healthy in February despite a slew of negatives like rising interest rates and petrol price hike. Demand is expected to be headed for moderation in the coming months from its high levels earlier, fear industry players

Maruti, the country's top carmaker, led the charge as it reported a 20% growth in domestic volumes at 1.01 lakh units against 84,765 units in the same month last year. The company, that last month launched a diesel version of its SX4 sedan, said sales of its bread-and-butter small car portfolio was up 19% at 72,090 units.

Company officials, however,fear that the bumper demand may not hold up for long with interest rates on the rise and negative sentiments building up due to high inflation and petrol price hikes.

Hyundai had another month of subdued performance as its domestic volumes grew 5% at 32,629 units against 31,001 units in February last year. The company's sales were up by a small 2% in January. "Rising competition from upcoming companies like Ford and Volkswagen is expected to take some market share from dominant players like Maruti and Hyundai," analysts say.

But while being cautionary on the sales prospects in the coming months, most of the companies heaved a sigh of relief as the finance minister kept the excise duty unchanged at 10% in the Budget. Companies had said that they would not be able to hold on to prices in case the excise duty would go up in the Budget.

"It is a good thing that the FM decided to go in for consistency in policy. With the excise duty rates being retained , we will not be hiking prices, as of now," Mayank Pareek, managing executive officer (sales and marketing) of Maruti Suzuki, said.

Other companies like Hyundai, Honda, General Motors and Mahindra have also said that they would hold on to prices for now. However, companies say they may be forced to up prices in the coming months as rising cost of inputs was hurting margins. Both Maruti and Hero Honda saw a 20% drop in profits in the last quarter and say that prices would need to be moved up at some time to adjust to higher costs.

Experts warn that the industry may be headed for some course correction as negatives firm up. The higher cost of inputs may translate into higher vehicle prices in the coming time while expensive car financing will hit EMIs. And with fuel bills going up, at a time of high inflation, things could get a bit difficult for the industry.

"We may not see the 30% growth that was experienced last year," Pawan Goenka, head of Siam and president of Mahindra's automotive division said. New models are expected to keep the volumes charged up. Companies like Toyota , Honda, Ford and General Motors are lining up new models to get a bigger share of the domestic market.

New BMW i brand is born electric

New range of vehicles under the BMW i badge to focus on providing zero-emission, sustainable urban mobility - range to begin with BMW i3 and i8 cars

There are times when a carmaker innovates to such an extent that its current range of brands are not enough to accommodate a new product. At other times, a new brand just becomes the demand of the marketing and PR departments that needs to find new ways to sell their cars. In what seems to be a combination of both, Munich-based carmaker BMW has announced the launch of a new brand, one that will focus specifically on developing cars for low-emission urban transport.

The range will kick off with two new cars in 2013 – the BMW i3 and the BMW i8. We have already seen the i3 previously as Megacity Vehicle concept, and it will be the BMW Group’s first series-produced car for urban areas to be driven by electric power alone. The BMW i8, meanwhile, will be based on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept study. Its plug-in hybrid drive blends the sporting ability of a high-performance machine with the fuel consumption and emissions of a small car.

What is special about both the cars though is the construction concept they are built around. Labelled as the LifeDrive architecture, the skeleton of the cars will be based on an aluminium chassis that houses the powertrain, and the passenger cell consists of high-strength but extremely lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP).

The BMW Group has also said that it will significantly expand its range of mobility services over the years ahead under the i Brand, which will include vehicles and services developed since 2007 as part of project i, a BMW Group think tank exploring sustainable mobility solutions. To achieve this, a Venture Capital company was founded in New York City, BMW i Ventures, with an investment totalling up to 100 million US dollars.


Is someone thinking ‘smart’? About time, Munich, is what we think!

Tata Motors unveils its Pixel Concept Car

Tata Motors presents its concept car for Europe at the 81st Geneva Motor Show

The Tata Nano took the automotive world by storm when it was introduced in 2009 and while it was christened the ‘One Lakh Rupee Car’ back in India, a separate international model of the Nano, called the Europa also debuted the same year at the 79th Geneva Motor Show.

This car was made specifically meet the driving needs of its target customers in Europe, and apart from its powerful engine and sporty looks, the international model had a lengthier wheelbase, was larger and offered better emissions and maneuverability as compared to its Indian sibling.

Based on the Nano, Tata Motors has come to into this years Geneva Motor show with futuristic looking concept car based on the Nano platform. Being introduced to the automotive world as the Pixel, this new futuristic concept from the house of Tata is just over three metres in length, and looks spacious enough to comfortably accommodate four adults.

Speaking on the its debut at the 81st Geneva Motor Show, Mr. Carl-Peter Forster, Managing Director and Group CEO of Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors holds true to its belief that there is an opportunity in Europe for a city car, which is optimal in space, maneuverability and environment-friendliness. The Tata Pixel is a reflection of Tata Motors' idea of what such a car should be."

Powered by a 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, the Pixel is made to be a real performer, and with its optimized aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start technology, and intelligent battery charging, the Tata Pixel returns European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

Some of the Tata Pixel's one of a kind features include its 2.6 metres turning circle radius thanks to its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT).

Exterior highlights include its 'Scissor' doors that rotate upwards to allow passengers to effortlessly enter or exit the Tata Pixel. The Tata Pixel is also designed to provide a high level of connectivity. Key functions are controlled by the driver's smart phone, running 'My Tata Connect', the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors.

Ford India registers 188% growth in sales

Mainly driven by its hatchback, the Figo, Ford India has recorded a 188 per cent sales growth in February 2011 as per the reports.

Ford India has seen a sudden increase in its sales ever since the launch of the hatchback, the Figo in the year 2009, taking Ford to a phenomenal new level. Ford India sold over 9,293 vehicles in February as compared to 3,223 in 2010. In all, the company has sold over 76,000 Figo's since 2009.

According to the company officials, the Indian unit of US based leading car-maker Ford Motors, has been performing well in the Indian market since last one year, and has registered a massive 188 per cent jump in its sales in the country in February 2011.

Commenting on the company's performance, Michael Boneham, president and managing director of Ford India said, "The phenomenal Figo has taken Ford to a new level in India." He also added that the company will soon launch its all new Fiesta, a premium sedan, the first of the eight new models slated to be launched by 2015.


Expect to be quite a segment shaker, the all new Fiesta has been garnering rave reviews around Europe in its hatchback form – and has already clocked sales figures of over ten lakh units around the 100 markets in which it is sold.


Ford India has also mentioned that the new Ford Fiesta will be built at Ford's manufacturing plant in Chennai and consumers can look forward to a high-end sedan that will have a sporty design, great ride quality, dynamic performance and an array of smart features.

Ford Figo Drives Company Growth

Ford India is on an all time high with the success of the Ford Figo. The company has almost tripled sales in February 2011 as compared to the same period last year.

Ford India has achieved a 188 per cent increase in sales in February 2011 as compared to the same period last year. In February 2010 the company recorded a sale of 3,223 vehicles however in the same period this year, the number has gone up to a stellar 9,293 units.

According to Ford India officials, the growth is mainly due to the high demand of the Ford Figo, which incidentally celebrates its one year anniversary this month. The premium hatchback continues to be a big draw for it is extremely well priced and a product that is well suited to the Indian market.

The Figo has the distinction of selling over 76,000 units since its launch. It has also been coveted with the most awards in automotive history in India, including the prestigious ZigWheels Car of The Year award.

Riding on this new wave of success, Ford India is now gearing up for the launch of the new globally acclaimed Fiesta. The new Fiesta marks the first in a series of eight new arrivals planned for the Indian market. The new Fiesta will not replace the current Fiesta, which, according to company officials, will continue to sell alongside its new sibling as it is an integral part of the company’s product line up.

Gearing up for new levels of success, Ford India has also been working at effectively expanding its sales and service network across the country. The company now has 170 dealership outlets in over 100 cities across the country.

Skoda reveals its new 'corporate logo' at the Geneva Motor Show

New corporate design to herald the next era of Skoda's growth and development

Auto manufacturers that have been in the business of making cars for as long as Skoda have seen the automotive world evolve and transform into what it represents today. While some automobile manufacturers have revamped their logos and corporate identities in recent times to project a new outlook and direction for themselves, others have brought into existence an entirely new brand that will clearly cater to the future development of its sustainable mobility solutions for the world.

At this year’s Geneva Motor Show, auto enthusiasts will witness a fleet of exciting and futuristic looking automobiles from every corner of the globe, and Czech car maker Skoda has taken this opportunity to reveal to its international audience, it’s newly re-instated corporate logo in an all new chrome finish.

With plans to double its global sales of 762,600 cars by year 2018, Skoda’s new corporate design is a visual expression of its optimism and ambitions for the future. Created by Hamburg-settled CI/CD agency “Syndicate Brand & Corporate Design AG” Škoda’s winged-arrow logo now has a new, sharper design in vivid colours.

The winged arrow in the new design is much larger and more visible. The hue of the winged arrow has been changed from “natural green” to the new lush “Škoda Green”, and the outer area is highlighted with a chrome look. The previously black circle around the winged arrow has been refashioned into a simple chrome design and is now positioned further from the winged arrow, giving the logo an airier, more adventurous impression.

The “Škoda Auto” legend is no longer placed within the circle; it is now clearly visible above the logo. The new font (ŠKODA PRO font), colours, new proportions and new arrangement have resulted in a new logo exuding precision and freshness.

The new Skoda logo will find itself on the front edge of the bonnet and the rear end of Skoda cars 2012 onwards, and the new look will also be phased in at Škoda dealers as the showroom architecture and exterior design of their establishments are given a makeover.

New logo to debut on the Skoda’s Concept Car at Geneva

Amongst a host of other revelations this year, Skoda is offering a glimpse of the future by unveiling a design concept car at the Geneva Motor Show. The design concept with its clearly defined features is an accurate representation of Skoda’s rejuvenated brand image that will very soon be the face of all future Skoda cars.

Mahindra's 'globe trotter' Airvan flies over Mumbai

After circumnavigating the globe in 2010, the Mahindra GippsAero GA8TC-320 Airvan created a buzz amongst aviation enthusiasts with its brief sortie over the 'City of Dreams'

The Mahindra GippsAero GA8TC-320 Airvan lands in Mumbai

After establishing its strong presence in every automobile category in the eco-system the Mahindra group forayed into the aerospace segment in December 2009 with the acquisition of two Australian aviation companies.

Thereafter, a Mahindra Aerospace Limited (MAPL) owned GippsAero GA8TC-320 Airvan created history in 2010 after flew around the world to raise funds and spread awareness for Malaria. After receiving a enthusiastic response from customers, suppliers and visitors at Aero India 2011 in Bangalore last year, the 8-seat multi-role aircraft recently paid a visit to the city of Mumbai, where it conducted a brief sortie to get a glimpse of the cities beautiful skyline and endless towering structures and high-rises.

Amongst the crew, which included the Pilot, Tim Pryse & Arvind Mehra, Executive Director and CEO, Mahindra Aerospace Private Limited, Bollywood actor, Kunal Kapoor was also invited to experience the Airvan’s strong value proposition on a short flight over the nations financial capital.

Pilot, Tim Pryse & Mr. Arvind Mehra, Executive Director and CEO, Mahindra

Aerospace Private Limited and Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor pose in front of the Airvan

Amongst the many features of this impressive IO 540 Lycoming engine powered airvan is its unmatched load carrying capacity, its ruggedness, spacious interiors, versatility, affordability, low maintenance costs and above all its large tyres that enable it to operate on short air strips in primitive conditions, making it ideal for remote and underdeveloped areas in a country like India.


With its robust metallic construction the Airvan is available in either normally-aspirated or turbocharged variants. Both models offer unbeatable costs per seat-mile, ensuring an economical, low maintenance and reliable operations platform. Several GA8TC-320 Airvans have already been delivered to customers in Australia and New Zealand.

Looking at the potential for such durable and performance proven airvans in the country’s domestic market, Arvind Mehra said, “The Indian market has great potential for versatile and tough planes such as the Airvan and we hope to launch it in the domestic market shortly.”


With MAPL working towards becoming a globally recognised manufacturer of cost-effective, efficient and robust utility aircrafts, its immediate priority is to consolidate its achievements and build a strong foundation for itself in the global aerospace industry.

Range Rover Evoque is 2010 Car Design of the Year

The fantastic new compact SUV from the Tata Motors-owned British marque has been given top design honours in the production car category by its design peers from Car Design News

The Range Rover Evoque has been adjudged as the Best Car Design of 2010 by a poll of readers of Car Design News, one of the most reputed online resource for automotive design professionals. For the fifth year running, the design community was asked to select the designs which impressed them the most among the shortlists. The award carries a lot of weight in international design circles since members of the voting list include the design heads of almost all major carmakers and design houses.

Officially unveiled at the 2010 Paris motor show, the Range Rover Evoque took top honours since it represents the best translation from concept car to production vehicle seen in recent times, according to voters. Faithful to the LRX concept created under the direction of master designer Julian Thomson, the Evoque's exceptional stance, dramatic proportions and crisp graphics seem to have made it a clear winner from the outset.

"I am delighted to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the Land Rover Design team," said Gerry McGovern, Design Director and Chief Creative Officer at Land Rover. "This is a particularly special accolade as it is represents recognition from peers in the industry."

With 35 percent of the vote, the Evoque beat competition from the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (18%) and the Audi A7 (15%) to take top honors by a considerable margin. Fourth and fifth place spots went to Kia for the Sportage and Optima, each acquiring 12 and 10 percent of the vote, respectively.

Past winners of the award include the Aston Martin Rapide, Chevrolet Camaro, Fiat 500 and Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. The competition is also conducted every year for the best concept car design category – the real space where designers can go all-out with their concepts and imagination. Watch out for the results of that award soon in our second part of the story!

Mahindra Reva Planning REVA EV for Europe by 2011

The Bangalore based electric vehicle manufacturer, Mahindra Reva, is planning on introducing a lithium ion battery version of its REVA EV in Europe by 2011.

It truly looks like India is shining, for in an interesting twist to the tale on going green in Europe is a solution from India! Mahindra Reva is planning on introducing a lithium ion powered Reva EV for the European market. Unlike other rather expensive electric vehicles, the Reva EV for Europe promises to be keenly priced.

In order to capitalize on this, Mahindra Reva is working hard at expanding its distribution channels across Europe. Apart from the Reva EV, Mahindra Reva intends on introducing a slew of new models in the coming years which promise more features, better comfort and also an enhanced driving range.  The Lithium ion battery powered Reva EV is basically going to pave the way forward until the new models begin to arrive in 2012.

Currently Mahindra Reva is working on completing the state of the art manufacturing facility in Bangalore. The facility is set to commence production by December this year and vehicles such as the REVA NXR are set to roll out from this plant. The company has also recently taken a loan of USD 11 million from EXIM Bank towards the development and research of new models.

In Europe, Mahindra Reva has already tasted a bit of the EV pie with the REVAi model which sells as the G-Wiz through a UK distributor. It's popularity has been growing and with the new models, Mahindra Reva are sure to make further inroads in the EV market.

Tata Motors to assemble SUV Freelander in India

The local assembly will start later this year, where we will produce all available variant of the Freelander

Tata Motors will assemble Land Rover's luxury sports utility vehicle ( SUV )) Freelander in India, hoping to cash in on the lower tax benefits . India's largest automobile company plans to produce 2000 units of Freelander every year at its Chikhli plant near Pune once owned by Mercedes-Benz.

The company will assemble completely knocked down units imported from Jaguar and Land Rover (JLR) in the UK. "There is immense potential in the market and after selling JLR in India for more than a year, we have decided to assemble our cars here.

The local assembly will start later this year, where we will produce all available variant of the Freelander," said Tata Motors MD and CEO Carl Peter Foster. The recent Budget has made changes in the definition of completely-knocked down (CKD) kits, upsetting the plans of foreign car-makers.

Tata Motors has sold more than 200 units of its Land Rover brand in India and plans to focus on local assembling to gain market share. Freelander 2 will be the first model to hit the market.

"While we are the fastest growing luxury brand in China, the local assembly in the Indian market would help the parent company to leverage its potential in the home market," said Land Rover's global brand director John Edwards.

Mercedes-Benz enters Vidharbha: inaugurates dealership in Nagpur

Mercedes India becomes the first luxury car maker to establish a dealership in Nagpur. 'Auto Hangar' will be a 43,500 sq. ft. Showroom with a valet service, accessory and boutique service along with the Mercedes-Benz Experience zone

Peter Honegg,Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India & Mohan Mariwala,

Managing Director, Autohangar India Pvt. Ltd addressing the media at the inauguration

of the new Mercedes-Benz dealership- Auto Hangar in Nagpur

Mercedes-Benz India achieved the unique distinction of being the first luxury carmaker to open a dealership in Nagpur. Christened ‘Auto Hangar’ and located at the MIDC premises, the swanky dealership sits across 43,500 sq .ft. It was inaugurated by Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India along with Mr. Mohan Mariwala, Managing Director of Autohangar India Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Honegg said “Mercedes-Benz invented the automobile more than 125 years back and we have pioneered the luxury car segment in India. It is our understanding of the Indian customer and marketplace which convinced us about the potential of Nagpur and its adjoining areas like Bhandara, Chandrapur, Yavatmal, Akola and Amravati.” He added that “Auto Hangar is one of our most experienced dealerships and they will ensure we serve the market effectively and efficiently.”

Mr. Mohan Mariwala, Managing Director of Auto Hangar India: “Auto Hangar is one of the most experienced dealerships of Mercedes-Benz in the country. With this rich experience we are confident that we will be able to delight our customers at Nagpur and adjoining region.”

Auto Hangar has been associated with Mercedes- Benz since 1997 and has provided service to over 62000 cars and has sold over 3600 units. Auto Hangar aims to offer a one stop solution for sales, service and spared to Mercedes-Benz owners in and around Nagpur. Created in a span of 3 months with an investment of INR 55 Million, the dealership offers a unique blend of accessories, collectables, valet service and the engaging Mercedes-Benz Experience zone among many others. 

Mercedes-Benz beaks sales records for February

Mercedes-Benz India shows a 51% growth in Feb 2011 Vs. Feb 2010. Post highest ever sale of 662 units

Mercedes- Benz India has shattered last year’s sales figures for the month of February this year selling 662 cars as opposed to the 439 cars they sold same time last year. The super-impressive jump by over 51% is largely attributable to the 110% rise in the sales of the C- Class with 362 units being shipped out. Not too far behind is the E- Class which sold 230 units as opposed to the 161 units in Feb 2010. The SUVs like the GL also did very well with a total number of 23 units this year while the ML and the R- Class had a combined figure of 27 units.

Mr. Peter T Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented, “2011 started on a wonderful note for us and with the increased sales figures we are delighted that customers appreciate out brand value and have furthermore helped us in achieving this benchmark.” This year Mercedes-Benz has kicked off its 125 years celebrations which will continue across different platforms throughout the year.

Skoda reveals its VisionD Concept at the Geneva Motor Show

Modern styling with simpler design cues is what makes the "VisionD" Concept a glimpse into the future of Skoda cars

A first glance at Skoda’s new design concept does stir up thoughts of a mid-sized Laura, with some minor tweaks to the exterior styling with respect to the overall proportions, shinier radiator grille and the slimmer headlights.

But what makes the Czech car makers ‘VisionD’ experiment a little different from the other concept cars present at the 81st Geneva Motor Show is what it represents visually for Skoda’s future car models. Being the very first ‘flesh and blood’ prototype from Skoda to carry its newly conceptualized corporate logo, the Vision D is representation of Skoda’s very special facelift on its existing line up of cars for international markets. That being said, the “VisionD” does bring forth the brand’s new direction towards extending its model portfolio and intensifying its activity in Europe, as well in China, India and Russia.

Displaying the “VisionD” concept before an international automobile enthusiastic crowd for the very first time, Skoda is presenting key elements of its new found brand identity, whose distinguishing features are freshness and precision.

Reflecting on Skoda’s plans for the future through the revelation of the “VisionD”, Jürgen Stackmann, the Board Member responsible for marketing and sales, said, “We are keen to express the new power of our brand not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves to partners and customers. Škoda is synonymous with attractive cars offering exceptional value for money, countless clever solutions and precisely executed work. All this is clearly reflected by our updated corporate design.”

VisionD Concept: A closer look

The use of modern stylistic elements and the latest technology is a given with a new design concept that makes it way to world automobile stage. However, Skoda’s VisionD Concept outlines the carmakers growth strategy with its clearly defined features, sleek lines and minimalistic attention to detail.

The long wheelbase and short overhangs seen on the VisionD, are in Skoda’s opinion a prerequisite for successful automotive architecture as they both allow for above-average interior space and, coupled with the dynamic roof line, lend the car a high degree of visual majesty.

The fluent integration of the tailgate underscores the entire car’s sophisticated practicality. The digital interface and advanced level of connectivity on the inside give the VisionD a far more modernistic appeal.

The radiator grille with its unobtrusively shiny finish symbolizes the brand’s aesthetic blueprint, while Skoda’s new chrome finish logo at the front end stands out in the middle of the car as the starting point for all the contours and horizontal lines along the Vision D’s bonnet.

With Skoda all set to implement its new design language on all its future car models, its new corporate identity and chrome finish emblem is also set to be revamped on front and rear of its automobiles from 2012 to match the logo in the design concept presented in Geneva.

Lamborghini launches the Aventador LP700-4

Lamborghini finally launched the Aventador LP700-4 - the supercar to replace the Murcielago - at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. And what a really super car it is...

Probably one of the most awaited car of year, if not the decade, has been Lamborghini’s new V12 engined flagship – the car which was to replace the much loved big bad bull, the Murcielago. After countless spy pics of the camouflaged body, later pics of the all-new engine and recently a photo feature of the new full carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the Sant’Agata based supercar maker has finally let fans feast their eyes on the real Aventador at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Though taking a look at this new king of bulls might lead one to believe that it’s just a colourful version of the Reventon, Lamborghini’s super-exclusive variant of the Murcielago, the truth is far from it. The Aventador has been designed completely fresh from the ground, and doesn’t share more than a couple of nuts and bolts with the outgoing Murcielago. The Aventador’s high-tech carbon fibre monocoque chassis is hidden under a sharp design that shares the silhouette with the Murcielago, along with some design elements from the Gallardo and the edges of the Reventon. But even with all the shared design language, overall the car manages to look quite fresh and is very much what a new Lamborghini from the year 2011 should be like. The cutting edge chassis, which with its carbon fibre monocoque and aluminium front and rear sub frames provides excellent torsional rigidity and weighs in at just 229kg, allowing for some serious weight saving overall. The Aventador weighs just 1575kg – a full 90kg less than the Murcielago LP640-4.

Connecting the chassis to the wheels is an equally advanced suspension – a double wishbone-with-pushrod system using horizontal dampers. Drawing on F1 systems, it keeps the wheels perfectly aligned regardless of where the terrain might shunt them through the arc of suspension travel. The system allows the company to give the springs a bit of ride softness without compromising the handling precision. The Aventador also retains the marque's signature front-end hydraulic lift, giving the car 40 mm of extra lift on the nose to deal with speed bumps and driveway lips.

Porsche revives world's first hybrid - the Semper Vivus

111 year old car from 1900 created by Ferdinand Porsche makes its reappearance at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show

Think hybrid, and it is not surprising to think of cutting-edge modern day electricals and batteries being roped in to create more fuel efficient and emission-friendly vehicles, much in the vein of the current automotive scenario. But what if we told you that the world’s first hybrid car ran on wooden wheels, and was made more than a hundred years back? Well, it’s the truth, and German carmaker Porsche had a revived example of this vehicle on display at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Named the ‘Semper Vivus’ which is Latin for “always alive”, the vehicle was the brainchild of Porsche’s founding father, Ferdinand Porsche. A brilliant creator who has a host of firsts to his name, the Semper Vivus was a car that brought the principle of a series hybrid to life, harnessing the power of electric motors and combining it with a conventional petrol engine to create the first dual-power vehicle in the history of mankind.

To ensure that this piece of history is not forgotten, and to also get some mileage by bringing the consistent streak of innovation that Porsche has shown over the years to the fore at one of the world’s most acclaimed motor shows, the boffins at Stuttgart decided to reconstruct a model of the Semper Vivus for the Geneva Motor Show. The reconstruction took four years to complete, and from the looks of it the good German folks have done a spellbinding job. The added benefit is that when the company shows off its latest Panamera hybrid sedan at the show, it will be alongside a century old car that will certainly prove the ability and agility of the German sports vehicle manufacturer to stay with the times, and often stay ahead of it.

XENATEC Coupe at Geneva Motor Show

First public appearance of the Maybach 57 S based XENATEC Coupe

Well we all know that Maybachs' are the absolute epitome of luxury and exclusivity in the automotive sphere, and if there’s one thing that makes Maybach’s really stand out amongst a hoard of fancy cars around the world its their absolutely unparalleled level of customizations that pamper every single desire and fuss of their high-profile owners.


For the first time in a long time, Maybach pushed the limits of its bespoke reputation and got together with white metal component provider XENATEC to put together a car that can no longer be called a car, rather a ‘golden suite’ of sorts that will leave you in trans of luxury and opulence.


For the very first time since its launch in October last year, XENATEC is now presenting a customer-specified XENATEC-Coupe to the public for the very first time at the 81st International Auto Salon in Geneva (1st-6th March). Based on the very same 57S model that was recently introduced here in India, this brilliant two-door gem of a car is the ingenuity of XENATEC designer Fredrik Burchhardt.


The paint scheme on this one-off is a matte finish, which has been applied by hand in several layers to create a shimmering brass tone. The interior is utterly exclusive, created from a stunning combination of buffalo hide in its natural, non-dyed mid-brown and dark nappa leather in espresso brown, all hand-stitched by master craftsmen.

The overall effect is further enhanced by the headliner finished in nappa leather to create a stunning contrast in this uniquely sumptuous feast of color, which is beautifully displayed at all times thanks to the custom-built panorama roof.


This work of art from the house of XENATEC is a unmatched representation of the hallmark of all Maybach automobiles that make their royal customers feel like absolute gods.

The presentation of this elegant and exclusive coupe will take place in a specially constructed pavilion in the gardens of “La Réserve” Hotel on the banks of Lake Geneva, also marks its world premiere.

Swift S-Concept at the Geneva International Motor Show

This exciting Concept is in line with Suzuki's brand philosophy of delivering excitement

Suzuki comes into this year’s Geneva Motor Show with a sporty and exciting looking version of its best-selling Swift model, which after its introduction in India in 2005 has sold record numbers, and continues to be one of the most popular and reliable hatches on Indian roads.

With the second generation model of the Swift having gone through its much needed facelift in September last year, the new version, which is currently in sale in Europe, is expected to makes its way to India later this year.

Nevertheless, for this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Suzuki took its 2010 Swift model and turned it into a stylish sporty compact hatch that it has unveiled as its Swift S-CONCEPT model.

This exciting Concept is in line with Suzuki’s brand philosophy of delivering excitement, and follows the theme of “more sporty and exciting”, something that is clearly reflected by the S- CONCEPT’S stylish appearance. Accentuated bodywork design and a rear roof spoiler, are some of the add ons on this dynamic-looking hatch in its unique lightning pearl yellow avatar.

The body of the S-CONCEPT is 30mm lower and 60mm wider than that of the standard Swift (third generation). Dynamic-looking front and rear bumpers evoke high levels of acceleration and power and its 18-inch wheels give a sense of solidity and stability to the car. The headlamps and rear combination lamps have exclusive designs with high-tech accents.

The S-CONCEPT’s bespoke yellow, black, and dark-grey metallic colour scheme for both the exterior and interior were inspired by an athlete’s running shoes. For the interior, the steering wheel and instrument cluster have exclusive designs with Recaro Sport styled seats in the front, and parts of the centre console are made of carbon fibre.


Old Swift: (2004 model)
Overall Length                  3760 mm
Overall Width                   1690 mm
Overall Height                 1530 mm
Wheelbase                     2390 mm
Ground Clearance            170 mm
Track Front (mm)            1470 mm
Track Rear (mm)            1480 mm
Tyre Size                        185/ 70 R14

Specifications of 2011 S-CONCEPT

Overall length       3,890mm
Overall width         1,755mm
Overall height       1,475mm
Wheelbase            2,430mm
Power train            Front engine / front wheel drive
Transmission         6 M/T
Tyres                    225/45R18
Body Colour           Lightning Pearl Yellow

Jaguar Commemorated at Goodwood

Iconic British car brand Jaguar, now owned by Tata Motors, is all set to be honored at this years Goodwood Festival of Speed as well as the Goodwood Revival event.

Jaguar. The name itself instills a sense of feline composure. Something that is aggressive, yet extremely beautiful. It’s for this reason that Sir William Lyons chose the name Jaguar for his cars, for he truly wanted them to represent the big cat in every manner. Built on a legacy of racing cars, sports tourers and elegant sedans, Jaguar has always been a brand that has stood out from the rest. Such is the brand name that if you were to ask anyone at Jaguar they would tell you that they are not in the business of building cars, but in the business of entertainment. A Jaguar has to connect at an emotional level and that has been the lure of the brand since the beginning.

Standing as testimony to the ultimate Jaguar is the legendary E-Type. It's been Britain's best loved sports car and a design marvel since its inception 50 years ago. Unveiled exactly 50 years ago at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show, the E-Type rose to iconic status as the ultimate cool car of the 1960s. Additionally, the car was racking up an enviable record list on racing circuits across the world and that included Goodwood.

The E-Type has been the ultimate Jaguar for many an enthusiast and taking this to the next level is the fact that the iconic car will be honored as the 'Central Feature' at the Festival of Speed. It’s a historical moment and there is really no better place to bring back the glory days of the E-Type than Goodwood.

In addition to the 50 year celebrations of the E-Type, Jaguar will also be celebrating their 60th win at the grueling Le Mans 24 Hour endurance race with a class of the marquee's 24 Hours challengers.  As well as the C-Types and D-Types which claimed five victories in the 1950s, Jaguar's triumphant return to la Sarthe in the 1980s with the XJR series will also be represented, alongside examples of every other Jaguar model to compete at the 24 hour race.

Post these events, the E-Type will receive another feather in its cap at the Goodwood Revival, where the Saturday's race, namely the Fordwater Trophy, will be a 45 minute, two driver race strictly for E-Types! And the icing on the cake at the 2011 Goodwood Revival is the official poster that depicts the  famous '4 WPD' Noddy Coombs lightweight development E-Type racing at Goodwood.

If you happen to be a automobile fan that Goodwood has got to be on your calendar, however if you also happen to harbor a desire for Jaguar and the E-Type, then this year's celebrations should literally be on your Bucket List.

Ninth Generation Honda Civic pictures released

Official pictures and details of the Ninth generation Honda Civic are out, and will first be launched in North America in mid 2011 before coming to India

Honda has been known worldwide for its designing and efficient engines, and this time it’s no different. Honda will be releasing a gamut of models- two Si versions, one hybrid, one natural gas-alternative fuel variant and a new model, namely the Civic HF.

Design cues are very fresh, and apart from the blue illuminated tachometer, nothing else has been retained. The car has a whole new bulbous look on the sides, the roof contours looking similar to a Porsche Panamera. The bumpers are now a lot more aggressive, and the boot looks a lot more distinct than the earlier generation. Overall, the car has a more muscular look. Satellite Navigation will be carried over from the US version to the Indian.

Fuel efficiency has slowly but surely become a hallmark of Honda vehicles, and the Civic bears no exception. The Civic and the HF will deliver a mileage of more than 17 kilometres to the litre. All models of the Civic will use the revolutionary ECO assist technology, which would help incorporate efficient operation of the vehicles in each driver’s individual driving style. The car will be launched in North America in mid 2011. It is expected to arrive anytime after that, in India.

Some other salient features of the individual models are as follows:
a) Civic HF, Sedan, Coupe and Natural Gas specifications
• 140 hp, 1-8 litre i-vTEC engine. 5 speed automatic transmission.
• Estimated fuel economy- Civic HF- 18kmpl (highway). HF is a completely new model.
• Estimated fuel economy- Sedan and Coupe- 16.36 kmpl (highway)

b) Civic Hybrid specifications
• 110 hp, 1.5 litre i-vTEC engine. Relatively underpowered.
• Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)
• Use of lithium ion battery for the first time
• Estimated fuel economy- city plus highway- 19kmpl

c) Civic Si
• Sportier version. A true driving pleasure
• 200 hp, 2.4 litre, i-vTEC engine. Also does duty in the Acura RSX
• Estimated fuel economy- 13.09 kmpl (highway)

Auto-makers confused over customs duty clause in Budget 2011

Lack of clarity in Budget 2011 over import of auto parts and definition of CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units leaves high-end vehicle brands befuddled

Cars like the BMW X1, assembled here but using completely built imported engines could see a price rise

Dig into the pages of the Customs Memorandum from the 2011 Union Budget, and you will find a few lines that have sent the alarm bells ringing amongst the high-end vehicle manufacturers around the country. “A definition for 'Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit' of a vehicle including two wheelers, eligible for concessional import duty, is being inserted to exclude from its purview such units containing a pre-assembled engine or gearbox or transmission mechanism or a chassis where any of such parts or sub-assemblies is installed”, the lines say.

The Volkswagen Beetle which comes in as a CBU will not see a change in its pricing

What the statement, past its techno-legal jargon means, is that companies which are currently importing fully-assembled engines or transmissions separately and then putting them in bodies made locally may not be able to classify their creations as CKDs. Currently, CBUs attract a duty of 110 percent, SKDs (semi-knocked down units) incur around 62 percent in duties while CKDs receive an additional 10 percent concession. Until now, most international vehicles being assembled in India were coming with pre-assembled engines and transmissions. The new classification could mean that the vehicles lose their 10 percent concession bringing duties up to 62 percent, and after factoring in the taxes, raising prices for the end users.

Bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 250R may also be affected with the new duty structure

Meanwhile, voices from the industry are waiting for clarity on the issue. While most manufacturers seem to be choosing the wait-and-watch policy, it is not difficult to see them pass on the additional costs to buyers, already paying significantly larger sums of money for the same cars and bikes as compared to their international counterparts. Some even think that the move will help international car and bikemakers with a presence and commitment to India to move their manufacturing bases to the country – something that may even help them create export hubs here.