Daimler To Shift Truck Plant From Pune To TN

Daimler Ag is reportedly planning to move its truck and bus production from Pune in Maharashtra to Tamil Nadu. According to reports the German company which opened a new production facility in Oragadam near Chennai has expressed interest to build the Actros trucks as well as Mercedes-Benz buses in Tamil Nadu.

Both these products are currently built at Daimler's plant in Pune. Daimler is planning to export these trucks to Africa and Asian countries and the location of the plant is crucial to save costs. Oragodam is close to the Chennai plant and this could be the reason behind the decision.

Dieter Zetsche, the chairman of Daimler AG who was present at the inauguration of the Oragadam plant in Tamil Nadu had stated that the Actros trucks would also be build at the plant. Another Mercedes-Benz official has stated that the the company had already begun shifting production of the Mercedes-Benz buses to Tamil Nadu.

Daimler also builds trucks under the brand Name Bharath Benz. The company's decision to move production from Maharashtra could also be to avoid any controversy with regard to VAT payments to the state government. The government of Tamil Nadu is offering some discounts to automakers and Daimler is keen to make full use of them.

Daimler AG's plant in Oragadam has an annual production capacity of 36,000 including heavy and light commercial vehicles.

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HM Launches New Upgraded Mitsubishi Montero

The Mitsubishi range of cars in India has got a new twist with the arrival of an all new Montero SUV. Hindustan Motors launched the upgraded version of the Montero on Monday. The new Montero boasts of several new features including body coloured bumpers, chrome radiator grille, improved interior fit and finish and new stitching on leather seats.

Hindustan Motors in its statement to the media stated: “these changes have added a new dimension to the design of the premium vehicle, the newly introduced interior illumination colour has imparted a refreshed ambience to Montero.”

Montero’s other acclaimed features like 3.2 liter DOHC diesel engine with intercooler and turbocharger, 202 PS@3800 rpm power and 441 Nm@2000 rpm torque continue to provide the vehicle formidable power and thrust. The vehicle is available in solid white, black mica and cool silver metallic shades.

After the launch of Pajero Sport, Outlander 2012 and now the upgraded Montero, Hindustan Motors has also repositioned the price of Mitsubishi’s sedan Cedia at Rs. 7.99 lacs, ex-showroom New Delhi, enhancing the value-for-money quotient for its numerous enthusiasts.

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5 Interesting Cars From 2012 New York Auto Show

The New York Auto Show is one of the most anticipated auto show in the western hemisphere. The sheer number of new car launches and concepts on display show the importance given to the event by carmakers.

This year's New York Auto Show hosted some interesting new cars such as the new Chrysler SRT Viper, the Bugatti Veyron Grandsport 16.4, the Lexus LF LC concept and the Nissan Altima. Most of these cars might not reach Indian shores, all the more reason for us to have a look at them. However these cars will show the direction the carmakers are taking in terms of future cars.

Here is a look at some of the new cars unveiled to the world at the NY auto show.

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Tata Motors Develops Bullet Proof Nano Car

What would you do if you have to travel in terrorist infested areas and expect gun fire or grenades to be hurled upon you? Simple drive this bullet proof grenade repelling small car developed Tata Motors.

The Indian vehicle manufacturer which participated in the recently held DEFEXPO in New Delhi showcased a Micro Bullet Proof Vehicle. This two seater electric car can be considered as the Tata Nano among bullet proof cars. 

Tata's bullet proof car is a small electric vehicle that can run on a single charge for up to six hours. It's design reminds us of an insect thanks to its tiny port holes placed around the vehicle. These port holes will be used by people using the vehicle to fire bullets at attackers.

The nano bullet proof car is not something that you can expect to see on the street anywhere in the near future. Tata Motors has developed this vehicle along with the military’s research division. The aim of the project was to develop a small combat vehicle that can be used in critical situations in urban environments.

The Tata micro bullet proof vehicle can actually climb stairs. This feature will be particularly useful for combat units who have to take on terrorist attacks that are similar to the 26/11 attacks in Mumbai. 

The bullet proof car has slanted roof and walls to repel grenade attacks. The windscreen sis made from bullet proof glass. Its size has been kept to low to increase protection to the passengers. Capable of reaching a top speed of only 20kmph, this car will not be a conventional vehicle.

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Lookout For The 2013 Ford EcoSport

Ford, the American car manufacturer is reportedly planning to display the EcoSport compact SUV at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show that starts from April 23. The compact SUV which was displayed at the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo is expected to be launched sometime in 2013 in India..

The new generation EcoSport which is the first compact SUV from the American carmaker will be first launched in India..The EcoSport had been existing in the Brazilian market for almost 5 years. Ford intends to sell the SUV in emerging markets like India, Brazil and China.

The EcoSport will get the highly technologically advanced 1 liter EcoBoost turbo petrol engine that is powerful as well as fuel efficient. Besides this, the SUV will also be available as a diesel model, diesel cars are on very high demand in the Indian market.

The EcoSport is expected to be priced just over the Fiesta sedan which will keep it just over Rs.10 lakhs Apart from the EcoSport, the powerful Focus ST, the second-generation Kuga and the 2013 Ford Mondeo/Fusion or the Ford Flex SUV.

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When Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS Be Launched?

The Bajaj Pulsar 200 NS is on the of the most anticipated motorcycle launches in recent times. The Pulsar 200 NS was unveiled in January and Bajaj Auto had said it would be launching the vehicle in the first quarter of the fiscal year.

Many had though the 200 NS will hit the market as soon as the middle of April. Some showrooms have already started receiving bookings for the Bajaj sports bike unofficially. But during a visit to a showroom, the author found that the Pulsar 200 NS will only be launched after 30 days. This means the Pulsar 200 NS will be available for riders only in May.

The dealer speaking on the condition of anonymity said Bajaj was yet to specify any launch date for the Pulsar 200 NS. Only some showrooms will get delivery of the 200 NS before the launch and he was yet to receive any models.

The Pulsar family of sports bikes includes the entry level, 135, 150, the 180 and the 220. The 200 NS will be the top end variant in the series. The on-road price of the Pulsar 200 NS is expected to be around Rs.1.1 lakhs. Rajiv Bajaj, the CEO of Bajaj Auto had earlier said that the price of the Pulsar 200 NS will be slightly lesser than Rs.1 lakhs. But that price will only be ex-showroom prices not considering taxes and insurance.

People who are waiting to take a ride on Bajaj's latest sports bike, the Pulsar 200 NS might need to wait a little longer than expected.

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85% of Two Wheeler Helmets Not ISI Approved

Riding a two wheeler is considered risky for the single reason that the rider is physically exposed to other vehicles on the road. In most cases the only safety accessory that a rider wears is a helmet. The helmet protects people from serious head injuries and are truly life savers.

But what if the only difference between life and death is flawed? The manufacturers of two wheeler helmets have said more than 85% of helmets sold in India do not meet the stringent ISI standards. The shocking revelation by manufacturers themselves shows the dangerous position of two wheeler riders are in.

At a workshop on road safety held in Delhi on Tuesday, Rajeev Kapoor, the managing director of Steelbird Helmets has said there are not more than 100 ISI certified helmet manufacturers while there were thousands of companies that were making helmets without any approval. Most of these helmets are sold on pavements and on highways for throwaway prices.

Two wheeler riders are fooled in to buying such unapproved helmets. These helmets are sub-standard products that are not put through stringent tests to prove their safety. ISI standard helmets are said to be more safer.

Doctors who work in trauma centres say the number of fatal injuries to accident victims riding two wheelers is due to them not wearing helmets. Even if they do wear helmets, most of them are not safe enough. There are many people who just wear plastic hard hats that are claimed to be helmets.

Two wheeler riders must always ensure they wear proper helmets. Saving a few hundred rupees while buying a helmet on the street might one day be a costly decision. The authorities are also to be blamed for such low quality helmets being sold everywhere.

With about 13 million two wheelers being sold in a year, India is a hot market for helmets. Buyers need to have a keen eye while buying helmets. They should ensure they buy them at authorized showrooms and cross check the manufacturers' name before purchasing. Always browse the internet to know the names of manufacturers who build ISI standard helmets.

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Will Eletric Cars Become Cheap?

California-based Envia Systems has claimed that they have developed a low cost rechargeable lithium-ion battery which offers a driving range that is nearly twice of today's batteries. The new battery could cut the heavy price of electric cars which has been a barrier for customers in buying them. The newly developed battery is yet to be commercialised though.

Envia CEO Atul Kapadia.said: We increased the energy density to 400 wh/kg [watt-hour per kilogram]. Envia is enabling the [electric car] revolution. Not in the future. Not with some cute technology. But right now.”

Electric cars like Chevy Volt, Nissan Leaf, and Tesla Model S have been out for a while, but couldn't gain good sales due to their hefty price tag. The cars weren't affordable even after incentives provided by certain governments.

Envia co-founder and CTO Sujeet Kumar said: “The number one problem has been the cost. Seventy percent of lithium-ion cell [cost] comes from materials. Overall, 40 percent of the cost is the cathode alone. The cathode is the costliest component. If you want to reduce the cost of the lithium-ion battery, the first thing you want to reduce is the cost of the cathode.”

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The Top 30 Most Reputed Cars In India

The list of India's most reputed cars from Reputation Benchmark Study throws up some surprises too. India's best selling car the Alto is placed ninth, clearly indicating sales was not the only reason for having a reputation. Maruti Suzuki has seven cars in this list of 30 clearly showing why its also India's most reputed car brand. Even the Ertiga MPV which has not been launched in the market has managed a place in the top ten.

But if you look at the list closely you will also see six Audi cars in the list too. The Audi R8 is the most famous sports car while the Audi Q3 despite not being launched in India yet has been accorded the status of the most reputed premium SUV. BMW only gets a second place among premium carmakers with three cars including the Mini in the list.

Speaking about SUVs, the list also sparks a surprise as Toyota's hot selling high end SUV Fortuner has not made it to the list. In fact not a single Toyota car is listed here. Another surprise is the lack of representation by other Tata cars apart from the Nano in the list despite Tata Motors being India's largest vehicle manufacturer.

1 Mahindra XUV 500 

2 Tata Nano 

3 Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire

4 Mahindra Scorpio 

5 Audi R8 

6 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga

7 Ford Fiesta 

8 Hyundai i20 

9 Maruti Suzuki Alto 

10 Maruti Suzuki Omni

11 Audi Q3 

12 Audi A6

13 Mahindra Xylo

14 Audi Q5

15 Audi Q7 

16 Audi A4 

17 Ford Endeavour 

18 Honda Brio 

19 Renault Koleos 

20 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R

21 Maruti Suzuki 800

22 Maruti Suzuki SX4

23 Hyundai i10 

24 Nissan Micra 

25 BMW Mini 

26 Mahindra Bolero 

27 Mahindra Reva 

28 BMW 3 series 

29 Porsche 911 

30 BMW 7 series

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Virat Is Toyota's New Brand Ambassador

Japanese auto giant Toyota Motors has signed sensational Indian cricketer Virat Kohli as brand ambassador. The young cricketer and the current vice captain of the Indian cricket team has had a wonderful time with the bat in the recent times. Toyota intends to cash in on the youngster and connect to the youth in the country by featuring him in the brand's marketing.

Speaking about the new endorsement, the star batsman said that he was excited to be a part of Toyota’s drive to connect with India’s youth. "Toyota inspires the spirit of success and that is an emotion that is close to my heart,” he added.

Toyota Kirloskar marketing deputy managing director Sandeep Singh commented on the endorsement: “We are extremely happy to announce Virat Kohli as our brand ambassador. He brings with him all the emotions that Toyota aims to offer its customers through its vehicles – passion, exuberance, energy, fun and excitement."

An official statement from the carmaker read: "With the latest entrant in Toyota’s line up of vehicles in India- the Etios and Etios Liva- TKM aims to connect with today’s youth. Who better than Virat Kohli, who brings to the game, all that is represented by the Indian youth of today. He personifies today’s younger generation. Behind this youthfulness is immense potential, talent and self belief, all of which Toyota stands for."

The stylish batsman who is seen as a youth icon will campaign for Toyota through various electronic and print communications as a part of Toyota’s overall marketing strategy for this year. Besides Toyota, Virat also endorses Indian motorcycle manufacturer TVS Motors. Toyota also has A.R. Rahman as the brand ambassador for its Etios sedan and Bollywood star Aamir Khan for its Innova MPV.

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Maruti 800 Replacement To Hit Roads By 2012 End

Maruti Suzuki 800 will soon be part of history as the Indian carmaker is planing to replace the iconic car with a new model by the end of 2012. The highly successful 800 which was launched in 1983 will be replaced by a totally brand new car, said an official source.

The new model which will be priced around Rs.2.5 to Rs.3.5 lakh range will feature a tweaked version of the same F8D engine used in the entry-level Alto. The engine has been upgraded to compete with the new generation powertrains its rivals offer.

An official at Maruti Suzuki said that a replacement for the 800 makes sense as the car is being sold highly with nearly 2,000 units a month. He further said that the replacement would be a totally new small car on an existing platform.

Meanwhile, the leading Indian carmaker will retain the existing Alto models considering its strong sales volumes of around 20,000 units per month. The new car will be highly fuel efficient and of low maintenance, according to sources close to Maruti. It will also be sharply designed reflecting the carmakers new styling language, it added.

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Hyundai Eon's Mileage 26.3 Kmpl

The Hyundai Eon, the small car developed especially for the Indian market is getting takers from other international markets too. Hyundai Motors has begun exporting the Eon to Nepal and Thailand. The small car was displayed at the Manilla International Auto Show along with the Veloster sports car.

The Hyundai Eon's distributor in Philippines has claimed that the small car will offer a mileage of 26.3kmpl! Hyundai Motors India has only claimed that the Eon will deliver a mileage of 21.1kmpl. However, Hyundai Asia Resources, from Philippines has said the Eon will can run for 26.3 kilometres per litre of petrol in the economy test conducted in Phillipines.

The Eon being launched in Philippines is powered by the same 800cc engine found in the Indian variant. The engine is capable of generating 55bhp and 75Nm of torque. The Eon is Hyundai's latest attempt at increasing its market share in India.

It is quite surprising that the same car can deliver a much better mileage in a different country. Is it just the test conditions in Philippines that have helped the Eon? No one can really tell. But we would not mind if the Hyundai Eon can deliver the same kind of fuel economy in India too.

The Hyundai Eon was launched last year with the promise of delivering an affordable small car that is stylish, comfortable and efficient. The car received a warm welcome but Hyundai was not able to make a great dent in to Maruti Suzuki's sales. The Eon was launched at a time when small petrol cars were becoming less attractive when compared to compact diesel cars. The eon has now picked up pace and is now having an international presence too.

With features such as power windows, keyless entry and USB connectivity, Hyundai has managed to make the Eon quite attractive. The Eon is priced at Rs.5.21 lakhs and Rs.5.92 lakhs in Philippines.

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Govt Wants States To Follow Goa Cut Petrol Price

The Goa government's decision to reduce VAT on petrol to just 0.1 per cent has set many other governments in trouble. Goa chief minister Manohar Parikkar has reduced Vat on petrol in Goa which effectively brings down petrol prices in the state by Rs.11.

Responding to this, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajiv Shukla has asked state governments to emulate Goa and also reduce Vat. He was particularly targeting other BJP ruled states and asked them to follow their counterpart in Goa.

Recent reports say the Delhi state government could also follow Goa and reduce VAT on petrol. This could bring down petrol prices in the national capital by a whopping Rs.15. Petrol prices will come close to the Rs.50 mark if the delhi government truly reduces Vat on petrol.

The minister said most of the taxes on petroleum products were imposed by state governments. If state governments reduce taxes on fuel, petrol prices will definitely come down giving a relief to the common man.

He also said the central government had reduced customs duty on petroleum products to keep prices low. But he insisted that state governments were in abetter position to reduce prices as they impose more taxes. He also said state governments get about Rs.1.6 lakh crores as taxes from petroleum products.

Goa chief minister Manohar Parikkar had been seeking a reduction in petrol prices. This was also part of his manifesto when he went for polls earlier this year. Soon after he was elected as chief minister, Mr Manohar Parikkar has fulfilled his poll promise of cutting petrol prices.

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