Rolls Royce to roll out Rs 2.5 crore Ghost

The list of billionaires in India is bulging, and so is the choice for them to splurge. Rolls Royce, the maker of ultra elite high-quality handcrafted cars, previewed the company's new four-door super-luxury saloon 'Ghost' here, hoping to sell around 60 units of Rs 2.5 crore-plus model in 2010 when it makes debut in India.

Rolls Royce (British manufacturer, now part of German carmaker BMW), has unveiled a new range of Ghost as it attempts to break away from the "very formal” chauffer-driven image of the company's Phantom brand. The company has also lowered the threshold for owning a Rolls Royce, considering the fact thatGhost will be cheaper by around a crore to the Phantom range that comes upwards of Rs 3.5 crore.

"Ghost is a more informal design that broadens the appeal of Rolls-Royce, combining refinement, new technology, contemporary style. It bears all the hallmarks of other Rolls-Royce cars, using the finest wood and leather materials and employing manufacturing standards which are no different to Phantom. Ghost will be built-to-order,” Colin Kelly, regional director for Asia Pacific region, said.

The Ghost drivetrain comprises a 6.6 litre twin-turbo charged V12 engine and a new 8-speed automatic gearbox and it delivers a peak power output of 563bhp at 5250rpm, racing from 0-100kmph in 4.9 seconds.

The company, that annually produces only around 2500 units at its factory based in Goodwood, England, said the Ghost would soon overtake the Phantom as its largest-volume car. "This would be the main volume car for us while the Phantom is likely to chip in with one-third of our sales,” said Brenda Pek, general manager for South and East Asia Pacific.

Rolls Royce, which enjoys a rich legacy in India due to the fondness for the brand among the erstwhile maharajas, re-entered the market in 2005 after a gap of nearly 50 years. Kelly said while volumes in India were still small, around one-tenth of China, the country is pacing up with growingbillionaire list. "There is a lot of wealth creation here, and people who are successful are not averse to display it,” he said.

The company has seen year-on-year sales going down this year due to global financial crisis and is banking heavily on emerging economies like China and India to make up for sagging demand in western markets.

TOI

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showrooms in India

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars showrooms in India are located at:


Rolls-Royce Motor Cars New Delhi
Shangri La Hotel
19, Ashoka Road
New Delhi 110 001
Tel : +91 143505888
Fax: +91 11 4168 2555





Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Mumbai

Navnit Motors Pvt. Ltd.

48, Atria Millennium Mall
Annie Basent Road, Worli,
Mumbai 400 018
Tel: +91 22 2481 3326 / 35
Fax: +91 22 2481 3336

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST DEBUTS IN INDIA

Delhi, 20 November 2009; Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Headquarters: Goodwood, West Sussex, United Kingdom previewed its new four-door super-luxury saloon, Ghost, for the first time in India today.

Ghost is smaller and more dynamic than previous models and is instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce, achieving a new modernism but remaining true to its luxurious heritage. The car is the first in a new Rolls-Royce model series, separate from the Phantom family which comprises Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase (four door saloons), Phantom Drophead Coupé (convertible) and Phantom Coupé (fixed roof).

At the preview, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia Pacific Regional Director Colin Kelly said: “Ghost is a more informal design that broadens the appeal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, combining refinement, new technology and contemporary style. It bears all the hallmarks of other Rolls-Royce cars, using the finest wood and leather materials and employing manufacturing standards which are no different to Phantom. Ghost will be built-to-order.”

Brenda Pek, General Manager for South & East Asia Pacific added, “We have seen a healthy level of interest around Ghost in India, which started earlier this year during the 200EX world tour. Ghost has appealed to a broader set of Indian buyers, which has further strengthened the high demand that we are experiencing around the region despite the current economic climate.”

Peerless Comfort
The interior of Ghost features a number of Rolls-Royce design cues such as traditional violin key switches and eyeball air vents. Deep-pile carpets can be complemented by optional lambswool floor mats for a truly luxurious feel.

Housed within the front doors are integrated Teflon-coated umbrellas, while the rear coach doors, unique to Rolls-Royce open to a generous 83 degrees. The interior space is filled with natural light, enhanced by an optional Panorama Sunroof, which extends from the front into the rear compartment.
Four-zone automatic air conditioning, automatic air recirculation, condensation prevention and solar compensation, lounge or individual seating (the latter with optional massage function) offer outstanding comfort for passengers.

Picnic tables, incorporating the finest leather and veneers matched to the rest of Ghost’s interior, also house two 9.2in LCD screens in the back of the front seats. The Ghost audio system delivers 600 Watts of sound through a 10-channel amplifier and 16 speakers, including two floor-mounted subwoofers. USB and auxiliary inputs allow for the integration of external audio devices, while a 12.5 GB hard drive enables storage of music files from USB or CD player sources.

Riding on a sophisticated four corner air suspension, Ghost can detect even the smallest of changes. For example, it will sense the movement of a single rear passenger from one side of the seat to the other and compensate accordingly. A lift and kneel function raises or lowers Ghost by 25mm.

A host of optional aids make Ghost the most driver-focused Rolls-Royce Motor Car yet, and include rear, front side and top view cameras, Night Vision camera, Head-up Display, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assistance, Adaptive, directional headlights and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go Active Brake Intervention. Optional Comfort Entry allows easy access to the car, unlocking doors when the key fob is within 1.5 metres.


Exemplary performance
Ghost is the most powerful Rolls-Royce built to date, yet delivers its performance in an entirely Rolls-Royce manner - effortlessly. The epitome of dynamic refinement, the Ghost drivetrain comprises a unique 6.6 litre twin-turbo charged V12 engine and a new 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox.

Peak power output of 563bhp / 420kW / 570PS at 5250rpm is combined with a maximum torque of 780Nm / 575lb ft at only 1500 rpm. The result is that Ghost is able to reach 60mph in 4.7 seconds / 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, and an electronically governed top speed of 155mph / 250km/h. The new drive train significantly improves Rolls-Royce Motor Cars class leading position on CO2 (317g/km) and fuel efficiency (Combined consumption: 20.8 mpg / 13.6 l/100km).

Electronic aids keep Ghost composed on virtually any surface and include Anti-Roll Stabilisation, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control and Cornering Brake Control. Ghost’s handling and safety systems operate as one, imperceptible to the driver and passengers.

Production
Production of Ghost has begun at Goodwood and the first customer cars are expected to be delivered to India by the second quarter of 2010. In order to cope with anticipated demand, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will increase its manufacturing workforce by 50 per cent.

www.press.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

Auto Expo 2010

Auto Expo 2010


Auto Expo 2010: Start to 05 Jan 2010 to 11 Jan 2010
Auto Expo 2010 Venue: Pargati Maidan, New Delhi


For For more details go to http://www.autoexpo.in

Fiat India to Roll Out CNG-Run Car Next Year

Fiat India to Roll Out CNG-Run Car
Fiat India plans to launch its first compressed natural gas (CNG)-run car for the domestic market in the April-June quarter of 2010, a top company official said here Tuesday.

"We are working on a few CNG models. The first one will be rolled out in the second quarter next year," the company's president and chief executive Rajeev Kapoor said at a press meet.

However, Kapoor declined to divulge any details on the models under consideration.

"CNG is ultimately going to be a fuel for most commercial applications," he said, explaining the rationale behind the move, adding: "The technology is available with Fiat."

Among other plans, he said the company was also working on an India-specific small car. "The car will be launched in 2011."

ET

Honda May Roll Out Small Car Before 2011-12

Honda Motors small car is likely to hit the Indian market earlier than expected. The new car (code named 2CV) being developed especially for India may be launched before 2011-12 to take on Toyota and break Suzukis stronghold on the Indian market.

Toyota plans to launch its small car next year, while Suzuki with its seven compact models dominates the Indian small car segment with over 60% market share. Honda doesnt have a small car in its portfolio and has been looking at new models to gain market share in India.

The 2CV may come with a 1.1 litre petrol engine and could double Hondas volumes in India, currently hovering around 52,000 cars per year. The car is expected to roll out from its stalled manufacturing plant in Rajasthan , where Honda plans to have targeted capacity of one lakh small cars per annum.

The company refused to confirm the developments on the new car and said that nothing has changed from its earlier stated position. All plans of the new small car are going as per schedule, the Honda spokeswomen said. An executive in the automotive component industry said that Hondas small car project is on track and it may also have a diesel variant at a later stage to gain on the rising popularity of diesel cars in India.

The car will be pitted against the growing tribe of premium hatchback cars like the Maruti Swift, Hyundai i10, General Motors Aveo UV-A, Tata Motors Indica, Fiats Punto, Ford Figo and Toyotas yet to be launched small car. This is the fastest growing segment in the domestic market with over 2.5 lakh cars sold every year.

The new car will be much smaller than Honda Jazz, its other hatchback, but is expected to have an affordable price tag of Rs 4-4 .5 lakh for the petrol variant. It may share platform (common manufacturing line and spares) with the Jazz including the same iV-TEC engine technology, but will fit as a small entry-level A segment car.

The same car will also be made in Thailand where it is expected to be developed and sold under the Thai governments Eco-Car project, which enjoys many tax concessions. However any such eco-variant is ruled out for the Indian market for the time being.

ET

Royal Enfield Launches Classic Models

Motor cycles major Royal Enfield on Tuesday launched its two new models - the class 500 and 350. Mr Shaji Koshy, Head-Sales and Marketing Royal Enfield, who unveiled the two products here, said these variants already introduced in USA and

Europe markets last year and the response is encouraging.

He said the 120-year-old company has come out with these models which expected to attract the market with the sale of 50,000 units this year while we expect the sales to grow by one lakh units in 2013,'' Mr Shaji added. Classic 500 and Classic 350 wil l cost Rs 1.39 lakh and Rs 1.09 lakh on road with a mileage of 30 and 45 Kms per litre respectively.

Hyundai's New Small Car to Take Rs 800 Cr, 24 Months to Develope

South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Motor said the development cost for its proposed small car for the Indian market was around Rs 800 crore.

The car would be less than its Santro brand in both price and size, said Han Woo Park, who recently took over as Managing Director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL).

Speaking to reporters here, his first interaction after he took over, Park said the development cost of the proposed car includes proto-type, testing and design.

He declined to comment further on the launch time and price, but said it would take at least 24 months to launch the car in India.

The company would manufacture the car at Sriperumbudur, near here, for the domestic market and it will also be exported later. He declined to comment on the target countries and when the export would start.


Going forward, our focus would be increasing the penetration and brand building in India, said Park. The company is planning to increase the number of dealers to 320 from 274 in 2010. This would help us to maintain our market share of 21 per cent, added Arvind Saxena, Vice President-Marketing and Sales.

HMIL, which sells popular compact cars like the Santro, I10 and i20, has made India a small car hub for the Korean company, and has been exporting to overseas markets. The company is hoping to grow at the rate of 14-15 per cent, added Saxena. In 2008, cumulative sales of the company were 489,000 units.

Asked whether the company is still thinking of shifting i20 production to Europe, he said the production is still continuing at Sriperumbudur and would do so till early next year. He did not commit on any schedule for the proposed shift of i20 production.

Commenting on exports from India, Saxena said in 2008 the total export was 244,000 units and the company is hoping to close 2009 with export of 270,000 units. He said the i20 contribution would be around 25 per cent.

The current utilisation in Sriperumbudur is around 90 per cent and this would continue next year, too, added Park. Total yearly capacity of both units there is 600,000 units.


BS

Hero Honda Rolls Out 11th Million Splendor

Hero Honda crossed another milestone as it rolled out its 11th million Splendor motorcycle on 11th November, 2009 at the company's plant in Gurgaon, Haryana. It's been 25 years since Hero Honda commenced operations in India, and it has been a pioneering partnership between the two companies - Hero Group and Honda Corporation, which has led to winning the 'largest two wheeler manufacturer in the world title' for eight consecutive years. The year 2009 might have been a slow year in terms of launches, however by no means does it signify that Hero Honda has slowed down for the company bagged the World's number one bike manufacturer award for the 8th time in a row.

This award just goes to show the dedication that Hero Honda has to the market and it is really no surprise that the company has been doing great business for 25 years in India. Recently, Hero Honda launched the Karizma ZMR, a fully clad, fuel injection version of their flagship Karizma motorcycle in order to cater to the growing performance motorcycle segment. The company has played a key role in putting India on wheels since its inception in 1984. The first Hero Honda Splendor rolled out of the Hero Honda factory in January 1994 - literally a decade after the company had been incorporated. Unknown to the company then, this bike would re write history. The sales charts just kept climbing and by November 1994 the company had achieved the landmark sales figure of producing 1 million motorcycles.

Over the past 15 years, the Splendor brand has garnered immense recognition across the nation, thanks to its ultrafrugal nature, extremely high reliability quotient and superior comfort. The bike has carved a niche for itself in the 100cc segment and has given its maker the tag of the largest twowheeler manufacturer in the world.

ET

Uttarakhand CM dedicates Maruti Suzuki IDTR to citizens

Uttarakhand CM dedicates Maruti Suzuki IDTR to citizens

DEHRADUN, November 10, 2009: The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Dr. Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank dedicated state’s first and the only Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (Uttarakhand) to the people of Uttarakhand, at a Lokarpon ceremony held in Dehradun today. Country’s leading automobile company, Maruti Suzuki will manage and run this institute to promote road safety and impart scientific driving training in the state.


In December last year, Maruti Suzuki had signed an MOU with the Government of Uttarakhand to set up, manage and run the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (Uttarakhand) in the state capital, Dehradun. This institute is the flagship corporate social responsibility initiative of Maruti Suzuki that works on the principle of public private partnership. Maruti Suzuki has been successfully running two similar institutes in Delhi on public private partnership model.



On the occasion, Dr. Ramesh Pokhariyal Nishank, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand, said, “Maruti Suzuki has been playing a pioneering role in spreading awareness on road safety and safe driving in the country for a decade now. The company has introduced world class driving training courses, scientific training methods and modern infrastructure like driving simulators. The company has already trained over 6 lakh people in safe driving and road safety. We have chosen Maruti Suzuki as the automobile major is renowned and has a vast experience in running driving training institutes. I am sure, the driving training institute in Uttarakhand will play pivotal role promoting safe driving and making state roads safe in coming years.”



Present at the occasion, Maruti Suzuki’s head of marketing and sales, Mr. Mayank Pareek, said, “I am grateful to the state for accepting Maruti Suzuki as the partner for this initiative. The Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (Uttarakhand), Dehradun will form an integral part of Maruti Suzuki’s National Road Safety mission. Under this mission, launched nationwide in December last year, Maruti Suzuki will train 5 lakh people in road safety over the next three years. Modern and scientifically designed infrastructure like the IDTR Dehradun will impart driving skills through technology and systems that are the best in the world.”



In addition to imparting motor driving skills and technical training to the public, IDTR, Dehradun will assist, advise and support the State Government in activities that contribute to safety on roads and facilitate in improving the transport system in the State. Spread over a sprawling four hectares, the state-of the-art facility offers residential accommodation to the trainees along with classroom training. Located on Jhaajra Chakrata Road, the institute has test tracks for enhancing driving skills. Advanced Driving Simulators will help impart training in a safe environment. Coinciding with the Lokarpon ceremony, the IDTR, Dehradun has launched the first batch of 20 driver trainees.

This is Maruti Suzuki’s third such initiative after success of two IDTRs at Delhi. Three more institutes, two in Haryana at Rohtak and Bahadurgarh, and one in Baroda, Gujarat are in the advance stage of completion. Maruti Suzuki is already in talks with other state governments to establish similar institutes in Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra and Karnataka.

Source:www.marutisuzuki.com

Tata Motors begins distribution of Prima World truck

Tata Motors begins distribution of Prima World truck

Mumbai, November 4, 2009: Tata Motors has begun distribution of its Prima range of World Trucks, which was unveiled in May this year.

The first product, the Prima 4028 S, is a 40-tonne 266-PS (Cummins ISBE engine) tractor with a 9-speed ZF transmission, and a matching trailer with new generation brakes, ABS and specialised axles for heavy duty and high speed application. The 4028 S tractor-trailer is ideal for carrying freight, like steel, cement, and containers, up to 40.2 tonnes of Gross Combination Weight.

The tractor’s spacious air-conditioned cabin includes reclining seats, adjustable steering wheels, arm rests for driver comfort. It has got sleepers to facilitate long-distance travel. These features are designed to induce longer and more trips. Global Positioning System for vehicle tracking is a standard fitment.

The driving comforts enable the vehicle to operate non-stop for long hours and cover over 700 kms each day thereby offering faster turnaround.

The distribution has begun with select customers in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Delhi & West Bengal. Driving crew of these customers have been trained at Tata Motors’ manufacturing facility in Jamshedpur. The company has already equipped its countrywide service network to support the Prima range.

The Prima 4028 S tractor has been priced at Rs.21 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi), and that with the trailer is Rs.31 lakhs.

The 4028 S tractor-trailer will be followed during the course of the financial year with three other products – two 49-tonne tractor-trailers and a 31-tonne tipper in key segments and routes. They are all BS-III and BS-IV compliant.

The Prima range comprises about 10 major variants of multi-axle trucks, tractor-trailers, tippers, mixers and special application vehicles. The range has been jointly developed by Tata Motors and its two subsidiaries, Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Company in South Korea and the Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc in the UK. The company has harnessed the best of inputs and technologies – in styling, engines, transmission, suspension, chassis frames, fabrication and dies -- from partners based in countries like Italy, Germany, Sweden, the US, Japan and South Korea. The distribution of the range will be completed in phases over 2 years.

www.tatamotors.co

Tata Motors October 2009 sales at 53,404 nos., growth of 34%

Mumbai, November 2, 2009: Tata Motors’ total sales (including exports) of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles in October 2009 were 53,404 vehicles, a growth of 34% over 39,729 vehicles sold in October 2008. The company’s domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for October 2009 were 50,552 nos., a 40% growth over 36,168 nos. sold in October last year.

Cumulative sales (including exports) for the company for the fiscal at 326,895 nos., recorded a growth of 7% over 305,438 nos. sold last year.

Commercial Vehicles

The company’s sales of commercial vehicles in October 2009 in the domestic market were 30,541 nos., a 59% growth compared to 19,154 vehicles sold in October last year. LCV sales were 18,625 nos., a growth of 57% over October last year. M&HCV sales stood at 11,916 nos., a growth of 63% over October last year.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal are 192,241 nos., a growth of 17% over last year. Cumulative LCV sales are 118,903 nos., a growth of 34% over last year, while M&HCV sales stood at 73,338 nos., lower by 4% over last year.

Passenger Vehicles

The passenger vehicles business reported a total sale and distribution offtake of 22,232 nos. (20,011 Tata + 2,221 Fiat) in the domestic market in October 2009, a 28% increase compared to 17,378 nos. (17,014 Tata + 364 Fiat) in October last year, and the highest this fiscal. Sales of Tata cars, at 17,557 nos. were also the highest this fiscal, and grew by 25% over October 2008. The sales of the Tata Nano were 3,018 nos. The Indica range sales were 9,640 nos., a growth of 2% over October last year. The Indigo range recorded sales of 4,899 nos., a growth of 6.1% over October last year, reversing the decline after seven months due to the launch of the next generation all-new Indigo Manza. The Sumo/Safari range accounted for sales of 2,454 nos., lower by 16% over October last year.

Jaguar Land Rover sales continued their upward trend since launch in June.

Cumulative sales and distribution offtake of passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal are 133,693 nos. (118,579 Tata + 15,114 Fiat), against 117,714 nos. (114,943 Tata + 2,771 Fiat) last year, a growth of 13.6%. Cumulative sales of the Nano are 10,518 nos. Cumulative sales of the Indica range at 66,508 nos., reported a growth of 13%. Cumulative sales of the Indigo family are 23,397 nos., lower by 25%, but will now grow due to the launch of the Indigo Manza. Cumulative sales of the Sumo/Safari range are 18,156 nos., lower by 26%.

Exports

The company's sales from exports at 2,852 vehicles in October 2009 were lower by 20% compared to 3,561 vehicles in October last year. The cumulative sales from exports for the fiscal at 16,075 nos. are lower by 37% over 25,601 nos. in the same period last year.

www.tatamotors.com

New Delhi: The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India today reported a 32.45 per cent jump in total sales at 85,415 units in October compared

New Delhi: The country's second largest two-wheeler maker, Bajaj, reported a 52.38 per cent increase in its motorcycle sales at 2,49,681 units in October.

The company had sold 1,63,850 units in October last year, Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) said in a statement.

"Bajaj motorcycles grew 52 per cent in October, 2009, despite several supply constraints. Bajaj is confident of maintaining this growth rate for the rest of 2009-10," it added.

Total two-wheeler sales during the month also increased by 51.06 per cent to 2,49,974 units compared with 1,65,477 units in the same period a year ago, it added.

BAL's exports went up by 11.88 per cent to 84,012 units in October from 75,092 units a year ago. This was the highest ever monthly export reported by the company.

Total vehicle sales of the company last month stood at 2,80,455 units compared with 1,91,840 units in the same period a year ago, up by 46.19 per cent, the statement said.

However, BAL said its commercial vehicle sales were hampered by "production constraints", but did not give any detail.

The company sold 127 units of Kawasaki Ninja 250R, which was launched on October 7 in the country.

BAL sold 95,139 units of its new 100cc Discover DTS-Si in October. Besides, it also sold 55,413 units of Pulsar.

The FE

Maruti sales soar 32% in Oct

New Delhi: The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India today reported a 32.45 per cent jump in total sales at 85,415 units in October compared to the same period last year.

Sales in the domestic market grew 21.01 per cent to 71,551 units in the last month from 59,127 units in the same month last year, while exports rose over two-fold to 13,864 units compared with 5,363 units in the year-ago period, Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement.

Sales of the company's oldest and once bread-and-butter model M800 declined by 5.53 per cent at 3,124 units from same period last year, while A2 segment (comprising Alto, Wagon R, Estilo, Swift, A-Star and Ritz) witnessed a growth of 18.43 per cent at 51,437 units compared to same period last year.

Sales in the A3 segment (consisting of SX4 and DZiRE) increased 62.68 per cent to 8,804 units compared with 5,412 units in the corresponding period last year, the company said.

MSI's passenger car sales in October rose 21.99 per cent at 71,383 units against 58,515 units in the same month in 2008, the statement said.


The FE

Handover ceremony-Range Rover-Mr. Ratan N. Tata and Mr. Shahid Kapoor

Land Rover introduces New Range Rover Model Year 2010 in India

Mumbai, November 3, 2009: The new Range Rover Model Year 2010 has been launched in India. A powerful new engine, revolutionary interior technologies and enhanced driving dynamics reinforce the position of the 2010 Range Rover as Land Rover's most complete luxury 4x4. Land Rover’s flagship has been comprehensively updated to deliver more refined and efficient performance, along with the ultimate in interior comfort and craftsmanship.

The new Range Rover is available in 2 engine options – the brand new 510 Ps Supercharged LR-V8 Petrol Engine and the highly acclaimed 271 Ps LR-TDV8 Diesel Engine. The LR-V8 engine has been developed to deliver more power and refinement, but without a corresponding increase in consumption and emissions. The result is a lightweight direct fuel injection engine with class-leading efficiency, which provides significantly more usable low end torque and superior dynamic responses without compromising power at higher RPM.

Land Rover’s unique Terrain Response and Stability Control Systems have been updated for enhanced off-road performance. These work along side Adaptive Dynamics for peerless on-road ride comfort.

The interior design of new Range Rover reaches the pinnacle of luxury with a combination of real wood veneers and finest leather chosen from high quality hides that retain the leather’s natural grain.

More significantly, the 2010 Range Rover uses some revolutionary new interior technologies which enhance the experience for driver and passengers alike. The vehicle is the first to feature ‘dual view’ infotainment touch screen technology which allows the driver and passenger to view different images simultaneously. This means that the passenger can enjoy a DVD movie while the driver follows 4x4 instructions, all on the same screen. Another dramatic innovation is found in the instrument cluster. Here, traditional physical instruments are replaced by a fully configurable 12” TFT screen which presents all essential driver information via cleverly designed ‘virtual’ dials and graphical displays.

The iconic Range Rover styling finds an expression with new headlamps with signature concentric circle design, new 3-stripped LED theme on indicators, LED rear lamps and new larger grille.

The new Range Rover Model Year 2010 is available at a starting price point of Rs.98.5 Lakhs ex-Mumbai. More information on the vehicle range is available on the Land Rover India website

www.landrover.in.

Honda launches new model of 'Aviator' scooter

Honda Motorcycle

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the wholly-owned two-wheeler subsidiary of Japan's Honda Motor Company, today launched its new `Aviator' model scooter with 15 per cent increased fuel efficiency, in Mumbai.

The ex-showroom price is Rs 50,410 for its deluxe model and Rs 45,180 for its standard model.

The scooter will be available in five different colour variants, HMSI President and CEO Shinji Aoyama told reporters here.

Aviator, its first model, is HMSI's most popular scooter among Indian males.

The new model comes with a 110 cc engine and will deliver a power of 8 bhp and is more economical than the previous model due to the increased fuel efficiency, he said.

The model targets married males in the age group of 30-40 years and costs about Rs 3,000 more than the previous one which will be discontinued after the market entry of the new model, the top official said.

This year the company is planning to sell 12.5 lakh two wheelers in the Indian market. Last year, the company had sold 10.7-lakh units, HMSI General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Naresh Kumar Rattan, said.

ET

Carmakers Expected to Post Highest Ever Sales in October

Carmakers expect the October sales to increase more than 30% over the same month last year, as strong customer sentiments continue to steer demand in the domestic market. The October sales is likely to surpass even the highest-ever sales chart (1.67 lakh passenger vehicles) recorded in September.

Maruti, which sells every second car in India, expects a 25% jump in sales over 59,127 units sold in October last year.

We shall definitely cross the 25% growth mark this month. Despite production constraints, affected by some labour issues at few of our vendors, we expect handsome gain in sales, said Maruti chief general manager (marketing) Shashank Srivastava. He added Swift, Ritz, DZire and the newly-refreshed Estilo contributed significantly to sales last month.

The second-largest carmaker Hyundai Motor India is looking at a 30% increase in the October sales. We are yet to arrive on final figures, but growth should be in the range of 30-35%. Cars such as i10 and i20 are enjoying long waiting periods of over two-three months, said Hyundai spokesperson Rajiv Mitra.

Cumulative sales in October are likely to cross the 1.67-lakh mark and could be around 33% more than the 1.26 lakh vehicles sold in October 2008. The upsurge comes on the back of huge booking spillover from the auspicious Diwali period when customers placed huge orders.

Honda, which could not meet the increased demand in the Diwali period, is still meeting the pre-festive orders. We got 5,000 confirmed customer orders after Diwali, which has given us a huge growth push this month, said vice-president (marketing) Jnaneshwar Sen.

Honda is looking at a huge jump in sales this month, as it was not selling its flagship City last year, as the car was in the re-launch phase. Carmakers attribute this stupendous growth to improved corporate earning resulting in higher salaries, more jobs opportunities in the market and sustain demand in the rural economy. Car financiers said lower interest rates are playing a major role to prompt people to buy new cars.

Customer are facing problems in getting new cars. Customer sentiments have revived and the demand is much more than what the car companies can meet, said HDFC Banks auto loan head Ashok Khanna. The bank would cross Rs 1,000 crore in loan disbursement in October alone, which shall be one of the highest ever.

The Economic Times

HMSI inaugurates new assembly line; resolves labour issue

Daily production capacity to touch 4,700 units with the new line


New Delhi, October 29, 2009: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the 100% owned 2-wheeler subsidiary of the Honda Motor Company, Japan – the world’s largest manufacturer of 2-wheelers, has raised its production capacity to 15 lac units/annum level with the recent inauguration of its 3rd assembly line.

The ongoing negotiations with the labour union have progressed well. It is a very positive development in favour of all HMSI customers, stakeholders as well as the industry. The Long term wage settlement (LTS) process has been concluded. The LTS was signed on Wednesday i.e. October 28, 2009 by the management and Union in the presence of Labour Department.

The development is expected to be a trendsetter for the entire industrial belt. With the third assembly line becoming fully operational and workers contributing their regular 8 hours work, the daily production is progressing to normal level. HMSI is now in full gear to achieve the production targets set for the current financial year. This will reduce the waiting period of Honda products and help the company to serve the customers in the best possible manner.

The cooperation of government bodies and stakeholders has made this possible. As a responsible company, Honda is fully committed for the growth and welfare of all its employees and society.
www.honda2wheelersindia.com

Premier Dealers in India

Premier Dealers in India, Premier Ltd, Premier Ltd Dealers,
Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad
Hyderabad Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
Phone: 040-32436162,


Andhra Pradesh
Guntur
Lepakshi Automobiles
Phone: 0863-6454517,
Phone:

Bihar
Siwan
Amit Automobiles
Phone: 06154-240166


Chattisgarh
Bilaspur
Anil Premier
Phone: 07752-324144,

Goa
Rahesh Motors
Phone: 0832-3294777

Gujrat
Bhavnagar
Harsora Premier
Phone: 0278-6544495

Gujrat
Rajkot
Hiren Motors
Phone: 0281-2702627

Gujrat
Mehsana
Best Luck Premier
Phone: 02765-235809

Gujrat
Vadodra
Bass Automobiles
Phone: 0265-242 8888,

Gujrat
Jamnagar
Shree Krishna Premier
0288-2570971/72/73

Gujrat
Ahmedabad
Maniar Vehicles Pvt. Ltd.
Phone: 079-22911636


Karnataka Bijapur
Ravi-Tejas Premier
Phone: 9379595521

Karnataka
Davangere
Hari Om Enterprises
Phone: 08192-258142

Karnataka
Udupi
L M Premier
Phone: 0820-2563331

Karnataka
Hubli
Mahesh Premier
08364259806

Kerala
Trivendrum
Supreme Motors
Phone: 00471-2473714

Kerala
Kannur
Essar Premier
Phone: 0497-2836998

Madhya Pradesh
Indore
United Premier
(A Div. Of United Cars)
Phone: 0731-2492517

Madhya Pradesh
Sagar
Sagar Premier
Phone: 07582-263888


Maharashtra
Yavatmal
Sai Premier
Phone: 07233-246872

Maharashtra
Amravati
Shrikant Automotives
Phone: 0721-2531745

Maharashtra
Nanded
Bafana Automotives
Phone: 02462-245349


Maharashtra
Nasik
Nasik Premier
Phone: 0253-2505362

Maharashtra
Osmanabad
Hambire Premier
Phone: 02472-223770

Maharashtra
Baramati
Tupe Premier
Phone: 02112-243300


Maharashtra
Nerul
(Navi Mumbai)
Blue Lagoon
Phone: 9867824604


Maharashtra
Ratnagiri
Rahesh Premier
Phone: 02352-230360

Maharashtra
Vashi
Shruti Premier
Phone: 022-27895587

Maharashtra
Aurangabad
Shagun Premier
Phone: 0240-2472771

Maharashtra
Pune
DSA Premier
Phone: 020-27280745

Maharashtra
Ahmednagar
Girija Premier
Phone: 0241-2551246


Maharashtra
Mumbai
Lakozy Premier
Phone: 022-42568000, 9322235328

Maharashtra
Mira Road
Mumbai
DL Premier
Phone: 022-28120293, 9324614023

Maharashtra
Karad
Shiv Premier
Phone: 02164-646199

Maharashtra
Chinchwad
Awate Premier
Phone: 09922931384, 09922931382

Maharashtra
Latur
Ankit Premier
Phone: 02382-322018

Maharashtra
Dhule
Rukmini Premier
Phone: 02562-239854

Nepal
Khatmandu
Hansraj Hulaschand & Co. P. Ltd.
Phone: 00977-1-4250001

Pondicherry
Pondicherry
Suvaani Premier
Phone: 00413-2618826

Tamilnadu Trichy
Kizar Motors
Phone: 0431-2483124

Tamilnadu Chennai
Victory Premier
Phone: 044-32999182


Tamilnadu Shivkashi
Gayathri Motors
Phone: 04562-229766

Tamilnadu
Kanya Kumari
Sruti Premier – Jose Brothers
Phone: 04651-273063


Uttar Pradesh
Kanpur
Prakash Motors
Phone: 0512-6450956


Uttarakhand
Kichha
Raj Luxmi Premier
(A division of Raj Auto service)
Phone: 05944-264523