Tata Motors is ready for production and the project is on schedule. The car will be exhibited for the first time to the general public in Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi.

The car will be a four-door, four to five seater car featuring a 600cc petrol engine. Recently, BusinessWeek has named Rs 1 lakh car as one of the trendsetters of 2007, while Ratan Tata has been listed among the world's "Most Important People" of the year.

The BPO cab vendors, taxi operators and tour operators are eagerly awaiting the car. lowever, the government’s permission will be mandatory to allow commercial use of the Tata Motors Rs 1-lakh car.

Let us call the One Lakh Car as OLC as its shorter to name it. The car is simple and looks better than compared to the maruti 800. A low cost car which means a hatch 4 door with a boot, and low down manufacturing costs. The car has to be made for the Indian roads, so its gotta be cheap to run, low maintainance and spare cost and enough comfort for 5 or 4. This idea was bought up almost a decade ago, in an autoshow.

Tata is adding 2 engines to the car that is the petrol 660cc and the diesel 700cc. Buying products in bulk also supports the low cost. It is a 2 cylinder engine which is also low cost. The car is rather small and a small engine with 2 cylinder, and it will be definately giving good mileage, an average of 25Kmpl has been rumoured but might come up well on the release, and even more for the diesel, that means this car gives mileage more than the Bajaj Auto. If the car dosent go well it can be used as autos too!! dont worry just kidding.. If given good mileage, this car would be given a great response, its like near the Bajaj Pulsar 220cc.

Coming to the interiors, its not been shown, looking at the height, the headroom will be enough and the width of the car shows that 4 can accomodate easily, but the fifth one gotta squeez up. The interior features would be really basic, even a music system would be doubtful, although the necessary like speed, odo and fuel meters will be present.

The performance lets keep this for the future, if we get it what will be there to write about if the car is released. But don’t expect a Fiesta out of it.

Mahindra & Mahindra, the leader in the UV segment in India, today launched the Scorpio V-series, a new line-up of India’s leading SUV, with the introduction of the Scorpio VLX. The new VLX edition is equipped with the powerful mHawk engine and a wide array of smart features which gives the SUV an even greater competitive edge in its segment. The new VLX is priced at Rs. 9.33 lakhs, ex-showroom New Bombay and Rs. 9.65 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi.

The Scorpio V-series offers customers a dual advantage – a technologically superior, more refined and more fuel efficient engine, coupled with innovative tech features which will provide passengers with greater luxury at their finger tips. “With pathbreaking technology and user-friendly, modern features, the Scorpio V-series is a clear validation of our customer-centric approach to business. This package would delight the evolved, new age customer. The Scorpio has always been the leader in driving change in the industry and with the launch of the new VLX from the Scorpio Vseries.

1. mHawk CRDe engine
2. Anti-lock braking system
3. Cruise control
4. intellipark
5. Tyre-tronics
6. Intelligent headlamps and wipers
7. Engine immobiliser
8. Audio system controls on steering wheels
9. Anti-Pinch window
10. Functional bonnet scoop

Read Mr. Gaurav Saini good thoughts in http://beforeifallintopieces.blogspot.com/

Korean auto maker Hyundai Motor Co unveiled its India-made i10 mini car, code-named Pa, in the capital on Wednesday. Equipped with a 1.1 litre iRDE petrol engine, the car which will be made only in India, will also be exported to 75 countries across the world.

A 1.1 litre diesel version of the i10 is also on the offing and might make it into the Indian roads by the middle of 2008. The diesel engines will be imported from the South Korean facility and initially all the diesel i10s will be exported to the European markets before it makes its entry into the Indian market.

The i 10, which has a localization content of 91 per cent, is positioned between Hyundai’s premium hatchback offering Getz and the entry-level compact car Santro.

The car’s other features include the rear spoiler, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, keyless entry and a stereo system. The car has a wheel base of 2380 mm which is the longest in this segment. There are many other goodies thrown in. Safety features include anti-lock braking system (ABS), seat belts with pre-tensioner, dual airbags, impact sensing autodoor unlock system and high-mounted stop lamp The car will have four variants D-Lite, Era, Magna and an Automatic version. The D-Lite is priced at Rs 3.39 lakh, while the Era is priced at Rs 3.74 lakh and the Magna is priced at Rs 3.98 lakh. However the price of D-Auto is yet to be revealed.

Ford is presenting a new stylish Limited Edition Ikool – They launch his new Ikool to buyers thoughts on Diwali festival more new exterior and interior paint colors. In Ikool have more entertainment, safety and comfort features; Nokia Bluetooth handsfree kit. With loudspeaker output, conversations, Sony XPLOD i-Pod compatible MP3 Player, sporty leather vinyl seat covers, anti-theft system with remote entry and IKool decal on front fenders. Price range Rs. 5,08,990, or Rs. 31,990 higher than the base level price (ex-showroom, New Delhi).

Skoda India announced on 24-Oct-2007 the launch of a new variant Laura Ambiente, its best selling model Laura. It has been comes with great feature and safety like Airbags, Traction Control System Anti-Lock Braking System, ASR, Rear-Parking Sensors, and Automatic Wipers with Rain Sensors. And its big advantage is comfortable price range; Rs. 13.21 lakh only ex-showroom in New Delhi. Realy it is a big change for buyers.

Premium carmaker Skoda India today launched a new variant of its luxury sedan Superb at a price of Rs 20.41 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), nearly Rs two lakh lower than the existing variant Superb Elegante diesel. The new variant ‘Superb Comfort’ is the third upgrade on Superb. It has been priced lower than the existing model which is sold at Rs 22.29 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) to boost sales during the upcoming festive season.

The company said the new variant of Superb has been introduced in response to the growing demand for advanced customisation in the existing variant of the car. This automatic variant of Skoda Superb Comfort is powered by a 2.5 litre TDi engine and would sport various safety features such as airbags, rain sensors, ABS, climate control AC among others. The company also sell a 2.8 litre petrol engine powered Superb.

UK based luxury car maker Bentley Motors has announced the launch of two new models in the Indian market. These two new products are two new convertible models, Azure and Continental GTC. These has been priced at Rs 3.80 crore and Rs 2.10 crore respectively. Brentley Azure, equipped with V-8 6.75 litre twin turbo-charged engine having torque generating capacity of 875 Nm, is capable to accelerate at the speed from 0-100 km/hour within 5.6 seconds.

Brentley Continental GTC is equipped with 6.0 ltr twin-turbo charged engine which propels the car from 0-90 km/hour within 4.8 seconds.

Brentley Azure & Brentley Continental GTC are fitted with electro-hydraulically operated soft-top roof, have elite interior with standard craftmanship, utilizing natural wood veneers and leather hides of finest quality.

This models will be available only at its show-room in New Delhi. Prices of Bentley Azure and Bentley Continental GTC in India: Bentley Azure is Rs 3.80 crore (ex-showroom), Bentley Continental GTC is Rs 2.10 crore (ex-showroom).

Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) has finally launched an all-new variant of its flagship model City in order to give a tough competition to its strong contenders, Maruti SX4 and Mahindra Renault Logan.

The new car comes with a host of safety features and is aggressively priced within the range of Rs 6.80 lakh and Rs 8.65 lakh (ex-showroom) Delhi.

The new car has been priced lower than the City ZX VTEC, which comes at an ex-showroom price of Rs 8 lakh in Delhi. On the other side, SX4 range is available at Rs 6.3 to 7.2 lakh while Logan’s price band is Rs 4.7 to 6.5 lakh.

Now, to beat the challenge posed by the two contenders, the company has introduce features like anti-lock brake system (ABS), dual SRS air bags, fine leather upholstery and new steering wheel.

Honda Siel Cars India today said it was planning to launch two models in India, including its popular hatchback Jazz, to mark the company's foray into small car segment in the country.

"We are still two years away from launching a small car in India, but have zeroed in on Jazz along with another model to mark our foray into the small car segment," Jnaneswar Sen, senior general manager (marketing), HSCI said on the sidelines of SIAM Annual Convention.

The 1.2 litre engine car would give the company excise duty benefit too. Sen said if the company introduces Jazz in India, it would come with some modifications from the model being sold in other countries.

Volkswagen India on Wednesday launched its premium segment sedan Passat diesel in India in two variants. Priced at Rs 22.35 lakh and Rs 24.35 lakh (ex showroom Delhi) respectively, both the Passat variants will sport a four cylinder TDi 2.0 litre Highline engines.

"We are excited to be in India and we are sure that Passat will set the pace for our future product launches in India. This launch should affirm our commitment to provide the latest technology and high value to the discerning Indian customer," said managing director of Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt Ltd and president Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd Joerg Muller.

Swedish car major Volvo Car Corporation is set to make an Indian debut of its luxury cars within the next few weeks. The company on Wednesday announced it will be launching its two flagship models S80 and XC90 on September 6th. The two cars will be available in petrol (with 3.2 litre and 4.4 litre V8 engines respectively) and diesel variants (2.5 litre D5) at the three Volvo dealerships, one each in Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. Initially, both the cars will be imported into India as completely built units (CBUs) from the Volvo Sweden plant and will be available in 14 colours.

The company will also provide free two year warranty and factory schedules maintenance up to 60,000 km (whichever is earlier). While the S80 sedan petrol variant will be priced at Rs. 39 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the diesel variant will be cheaper by Rs One lakh. Similarly, petrol version of SUV X90 can be had for Rs. 46 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the diesel version will cost Rs. 45 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Mahindra & Mahindra, the leader in the utility vehicle segment launched its global lifestyle SUV Scorpio Getaway in India. The Getaway is a new category creating offering from the Scorpio stable.

The Scorpio Getaway lifestyle SUV is powered by 2600cc common-rail diesel engine, designed in collaboration with AVL, Austria – global leaders in engine design. It delivers 115bhp at 3800 rpm and 28.3Kgm torque at 1800rpm. This results in more pulling power, even in lower gears, making it ideally suited for adventure travel. It utilises a rack and pinion steering mechanism. Power steering is also standard and the steering column can be adjusted to fit each driver’s unique driving position. The Scorpio Getaway boasts a relatively tight turning circle radius of 5.6 meters which makes it easily manoeuvrable.

The Scorpio Getaway is available in 2WD and 4WD options and comes in 4 attractive colours. It pumps its power from its 2600cc common-rail diesel engine (CRDe). The Scorpio Getaway 2WD ‘Double Cab’ would be priced at Rs. 7.19 lac (ex-showroom Chandigarh) and Rs 6.99 lac (ex-showroom Navi Mumbai).

Mahindra Renault, a joint venture between M&M and Renault of France, today announced the launch of Logan in India. The Logan debuts in India with a host of class-defying features at an aggressive price. The Logan will roll out from Mahindra’s plant at Nashik, which has been upgraded with an installed capacity to produce 50,000 Logan annually.

The Logan redefines its segment in terms of spaciousness as well as performance, technology with the latest generation dCi common rail engine. It has been designed for the Indian market incorporating a contemporary styling and design.

The Logan will be available in both diesel and petrol versions. The Logan will be available in six colours, namely Toreador Red, Fiery Black, Sahara Beige, Mist Silver, Turf Green & Diamond White and will be available in selected Mahindra & Mahindra showrooms with Mahindra and Renault branding in major cities across the country.

The price of the vehicle ex-New Mumbai for the Petrol GL 1.4 - Rs. 427950/-, GLE 1.4 – Rs. 471915/-, GLX 1.6 – Rs. 526602/-, GLS 1.6 - Rs. 568789/- and in Diesel Variant DLE 1.5 dci - 547064/-, DLX 1.5 - 602728/-, DLS 1.5 dci – Rs. 643939/-

DaimlerChrysler India (DCI) will launch the new C-class Mercedes car it launched in Europe, earlier this year, in India early next year. Dr Wilfried Aulbur, company’s CEO and Managing Director said, “We are committed to bring in the latest products in the least possible time. In line with this strategy, we are looking forward to an early introduction of the recently launched new C-class and expect to offer the product in India by the first quarter of 2008.”

The car, which has got a complete makeover and also some additional features, will also see a mark-up in the price from the Rs 24-26.4 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai) price range of the current models in the ‘C’ series. It will be the third – after the C 200 Kompressor and the C-220 CDI – to be manufactured at the company’s plant at Chikhali near Pune.

New Generation Vehicles

Mangalore, Aug 17: Arvind Motors launched TATA's new generation of vehicles, at Lady Hill church hall here on Friday August 17 evening. H N Ramesh, Mangalore RTO released a total of 8 new models of TATA on this occasion. Addressing the gathering he said that, the customers had very few choices of cars, in the past. But, now the customer has variety of choices. “No one ever imagined in the past that we would have so many varieties of cars that we have now. Hence, the owners of the new generation cars can really enjoy long distance driving”, he opined. Keys of new models were handed over to the customers on this occasion. Shanker, southern regional manager of TATA, Karan Rosha, regional manager of TATA (sales), Vivek Venugopal, business manager of TATA, Aroor Kishore Rao, managing director of Arvind Motors, Govind Bhat, general manager of Arvind Motors and C E Krishna, deputy manager of Arvind Motors were present at the function.

Rani Mukherjee (left), bollywood actress and brand ambassador of Chevrolet Aveo, and Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, General Motors India, at the launch of the new Chevrolet Aveo in New Delhi on Friday. —

NEW DELHI: Marking its first anniversary in India, American car major General Motors on Friday launched the new version of its mid-sized sedan Chevrolet Aveo packed with new features.

Priced between Rs. 5.90 lakh and Rs. 6.80 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the three models of refurbished Aveo come with refreshed instrument panel with chrome lining, telescopic instrument cluster, improved gear shift for easier drivability, enhanced throttle response for better acceleration and advanced levels of noise, vibration and harshness protection for silent cabin.

Speaking at a press conference here, GM India President and Managing Director, Rajeev Chaba, said: “The launch of new Aveo is a testament to the importance that GM India attached to maximising customer satisfaction.” Aveo, which is a global product, has been re-engineered for India based on extensive testing across the country to meet the specific needs of local customers and driving conditions, he added.

General Motors also launched Chevrolet Promise, a customer-oriented initiative under which the company would refund the maintenance cost of a customer if it exceeds a fixed amount over a period of three years or 45,000 km (whichever is earlier). The total maintenance cost of Chevrolet carlines are: Spark Rs. 12,999, Aveo U-VA Rs. 14,999, Aveo Rs. 15,999, Optra Magnum Rs. 17,999 (petrol) and Rs. 26,999 (diesel). “This programme stems from the confidence we have in our world-class products and establishes the Chevrolet brand as best in class in terms of cost of maintenance.

It will ensure that our customer enjoys the most pleasant ownership experience,” said Mr. Chaba.

On the company’s global outsourcing plans, Mr. Chaba said they were looking for sourcing only specific parts from the country by involving more local partners. GM plans to source auto components worth $1 billion from India in the next four-five years.

REVA Electric Car Company has launched the advanced REVA car, the REVAi. The REVAi comes with a host of technical advancements and features that will benefit both the consumer and the environment. Key to this technology is the AC drive train. This advancement in technology will give customers a greater driving experience, increased speed, range and acceleration. The REVAi also comes with improved aesthetics and interiors to further enhance the customer's experience.

Bangalore, July 25, 2007: On a constant journey towards providing consumers with environment friendly and intelligent solutions for city mobility, REVA Electric Car Company (RECC), has launched the advanced REVA car, the REVAi. The REVAi comes with a host of technological advancements and features that will benefit both the consumer and the environment. Key to this technology is the AC drive train. This advancement in technology will give customers a greater driving experience, increased speed, range and acceleration. The REVAi also comes with improved aesthetics and interiors to further enhance the customer’s experience.

General Motors India launched its new compact car Chevrolet Spark in New Delhi.GM Chairman Rick Wagoner termed Chevrolet Spark as world's newest-generation compact city car and said it was specifically built for Indian conditions and keeping in mind Indian buyers.Mr. Wagoner also added, "Introducing the Spark is part of our strategy of leveraging GM's unmatched global resources to aggressively roll out new vehicles. Vehicles engineered and built in India...to meet the specific needs of car buyers throughout India. We are confident that the Spark will help keep GM on a roll in this very important market for our company."Chevrolet Spark is available in four options (E, base, LS and LT and new variant 1.0 PS). The lowest-end variant is priced at rupees 3,00,900. The top-end variant would be available at 389,000 rupees.

Hindustan Motors (HM) now introduces a factory fitted dual fuel, Cedia Select – that is just as powerful and fuel efficient on both petrol & LPG. In terms of emissions too – this dual fuel Cedia Select – is low on emissions – be it Petrol or Auto LPG (ALPG). Advanced microprocessor controlled technology makes it possible for the Cedia Select to deliver great fuel efficiency on two different fuels without any compromise on performance. Cedia Select incorporates ‘Sequent’ type technology for effective performance on LPG. This technology from BRC Italy uses 32-bit microprocessor that synchronizes on real time with engine ECU. The controls are precise and automatic, delivering great performance, be it on Petrol or on Auto LPG. The driver enjoys the performance while the microprocessor & ECU take care of fuel efficiency.

With a “full tank”, 50 Lt Petrol & 48-63 Lt ALPG, the Cedia Select is capable of cruising well over 1000 kms at a stretch!This Cedia variant, with all premium features (Air Bags, ABS with EBD, MP3 CD Player, Wood and Titanium finish, Chrome door handles, Windshield Antennae, Alloy Wheels) is priced at Rs 8.60 lacs. (Ex-showroom, Delhi). It offers an incredible fuel economy of Rs 3/ KM in city driving on ALPG. The fuel economy on highways will be even better.

Hindustan Motors’ MD, Mr. R. Santhanam says “The new duel fuel Cedia variant is targeted at the premium car buyers, who seek both the driving pleasure and operating economy at the same time and are also environment conscious.”Cedia Select is the first amongst premium cars to offer a dual fuel product that is environment friendly on both fuels. Over the next few days, Cedia Selcect – with the factory fitted Dual Fuel Option- will become available for test-drive at all major dealerships all across the country.

Ford India launched the latest edition of its sport utility vehicle (SUV) Endeavour in India on Wednesday. The company also plans to launch a diesel version of Fusion within a few months and increase its diesel portfolio. The bigger and better Endeavour has been priced at Rs 14.72 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) for XLT as against Rs 14.16 lakh earlier (Rs 50,000 costlier) and Rs 15.62 lakh for XLT 4X4 version. Over 75 per cent of Endeavour's sales come from the XLT (4X2 model). It has also launched a `Limited Edition' Endeavour priced at Rs 15.52 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

The new Endeavour sports a new, more powerful 2.5 litre Duratorq engine with Ford's proprietary TDCi technology, authentic SUV exteriors and plush new interiors. As compared to the previous avatar, the new Endeavour offers 28 per cent more power and 22 per cent more torque. Its new engine develops 143 PS at 3500 RPM as against 116 PS on 3500 RPM earlier and 330Nm at 1800 RPM as against 285kgm at 2000 RPM earlier. Ford claims a 38 per cent market share in Indian SUV segment, Honda CR-V being the leader. It sold around 2,000 Endeavour SUVs last year. The company hopes to increase its market share with the launch of new Endeavour which is ranked as a "complete offroader" as against the city SUVs which are more popular in India.

Ford celebrates the 50000 Fiesta cars on the road with a new limited edition. The limited edition of Fiesta is available on both petrol and diesel variants (Exi and Zxi only). Fiesta Limited Edition Prices start at Rs.6,25,499 (ex-showroom New Delhi). The Ford Fiesta Limited Edition brings an intense dose of style and comfort to the performance of the Fiesta. According to Ford, the Ford Fiesta Limited edition comes with an array of features that gives you a truly unique identity on the road.

The Ford Fiesta Limited Edition gets sporty new five spoke Alloy Wheels. The limited edition Fiesta features gizmotronic Reverse Parking Sensors mounted on the rear bumper which alerts you about any obstacles behind the car while reversing. The Limited Edition adds a new dimension to the performance of the Ford Fiesta with a rear spoiler that gives the car aerodynamic stability. What’s more, it also adds that sporty look as you race by in your Ford Fiesta.

The Ford Fiesta Limited Edition comes with brand new, dynamic side graphics. These enhance the flow lines and add to the aesthetics of the car. Ford Fiesta limited edition also gets leather vinyl seats. Now you can feel the wind in your face and hear your engine roar in the fiesta since limited edition Fiesta features an electric sunroof. The Electric Sun-Moon Roof is optional and will be available at an additional cost of Rs 30,000. The launch of the limited edition Fiesta will see two brand new colours added to the Fiesta range - Brush Steel and Jeans Blue.

Ford India on Tuesday launched the diesel version of its premium hatchback Fusion in an attempt to build a robust diesel portfolio.
"Strengthening our diesel platform is a key strategy for us and we are hopeful that with the launch of the diesel variant of Fusion we will be able to attract more customers," said Arvind Matthew, president of Ford India, while unveiling the car here.

The car is being offered in only one variant and is priced at Rs.659,000 ($16,300). It will be available in six colours - paprika red, moon dust silver, diamond white, panther black, brush steel and mystic wine.

"With the prices of petrol going up, diesel is always a viable option. Fusion diesel is a practical mix of international design, spacious and comfortable interiors with Ford's world renowned Duratorq TDCi diesel engine," said Matthew.

The diesel version of Fusion is packed with a 1.4 litre Duratorq TDCi (turbo diesel common rail injection) engine. The engine is made of aluminium alloy, which makes it lighter. The TDCi engine enables the car to produce 68PS of power @4000 rotation per minute (rpm) and an impressive 160 Newton meter torque @2000 rpm.

Country's largest car maker Maruti Udyog Ltd (MUL) on Thursday launched its sports utility vehicle (SUV) 'Grand Vitara' at a starting price of Rs 13.80 lakh (ex-showroom) in Delhi.

The company has launched two variants of the SUV -- manual transmission and automatic transmission. The automatic transmission variant will be available for Rs 14.8 lakh (ex-showroom price Delhi).

"India is very important and evolving market for Suzuki. We believe that we have to diversify our product line to meet rapidly changing customer demands. The launch of Grand Vitara is a step in this direction," MUL Chairman S Nakanishi told reporter in New Delhi.

The SUV would be imported in India from Suzuki's plant in Japan. This is the company's third global launch in India after the premium hatchback Swift and Sedan SX-4. On the issue of rising interest rates, MUL Managing Director Jagdish Khattar said: "Interest rate effect has not peaked out and it is still impacting sales."

New Delhi, 26th July 2007: Car market leader Maruti Udyog Limited isopting for a new name. The Board of Directors, at its meeting here today, approved a proposal to change the Company's name to Maruti Suzuki India Limited.

This is subject to approval by shareholders. The new name will come into effect only after it is approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting, and thereafter by the Registrar of Companies.

In the new name, "Maruti" continues to have a predominant position. "Maruti" is one of the strongest corporate brand names in the country, in terms of awareness, recall, trust and customer care. A generation of Indians has grown up with this brand name.

"Suzuki" in the corporate name imparts an international dimension. Besides being the parent company, Suzuki Motor Corporation is a leading player in the global automobile market. The leader in Japan's minicar market for over three decades, it has recently positioned itself as a complete car maker with the success of its globally strategic models like Swift, SX4 and Grand Vitara.

This international dimension in the Company's name will help Maruti as it expands its role in global markets. The Company is to launch a model for export to Europe in the next couple of years, while building on its recent success in Afro-Asian markets. Maruti is also developing capabilities to become Suzuki's Research & Development hub for Asia, outside Japan. "India" in the corporate name, while conveying the location of the Company and its facilities, also recognizes the growing importance of the country, across the world.

Hyderabad, April 19, 2007: Hyundai Motor India Ltd., India's fastest growing auto manufacturer and largest passenger car exporter, today launched the new Verna CRDi SX in Hyderabad.

The Hyundai Verna which was launched in September 2006 with both petrol and diesel engine has been a huge success since its launch.The diesel model with its state-of-the-art 1.5 litre, turbocharged Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) engine with a Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) which considerably reduced the turbo lag has become a very popular diesel car with buyers in this segment.

The superlative performance of the diesel engine with some top end features of a premium car is what had made the Verna so popular with car buyers.But to offer more choice to buyers the Verna diesel will now be made available in one more trim – the SX which is launched today. While the engine and the mechanicals remain the same the new SX will bring in a host of new features. In fact, some of which will be the first for this segment like the automatic climate control.

The new Verna CRDi SX has an attractive wood grain interior, a built-in two-DIN music system with four speakers and a lamp in the glove box for easy visibility. The driver’s seat is dual height adjustable and has a central arm rest as well as an adjustable rear headrest for added comfort. It also has features like front seat back pocket, seat back hook and electrically adjustable Outside Rear View Mirrors (ORVM). The instrumentation has been upgraded to display information like outside temperature and distance to empty for the fuel.To add to these features, the new Verna CRDi SX offers keyless entry with a burglar alarm, front map lamp with sun glass holder, sun visor mirror for the driver and chrome rear garnish.

Commenting on the launch of the new Verna CRDi SX, Hyundai Motor India, Managing Director, H.S Lheem said: “We are proud to launch the new Verna CRDi SX for the Indian market. The fuel efficiency and power of the Verna CRDi is well known, its design features, stylish looks and luxurious interiors are very popular with our customers and the new model boasts all this and much more.” He went on to add. “Hyundai brought in the CRDi technology at an affordable cost way back in 2002 in the Accent and it is a great feeling to see how popular the Hyundai CRDi cars have become. With the Verna CRDi SX we believe that the customer will have more choice at a very affordable cost”. The Hyundai Verna SX will be available In Hyderabad at an ex-showroom price of Rs 796,534 and with the ABS option at Rs 818,580.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. India's second largest car manufacturer and largest passenger car exporter, today launched the automatic version of Sonata Embera CRDi, the luxury sedan from the Hyundai stable.

The latest launch marks another leader in the segment from Hyundai which has combined the contemporary elegance, luxurious interiors and quieter and powerful Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) diesel engine with automatic transmission giving a smoother and hassle free drive.Commenting on the launch of the Sonata Embera CRDi Automatic, H.S Lheem, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “Hyundai was first to drive in the successful CRDi technology in India which was far more superior to its contemporaries. And the superior diesel technology validates Hyundai’s technology edge in the diesel revolution.”“After the splendid success of Sonata Embera CRDi, we are proud to announce the launch of Automatic Transmission of Sonata Embera CRDi for the Indian market. We are pleased to offer our customers a step ahead in the luxury segment, “he added.

The new Sonata Embera CRDi automatic has 4-Speed H-Matic transmission which offers two modes-traditional fully automatic or a shift that provides the driver with finger-tip gear selection for more dynamic and pleasure driving.The powertrain of new Sonata Embera CRDi automatic is a performance driven 2- Litre, four cylinder, Common Rail Direct Injection turbo charged engine with VGT, which produces an impressive 142 PS@4000 rpm as peak power and ensures quick response and robust acceleration. With a maximum torque of 33 kgm@2000-2680 rpm, the car has excellent pick-up and performance. A ground clearance of 170 mm makes it perfect for Indian roads.With the launch of the new variant, Sonata Embera will now be available in 4 variants including both petrol and Diesel.The ex-showroom (Delhi) price of Sonata Embera CRDi Automatic is Rs 15, 71,656.

New Delhi, July 4, 2007: Hyundai Motor India, the second largest passenger car manufacturer in India and the largest exporter of automobiles today added to its range of Santro variants by introducing an alternative fuel variant – the CNG powered Santro.Santro, the ‘Sunshine Car’ which has brought happiness and cheer to over a million Indian car buyers since its launch in late 1998 will now provide the potential owners a more economical and environment friendly drive. The dual fuel Santro will use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as an alternate fuel. The Santro comes with a 1.1 litre petrol engine which without any modification is compatible with CNG.HMI has tied up with the leading CNG kit supplier Minda Auto Gas Ltd to supply the CNG kits. The advanced kit is not only safe but with an advanced Lambda control system ensures that it meets the Euro III emission norms. To ensure that there are no flaws in the fitment process, HMI has an exclusive arrangement with leading fitment specialist NGVI of Korea to retro fit the kits on the Santro model.Initially, the CNG Santro will be initially launched in Delhi and all Hyundai dealers in Delhi in collaboration with NGVI India are equipped to sell and service the CNG Santro. The CNG Santro too enjoys the same 2 year, unlimited mileage warranty and there is an additional warranty for the same period on the CNG kit and fitment as well.The CNG Santro would have a manual selector switch, which would enable the driver to easily switch from gasoline to CNG and vice versa. The on-board CNG cylinder has a capacity of approximately 12 kg and the running cost on CNG for the Santro is estimated to be in the region of Rs 1/km or even less depending on the driving cycle. This leads to a savings of almost 60 – 70% for the consumer. The cost of the CNG Santro (XK, non-AC) is Rs 325,361 (ex-showroom, New Delhi).Commenting on the launch of the CNG Santro, Arvind Saxena VP – Marketing and Sales Hyundai Motor India said “CNG has established itself as an eco-friendly and economical fuel and HMI will now offer this choice of fuel to its Santro customers. We feel that this will increase the attractiveness of the Santro as it will considerably bring down the running cost. Also the fuel is eco-friendly which adds to its attractiveness”

General Motors launched a new Optra magnum with diesel and petrol version ‘Opta Magnum’. The Second generation common rail technology, TCDi engine, DOHC (MPFI) engine its comfortable price range.

Optra Magnum eyeing about 70 per cent growth in sales this calendar year. The three diesel variants of the Optra Magnum, powered by a two-litre turbocharged common rail direct injection engine, has been introduced at a competitive price starting from Rs. 8.74 lakh to Rs. 9.99 lakh to take on the rivals in this segment.

Ms. Motwani revealed that a new petrol version of the Optra sedan was on the cards and would be launched soon.

In May, GM India sold 3,625 units against 1,853 units in the same month last year. According to GM India Vice-President, Marketing (Sales and After-sales), Ankush Arora, the company is planning to launch SUV Captiva next year, while possibilities are being explored for introducing CNG range in mid-sized sedan Aveo. GM had already introduced CNG Optra in the market.