Buoyed by the positive response at its first Motoplex in Pune - the one stop store for the Group’s brand portfolio including Vespa, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi -  Piaggio has opened its second Motoplex premium retail concept store in Hyderabad.
Set up by Shrey Automotive, the Hyderabad store is Piaggio’s first dealer-operated concept store in the country. With this, Hyderabad becomes the first south Indian city to get a Motoplex store. 
The new Motoplex is set up in a sprawling area of 4,134 sq. ft. at Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad. The Piaggio Group is developing this concept in major metropolitan areas around the world. Motoplex multi brand stores have already been set up in Milan, New York City, Shanghai and Beijing where, all the Piaggio Group brands coexist in one continuous experience. It is a platform for bike enthusiasts to explore all the Piaggio brands and share their biking experience in one place.
“With the display of various brands from the Piaggio Group stable, the Motoplex store .

Piaggio opens second Motoplex 

BS-Motoring

In a boost to its operations in the country, mobile taxi aggregator Ola has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB) to extend its range of mobility solutions to travellers through a designated 'Ola Zone'. 
This arrangement will allow Ola driver-partners to park their vehicles inside KIAB premises, with specifically demarcated areas to offer uninterrupted service to travellers arriving in the city. 
Says Anuj Sahai, Vice President - Alliances at Ola: "As a result of this MoU, a larger pool of cars will be available for airport travellers with lower ETAs and utmost efficiency. This first of its kind partnership is testament to the transformational mobility experience that we have enabled for millions."
According to company sources, Bengaluru airport handled over 19 million passenger in FY 2016. Travellers to the airport can book an Ola cab from their app on their arrival. Their designated cab and driver will be waiting at the ...

Bengaluru airport allows Ola cabs to be parked in designated zone

Close on the heels of Mitsubishi admitting that it had overstated the fuel economy of its mini cars and improperly testing other models, its compatriot Suzuki has also admitted to using wrong methods to test the fuel economy of its cars in Japan. 
This news has led to widening of the testing scandal that has already rocked the automotive industry globally.
Suzuki Motor Company (SMC) CEO Osamu Suzuki told reporters, "The company apologises for the fact that we did not follow rules set by the country," adding 2.1 million vehicles were affected.
SMC said that it would continue selling its mini cars. The correct readings, it said, are not significantly different to those it submitted.  Japanese authorities may yet take a dim view of Suzuki’s infractions, fines could follow and the bad publicity could also dent domestic sales. 
While globally the shares of Suzuki dropped more than 15%, India could be the much needed cushion for the company in the scenario.  So much of Suzuki’s value hinges 

Japanese auto scandal singes Suzuki

Weak provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act that regulates the safety and emission norms of automobiles have led to violators getting off scot free in most cases in India. 
In the case involving General Motors for instance, a government appointed panel had held the company guilty of committing corporate fraud as it had violated the technical specifications to meet emission norms in the manufacturing of its utility vehicle Tavera. 
This had eventually forced the recall of 1.14 lakh Chevrolet Taveras – a popular multi-utility vehicle – one of the largest vehicle recalls in India till date. However no action has been taken against the company till now. Government sources state that the centre had passed the matter to the Gujarat government, which is yet to impose a fine.
In the Volkswagen case, the government is yet to come to a conclusion on the alleged use of defeat device by the company, as a panel of IIT experts is yet to come out with the findings. 
Heavy industries minister Anant ...

India\'s timid motor vehicles law lets violators go scot free

Audi India race talent and Indian GT racing star Aditya Patel is all geared up to replicate his success at the Audi R8 LMS Cup over the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit in China.
Set to participate with team Absolute Racing, Aditya will be driving the all new Audi R8 LMS cup car, a sophisticated embodiment of the German carmaker’s lightweight design expertise and highest safety standards in a roll cage stressed steel body. 
Aditya, with the support from Audi India, JK Tyres and Jubilant Motorworks participated in the 2015 edition of the championship and produced some impressive results to ultimately finish fourth in the championship standings. 
The Chennai based racing wizard scored multiple podium finishes and ended his championship campaign with the win at the final race in Shanghai. 
“Last year was a very positive year for me,” said Aditya. “Yes, I did have a few bad races which dented my hopes of fighting for the top three spots in the championship, but we still ...

Aditya Patel to compete in Audi R8 LMS Cup for second year in a row

Rockford Fosgate, a leading American car audio system manufacturer, is entering the Indian market with Blaupunkt as its exclusive distributor.
Three of its products – The Prime, Punch and Power series – will be available in India. The first two are premium products, which will be sold through select Blaupunkt dealers. The Prime series, its budget range, would be available across all Blaupunkt dealers.
Premium dealers will be appointed by invitation only after Blaupunkt Indai conducts a thorough audit of their capabilities. 
“India is an exciting market lending a wide and diverse audience base for our products,” said William R. Jackson, president and CEO, Rockford Coporation. “It is great to have Blaupunkt India on board, a brand that has built strong credibility in the country, as our trusted partner in our journey to establish Rockford Fosgate as an indomitable brand with Indian consumers.”
According to Pankaj Jagwani, director, Blaupunkt India, consumers here would respond well to ..

Rockford Fosgate car audio systems to be sold by Blaupunkt India

Maruti Suzuki has announced that the Alto 800 now comes with a more attractive front design, fresh interiors, vibrant colours, higher fuel efficiency and new features.
The new Alto 800 is a lot more fuel efficient, delivering a superior fuel efficiency of 24.7 km/l of petrol, around 9 per cent improvement over the earlier version. In the CNG mode the Alto 800 offers a mileage of 33.44 km/kg an improvement of around 10 per cent.
“The new Alto 800 is technologically advanced with the latest convenience and class leading safety features,” said R S Kalsi, Executive Director Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India. “The new stylish looks, fresh classy interiors and addition of two new colours make it trendy and vibrant.”
Alto’s attributes like its sleek design, good manoeuvrability, low cost of ownership and attractive price point make it a popular car among India’s first time car buyers. It has remained India’s top selling model for more than 12 years in a row. 
Alto is the only Indian ...

Maruti upgrades Alto 800

Two-wheeler manufacturer Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IndusInd Bank offering retail finance to its customers on all its models.
Elaborating on this partnership Yadvinder Singh Guleria, senior VP (sales & Marketing), Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India said, "In the two-wheeler industry, retail finance penetration is increasing and more and more customers are looking at various finance options. Riding on the aggressive network expansion plan and increased product portfolio, we will continue to create options that will enable customers to buy their favourite two-wheeler. Driven by this partnership with IndusInd Bank, we aim to further grow Honda's retail sales." 
Customers can not only buy a Honda two-wheeler at an attractive rate of interest, but can reap benefits up to Rs. 7,500 through this retail finance scheme.
Customers can avail loans up to 90 per cent of the product value, with a repayment period of 36 ...

HMSI signs MoU with IndusInd Bank; aims to expand retail sales

In order to expand its network reach across the country, Renault India plans to increase its dealership network from the current 208 facilities to 240 by the end of this year.
This expansion plan is aimed at making the company’s products accessible to more people across the country with an equal focus on growing its presence in metros as well as in the hinterlands of India.
Sources said that all the upcoming dealerships will be designed according to the Renault Store concept. The concept is a new generation of dealerships which have been conceptualised to address the needs of customers by highlighting the value of the brand, products, services and accessories in a modern and more effective manner.
Renault is working at achieving a 5% market share by this year. With more dealership launches in the pipeline, the company is focusing on moving closer to its customers and providing them with an enhanced ownership experience.

Renault India to increase its dealership network across the country 

After a long wait, finally Jeep has set foot into India.  Fiat Chrysler India had announced the entry of the Jeep brand in India at the Auto Expo 2016 and the official launch is just around the corner.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Review   Exploring The Legend

MotorOctane

Leading global brand in high-performance audio systems, Rockford Fosgate have announced their association with Blaupunkt India as their distribution partner for the country.  The Prime, Punch and Power ranges of products will be available via the exclusive distribution agreement.

Blaupunkt India is now a distributor of Rockford Fosgate

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz has put on hold its investments into India following the Supreme Court ban on the sale of high-end diesel vehicles and SUVs in Delhi and the NCR.
The company, which launched its new SUV, the GLS 350 d on Wednesday, said the apex court ruling had put a question mark on India’s credibility as an investment destination.
Roland Folger, managing and director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, who launched the new SUV, described the ban on high-end diesel cars and SUVs in Delhi as “a lost opportunity for India.” 
The new GLS will be locally manufactured at its production facility in Pune. Folger had described this as “yet another illustration of our vision of ‘Make in India’, and gives us the opportunity to provide the newest products for our elite customers here.”
However, later speaking to the media he warned that the company’s investments would be affected in the long-term if the apex court ban continued. “Most of the decisions are postponed rather than ...

Mercedes-Benz puts on hold investments into India

Mercedes-Benz puts hold on investments into India

Mercedes-Benz India launched its new GLS 350 d on Wednesday at a price of Rs80.38 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune).
“Popularly known as the S-Class of SUVs, the introduction of the GLS underscores Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the luxury SUV segment in India,” said Roland Folger, managing director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India. “The GLS is the epitome of exemplary engineering that cleverly combines unmatched space, with delightful driving pleasure on any terrain. With the launch of the GLS, we are glad to provide the most comprehensive luxury SUV portfolio in the country to our discerning customers. India has a growing penchant for the SUVs and at 100% growth achieved in 2015, it was the highest growing segment for us.”
According to him, the GLS is a distinguished and versatile SUV, as it performs effortlessly as a dynamic sports car, a luxurious cruiser or even a fully-fledged off-roader. “The GLS has contributed to the success of our SUV portfolio in a significant way,” noted Folger. “India ..

Mercedes launches its new GLS 350 d at Rs80.38 lakh

Rajiv Bajaj, the managing director of Bajaj Auto has slammed Global NCAP stating that its stand on vehicle safety is beyond his "limited comprehension". 
It may be recalled that Global NCAP, a UK-based entity that aims to support the development of new consumer crash test programmes in emerging markets,  had given one-star rating for quadricycles to Bajaj Qute, stating that the vehicle does not perform well and there is a "likelihood of severe or fatal head and chest injuries.”
This latest statement from Bajaj has added a fresh salvo to the spat between the two over crash test result of Qute . 
Bajaj, who was invited to be a speaker at an automobile safety conference at Faridabad in which Global NCAP was one of the organisers, said it amused him no end that while the UK-based outfit had apparent misgivings about quadricycles with respect to safety, Qute was called 'a global example and a vehicle of the future' in the invitation to the event.
The other organisers of the conference were 

Bajaj Auto slams Global NCAP

In a telling statement on safety standards adopted by Indian car manufacturers Global NCAP, a UK based entity that aims to support the development of new consumer crash test programmes in emerging markets, has found that all seven models tested by it have failed. 
It was the third round of tests conducted by the global body and models such as Renault Kwid (three models), Maruti Suzuki Celerio, Maruti Suzuki Eeco, Mahindra Scorpio and Hyundai Eon were tested. All cars have received zero stars for safety in the tests. 
Says an industry expert: “The simple truth here is that to pass these tests vehicles must carry some basic safety equipment - dual airbags is a mandated requirement. The fact that none of these cars have airbags as standard, means that like in the previous tests, they failed even before they could be crashed. Of course the structural integrity of the car's body shell is also tested, and here too many performed poorly.”
India is the world's sixth largest automobile market, 

All seven Indian car models fail Global NCAP\'s tests

India is all set to join the group of matured global automotive markets with its own new car assessment programme (NCAP), likely to be called Bharat NCAP. 
According to Abhay Damle, joint secretary, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH), the details of Bharat NCAP are expected to be finalised in a week and be made public in the next 10 days.
“Bharat NCAP will be more broad-based than any other NCAP at the time of introduction. It is proposed that the features of the programme will remain same for some time,” A V Mannikar, senior deputy director, Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) said during a presentation at the Indian Automobile Safety Conference co-hosted by Institute of Road Traffic Management and Global NCAP. 
The proposed speed for offset frontal crash testing vehicles under Bharat NCAP is 56kph.  That is lower than Global NCAP’s proposal of 64kph. The global watchdog’s argument is that crash testing a vehicle at 64kph is equivalent to two vehicles ...

India to introduce new car assessment programme soon

Vroom Technologies has launched Autoyaar.com, an online marketplace for automobile servicing, providing, listing and booking for two and four wheelers. The company is contemplating to expand its footprint across Mumbai, Pune and New Delhi soon.
Autoyaar.com, launched by four friends Amisha Shah, Abhishek Gupta, Sunil Gupta and Bharat Ostwal, is a first of its kind aggregator platform and a one-stop solution for all automobile service needs. It claims to save 30-50 per cent of your service costs, providing unified service experience with its verified network of service providers. 
“Autoyaar is unifying the unorganised automobile service industry into a single organised platform. It has more than 1,000 automobile service providers listed, out of which 63 are handpicked and verified for online bookings basis a pre-defined criterion and checklist of selection which include infrastructure, service capacity, technology, automobile experience and much more to ensure that quality of services .

Vroom Technologies launches online automobile service marketplace, Autoyaar.com

TVS Motor Company has launched the new 'Chocolate Gold Edition' of the StaR City+ motorcycle, priced at Rs. 49,234 (Ex-Showroom Delhi). The new Chocolate Gold edition of the motorcycle is a combination of gold, brown and tan.
The new Chocolate Gold edition of the TVS StaR City+ comes with golden alloys and will be available along with other premium colours like Matte Titanium Grey Edition and the Gold Edition model.
"The new Chocolate Gold Edition leverages the popularity of the matte brown colour while taking the ante of style further up with gold, to provide a stylish yet bold look to the motorcycle,” said Arun Siddharth, Head of Marketing -  Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company. “We believe colours are a testament to the rider's personality and play a significant role in the purchase decision. With this new edition, we aim to reach out to the stylish yet pragmatic riders who are looking for a dash of style in their ride experience." 
The Chocolate Gold edition motorcycle will come with ..

TVS Motor launches StaR City+ Chocolate Gold Edition at Rs. 49,234

Autorickshaw hailing platform Jugnoo, which secured $10 million funding in Series B round from Paytm, Snow Leopard and Rocketship.vc, has restarted hyper-local delivery and has termed its service as Fatafat. 
The service is currently restricted to delivering only vegetables and fruits through the company's network of autorickshaws. Says Jugnoo's founder Samar Singla: "The idea is to have a complete end-to end integration. We will buy from the mandis in the morning and store in our warehouses. The products will then be delivered by autorickshaw drivers who are not taking a ride or are sitting idle.”
Currently, Jugnoo claims to have a network of 10,000 auto-rickshaw drivers across 20 cities in India that is growing at a steady rate across the country. Fatafat is already clocking 100 deliveries a day and the model seems "unit-economics positive," he said. 
The service started in Chandigarh and will be expanded to other cities, beginning with Gurgaon one month, Jugnoo first started the ...

Autorickshaw hailing platform restarts hyper-local deliveries

The Supreme Court’s decision to ban the registration of large diesel vehicles in the National Capital Region has had its desired impact – petrol is increasingly becoming the fuel of choice for buyers of utility vehicles. 
This has traditionally been a bastion of diesel that has better pulling power and fuel economy. Diesel powered vehicles had prevailed despite the government scrapping subsidies associated with it. 
While the ban only covered Delhi and the NCR its impact is being felt all over the country as people believe that the ban could encompass their cities soon due to growing concerns over pollution in India's cities. 
Sales of petrol powered versions comprised as much as 13% of total utility vehicles sold in the country in the last financial year. This might seem a fraction of the diesel vehicle sales but compared to the figures five years ago that were 2% of total utility vehicle sales it represents a huge leap for the petrol powered vehicles. The domestic market for utility 

Petrol becoming the fuel of choice for UVs

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