Mahindra and Mahindra said it sold 12,868 tractors in December 2015, up three percent year-on-year, from 12,474 tractors it sold a year earlier. The company said it sold 11,686 tractors on the domestic market, up four percent from 11,286 it sold a year earlier.
Engineering and farm equipment maker, Escorts, however, reported an 8.9 percent decline in December 2015 tractor sales to 2,751 units from 3,021 tractors in December 2014.
Escorts' December exports slipped by 84 percent to 24 tractors from 150 units a year earlier and domestic sales were five percent lower at 2,727 tractors, against 2,871 units in December 2014.

Mahindra December 2015 tractor sales rise by three percent

BS-Motoring

The Mahindra GenZe 2.0, the first connected all-electric scooter, has been launched in Oakland, California. 
The scooter was conceived in Silicon Valley and engineered and assembled in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is designed to help alleviate challenges associated with urban commuting, parking, congestion, and pollution. The scooter has a removable lithium-ion battery that can be recharged at any standard electrical outlet, providing optimal freedom and ease of use. 
Its smart, utilitarian design offers ample rear storage space so people can get where they want and take their belongings with them. Beyond its use as a personal vehicle, the GenZe 2.0 has also attracted a lot of attention from cities and corporate campuses who are searching for efficient multi-modal and first/last mile solutions to help augment existing transportation infrastructure.
“Oakland is the perfect place to combine electric bikes and electric scooters, with mobility sharing and solar power,” said mayor Libby Schaaf .

Mahindra GenZe 2.0 launched in California

One of the most awaited bikes of the year, the Royal Enfield Himalayan, has been launched virtually on its website. The formal launch will take place on February 2.
Siddhartha Lal, managing director and CEO, Eicher Motors (which owns Royal Enfield), also wrote about the idea behind the Royal Enfield Himalayan adventure in his blog. 
“The idea of the Royal Enfield Himalayan has been 60 years in the making,” wrote Lal in his blog. “With an unbroken heritage of 115 years, Royal Enfield has been in India since 1955. The Bullet was first brought to India to be used by the Indian Army in the Himalayas, and its success in these tough terrains is the foundation of Royal Enfield's enduring relationship with adventurers in India.”
Lal notes that he has been riding in the Himalayas for over 20 years now. “My first long ride in the Himalayas was in 2010 when I was riding with my friends, and we got stuck in a small village for many days due to the flash floods that wrecked the Leh region. While ..

Royal Enfield Himalayan revealed on website

Tata Motors announced on Tuesday that it has decided to rename its soon-to-be launched hatchback, Zica, derived from ‘Zippy Car,’ empathising with the hardships being caused by the recent ‘Zika’ virus outbreak across many countries.
The new name for Zica will be announced after a few weeks, ensuring all necessary consumer, branding and regulatory aspects are addressed, said a company press release. 
The new car will be showcased publicly for the first time at the Auto Expo 2016, in Greater Noida from February 3 to 9 under the ‘Zica’ label for the duration of the event.
“As a socially responsible company, Tata Motors has decided to re-brand the car,” said a press release. The new car is backed by Tata Motors’ ‘Made of Great’ campaign, with the motto: What drives us from within is what makes us great, said the release. “Tata Motors is committed to doing what is right for its customers; the car, which has been designed for young people, has already received enthusiastic reviews from ...

Tata Motors to rebrand 

 Maruti Suzuki has announced that it will be now offering driver airbag in its Alto series. The safety feature will be provided as an optional attribute from the base variants of Alto 800 and Alto K10. The addition means that the buyers can now experience improved safety features in Maruti’s entry-level hatchback. The carmaker is also offering left side rear view mirror with all variants of Alto.“With driver airbag being offered from the base variant upward as an option for the Alto, a very large number of car customers in India will feel reassured. We have offered enhanced safety features, from the base variants, across our model range, ahead of regulations,” said R.S. Kalsi, MSI Executive Director, Marketing & Sales.The car is now priced as:ModelVariantPrice (in INR, ex-showroom New Delhi)Alto 800STD (O)2,62,313Alto 800LX (O)2,98,844Alto 800LXI (O)3,21,365Alto 800LXI CNG (O)3,78,420Alto K10LXI (O)3,45,844Alto K10VXI AGS (O)4,11,609Alto K10LXI CNG (O) 4,08,162The announcement ...

Maruti Suzuki Announces Driver Airbag for Alto Series

Images of the new Suzuki SX4 S-Cross with a facelift to the front end and updates to the interiors have been leaked on the internet. The new images of SX4 S-Cross, sold in India in the name of Maruti S-Cross, were leaked from a dealer presentation in France. 
The leaked images give a first look at the final exterior and interior design of the mid-size crossover. The facelifted SX4 S-Cross reveal a redesigned front end, which features an all-new upright grille with vertical slats, new projector headlamps and a redesigned bumper featuring a larger radiator grille. The new design of the front end looks largely similar to that of a pre-production prototype spotted last September.
The updated interiors come with interesting changes such as updated instrument cluster dials with a new MID, updated interior colour combinations, seat upholstery with contrast stitching, and new trim options for the dashboard.
The new model of SX4 S-Cross is currently powered by a choice of 1.6-litre petrol and .

Images of Suzuki SX4 S-Cross facelift leaked

Leading European automaker Volkswagen on Tuesday unveiled its sub-compact sedan, the Ameo, marking its entry into the highly-competitive segment. 
The new, sub-four-metre model will be manufactured at its Chakan plant near Pune and has been designed for the Indian market. The car was launched by Jurgen Stackmann, head of sales and after sales, Volkswagen AG.
The top executive apologised to its customers and dealers in India for the inconvenience caused by its involvement in last year’s global scandal relating to cheating of emission tests. 
Stackmann said the company was determined to win back the trust of its customers by voluntarily recalling all disel cars with EA 189 engines. The carmaker will have to pay billions of dollars in fines for the incorporating cheating devices in about 11 million cars worldwide.
According to the senior executive, all Volkswagen cars in India comply to emission norms. Referring to Ameo, he said production is expected to begin in the first half of 2016. .

Volkswagen launches Ameo, top executive apologises for scandal

Tata Motors, which showcased its future range of passenger vehicles at the Auto Expo 2016, promises to introduce new products every year. 
The product line-up at the expo features the new sporty compact sedan (project code named Kite 5), the production ready, lifestyle SUV- Hexa in automatic and manual variants, compact SUV – Nexon and the personalised editions of the new passenger vehicles from Tata Motors. 
The new hatchback has been showcased publicly for the first time at the Auto Expo 2016. While it carries the Zica label for the duration of the event, the new name will be announced after a few weeks, ensuring all necessary consumer/ branding and regulatory aspects are addressed, and the launch will take place thereafter.
Tata Motors has partnered with Jayem Automotives for developing performance and special vehicles. The partnership will bring alive the next level of personalisation with performance enhancement kits as well as design modifications. At the Auto Expo, the first ...

Tata Motors promises to introduce new products every year

The growth in the Indian luxury car market is reflected in car rental firms adding luxury vehicles to their fleet. The latest to do so is Eco Rent a Car, a Delhi-based firm, which has introduced the Audi R8 V10 Plus to its fleet of premium cars for self-driving.
Customers will be able to hire the car, a Sepang Blue Matt Finish with black interiors, for Rs5,000 an hour, with Rs300 for extra km over the first 10 km, which are free. The customer will also have to keep a refundable deposit of Rs200,000 while renting the vehicle.
According to Aditya Loomba, managing director, Eco Rent a Car, the Indian luxury car segment is expected to grow at a rate of 15 per cent annually over the next two to three years. “This has impacted the rental business for luxury cars as well thanks to young India's growing aspirations to lead global lifestyles,” he added.
The company, which was established in 1974, offers 2,500 vehicles across various categories including luxury vehicles and stretched ...

Rent an Audi for Rs5,000 an hour

US motorcycle maker Harley Davidson said it would expand in tier-II Indian cities, according to a report. Harley Davidson's managing director, Vikram Pahwa, was quoted as saying in Lucknow that the company planned to open more stores in similar cities. To this end the company will hold periodic rallies for Harley Davidson motorcycle owners.
Pahwa said his company had sold more than 12,000 motorcycles in India over the past five years. The lowest priced Harley Davidson motorcycle in Lucknow is priced at Rs4.6 lakh.

Harley Davidson to expand in small Indian cities

Volvo will be the first automaker to launch cars without keys from next year. The cars will detect your smartphone through Bluetooth connectivity, providing access via the new digital car key.
Digital keys are becoming popular, enabling consumers to provide access to their homes to relatives and friends. Volvo's keyless cars are on display at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
According to the automaker, Volvo owners could send their digital keys to others via a phone, enabling them to access the vehicle. For instance, the owner could provide access to a mechanic to drive the vehicle for repairs.
The technology would be deployed on an experimental basis later this year at Gothenburg airport in Sweden.  "There are obviously many permutations when it comes to how this shared key technology can be used," said a company spokesperson. "We look forward to seeing how else this technology might be used in the future and we welcome any and all ideas."

Volvo to launch keyless cars by next year

 The all new Toyota Innova recently made its global debut in the Indonesian market. The second generation model is quite a looker featuring a completely fresh exterior and interior design with a new engine option under the hood. The one currently running in the Indian market has started looking outdated and people are eagerly awaiting the all new model. Looking at the same, company is all set to bring the 2016 Innova MPV in India at the upcoming Auto Expo 2016, with the launch expected in the fourth quarter of this year.Talking about the exteriors, the car sports dual slat chrome grille with LED projector type headlamps and large hexagonal air dam. The front profile looks quite aggressive which is contrary to what the present model in India looks like. Other aesthetics updates include 16-17 inch alloy wheels and boomerang shaped taillamps at the rear.Coming to the interiors, 2016 Toyota Innova gets a major overhaul offering a more premium feel than we have seen so far. The dashboard ..

Next Generation Toyota Innova to be Showcased at Auto Expo 2016

Riding on its success wave in India, KTM has launched the 2016 editions of the RC and Duke ranges - RC 200, 200 Duke, RC 390 and 390 Duke - in the market.  
The most significant update to the entire range has been the introduction of a slipper clutch, though KTM's decision to not offer the aluminium exhaust and ride-by-wire technology in India comes as a huge disappointment to enthusiasts. 
However, the new exhaust has been developed to meet Euro4 emission norms, while the current underbelly ones are in compliance with the current emission norms in India which could be a reason behind the Austrian brand giving them a miss.
The new KTM range also get automatic headlamps following which the on-off switch on the handlebar has been eliminated. The changes specific to the RC range include new rear view mirrors and adjustable clutch and brake levers. In addition, 200 Duke and RC 200 have been updated with a new version of MRF tyres respectively.
The other new introductions to the 2016 range 

KTM launches facelifted RC and Duke range

In order to ensure road safety, the UP transport commissioner recently instructed the regional transport department to make buying a helmet with a new motorbike mandatory in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Transport commissioner K Ravindra Naik referred to Section 138 (4) (F) of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, which recommends that the manufacturers should supply a protective headgear to every two-wheeler buyer.
“The predominant purpose and intent behind incorporating the sub-rule of the rule is to avoid fatal and serious road accidents,” the transport commissioner said. “We will conduct a surprise inspection of all the automobile dealers in the city. We will take action if anyone fails to comply with the rule," Rachna Yaduvanshi, ARTO (administration) Noida, said.
The dealers, however, said that they provide helmet for a cost when the customers demand.  “If we get any instruction from the officials to provide the helmet along with the vehicle, we will follow the rules accordingly,” they 

Buying helmet with new bikes to soon become mandatory in Noida

 British luxury car manufacturer Jaguar, has launched the updated version of its flagship sedan the XJ at INR 98.03 lacs (Ex-showroom, Mumbai). The changes include minor nips and tucks on the front and rear, however, new all LED exteriors lighting have been introduced along with the latest DRL setup for the headlamps. This epitome of luxury will compete against the likes of BMW 7-series, Audi A8 and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.Rohit Suri, president, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd, said, “The New Jaguar XJ is designed to deliver greater levels of luxury and performance. With its, even more, assertive and bolder look, the New XJ has a commanding presence on the road, making it a definitive head turner. Its luxurious interiors, powerful engine and latest technology will enhance the in-car experience of our discerning customers by making it, even more, productive, entertaining and relaxing.”This luxury sedan is offered with both petrol as well as diesel engine options, that are priced as ...

Jaguar XJ Facelift Launched at INR 98.03 lacs

KTM has launched the updated KTM RC390 in India.  While modifications to the new version are solely mechanical, improvements have been made as regards its styling.
The updated KTM RC390 uses the same 373.2cc single-cylinder, liquid-cooled four-stroke engine as the previous model, developing 42.9bhp and 3.57kgm of torque mated to a six-speed gearbox. 
Further, to improve smoothness, minor changes have been made to the engine and gearbox. The main highlight of the upgrade to the KTM RC390 is the introduction of a slipper clutch, which makes it easier to ride when shifting gears aggressively. Another important feature is that the headlight of the bike gets activated when it is switched on. There is no separate switch for the headlight. 
Internationally, the updated RC390 has additional features such as an all-new exhaust system – a new stainless steel underfloor pre-silencer which meets a cylindrical aluminium absorption silencer, adhering to Euro 4 emission norms. However, this add-on ..

KTM launches updated RC390 for India market

Bajaj Auto has launched a new variant of its entry-level CT100B bike, priced at Rs30,990 (ex-showroom Delhi). The bike delivers a fuel economy of 99.1 kmpl and comes with a two-year warranty.
According to Eric Vas, president, motorcycles business, Bajaj Auto Ltd, customers can enjoy the pleasure of owning a bike instead of compromising by going in for a second-hand vehicle. 
“The CT100 is one of the most successful entry level 100cc bikes in India selling over 5 lakh bikes in the 12 months since its launch last February,” said Vas. “We are confident of attracting more customers to the CT100 family.” 
The new variant comes with a large round headlamp, thick comfortable seat and a large powder-coated rear grab.

Bajaj launches new variant of entry-level bike

Leading sports utility vehicles (SUV) maker Mahindra & Mahindra would soon start exporting its latest compact offering KUV100 to countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa."Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa are our potential export markets. We will soon start exports of KUV100 to these countries. Demand would determine the volume of exports. The KUV100 would be manufactured exclusively at our facility at Chakan", said Jyoti Malhotra, vice president (sales) on the sidelines of the launch of the vehicle here.He said, the company has invested Rs 1,200 crore on KUV100 including capital expenditure, design and research & development (R&D)."The extent of localisation in the vehicle is 85%. The auto industry depends on some select components that are sourced from abroad", he added.M&M has tied up with e-commerce portals like Flipkart and carandbike.com for sales of the compact UV. It is also being offered on M&M's own portal ...

Porsche India Launches Panamera Diesel Edition at Rs 1.04 crore

Luxury vehicle sales in the country are set to more than double in the next five years. This is despite the recent ban on fresh registrations for vehicles over 2,000-cc engine capacity in the national capital, which is expected to hit luxury car sales at least in the short term.  The latest sales forecast from IHS Automotive reveals that in 2015, luxury vehicle sales in the Indian market stood at nearly 35,300 units. This is expected to grow to 87,300 units by 2020 with significant volumes being added by existing players apart from new entrants like Lexus, Infiniti, and Genesis brands.  Luxury vehicle sales in 2015 marked a growth of 6.4% year on year (y-o-y) from nearly 33,200 units sold in 2014. The market was almost entirely led by Mercedes Benz which won back the leadership position from Audi by selling nearly 12,900 units in the year, the forecast said. 
IHS noted that its figures were different from Society of Indian Automotive Manufacturers (SIAM’s) dispatch sales data. This ...

Luxury car sales to more than double in 5 years: IHS

 Ford India has started sending out invites for a new product. The launch date of what Ford describes to be “an highly anticipated all-new vehicle” in the invites, coincides with that of Ford Mustang as stated by various reports, which is slated for a January 28th launch.Mustang will be the first 2-door RWD sportscar offered by Ford in the Indian market. The car with the “galloping horse” badge is making its way to India for the first time as it finally dons a right-hand drive configuration. All of the previous Mustangs were offered in a left-hand drive configuration but as the American automaker is expanding the market of the 6th generation of this niche product, it will also be offered in right-hand drive countries like UK, which is lucky for us as we get to see this piece of Americana tradition on Indian streets soon enough.The sportscar has been spied in India on multiple occasions and a 5.0-liter V8 was spotted at ARAI recently, which insinuated that this monstrous mill will ...

Ford India Sends Out Invites For a new Product

Bike enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for the launch of two new bikes from the the TVS stable in Chennai - the Apache RTR 200 4V, and the TVS Victor.
Analysts expect the Apache to be priced at around Rs100,000. The bike is expected to be powered by a 197.75 cc single-cylinder, oil-cooled engine, delivering 20 bhp and 18 Nm of power and torque through a five-speed gearbox.
The TVS Victor, which was launched about 15 years ago, is being relaunched by the company. It was discontinued in 2007.
TVS Motor Company recorded four per cent growth in sales in December, with total sales increasing to 202,086 units. Two-wheeler sales rose 5.2 per cent to 194,066 units. For the third quarter of the current fiscal, sales grew by 7.1 per cent, rising from 656,000 units in the third quarter of the previous fiscal to 702,000.

TVS Motors to launch Apache RTR 200 4v and TVS Victor

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