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

BS-Motoring

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

Removing the uncertainty surrounding the name of its latest hatchback offering, Tata Motors has finally rechristened Zica as Tiago. 
India’s fifth biggest automaker was forced to change the name of its hatchback after the outbreak of the Zika virus. 
Zica was launched at the India Auto Expo in Greater Noida on February 3, 2016, after the outbreak of the Zika virus. With the threat of the viral epidemic looming large, Tata Motors was forced to change the name of its hatchback.
The company hopes to boost its sales with the Tiago, a curvaceous hatchback which is being endorsed by soccer legend Lionel Messi. The new hatchback will compete with vehicles in similar class from Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor stables.

Tata Motors renames Zica as Tiago

Alert residents of Bangalore have reported more than 17,000 violations relating to number plates by informing the traffic police through its unique Public Eye app.
Just five months after its launch, the app has caught the imagination of Bangaloreans who have kept an eye open for such violations. According to Bangalore police, of the 17,455 cases of violation reported by citizens, 9,087 cases have been booked.
It is quite common in many Indian cities for motorists to use fancy number plates, personalised numbers and elaborately designed plates, which often confuse citizens wanting to complain about traffic violations.
According to a Bangalore police spokesperson, a common violation is to use words instead of numerals – for instance BOSS in lieu of 8055. Others use tiny fonts or over-size number plates, which confuses other motorists, pedestrians and even traffic cops.
The police impose a fine of Rs400, which has to be paid on the spot by those violating the rules. 
The Bangalore ...

Public Eye app nabs 17,000 motorists in Bangalore

Volvo India will launch its new sedan, the S60 Cross Country, on March 11. The sedan, which made its debut at the Detroit Motor Show 2015, not only has a greater visual appeal but also comes with an all-wheel drive system with ride height up by 65mm over the standard S60 to allow buyers the choice of a four-door sedan body style and yet give them the freedom for occasional off-roading.
Internationally, the S60 Cross Country gets the option of front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive. For India, the S60 Cross Country will come with a five-cylinder 2.4-litre D4 engine that makes 178bhp. The car also comes with the same equipment seen on the top-spec standard S60 sedan and also offers AWD- and SUV-like ground clearance.
Volvo is expected to launch a slew of new models this year in India with the company expected to introduce its Polestar performance division sometime during the year with a performance version of the S60 sedan along with more mainstream models like the V40 and V40 Cross ...

Volvo S60 Cross Country to be launched in India on March 11

The new Ducati 959 Panigale superbike was unveiled at the India Bike Week in Goa on Friday. The bike shares the same innovative stylistic features that characterise the 1299 Panigale, but with an engine designed for a more accessible, everyday riding experience and equally thrilling on the race track.
"We are very excited to bring the new super-mid Ducati Superbike to India," said Ravi Avalur, managing director, Ducati India. "The Ducati 959 Panigale is the perfect balance between impressive design and breath-taking performance and it embodies Ducati's premium sportbike culture."
With increased power and torque balanced with safety-enhanced electronics and stunningly beautiful styling, every last detail of the 959 Panigale pays tribute to Ducati's legendary racing heritage.  
The new 955cc L-twin power unit is the first Superquadro with Euro 4 emissions approval and will be available in traditional Ducati red with black wheels at Rs14.04 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi NCR) from July. ...

Ducati 959 Panigale superbike unveiled at India Bike Week

India will get the Volkswagen Tiguan soon after its European launch, Michael Mayer, Brand Head of Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, confirmed today. 
The Tiguan, a versatile five-seater compact SUV from the German manufacturer's stable, is slated for launch in 2016. Based on Michael Mayer announcement, it would be safe to admit that Tiguan will be launched in India sometime in 2017. The compact SUV will be priced in the Rs 12-18 lakh range. 
The compact SUV boasts sharp styling with swept back headlamps, twin horizontal chromed grille accents and pseudo-bash plate. The Tiguan has smooth flowing lines and well balanced proportions. On the inside, the car will get keyless entry, push-button start and USB port enabled touchscreen infotainment system as standard. 
The petrol variant of Tiguan will have Volkswagen Jetta’s 1.4-litre TSI engine paired with the 6-speed gearbox. The diesel variant will have a 1.6-litre diesel engine.

India to get Volkswagen Tiguan soon after Europe launch

Hyundai India inaugurated the first digital automotive experience outlet in Delhi on Thursday. The Unity Hyundai outlet will provide an all-digital experience to shoppers.
"Hyundai has the customers truly at its heart. "This outlet expresses Hyundai's modern premium brand identity," remarked Y.K. Koo, managing director, Hyundai Motors India Ltd. "Unity Hyundai is India's first Interactive, Creative and Understanding space which boosts the Hyundai brand value by creating an emotional connect with the existing and future customers."
According to him, the main features at the outlet are Evolution, Innovation and Experience. "This exciting new digital outlet from Hyundai exemplifies these themes to create a unique experience."
Visitors can test drive vehicles, research for features, exchange their old vehicles and find out about the financial packages that are on offer for various models. The outlet has digital screens that visitors can access to find out more details about the vehicles ..

Hyundai inaugurates digital automotive experience outlet in Delhi

The used-car market in India is estimated to be as large as the new-car market, said a survey by Deloitte India.
“The used-car business has been one bright spot in a slow growing automotive industry in the last few years,” said a report, ‘Driving through the Urban Used-Car Market,’ by Deloitte. “The rush to buy diesel cars a few years ago with the prices of petrol being pegged to the open markets, and then sales going down on account of inability of the customers to buy new cars led to a visible growth in the used-car volumes.”
The international consultancy conducted a survey across 16 cities to track the used-car market. According to Kumar Kandaswami, partner, Deloitte India, there is a clear preference among buyers for branded cars. “With formal networks growing, it is increasingly becoming cool to buy used cars,” he added. 
Manufacturers are also investing in dealer networks and branding, enabling customers to consider used cars as a viable option. According to the survey findings, 

Used-car market as large as one for new cars: survey

 Jeep is all set with its Indian lineup and will showcase it at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo. It recently launched a website for India, displaying its lineup for the country, which includes Grand Cherokee, Grand Cherokee SRT and Wrangler Unlimited, to create a buzz amongst luxury off-roader enthusiasts.Jeep Wrangler is expected to come with features like front one-touch power windows, an external temperature display and a cruise control. The off-roader is most likely to come equipped with safety features like ABS, remote anti-theft alarm system, stability control, engine immobiliser and post-collision safety system, keeping in mind the terrains it will have to conquer.The SUV is powered by a 3.6-litre, V6, petrol engine which is capable of generating a maximum power of 285 hp with a peak torque of 352 Nm. A 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine is also likely to be offered, producing a maximum power of 197 hp with peak torque of 451 Nm. Transmission duties are performed by a 6-speed manual and 

Jeep Wrangler Coming to Auto Expo 2016

Volkswagen India Director Michael Mayer (2nd R) at the launch of the new POLO GTI at Auto Expo 2016 in Greater Noida on Thursday.   

POLO GTI Launch at Auto Expo 2016

 Ford has finally launched its all-new Endeavour. The American automaker discontinued the previous version of this car in 2015 and has now come up with the refreshed version.The car gets various additions inside and out, most prominent of which is the inclusion of Terrain Management System. In this, the driver will be able to select from Rock, Sand and Snow options, through which he will be able to have a better control over the vehicle.The SUV will be competing against the likes of Chevrolet Trailblazer and Toyota Fortuner. To give a comprehensive view of the competition, we have compiled the information available for all these models and faired them against each other.Ford Endeavour comes with segment first feature like semi-auto Parallel Park Assist. With overall engine specifications combined with attributes like power folding third row and dual-zone climate control, new Endeavour looks all set to dominate the segment and thrash its competitors.Also Read: 2016 Ford Endeavour: Back 

Comparison: New Ford Endeavour vs Rivals

Tata Motors Bolt Sport hatchback, which was showcased at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2016, is reportedly close to launch. The Bolt Sport, developed by Tata Motors in partnership with Coimbatore-based Jayem Automotives, is expected to pump up sales for the auto major.
The Bolt hatchback, which was launched in January 2015, failed to make any significant impact for the company. Tata Motors hopes the Bolt Sport hatchback will give its sales the much needed impetus.
The Bolt Sport boasts of a bevy of features which go in line with its sporty image. A sporty front grille with air dam, a body kit with 17-inch alloy wheels, a high-flow exhaust system and new front and rear bumpers with air vents on the fender.
The sporty theme reflects in the interiors too. Wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, black leather seats and sporty pedal inserts with body-coloured touches.
The Bolt Sport is expected to be powered by a Revotron 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine which develops 108.4bhp .

Tata Motors to launch Bolt Sport hatchback soon

American vehicle major Polaris aims to increase the sale of its Indian Motorcycle range of bikes by 50 per cent in India in 2016. The company aims to have a 15 per cent market share in the 1,200cc-plus segment in the country.
Pankaj Dubey, managing director, Polaris India, told a news agency that it wants to raise the share in the 1,200cc-plus category to 15 per cent in 2016. About 1,000 bikes in this super-premium category are sold annually in India.
The company’s 2016 line-up for India includes the Indian Scout (a mid-size bike), Indian Chief Dark Horse and Indian Chief Classic (cruisers), Indian Chief Vintage and Indian Chieftain (baggers) and Indian Roadmaster (touring). The bikes range in price from Rs13.8 lakh to Rs38 lakh.
The super-premium bike segment sees intense competition with the likes of Harley Davidson, Triumph, Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki dominating the vertical. 
Indian Motorcycle plans to double the number of dealer showrooms to a dozen. Currently, it has showrooms in .

Polaris aims to expand market share for its Indian Motorcycle range

Thousands of bikers from across the country will be zooming into Goa on their mean machines to participate in the two-day India Bike Week (IBW), which kicks off on Friday at Vagator.
About 12,000 bikers will be showing off their vehicles - including Bullets, Harley Davidsons, Triumphs, Indian Motorcycles and Ducatis - as they participate in the much-awaited festival over the weekend.
All national highways - from Mumbai, Bangalore and other cities - leading to the sunshine and fun state were packed with bikers, astride their powerful vehicles. And for two days, they will be discussing their adventures on the motorbikes with other like-minded people, looking at some of the new models being unveiled by bike makers.and partying as various rock bands belt out.what else, bike songs.
Top Indian and international brands will be launching new models at the bike festival. Famous bikers such as Dougie Lampkin and India's C.S. Santosh will be displaying their skills and also focusing on ...

Bikers head to Goa for annual fest

Maruti Suzuki has started exporting the Baleno, its premium hatchback, to Europe. The model will be showcased at the Geneva International Motor show, which will be opened to the press on Tuesday and Wednesday and for the general public between March 3 and 13.
The Baleno was the first Indian-made car to be exported to Japan recently. The Japanese company will launch the Baleno in Europe over the next few weeks. It will compete with the likes of the Hyundai i20, the Volkswagen Golf and Honda Jazz in the continent.
The Baleno, which was launched in India in October 2015 and has proved to be very successful, is being manufactured at the Maruti Suzuki plant in Manesar near Delhi. It is the full Maruti model to be built entirely in India. 
In January, Maruti sold 7,698 units of the Baleno. The car is being sold through Nexa, its premium showrooms. Maruti Suzuki has set up about 100 Nexa outlets and plans to add another 150 new showrooms over the next year.
While the Baleno had outsold its ..

Maruti Suzuki begins exporting Baleno to Europe

Total sales of Tata Motors passenger and commercial vehicles (including exports) in February were 46,674 vehicles, higher by six per cent over the figures for February 2015.
The domestic sale of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for February added up to 41,532 units, higher by three per cent over the figures for the same month in 2015.  
Cumulative sales (including exports) for the fiscal are at 458,654 units, higher by two per cent over the figures for the same period in the previous fiscal.
The company reported a 20 per cent fall in sale of passenger vehicles in February to 10,962, as compared to 13,767 cars sold in the same month last year. Wholesales of passenger cars were lower by 21 per cent at 9,284, while UV sales fell by 14 per cent to 1,678 units.
Cumulative sales of all passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal added up to 118,080 units, lower by one per cent in comparison to figures for the same period last fiscal.
The company’s sales from exports were .

Tata Motors reports six per cent growth in sale of vehicles in February

Is the market leader in scooters, Honda, losing share to former partner Hero MotoCorp? A look at company-wise scooter market data for the last six months points to the rising market share of Hero and a somewhat corresponding dip in Honda’s market share.   From a barely double-digit market share around mid-2015, Delhi-based Hero has reached a 21% share in December. In doing so, it has also replaced Chennai-headquartered TVS Motor as the second-largest seller last month. In September last year, Hero expanded its scooter offering with the launch of two products — Duet and Maestro Edge. Until then, the country’s largest two-wheeler maker had two scooters to offer: Pleasure and Maestro.  Launching the company’s two first in-house developed scooters, chairman and managing director and chief executive Pawan Munjal had said in September that the company aims to ‘gun for leadership in scooters’. “I know it is not going to happen overnight”. In October, Hero saw a 74% surge (over same month in .

Jeep Grand Cherokee to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2016

The Datsun Go-cross Concept made its Indian debut at the Auto Expo 2016. This is the second time that the Japanese brand, with 80 years’ experience in building modern and segment-defining cars, is participating in the expo.
Datsun’s line-up for the expo features vehicle displays celebrating its storied past coupled with a view toward future possibilities.
The Go-cross Concept, which was showcased at the Tokyo International Motor show, brings forward new possibilities of style, adventure and fun. Sharing space with it is the Datsun Bluebird 1600 SSS (510) rally car, which brought motorsport glory to the brand in the early 1970s. This rally machine embodies the fighting spirit and winning determination that anchors the brand.
Enriched versions of the the Datsun Go and the Datsun Go+ are also being shown. The Datsun Go+ Smart display vehicle will invite showgoers to experience its roomy interior space and tempt them with onboard gaming consoles.
Datsun recently announced the launch of a .

Datsun Go-cross Concept debuts at the Auto Expo

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