NEW DELHI: German automaker Volkswagen today launched in India the diesel variant of its compact sedan Ameo, priced between Rs 6.33 lakh and Rs 9.31 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). 

The company, which had earlier this year launched the petrol version of the vehicle priced between Rs 5.24 lakh and Rs 7.05 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), today started accepting bookings for the 1.5 litre diesel engine Ameo. 

The compact sedan, which has been developed specifically for the Indian market, is the German auto major's first ever sub 4-metre sedan. 

"We have witnessed a successful launch of our made-in-India and made-for-India Ameo petrol during the summer this year. Now with the Ameo diesel being introduced during the festivities, we have an opportunity to cater to a wider set of customers, thereby further expanding the Volkswagen family," Volkswagen Passenger Cars India Director Michael Mayer said in a statement. 

Ameo diesel will be equipped with a 5-speed manual and the 7-speed DSG gearbox automatic transmission making it the most compelling proposition in the segment, he added. 

"Volkswagen's commitment to safety is not an option and is intrinsic to the brand's DNA. Ameo diesel comes equipped with standard ABS and driver and passenger airbags making it one of the safest cars in the market," Mayer said. 

The German company has invested Rs 720 crore to make this sub-4 metre car, developed and designed especially for the domestic market. 

With this, Volkswagen has invested Rs 5,720 crore in the country since its entry in 2007. 

The Ameo will compete in the 25,000 units-a-month sub-4 meter car market that constitutes 8-10 per cent of the monthly volume. 

This market has around half-a-dozen models with Maruti Suzuki's Dzire leading with almost 60 per cent market share, followed by Honda Amaze and Hyundai Xcent.

Source : Volkswagen launches Ameo diesel, price starts at Rs 6.33 lakh

Suzuki Motor Corporation today unveiled the Ignis at the Paris Motor Show as its new global compact crossover. The new Ignis wraps convenience and comfort in a stylish new exterior. It exudes Suzuki DNA from every pore, while at the same time introducing an entirely new design with unique character.

In addition to its simple and iconic styling, this compact SUV offers the functionality and performance to provide confident driving in a wide variety of conditions.

Design:

The impressive shape of the Ignis body begins with the distinctive front face that integrates the striking gaze of the LED headlamps and the strong lines of the front grille. It continues with the robust shoulders that suggest strength while the surface of the lower body exudes expressiveness. It is a simple design that at the same time presents a familiar, lovable expression.

In addition to its simple yet unique design, the characteristic image of the Ignis is further enhanced by its interior ambiance. The round shape of its air-conditioning system's panel and the advanced feel of its distinctive meter cluster design combine to give the cabin environment a futuristic look. The sweeping horizontal line of the instrument panel uses materials with rich texture to create a design that conveys breadth and roominess. The orange and metallic titanium accent colours add an extra touch of quality to the cabin and help establish an active image that befits a crossover.

Fuel Efficiency:

The Ignis adopts a larger percentage of lightweight and strong high-tensile steel, making it possible to reduce vehicle weight while still maintaining a high level of rigidity. Adding the SHVS mild hybrid system to this realises dynamic driving performance combined with excellent fuel efficiency.

Engine:

A 1.2 DUALJET (K12C) petrol engine that delivers both powerful performance and excellent fuel economy powers the Ignis. This combines with the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) mild hybrid system to realise even greater fuel efficiency.

Five-speed manual transmission: The adoption of a convergent locating system increases the sense of suction when shifting for lighter and better feeling shift action.

Capacity:

Adopting Suzuki's new-generation platform minimised the size of the engine room while maximising the space available for cabin occupants and luggage. Within its compact body size, Ignis features a roomy and comfortable cabin with space between occupants, ample headroom and legroom contributing to its relaxing environment.

Colors:

The new Ignis offers a rich line-up of 14 colour patterns, including three new body colours and the two-tone offerings. Two accent colours available for the interior match the body colours and enable drivers to choose the new Ignis that best suits their individual tastes.

Launch Date:

Sales are scheduled to begin in Europe in January 2017, after which the model will also be introduced in other markets. However, the all new Maruti Suzuki Ignis will come to India this festive season.

Source :  Suzuki unveils India-bound Ignis at Paris Motor Show

Sign it off as yet another triumph for 'Make in India' or aggressive expansion plans by Mercedes, the GLC will now have an extremely competitive price tag. The German automaker took wraps off the GLC a few months ago, to plug the gap between the GLA-Class and the GLE-Class. The locally assembled version goes on sale today which is expected to be considerably cheaper compared to the fully imported models.

Essentially the SUV avatar of the C-Class, the GLC borrows heavily from its sedan sibling. The locally assembled version does not skimp out on anything and includes all the niceties including the LED headlamps, the COMAND infotainment screen, leather upholstery and the two engine options as well.

The petrol option is a 2.0-litre unit that develops 245PS of power and 370Nm of spin. The 2.2-litre diesel unit, on the other hand, develops 170PS and 400Nm respectively. Both engines come paired with Mercedes' new 9-speed transmission, and get the '4MATIC' four-wheel drive system too.

Assembly will take place in the automaker's manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune, that already assembles vehicles such as the GLA-Class, CLA-Class and even the mighty Maybach S500. Mercedes-Benz has been focussing on strengthening its portfolio this year, and has introduced petrol engines across the range, including their flagships, the GLS and the S-Class. We are hoping some nutter AMGs are next in line!

Source : Launching Today: Made In India Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

NEW DELHI: Tata Motors BSE 0.73 % has forayed into the Bolivian commercial vehicle (CV) market with the launch of three products in the South American country.

The Mumbai-based auto major has entered Bolivia through a distribution agreement with local partner Bolivian Auto Motors, which is part of Salvatierra, a business conglomerate engaged in distribution of motor vehicles and motor cycles in the Latin American country. 

Through this partnership, Tata Motors has launched three commercial vehicles in the Bolivian market - Tata SuperAce Petrol, Tata Xenon Petrol and Tata LPT 613 truck - all of which will be currently available in Santa Cruz and will soon be available in La Paz and Cochabamba. 

"We are delighted to be here in Bolivia, one of the fastest growing markets in the Latin American region," Tata Motors Head (International Business) Commercial Vehicles Rudrarup Maitra said in a statement.

Besides Bolivia, Tata Motors commercial vehicles are sold in other South American markets like Chile and Ecuador.

"We will work with Tata Motors to make sure that our customers here get the finest vehicles and services, that not only match their requirements but also the needs of their business," Bolivian Auto Motors President Johnny Salvatierra said.

Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs 2,75,561 crore in 2015-16. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, it has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia. 

Source : Tata Motors enters Bolivia with launch of three vehicles

Honda Accord Hybrid, the Japanese automaker's much-awaited sedan, will be launched in India on 25 October. Additionally, Honda Cars India has also now made the Accord Hybrid available for bookings across its dealerships across the country. Currently in its 9th generation, the Honda Accord first arrived in India in 2008 with a rather hefty price tag and was discontinued after nearly 5 years due to the lack of sales.

Honda's only hybrid model in India, the Accord will come sporting a lean stance, complemented by the chrome-laced grille, re-designed bumpers, and sharp-looking head-lamps with an LED strip. Inside, it is expected to receive provisions such as a new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, reverse parking camera, Apple CarPlay support, and 6 airbags.

The Honda Accord Hybrid will come powered by a 2.0-litre iVTEC engine along with twin electric motors, which will be linked to an E-CVT unit and a 1.3 kW lithium ion battery. While the petrol engine develops 141bhp, the Accord Hybrid's combined power output stands at roughly 196bhp with a maximum torque of over 300Nm. It must be noted, Honda will also launch a petrol model of the Accord in India.

The Honda Accord Hybrid, expected to receive a price tag of about ₹ 28 lakh, will face competition from the Toyota Camry Hybrid in India.

Source : Honda Accord Hybrid Now Available For Bookings; Launch Details Revealed