NEW DELHI: Italian car manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) India, today inaugurated its first Jeep Destination Store, Concept Motorcar Pvt. Ltd.,in Ahmedabad.

This outlet is first among the 10 Jeep Destination Stores that are on-schedule to be opened in nine Indian cities by the end of 2016. With this outlet becoming fully operational, customers in Gujarat can now book and own Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The Concept Motorcar Jeep's first showroom is spread over 7500 square-foot showroom located on the Ground Floor of Ganesh Meredian, opposite Kargil Petrol Pump on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway. The Jeep Destination Store is complemented by a 12,000 square-foot workshop facility located in TalukaSanand, Block No - 298 Paiki and 300, MoujeSanathal.

At the inauguration of the Ahmedabad Jeep Destination Store Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director said, "We have been noting the growing interest around the Jeep Brand among customers in Ahmedabad. Many have been contacting us, inquiring about bookings and deliveries of the iconic Jeep Wrangler and the luxurious Jeep Grand Cherokee, and I am pleased to be able to deliver to their enthusiasm today, with the launch of our first Jeep Destination Store in this fast-growing metropolis."

As a part of its retail strategy, FCA will focus a lot on providing the original Jeep off-roading experience to customers in Gujarat with an aim to bring them closer to the virtues of the Jeep brand and its Product Capabilities.

Flynn added, "Jeep pioneered the SUV segment and the concept of off-roading. Now we are ready to give our Indian customers the opportunity to own our iconic SUVs, the Jeep Wrangler, the most capable production 4x4 vehicle in the world and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the most awarded SUV of all time."

FCA has also focussed on After-Sales as one of its key drivers of growing business in India. For Jeep vehicles, the company has crafted innovative schemes that will give customers peace of mind and a satisfying Jeep ownership experience. The company will offer a two-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty as standard on both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler. The warranty will have international coverage and will be transferrable to the second owner.

Branded Jeep Assist, a 24/7 helpline and roadside assistance program is part of the comprehensive package which will cover the vehicles for a two year, unlimited mileage period. Toll free assistance will be provided 24/7 in case of accidents and breakdowns and additionally, customers will be provided with a return journey Business Class air ticket or a hotel stay. FCA's extended warranty on these Jeep vehicles is very competitive and offers comprehensive coverage. Concept Motorcar Pvt. Ltd. will have an exciting range of Jeep branded merchandise and accessories at their showroom.

Those who cannot visit the Jeep Destination Store can visit Jeep India's website and contact Jeep customer care through toll-free numbers and connect with specially trained Jeep sales consultants. After Ahmedabad, Jeep Destination Stores will go live in New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Kochi and Bengaluru.

Source: Jeep India opens its first showroom in Ahmedabad

MUMBAI: India is emerging as an export base for mid-size cars, SUVs and engines as it builds on the image as a key supplier of small cars. India-made Vento sedan is one of Volkswagen's top selling models in Mexico. According to people in the know, Hyundai Motor, the biggest auto exporter from India, is considering exporting its new generation mid-size Verna, codenamed HCI, from next year. Creta SUV from Hyundai's Chennai factory has also got acceptance abroad.  

Premium brands like Chrysler and Land Rover, too, are considering exporting vehicles made in India to right-hand-drive markets, said people with knowledge of plans. Ford Motor will start exports of EcoSport SUV to North America from here next year, while the Suzuki BSE -1.24 % Baleno hatchback is supplied to Japan by the company's Indian unit, Maruti Suzuki BSE -1.24 %.

With Indians increasingly opting for bigger cars and local quality standards similar to those abroad, it has become easier for manufacturers to pick models for exports from India, said Gaurav Vangaal, senior analyst for forecasting at IHS Automotive. Exports allow them to post "better operational performance domestically due to combined volumes of domestic (sales) and exports," he said.

India is already a key exporter of the likes of Hyundai's Grand i10, Ford Ka and Chevy Beat. For some global automakers, such as General Motors and Nissan Motor, exports have helped offset weak demand in the Indian market. Hyundai is looking to ship about 11,000 units of the next gen Verna from India in 2017 and take it to 70,000 by 2019-2020, said three component suppliers to the local unit of the South Korean carmaker. Indian manufacturing will ease production load on its Korean operations, allowing it to use the factories there to increase the production of  Elantra and Sonata which are in demand in its home market. 

"We are planning to make a new version of the Verna next year in the second half. India is one of the countries which will see increase exports of Verna," Hyundai Motor India managing director YK Koo told ET. "Volume for Verna exports is yet to be finalised, but it will be significant," he added.

The Hyundai Creta has a one- to two-month waiting period in overseas markets, Koo said. "We are exporting 5,000-6,000 units a month,the numbers of mid-size cars will go up with new model."

Apart from fully built cars, vehicle makers plan to source engines from India. Ford India is set to begin exports of 2- and 2.2-litre Panther engines from its factory at Sanand in Gujrat from 2017-18. Its plan is to produce 2 lakh engines at Sanand and export to all over the world. Panther engines will be supplementing a new range of smaller petrol engines, internally named Dragon, which will power the next gen Figo and Aspire cars. A Ford India spokesperson said as a policy, the company does not comment on speculations on products or manufacturing plans.

Exports of cars longer than 4 metres accounted for 20% of total exports of 6.5 lakh vehicles in fiscal 2016 — the share has more than doubled in three to four years. If vehicles like Toyota Etios and EcoSport are included — these are slightly smaller — mid-size segment will account for almost 30% of India's total car exports. 

Experts say though the domestic market share for many MNCs has remained modest, it is the export strategy which has help them justify big capital investments and break even in India with economies of scale.

Source : India enhances its repute in auto exports

NEW DELHI: Japanese carmaker, Nissan India today introduced Micra in new "Sunshine Orange" exterior colour together with an all-black sporty interior. The new colour option is available across the Nissan Micra range including Micra Active versions in India. The compact hatchback from Nissan comes with both manual and automatic transmission priced at Rs 4.55 lakhs and Rs 5.99 lakhs respectively.

Arun Malhotra, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd., said, "The affordable and accessible Micra offers a charming visual appeal with its new "Sunshine Orange" exterior colour complemented by the edgy, European-style all-black interior. These new options come without any price increase. We're confident this package will resonate with Indian customers."

According to the company, Orange is gaining popularity among Indians seeking a stylish new look to their car's exterior. It is also a symbolic colour of the festive season in India. The Micra range is also available in more five more exterior shades including Brick Red, Turquoise Blue, Blade Silver, Onyx Black, Nightshade and Storm White.

The all-black interior in the new Micra includes a black central console with piano black finish, black door trims, and black seat fabric with blue stitching, rendering a stylish European feel. The Micra Active variants will feature a black instrument panel cluster and finisher, black seat fabric and a silver-colour door arm rest finisher.

The Micra comes equipped with Nissan X-Tronic CVT which delivers more mileage than a manual transmission for added value in terms of fuel economy. The Micra comes available with petrol and diesel as the fuel options. The Nissan Micra will be on sale at all 232 Nissan India showrooms across the country. Nissan Micra is the most exported hatchback from India. It is available in more than 100 countries across the globe, and has sold more than 6 million units globally

Source: Nissan India introduces sunshine orange colour in Micra

NEW DELHI: In the month of August, twelve carmakers together have reported a growth of 16 percent at 2,55,000 units and it is further expected that Indian car market will achieve 3 million sales in FY17.

The double-digit growth of carmakers is also seen on the incremental sales of top 10 selling cars in August 2016. The cumulative sales of the top 10 cars sold in August are accounted to be 1,40,972 units which is 55.28 percent of the total sales of 2,55,000 units of all the OEMs.

In the 10 best selling car list, Maruti continues to dominate seven slots with Alto, Dzire, Wagon R, Swift, Baleno, Celerio, and Ciaz.

Country's largest selling car Alto has been facing fierce competition from Renault Kwid. The car is seeing continuous fall in sales from past five months. In the month of August, Maruti Suzuki sold 20,919 units of Alto compared to 23,017 units in the same month last year. Sibling Swift is also facing serious competition from elder Baleno.

The compact hatchback from Maruti managed to clock 13,027 units in August 2016 compared to 16,811 units in the same month last year. However, Wagon R climbed one rung up at third position with 14,571 units despite falling sales.

Dzire, the compact sedan, is also witnessing a steep decline in sales in last few months. The carmaker sold 15,766 units of Dzire in August 2016 compared to 18,718 units in the same month last year.

The South Korean carmaker, Hyundai grabbed two positions in the list at 5th and 7th with Grand i10 and Elite i20. Out of all the top 10 models, Hyundai Grand i10 has continuously seen month on month growth.

According to industry experts, the compact hatchback is mostly liked by the young buyers who are working and have disposable income. These particular buyers give preferences to looks, design and feature car which is missing in the segment. Hyundai sold 12,957 units of Grand i10 in the month of August 2016 compared to 10,255 units in the same month last year.

French carmaker Renault's best seller Kwid continue to grow strong month on month at the sixth position. For the first time, Kwid has crossed 10,000 sales mark ever since the launch. Kwid which competes with the likes of Alto and Eon is mostly favoured by young and first time buyers. With recent addition of 1.0L engine, Kwid will further intensify the competition with Alto K10.

While the Japanese carmaker Honda cars India which had two models City and Jazz at 8th and 9th position in August last year has been replaced by Baleno and Celerio in the same month this year.

The prime reason behind the fall in sales of Honda Models is due to the recent change in sales strategy of the carmaker which has moved to pull from push strategy. On another hand, Celerio and Ciaz reported positive sales in August 2016. Celerio slipped down two position at ninth slot despite increase in sales. While Ciaz continue to hold the tenth position at 6,214 units.

Source: Top 10 selling cars in August: Renault Kwid crosses 10k sales mark

NEW DELHI/DETROIT: Ford Motor Co has shelved plans to produce a new compact car family designed mainly for emerging markets like India and China, industry sources said, reflecting disappointing sales of mainstream models in the world's fastest growing car markets.

 India and China were expected to be the main manufacturing hubs for the new B500 range, slated to begin production in 2018 and to include a premium sedan, hatchback and sport utility vehicle (SUV), two sources with direct knowledge of Ford's plans told Reuters.

The automaker had also planned to build its new models in Brazil, Russia and Thailand, one of the sources said.

Ford's decision, communicated to its suppliers in July, follows a similar move by General Motors to postpone the launch in India and China of a new $5 billion family of compact vehicles, said two sources familiar with GM'S thinking.

Ford's programme is on ice because of muted demand for some of its small and mid-sized hatchbacks and sedans in India and China, where SUVs and "crossovers" combining the hatchback and SUV have proved increasingly popular.

The cost of upgrading plants to produce the new cars would also be prohibitively high, the sources following Ford said.

All of the sources declined to be named as they have not been cleared to discuss the plans publicly.

Ford declined to comment on the development.

"We are constantly evaluating opportunities to better meet the needs of consumers and do not comment on speculation about future product programmes," a Ford spokesman said in a statement. 

SHIFT TO SUVS

That said, Ford has invested over $2 billion in India and plans to spend more to set up a global engineering centre in the southern city of Chennai that will help tweak products for the local market and more swiftly adapt to changing consumer trends.

The carmaker is also ramping up exports, including to Europe, to maximise usage of its two plants in India.

 "India is a key market for us in Asia Pacific," said the spokesman, adding that the carmaker is committed to introducing new products and technologies in the South Asian nation. 

But instead of the more ambitious plan for the key markets of India and China, Ford will focus on updating existing models and develop and build more SUVs and crossovers, moving away from sedans and hatchbacks, according to two separate US sources with knowledge of the company's plans. 

That would allow the carmaker to boost profit margins. 

"The global shift to crossovers makes competing in small cars a tough proposition for GM and Ford," said Sam Fiorani, vice president of global vehicle forecasting at US-based AutoForecast Solutions. 

"It makes more sense for them to refresh older products now, harness lower development costs in China in the mid-term, and move toward small crossovers over the long haul."   

Chinese buyers have flocked to SUVs, as they grow wealthier and are often restricted to one vehicle in major cities, at the expense of contracting sedan sales.   

SUV sales rose 52 per cent last year, although a glut of new model launches in the segment is already leading to discounts and lower margins.  

Growing competition in the small SUV segment from local Chinese carmakers is also putting more pressure on pricing. 

SETBACK FOR "MAKE IN INDIA" 

The retreat by Ford and GM is a setback for India's "Make in India" push to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, including in the auto sector.

Retooling the assembly line to build the B500 vehicles at Ford's plant in Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state, would have meant an investment of more than $100 million and created manufacturing jobs as it cranked out more cars.  

Ford and GM have struggled to crack emerging markets in Asia, where competition from Japanese, South Korean and now Chinese automakers is fierce.  

GM shut production in Indonesia owing to its modest market share, and Ford also plans to close its operations in the Southeast Asian nation, as well as in Japan and Australia.  

Dearborn-based Ford is now looking at each country in the region in terms of long-term profitability opportunities, said another source familiar with Ford's plans, while noting India remains a tough place to make money.

India's passenger car market, where sales rose 7 per cent last fiscal year to 2.8 million units, is dominated by Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai Motor Co with their extensive line-up of cars and vast dealer networks.

Maruti and Hyundai control two-thirds of the market whereas Ford's share in India, set to be the world's third-largest car market by 2020, has stagnated at about 3 per cent.

Until Ford finalises an alternative plan, the shift in strategy could leave gaps in its car portfolio in India, that today sits at the two ends of the price and size spectrum.

In the meantime, Ford is increasing its focus on driving down costs by sourcing more parts locally and using more common features across models to achieve economies of scale. 

Source: Ford shelves compact car programme for emerging markets, setback for India