Ola Fleet enters into a strategic partnership with Nissan to add over 1 lakh vehicles on its platform through its cab-leasing unit by end of 2016.

Ola cabs announced a first of its kind strategic partnership between Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd. and its wholly owned subsidiary Ola Fleet Technology Pvt Ltd. Ola cabs had recently rolled out a first of its kind cab-leasing program for driver-partners for which cars will now be purchased from both Nissan and Datsun brands. This will create business opportunities for drivers, who can now take a cab on lease and work like entrepreneurs with Ola cabs. 

Speaking at the occasion, Rahul Maroli, Vice President, Strategic Supply Initiatives at Ola cabs said, “We are excited about our partnership with Nissan, which is growing as one of the preferred brands amongst cab drivers in the country. Through this partnership, Ola's subsidiary will make available best in class vehicles to Ola driver partners, creating employment and subsequently entrepreneurial opportunities for hundreds of thousands of them. We are excited about working with Nissan, known for its cutting edge technology and look forward to more such partnerships in the coming months, to creating mobility options customized for the Indian market."

“The growth in the cab industry has been remarkable in the past couple of years in India and Ola, has revolutionized this space, impacting millions of customers and driver partners. Nissan has a strong presence in the fleet segment globally and in India, we see great potential. Our flagship models from both Nissan and Datsun brands are well equipped to cater to the fleet segment offering the much sought after features like space and fuel efficiency. We expect this partnership to further contribute to the growing personal transportation ecosystem in India.” added Arun Malhotra, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India.

About the leasing program, Ola's subsidiary will enable flexibility for drivers to lease a car for a minimal initial deposit and monthly lease rentals that will also include routine maintenance of the vehicle, as against high down payments and monthly instalments for a loan. This gives drivers the comfort of not having to seek any loan or financing of their own and an opportunity to become the car owner after a period of 3 years, while giving them a stable income on the Ola platform.
This program from Ola is seeing keen interest from leading financing and manufacturer partners and is poised to enhance employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for a large segment of drivers across the country.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

The Royal Enfield Himalayan has now been postponed from November to be launched in February 2016. The adventure tourer from Royal Enfield is expected to be launched in two variants and priced between Rs 1.65 lakh and Rs 1.85 lakh

So far, Royal Enfield has been tight-lipped about any details about the Himalayan, but several spy shots of the bike undergoing test runs on public roads have already emerged on the Internet. The Himalayan is expected to come in two variants and priced between Rs 1.65 lakh and Rs 1.85 lakh, one source had earlier disclosed to ZigWheels.com.

One variant will be an all-out off-road oriented adventure touring version with high front fender, windshield and dual sport tyres. Finished in matt black paint, the adventure version will feature high ground clearance, long suspension travel and a high capacity fuel tank, hinting clearly at its adventure touring pedigree. There are crash protection bars around the front and a reinforced sub-frame at the rear for better luggage carrying capacity.

The Himalayan is also expected to come with several first-in-class features, including a new instrument panel displaying two trip meters, compass and even altimeter readings.  A range of add-on accessories are also expected, like hard luggage, hand guards, crash protection bars and high windscreen.

The other variant will be a toned down version with regular street tyres and conventional front mudguard. Both variants will come equipped with a monoshock rear suspension, the first on any Royal Enfield motorcycle.

So far, Royal Enfield has been tight-lipped about any details about the Himalayan, but several spy shots of the bike undergoing test runs on public roads have already emerged on the Internet. The Himalayan is expected to come in two variants and priced between Rs 1.65 lakh and Rs 1.85 lakh, one source had earlier disclosed to ZigWheels.com.

One variant will be an all-out off-road oriented adventure touring version with high front fender, windshield and dual sport tyres. Finished in matt black paint, the adventure version will feature high ground clearance, long suspension travel and a high capacity fuel tank, hinting clearly at its adventure touring pedigree. There are crash protection bars around the front and a reinforced sub-frame at the rear for better luggage carrying capacity.

The Himalayan is also expected to come with several first-in-class features, including a new instrument panel displaying two trip meters, compass and even altimeter readings.  A range of add-on accessories are also expected, like hard luggage, hand guards, crash protection bars and high windscreen.

The other variant will be a toned down version with regular street tyres and conventional front mudguard. Both variants will come equipped with a monoshock rear suspension, the first on any Royal Enfield motorcycle.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Here's a look at some of the new car launches and unveilings in the coming months.

We’re approaching the end of the year but the launches are far from over. We’ve already seen the launch of mainstream models like the Celerio diesel and the Ford Figo Aspire and the launches of niche models like the Mercedes AMG S 63 and S 63 Coupe. Here is a look at the launches yet to arrive:

Audi is preparing to launch the all-new Q7 before the end of the year. Audi’s new flagship SUV will initially be brought into the country as CBU units powered by a 268bhp, 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engine with the Quattro all-wheel drive and an eight-speed gearbox with paddle shifters. Local assembly is expected to start sometime next year. In terms of features, expect the car to come with electric adjust seats, four-zone climate control and a 19-speaker Bose audio system.

Skoda Superb

Skoda is expected to bring the all-new Superb to India by end of the year. The new Superb is bigger and lighter than before, with aggressive styling and a sleeker profile as compared to the current model. At the time of launch, the new Skoda is expected to carry over the engines of its predecessor mated to six- or seven-speed DSG gearboxes. Skoda is also expected to launch the top-end Laurin & Klement trim which is expected to get features such as 18-inch alloys, umbrellas stowed in the front doors, electric adjust front seats with lumbar support and memory function, three-zone climate control and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

 

Maruti WagonR AMT

Maruti is expected to launch the AMT-equipped WagonR soon. The gearbox is expected to be offered as an option on WagonR Stingray and could also be launched on the standard WagonR as well. The AMT unit will be the same five-speed unit used on the Celerio.

 

Range Rover Evoque facelift (November 19)

JLR is set to launch the facelifted Range Rover Evoque on November 19, 2015. The facelifted Evoque features mild styling tweaks on its exteriors such as a new front bumper, enlarged air intakes and all-LED adaptive headlamps. The rear gets a new tailgate spoiler and a high-level LED stoplight. In the cabin, the updated SUV features new seats, new soft-touch materials and a new 8.0-inch InControl Touch touchscreen infotainment system. The updated Evoque also gets autonomous braking, All-Terrain Progress Control and Lane Keep Assist systems. The engine will remain unchanged from the current model.

 

 

Ford Endeavour

Ford will be launching its new Endeavour in India sometime this year. The new car gets rugged styling with a large trapezoidal chrome grille, daytime running lamps, scuff plates, large and prominent wheel arches and wheels, along with chrome detailing on door handles and wing mirror covers. The Endeavour will also get an upgrade on the inside. An 8-inch touchscreen system with Ford’s SYNC 2 infotainment along with sat nav and a rear-view camera on the top variant, and a seven seat configuration are offered. Power is expected to be derived from a 2.2-litre 158bhp and a 197bhp 3.2-litre diesel engines and a choice of six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes.

 

Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes will be launching the SLS successor, the AMG GT, in India later this year. The AMG GT is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo AMG V8. Internationally, the car is available in two guises — the standard GT developing 456bhp and the GT S developing 503bhp. The version that's heading to India is still unconfirmed.

Ford Mustang

Internationally, the Ford Mustang is available with three engine options  —  a 306bhp 2.3-litre, four-cylinder EcoBoost engine, a 296bhp 3.7-litre V6, and a 429bhp 5.0-litre V8; and in two versions – coupé and drop-top. India is expected to get the coupé version of the iconic car, but sadly we don’t know which engine.

 

 

BMW 3-series facelift

Another facelifted BMW heading to India is the 3-series with prototypes already undergoing testing in the country. For international markets, the facelifted car has been given styling tweaks along with a range of new engines. However, for India the engines are expected to remain unchanged. BMW will also be launching updated versions of the 7-series, 5-series and X1.

Tata Kite

Tata is expected to launch the Kite (Codename) hatchback and sedan siblings soon. The two cars are set to replace the ageing Indica and Indigo eCS and will feature all-new styling from Tata’s European Technical Centre. Powering the two cars will be an all-new 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel and 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engines.

Courtesy : Autocar

The Harley Rock Riders Season VI was held over the weekend in Mumbai. Tushar Jaitley from TJ-Moto was adjudged the Custom Champion while legendary metal band performed for the first occasion in Mumbai

The 2015 edition of Harley Rock Riders festival that was held during the weekend in Mumbai was a rousing success. The Harley Rock Riders is a unique combination of rock music and Harley-Davidson motorcycles and among the most popular events to be held in the tinsel town of India. Harley Rock Riders Season VI was held at the Richardson & Cruddas Foundry and was attended by over 10,000 spectators making it the most popular event so far. The festival witnessed some of the best talent from both Indian and international bands, display of Harley-Davidson MY16 Dark Custom motorcycles and of course the beautiful ensemble of motorcycles by enthusiastic HOG members. Among the highlights of the show was the thrilling performance by renowned band Megadeth which was performing for the first occasion in India. 

Speaking about the event, Pallavi Singh, Director Marketing, Harley-Davidson India said, “This has been by far the biggest season of Harley Rock Riders.  Together with our partner Guvera, Jameson and Only Much Louder we would like to thank all the music and motorcycle enthusiasts and fans for their ardent display of energy which made both the days so memorable! A special thanks to the independent bike builders who unleashed their creativity and built terrific custom Harley-Davidson motorcycles and to the Harley owners who rode down in unison to be a part of the festival.”

To showcase the talent of the Indian custom motorcycle builders a special’ Custom Champion’ event was also held. The judge for the show was veteran Japanese custom bike builder Kaichiroh Kurosu of Cherry’s Company a leading private custom motorcycle shop based in Japan that mainly deals with Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and has been working with the brand’s products for over 20 years and Claes Loberg, founder and director of innovation for Guvera. It was Tushar Jaitley from TJ-Moto who emerged victorious among the five contenders to walk away with the ‘Custom Champion’ title. Other participants included EIMOR Customs, TNT Motorcycles, Godspeed Customs and MotoMiu. 

Courtesy : Zigwheels

The MV Agusta F3 800 has been priced at Rs 15.99 (ex-showroom Pune), the MV Agusta Brutale 1090 at Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom Pune) and the MV Agusta F4 at Rs 25.99 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). Bookings are already open

Kinetic-MV Agusta have started accepting bookings for their motorcycles in India - the MV Agusta F3 800, MV Agusta Brutale 1090 and the MV Agusta F4.

The F3 800 has been priced at Rs 15.99 lakh (ex-showroom Pune), the Brutale 1090 at Rs 17.99 lakh and the F4 superbike has been priced at Rs 25.99 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). All prices are introductory prices and the company says they may be subject to change at short notice.

Kinetic-MV Agusta is accepting bookings with 50 per cent payment upfront at the time of booking, with the rest to be paid at the time of delivery. Delivery is likely to take anything between 45-60 days. So far, Kinetic hasn’t launched any showrooms for the MV Agusta brand in India yet. Bookings are being accepted online at the Kinetic-MV Agusta website, motoroyale.in.

The next MV Agusta bike to be launched is the Brutale 800 which we have alreadyridden, and is expected sometime in early 2016.

Courtesy : Zigwheels