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

NEW DELHI: Hero MotoCorp will focus on the premium motorcycle category in new product development and rollout as the company's in-house product development team works on higher-powered bikes.

Pawan Munjal, chairman of the country's biggest two-wheeler company, said that there is a need for Hero to play a more active role in the upper segment of the bike market which is currently dominated by products from companies such as Bajaj Auto BSE 0.12 %, Yamaha and Royal Enfield.

"Hero needs to do a lot more in the premium segment," Munjal said as he launched a new 150cc motorcycle, Achiever, priced at Rs 61,800 (ex-showroom Delhi).

"This is just the beginning of a wide and vast effort in the premium segment ... there is a lot more to come," he said.

The company currently dominates the entry end of the bike market with products such as the Splendor and Passion, but has not been able to make much of a headway in the premium products, which fetch higher profit margins. Its share in the premium segment is in low single-digit percentage point, though the company is now targeting to take this up to double digits.

Apart from the Achiever, Hero's products in the premium category include Xtreme, Hunk (both 150cc), Karizma and ZMR (both 225 cc). However, the products have not been able to crack success with buyers, prompting the company to look at new products as well as upgrades.

Hero has been trying to build-up its strength in product development through the in-house Centre of Innovation and Technology (CIT) in Jaipur, for which it has hired expats such as Head of Product Planning Malo Le Masson (formerly with premium car brand Infiniti) and Chief Technology Officer Markus Braunsperger (earlier with BMW). 

Munjal has said that development of new products and higher-powered bikes is one of the key agenda in front of the company. A 200cc sports version of the Xtreme is under development and is expected for launch in the coming quarters.

The company - which has seen its cumulative production cross 70 million this month -- said that bike sales are expected to bounce back on good monsoon and a possible revival in rural demand. Demand during the 'onam' festival in the south has been healthy and volumes moved up 35%. 

Source : Hero MotoCorp to focus on premium bikes category: Pawan Munjal