NEW DELHI: Government will soon make rear view sensors or backup cameras mandatory in all new vehicles to avoid mishaps.   

Even though cars come equipped with rear view mirrors which are adequate for looking at vehicles behind, they are inadequate in detecting small children or objects close to the ground, falling in car's blind spot. 

To rectify this, "the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) will soon issue a notification to make rear view sensors mandatory in all vehicles", Joint Secretary of the Ministry Abhay Damle said. 

Addressing the curtain raiser event for  World Roads Meet (WRM 2017) organised by International Road Federation (IRF), he said more than 50,000 fatal accidents take place in the country due to over speeding and hence the government is planning to make audio warnings also mandatory in vehicles.    

"Government is also planning to make audio warning mandatory in vehicles on similar lines of seat belt wearing sign. At the speed of 80 km/hr small beep sound warning will come and after the speed of 90 km/hr a continuous beep will alert the speeding driver," Damle said.

He said the government has already made it compulsory for all two-wheelers, which account for the highest share of accidents, to either have the anti-lock braking system (ABS) or the combined braking system (CBS) by April 2019. 

Apart from rear view sensors and speed warning, air bags will also become mandatory in all vehicles soon, he said adding, from October 1, 2018 vehicles will have to go in for automated inspection and fitness certification test with hardly any human intervention.   

Similarly, driving license test will also become automated by that time and will help reduce road accidents, he added.  

He said in the proposed Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Bill, which will be introduced in the Winter session of Parliament, provisions have been made for legal protection of Good Samaritans who help accident victims.   

Government has added a significant clause under which a Good Samaritan's affidavit will have the legal force of a statement, and if a statement is required, it should be recorded in a single examination and for any further information the judicial or law officer will have to go to his or her house and record the statement, he said.   

IRF Chairman KK Kapila said India will host, for the first time, World Road Meeting from November 14-17, 2017. 

The major highlight of the WRM 2017 will be a summit of transport ministers from various parts of the globe. The theme would be 'Safe Roads and Smart Mobility : The Engines of Economic Growth', Kapila said.  

Source: Government to make rear-view sensors mandatory in all cars soon. 

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: UM International along with Lohia Auto has opened its Sixth dealership in the Pink City Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, to be called The Riders Zone, the new dealership is situated at. B-7, Sethi Colony on Govinda Marg at Rajapark.

Spread over an area of approx. 2100 sq ft, the dealership facility has a showroom with an after-sales service facility to ensure that the customers receive best-in-class pre and post sales ownership experience. The after sales service facility is spread over an area of 1500 sq.ft. and is situated at 19 Sindhi colony at Rajapark.

Speaking on this occasion, Rajeev Mishra Director - UML, said, "This showroom in Jaipur marks our entry in the state of Rajasthan. The state has emerged as a very strong market in the North-Western region for cruiser bikes and the opening of this showroom is a testimony to this fact. We are confident that this state of the art showroom will be able to fulfill the aspirations and needs of our customers with our amazing products and fabulous services. This dealership will house our flagship products like Renegade Commando and Renegade Sports S which has already received an overwhelming response. The prospective customers of UM Motorcycles in Jaipur will be able to discover our products up close and personal at this new dealership."

"We are pleased to be associated with UM Motorcycles, the world's leading manufacturer of cruiser bikes. With this dealership, we plan to bring the best of UM's world-renowned motorcycles in this part of the country. This dealership will serve as a destination for all motorcycling enthusiasts in Rajasthan who wish to experience the world renowned UM cruiser bikes. It is our commitment to provide unprecedented sales and service experience to all the customers of UM Motorcycles." said Mr. Amit Vyas Director, The Riders Zone.

The Renegade Commando is a low-slung cruiser powered by a high powered 280 cc Engine with 25 BHP at 8,500 rpm and 21.8 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed transmission. This lightweight machine has a 200 mm ground clearance and an inbuilt USB charging point. The front disc brakes improve the braking efficiency drastically while radiation increases the engine efficiency. The bike comes with wide handlebars and hydraulic telescopic front suspension and spring rear suspension, which is ideal for a cruiser-segment motorcycle. The Renegade Commando will be available at Rs 1.66 lakhs (ex-showroom, Jaipur).

The Renegade Sports S model will also share the same engine as the Renegade Commando. The Renegade Sports S was much appreciated when it was showcased at the 2015 EICMA in Milan. The Renegade Commando and its sibling Renegade Sports S come with an electric start. An innovative feature called Service Alert Maintenance comes as a standard fitment in both Renegade Commnado and Rengade Sport S. The LED Lights come as a standard in Sports S version. Six-speed synchronized mesh has been added for easy cruising. The front wheel has telescopic suspension while the rear wheel has dual shock absorbers. These motorcycles have a fuel tank of 18 liters with a kerb weight of 172 Kg. The Renegade Sports S is available at Rs 1.56 lakhs (ex-showroom, Jaipur).

 Source: UM Motorcycle opens showroom in Jaipur, Rajasthan