Yamaha will be showcasing two India-bound motorcycles at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi which will further expand the bike manufacturer’s offering in the streetbike segment in India

The newest addition to the MT family was showcased by Yamaha at the recent 2015 EICMA motorcycle show in Milan. The MT-10 is a litre-class streetbike which borrows the same in-line four-pot 999cc engine that powers the fully faired Yamaha YZF-R1. Power output figures have not yet been disclosed by the manufacturer but will be customised to suit the dynamics of a naked street bike with emphasis on low and mid-range torque.
 
The Yamaha MT-10 has the looks of a raw streetbike with edgy lines giving it a muscular look. The frame is the similar Deltabox chassis that can also be found on the YZF-YR1. The MT-10 has a wide range of electronic goodies like switchable traction control with three levels, three riding modes, and slipper clutch. The MT-10 is also equipped with cruise control but can be engaged only in 4th, 5th and 6th gears.
 
On competition check, the Yamaha MT-10 is likely to be available in the India late 2016 and will be seen competing against the likes of MV Agusta Brutale 1090, Ducati Monster 1200S and the BMW S1000R.

Yamaha MT-03: Based on the lines of the MT bike range by Yamaha, the bike manufacturer had showcased the MT-03 at the 2015 EICMA motorcycle show. The MT-03 draws its looks from its smaller sibling, the Yamaha MT-25. The MT-03 will be showcased at the upcoming 2016 Auto Expo and will be the second offering by Yamaha in the 300cc segment.
 
Yamaha has given the MT-03 the same engine which powers the YZF-R3 which is capable of producing 42PS at 10,750rpm and peak torque of 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Being a streetbike, we believe Yamaha will have some minor tweaks done to the engine to better suit the characteristic of the MT-03. The MT-03 weighs close to its fully faired sibling at 165kgs.
 
With Yamaha now having CKD-facilities available in India, the MT-03 has high chances of being assembled in India. On the price factor, being a naked streetbike the Yamaha MT-03 will cost around Rs 30 to 40,000 cheaper as compared to the YZF-R3 (Rs 3.25 lakh ex-showroom Delhi). The streetbike is expected to be launched by Yamaha late-2016 and will compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Z250, Benelli TNT 300 and the upcoming BMW G301R.

Courtesy : Zigwheels

Carmaker says six-month waiting period likely to remain for now. To commence exports to Japan and other countries this month.

Maruti Suzuki’s latest premium hatchback, Baleno, has received an overwhelming response since its launch in October 2015 and has clocked nearly 70,000 bookings till date. The huge demand, however, has resulted in a waiting period of around five to six months for the car and company officials do not see the long waiting period shrinking anytime soon.

“We did not anticipate such a response for the Baleno. The waiting period of close to six months is likely to continue. However, we are in talks with our production team to see how quickly we can ramp up the production,” Partho Banerjee, Senior Vice President (NEXA Channel), Marketing & Sales, told Autocar India today.

Maruti produced 11,203 units of the Baleno in December 2015. In fact, the hatch sold 10,572 units during the same month and toppled the Hyundai i20 (10,379 units) to become the top selling premium hatchback.

The carmaker plans to begin exporting the Baleno starting later this month, which is further likely to weigh on production. R S Kalsi, Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki said,” We will export the Baleno to Japan. We also have plans to then export it to Western Europe, Latin America, some African countries.” The carmaker has export orders from more than 100 countries, he added.

S-Cross price cut

Maruti Suzuki recently cut prices of the S-Cross premium crossover, by up to Rs 2.05 lakh in an attempt to boost sales. The prices of the car now start at Rs 7.79 lakh and go up to Rs 11.69 lakh for the top-spec variant. Both prices are for ex-showroom, Delhi.

Kalsi added that bookings have already increased following the price cut and the carmaker anticipates a pick-up in sales in the near term. “In India, the customer compares price to value proposition. The gap between prices of the 1.3-litre variant and 1.6-litre variant was perceived to be high by the customer, hence we have done price correction in line with market expectation,” he said, commenting on the move.

Maruti Suzuki today inaugurated its 100th Nexa premium dealership in the country in Thane, Mumbai. It has plans to ramp up the number of outlets to 140 by April this year, and is targeting 250 showrooms by April 2017.

Courtesy : Autocar

Nexa showrooms said to have recorded sales of 40,000 units since its July 2015 launch.

Maruti's Nexa premium dealership count in the country has reached 100 with the carmaker opening an outlet in Thane, Mumbai. The milestone has been accomplished in just six months since the launch of the first Nexa dealership in July 2015.

The Nexa premium dealership has its presence in 55 cities across the country, with the carmaker planning to up this number to 140 by April this year.  The carmaker plans to take the count to 250 by April 2017. To improve the quality of service, Maruti will also increase the number of customer relations managers from 2,500 to 5,000.

“We are delighted to omega replica watches start the 100th Nexa showroom ahead of our plan. Through Nexa, we want to meet the diverse expectations of our customers. Customer feedback and surveys show us that there is a growing segment of car buying Indians who value personal care, warmth and attention in their car buying and ownership experience. Nexa is designed for this segment of customers. It brings together people, technology, showroom ambience and processes to deliver the desired experience to this segment of customers,” said R.S. Kalsi, executive director (Marketing and Sales), Maruti Suzuki.

The Nexa showrooms have seen a fair amount of success having reportedly sold over 40,000 units in its six months. The launch of the new Nexa dealership is part of Maruti’s plan to achieve target sales of two million vehicles per annum by 2020. The dealership currently houses the fake omega watches uk Maruti S-Cross premium crossover and the popular Baleno premium hatchback with more models expected to join the line-up.

Courtesy : Autocar

The Panamera Diesel Edition: Gran Turismo is powered by a 246.57bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine

Porsche has launched the Panamera Diesel Edition: Gran Turismo in India at a starting price of Rs 1.04 crore (ex-showroom, Maharashtra).

The car is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. While some international markets get this powertrain in the 295bhp and 66.28kgm spec, Porsche has continued to use the older spec in India that produces 246.75bhp and 56.08kgm of torque.

The standard features of the car include bi-xenon headlamps with Porsche Dynamic Light System, 19-inch alloy wheels in Panamera Turbo II design, Adaptive Air Suspension with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Park Assist (front and rear), including reversing camera, electric sunroof and soft close doors. New glossy black trims that extend from the window line to door handles are also available as a part of the optional Porsche Entry & Drive at an additional price of Rs 1.7 lakh.

The interior of the car features bi-colour part leather upholstery in a black and beige theme with the Porsche crest embossed on all the headrests, door sills guards with “Edition” lettering, a Sport Design steering wheel, Porsche Communication Management 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired to a 585-watt, 14-speaker Bose surround sound system and four-zone climate control.

Courtesy : Autocar

The Auto Expo 2016 will be the biggest show in its history; to be held from February 5-9; here are the details of every new car on show.

This year’s Auto Expo will be the biggest in its history, with SUVs and crossovers playing a prominent role as manufacturers display their upcoming cars to the Indian market.

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Maruti Suzuki, Abarth, Jeep, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra, Tata and many more will be in attendance, putting their latest offerings on show to the thousands who visit the India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML) in Greater Noida, from February 5 - 9.

Autocar India will be bringing you the very latest from the show floor, and these are all the new cars you can look forward to seeing. Keep checking back for regular updates as manufacturers reveal more of their plans.

All-new 7-series

The new luxury flagship sedan has received a major update and comes packed with high-tech features in its classy interior, along with improved ride and sharper handling. The updates help make the new model a much more serious rival to the Mercedes-Benz S-class.

New BMW 7-series review

Next-gen X1

The outgoing generation of the X1 was accused of being more a jacked-up estate than a compact SUV, but BMW has completely reworked it for this generation to give it a distinct crossover look. The new car has a more spacious cabin than its predecessor and will be up against fellow premium rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3. It’s expected to get BMW’s 189bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all-wheel drive xDrive system.

New BMW X1 review

Chevrolet

Chevrolet Beat concept

Ford

Ford Mustang

The iconic Mustang will be available in right-hand drive for the first time when the sixth-generation model arrives in India. The full-blooded 437bhp, 5.0-litre V8 engine paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox is likely to be the only option available in the country, and prices could be around Rs 80 lakh. It’s lighter than its predecessor and comes with a bigger, better quality cabin, as well as 19-inch alloys, a 2.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and four driving modes.

Honda

Honda BR-V SUV

The BR-V marks Honda’s entry into the popular small SUV segment. It’s based on the same platform as the Brio, Amaze and Mobilio and will rival the Hyundai Creta as well as the new Maruti Vitara Brezza, which will make its debut at the Auto Expo 2016. The BR-V will come with 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines and three rows of seats. Production is not expected to start before April 2017.

Honda BR-V review

New Accord
The Accord returns to the Indian market with a petrol engine and a more expensive petrol-hybrid powertrain. It will be sold as a CBU model and will be a direct rival to the Toyota Camry, but is likely to be priced above the Toyota.

New Honda Accord review

Jaguar

Jaguar F-Pace SUV

The manufacturer’s first ever SUV will be a key sales driver globally when it goes on sale this year. It could launch in India towards the second half of 2016, priced somewhere around Rs 60 lakh. Based on the same platform as the XE and XF, the exterior styling of the F-Pace draws on elements from the F-Type coupe but translates it into the SUV segment with a kerb weight of 298kg and, according toJaguar, class-leading ground clearance of 213mm.

Jaguar XE sedan
The all-new compact executive sedan becomes the entry-level car in the Jaguar range and will be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s plant in Pune. It gets an all-aluminium chassis and is expected to be competitively priced around Rs 38 lakh, with the launch set for February 3. The XE is rear-wheel drive and has been designed to be the lightest and stiffest Jaguar saloon yet, and it counts the BMW 3-series and Mercedes-Benz C-class among its rivals. Two variants of the 2.0-litre petrol engine will be available – 197bhp and 237bhp – and there will be a choice of six- and eight-speed automatic transmissions.

Jaguar XE review

Next-gen Jaguar XF
The second-generation premium sedan is lighter, stiffer, roomier and more frugal than its predecessor. The infotainment system gets a big overhaul, too, with the introduction of the manufacturer’s InControl Touch Pro multimedia system operated through a large touchscreen.

New Jaguar XF review

Jeep

Jeep Grand Cherokee
This year will mark the entry of the Jeep brand to the Indian market, and the Grand Cherokee is one of three models it’s launching with. The big SUV will come in top-spec Summit trim with plenty of equipment, and it will be powered by a 237bhp 3.0-litre diesel engine paired to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

Jeep Grand Cherokee review

Grand Cherokee SRT 
The off-road branch of Fiat Chrysler Automobile will also launch its high-performance SRT brand in India with a hot version of the Grand Cherokee. The SUV gets a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine with 475bhp and 64.2kgm of torque, and can complete the 0-100kph sprint in 5 seconds. It is expected to be priced around Rs 1.4 crore when it goes on sale, and will rival the BMW X5 M.

Wrangler
The long wheelbase four-door Wrangler Unlimited Overland Sahara is the third model to be offered in Jeep’s India line-up, and is likely to be priced around Rs 40 lakh when it launches. The 197bhp 2.8-litre diesel engine is paired to a five-speed automatic transmission. Jeep will open dealerships in Mumbai and Pune, but will eventually set up more in other cities.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited review

Maruti Suzuki

The Maruti Vitara Brezza SUV, the carmaker's first compact SUV, is set to be positioned below the S-Cross in its range. It borrows features of its styling – like its sloping roofline – from the bigger Vitara SUV, which is sold overseas. The Vitara Brezza will be under four metres long and is likely to be be powered by Maruti’s 1.2- and 1.4-litre petrol engines, as well as the 1.3-litre diesel. The Vitara Brezza SUV will face competition from the Ford EcoSport and Mahindra TUV300 in the segment.

Baleno RS
The concept car will show a warm version of the premium hatchback, powered by the new 110bhp 1.0-litre Boosterjet engine with extra styling tweaks to give it a sporty look. The Boosterjet engine will be introduced in the standard Baleno, which was spotted testing with the engine recently.

Mercedes-Benz

New Mercedes GLC SUV
The all-new GLC SUV closely resembles the C-class sedan from the outside and inside, where the GLC gets a luxurious cabin with rotary air vents and a touchscreen infotainment system. It will enter the Indian market with two variants of the 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel engine – the 168bhp 220d, and 201bhp GLC 250d.

Mercedes GLC250d review

S-Class Cabriolet
The drop-top version of Mercedes’ luxury flagship sedan is the same length as the car its based on and the roof can be extended or folded away in 20 seconds at speeds up to 60kph.

Nissan

Nissan X-Trail Hybrid SUV

The previous generation of X-Trail was discontinued in India in 2014 because of low demand, but Nissan is bringing back the SUV with sleeker styling and a plusher cabin and will price it around Rs 32-35 lakh. The SUV will be powered by Nissan’s 2.0-litre diesel engine mated to a CVT gearbox. There’s a lot of interest in this segment, and the X-Trail faces competition from the cheaper Hyundai Santa Fe and Honda CR-V.

Renault

Updated Renault Duster SUV

The popular Duster is set to receive a facelift and new AMT gearbox option, and it’s already been spotted testing in India ahead of its debut at the Auto Expo 2016. The Easy-R AMT gearbox was chosen over the DCT gearbox available outside of India because it proved to be significantly cheaper for the buyer. Cosmetic tweaks are expected to include a reworked bumper and grille as well as modified headlamps. The launch is expected sometime around March or April.

SsangYong

SsangYong Tivoli crossover

Tata

Nexon-based Osprey compact SUV

The compact SUV, known internally as Osprey, has been spotted testing and is based on the Nexon concept showcased at the Auto Expo in 2014. The production version is thought to draw heavily from the styling of the Nexon and will see the introduction of Tata’s 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel engine. The launch is not expected before the end of this year.

Toyota

All-new Innova

A hugely important car for Toyota, the second-generation Innova features thoroughly updated styling and an improved interior. The MPV, which has been a very successful model for Toyota in India, also gets an all-new 2.4-litre diesel engine

Volkswagen

Polo-based Compact sedan
The sedan has been developed specifically for the Indian market. It will share cosmetic and mechanical bits from the Polo and Vento and will be built at  VW's plant in Pune and is likely to be priced above the Honda Amaze.

VW Tiguan SUV

The second-generation Tiguan is the first SUV to be based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, shared with the Skoda Octavia. It’s likely to be powered by a 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine.

VW Passat GTE
The all-new Passat will reach India later this year and Volkswagen is showcasing the car as a plug-in hybrid version. It has a 50km electric-only range, and with its 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine, a combined range of 1,001km.

Auto Expo 2016: An overview

Being jointly organised by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the latest edition of the Auto Expo will be held at the India Exposition Mart Ltd (IEML) in Greater Noida from February 5-9, 2016.

We had reported in October than SIAM was preparing enclosed permanent structures at the venue to increase the total air-conditioned permanently covered floor space. The total floor space has been increased by 37,240 sq. metres (six new halls) over and above the already available eight halls, taking the total floor space to around 79,000 sq. metres.

The Auto Expo 2016 is expected to see an increase in visitors with SIAM calculating a 20 percent rise compared to the previous edition. The number of exhibitors for the event has also risen to over 65 exhibitors from last year's count of 55.

Participating brands

The major automotive brands to be present at the Auto Expo 2016 will include Ashok Leyland, Audi, BMW, Datsun, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda cars, Hyundai, Isuzu, Jaguar Land Rover, Mahindra and Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, Scania Commercial Vehicles, SML Isuzu, Tata Motors, Toyota Kirloskar Motors, VE Commercial vehicles, Volkswagen India and more. From the two- wheeler industry, the major brands to be present include Hero MotoCorp, Yamaha, Mahindra Two-Wheelers, Piaggio Vehicles, Suzuki Motorcycles, Triumph Motorcycles, TVS Motor Company and more. There will also be new entrants such as Abarth, BMW Motorrad, Jeep, DSK Benelli, Indian Motorcycles and many more. However, Bajaj, Volvo and Harley-Davidson will not be participating in the expo this year.

The 2016 Auto Expo will also exhibit high-end bicycles, tyres and tubes, products from oil companies, Automotive Design and Technology, Engineering and IT for automobile companies, institutions, universities, auto insurance companies and media and auto portals/magazines.

In addition, there will be a pavilion dedicated to classic cars and areas for activities such as safety riding and driving simulators.

Accessibility

The venue will be accessible through six entry points with CISF handling the security. There will also be free shuttle services available from the nearest metro station, which is the Botanical Gardens, Noida city centre and Pragati Maidan with as many as 160 DTC busses being pressed into service. Furthermore, there will also be an smartphone app available to help navigate through the various exhibits at the venue.

Network connectivity

The venue will provide Wi-Fi and internet coverage along with telecom companies having being asked to provide special towers to avoid network congestion at the venue.

Tickets and timings

Ticket bookings for the expo are already open on the Auto Expo’s official website www.autoexpo-themotorshow.in and www.bookmyshow.com. The tickets are priced at Rs 300 for general public hours during weekdays (1pm - 6pm), and Rs 400 for weekends (10am - 7pm). For visiting during business hours on weekdays (10am - 1pm), tickets cost Rs 650. However, business hours ticket holders will also be able to enter the venue during public hours, until 6pm.

Free home delivery is offered on bookings of 3 to 10 tickets made before December 31, 2015. Otherwise, home delivery charges of Rs 75 per booking will be levied. Home delivery will not available for tickets booked online after January 25, 2016. Delivery starts from January 15, 2016, or the tickets can  be collected from counters located at parking lots near the venue.

Hospitality

The Auto Expo will also have a food court which gets an extra 1,000 sq. metres over the one at the previous expo. The food court will hold 60 food stalls, 20 kiosks and multiple food trucks offering an assortment of cuisine from international brands and prominent local restaurants and outlets. Two restaurants run by the Taj and Radisson Hotels have also been arranged for at the venue.

Like in 2014, this year's Auto Components Show – one of the biggest exhibitions of automotive components, technology and services – will take place from February 4 -7, at Pragati Maidan.

Courtesy : Autocar