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30 September, 2011 When Anand Mahindra launched the much-awaited XUV 500 Wednesday evening, the vice chairman & managing director of Mahindra & Mahindra invited those present to guess the price of the feature-packed sports utility vehicle. The estimates that flew around amidst the glitz were mostly on the higher side of Rs 13 lakh.
Few expected the jaw-dropping price range that was announced 12 hours later: Rs 10.8 lakh (ex-Delhi) for the base version, and Rs 12.88 lakh for the fully-loaded top-end XUV 500 with all-wheel drive.
The XUV 500 may well make the going extremely tough for Tata Motors’ crossover Tata Aria, which is priced higher but lags behind in features, and may impact top-end Scorpio and even premium off-roaders such as Ford Endeavour.
It looks an ideal vehicle for India’s largest utility vehicle maker’s global ambitions. “The XUV 500 will get us the high seat in global auto world. It is a strong and bold step towards becoming a globally recognized SUV brand,” Anand Mahindra said during the press conference in Pune.
The company will launch the vehicle in South Africa in a couple of days. It plans to make inroads into Australia and Latin America in the next six months. M&M will also drive the XUV 500 into Western Europe, Russia and China where it has no presence. M&M aims to export XUV 500 to over 30 countries in the next couple of years. It also plans assembly of the vehicle at its subsidiary Ssangyong's plants in South Korea and Brazil.
M&M will begin bookings for the XUV 500 in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune on Saturday. It will be rolled out across the country in 6-9 months.
The XUV 500 helps M&M enter the premium SUV market. It confirms to Europe crash regulations and is equipped with a host of safety features like ABS, EBD, ESP and six airbags.It is loaded with more features than even premium sports utility vehicles like Chevrolet Captiva, Ford Endeavour and Toyota Fortuner.
Yet it was developed with an investment of 650 crore, which is 10 percent lower than development cost in the past, said people involved with the project.
Despite the aggressive price tag, Anand Mahindra said it has not compromised on margins. “For M&M the bottomline always comes first and our focus will remain the same,” he said.
Industry experts say that its monocoque frame construction makes the vehicle lighter and cheaper to produce than Tata Aria, which is built ladder-on-frame construction.

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26 August, 2011 The alliance plant of Renault-Nissan automotive manufacturing facility in Oragadam, near Chennai, has crossed a milestone achievement of rolling out one lakh units.
Nissan and Renault signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu state government to set up a greenfield plant in 2008 with a combined investment of Rs 4500 crore. The plant now employs 4000 persons.
“We started production in May last year. Between then and now we have rolled out one lakh cars from the Oragadam facility ,” Kou Kimura, CEO and MD of Renault Nissan Automotive India said. The plant has achieved this milestone in 13 months. “This is the fastest roll out of one lakh cars in India.”
The facility, only of its kind, which makes vehicles for both Nissan and Renault makes Nissan Micra, a hatchback and assembles Renault’s Fluence, a sedan.
Work on the third shift began a couple of weeks ago. “At current levels we can make 2 lakh cars a year, which we will double and work for which will start sooner as we will reach saturation levels of our existing capacity,” Kimura said.
Renault has announced plans to launch 5 cars over the next 18 months, while Nissan has just launched its sedan Sunny and has announced making its light commercial vehicle as well from the Oragadam plant.

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Friday, August 26, 2011, AutomotiveWorld.com

The Renault Nissan Automotive India manufacturing plant, located in Oragadam in the southern Indian ...

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View the original article here

Rate this News Article from 1 to 5, where 5 stands for
"Excellent" and 1 stands for "Poor".

07 July, 2011 In an attempt to bring in passengers who work in the infrastructure and construction space where they are required to travel with their team and machinery, auto firm Mahindra and Mahindra rolled out the two cabin pick up called ‘Genio’ on Wednesday.
The earlier version of the commercial vehicle was a single cabin pick up which could accommodate the drive, a co-passenger and their cargo. The latest would have two passenger rows and a cargo space. “ double cabin pick up are hugely popular in Thailand and Europe and judging by the growth in the retail and infrastructure industry here, we know this will be a ready market in India," Vivek Nayer, Senior VP, Marketing for their automotive division said.
The other pick up on similar lines is Bolero double cabin but the company is sure that there would be cannibalization. This despite there is only a difference of Rs 38,000 between the Genio and the Bolero double cabin pick up. The base variant of the new car is at priced at Rs 5.46 lakh while the higher variant which comes with more fittings is at Rs 5.95 lakh. “ Although this will be an international class product compared to the Bolero there will be takers for both varieties,” Nair said.
The company’s expansion in the pick up segment could also be to maintain the 75 percent market share they have in a segment that industry watchers say is being eyed by General Motors and Volkswagen. Around 75,000 units are sold in this segment annually in India.
Produced in the firm’s Chakan plant which has seen an investment of Rs 225 crore for the product development and production of single and double cabin Genio. The company which posted a 51 percent year on year growth in exports this June, will fit in a more powerful engine for the units that will be exported.

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The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a two-door convertible body version of its Phantom sedan. The four-passenger Phantom Drophead Coupe is constructed on the 100EX concept of 2004. It uses lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe and is equipped with state-of-the-art systems. The model is available in one base variant.

Introduced at the Detroit Motor Show 2006, the Drophead Coupe is Rolls-Royce's second new model from after BMW Group became the caretaker of the marque in 1998. The car is easily distinguishable as a Rolls-Royce model with an iconic brand's contender in the Indian car market.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe comes with a 453-horsepower 6.75-litre direct injection V12 engine that produces 531 pound-feet of torque and is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Phantom Drophead Coupe accelerates to 60 mph within 5.6 seconds, while it has a top speed of 149 mph.

On the exterior, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe sports sophisticated multi-link rear suspension that helps deliver dynamic handling. The car is easily identified as a Rolls-Royce models with the brushed finish flows across the radiator grille, the steel bonnet, A-frame windscreen surround and encircles the passenger compartment and rear deck. The rear deck is wrapped in finest quality teak. The hinged doors at the rear make a good impression when they are opened. The rear trunk gate flips down for what Rolls-Royce terms "picnic" seating. A pair of large 20-inch wheels is standard, while 21-inch alloy wheels are also available.

The interior wears a luxurious look with the airy openness of soft top-down motoring; rear lounge seat; leather upholstery; two umbrellas; multi-task controller; 'shift by wire' column stalk for gear selection; eyeball vents and organ stop controls plated in high-gloss chrome; nine amplifiers and 15 speakers.

A set of pop-up roll-over protection gadgets is concealed within the rear seat headrests. Electronic stability system, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, seat-mounted, side-impact airbags, and active front head restraints are some of the other safety systems loaded on the Drophead Coupe.

View the original article here

Friday, May 27, 2011, AutomotiveWorld.com

The Mercedes-Benz plant in Vitoria, Spain rolled out its one millionth Vito model on 13 May. The lan...

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View the original article here

4.87 / 10.4 km/l (city/highway)
8-speed automatic ZF transmission * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Plethora of luxury elements. Exquisite Trim Finish. Most technically advanced Rolls-Royce. Whisper-quiet interior. Magic carpet ride. Refined Interiors.

The Ghost is the latest luxury sedan from Rolls Royce and most powerful Rolls-Royce built to date. The "Ghost" nameplate was taken to salute the Silver Ghost, a car first produced in 1906. The new Rolls Royce Ghost was announced in April 2009 at the Auto Shanghai Show, but the production model was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost was called the RR04 during its development. The luxury car is designed aiming for a lower price category for Rolls models and to compete against the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. It was designed by Ian Cameron and engineered by Helmut Riedl, who led the development of the fifth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom. The car is the first in a new Rolls-Royce model series, separate from the Phantom family which comprises Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase (four door sedans), Phantom Drophead Coupe (convertible) and Phantom Coupe (fixed roof).

The Rolls Royce Ghost is powered by a new twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine. This powerful engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox that can deliver a whopping 563 bhp@5200 rpm. Moreover, the engine is virtually silent, with 80% of its torque available from idle. The Ghost can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds and has a governed top-speed of 250 km/h.

The Ghost delivers a top-class performance effortlessly. With it's the 2:1 ratio of the height of the wheels to the height of the body, the long wheelbase and bonnet, the short overhang at the front and long overhang at the rear, it can impart a truly magic carpet ride.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is built around a steel monococque chassis and suspension system including Dynamic Stability Control and Anti-Roll Stabilisation to create a more dynamic drive and the Rolls-Royce 'magic carpet ride'. The Ghost stands tall on 19-inch alloy wheel.

With ride control and height adjustable, multi-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the Ghost can provide the best possible comfort for occupants.

Each Ghost is hand-built to order, so you can choose the finishing touches to make it uniquely yours. In keeping with Rolls-Royce tradition you can personalise your Ghost further to suit your individual needs. Choose from a wide range of options and accessories - from the new Silver Satin bonnet finish to some of the most advanced technology ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce.

Inside, the Ghost is refined and cosseting. Entering and exiting is both effortless and graceful - the low sill height means you step 'onto' rather than 'into' Ghost. The unique rear-hinged coach doors open to 83 degrees adding an extra sense of theatre for the rear passengers. Once inside, you are greeted by a simple yet contemporary interior with large expanses of soft full grain leather, natural wood veneers and Blenheim wool carpets. The cashmere-blend roof lining adds to the sense of openness and space, enhanced by the optional Panorama sunroof.

View the original article here

4.3 / 8.8 km/l (city/highway) Petrol
6.75-litre Direct Injection V12 engine,453 bhp
6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Top class aluminium space-frame construction. Six-speed automatic jets you around. Back doors are rear-hinged make easy entry and exit. Ultra-posh amenities and features-vintage Rolls Royce. Humongous space. Sophisticated airbags.

What is a better statement of style and opulence than the greatest and most hallowed luxury symbol ever, the Rolls Royce. Combining with it the best elements of Anglo-Saxon technology, the Rolls Royce Phantom towers over the other luxury makes with its inimitable and unique image. In India, it made a comeback after half a century. It sold 14 cars in 2008 against a target of 18 in the country and is looking forward for better market share in the Indian car market.

The Rolls Royce, as any discerning car lover would be aware, is a customisable car. One has a choice of 44,000 colours to choose from, but the engine is standard. Its two variants, the Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase, come in a brilliant 6.75-litre, four per cylinder V12 engine. It produces an incredible output of 453 horsepower. Unsurprisingly, it can reach a top speed of 155 mph, or around 250 kph, and can accelerate to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds, giving it a jet-like character.

The Rolls Royce Phantom has received some minor changes. Some of the important ones among them are standard 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, LED door handle illumination, shallow stainless steel grill, electric window switches that are moved towards a new position, new front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles, redesigned double reading lights in the rear and new front bumper design. Other usual features include a new RCA component input which provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables.

View the original article here

4.3 / 8.8 km/l (city/highway) Petrol
6.75-litre Direct Injection V12 engine,453 bhp
6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Top class aluminium space-frame construction. Six-speed automatic jets you around. Back doors are rear-hinged make easy entry and exit. Ultra-posh amenities and features-vintage Rolls Royce. Humongous space. Sophisticated airbags.

What is a better statement of style and opulence than the greatest and most hallowed luxury symbol ever, the Rolls Royce. Combining with it the best elements of Anglo-Saxon technology, the Rolls Royce Phantom towers over the other luxury makes with its inimitable and unique image. In India, it made a comeback after half a century. It sold 14 cars in 2008 against a target of 18 in the country and is looking forward for better market share in the Indian car market.

The Rolls Royce, as any discerning car lover would be aware, is a customisable car. One has a choice of 44,000 colours to choose from, but the engine is standard. Its two variants, the Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase, come in a brilliant 6.75-litre, four per cylinder V12 engine. It produces an incredible output of 453 horsepower. Unsurprisingly, it can reach a top speed of 155 mph, or around 250 kph, and can accelerate to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds, giving it a jet-like character.

The Rolls Royce Phantom has received some minor changes. Some of the important ones among them are standard 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, LED door handle illumination, shallow stainless steel grill, electric window switches that are moved towards a new position, new front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles, redesigned double reading lights in the rear and new front bumper design. Other usual features include a new RCA component input which provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables.

View the original article here

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is a two-door convertible body version of its Phantom sedan. The four-passenger Phantom Drophead Coupe is constructed on the 100EX concept of 2004. It uses lightweight rigidity of an all-aluminium spaceframe and is equipped with state-of-the-art systems. The model is available in one base variant.

Introduced at the Detroit Motor Show 2006, the Drophead Coupe is Rolls-Royce's second new model from after BMW Group became the caretaker of the marque in 1998. The car is easily distinguishable as a Rolls-Royce model with an iconic brand's contender in the Indian car market.

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe comes with a 453-horsepower 6.75-litre direct injection V12 engine that produces 531 pound-feet of torque and is fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Phantom Drophead Coupe accelerates to 60 mph within 5.6 seconds, while it has a top speed of 149 mph.

On the exterior, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe sports sophisticated multi-link rear suspension that helps deliver dynamic handling. The car is easily identified as a Rolls-Royce models with the brushed finish flows across the radiator grille, the steel bonnet, A-frame windscreen surround and encircles the passenger compartment and rear deck. The rear deck is wrapped in finest quality teak. The hinged doors at the rear make a good impression when they are opened. The rear trunk gate flips down for what Rolls-Royce terms "picnic" seating. A pair of large 20-inch wheels is standard, while 21-inch alloy wheels are also available.

The interior wears a luxurious look with the airy openness of soft top-down motoring; rear lounge seat; leather upholstery; two umbrellas; multi-task controller; 'shift by wire' column stalk for gear selection; eyeball vents and organ stop controls plated in high-gloss chrome; nine amplifiers and 15 speakers.

A set of pop-up roll-over protection gadgets is concealed within the rear seat headrests. Electronic stability system, four-wheel-disc antilock brakes, seat-mounted, side-impact airbags, and active front head restraints are some of the other safety systems loaded on the Drophead Coupe.

View the original article here

4.87 / 10.4 km/l (city/highway)
8-speed automatic ZF transmission * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Plethora of luxury elements. Exquisite Trim Finish. Most technically advanced Rolls-Royce. Whisper-quiet interior. Magic carpet ride. Refined Interiors.

The Ghost is the latest luxury sedan from Rolls Royce and most powerful Rolls-Royce built to date. The "Ghost" nameplate was taken to salute the Silver Ghost, a car first produced in 1906. The new Rolls Royce Ghost was announced in April 2009 at the Auto Shanghai Show, but the production model was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost was called the RR04 during its development. The luxury car is designed aiming for a lower price category for Rolls models and to compete against the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. It was designed by Ian Cameron and engineered by Helmut Riedl, who led the development of the fifth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom. The car is the first in a new Rolls-Royce model series, separate from the Phantom family which comprises Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase (four door sedans), Phantom Drophead Coupe (convertible) and Phantom Coupe (fixed roof).

The Rolls Royce Ghost is powered by a new twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine. This powerful engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox that can deliver a whopping 563 bhp@5200 rpm. Moreover, the engine is virtually silent, with 80% of its torque available from idle. The Ghost can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds and has a governed top-speed of 250 km/h.

The Ghost delivers a top-class performance effortlessly. With it's the 2:1 ratio of the height of the wheels to the height of the body, the long wheelbase and bonnet, the short overhang at the front and long overhang at the rear, it can impart a truly magic carpet ride.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is built around a steel monococque chassis and suspension system including Dynamic Stability Control and Anti-Roll Stabilisation to create a more dynamic drive and the Rolls-Royce 'magic carpet ride'. The Ghost stands tall on 19-inch alloy wheel.

With ride control and height adjustable, multi-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the Ghost can provide the best possible comfort for occupants.

Each Ghost is hand-built to order, so you can choose the finishing touches to make it uniquely yours. In keeping with Rolls-Royce tradition you can personalise your Ghost further to suit your individual needs. Choose from a wide range of options and accessories - from the new Silver Satin bonnet finish to some of the most advanced technology ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce.

Inside, the Ghost is refined and cosseting. Entering and exiting is both effortless and graceful - the low sill height means you step 'onto' rather than 'into' Ghost. The unique rear-hinged coach doors open to 83 degrees adding an extra sense of theatre for the rear passengers. Once inside, you are greeted by a simple yet contemporary interior with large expanses of soft full grain leather, natural wood veneers and Blenheim wool carpets. The cashmere-blend roof lining adds to the sense of openness and space, enhanced by the optional Panorama sunroof.

View the original article here

4.87 / 10.4 km/l (city/highway)
8-speed automatic ZF transmission * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Plethora of luxury elements. Exquisite Trim Finish. Most technically advanced Rolls-Royce. Whisper-quiet interior. Magic carpet ride. Refined Interiors.

The Ghost is the latest luxury sedan from Rolls Royce and most powerful Rolls-Royce built to date. The "Ghost" nameplate was taken to salute the Silver Ghost, a car first produced in 1906. The new Rolls Royce Ghost was announced in April 2009 at the Auto Shanghai Show, but the production model was officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost was called the RR04 during its development. The luxury car is designed aiming for a lower price category for Rolls models and to compete against the Maserati Quattroporte and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. It was designed by Ian Cameron and engineered by Helmut Riedl, who led the development of the fifth-generation Rolls-Royce Phantom. The car is the first in a new Rolls-Royce model series, separate from the Phantom family which comprises Phantom, Phantom Extended Wheelbase (four door sedans), Phantom Drophead Coupe (convertible) and Phantom Coupe (fixed roof).

The Rolls Royce Ghost is powered by a new twin turbo 6.6-litre V12 engine. This powerful engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic ZF gearbox that can deliver a whopping 563 bhp@5200 rpm. Moreover, the engine is virtually silent, with 80% of its torque available from idle. The Ghost can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds and has a governed top-speed of 250 km/h.

The Ghost delivers a top-class performance effortlessly. With it's the 2:1 ratio of the height of the wheels to the height of the body, the long wheelbase and bonnet, the short overhang at the front and long overhang at the rear, it can impart a truly magic carpet ride.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is built around a steel monococque chassis and suspension system including Dynamic Stability Control and Anti-Roll Stabilisation to create a more dynamic drive and the Rolls-Royce 'magic carpet ride'. The Ghost stands tall on 19-inch alloy wheel.

With ride control and height adjustable, multi-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the Ghost can provide the best possible comfort for occupants.

Each Ghost is hand-built to order, so you can choose the finishing touches to make it uniquely yours. In keeping with Rolls-Royce tradition you can personalise your Ghost further to suit your individual needs. Choose from a wide range of options and accessories - from the new Silver Satin bonnet finish to some of the most advanced technology ever to feature in a Rolls-Royce.

Inside, the Ghost is refined and cosseting. Entering and exiting is both effortless and graceful - the low sill height means you step 'onto' rather than 'into' Ghost. The unique rear-hinged coach doors open to 83 degrees adding an extra sense of theatre for the rear passengers. Once inside, you are greeted by a simple yet contemporary interior with large expanses of soft full grain leather, natural wood veneers and Blenheim wool carpets. The cashmere-blend roof lining adds to the sense of openness and space, enhanced by the optional Panorama sunroof.

View the original article here

The 30,000th locally produced Mercedes-Benz today rolled out of the Mercedes Benz India assembly plant. The Managing Director and CEO of the company, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur ceremonially crowned the Mercedes-Benz logo on the shimmering black E350CDI Avantgarde in presence of the leadership team of the company at their manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

Mercedes had reached the mark of 20,000th locally produced car in 2008, 13 years after start of operations in India. However the landmark of 30,000 was achieved within a short span of less than 3 years. It is indicative not just of the explosive growth of this segment but also of the company's growth. "Take 2010 as an example. The luxury car market grew by approximately 65% in Jan-Nov 2010 while Mercedes-Benz India grew faster than the market at 86% in the same period" elaborated Dr. Aulbur.

Mercedes-Benz's strategy for the Indian market have been focused upon offering a comprehensive product portfolio, delivering the highest value to the customer as well as ensuring world class sales, after sales and vehicle ownership experience. These initiatives coupled with aggressive product launches and network enhancement to smaller towns and cities have reinforced the strong traction with Indian market in 2010. This is also reflected in the growth of the company. "Our plant is regarded among the best CKD plants of Mercedes, globally. Within two years of moving into the new facility we have already fulfilled our first shift capacity. Start of our second shift will cater to the increased market demand as we foresee in the years to come." commented Dr. Aulbur.

Envisaging continued strong growth, Mercedes-Benz is gearing itself to harness the additional growth opportunities. "We plan to indigenize more and more products in India, focus upon local sourcing and optimize local value addition. We have decided to increase the portfolio of locally produced cars beyond the S-, E- and C- Class range starting 2013" commented Suhas Kadlaskar, Director Corporate Affairs and Human Resources.

With state of the art manufacturing facility and start of second shift catering to the demand from this burgeoning market, Mercedes-Benz decided that time was right for it to establish its own paint-shop in its facility at Chakan. Piyush Arora, Director-Technical, elaborates: "The rapidly growing market makes it a strong case for our own paint-shop. We have taken the decision to invest in a state-of-the-art technologically advanced paint-shop, capable of environment friendly water based painting going forward. This facility, set-up with a substantial investment will be ready by the second half of 2012 with the capability to paint all models from the Mercedes cars range."

Tags : mercedes mercedes-benz Add a comment

View the Original article

The 30,000th locally produced Mercedes-Benz today rolled out of the Mercedes Benz India assembly plant. The Managing Director and CEO of the company, Dr. Wilfried Aulbur ceremonially crowned the Mercedes-Benz logo on the shimmering black E350CDI Avantgarde in presence of the leadership team of the company at their manufacturing facility in Chakan, Pune.

Mercedes had reached the mark of 20,000th locally produced car in 2008, 13 years after start of operations in India. However the landmark of 30,000 was achieved within a short span of less than 3 years. It is indicative not just of the explosive growth of this segment but also of the company’s growth. “Take 2010 as an example. The luxury car market grew by approximately 65% in Jan-Nov 2010 while Mercedes-Benz India grew faster than the market at 86% in the same period” elaborated Dr. Aulbur.

Mercedes-Benz’s strategy for the Indian market have been focused upon offering a comprehensive product portfolio, delivering the highest value to the customer as well as ensuring world class sales, after sales and vehicle ownership experience. These initiatives coupled with aggressive product launches and network enhancement to smaller towns and cities have reinforced the strong traction with Indian market in 2010. This is also reflected in the growth of the company. “Our plant is regarded among the best CKD plants of Mercedes, globally. Within two years of moving into the new facility we have already fulfilled our first shift capacity. Start of our second shift will cater to the increased market demand as we foresee in the years to come.” commented Dr. Aulbur.

Envisaging continued strong growth, Mercedes-Benz is gearing itself to harness the additional growth opportunities. “We plan to indigenize more and more products in India, focus upon local sourcing and optimize local value addition. We have decided to increase the portfolio of locally produced cars beyond the S-, E- and C- Class range starting 2013” commented Suhas Kadlaskar, Director Corporate Affairs and Human Resources.

With state of the art manufacturing facility and start of second shift catering to the demand from this burgeoning market, Mercedes-Benz decided that time was right for it to establish its own paint-shop in its facility at Chakan. Piyush Arora, Director-Technical, elabo-rates: “The rapidly growing market makes it a strong case for our own paint-shop. We have taken the decision to invest in a state-of-the-art technologically advanced paint-shop, capable of environment friendly water based painting going forward. This facility, set-up with a substantial investment will be ready by the second half of 2012 with the capability to paint all models from the Mercedes cars range.”

Related News:

Daimler Selects Siemens CAD-Software for Worldwide Car Development
Mercedes Launches M-Class Grand Edition in two attractive variants
Mercedes-Benz India delivers 150 cars to Aurangabad

Tags : benz mercedes Add a comment

View the Original article

SkodaAuto India, a fully owned subsidiary of SkodaAuto a.s., Czech Republic and part of Group Volkswagen India, one of the most promising automobile companies in India, today rolled out the 1,00,001st car from its plant at Aurangabad. The fact that the 1,00,001st  car was a Yeti, one of skoda’s recent launches, makes it an even more special event. The occasion was graced by H E  Miloslav Stasek, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic in India,  and  Stackmann,- the Board Member for Sales and Marketing at SkodaAuto a.s. and Chairman of SkodaAuto India.

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BMW’s Chennai plant has rolled out the 10000th car in India. The company has opened its manufacturing plant in Chennai a couple of year back and manufactures BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series sedan for both petrol and diesel variants.

BMW’s Chennai will start its official production of the new BMW X1 model in India and has capacity to manufacture 5400 units per year on a single shift. BMW has already invested 1.1 billion Indian rupees till September 2010 and will increase to 1.8 billion rupees by the end of 2012.

Press Release:

Chennai. BMW Plant Chennai today rolled out the 10000th car from its assembly line.

View the Original article

4.3 / 8.8 km/l (city/highway) Petrol
6.75-litre Direct Injection V12 engine,453 bhp
6-speed Automatic Transmission (AT) * Estimated values may differ under various conditions.

Top class aluminium space-frame construction. Six-speed automatic jets you around. Back doors are rear-hinged make easy entry and exit. Ultra-posh amenities and features-vintage Rolls Royce. Humongous space. Sophisticated airbags.

What is a better statement of style and opulence than the greatest and most hallowed luxury symbol ever, the Rolls Royce. Combining with it the best elements of Anglo-Saxon technology, the Rolls Royce Phantom towers over the other luxury makes with its inimitable and unique image. In India, it made a comeback after half a century. It sold 14 cars in 2008 against a target of 18 in the country and is looking forward for better market share in the Indian car market.

The Rolls Royce, as any discerning car lover would be aware, is a customisable car. One has a choice of 44,000 colours to choose from, but the engine is standard. Its two variants, the Phantom and Phantom Extended Wheelbase, come in a brilliant 6.75-litre, four per cylinder V12 engine. It produces an incredible output of 453 horsepower. Unsurprisingly, it can reach a top speed of 155 mph, or around 250 kph, and can accelerate to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds, giving it a jet-like character.

The Rolls Royce Phantom has received some minor changes. Some of the important ones among them are standard 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, LED door handle illumination, shallow stainless steel grill, electric window switches that are moved towards a new position, new front and rear door cappings with integrated grab handles, redesigned double reading lights in the rear and new front bumper design. Other usual features include a new RCA component input which provides auxiliary audio and visual connectivity to the 12-inch monitors mounted within the picnic tables.

View the original article here