Nissan LEAF Purchase Process

The Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour culminated on 11th Feb 2010 with an appearance in New York City. The three-month tour, which made 63 stops in 24 cities, offered the opportunity for interested drivers, media, civic partners, businesses and university students to learn more about the Nissan LEAF and the benefits of zero-emission driving.

The tour helped pave the way for the 2010 introduction of Nissan LEAF, the world's first all-electric, zero-emission car designed for the mass market, and leads up to the start of the vehicle-purchase process. The Nissan LEAF will be available to consumers via lease or sale, in a single transaction that includes the battery. Steps to acquiring a Nissan LEAF are:

* REGISTER: Interested people can register for more information about the Nissan LEAF on www.NissanUSA.com. To date, close to 50,000 people have registered on the website. Registrants will be given first priority to reserve a Nissan LEAF.
* RESERVE: The reservation process will begin in April, shortly after the announcement of the price of the Nissan LEAF. Upon paying a fully refundable $100 reservation fee, registrants will be among the first in line able to order a Nissan LEAF.
* ORDER: Nissan will begin taking firm orders in August, for deliveries when sales begin in the driver's particular market.
* EARLY DELIVERIES: Rollout begins in select markets in December 2010, with vehicles available in all major launch markets quickly thereafter.
"The Nissan LEAF purchase process is effortless, transparent and accessible, offering value with a one-stop-shop approach for everything related to the car, including the assessment, permitting and installation of in-home battery charging units," said Carlos Tavares, Chairman, Nissan Americas. "We want everyone to feel good about having a car that is affordable, fun to drive and good for the environment."
Coinciding with this next phase of the Nissan LEAF launch is the debut of Nissan's initial global marketing campaign, which is called "The New Car." A first look at the campaign -- which illustrates Nissan's passion about the potential for zero-emission mobility and a better, cleaner world -- was shown in New York as part of the culmination of the Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour.
The Nissan LEAF Zero-Emission Tour covered 10,000 miles in the United States and Canada, providing the first opportunity for more than 100,000 people to see and learn about the Nissan LEAF first hand.
Source - nissanusa.com

Ford launched commercial production of Figo model in India

Ford India Private Limited (FIPL), a fully owned subsidiary of US based Ford Motor Company, today launched the production of its much awaited small car model Ford Figo, at its Maraimalai Nagar production facility in Tamil Nadu. Mr M Karunanidhi, Chief Minister of the state inaugurated the production of Figo model which is expected to be launched in India by the end of this month. Ford Figo is company's first compact small car in India and it is expecting good response from middle-class buyers after analyzing the high sales of recently launched small car Chevrolet Beat in the country.

Ford to launch Figo model next month

Ford India, a subsidiary of US based automobile manufacturer Ford Motors is all set to launch its much awaited compact small car Ford Figo in India, next month. Production of the Ford Figo model has been started at company's plant in Maraimalainagar, Chennai after inaugurated by the state Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. Ford India has invested around $500 million in its operations in Chennai. Michael Boneham, MD and President of the Ford India said in a statement given to the media that Ford Figo Model will be launched with a very competitive price tag as the Figo model will be launched in a segment which is already very competitive and accounts for 70% of the all new car sales in the country.

Ford Figo and Volkswagen Polo will be launched in India

The Indian auto Industry registered a record sales growth in the starting month of this year and the major contributor to this growth was small car segment. Where the sales of Maruti's flagship model Maruti Alto and Maruti Wagon R remain on top, Hyundai's Santro Xing and i10 models registered a good sales figures. But the show stopper was the Chevrolet Beat model which received a very good response from the Indian customers as company has already sold 2825 units of Chevrolet Beat model in the month of January this year. It is expected that the momentum of high growth will remain in coming months also as many new car models are expected to be launched in India in coming months. Ford Motors is all set to launch its Ford Figo model in India as the production of the model has already been started at its Chennai plant. Ford has invested nearly $500 in its operations in India and the company is targeting to make India its export hub for its small car Ford Figo.

Another world's cheapest car by EcoCa in India

After the launch and success of Tata Nano, several auto makers challenged the world's cheapest car by fixing lower prices of their small cars. But now the biggest wonder has appeared in the form of EcoCa Ltd-London based engineering and design firm. The company, EcoCa, has developed the prototype of the cheapest car. The new small car would be a two-seater car with automatic gearbox and convertible roof. It weights only 330 kg very less against Tata Nano's 635 kg. The initial fuel efficiency is around 27-28 kmpl as against 23.6 kmpl of Nano. The prototype has a peak speed of 70 kmph, much lower than Tata Nano's 103 kmph.

Tata Nano in New York

Tata motors had designed world's affordable car and will be on view at prestigious Smithsonian's Cooper -Hewitt Design Museum in New York from February 18 to 25 April 2010.

Latest yellow color designed by Indian Tata, will shown by diagrams and short film announced by Smithson's Institution on Friday. The meaning of Nano was only described its technology small size and small price, Tata Nano has planned to launch new version of Nano in European and American markets.

"Cooper Hewitt's mission is to present affordable with the latest development and Tata Motors has introduces more families in the country which is affordable" said by CaraMcCarly. He added that' we are pleasure to introduce Nano in our museum where visitors can easily see the world affordable car.'

Tata Motors plans to launch hybrid Nano

Tata Group is now planning to come up with the hybrid versions of its Tata Nano, which is taged as the world's cheapest car with the aim to join in the environment-friendly trend. Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, told that low-priced goods would create stronger demand than high-end products in India, and the so-called low-price revolution would continue across the world. Tata Motors which is India's biggest vehicle maker, saw the car industry's future lying in economic-friendly models. The chairman did not commented on the possible launch of cheap hybrid versions.

Tata Motors launches upgraded Sumo with 60 pc rise in SUV sales

India’s largest vehicle maker, Tata Motors expects sales of its sports utility vehicles to rise by 60 percent to 4.000 units a month, following the introduction of an upgraded version of its Sumo model. On Monday the company had launched the Sumo Grande MK II which will replace the Grande MK I and will cost around Rs 25K lesser than the outgoing model at Rs 6.43 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). Rajiv Dube, head of the passenger vehicle division said that they are currently selling between 2,500 to 3,000 utility vehicles and expect it to increase by 1,000 vehicles a month.

Tata Nano at Rs 1 crore!

Believe it or not! If you want to own a latest Tata Nano, you will have to pay around Rs 1 crore. This new Tata Nano is designed by automobile designer Dilip Chhabria. It will have a bigger engine that is 1,600cc which develops a peak speed of 200 kmph supported by a seven-speed triptronic gear box. This very stylish car will be fitted with the Ferarri and the Lamborghini like doors which open towards the sky. Like other machines nowadays, the doors of the car would be opened through biometric check. Contrary to 12 inch wheels, the new Tata Nano will have 17 inch alloy wheels.

Tata may unveil Prima at Auto Expo 2010

One of the leading auto maker in India, Tata Motors is mulling to launch its concept luxury saloon model Tata Prima at the forthcoming Auto Expo 2010. The concept car was displayed at the Geneva Auto Show 2009 for the first time. The saloon model was designed by Italy based design studio Pinanfarina. However, official comment is awaited but sources close to the Auto Expo development confirmed the news. The car is expected to be introduced in India in next two-three years. On the other hand, the model will be shortly available in European market.

Tata Indicruz, Tata Indica Vista Igins at Auto Expo

Tata Motors, one of the largest auto maker in India, is expected to launch a couple of new vehicles at the up-coming Auto Expo. According to sources, the new launches will include Tata Indicruz and Tata Indica Vista Igins. Apart from these, the company will launch a Jaguar-branded luxury saloon. The Tata Indicruz is supposed to be a crossover utility vehicle (CUV) and might be priced at Rs 6-8 lakh in India. The CUV is to be pitted against Chevrolet Tavera, Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova. The Indicruz was displayed at Geneva Auto Show in 2005. The CUV is reported to be based on Tata Indica Vista platform.

Tata to showcase Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto show

Tata Motors, one of the India's largest car manufacturer will showcase its Tata Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto Expo, starting 5th January next year. The Tata Indicruz model is expected to be officially launched in the first quarter of next year by the company. Tata Indicruz is a MUV (Multi Utility vehicle) that has been designed to provide a multi purpose vehicle which can be drove in cities as comfortably as in off road journeys.

The Tata Indicruz model has been manufactured at the platform of Tata New Safari model and it is coming with the same 2.2L Safari Dicor engine. Besides the latest engine the Tata Indicruz model is coming with all new safety features like antilock braking system and multiple airbags. It has been designed with a new and stylish exterior designing while the interiors of the car are comfort providing and spacious.

Tata Nano awarded as Car of the Year

Tata Nano, world’s cheapest has bagged the award of Auto car India 2010’s’ Car of the Year. On this achievement Tata Sons' chairman Ratan Tata said that recognition they had achieved was for the full team and now they had to work harder to meet up expectations. There were different categories in Auto Car India Awards 2010 like Best Value for Money Car, Best Design and Styling, Best Variant of the Year, Car Ad of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, etc which were given to the best and the most deserving contributors to the Indian auto market.

Tata Nano undergoing modifications

Tata Nano, the world’s cheapest car is being modified to make it readable for sale in U.S. The car is going under the process of modification to meet emissions and safety standards of U.S. The company has not disclosed the price but it is expected that the price would be more than the price charged in India. Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata group of companies has said that the car would take three years for US distribution. Before Tata Nano can be sold in US the car’s 623cc would have to be retrofitted to meet U.S. pollution standards. The few things that have to be modified like airbags have to be added, the roof has to be strengthened and the front bumper has to be lengthened.

Tata Nano, now available in used car market

One of India's most popular and most news gathering car Tata Nano is now available in used car market too. The car was launched in the month of March last year and it first hit the Indian roads in the month of July09. Then what made the Tata Nano to enter in used car market so early. According to market watchers it is a combination of many reasons which made Tata Nano to enter just in 5-6 months to its launch. Where some users believe that driving Nano is some what below status to them, others are blaming the lack of passenger comfort for its early entrance in used car market.

Tata Motors, M&M increase prices

The rise in prices of inputs has forced the car makers to increase prices of their models. It’s not only Maruti which has raised the prices of its models; there is hike in the prices of Tata Motors’ Indica and Indigo, and Mahindra and Mahindra’s Xylo, Mahindra Scorpio and Mahindra Bolero. The raise in the prices of Tata Indica and Tata Indigo will vary from Rs 5,000-8,000. Utility vehicle maker Mahindra and Mahindra has also raised the prices ranging from Rs 6,400 and Rs 9,300 on its Sport Utility Vehicle. While its Utility Vehicle Xylo price is increased by Rs 4,600, Bolero sees Rs 4,800 hike.

Tata replaced Hyundai as second largest car maker

Tata Motors, India's highest revenue earning automaker has replaced Hyundai India as India's second largest domestic passenger car selling company , said company officials. As Maruti Suzuki India is poised on number 1 spot with about 54% market share, the second position is always been a competitive spot for major domestic car manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra and Hyundai India. It took 2 years to Tata Motors to regain its position as India's second highest passenger car selling company, officials added.

In the passenger vehicle segment, Tata Motors sold 31,081 units last month which accounts for a growth of 48 percent compared to sales in January, last year, as per the data provided by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). At the same time Hyundai India sold 29,601 units in passenger vehicle category in its last month's sales. But the show stopper was Maruti Suzuki which sold a whooping 81,087 units last month, much higher than Tata's total domestic sales.

Driven: Naza (Kia) Forte 1.6SX

This is one car that's priced to sell for 2010 in Malaysia. Tagged at RM81,800 it is indeed a value buy for a C-segment saloon, priced even lower - but specified even higher! - than the popular B-segment sedan the ubiquitous Honda City 1.5. Indeed, it would have been even better if Naza-Kia had not crossed the psychological RM80,000 mark for this higher spec 'SX' version of their Forte 1.6.




My first interaction with the steering & throttle reminded me much of the new Mazda3 1.6. Not a bad thing since the handling and body control of that Mazda is much exemplary of its class. Ditto the interior, especially the Forte's instruments cluster. Nice. Without running through the extensive list of standard equipments, the two items that impressed me most is the electronic stability control/program which encompasses ABS + EBD, cornering brake control and traction control. The other feature being the rear view electro-chromatic mirror (auto-dimming) which is even a paying option for Porsche(s) the world over.

Of course, the metallic-rubber studded brake and gas pedals are a nice touch too. You can actually save a few bucks and hassle by not having to hop over to the nearest Brother's Car Accessories shop.






In the three days of testing, the Forte 1.6SX endears with its firm but pliant enough ride. Safe handling rules the day and the vehicle is very easy to live with, powering on with just adequate horses for a 1.6 family sedan.Rear passengers comfort are good, with a calm ride complemented by generous cabin space.

It's rather strange how a better spec version of a similar model can be more affable and convincing, even though the lesser 'sibling' 1.6EX have ABS, twin-airbags and a perfectly similar drivetrain. Perhaps it is the soft-touch inserts on the dashboard or the premium-looking 17" alloys. Or is it the chrome-plated door handles both inside and out? Whatever they may be, don't strike the Forte 1.6SX out prematurely from your car purchase shortlist - without a test drive - if you're in the market for a Nissan Latio sedan, Toyota Vios or Honda City. Yes, it's that good - surprisingly splendid for its class, size and price.

2010 FIA GT1 World Championship

SRO Motorsports Group (SRO) have launched a new 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship brand identity. Having been awarded world championship status by the FIA World Motor Sport Council, next year’s FIA GT1 World Championship will visit 10 countries in four continents, supported with a new logo and identity.

This year, the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship, GT2 and GT3 European Championships, will be split into three new distinct and easily identifiable championships. The FIA GT1 World Championship will be for independent teams and professional drivers, the FIA GT2 European Championship for independent teams and pro-am driver crews, and the FIA GT3 European Championship for independent teams and non-professional drivers.

First Drive: Naza (KIA) Forte 1.6EX

The Koreans answer to the ever-popular B-segment - in Malaysia at least - is mighty impressive. And it's no less a C-segment sedan the dimensions of a Honda Civic!

Priced at a very competitive RM75,800 the base version, the new Naza Forte 1.6EX is unbeatable value-for-money. Of course, it has to wear the obligatory "NAZA" badges upfront and at the back, but it drives quite decently, has lots of space and even sports a very modern Teutonic design. It is after all, penned by Peter Shreyer, the very same guy who took Audi automotive designs to greater heights in the years before his migration over to Kia.

While I found it took time for me to settle down into the rather 'lumpy' seats at first, I guess the version most representative for the Forte range (for now at least, the 2.0 isn't available on Naza-Kia's media fleet yet) is the higher spec 1.6SX.

Excuse me for the many rather shabby pictures taken with my camera phone. I shall be writing in more details about the new Forte 1.6 after I have sampled the 'proper' 1.6SX version...

Maruti Suzuki Alto launched

Maruti launched new limited edition of Maruti Alto. This new car. Alto Xcite, is priced at Rs 13,500 more than the regular version. This car houses a number of great features such as manual central locking, power windows and remote boot opener. The company said in a statement that the high-end model of the car is priced at Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Approximately 20,000 car units are being sold every month. It may be recalled that Maruti Alto is the largest selling car in India. On the other hand, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai i10 are the other popular cars in India. The company had introduced the Maruti Alto in September 2000, with two variants. At present, Maruti sells three variants (Base model, LX, Lxi) in the domestic market. It is powered by a 796 cc gasoline engine with 3 cylinder, 4 valves per cylinder MPFI engine with 32bit Engine Control Module (ECM). All models are equipped with 5-speed manual transmission. In the current year, most parts of the world will get a brand-new Maruti Alto, which will be sold as the Maruti A-Star in the Indian market. The current Alto will continue its innings in the Indian market.

Price: Rs 2,24,835^* - Rs 2,72,824^*

Suzuki SX4 Overseas Model

Maruti Suzuki had recently launched its sedan model SX4 in India. Suzuki SX4 comes with VVT engine with an option of automatic transmission. The international model of Suzuki SX4 model is a compact hatchback and crossover model. This model is available as 2WD and 4WD. There are four models offered with SX4 2WD. It is available as 2.0L DOHC engine which is a bullet proof, smooth running power train. It delivers power of 150hp which is up from 143 and its fuel economy is at least 10 percent more than before.

Maruti increases prices of its models

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car maker raised prices of its models by an estimated up to Rs 10,000 to recover the increase in input costs arising out of raw materials including steel. As per the current on road prices of various models the raise would range between Rs 100 to as high as Rs 10,000 per car. Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) said in a statement that while the average increase in prices is of around 0.6 per cent, it varies from 0.12 per cent for the Ritz VDi at the lower end to 1.9 per cent for the Dzire LXi models but did not share the hike in rupee terms.

Google study concludes Maruti Suzuki as most searched car brand

ccording to Google India study it has been reflected that the favorite car maker among the potential buyers looking for online information is Maruti Suzuki India. Google study conducted on 'The Role of the Internet in Automotive Buying' showed that 56per cent searched for Maruti Suzuki before buying a car while 33 per cent bought the vehicle after the online search. Maruti Suzuki is followed by Honda with 46 per cent respondents agreeing that they searched information on the Honda models and 17 per cent respondents said that after the online research they bought a Honda car. Tata Motors grabbed third position with 43 per cent search which is followed by Hyundai, Ford and Toyota.

Cool car: Ford Ikon ikool launched

Ford India introduced its new variant, Ikon ikool, of Ford Ikon in India. Equipped with Duratorq TDCi 1.4 diesel and ROCAM 1.3 petrol engines, these models will be available from tomorrow. The ex-showroom price of the car in Delhi is Rs 4.82 lakh for petrol version and Rs 5.42 lakh for diesel version. Ford India said in a statement that the engines of the car are designed in a way to give class leading fuel efficiency.

Next week will see brand new Ford Endeavour

Ford is ready to take on the competition head on with recently launched Toyota Fortuner. If Toyota Fortuner has been a runaway success for Toyota, Ford is not ready to step aside. It’s brand new Ford Endeavour being launched in Indian market next week. The premium SUV from Ford will be completely face lifted and launch of this advanced vehicle means to cater to the rising demand of the vehicles in market, says a senior company official.

"We will launch the Ford Endeavour by next week. It will be an automatic version and we hope to achieve a significant market share after the launch," Ford India president and managing director, Michael Boneham said. No price has been declared though for the new model. “Some new mechanical bits have been added. The new Ford Endeavour SUV is equipped with Borg Warner’s Shift-on-the-Fly system which will enable you to switch between 2wd and 4wd up to 100kmph. There will be some cosmetic changes like changed headlights, grille, with the rear side likely to be the same,” says a Delhi-based Ford dealer.

A new small car from Ford will launch in India by middle of 2010

Ford will also export this product from India by end of next year. Ford intends to tap the fast growing small car market in India which is world’s largest small car market. Ford Motor executive vice president for Asia Pacific John Parker said that the launch will be a game changer and it will take us into the centre of indian market. He did not reveal any numbers targeted for exports from India.

Ford car demands on a high

Indian counterpart of American car maker, Ford India Motors, expects higher sales volumes during the festive season. It will increase its vehicle production by almost 30 percent. "We have been producing about 130 vehicles a day but this will be increased to 174 vehicles a day this month," Ford India President and MD Michael Boneham.

Ford’s entry level sedan Ford Ikon is the highest selling model in India. Its demand is already high. Ford Endeavour and Ford Fiesta models have also registered healthy sales growth in recent months. Ford launched new Ford Endeavour this week is priced between Rs. 15.99 lakh and 17.99 lakh..

New Ford Endeavour launched in India

New Ford Endeavour has been launched in India on Wednesday. The much-awaited premium SUV has a fresh look. Once a very popular car, now, comes with a number of advance and stylish features. This five-speed automatic transmission vehicle is to compete with Toyota Fortuner. The price tag for 3.0L 4X4 automatic transmission is Rs. 17, 99, 000 while the manual variant of Ford Endeavour 2.5L 4X2 is priced at Rs 15, 99, 000. Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty launched the vehicle in New Delhi. Customers of North and West region can book their vehicle from today but SUV lovers from Southern and Eastern markets have to wait for a while. The new grille design three features, detailed horizontal bars that seem to float in the grille opening, the middle of which supports a proud ford oval badge. The top edge of the grille features a wide header bar with the Ford Endeavour embossed boldly into its surface.

New Ford Mondeo to be launched in January

New Ford Mondeo is all set to be launched in India in January 2010. This luxury sedan is in process to revamp in the company's Chennai facility. The outgoing version of Ford Mondeo was not as successful as it was sold 5 to 10 units since its launch in 2001. The old Ford Mondeo had a price tag of Rs 16.30 l lakh but the new version will see a minor change. Ford India, Vice president (sales and marketing), Vinay Piparsania, said that the new model is already there in India for upgradation.

Sime Darby to handle Porsche brand in Malaysia

Porsche Asia Pacific Pte Ltd has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to appoint Sime Darby the sole and exclusive importer of Porsche cars in Malaysia.

The LOI outlines that Sime Darby will assume full responsibility for the importation, distribution, sales, marketing, PR and after sales service for Porsche cars in Malaysia. This also includes the right to appoint dealers and service centres.

Sime Darby is expected to officially take on this responsibility from Jaseri Automotive Group Sdn Bhd by the end of the first quarter of 2010.

According to Christer Ekberg, Managing Director of Porsche Asia Pacific, “We are pleased to welcome a new partner to our Asia Pacific family, and are confident that the team at Sime Darby are the right choice for us to grow the Porsche brand even further. We are also very happy that Dato’ Mokhzani Mahathir will remain as a shareholder in this new partnership, which will ensure continuity and a seamless transition for our customers.”

Porsche Centre Glenmarie will remain as the base for Porsche Sales and Service while additional Porsche Centres will be added to ensure higher service levels to existing as well as new Porsche customers.

Dato’ Lawrence Lee, Sime Darby’s Executive Vice President, Motors Division said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to add the Porsche brand to our stable, and are certain that our depth of experience in representing some of the world’s best known marques will stand us in good stead in this partnership. Malaysia will be our second representation of Porsche as we are currently representing the brand with a Porsche Centre in New Zealand.”

About Porsche Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

On 1 October 2001, Porsche established its Asia Pacific office, headquartered in Singapore to support its current 12 independent importers in the region regarding Sales, Marketing, After Sales, Training and PR.