Ford India all set to ramp up its Chennai unit

Ford India MD and president Michael Boneham told that the fully-owned subsidiary of the US auto major Ford Motors, Ford India Motors will be one of the major production hubs for the parent company’s operations in the Asia-African region.

Ford India is all set to invest $500 million to ramp up its Chennai plant’s production capacity to 2-lakh vehicles by 2010.

The US-based Ford Motors, which has not taken any financial rescue from the US government like its peers GM and Chrysler, is developing China, Thailand and South Africa, as the other major manufacturing hub

Ford Figo showcased in India

Ford Motor showcased its compact car, Ford Figo, in India on Wednesday. However, this small car will be launched in India by early 2010. The compact car, Ford Figo, will be available in petrol and diesel versions.

This four-door hatchback will be manufactured in Ford Chennai plant. Apart from this, the company reveled about its exteriors but specific details about engine capacity, price and other data is under cover. Ford Figo is believed to compete with the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Swift. The recent global trend is to switch over to small cars that are fuel efficient but Ford India's products present here in mid-sized cars and SUV class. The company is aiming to grab the most in small car segment in India and China.

Ford showcases small cars this week

US company, Ford is now eying on India to offset tough business conditions in other global markets. The company that survived the downturn without a government help, Ford Motor is planning to integrate car designs globally and develop compact and mid-sized cars as part of a strategy to improve profitability and productivity.

Ford has focussed on economies of scale and implementing ‘One Ford’ strategy across markets. Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor, is also making a lightning visit to India to showcase its small car in the middle of this week. He joined Ford in 2006 after divesting brands like Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin.This moment will be exciting and worth watching. Ford India has not had a new product launch, but continues to upgrade its existing product line since 2005.

Ford India will launch its small car, code named B517 in March 2010, which is expected to compete with the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Swift, that were also showcased to its dealers in Chennai recently. The small car will be a four-door hatchback, powered by an indigenous diesel and petrol engine manufactured at its Chennai plant. Ford India has invested around $500 million (Rs 2,400 crore) to double the current capacity by one lakh cars and 2.5 lakh engines, company officials said.

India to make Ford Figo

Ford Motor has plans to make India its manufacturing hub for its small car Ford Figo. Ford Figo will be launched in the first quarter of 2010 and come in both petrol and diesel variants. No prices have been officially announced by Ford India but the car is expected to cost at Rs.4 lakh and upwards for the base variant and will compete against an array of cars like Maruti Swift and Maruti Ritz, Fiat Grande Punto, Chevrolet U-VA and Hyundai i20 that are already present in the market.

After unveiling the Ford Figo in Delhi, Ford’s president and CEO, Alan Mulally said: “The global market is shifting towards smaller cars and India has a predominant advantage with a 70% market for compact cars." The company also has plans to export a significant number of the Ford Figo to Asia Pacific and African countries in 2010.

Special edition of Ford Fiesta launched

The best selling product of Ford, US auto manufacturer, Ford Fiesta now will be available with a couple of new features in India. The mid-sized sedan Ford Fiesta is having the price tag of Rs 6.44 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Nevertheless, the new Ford Fiesta 1.6 ZXI comes with petrol engine only. According to a company statement, the car saw impressive sales during the festival period in India.

Ford to increase market share by new car launches

Michael Boneham, president and MD of Ford India here on Thursday indicated that the US car maker, Ford has decided to launch a new car every 12 to 18 months in India to enhance its market share. However, he did not indicate what sort of market share the company aims to achieven the long run. Talking to newsmen at the inauguration of Ford’s new dealership, Victoria Ford, Mr. Boneham said: "We now have a marketshare of nearly 2% and we want to grow it significantly in coming years. Launching of new cars from the Ford stable, will play a crucial role in growing our market share in India."

For 2009, Ford India aims to achieve sales of 30,000 cars compared to 29,000 cars sold in calendar 2008. "In September ‘09, we have been able to sell 3,500 cars which is a 50% increase year-on-year basis," said Nigel Wark, executive director (marketing, sales and services). By investing $500 million, company will expand production at its Chennai plant from 1 lakh to 2 lakh vehicles, apart from producing 2.5 lakh engines, both in petrol and diesel.

Ford launches another variant of Ford Ikon

US based car manufacturer Ford has introduced a new variant of its popular entry level sedan Ford Ikon in India. The new variant has been launched on the basis of the responses the company has witnessed from the users of Ikon iKool. The new Ford Ikon model has been priced in the range of Rs 5.17-5.77 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The New Ford Ikon Plus model will be available in both Diesel and petrol versions. The price difference between the previous Ford Ikon and the new Ford Ikon Plus is about Rs 33,800. The new model has been launched with stylish exteriors as well as modified interiors.

Ford to launch next version of Explorer SUV

US based automobile manufacturer Ford Motors has announced that it will invest $400 million in its production facilities to manufacturer next version of, its Explorer SUV by the end of year 2010. According to company this move is expected to create 1,200 jobs at its Chicago assembly plant. The USD 400 million includes the investment of USD 180 million in manufacturing facilities at the Chicago sites and investment of about USD 220 million for launch and engineering costs.

Hyundai i20 diesel stylish new model

Hyundai i20 diesel model will be launched in India in just few days. Interiors of the i20 are almost same as the previous Hyundai i20 petrol model but this time the whole gear system is same as the Hyundai Verna model. What makes the Hyundai i20 diesel different from the other models is its smooth driving experience and its silent engine.

Besides this the Hyundai i20 diesel model has a good mileage as the company is claiming. Good pick up ,attractive dashboard and comfortable seating are its other good features.

Hyundai i20 1.4 Asta AT (O) with Sunroof Price Rs 772,609*

Hyundai i20 1.4 Asta AT (O) with Sunroof Price Rs 772,609*

Hyundai i20 Price Rs 480,508* - Rs 772,609*

In the hatchback category of cars Hyundai i20 is a new generation car with large headlamps and fog lamps. This new Hyundai i20 is even more spacious, stylish having amazing eye catching features. Equipped with standard safety features it has ABS, seat belts with pre-tensioner, dual air-bags for the driver and front passanger, auto-unlocking doors Hyundai i20 is one of the best car. Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and suspension systems in the car are such that they provide maximum ease while driving the vehicle. This latest version of Hyundai i20 is best featured with many important special equipments that co-ordinates best with the activity of the diver.

Hyundai i20 Price Rs 480,508* - Rs 772,609*

Bentley Clubs & Associations

The Bentley Drivers Club
Bentleys are built to be driven. The Bentley Drivers Club is the largest and most famous group of Bentley enthusiasts. The first members were Bentley drivers attending a race at the legendary Brooklands track in Surrey in 1936, canvassed by a note placed under their windscreens by one G.K. Pelmore. The first meeting was over-subscribed; a bigger venue had to be found at the last minute.
Since then the Bentley Drivers Club has gone from strength to strength, with branches from Dallas to Tokyo and from Cape Town to Canberra. The Club organises a number of social and competitive events, and provides specialist services for owners of Cricklewood-, Derby- and Crewe-built Bentleys. The BDC is now the focus of a world-wide Federation of Bentley Clubs and welcomes new members.
The website of this club is http://www.bdcl.org/
Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club
Formed in 1957 and this club welcomes enthusiastic new members. Bentley cars produced in Derby and Crewe from 1933 to todays cars are represented. Membership is in excess of 10,500 in 52 countries, with more than 3500 Bentleys in ownership. The Club is friendly and informal.
39 geographical Sections, and Eight model Registers organise events, including overseas tours. The Annual Rally with seventeen classes judged, is the largest Rolls-Royce and Bentley gathering in the world.
The Club Bulletin covers all aspects of the Club's activities, with many services of value to members. The members’ website contains a wealth of information with search engines for Historical and Technical Information.
Visit the site at http://www.rrec.co.uk/
Rolls-Royce Owners Club
This Club was established in the USA in 1951 and now has over 9,000 members. All Bentley model cars (and their owners!) are members of the club. The club offers practical, technical and historical information on Rolls-Royce and Bentley motorcars of all eras and all models.
The RROC helps members restore, maintain and repair their cars. They make the experience of owning a Derby or Crewe built motorcar all the more enjoyable.
Visit their website at http://www.rroc.org/
Information Courtsey Bentley Motors Website

'New' Naza (KIA) Picanto: only for the fairer sex?

With an unorthodox tagline like "Guys love cars, girls love Picanto" I found myself warming up to the new Picanto facelift model a little warm and fuzzy inside, perhaps even a tad blushy....or have I even gotten myself in touch with my feminine side? I know, I shudder at that thought too.





But truth be told, this Naza reabged Kia is pretty (no pun intended) decent. Though having to make do with just a tiny 1.1 litre 4-pot with old-tech port fuel injection, common distributor coil-to-spark-plug-cables spark ignition system and regular throttle cable for fuel metering, this little hatch feels quite peppy on the move from the word go (till about 100km/h). Decent enough for town driving. The chassis also felt surprisingly solid, while the liquid-filled dampers gives very pliant ride around the city and suburbs, where it intended range of commuting are mostly destined for. Of course, like its i1o cousin, uphill task can be a bit of a chore, after slowing down to pick up pace again.





I can't give you the fuel consumption figure since I had hardly burned off past the fuel tank's half way mark. Sorry about that. But I reckon it would be as economical as the Hyundai i10 since both are 'blood' cousins in more ways than one. Supermini these days also feels more well screwed/bolted together. Such a feeling of solidity on the road can be appreciated by way of nicer planted agility (granted, the suspension setting is still on the soft side) and somewhat tighter body control. Even the steering feels okay with a nice weighting to it. Inside, you don't even feel cramped like you do in an old Perodua Kancil anymore. Shoulder room and elbow room are acceptable here in the Picanto and I am no horse-riding jockey.


The Koreans have indeed come a long way. This 'new' Picanto is a potentially viable alternative to the rather pricey (relatively speaking, of course) 'local' Perodua Viva. For a fact, that was mainly why the Hyundai i10 walked away with NST-Maybank Car of the Year 2009 Award in the entry-level car category.


Interestingly, my wife initially liked this car for its affordability, being a brand new car with manufacturer's warranty, less worry about costly unscheduled maintenance et al. For those with no hang-ups about Korean automotive brand or badge snobbery issues, imagine paying off for this car in four, maybe five years instead of seven. And for whatever the residual's worth after that hire-purchase period, the average damage in depreciation is say, a more manageable RM5k per year? Kinda makes great food-for-thought, financially speaking, yes?



Back to my better half again, she subsequently complained of lack of power after the few days of joint sampling of this tester, and also of bumpier ride than her Mitsu Colt Ralliart. Hmmm....so "Girls love Picanto"? Probably not all girls, especially women...



Related posts:
Perodua Viva Elite
Driven: Hyundai i10

Tata Indica

Tata Indica V2 Xeta GL 265,968 15.3

Tata Indica V2 Xeta GLE 293,397 15.3

Tata Indica V2 Xeta Description :

Indica Xeta, Its eXtra Efficiency Torque Advantage petrol engine delivers 12.4 kgm torque, for a smoother and more responsive drive. With instant pick up and fewer gear changes in stop-start city traffic. The technologically superior MPFI engine comeswith a 32-bit microprocessor, and sports 12 sensors, including a knock control sensor to reduce damage from adulterated fuel, Even more enjoyable long drives, with a frugal fuel consumption at 14 kmpl. Its spacious cabin - the biggest in its class, seats three people comfortably in the rear, with ample elbow room and generous leg room. The luxurious beige interiors come as a standard feature. Tata Indica V2 Xeta is the latest model from Tata Motors. Equipped with 475 SI Multi Point Fuel Injection System with 32-bit microprocessor

Hyundai Santro Xing XK

Hyundai Santro Xing XK (Non-AC)263,999 17.8
Providing good power efficiency, reliability and long life to the vehicle and delivering the same to its customers is a pre-requisite for Hyundai Motors. Active intelligence technology delivers good mileage and power. Suspension with stabilizers help in providing better control on the road

Maruti Eeco

Maruti Eeco
Add to Compare

Maruti Eeco 5 Seater Standard 258,999 15.1

Maruti Eeco 7 Seater Standard 275,000 15.1

Maruti Eeco 5 Seater AC 288,999 15.1

Maruti Alto

Maruti Alto
Add to CompareMaruti Alto Std 224,214 18.9

Maruti Alto LX 255,018 18.9

Maruti Alto LX 272,202 18.9

Maruti Omni

Maruti Omni
Add to Compare

Maruti Omni LPG CARGO BSIII W/ IMMOBILISER 189,969 19.7

Maruti Omni MPI CARGO BSIII W/ IMMOBILISER 194,673 19.7

Maruti Omni MPI STD BSIII 5-STR W/ IMMOBILISER 212,779 19.7

Maruti Omni MPI STD BSIII 8-STR W/ IMMOBILISER 214,409 19.7

Maruti Omni LPG STD BSIII 5-STR W/ IMMOBILISER 223,659 19.7

Maruti 800

Maruti 800
Add to Compare

Price Rs. Mileage

Maruti 800 Std BSIII 185,094 22.1

Maruti 800 Std. LPG 199,408 16.4

Maruti 800 AC BSIII 204,651 19.9

Maruti 800 Uniq 209,614 14.0

Maruti 800 AC LPG 218,965 16.6

Tata Nano

Tata Nano Std BSII 115,361 26.0

Tata Nano Std BSIII 123,361 26.0

Tata Nano Cx BSII1 40,361 26.0

Tata Nano Cx BSIII 148,361 26.0

Tata Nano Lx BSIII 172,361 26.0

The world’s cheapest and the most anticipated car Tata Nano has been launched in Indian market. Tata Motors launched Tata Nano on 23rd March while its booking started from the second week of April 2009.

Small Car best option against global warming

Small cars will be the preferred mode of transport in the coming times the world over.The most important feature of small cars is less fuel consumption.Small cars take less space for parking.
USA and europe will be the most important markets for small cars.
The americans will have to start loving small cars because of so many reasons.Obama administration is convinced that small cars will be the next best mode of transport for americans.From ford to indian nano everybody seems interested in small cars.

2010 Jaguar XJ

2011 Lexus LFA

Audi GT3

Hyundai H1 launched at Auto Expo

Hyundai unveiled Hyundai H1 at Auto Expo today at Pragati Maidan.The car will be available as a nine seater in India whereas the 12 seater model is available in the International Market. Hyundai H1 will be available to its users in both petrol and diesel engines. The petrol variant is powered by 2.4L, 2359 cc engine and delivers power of 128.4 KW at 5500 rpm, 227.7 Nm torque at 2800 rpm. The diesel variant is powered by 2.5 L ,2359 cc engine, powered by 125 KW at 3800 rpm, torque of 392 nm at 2000 rpm.

Hyundai H1 Wagon model that lies somewhere between a van and a mini bus is available with both 5 speed manual and auto transmission option. The front suspension of the car is a McPherson Struts with wishbone while the rear suspension is a Rigid Hexal Spring.

Hyundai i Mode and Genesis Coupe launched

Hyundai launched Hyundai i Mode at Delhi Auto Expo. Hyundai i Mode is a six seater based on the concept of a mono cab. It features high end entertainment facilities in the comfort of your car such as Digital Home theater, wireless internet for users to browse while they cruise ! The car is powered by Euro 6, 2.2 L, turbo Diesel engine an boasts of hi tech seats that dont just glide forward and back but can revolve too.

Hyundai launches 4 models

Shah-Rukh Khan participates in Hyundai's Green move by unveiling the Hyundai i10 Electric Version today at the Delhi Auto expo. Hyundai Motors, the Korean car-maker also launched Hyundai H1, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Hyundai imode on the Second day of 10th Auto Expo. With Hyundai Motors flagship model Hyundai i10 topping the sales charts in present scenario, Hyundai i10 electric would carry on the legacy.

With increasing Demand of cleaner, cheaper Automotive fuel across nations, Hyundai Motors launch of Hyundai i10 electric compensates the need well. However, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Director (Marketing and Sales) Arvind Saxena commented that the exact time-frame of vehicle's availability in India could not be commented on presently.

Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI in Malaysian showrooms now!

Barely a couple of months after the E300 debut representing the saloon form of the all-new E-Class in Malaysia, the bread-&-butter E200 CGI has quietly crept into M-B showrooms locally.

Priced at a more realistic - but no less lofty - RM366,888 this is the E-Class that's set to push the bulk of the W212s to be sold officially (and not-so-officially a few years down the road). Not some fancy looking coupe that's more cramped internally - based on the W204 chassis - yet ridiculously overpriced, with a set of more Nissan Slyphy-ish rear lights.

The basic block of its 1.8l engine is carried over from the W211, displacing a remarkably similar 1796cc, reworked with a new top cam, pistons and con-rods to take up the higher stresses of direct gasoline injection plus turbocharging. Hence the acronym Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI).

Rated at astonishingly similar output of the last E200K's 184hp but with a higher maximum torque of 270Nm (+10Nm), initial drive has revealed a more punchier powerplant with perhaps the old school 5 A/T somewhat gagging the true potential of Daimler's reincarnated 4-pot modernised for the new decade.

With this in mind, perhaps the E250 CGI coming soon may not be the 'killer' E-Class that will snub out the real 2.5 V6 powered E230 W211 in drivetrain finesse seeing that the latter had 7G-Tronic, while the E250 CGI will make do with Merc's low cost (likely armortised, production cost-wise) 5 A/T. Once again, I am not referring to the silly E250 CGI Coupe. I'd be foolish not to consider the latest facelift Porsche Cayman 2.9 with PDK at that price segment.

Related posts:
New E-Class E200 CGI & E250 CGI
W212 E-Class launched in Malaysia
Mercedes E200K vs E200K!