Sunday, February 28, 2010
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
Saturday, February 13, 2010
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
Another world's cheapest car by EcoCa in India
Tata Nano in New York
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
Tata Nano at Rs 1 crore!
Tata may unveil Prima at Auto Expo 2010
Tata Indicruz, Tata Indica Vista Igins at Auto Expo
Tata to showcase Indicruz model in the Delhi Auto show
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, 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
Tata replaced Hyundai as second largest car maker
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.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
2010 FIA GT1 World Championship
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
Price: Rs 2,24,835* - Rs 2,72,824*
Suzuki SX4 Overseas Model
Maruti increases prices of its models
Google study concludes Maruti Suzuki as most searched car brand
Cool car: Ford Ikon ikool launched
Next week will see brand new Ford Endeavour
"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 car demands on a high
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 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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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.