Petrol prices fall by 78 paise in Delhi and 82 paise in Mumbai & Chennai

Indian government today slashed retail prices of petrol by Rs. 0.78 paise per litre to be effective midnight tonight. The decision was taken after a meeting here as softening Singapore spot petrol prices have offset the impact of a declining rupee.

This is the second reduction in petrol prices this month. On November 16, petrol prices were cut by Rs 2.22 per litre.

Prices of international gasoline, or petrol, have averaged $107 per barrel during the second half of November as against $115.85 a barrel average during the first fortnight that formed the basis for the Rs 2.22 per litre cut in prices, effected from November 16.

This is the third reduction in petrol price since January 2009 when rates were cut by Rs 5 per litre. Before that, the then oil minister Murli Deora had made oil firms slash petrol price by an equal proportion in December 2008.

The widening price gap between petrol and diesel has slowed the growth of petrol consumption, which has recently fallen behind that of diesel.

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Suzuki Motor Corporation in cooperation with Indian partner Maruti mulls to launch Electric Vehicles in India

Suzuki Motor Corporation plans to launch Electric Vehicles in India though the company sees Infrastructure in terms of Charging plugs as the major hinderance for the launch.

"It is under consideration to launch electric vehicles in India," Suzuki Motor Corporation Representative Director and Executive Vice President, Executive General Manager (Corporate Planning Office) Toshihiro Suzuki said.

The company officials present today at the Tokyo Motor Show launched the Electric version of Hatchback Swift along with Alto Eco. The company officials claim that Alto Eco will deliver a mileage of 30.2 Kmpl.

Suzuki also declined to comment on the possible timeline for introducing the electric vehicle saying, "When the time comes, we will introduce."

SMC also showcased its new Swift Sport and a concept electric scooter.

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Thailand lets Honda import cars tariff-free to June

Honda Motors has been the worst hit automaker due to Thai floods. The car maker was earlier hit by the Earthquake in Japan on 11 March 2011, and later on due to the floods in Thailand both the places where the auto maker has a vast presence.

Thailand government has now given some relief to the automaker by announcing the policy of not charging additional import cost by the already hit automaker.

All car producers in the country would be able to import parts and machinery tariff-free to replace goods damaged by the flooding, but only Honda will be allowed to bring in complete vehicles until June 30 and with effect from Oct. 25.

The normal charges shall apply with effect from 01^st July 2012.

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Workers at Hyundai Motors India Limited threaten to strike

Workers at Hyundai manufacturing plant have been motivated by the current strike at Maruti Suzuki India plant to form a new union at its current operating plant.

Hyundai Motor India Employees Union (HMIEU), like the Maruti Suzuki Manesar plant union which is not recognised by the management, is insisting that the workers, who have not been taken back under a tripartite agreement signed in December last year, must be reinstated.

In December last year, the company management, HMIEU and Tamil Nadu Labour commissionerate had signed a tripartite agreement and the company reinstated 14 employees out of 32 workers, who were dismissed during a three-day long stir at the plant in June. The remaining workers who were "found guilty of major offences" during the strike were asked to seek legal recourse. 

The workers have now demanded the reinstatement of 18 sacked colleagues else the production at the plant will be hit through the strike route.

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Volkswagen to launch Porsche cars in India in early 2012, to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2012

Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest car maker and world’s third largest car maker (pre-earthquake Rankings) will launch the iconic Porsche sports car in the Indian market. The fleet of cars to be launched in India would include Cayman, Boxster, 911, Panamera and Cayenne.

The cars will be launched in India through a fully imported route initially and will be assembled in the current manufacturing plant at Chakan in Pune, India at a later stage when volumes pick up.  VW brand which currently sells Volkswagen, Skoda and Audi for the Indian market has 5% market share. The company aims to increase its market share in the emerging market and thus seeks to expand its fleet of cars. At present, VW Phaeton and Audi R8 are brought into the country through fully imported route.

At present, the tax on cars assembled in India is 10% while that on the imported versions is 110%. Volkswagen will set up a new Sales team for luxury brand Porsche in India which will work under Anil Reddi, the current head of Sales at its subsidiary Audi.  Reddi will become Managing Director of Porsche India.  The operations are expected to start early 2012.

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Audi A4 Showroom trailer - VIDEO

Audi has recently given an uplift to its entry level sedan A4. The facelift came after the competition soared across the segment by other luxury car makers in India.

Unlike the new 3 Series or the new C-Class, the new A4 has not grown in length. The exterior of the new A4 is somewhat similar to the A5 with a new grill and new headlamps. The most significant changes can be observed inside the car which now comes with new steering wheels and trimming options. The Audi MMI has also now been upgraded.

Stay tuned for more details on the car when we get the first glimpse of the car at Auto Expo 2012. Jump to watch the new Audi A4 Showroom trailer.

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Maruti to come up with small 660 cc Kei Cars - Palette and MR Wagon at Auto Expo 2012

Maruti Suzuki has decided to enter the sub-800cc segment.

The competition in this segment was started by the launch of Tata Nano in India and now Renault Nissan has also laid down its plan to launch a small car in India. Maruti Suzuki has at present decided to display two cars at Auto Expo 2012 which are currently operational in Japan. Maruti Suzuki will firstly judge the response of the consumers and will then further launch more models for the Indian market.

Called Palette and MR Wagon, these cars are powered by parent Suzuki's smallest engine till date. While Suzuki Palette has a peculiar design, MR Wagon looks similar to Maruti Zen Estilo.

 “Though they are powered by tiny 660 cc petrol engines, they are not low labelled as a Nano,” pronounced Mayank Pareek, handling executive officer (marketing and sales), Maruti Suzuki India. “We are bringing these cars in a expo to investigate consumer feedback.

The stream era Estilo is loosely formed on a MR Wagon, Palette is a identical car though is taller. Maruti will also showcase an SUV judgment that has been designed by a RD centre in India in and with engineers in Japan. 

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Deal to supply Diesel engines from Fiat to Maruti finalized, Maruti to raise Swift output

Maruti has finalized the deal with Italy's Carmaker Fiat to supply 1 Lac diesel engines with immediate effect. The company was planning to seal the deal and this has been done now.

Maruti Suzuki Chairman RC Bhargava says, "There is a lot of Diesel Cars in India due to increased petrol prices by the government but due to our low capacity we were suffering. Now we have finalized the deal with Fiat and will subsequently raise the production of Swift Hatchback from 01st January 2012"

On the waiting period for swift, Mr. Bhargava said though we have promised to deliver the cars by April 2012 but once we ramp up the production, the waiting will subsequently be reduced.

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Toyota TRD and Renault Nissan NISMO, respective motor arms to enter Motorsports in India

Toyota Racing development, to be known and seen around as a logo on racing cars as “TRD”, the motorsport arm of Toyota Kirloskar Motors India Limited plans to enter the motorsports in India.

Seeing the interest in Racing/Motorsports from various Indian citizens at the recently held Formula 1 at Buddh International Status at Noida, the tickets were completely sold off and huge fan base was present at the race track.

Also, Volkswagen is already present in the Racing events organized in India at various places, the interest seen from the competitor carmakers is not at all shocking. Also, recently Renault Nissan also announced its plans to foray into Motorsports for the Indian market.

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Toyota to launch luxury brand Lexus in India in 2013

Looking at the ever surging demand for luxury cars in India, Japanese car maker Toyota Motor Corp. is set to introduce the Lexus brand in the country in 2013, according to two people familiar with the plan.

Speaking to Wheelomania.com during the Tokyo Motor Show, Yukitoshi Funo, Executive Vice-President, Toyota Motor Corporation said that the decision to launch Lexus in India had been taken and that the company was now moving to work out details on launch date, relevant models, operations and a dedicated sales network with its Indian affiliate Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd., to meet an early 2013 date to launch this iconic brand.

The company, which is present here through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, will set up separate exclusive showrooms for selling the cars and sports utility vehicles of the brand.

The Lexus range of luxury sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs), which have a strong following in India, will have its own dealership network.

While the Indian luxury car market forms less than 1% of the total car market, increased income levels saw the segment growing 70% in 2010. In 2011, most luxury car makers have defied the slowdown that has hit the rest of the industry and have surpassed the previous year’s numbers. Around 15,000 luxury cars were sold in India in 2010, and 20,000 units are expected to be sold this year.

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Petrol prices may fall by Rs 2 starting from 01st December 2011

A happy news reaches across knocking the doors of each and every citizen of India. Everyday he/she wakes up and sees some or the other commodity getting costlier, or if not he sees measures of growth, which shows the negative image every morning.

This morning we bring you a Good news and something which will effect most of the India's population. If we had asked 100 people in India, tell us which one commodity would you like to have got reduced the earliest (ofcourse everybody would have loved to see whole basket of commodities price coming down the ladder) 99 of them would have replied with "Crude".

So, here we are with a positive news from the Indian Government, that petrol prices may be reduced by Rs 2 wef 01st Decemeber 2011, Thursday the second successive cut in two weeks, as benchmark Singapore gasoline margins dipped after the last fortnightly review.

One official said the oil companies may decide on a smaller cut in prices to make up for past losses, but the oil ministry is keen to adopt a transparent system of petrol prices based on international rates. The previous fortnight ended November 15 saw petrol price in Delhi cut by Rs 2.22 a litre. Executives say the entire gain of petrol prices could not be passed on to the consumer because of the rupee depreciation.

The first downward revision was on November 16 when prices were cut by Rs 2.22 a litre in Delhi, reversing the November 4 price hike, following stiff resistance by all political parties including ruling Congress and its allies. 

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Suzuki Intruder M800 Launched in India at Rs 8.8 Lac, Ex showroom price new Delhi

Suzuki has introduced a strip down its 1800R bike, thus making a wise move by launching all new Suzuki Intruder 800, a 805cc with same chrome rich cruiser bike.

The Suzuki smaller brother is powered by four stroke, 45 degree V-twin fuel injected engine that generates 53bhp at 6000 rpm. Suzuki's smaller brother is launched at a price of INR 8.8 Lac nealry INR 4.5 Lac less than its elder brother.

The Intruder M800, like its bigger sibling features a fuel injected, liquid cooled V-Twin engine that runs on a 4 valves per cylinder and DOHC layout. The two cylinders are inclined at 45 degrees while the Intruder 1800′s cylinders are much wider with an inclination of 54 degrees. The Intruder M800 could be marginally more easier to handle as it weighs 279 Kilos, nearly 70 kilograms lesser than the Intruder 1800′s massive heft of 347 kilograms.

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Facelifted Mahindra Xylo MUV spotted - to be showcased at 2012 Auto Expo

Many of you must be knowing that Mahindra's are working on Compact Xylo SUV, but very few of you would be knowing that Mahindra's along with Compact Xylo are also working on the facelifted version of its current selling MUV, Mahindra Xylo and are planning to launch the MUV during the upcoming Auto Expo 2012.

The facelifted Xylo's images have been spotted by a Team BHPian. Though, the exteriors of the car were totally covered and were not visible but on interior many changes have been done to make the MUV stand in a better position as compared to its competitors.

 It would be quite interesting to see what Mahindra's have in place for the consumers and what changes have they made in the exisiting Xylo. Though, Maruti will launch its MUV "Ertiga" and Mahindra's on the other hand will showcase its facelifted Xylo.

Also, click here to see other Launches scheduled in the MUV segment for the Indian market.

Image Source : TeamBHP

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Skoda Rapid bookings cross 1500 in 10 days of launch

Skoda Rapid in Bullish on Indian prospects as the company has recently launched its global sedan “Rapid” firstly in India and plans to launch few more cars for the Indian market in coming few months.

Skoda rapid received 1500 bookings of its recently launched sedan “Rapid”. The car was launched in India on 16^th November which averages out to bookings of more than 150 vehicles a day.

The company, which sold about 20,000 units in 2010, is looking at a 50% growth in the current year , said Thomas Kuehl, member of the board, sales and marketing, Skoda Auto India. The optimism stems from the C-segment Rapid, which has received an overwhelming response and crossed the 1,500 booking mark within days of launch.

“The company, for the first time in India, has introduced online booking for Rapid and sold more than 25 cars through this channel,” said Kuehl, adding: “We seek to introduce the online booking system for all our models in the near future." Responding to a volley of questions, he said: “We have plans to introduce Fabia and Yeti variants, apart from a few models on the existing line. We expect Rapid to garner 50% of our total sales next year, with diesel variant expected to hold 70% of total Rapid sales.”

Mr. Kuehl said though the market sentiments are quite positive and the customers are willing to purchase new vehicles however the external forces including Interest Rates and Fuel prices and restricting them to take the decision. Mr. Kuehl still remains positive for the market and hopes the sales to increase in the coming days.  

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Toyota Kirloskar Motor allows visitors for Plant tour at its India (Bangalore) manufacturing plant

Toyota Kirloskar Motors gives an opportunity for Students and Corporates to visit the manufacturing facility of Toyota plant at Bangalore in India. Toyota wants to showcase the world's reknowned manufacturing process to the masses among India.

Toyota is known to be the leader for having a world class manufacturing process across the globe and hence in an urge to showcase the same, the company has launched an initiative for Corporates and other Educational Institutions to visit their manufacturing facility.

Educational Institutions can visit the facility on Wednesdays and Thursdays in a batch size of Minimum 15 and maximum 50 people.

Similarly, Corporate can also visit the facility on Tuesdays and Fridays in a batch size of minimum 10 and maximum 15 people.

You just need to drop a mail at factoryvisit@toyota-kirloskar.co.in. For other details, please visit the link here.

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New trailer for Automation - Video game company, now design your own car [ VIDEO]

The new trailer of Automation has hit the internet. This game allows you to design a vehicle from the ground up with your own chassis, engine and exterior design before attempting to sell the car to the masses as part of your own car company. The game is now officially available for pre-order, which can save you $10 off of the final $30 purchase price.

Watch the video for more details on the game.

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Car companies viz., Maruti, Toyota, GM & Honda may hike prices by up to Rs 25,000 on expensive imports

The car companies may revise the prices of its cars by up to Rs 10,000 for small cars and up to Rs 25,000 for sedans to offset the impact of weakening rupee on import costs despite the recent slump in sales.

The car makers which had earlier scheduled to look for price rise on 1st January 2012, will now review the prices even before that owing to external factors the most recent of which is depreciating rupee.

The weakening rupee has had an adverse effect on car makers like Maruti, Honda, Toyota and General Motors. Those automakers who depend on imports will bear the brunt of the Indian rupee losing out to the US dollar. Car makers are having to import components at a higher price. The rupee has lost out to the US dollar by as much as 17 percent since January, hitting an all time low of Rs 52.73 last week.

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GM Recalls Colorado Pickups for Faulty Seatbelt Warnings

General Motors Co. is recalling certain Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon mid-size pickup trucks from the 2012 model year to fix possible defects in their safety-belt warning systems.

On certain models, an electrical connector used on the driver’s seatbelt warning system may not have a snug fit. As a result, the connector can work loose and fail to provide the driver with a visual or audible warning that their seat belt is not fastened. In the event of a crash, occupants not wearing seat belts are at higher risk of injury than belted occupants.

The recall includes 5,220 vehicles. While the number of affected vehicles is relatively small, the defect is a serious one. Visual and audible seat belt warnings are part of the broad range of federally mandated safety equipment that falls under the umbrella of “occupant crash protection.”

GM says dealers will replace the seat belt buckle electrical connector terminals free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by Nov. 30. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 800-630-2438 and GMC at 866-996-9463.

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Mahindra Group looking at more acquisition in South Korea

Indian Automobile major Mahindra & Mahindra which was in news recently for the acquisition of Ssangyong in South Korea is now willing for more acquisitions in South Korea in Automotive space.

The reports quoted vice-chairman and managing director Anand Mahindra as saying "Yes, (if) there is an opportunity to further explore investments, more acquisition opportunities in Korea, particularly in implements, farm equipments, and technology, yes we will definitely look at. Currently, we are sourcing tractors from Tongyang of Korea and Mitsubishi of Japan and selling them in the US markets under the M&M band. I would like to deepen this relationship, by increasing the volume intake."

According to the reports, the Mahindras had completed in March the acquisition of the sick Ssangyong Motor Co for about Rs 2,105 crore, making its first foray into Far Eastern country. For M&M, which had lost the bid to buy JLR in 2008 to the Tatas, the SsangYong buyout was a big step towards realising its ambition to be a global player in the utility and sports utility vehicles segment.

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600cc Japan's Suzuki Alto Eco launched, delivers an astonishing 32kmpl

Suzuki Alto, which is sold as Maruti Suzuki A-Star in India, Nissan Pixo in the UK and Celerio in the middle east has now been relaunched in JDM(Japanese Domestic market) with a refined 600cc engine which delivers an astonishing 32 kmpl of mileage.

The reason for this astonishing fuel economy is a new 660 cc, R06A, three-cylinder engine with 52-horses at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 63Nm at 4,000 rpm coupled with a Start Stop system. The engine is mated to a CVT gearbox which powers the front wheels.

The 2012 Alto Eco will be offered in Japan in two trim levels, "S" and "L" with pricing set at 995,000 Yen (US$12,830) and 895,000 Yen (US$11,540) respectively. Sales will start on December 13. 

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BMW Mini Cooper Spy shot - caught testing in Indian market, to be unveiled at Auto Expo 2012

BMW Mini is all set to be launched in the Indian market. The three models with which the BMW iconic brand Mini will enter the Indian market are

1. Cooper Hatchback
2. Cooper Convertible
3. Countryman

The Cooper hatchback was also seen testing in the Indian market which has then led to the confirmation of BMW serious plans for the Indian hatchback market. The image can be clicked for an enlarged view.

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BMW Mini to enter Indian market with three models in Auto Expo

The German automobile maker BMW will bring its iconic Mini brand to India and it has been reported in The Business Line that the iconic three-door Cooper Hatch, the Cooper convertible and the Countryman SUV, will be the first three models set to enter India early next year. The three models to be displayed at Auto Expo 2012 will be :

1. Cooper hatchback
2. Cooper Convertible
3. Countryman

According to the report, the pricing will be somewhere around the X1 – in the Rs 25-35 lakh range. The company hopes to lure enthusiasts with high-end performance versions on offer, according to Dr Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India. To begin with the company will import the vehicles as completely-built units. “We will focus on the high-end market for performance-oriented engines,” he said. By January-March 2012, two Mini showrooms will open in Delhi, with a third in Mumbai. By end of next year, Pune, Chandigarh, Chennai and Bangalore will also see dealerships.

It was mentioned that a 52-year-old brand, Mini was initially developed as a small city car by the British Motor Corporation. It was bought by BMW in 1994 along with the Rover Group. The current larger (in size) Mini cars bear almost no technical relation to the original car, though they feature a similar design language. The BMW Group already sells the BMW, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad (two-wheeler) brands in India, though the last two are imported through independent channels. Only one brand is left without an Indian presence – Husqvarna motorcycles. After much discussion at the BMW Board level over the last few years, almost the entire range of the British brand is now expected to be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo in January next year. “We will showcase the entire range at the Auto Expo and will focus initially on brand-building,” said Dr Schaaf, according to the report.

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Sonalika Motors/ICML plans to launch SUV for the Indian market

International Cars and Motors Limited popularly known as Sonalika Motors in India is planning to launch a Sports Utility Vehicle for the Indian market. The car maker has plans already in place for the same and started the sourcing of components for the assembling of the SUV.

The SUV is expected to be launched at a starting price of Rs 9 - 10 Lac and will be competing with Mahindra XUV5OO, Force Motors F1, Tata Motors Aria and Skoda Yeti 4X2.  Sonalika had shown an SUV concept called Inspire at the 2008 Delhi Auto Expo.

The company announced that it is in talks with Pininfarina (the design house responsible for the many great Ferrari designs) and Lotus (the go-to company if you want excellent ride and handling) to develop a D segment sedan.

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Toyota's new SportCar GT86 revealed in Europe

The Toyota/Subaru joint rear-drive sport coupe is finally becoming a reality after years of teasing and tantalizing development that has seen three separately badged concept and near-production cars — the FT-86, Scion FR-S, and Subaru BRZ — revealed, driven and otherwise paraded around in one form or another over the past six months. Now, we have yet another moniker, the GT 86, which is what the car will officially be called in Europe.

The main features of this Sports Beauty are :

2.0-liter boxer with D4-S injection (direct and port injected)
197 hp @ 7,000 rpm and 151 lb-ft (205 Nm) @6,600 rpm
6-speed manual or automatic transmissions
17-inch wheel/tire package standard
4,240mm (167 in.) long, 1285mm (50.6 in.) high, 2,570mm (101 in.) wide
53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution
475mm (18.7 in.) center of gravity

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Mercedes Benz to Kill Maybach and introduce S600 Pullman in 2013

Mercedes Benz has decided to discontinue with its super luxury brand Maybach beginning 2013 and introduce S600 Pullman in its place. The decision is done based on the Low Sales of its existing models including 57 and 62.

We’ve come to the conclusion that it is better to cut our losses with Maybach than to continue into an uncertain future with a brand that has failed to live up to original sales expectations," the insider said. "Plans are already in place to fill the void left by the axing of the Maybach 57 and 62 with the next-generation S-class, which will be offered in three wheelbase variations and six different body styles, including a top-of-the-range S600 Pullman.

The 57 and 62 are named after their respective lengths of 5735 mm (225.8 inches) and 6170 mm (242.9 inches). Both are based around stretched underpinnings of the third-generation S-class first introduced in 1991. It standard guise they are powered by a 550-hp version of Mercedes-Benz’s twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 engine. A more powerful 62 S version also offered with a 621bhp twin turbocharged 6.0-liter V12.

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Ferrari announces Club for VIP Customers

Ferrari plans to create one of the world's most exclusive collector car clubs, according to reports.

The brand is looking to create a new group of its most elite customers who will be offered the best opportunities to get their hands on limited-edition models. Clients who own at least five Ferraris will have exclusive access to limited-edition models. And unlike the existing owners' club, according to Ferrari, there are only about 300 collectors around the world that own more than five Ferrari models and would qualify for this exclusive distinction.

The move could leave existing Ferrari aficionados around the world feeling a little short-changed -- the cache of being a part of the Ferrari Owners' Club, which has some 13,000 members, may take a dent compared to being a member of the new 'superclub'.

To ease the pain, the brand plans to set up an annual driving and sightseeing event around Italy from next spring, inviting a limited number of Ferrari owners to drive their cars through the country that inspired them.

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Toyota, BMW to partner on green technology: Reports

Japanese Automakers Toyota along with German BMW are gearing up to collaborate on Green technology front. The decision comes immediately after Mitsubishi and Suzuki joined hands on the same front for its upcoming van in February 2012.

Toyota, which is estimated to incur a production loss of 800-1,000 vehicles or 8-10% of total output due to the supply disruption, is diverting spare parts meant for plants in Indonesia and the Philippines to keep up production for the waiting Innova and Fortuner customers in India.

"Toyota Motor Asia Pacific has given India the top-most priority. It is helping us by sourcing and diverting components, meant for Indonesia and Japan, here to sustain our good growth. Through this arrangement we will have spare parts supply till the end of the month," said Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, marketing at Toyota Kirloskar.

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Renault, Nissan plan new small car for Indian market; to take on Maruti Suzuki’s Alto and Hyundai’s Eon

French car maker Renault and its alliance partner Nissan are considering a new small car for the Indian market. Renault has appointed Gerard Detourbet, currently head of its entry level division, to oversee the Indian project. The proposed entry-level small car will take on Maruti Suzuki's Alto and Hyundai's Eon in the country's rapidly growing small car market.

Mr Sudhir Rao, COO, Renault India, said, "40-50 % of the car market in India is at the entry level and going ahead too it will form one third of the total car market. So, our entry is inevitable. And this is a step in that direction."

Maruti Suzuki Alto has been market leader for quite some years now, which is because it hardly had any real competitors. For the first time in years, Alto faces a tough competitor in the form of Hyundai Eon but now the competition might come from Renault Nissan, VW and Skoda as well.

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Mosler Raptor GTR - Must Watch VIDEO

In 2010, Mosler announced they will release a facelifted version of MT900, based on the MT900M which participated in 2010 Super GT season. A rendering was made of the face lifted MT900 which was as far as the redesign progressed. Also the MT900 was to be renamed "Raptor". In May 2011 production was stopped and the factory closed down.

Engine

Type: supercharged and intercooled V-8, aluminium block and heads
Bore x stroke: 3.90 x 3.62 in, 99.0 x 92.0 mm
Displacement: 346 in³, 5665 cc
Compression ratio: 10.5:1
Fuel-delivery system: port injection
Supercharger: Eaton, Roots type
Maximum boost pressure: 6.0 psi
Valve gear: pushrods, 2 valves per cylinder, hydraulic lifters
Power (SAE net): 600 bhp (450 kW) @ 6300 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 557 ft·lbf (755 N·m) @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 6500 rpm

Drivetrain

Transmission: 6-speed manual
Final-drive ratio: 3.44:1, limited slip
Gear, Ratio, mph/1,000,000 rpm, Speed in gears
I, 3.82, 6.1, 40 mph (6500 rpm)
II, 2.15, 10.9, 71 mph (6500 rpm)
III, 1.56, 15.0, 98 mph (6500 rpm)
IV, 1.21, 19.4, 126 mph (6500 rpm)
V, 1.00, 23.4, 152 mph (6500 rpm)
VI, 0.85, 27.6, 179 mph (6500 rpm)

Acceleration

0 to 60 mph (97 km/h): 3.1 s
0 to 100 mph (160 km/h): 6.5 s
0 to 150 mph (240 km/h): 13.8 s
Street start, 5–60 mph: 3.7 s
Top-gear acceleration, 30–50 mph: 4.7 s
Top-gear acceleration, 50–70 mph: 3.8 s
Standing quarter-mile (400 m):386798637 11.0 s at 135 mph (217 km/h)
Top speed (redline limited): 179 mph (288 km/h)

The Video below is a must Watch. Grab it now.

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VW makes fun of MotorCycle riders in its new TV advertisement campaign in South Africa for Jetta 2012 [VIDEO]

Volkswagen has come out with yet another marketing campaign and this time in South Africa for its Jetta model. The car maker makes fun of motorcycle riders.

Watch the complete video for details.

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BMW premium selection/preowned cars launched in India - official press release images

BMW India has announced to start the pre-owned car service very soon as the company feels the need to share a common platform for the buyers and sellers of BMW in India. The first showroom for the pre-owned cars will start in New Delhi and others to follow soon. At present, BMW India has 25 Showrooms across India. Once the facility starts in New Delhi, the price of second hand BMW Cars could be

BMW 3 Series, 3-4 years old : 7-10 Lac

BMW 5 series, 3-4 years old : 14-18 Lac

BMW 7 Series, 2-3 years old : 40-55 Lac

The brochures of press releases of the car makers can be clicked upon for an enlarged image.

Click here to see the BMW Official Page of Premium selection running.

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Volkswagen Up spotted in New Delhi - Spy Pics emerge, to be unveiled at 2012 Auto Expo

Volkwagen Up has been spotted in Delhi by Sandeep Singh. The images are of Volkswagen Up on a flatbed truck in New Delhi. Since this is a three door car and hence has nothing to do for the Indian market. The only probable reason we can think of bringing the VW's three door Up in Delhi is to be showcased at Auto Expo 2012.

The VW Up is expected to start in the range of Rs 3 Lac and will be placed below VW Polo. For other stories on VW Up, Click here

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Honda launches new CB Unicorn Dazzler at price of INR 66,198

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) today launched a new variant of its 150 cc bike - CB Unicorn Dazzler, priced up to Rs 66,198 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The engine of the Dazzler has been derived from the proven 150 cc mill of the Unicorn (with a 0.7 bhp increase), but it is the styling which has managed bikers to sit up and take notice. Meanwhile Honda officials have stated that the CB Unicorn would continue to be in production along with the CB Unicorn Dazzler.

The attractive features of the bike include two-tone seat,new design mirror,handle bar weights,3D emblem,digital meter and front & rear disc brake.The new Deluxe variant of Dazzler is just Rs.1000 more than its Standard variant and hence is priced Rs.66,198(Ex-showroom,Delhi).

Dazzler’s Deluxe variant is available in two new dual tone colour options namely Pearl Sunbeam White (with Red) and Black (with Grey). The bike would be available in showrooms from November 2011.

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Mitsubishi to supply electric vehicles to Suzuki - Is Mitsubishi gaining from VW-Suzuki pact end?

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation of Japan is shaking hands with its rival in a strategy to collaborate two rivals and thus compete against a bigger rival. Suzuki and VW have been in news that they have ended the collaboration under which Volkswagen was to provide Electric Vehicle technology support to Suzuki and Suzuki will provide its marketing support.

Now with the end of the alliance between the two auto majors, Mitsubishi which has been a competitor to Suzuki is in news to start supplying Electric Vehicle technology to Suzuki starting from February 2012.

Suzuki will receive the Minicab-MiEV, which is set to debut by the year-end. Suzuki will market it under its own brand name, adding the first electric vehicle to its lineup. Mitsubishi plans to build around 4,000 of the vehicles in the financial year to next March.

Suzuki already supplies its Solio subcompact to Mitsubishi Motors.

If the companies reach an agreement, Mitsubishi, the maker of the world's first commercially produced electric car, the i-MiEV, would provide Suzuki with minicar-class light commercial electric vehicles, it said."The talks towards an agreement are intended to increase economies of scale for MMC which will in turn contribute to lower production costs and increased productivity," it said.

Mitsubishi is due to market two models of Minicab-MiEV to Suzuki of which one can run 100 Kilometres on a single electric charge and other can run 150 kilometres on a single electric charge.

Mitsubishi has also struck a similar deal to manufacture electric vehicles for sale by Nissan Motor Co., while Mitsubishi sells the Delica D:2 subcompact supplied by Suzuki.

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