Indian Car News

High localisation levels will result in ultra-competitive pricing Fiat plans to price its new Grande Punto and Linea models very aggressively when they are launched in India in mid-2008. While the Grande Punto should be priced at par with cars like the Getz 1.3 at Rs 5 lakh, the Linea would give the Maruti SX4 a run for its money at a Rs 6.5 lakh sticker price. The Fiats should have an edge over their rivals since they will be the largest in their class, offering solid build quality, spacious interiors, as well as the option of a diesel engine, all at a very competitive price. Key to this aggressive pricing is their very high localisation, with the engines themselves being 85 per cent indigenised at the time of launch. Currently, Fiat is building its huge new Ranjangaon plant near Pune, which will be the production base for the two cars. Production of the Palio Stile is already underway on a new assembly line here. Among the engines Fiat will make in India is the 1.3-litre Multijet die...

Expressing optimism over the Indian automart, Swedish car major Volvo said it planned to introduce two new models every year, while it sets eyes on gradually expanding its dealer network in the country. "By the end of the year we will be introducing our sedan S80 and SUV XC90. These vehicles have been undergoing homologation in India and almost all the tests are coming to an end," Volvo Car India Managing Director Paul de Voijs told PTI. Kicking off the India plan, the company today announced appointment of three dealers in Delhi, Mumbai and Chandigarh. "The idea is to have about 7-9 dealerships by next year. We will be beginning discussions with potential partners for the purpose early next year and depending on how it goes our dealership will be expanded accordingly," he added. Voijs said the company planned to launch two additional models every year in order to expand its offering in the Indian market. While the S80 will be pitched against BMW's 5-series (pri...

Ford India's Fusion has become even more attractive with the launch on Tuesday of the Fusion Diesel, with its Duratorq TDCi technology. The Fusion diesel, combining distinctive styling and versatility, costs Rs 6,59,000. The model is available in new introductory colours of Brush Steel and Mystic Wine, along with other popular colours such as Moon Dust Silver, Panther Black, Diamond White and Paprika Red. Arvind Mathew, Managing Director and President of Ford India, said, ``We are very enthused by the overwhelming response from Indian customers to Ford's technology. The increasing preference for Ford's TDCi badge bears testament to the superior performance of our diesel products. And now, with the launch of Fusion diesel, we are offering this next generation diesel technology to an extended set of customers.'' Scott McCormack, Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Service of Ford India, said that Fusion diesel would be a practical mix of international design, versa...

It is the latest from Audi. The new T-T Coupe is now available. The Volkswagen group company hopes to see a five-fold jump in sales in India by 2010. And the Audi R8 and A5 could be the next set of hot wheels to hit Indian roads, reports CNBC-TV18. If you have got Rs 40 lakh lying around, then you could consider driving home the latest Audi TT Coupe. The Volkswagen group company, Audi has so far sold 600 cars in India since it debuted three years ago. But now, the company is hoping to cash in on the India economic boom. Audi hopes to see a five-fold jump in sales to 3000 cars by 2010. The company has set up an indepepndent marketing and sales office in India and has appointed Benoit Tiers as Managing Director. Audi's most popular model the A6 will be assembled at group company, Skoda's Aurangabad factory by October. The A4 may also be assmebled in India at 'alter' stage. Benoit Tiers, MD, Audi India says, "We are different from our sister concerns as our positionin...

The Honda Civic is a global best-seller, and has enjoyed success in India too, selling over 20,000 units since its launch in July last year. To celebrate this success, and on the basis of customer feedback, Honda has launched the V variant, which includes additional features like leather upholstery, fog lamps, door mirror-mounted turn indicators and chrome accents on the interior trim. These embellishments augment the car’s luxurious character and are in keeping with current customer demands. Honda has also introduced two new shades — Misty Violet, and Carbon Bronze Pearl — of which Misty Violet is exclusive to the V. These additional features have resulted in a considerable price jump. The 1.8V costs Rs 11.51 lakh for the manual, and Rs 12.21 lakh for the paddle-shift auto, (ex-showroom, Delhi). The extra Rs 60,000 for this new version is pretty good value considering that you would have to spend as much or possibly more to retro-fit these goodies.