Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Mahindra delays launch in U.S. to late 2009]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/mahindra-delays-launch-in-u-s-to-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/mahindra-delays-launch-in-u-s-to-late-2009/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/25/mahindra-delays-launch-in-u-s-to-late-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,




Truck shoppers hoping to grab a Mahindra pickup early next year are gonna have to wait a little longer. It seems the challenges of bringing an India-made vehicle to the U.S. are difficult, and the vehicles now won't go on sale in the U.S. before the fourth quarter of 2009.

Even though 324 dealers have signed up to sell the truck, few of them have actually built the needed facilities. That's not enough to keep Georgia-based Global Vehicles from going ahead with their plans to begin U.S. sales. But GV's CEO John Perez recenly spoke to Mahindra's global managing director Anand Mahindra who, according to Automotive News, said that no truck with his family's name on it was going to fail in the U.S. Mr. Mahindra plans to run a fleet of his company's vehicles over 3.2 million miles of U.S. roads before he'll be approve the trucks for sale here.

The plan is for the trucks to utilize a 4-cylinder diesel engine not yet approved by the EPA. But Perez says he has no fear their January application will have any trouble getting blessed.

While the trucks are getting some U.S. experience, Global Vehicles will continue to sign up new dealers, and hopes to have 450 by the end of 2009. The importer has a sales goal of 50,000 vehicles a year, though Mahindra says it could produce as many as 400,000 U.S.-bound trucks if demand is there. And if Mahindra's promise of 30 mpg holds true, there could be huge demand. If things go well, look for a diesel-powered Mahindra SUV to follow.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Pickuptrucks.com]

 

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]]>dieselglobal vehiclesmahindrapickuptruck2008-08-25T17:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Police and protestors clash at future site of Tata Nano plant]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/police-and-protestors-clash-at-future-site-of-tata-nano-plant/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano

Raze 1,000-acres of farmland to build an automobile factory, and somebody is going to protest. Even in India. The automaker is Tata, and the protesters numbered at least 1,000 strong as they went head-to-head against police in eastern India yesterday at the future manufacturing site of the Tata Nano (rumored to be the world's cheapest car at just $2,380). The protests are rooted deeper than just "open space" issues. In fact, the real tension is between India's ruling party, and the communist-run government in West Bengal where the plant is to be located. The farmers are unwilling to part with their agricultural livelihood, while the government continues to promote industry. After blocking a highway for a few hours, the stick-wielding protesters were dispersed without injuries. Once again, progress wins out over pastures.

Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

 

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]]>clashfactoryfarmlandmanufacturingplantpoliceprotestsriottata nanotata nano successorTataNanoTataNanoSuccessor2008-08-21T14:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: 2009 Honda City?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/20/spy-shots-2009-honda-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Honda is set to release the fourth-generation of its City subcompact and these newest spy shots show that development is well underway. The previous generation had been based on the Honda Jazz, known in the U.S. as the Fit, but the new model moves away from that platform and grows slightly larger in the process. Expect to see either a 1.3- or 1.5-liter i-VTEC SOHC engine underhood, along with either a standard manual tranny or a CVT automatic with seven preset ratios controlled through steering wheel-mounted paddles. Although Honda has no plans -- as far as we know -- to bring the City to the States, the Fit model has managed to post a huge 73% increase in sales this year. Considering how hot fuel-sipping little cars are these days in the U.S. market, Honda could certainly do worse than to offer this attractive new subcompact car in the States.

[Source: paultan.org]

 

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]]>2009 honda city2009HondaCityhonda cityhonda city spy shotsHondaCityHondaCitySpyShots2008-08-20T08:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mahindra not interested in HUMMER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/mahindra-not-interested-in-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/mahindra-not-interested-in-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/mahindra-not-interested-in-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Despite assurances from top GM brass, every bidder for the troubled HUMMER brand appears to be removing itself from the rumormill. Considered one of the strongest suitors interested in the off-road marque, India's Mahindra is the latest brand to pull out of consideration. According to Vice Chairman Anand Mahindra, "There has been a lot of speculation. I want to say categorically we are not pursuing HUMMER." That sounds pretty definitive to us, leaving Tata Motors as the only company from India still reportedly interested. Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has pulled his name out of the mix, as has China's Hunan Changfeng Motor Co. Until an official announcement is made, all of this is just speculation, but we have to wonder just how valuable the HUMMER brand could possibly be now that its sales have plummeted so far and so fast.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>hummerhummer biddershummer saleHummerBiddersHummerSalehunan changfen motorsHunanChangfenMotorsmahindraoleg deripaskaOlegDeripaskatata2008-08-18T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Hyundai considers sourcing city car from India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/18/hyundai-considering-sourcing-city-car-from-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Hyundai i10.

Since last October, Hyundai has been selling the i10 minicar in 70 countries throughout the world. The diminutive sedan is just over 140 inches long (about 20 inches shorter than the Honda Fit), powered by an 80 hp, 1.2-liter four that returns up to 56 mpg and retails for between $7,800 and $11,200 in India. Those specs could be enticing for American consumers looking for a simple runabout that's smaller than the Fit/Yaris and larger than the smart fortwo, so Hyundai is seriously considering bringing it to the States.

According to a Hyundai source speaking with Automotive News, the i10 would retain its name and could be badged either a Hyundai or a Kia. Output would be increased, and its curb weight would grow by around 400 pounds in order to meet U.S. safety standards. But with features like keyless entry, ABS, dual airbags and fog lamps, the i10 could be a serious consideration for consumers looking for a cheap commuter with the amenities they've grown to expect.

Gallery: Hyundai i10


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>hyundaihyundai i10HyundaiI10i102008-08-18T09:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/08/suzuki-maruti-alto-to-debut-in-paris/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for two high-res shots of the new Suzuki Alto

Suzuki will bring its seventh-generation Alto to the Paris Motor Show this October, featuring stylistic and powertrain upgrades to compete with the best and brightest from the budget-oriented, compact class. Based on the A-Star concept introduced at last year's New Delhi Motor Show, the new model will be built in India by Maruti Suzuki's Manesar plant, and will likely packing a 1.0-liter engine which should make Euro V emissions regulations a breeze to exceed. Expect the new Alto to find its largest market in India, along with limited sales throughout Europe. For an economy car, it's a pretty decent looker from what we can tell from the two shots Suzuki's released ahead of the show, and we expect it will find plenty of buyers looking for a relatively cheap way to get around. Check the press release after the break for more.

Gallery: Paris Preview: Suzuki Alto


[Source: Suzuki]

Continue reading Suzuki Maruti Alto to debut in Paris

 

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]]>maruti altoMarutiAltoparis 2008paris motor showParis2008ParisMotorShowsuzukisuzuki altosuzuki marutisuzuki maruti altoSuzukiAltoSuzukiMarutiSuzukiMarutiAlto2008-08-08T08:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Chrysler in negotiations with Tata, Fiat to help boost bottom line]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/chrysler-in-negotiations-with-tata-fiat-to-help-boost-bottom-li/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/chrysler-in-negotiations-with-tata-fiat-to-help-boost-bottom-li/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/31/chrysler-in-negotiations-with-tata-fiat-to-help-boost-bottom-li/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The key to Chrysler LLC remaining as one of the Detroit automakers could turn out to be the rest of the world. Reuters reports that Chrysler has been chatting up both Tata Motors and Fiat as a means of survival. A deal with Tata might see the evergreen Jeep Wrangler being proffered in India by Tata, as well as the possibility of an electric vehicle partnership. The EV deal might be centered around an electron-motivated version of Tata's Ace, and those talks are running concurrently with whatever possible Jeep discussions are underway.

A little further west of Tata, in Italy, Fiat is reportedly considering leasing some of Chrysler's manufacturing capacity. A deal that puts business in Chrysler plants would certainly help rustle up some cash, while it would be mutually beneficial for Fiat as it contemplates a return to the North American market. Nobody is commenting officially, but we're likely to continue to see creative deals abound as everyone tries to keep their heads above water.

[Source: The Guardian]

 

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]]>chrysler fiatchrysler indiachrysler partnershipchrysler tatachrysler tata fiatChryslerFiatChryslerIndiaChryslerPartnershipChryslerTataChryslerTataFiatfiat americaFiatAmericajeep indiaJeepIndia2008-07-31T09:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[KTM preparing low-cost, clean city cars and SUV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/ktm-preparing-low-cost-clean-city-cars-and-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/ktm-preparing-low-cost-clean-city-cars-and-suv/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/09/ktm-preparing-low-cost-clean-city-cars-and-suv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As suspected, the KTM X-Bow is just the beginning of the bike-cum-automaker's assault on the four-wheeled world. According to CAR, KTM is in the process of creating a "slew" budget oriented vehicles, including a city car and "the world's first frugal and eco-friendly off-roader."

The SUV, codenamed the New Haflinger, will split the difference between KTM's world-renowned bikes and a traditional utility vehicle, with a small footprint, an open- or closed-top body and the ability to handle the rigors of the Paris-Dakar rally (which it plans to compete in with four wheels) while still holding its own on the road.

Three separate city vehicles are also part of the product onslaught, which is being co-developed with Bajaj Auto, India's third largest automaker. One will be a four-seat, four-wheel runabout, while a scooter and three-wheeled modern take on the tuk-tuk is under development. KTM's aim is to produce a wide variety of bodystyles and drivetrains, and its plans to include gasoline- and diesel-powered models, along with an EV in the future.

[Source: CAR]

 

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]]>city carCityCarktmktm city carktm suvKtmCityCarKtmSuvnew haflingerNewHaflingersuv2008-07-09T11:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[HItting $2,500 difficult for Tata's Nano as steel prices rise]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/hitting-2-500-difficult-for-tatas-nano-as-steel-prices-rise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/hitting-2-500-difficult-for-tatas-nano-as-steel-prices-rise/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/08/hitting-2-500-difficult-for-tatas-nano-as-steel-prices-rise/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The Tata Nano exudes frugality, and when you're trying to build a capable vehicle for a paltry $2,500, that's not exactly unexpected. Unfortunately for the Indian automaker, the quickly rising cost of steel may thwart plans to hit the magic price-point. The price of steel has risen by 50 percent in less than a year, and even though the little Nano is only 1,300 lbs, when you're making an econobox on the mega-cheap, every penny counts. Like US automakers have done in the past, Tata is looking to its suppliers to shoulder some of the financial burden. Amazingly, the suppliers are okay with that, provided that Tata does its share.

Even with concessions from suppliers, it's still up in the air as to whether Tata will achieve its lofty target. It appears using a nice round price as a selling point for a vehicle that's a year away wasn't such a good idea after all.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

 

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]]>2500 car2500Carsteel pricesSteelPricestata nanoTataNano2008-07-08T11:31:00+00:00<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Production Suzuki A-Star spotted in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/spy-shots-production-suzuki-a-star-spotted-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/spy-shots-production-suzuki-a-star-spotted-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/23/spy-shots-production-suzuki-a-star-spotted-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although it is undoubtedly toned down a bit, Suzuki has been able to create what appears to be a nearly production-ready version of the A-Star concept it showed at the last New Delhi Motor Show just six months ago. The Indian release of the new car indicates just how important the emerging markets are to automakers, though the A-Star is likely to be available in most every country besides North America. Looking over the shots, evidence of cost-cutting is rather obvious, especially in the hard plastic interior. Still, for its intended market, the low price and relatively good looks will likely be more than enough to make this a successful platform for Suzuki.

[Source: Team BHP via Jalopnik]

 

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]]>indiasuzukisuzuki a-starsuzuki a-star conceptsuzuki splashSuzukiA-starSuzukiA-starConceptSuzukiSplash2008-06-23T17:28:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mahindra "keen" to buy HUMMER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/mahindra-keen-to-buy-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/mahindra-keen-to-buy-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/17/mahindra-keen-to-buy-hummer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



General Motors is already having meetings with its dealers regarding all the possibilities for its HUMMER brand. According to reports, there are several companies interested in making a purchase of the military-inspired vehicles, though Tata Motors now appears uninterested despite earlier reports. One suitor is said to be Mahindra & Mahindra, the Indian company that plans on making a big splash entering the American market itself over the next few years. Just-Auto quotes an unnamed official at the company who says "Mahindra is very keen on acquiring the Hummer." Hmm... Isn't it interesting how one little word can change the meaning of an entire sentence. Anyway, Mahindra already produces a vehicle that shares an eerie resemblance to the original GI-spec HUMMER that it sells to the Indian military.

Currently, the vast majority of Hummer sales are made in the States, but Mahindra doesn't sound worried about that. "The U.S. market might not be able to afford their own HUMMER any longer, but India is a growing and strong economy. When Indians like something we go out and get it, no matter what the cost, because we know how to make it work for us," according to an unnamed source. Uh huh... good luck with that.

[Source: Just-Auto - sub. req'd]

 

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]]>hummerindia hummerIndiaHummermahindramahindra and mahindramahindra axemahindra hummermahindra-and-mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMahindraAxeMahindraHummer2008-06-17T11:01:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mahindra's diesel pickup drops 'Appalachian' name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/mahindras-diesel-pickup-drops-appalachian-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/mahindras-diesel-pickup-drops-appalachian-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/14/mahindras-diesel-pickup-drops-appalachian-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While it might not be the prettiest girl at the prom, we're still extremely intrigued by Mahindra's upcoming diesel pickup for the American market. Up until today, we've been referring to the new truck as the Appalachian, though reports now indicate that it will drop that moniker. Apparently, the Indian company wants to highlight its own name in an effort to build some much-needed brand recognition in a market it has never played in before. For that reason, some sort of nondescript name made from numbers and/or letters is to be expected.

Mahindra's newly un-named truck will feature a new four-cylinder diesel engine produced just for the States with help from Bosch and AVL. Power output should hover around 150 horses, though torque is expected to be a massive 300 lb-ft. Coupled with what should be reasonable fuel economy from just 2.2 liters of displacement, we think that Mahindra's new pickup could re-ignite the compact pickup market in no time at all. At least one domestic brand might be thinking the same thing, as this spy shot indicates that one of Detroit's finest brought one over for testing.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

 

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]]>compact truckCompactTruckdiesel truckDieselTruckmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra appalachianmahindra dieselmahindra truckmahindra-and-mahindramahindraandmahindraMahindraAppalachianMahindraDieselMahindraTrucksmall truckSmallTruck2008-06-14T17:22:00+00:00<![CDATA[REPORT: Tata and Mahindra interested in HUMMER]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/report-tata-and-mahindra-interested-in-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/report-tata-and-mahindra-interested-in-hummer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/06/report-tata-and-mahindra-interested-in-hummer/#commentsFiled under: ,



Got an automotive brand to sell? It doesn't matter how it's performing in the marketplace, whether its products are outdated or just not popular in the present buying climate. If you've got one, an Indian automaker wants to buy it. At least that's the way it seems after learning that two Indian automakers, Tata and Mahindra, have approached General Motors to purchase the HUMMER brand. GM only announced that it would begin considering what to do with HUMMER this week.

Tata has already gobbled up Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, but apparently is still hungry for some more American-owned metal, and what's more American than HUMMER? Mahindra, meanwhile, will be bringing its diesel-powered Appalachian pickup to the U.S. market by the end of 2009. Tata and Mahindra tend to go after the same things, as both were bidders for Jaguar/Land Rover and both are competing for the right to own motorcycle manufacturer MV Agusta. Of course, neither India-based company is commenting on their interest in HUMMER and GM's all like, "Whoa, we just said we were thinking about it" (not an actual quote). HUMMER sales last month fell 60.2% last month compared to May 2007, and with gas prices going up and up, the poster brand for insensitive consumption may not have long to live under the GM corporate umbrella.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

 

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]]>hummer indiahummer indianhummer mahindrahummer tataHummerIndiaHummerIndianHummerMahindraHummerTatamahindra hummerMahindraHummertata hummertata mahindra hummerTataHummerTataMahindraHummer2008-06-06T14:51:00+00:00<![CDATA[Mahindra joins Tata as interested party to purchase MV Agusta?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/mahindra-joins-tata-as-interested-party-to-purchase-mv-agusta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/mahindra-joins-tata-as-interested-party-to-purchase-mv-agusta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/22/mahindra-joins-tata-as-interested-party-to-purchase-mv-agusta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for pictures of the Brutale 910 R

Tata Motors, rumored to have been interested in purchasing a large chunk of Italian motorcycle maker MV Agusta, could have some competition. Another large Indian conglomerate, Mahindra & Mahindra may now be interested in a controlling stake in the storied company. According to India Automotive, the potential exists to gain instant traction in the global motorcycle market by picking up MV Agusta, and the Italian company could use the extra funds from a large and profitable company to release a new line of more competitive machines.

Volkswagen, are you paying attention to all of this? As we've previously reported, the German automaker has expressed interest in purchasing an established motorcycle brand, even going so far as to mention Ducati by name. MV Agusta would offer instant credibility and would be a rather easy entrance into the marketplace.

[Source: India Automotive]

 

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]]>mahindramahindra and mahindramahindra-and-mahindramahindraandmahindramv agustamv-agustaMvAgustatatatata motorstata-motorsTataMotors2008-05-22T07:59:00+00:00<![CDATA[Production of Tata Nano could be delayed due to land dispute]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/production-of-tata-nano-could-be-delayed-due-to-land-dispute/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/production-of-tata-nano-could-be-delayed-due-to-land-dispute/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/13/production-of-tata-nano-could-be-delayed-due-to-land-dispute/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Tata Nano.

Indian carmaker Tata chose a site in Singur, India for the plant that would make the Nano, the world's cheapest car. Not long afterward, eleven petitions were filed in the Calcutta High Court stating that the purchase of the land for the factory violated the Land Acquisition Act of 1894. It was alleged that the government of Bengal forcibly took "fertile multi-crop agricultural land" from farmers for industrial use, which isn't allowed.

Earlier this year, the Calcutta High Court found in favor of the government of West Bengal (where Singur is) and Tata. Now another petition has been filed with India's Supreme Court over the issue, and the Supreme Court has asked the West Bengal government and Tata to respond.

The issue for the moment is that the Nano is supposed to go on sale in October -- but the next hearing over the land use petition won't be held until July. Some suppose a revised land deal might drive up the price of the car. Regardless, if Tata doesn't work out a production alternative, Tata won't get the head start it was hoping for on what could be a huge market.

Gallery: Tata Nano


Gallery: Tato Nano - Live from Geneva


[Source: Times of India via Detroit News]

 

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]]>disputedisputesindianano factoryNanoFactorytatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano2008-05-13T17:29:00+00:00<![CDATA[Confirmed: Nissan/Renault developing low-cost Nano-killer with Bajaj]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/confirmed-nissan-renault-developing-low-cost-nano-killer-with-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/confirmed-nissan-renault-developing-low-cost-nano-killer-with-b/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/12/confirmed-nissan-renault-developing-low-cost-nano-killer-with-b/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



It was rumored that Nissan/Renault was serious about fielding a low-priced competitor to the $2,500 USD Tata Nano, and the automaker made it official today by announcing a plan to produce an equally inexpensive car called the ULC in conjunction with Indian automaker Bajaj Auto. The two companies are forming a joint-venture to produce the ULC, which will be built at an all-new facility in Chakan, India at an initial rate of 400,000 units per year. The Tata Nano has no need for concern just yet, as the ULC isn't scheduled to go on sale until early 2011 in India and then even later in export countries. We're doubtful that the U.S. is among those export considerations, but parts of Europe will likely see the ULC not long after the Nano arrives in their market.

[Source: Nissan/Renault]

Continue reading Confirmed: Nissan/Renault developing low-cost Nano-killer with Bajaj

 

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]]>2500 ulc2500Ulcbajajnissanrenaulttata nanotata nano europetata nano ulcTataNanoTataNanoEuropeTataNanoUlculculc nanoUlcNano2008-05-12T13:58:00+00:00<![CDATA[Nissan/Renault considering Nano competitor for India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/nissan-renault-considering-nano-competitor-for-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/nissan-renault-considering-nano-competitor-for-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/08/nissan-renault-considering-nano-competitor-for-india/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Countries like China and India are a hotbed for the auto industry, and every major automaker is looking to improve its standing in the emerging markets while they're still on the ground floor. Low-cost micro cars are all the rage in the East, and Nissan/Renault is looking into getting a piece of that action by producing a Nano fighter. Nissan Motor India Director Neeraj Garg told The Times of India that while higher priced sedans and SUVs are also scheduled for India's booming auto market, a low-priced hatch is also on the wishlist if the pricing is right.

Company officials say that the low-cost transportation could be among six new products scheduled for India by 2012, and with the country's low-cost labor, Nissan/Renault could also export any vehicles it makes there.

[Source: The Times of India]

 

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]]>Indiamicro carMicroCarNissanRenaultTata NanoTataNano2008-05-08T09:02:00+00:00<![CDATA[In India, Kama Sutra inspires young car designer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/in-india-kama-sutra-inspires-young-car-designer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/in-india-kama-sutra-inspires-young-car-designer/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/30/in-india-kama-sutra-inspires-young-car-designer/#commentsFiled under: ,

We've heard the styling of some Italian cars being referred to as sensual before, so it comes as little surprise that the Italian styling firm Pininfarina's interest was piqued when it heard that a young Indian's car designs were inspired by the ancient love-making guide Kama Sutra. Ramesh Gound, a student of the National Institute of design in India says, "When I thought of what the world associates with India, it is Kama Sutra that came to my mind. After studying Kama Sutra, I realized its essence and my theme emerged -- two objects coming together and moving in one direction with a force of passion." He adds, "the exteriors of the body curve and become part of the interiors of the car." Yeah... so it sounds like his studies into Kama Sutra proved useful. For all of his hard work, Gound was rewarded with an internship at the famous Italian design house.

[Source: Times of India]

 

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]]>indiakamakama sutrakama-sutrakamasutrapininfarinaramesh goundramesh-goundRameshGound2008-04-30T18:34:00+00:00<![CDATA[Toyota considering Indian plant for small car production]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/toyota-considering-indian-plant-for-small-car-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for more high-res images of the Toyota iQ

Toyota has been working on an affordable small car that will be cost-competitive in emerging markets, and Autocar is reporting that India is being considered as a destination for production. India makes sense due to its low-cost labor, and with competitors like the Tata Nano going for as little as $2,500, the world's biggest automaker will need to cut cost everywhere it can. There is no word as to exactly what vehicle would be produced in India, but one option is Toyota's production iQ from Geneva, which is scheduled to begin production later in 2008. Toyota is looking for initial sales of the iQ to crest 100,000 units.

Gallery: 2009 Toyota iQ


[Source: Autocar via Winding Road]

 

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]]>IndiaiQMicrocarTata NanoTataNanoToyota2008-04-29T08:56:00+00:00<![CDATA[Rumormill: Tata looking to buy stake in MV Agusta]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/rumormill-tata-looking-to-buy-stake-in-mv-agusta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/rumormill-tata-looking-to-buy-stake-in-mv-agusta/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/28/rumormill-tata-looking-to-buy-stake-in-mv-agusta/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click on the image above for pictures of the Brutale 910 R

Volkswagen may not be the only auto manufacturer interesting in a storied Italian motorcycle maker. Hot on the heels of its purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover, rumors are swirling that Tata may be considering purchasing a stake in MV Agusta. According to a few Indian and Italian sources, Ratan Tata, chairman of the Tata Group, is reportedly in talks with Claudio Castiglioni, the man running the show at MV Agusta.

Tata's involvement with MV Agusta could inject a unique flavor to the Indian conglomerate's portfolio, which has already been boosted by its acquisition of the two aforementioned classic British marques. A healthy injection of cash could do wonders for MV Agusta as well, considering what it has already proven capable of even in its currently meager financial position.

Gallery: MV Agusta Brutale 910R


[Sources: Faster and Faster, India Automotive, Motoblog]

 

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]]>motorcyclemotorcyclesmv agustamv-agustaMvAgustatatatata motorcycletata motorstata mv agustatata-motorcycletata-motorstata-mv agustatata-mv-agustaTata-mvAgustaTataMotorcycleTataMotorsTataMvAgusta2008-04-28T13:03:00+00:00