Thursday, 2 August 2012
Thursday, 26 April 2012
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Toyota to launch new cars with bolder , stronger & more venturesome designs
Toyota to launch new cars with bolder , stronger & more venturesome designs
After decades of emphasizing staid reliability, Toyota wants to start running with the cool kids.
In a new approach announced Monday, the company, Japan's biggest automaker, said it was overhauling its development system to give engineers more freedom to experiment with bolder, more daring designs.
"We want to take more risks," Akio Toyoda, the automaker's chief executive and grandson of the company's founder, told reporters Monday at the main design lab at headquarters here in Toyota City, 200 miles southwest of Tokyo.
The company will give more power to its engineers, Toyoda said, and streamline design decisions, partly by reducing the number of executives involved in reviewing new designs. Previously, design changes could be reviewed by as many as 100 executives.
But the engineers will be under pressure to cut costs by using standard parts across different models, Toyoda said at a briefing at the tightly guarded lab, where reporters' cellphones and cameras were confiscated.
Toyota will also cede more research and development for emerging-economy nations to locally based teams, allowing designers to craft models specifically to local tastes, he said.
In many ways, Toyota is eager to reinvent itself after three disastrous years marred by problems of its own making as well as those beyond its control. A collapse in trade during the global economic crisis contributed to Toyota's biggest-ever loss, while widespread product recalls in 2009 tarnished its once-stellar safety record.
More recently, last year's tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand crimped production for months. And a strong yen continues to weigh on the company's competitiveness and bottom line.
But the 75-year-old company is also trying to refresh an even deeper-rooted issue: a design philosophy that has focused more on function, cost and efficiency than form.
Take the Camry, the sensible grocery-getter. Despite its status as the best-selling car in North America, its design has long been the butt of jokes.
Source - economictimes.indiatimes.com
Tuesday, 27 March 2012
Toyota to debut 2013 Avalon Concept at the 2012 New York International Auto Show
Toyota to debut 2013 Avalon Concept at the 2012 New York International Auto Show
Toyota has announced today that it will be bringing an all new U.S. designed sedan to show off at the 2012 New York Auto Show.
The details are sparse on what the new car will be, with Toyota saying, “the sedan’s exciting new design features an elegant yet athletic look.” The new car could possibly be an all new 2013 Avalon , although we can’t be sure.
Designed in the U.S. (presumably at the brand’s Calty design center in California), it features some massive wheels, aggressive exhaust tops and even a rear-end that’s inspired by the new Scion FR-S sports car.
Toyota designers who worked on the car will be hosting a live video chat at 2pm on the day of the reveal &it will be answering the public’s questions regarding the new mystery car.
Source -autoguide
BMW recalls 1.3 million 5-series and 6-series vehicles worldwide recalled from model year 2003-2010
BMW recalls 1.3 million 5-series and 6-series vehicles worldwide recalled from model year 2003-2010
BMW AG is recalling 1.3 million 5- and 6-series cars from the 2003 to 2010 model years.
The company says that in rare cases a battery cable covering in the trunk was incorrectly installed.
The defect could prevent the car from starting and in extreme cases could lead to a fire. BMW says it knows of no accidents or injuries from the defect.
The recalls will be undertaken by dealers and are expected to take between half an hour and an hour. There will be no charge.
The numbers for the recall are pretty vast, though; 109,000 vehicles in the UK, 102,000 in China, 283,000 in Germany and 368,000 in the US.
BMW has also recently announced a rash of recalls of the German automaker's BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce divisions over water pump problems.
Source - nydailynews
Michelin Tyres India targets 25 % growth by 2015
Michelin Tyres India targets 25 % growth by 2015
Michelin Tyres India is targeting ambitious double-digit growth of 25 percent in India by 2015 on the back of a robust distribution network for passenger car radials & two-wheeler tyres as well as manufacturing base for trucks and buses.
Michelin Tyres India had last year announced an investment of Rs 4,000 crore in a manufacturing facility at Chennai for producing truck and bus radials and had also signed an MoU with the Tamil Nadu government for the same. The investment would fan out over seven years and would be spread across 290 acres.
Thom Clark, managing director of Michelin India, said that the plant is on track with construction underway. Production was expected to roll off by end-2012 but with Michelin going slow on its expansion projects in emerging markets, as a result of the slowdown in the automotive industry globally, production is now expected to kick off sometime next year.
Clark projected that the demand for radial tyres for the commercial vehicle market is slated to rise from the current 15 percent to 50 percent by 2021 and Michelin is optimistic of piggyback riding on this growth with its new tubeless technology for tyres for the CV segment. In the passenger car segment, Clark foresees growth of radials in the 12 to 15-inch seat segment which cover a large number of cars ranging from the Maruti Alto to the Honda City. Michelin spends about Euro 500 million in R&D every year for its North American, Asian & European markets that includes innovating new tyre technologies.
Michelin Tyres India has also launched the new Michelin Energy XM2 tyre for passenger cars in India. The Energy XM2 is a new design which aims to improve fuel savings, mileage & safety. Compared to the previous-generation Energy tyre, the Energy XM2 uses less fuel thanks to an 8 percent reduction in rolling resistance, lasts up to 15 percent longer and stops 1.7m shorter.
The tyre incorporates Ironflex technology combining strength and flexibility. Coupled with an optimised casing design, the new tyre is better able to absorb and effectively dissipate peak stresses generated when it comes into contact with any type of road hazard. The new formulation of micro resilient tread compound provides a firm grip with the road surface which helps to reduce the braking distance and thus contributes to reducing accidents and improving safety. This tread compound also lasts longer giving more mileage potential.
The tyremaker says that the latest Michelin technologies from its global R&D activities have been designed into the new Energy XM2, from Alternating Bridging, Micro Adaptive Compound and Silica technology, to give the best performance for fuel saving, longevity and safety. The new tyre will be available in sizes ranging from 12 to 15 inches at prices ranging from Rs 2,475 up to Rs 6,075.
Source - ACI
Monday, 26 March 2012
Monday, 19 March 2012
HONDA LAUNCHED CBR 150R IN INDIA
HONDA LAUNCHED CBR 150R IN INDIA
Honda has launched the smaller CBR 150R in the Indian auto market at Rs 1,16,385 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Standard and Rs. 1,17,385 (ex-showroom, Delhi) for the Deluxe variant. Other performance bikes one can purchase in this price range include the Yamaha R15 2.0, KTM Duke 200, the soon to be launched New Bajaj Pulsar 200NS & the Hero Karizma ZMR.
The CBR 150R has a light and compact DOHC 150cc engine which produces a peak power of 17.6PS at 10,500rpm and a peak torque of 12.66Nm at 8,500rpm, which is ideal for city riding conditions. The CBR’s engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox, will be liquid-cooled and fuel-injected with their patented PGM-FI technology. Front & rear disc brakes will be standard on the bike, it will also have mono-suspension and wide front and rear tubeless tyres offering better stability while cornering.
The Japanese bike manufacturer will be ready to roll out the first batch consisting approximately 750 bike units from their Manesar plant by the end of March 2012. The CBR150R will go head to head competing with the Yamaha R15 2.0 and the latter finally has direct competition in the game
Source zigwheels
Taxi-spec’s Maruti Old Swift DZire named "Swift DZire Tour"
Taxi-spec’s Maruti Old Swift DZire named
"Swift DZire Tour"
Maruti Suzuki India finally has a name for its taxi market-spec version of the Swift DZire. The taxi version, which is basically the first generation DZire has been christened as 'Swift DZire Tour' and will be available in both petrol and diesel options, but will only come in the base variant, i.e Lxi (petrol) & Ldi (diesel.)
The taxi-spec DZire will come equipped with standard features such as AC, power steering, front and rear bumpers, outside rear-view mirrors and black door handles.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire will come with a price tag of Rs 5.91 lakh for the diesel variant and Rs 4.88 lakh for the petrol variant. The DZire Tour will go on sale from April 2012 and will be sold only to taxi and fleet operators.
Source – autocarindia.com
HONDA IS PLANING A COMPACT DIESEL ENGINES HUB IN INDIA
HONDA IS PLANING A COMPACT DIESEL ENGINES HUB IN INDIA
Honda Motors has almost finalized its plans of bringing its diesel motors to India. One of the major highlights of this plan is that India will become a global hub for Honda compact diesel engines.
Back at Honda's R&D centre in Tochigi, the Japan manufacturer is working hard on the development of 1.4 and 1.5 litres engines. "Honda R&D is currently developing a small diesel engine. However, we do not have anything specific to share right now," Jnaneswar Sen, senior VP, sales & marketing, told ET recently. Sources close to the Japan manufacturer’s plan are saying that initially, only 1,00,000 diesel cars, including exports, will be manufactured before a larger capacity facility might be set up.
The Honda had recently unveiled a 1.6 litre diesel engine at the Tokyo Motor Show. We reported that this motor will find a home under the hood of the Civic in the European markets. Honda also boasts if a bigger, 2.2 litre oil burner that can be found powering the Accord and CR-V in Europe. "While it is technically possible to downgrade both these engines, the low volumes of the Accord and CR-V (in India) do not justify it. Also the engines for the European market have been developed taking into account the low sulphur content in the diesel there, unlike in India," says Sen.
It may be noted that a lack of diesel’s option is costing the manufacturer quite some sales in the country. This Japan car maker, which came to us some 15 years back, was recently overtaken by Volkswagen, a relatively new entrant. And it takes no genius to guess that the diesel’s motor are working wonders for the German car manufacturer.
Source – Motoroids
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
2013 TOYOTA COROLLA (AURIS) SPY PICS
2013 TOYOTA COROLLA (AURIS) SPY PICS
The car will powered by BMW’s design and built 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines.While the petrol is not confirm right now but expect a range of 1.3 litre,1.4 liter,1.6 litre engine.While the 2.0 litre petrol may be in some countries’s option.
Autointrends have rendering that very close to production version from the source in France which the new Auris have designed in that countries.The headlight is resemble of the Avensis,
The grille will be horizontal chrome grille that silmilar to some trim level of the Toyota Yaris,The rear will have taillight and similar design of Lexus Lexus CT 200h.Anyways the current Auris is struggling and Toyota plans to bring out a much sharper Corolla that we can see in the rendering.
Autointrends have been reported that the next generation Auris will get rid of Auris name return to use Corolla as the name of the new car.Source say that Toyota want to use reputation and power of Corolla nameplate in the replacement to gain more sale volume.
source: TOYOTA CLUB.SA
Monday, 12 March 2012
Volkswagen launched Vento comfortline variant in diesel at Rs 8.56 lakhs
Volkswagen launched Vento comfortline variant in diesel at Rs 8.56 lakhs
Volkswagen has introduced the Vento diesel comfortline variant at Rs 8.56 lakh in india & at Rs 8.74 lakh in rest of India.
The Vento Diesel Comfortline has features like body coloured exterior door handles and mirrors, radio with CD, MP3 player music system, rear center arm rest, fog light front and rear, height adjustable driver seat, electrically adjustable outside rear mirror over and all the features available in the Vento Trendline, according to a press release by the company.
Neeraj Garg, Member of Board & Director Volkswagen Passenger Cars said,
"Since the introduction of the Vento, we have received requests for the mid-level trimline."
Volkswagen, the leading carmaker in Europe, offers Polo, Vento, Jetta, Passat, New Beetle, Touareg and the Phaeton in India.
Source - economictimes.indiatimes
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Lauched in India
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Lauched in India
Mitsubishi-HM have launched their latest-generation Pajero Sport here in New Delhi and it seems
Around two years after the launch of its last new car model, Hindustan Motors has launched the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport SUV in India at Rs 23.53 lakhs.
The four-wheel drive offroader is powered by a 2.5-litre diesel engine putting out 178 PS of power. In terms of price, it competes with the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavor, Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai Santa Fe and the smaller BMW X1.
Kolkata-based HM assembles and markets Mitsubishi car models such as the Lancer, Cedia and Outlander in India.
at least for the moment, the company is content with a single variant for now. However, this is quite against the fabric, given how Toyota recently reset its Fortuner positioning by launching not one, but two additional variants; even an automatic.
Well, a 2477cc, inline, four-cylinder common-rail diesel motor that produces not 135 bhp, but a healthy 175 bhp at 4000 rpm and an equally impressive 40.4 kgm@2000-2500 rpm. And it's nearly as well equipped as its fellow-Japanese rival. You get Mitsubishi's renowned Super Select 4WD and a 5-speed manual gearbox to help you tackle most on and off-road situations.
The Pajero Sport rides on 17-inch alloys, wrapped by 265/65 R17 rubber. On the inside, the car comes loaded with driver and passenger-side airbags, leather seats, leather wrapped steering with audio controls and leather wrapped gear knob and four-wheel drive selector, an MP3 player with a USB slot, a multi-trip function that displays the altimeter, barometer, outside temperature, fuel information and audio display, automatic climate control for the fron passengers and manually operable blower controls at the rear, a 60:40 split central row and 50:50 split third row.
Additionally, the kit also includes projector headlamps with self-levelling, chrome door handles, rear parking sensors, ABS & EBD with brake boosters, rear wash wiper and defogger and a choice of six body colours. The Pajero Sport follows the tradition of the outgoing Pajero of being a capable off-roader, thanks to its 36 degree approach angle, 23 degree break-over and 25 degree departure angles.
ALERT: The Pajero Sport is currently available as a CBU and will co-exist with the current Pajero SFX until September 2012, when the SFX will be phased out. By then, the Pajero Sport's local assembly operations will begin. We expect prices of the Pajero Sport to drop even further then. Come September 2012 and the Pajero Sport will start being assembled in India as Mitsubishi will then import the CKD kits of this SUV. This simply means that the new car will see a 20-25% reduction in its price tag. This will also be the time when the grandpa Pajero SFX on sale in India will go out of production. We are now getting bored of saying that Mitsubishi is finally getting aggressive in Indian market. Recently, we saw a huge price cut on underrated yet capable Cedia sedan and Mitsubishi will soon launch a pocket friendly seven seater version of the Outlander. Keeping this in mind, it becomes even more probable that the Pajero Sport will become easier to buy and might give nightmares to the likes of Toyota Fortuner.
Source- bsmotoring, thehindubusinessline,
pics- official mitsubishi india
Saturday, 10 March 2012
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi introduced the all new 2013 Outlander at the 82nd Geneva International Motor Show.
The evolutionary design of the new Outlander comes as no surprise as it was previewed by the Concept PX-MiEV at the Tokyo Motor Show held in December of last year. The difference between the two cars is the softer front end and certain production bits like the outer mirrors. Mitsubishi described the new model’s exterior as “solid, safe and simple”.
The new Outlander has a seating for five, but an optional third row enables it to carry seven passengers just like the second Gen Outlander. The interior is also significantly improved with high-grade materials and soft-touch plastics. The new model’s dimensions are 4,655 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2,670 mm. All the dimensions of this new car are identical to the current car. It can also be equipped with Super-HiD headlights that are just about 1.4 times more powerful than the conventional HID headlights.
In Europe, the new Outlander will be made available with two different engines, a 2.0-L MIVEC petrol producing 150 ps and a maximum torque of 195 Nm and a 2.2-L diesel rated at 150 ps and 380 Nm of torque. The diesel unit is offered with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic while the petrol engine can be linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox or a CVT. All-wheel drive is optional. As a standard on all models, start-stop button comes fitted. In early 2013, the range will further expand to a new plug-in hybrid power train that links a 2.0-L four-cylinder petrol engine to a pair of electric motors. Mitsubishi says that the Plug-In Hybrid EV system will allow for a driving range of 800 km and CO2 emissions under 50 g/km. Sales of the 2013 Outlander will begin in Europe this summer & in india late 2013.
Source - nitrobahn