Budget highlights for Auto Industry

Budget headlines:-

• Excise duty on small cars cut, reduced to 12% from 16%.
  
• Excise duty down on 2 & 3 wheelers to 12% from 16%.
• Excise duty on Hybrid vehicles reduced to 14% from 24%.
• Customs duty on imported vehicles unchanged.
  

What this means is 2 wheels and small cars will be cheaper by around 4%.

Hyundai Motor India and General Motors today said they would slash prices by up to Rs 16,000.

The price cut on Santro could be between Rs 12,000 and Rs 14,000, while that on Getz would be between Rs 14,000 and Rs 16,000. Price cut on the newly launched i10 could be between Rs 12,000 and Rs 16,000.

General Motors is also cutting the price of its small cars Spark and Aveo U-VA.

Reductions for Maruti cars range from 6,500 rupees for the Maruti 800 model to 18,030 rupees for the diesel-powered Swift hatchbacks.

Reactions from the Industry:-

"We have decided to pass on the benefit of the excise duty cut to customers on three models--Santro, i10 and the Getz-- effective April 1,"
- Hyundai official

"We will be cutting the prices of our small cars between Rs 7,500 and Rs 14,000,"
- GM India Vice-President P Balendran

"While the step was a welcome one, it would create a further gap between the small cars and the big cars segment."
"The excise cut on Hybrid cars, would not benefit the customers much as the hydrid would be fully imported and the customs duty has not been changed."
-Honda Siel Car India Senior (HSCI) General Manager Jnaneswar Sen

"Very good, but unexpected to stop degrowth. Finance availability is a major issue."
- Suzuki Motorcycle India Vice-President Sales and Marketing Atul Gupta

"It was really heartening to hear the union finance minister announcing the slash in excise as this will result not only in bringing down prices but also in boosting the sagging sales of two-wheelers."
- Niraj Bajaj Director Bajaj Auto Ltd

"The market had been wanting this to arrest the slide in demand in recent months.''
- Mr. Munjal Managing Director Hero Honda

source:-
The Economic Times
Bloomberg
Mytoday

BS Motoring awards 2008

BS Motoring awards 2008, the oldest automotive awards in the country were recently declared and following are the winners:-
Hyundai i10 won the Business Standard Motoring Car of the Year 2008 award. It had a stiff competition from Mahindra Renault Logan, Chevrolet Spark, Maruti Suzuki’s SX4, the BMW 3 and 5 Series and the Volkswagen Passat.

Hyundai earlier won the COTY awards for the Santro in 1998 and the Getz in 2005.

The recently launched i10 has set a new bench mark in the small car segment with its build quality, ride, handling, driveability, comfort, safety features, fuel efficiency and yet a very competitive price.

The Bajaj XCD redefined the entry level bike segment in the country. Offering the best of technology and features at an extremely affordable price impressed the juries and won the Bike of the year award for the XCD. The XCD faced competition from TVS Apache RTR160, the Pulsar 200 & Pulsar 220.

Winner in the other categories were as follows:
Chevrolet Spark: Business Standard Motoring Best Value Award 2008.
Mahindra Renault Logan: Business Standard Motoring Jury Award 2008.
BMW 325i: Business Standard Motoring Performance Car of the Year 2008.
Volkswagen Passat: Business Standard Motoring Premium Car of the Year 2008.
TVS Apache RTR 160: Business Standard Motoring Performance Bike of the year 2008.
Kinetic-Sym Flyte: Business Standard Motoring Scooter of the Year 2008.

Update1:- Created a poll for Car of the Year and Bike of the Year (Right hand side panel)
So please kindly select the Car and Bike you think are winner, also leave comments as to why you think they deserve to win. We will have our winners just before the Auto Expo where most of the awards are likely to be announced.

Update2:- Poll now closed. Here are the results:-Click

Earlier poll:- Most preffered bike in 150cc segment.

Hyundai i10 gets excellent reviews

Previous update:- Tech spec and comparision of Hyundai i10

I watched about couple of car and Auto shows last week and almost every show including the CNBC AutoShow, NDTV Profit Car and Bike show, Aaj Tak Chakke pe Chakka, Zee wheelocity reviewed the new car from Hyundai, the Hyundai i10. All them had really good reviews for the i10. Looks like Hyundai is about to change it all once again just the way it did with the launch of Santro with quite a few segment firsts then.
The i10 is said to be way better than its competition that is the Spark, Estilo, Wagon R, Santro and almost touching the Swift with the top end Magna version.
Pictures , images of Hyundai i10
Technical specification and comparison of the Hyundai i10 click here
Some plus points:-

• Engine packs a lot more punch and is much refined than Santro.
• Comfortable cruises past 140 with max going up 160 kmph.
• Good ABS, works extremely well at tops speeds.
• Well designed all beige interiors. Innovative place for the gear lever, freeing up a lot of space in the front.
• Comfortable seats in front as well as back with decent leg room.
• Dash mounted music system.
• Air bags and Sun Roof optional.
• Electric power steering much better than that on Santro.

Negatives:-

• Shorter than Santro, loosing on the tall upright position.
• Ride quality has not been significantly improved.
• Top end magna is as expensive as a fully loaded swift
• Rear seat uncomfortable for 3. (not as wide as getz)
  
• Brake pedal bites back.

Now having heard all that i am sure i wont be able to resist myself from taking a test drive myself. So stay tuned, will update you soon.

p.s. The news is that i10 Diesel will also be made available by mid 2008.

Related articles:-
Hyundai's Big plans, Lpg Santro, i30
Hyundai Motor unveils new PA i10
Hyundai Pa(i10) will be launched on Nov 1
Discounts pouring in as festivals begin
New cars expected soon on Indian roads
Honda launching Jazz / Fit in India

Hyundai's Big plans, Lpg Santro, i30

After the launch of Hyundai i10, Hyundai is in the process of developing a 'public car' which will be reasonably priced. The car could be expected to be priced below Rs three lakh, Mr. Lheem told reporters here last night after the launch of the i10 car. "But, it is still in the concept stage. From concept stage to translating into a real car, it will take four years. The car will be for both the Indian and export markets," he said, adding that it would meet all international safety and emission norms.
The company had no plans to phase out the Santro. Hyundai will be launching LPG version of its Santro car and they expect to sell 3.20 lakh cars by the end of calendar year 2007. The company had already launched CNG (compressed natural gas) version of Santro this year in the country. The company would increase its dealership network to 250 from 196 at present this year.

Hyundai and its vendors are investing Rs 11,000 crore to push Hyundai's models. Most of this will go to boost i10 sales. It hopes to corner a 20% market share in the first year. The i10 follows Hyundai's i30, a hatchback model for Europe. It is also developing the i20, under the project name, PB, for Europe. Hyundai used the 2007 Geneva Motor Show to reveal the new hatchback called the i30 and a new naming scheme with model lines bearing the "i" prefix. Hyundai says "i" stands for inspiration, intelligence and integrity. Eventually, Hyundai's entire lineup will include: i10, i20, i30, i40, and i50.

After phasing out its mid-premium Sedan Elantra in India, Hyundai wants to replace it with either the i30 or a new Elantra by 2009. Meanwhile, Hyundai is set to launch its SUV Santa Fe early next year. That means even more models on the road.
Pictures of Hyundai i30

Hyundai will offer a variety of diesel and gasoline engines with the i30, ranging from 90 to 140 horsepower. A choice of either an automatic transmission to a five-speed all-synchro gearbox will be offered.

The i30 features dual front, side, and curtain airbags, active headrests, seatbelt pretensioning and seatbelt reminders. The hatchback measures 4,245 mm long, 1,765 mm wide and 1,480 mm high. A wheelbase of 2,650 mm offers significant interior space for a vehicle of this size. Total luggage space is 340 liters with the rear seats upright.

Features:-
* 15” alloy wheels
* Air conditioning
* Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)
* Front active headrests
* Front and rear electric windows
* Front fog lights
* Glove compartment with cooling function
* Heated electric door mirrors
* iPod/USB and Aux input connections
* Remote central locking with deadlocks and alarm
* Six airbags
* Steering wheel mounted audio controls

Sources:- The ET, moneycontrol.com, www.leftlanenews.com

Related:-
1) New cars expected on Indian Roads.
2) Honda Jazz
3) Hyndai Pa
4) Volkswagen Passat now in India
5) Skoda India launches new Laura Ambiente
6) Hyundai i30
7) i10 gets excellent reviews
8) Suzuki splash to replace wagon R

Hyundai Motor unveils new Hyundai i10

Updated:- Pictures , images of Hyundai i10
As i wrote in an earlier post Hyundai has unveiled The new Hyundai PA i10.
New Delhi, Oct 31 (PTI) Hyundai Motor India Ltd today introduced its new compact car, 'i10' priced between Rs 3.39 lakh and Rs 3.98 lakh.
This is the first car from Hyundai which makes its world debut in India.
"The i10 will be manufactured only in our Indian plant and exported to over 70 countries," Hyundai Motor Company President Jae Kook Choi said here.
The new i10 is powered by a 1.1 liter petrol engine with five speed manual transmission.
Choi said Hyundai Motor India is poised to play a very important role not only in India but also in HMC's global plans.

"We hope that with India becoming the hub for small cars we would see a significant increase in the company's presence in many more countries," Choi said. source: PTI

Updated:- Detailed features and specifications.

It’ll be the first car in the A-segment to get air conditioning as standard; electric front windows, central locking, electric power steering, tinted glass, 14in alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers and a six-speaker CD player also as standard. The i10 will roll out in four variants - Hyundai i10 D-Lite, Hyundai i10 Era, Hyundai i10 Magna and the automatic version Hyundai i10 D-Auto.

The i10 boasts of revolutionary Intelligent Responsive Drive Engine (iRDE), a 1.1L powerhouse with many technological innovations. It has been designed to give you superior output, while at the same time offering the best mileage in its class.

The i10 comes with a unique centre console mounted gear shift, a sement first. The i-shift transmission takes away all the strain from the aching arm resulting from long drives, while at the same time liberating greater legroom for the front seat passengers.

The i10 will have a sunroof, rear spoiler, rear wipers. The i10 has 94 per cent local content, while Santro has 86 per cent.

Update:- i10 gets excellent reviews

Specifications of the Hyundai i10

ITEMS i10 D-Lite Era Magna Magna (O)
DIMENSION & WEIGHT
Overall Length (mm) Overall Width (mm) Overall Height (mm) Wheelbase (mm) Ground Clearance (mm) Front Track (mm) Rear Track (mm) Kerb Weight (Kg) Fuel Tank capacity (l)	3565 1595 1550 2380 165 1400 1385 860-952(M/T) 35
ENGINE	iRDE 1.1
Configuration Displacement (cc) Maximum Power (ps/rpm) Maximum Torque (Kgm/rpm)	In-line, 4 cylinder 1086 66.7/5500 10.1/2800
SUSPENSIONS
Front Suspension Rear Suspension Rear Shock Absorbers	McPherson Strut with Stabilizer Bar and "I" type subframe CTBA with coil spring Hydraulic
BRAKES
Front Rear	Disc Drum
TYRE
Size Type	155/80 R13 Tubeless

Features of the Hyundai i10

		D-lite	Era	Magna	Magna(O)
SAFETY & SECURITY
Seat Belt - Rr Seatbelt Pretensioners Inside Rr View Mirror (Day and Night) Central Locking (5 doors) Keyless Entry Front - Fog Lamps ABS Dual Airbags Impact sensing autodoor unlock RHD Controls		3 3 3 3 S S S S S S S S S S S S s S S S
EXTERIOR
Dual Tone Beige Interior Key colour Clear Headlamps & Rear Combination Lamp ORVM - Driver and co-driver side Tinted Glass Body Colored ORVM Body Colored Bumper Body Colored Side Door Handles Body Colored Tail Gate Handle Waistline Moulding Radiator Grille Rear Spoiler with HMSL Wheel Cover Sunroof		S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S Silver Paint Chrome Chrome Chrome S Hub Hub Full Full O
INTERIOR
Moulded door trims W/Speaker provision B & C Pillar Trims Rear Parcel Tray 4 Speakers Deluxe Front Room Lamp Floor Console - Std Floor Console - Dlx Front Door Map Pocket Front Door Full Size Arm Rest Rear Door Full Size Arm Rest Driver/Co-Driver Seat Back Pocket Metal Finish Inside Door Handles Steering Wheel - Leather Wrapped Gear Shift knob - Leather Wrapped Parking lever grip - Leather Wrapped		S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S
INSTRUMENT PANEL
Tachometer Electronic Tripmeter Electronic Odometer Digital Clock Low Fuel Warning Lamp Door & Tailgate Ajar Warning Key not Removed warning Buzzer Battery Saver Seat Belt Warning		S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S
COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Air Conditioner with Heater Blower Speed Motor Driven Power Steering Tilt Steering Internally Adjustable ORVM Foldable Assist Grips Front Power Windows Driver side Front Power Window with Autodown and Illumination Rear Power Windows with Child Lock i-Relax Front Seats Rear Seat Folding Keyless Entry Remote Fuel Lid Opener Rear Wiper & Washer Defogger - Rear Passenger Vanity Mirror Driver Vanity Mirror Boot/Luggage Lamp 2-Din Music System(Radio+CD+MP3) with digital clock display Roof Antenna Seat Belt Hook cavity		S S S S 4 4 4 4 S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S

You may also find these interesting:-
1) New cars expected on Indian Roads.
2) Honda Jazz
3) Hyndai i10
4) Volkswagen Passat now in India
5) Skoda India launches new Laura Ambiente
6) Hyundai i30
7) i10 gets excellent reviews
8) Suzuki splash to replace wagon R

Hyundai Pa(i10) will be launched on Nov 1

Earlier post on Hyundai Pa i10 here.

Update :- Hyundai unveils new Hyundai Pa I10
Hyundai Motor India Ltd will launch its compact car i10, code named Pa, in the country on November 1.
The car will be available in 10 colours. It will have a sun roof, the first for a compact car. The i10 is expected to be priced between Rs 3.7 lakh and Rs 3.9 lakh.
India is set to be the global manufacturing hub for the compact car. The Korean auto firm plans to more than double its export volumes from India in the next two years. Hyundai aims to export one lakh units this fiscal and expects to increase this to 2.5 lakh units in the next two years. Hyundai cars comprise about 70 per cent of India’s auto exports.Apart from the Santro, plans are afoot to bring models such as the Getz and the Accent under the export fold as the manufacturing capacity increases. The company’s new plant in Chennai with a capacity of three lakh units is expected to go on stream by October this year. This will take Hyundai’s total capacity to six lakh units. It is also being speculated that a Santro variant may be in the offing. The company had launched the Santro Xing in 2003. Company officials said it had already slashed prices of the Santro. However, industry sources said a variant with fewer features and a price cut of Rs 70,000 or above might be on the cards. Hyundai sells around 18,000 units per month with Santro accounting for 13,000 to 14,000 units.
Source The Telegraph

"Like the compact car 'Pa', which will be launched shortly, we are also developing another model in the D-segment for the Indian market, Besides, we are also working on LPG Santro for launch next year." Hyundai Motor India (HMIL) Managing Director and CEO HS Lheem said.
He said the proposed D-segment car, expected to hit the market in a "couple of years", would be a global model developed and produced in India.
The car is expected to be pitched against the likes of Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and the segment will witness stiff competition with Maruti Suzuki also planning a product in the same category by 2009.

You may also find these interesting:-
1) New cars expected on Indian Roads
2) Honda Jazz
3) Hyndai Pa
4) Volkswagen Passat now in India
5) Skoda India launches new Laura Ambiente
6) i10 gets excellent reviews
7) Suzuki splash to replace wagon R

New Maruti Zen Estilo

Even more confusion.
Last month i was confused and had tough time making a call between Maruti Wagon R and Santro. After visiting both the showrooms and taking the test drives, asking lot of friends for opinions finally decided to book a Wagon R Lxi. BUT then Maruti Udyog introduced the all-new Zen Estilo.
For the first time ever maruti has retired a model completely and introduced a new one.
Estil0 = Style. But technically speaking this is not at all a zen. This more like a funky Wagon R , it also reminds of cute lil Matiz. The Alto, Wagon R and the Zen Estilo are spun off the same platform. The 1061cc 16-valve four-cylinder motor that develops 64 bhp at 6200 revs and 8.5 kgm of torque at 3500 rpm.
The cheapest version of the car will have a showroom price of Rs 319,403 in New Delhi.

So the question is should i consider my self lucky that i havent booked the new WagonR (new withe aggressive styling and face lift) ??? i dont know Because i am confused once again.

Santro / Wagon R / Zen Estilo ???