Maruti 800 Duo: Lpg variant Launched

	New Delhi, June 5, 2008
	Car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Limited set out to delight its customers on World Environment Day by launching the Maruti 800 Duo, a new variant that runs on petrol as well as Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Speaking on the occasion, Mayank Pareek, Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki said, "Dual fuel vehicles have always formed a prominent part of our overall product strategy. We are happy to launch the Maruti 800 Duo on the World Environment day as it uses LPG, an environment friendly cleaner fuel. Besides, the car is economical to drive and being factory fitted, it is completely safe." "The success of Maruti Suzuki's dual fuel models like the WagonR and the Omni Cargo is a clear reflection of the customer preference towards products that are safe and light on pocket and at the same time environment friendly. We are sure that the Maruti 800 Duo will find favour with the customers for the greater value for money to her" he added. Coinciding with this launch, the company announced that it has sold almost 125,000 cars that are powered by LPG and CNG fuels. Besides the Maruti 800, the company offers Omni and WagonR in dual fuel options (LPG-cum- petrol) As such, Maruti Suzuki is the only manufacturer in the country to offer alternate fuel vehicles across entry level, compact and commercial segments. Power and Performance The Maruti 800 Duo works on Gas Mixer System based on Integrated Gas Technology which results in optimum performance and superior emissions. The Maruti 800 Duo delivers a power of 35ps@5000 rpm and torque of 56Nm@2500 rpm. The LPG variant emits 10% lower CO2 than the petrol variant, hence is environment friendly. Designed in-house by a team of 24 engineers, the Maruti 800 Duo saw active participation of some of the young engineers in the company. The concept of the project was to make a cost effective LPG variant, which would deliver the performance equivalent to the Injection systems. The learning's from previous products like Omni LPG (2004) & Wagon R Duo (2006) have been integrated into the Maruti 800 Duo to ensure that optimum power and torque levels are maintained at the same levels as the petrol variant. Safety Maruti 800 Duo is manufactured at the company's Gurgaon plant. The components of the Maruti 800 Duo are fitted on-line along side the petrol variant of the car, hence ensuring excellent quality levels. Like the other products in the company's portfolio, the Maruti 800 Duo undergoes all stringent checks as per Maruti Suzuki quality standards before being rolled out from the assembly lines. The factory-fitted Maruti 800 Duo enjoys full warranty benefits, which are available on other car models. Thus, Maruti 800 Duo will provide the customers benefits of lower running cost, without the risk associated with unapproved, after market LPG kits. The LPG kit in the Maruti 800 Duo is approved by Department of Explosives, tested and certified by Automotive Research Association of India, country's premier automobile testing and certifying authority. Maruti 800 Duo is available in a range of five colours. Alternative fuels Maruti Suzuki pioneered the alternate fuel scenario in the country by introducing Factory fitted models starting from 2001. These regularly introduced dual fuel variants have found special favour amongst fleet operators and commercial users, for the excellent low running costs and low maintenance cycles. The LPG variants constitute around 23 per cent of national sales for Wagon R and Omni. With the launch of Maruti 800 Duo the company would have a greater presence in the alternative fuel cars in the country.
	Introductory Price The prices of Maruti 800 Duo in Delhi are:
	Variant Price Ex showroom Delhi (Rs) (Non metallic colours) Maruti 800 Standard LPG 205,682 Maruti 800 AC LPG 226,177

Specifications:- Maruti 800 Duo

Related:-
Accent goes dual fuel with CNG
Maruti Suzuki world's fourth most reputed auto company

Cng - Lpg version of Mahindra-Renault Logan

Mahindra-Renault will be introducing the CNG and LPG variants of the Logan in the next 3-4 months.

"We have had a great year of Logan, cornering about 12 per cent of market share in the 'C' segment. In the next 3-4 months, we will be launching the CNG and LPG variant of the car"

Mahindra-Renault's Chief Operating Officer Nalin Mehta told PTI.

The CNG and LPG variant of Logan would be on the platform of 1.6 litre petrol version, and will be costlier by about Rs 50,000. In the last fiscal, the company sold 25,984 units of Logan. Due to the increased input costs, especially that of steel, plastic and copper, the company had raised the prices of Logan, both petrol and diesel variants, between Rs 4,000-Rs 5,000.

Mahindra Renault Logan, thanks to its wide body, competitive pricing, better mileage and availability in all fuel options is one of the most preferred car to be used as taxi. Entry-level sedan like Logan helps taxi players to provide competitive services due to low operating costs as compared to high-end cars.

Mitsubishi Cedia with Auto LPG launched in Ahmedabad

The new Cedia with Auto LPG, is now available in the commercial capital of Gujarat – Ahmedabad. The new Cedia elect which comes with a factory fitted auto LPG. The Cedia ALPG is cleaner, greener and pocket friendly in addition to being synonymous with exhilaration, excitement and power.
Latest new generation alternate fuel technology has been used in the Cedia ALPG. The technological know-how and kit is provided by BRC Gas equipment Co. Italy, a leader in alternate fuel technology. Mr. Y.V.S Vijay Kumar, Vice-President Hindustan Motors said on the occasion “the Common Rail Gas Injection with Sequent Technology ensures there’s no compromise on power and keeps the emissions extremely low.”

The features & convenience of this car include:

• Shift from petrol mode to ALPG mode and vice-versa with the help of ergonomically placed electronic changeover switch, at the central console
• Automatic switching to petrol mode when LPG is over and auto switching to petrol when LPG is exhausted ensuring peace of mind.
• Can cover a distance of 1000 KMs on full capacity in petrol and ALPG.
• Separate gas filling point so no need to take cylinder out to fill it.
• Lavish boot space due to sleek capsule type LPG fuel tank.

Sufficient safety precautions have been taken in section of multi-valve, fuel tank and wiring harness which take care of you completely. Moreover LPG impacts greenhouse emissions less than any other fossil fuel and is clean while burning with high octane thus making it an environment friendly fuel.

Technical details of the Cedia Select with ALPG:-
Alternate Fuel: Auto Lpg
Equipment kit: BRC Gas equipment Co. Italy
Tank capacity: 48 liters
Tank weight: 22kg
Tank pressure: 8 - 10 Bar
Fuel ingection: Sequent Multi point Fuel Injection
Microprocessor: Additional 16 bit Lpg Microprocessor

Related:-

• New Tata Indica and Indigo cs
• New Tata Sumo Grande pictures, video and specifications
• Skoda Fabia launched in India
• Honda Civic Hybrid to hit Indian roads soon
• New Honda Accord 2008 Sedan and coupe
• New cars expected soon on Indian roads in 2008
• Maruti all geared up to launch Swift sedan

Indian Automobile updates December 07

1)India's first-ever four-door electric car:-
No i am not talking about Reva, the two-door fibre-bodied battery car introduced a few years back in the country.
Chennai based Bavina Industries is working on four-seater steel-bodied hatch-back resembling Hyundai Santro and Daewoo Matiz. The fully-loaded version of the car costs around Rs.2.5 lakh and boasts of facilities, including AC, power window and centralized locking, like any other small, premium hatch-back. Once fully-charged car would run for 110 km with AC switched on and another 20 kms without AC. It could give a maximum speed of 55 kmph.
The company would be importing the parts like electric motor, body shell, battery and charger from China.

2) Cars to get costlier from next year:-
Maruti likely to raise the price of all its cars by Rs. 12000 from next month to offset the rise in input costs and freight charges. A similar hike is also expected from Hyundai, Ford and General Motors.

3) CNG version of Toyota Innova and Corolla:-

Toyota will launch CNG fuel variants of its premium sedan Corolla and multi-utility vehicle Innova shortly. The company is currently testing the CNG variants supplied by Minda Auto Gas, which is also the original equipment supplier to Hyundai for its flagship car Santro and Maruti Suzuki for its LPG based WagonR Duo.

CNG vehicles deliver high mileage and offer low cost of operation making it ideal for tour operators and fleet owners.

Source Economic times.

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 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

TVS launches 7 products, Fuel injected Apache

Yesterday i.e on 30 Aug TVS launched 7 vehicles in one go, the first of its kind in the country.

The seven products include a completely new 125 cc motorcycle FLAME, an all new 110 cc StaR City, an Apache variant with fuel injection technology and the electric variant of a Scooty.

The other three products were the petrol, CNG and LPG version of a three-wheeler passenger vehicle that will compete with the Bajaj group, the only player in that segment.

TVS intends to take Bajaj heads on and the indian consumer would be really spoilt for choices now.

Read more here

They will also launch cng powered 125cc bikes in January to take on Bajaj LPG variant 2 wheelers.

Read here

You may also find the following intresting:-
1) Apache RTR 160 EFi
2) Hero Honda Hunk 150 cc
3) TVS Flame 125
4) Bajaj XCD 125

Bajaj will roll out LPG variant of Platina

Bajaj Auto is going to launch cheapest running bike platina LPG version. The most popular 100cc bike platina now powered by both petrol and LPG. This platina LPG version will be available in market soon,most probably end of 2007. The normal 100cc bike platina petrol will also remain in market.The new platina LPG version contain a 5 kg LPG cylinder along standard 10 litre petrol tank. Bajaj platina LPG version will look same as the normal petrol platina, But there is problem to accommodate LPG kit which may change the design of fuel tank. Bajaj Auto will import LPG kits from Italian suppliers and these LPG kit are reliable and well at performance.

Platina LPG version drops power approximately 20% which is huge hurdle and effect performance hardly. The performance loss will be reduced by adding additives which increase octane number and enhance performance of bike.

The platina LPG cost Rs5000 more,but running cost will be lower by 35-40 per cent than normal petrol Bajaj Platina and this saving will cover extra cost of bike.

Read article on Indian Express