Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India

BMW India records “Highest sales by a manufacturer in the Indian luxury car segment in a year.”

With 73% growth in sales in 2010, BMW India achieves over 40% market share of the luxury car segment.

With 6246 cars delivered to customers in the calendar year 2010, BMW India has achieved leadership position in the luxury car segment in India for the second consecutive year.

In 2010, BMW India sold –

Product          -  Units

The BMW 3 Series – 2432
The BMW 5 Series – 2403
The BMW 6 Series – 12
The BMW 7 Series – 535
The BMW X1 – 187
The BMW X3 – 28
The BMW X5 – 228
The BMW X6 – 189
The BMW Z4 – 82
The BMW Gran Turismo – 150
Total – 6246 (73% growth over 2009)

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “Our commitment to India is amongst the strategic decisions of the BMW Group. In 2010, we embarked on the second wave of India market offensive with a very carefully planned and passionately executed business strategy. I am truly impressed with the entrepreneurial foresight, willingness to perform and adaptability to challenges that everyone at BMW India has demonstrated. Together with our dealer partners, we have established the strategic direction required for BMW Group’s future success in India.”

The total BMW India sales in 2010 grew by 73% over last year. The BMW 3 Series sales registered a growth of over 111%, the new BMW 5 Series of 51% and the BMW 7 Series of 53%.

“We live by Premium: Our strong brand creates highly desired cars, cars with future, vehicles that inspire our customers – and will take our company to a new dimension through their success. The BMW 3 Series, the new BMW 5 Series, the new BMW 7 Series and the newly launched BMW X1 are stars from the BMW portfolio that will take our company to new heights through their success” said Dr. Andreas Schaaf.

In 2010, BMW India achieved market share of over 40 % in the luxury car segment of the Indian automotive market.

BMW Group took a bold step in its Asia Strategy in 2007 by establishing the BMW India headquarters in Gurgaon (National Capital Region), a Central Parts Warehouse in Mumbai and the BMW Plant Chennai in Tamil Nadu. Presently, the BMW Plant Chennai produces the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 5 Series and the BMW X1 in petrol and diesel variants and has a capacity to produce 8000 units per year on a single shift basis. In medium term, BMW India has employed around 400 people; up to 1200 additional jobs have been created in the dealer and service network. Presently, BMW India is present at 20 locations in the Indian market.

Hyundai Verna

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter, today achieved a historic milestone by reaching the production of 6 Lakh units, the highest since inception in a calendar year.

On the occasion, H. W. Park, Managing Director & CEO, HMIL, said, “Today is one of the landmark days in the history of our company. Achieving this milestone is a testament to the growing popularity of Hyundai as a brand and immense faith that our customers have placed in us. With this we gear up for next phase of growth and remain committed in bringing world class products and service to our customers. ”

HMIL is the only Indian manufacturer to offer a full range starting from the compact Santro to the top end luxury SUV – Santa Fe and enjoys a market share of around 20%. HMIL sells 7 models with 47 variants in the Indian market. It currently exports approximately 42% of its production to around 120 countries across the globe with i10 being the largest exported model.

HMIL started operation in 1996 and the first Santro rolled out in September, 1998. Right from the beginning HMIL has always been the trend-setter. From the record of setting up the plant in just 17 months to becoming the 2nd largest car manufacturer in just 6 months to rolling out 150,000 cars in about 25 months, Hyundai has fulfilled everybody’s expectations. In August, 2010 Hyundai Motor achieved the remarkable distinction of reaching the 30 lakh car production in a record time of less than 12 years.  With this achievement, HMIL becomes only the second manufacturer in India to have achieved this distinction. It was also the fastest to reach the sales mark of 20 lakh (2 million) units in the domestic market in November, 2010.

BMW X1 India

Pioneering a fresh automotive trend, the new BMW X1 establishes a new vehicle segment in the premium Sports Activity / Utility class.

Agile, versatile and modern, the new BMW X1 rolls-out of the BMW Plant Chennai.

The new BMW X1 was launched in New Delhi in three variants: BMW X1 sDrive18i (petrol), BMW X1 sDrive20d (diesel) and BMW X1 sDrive20d Exclusive (diesel) and can now be ordered at BMW dealerships across India.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “The new BMW X1 is a modern vehicle that for the first time brings premium BMW characteristics into the compact vehicle segment. The new BMW X1 sets a benchmark by bringing together features of a Sports Activity Vehicle with spontaneous flexibility and outstanding fuel economy. The new BMW X1 is the perfect vehicle for customers focusing on areas such as leisure activities and lifestyle in their choice of car.”

The new BMW X1 will be CKD (completely knocked-down unit) produced in India and the all India ex-showroom prices are as follows –

The new BMW X1 sDrive18i : INR 22,00,000
The new BMW X1 sDrive20d : INR 23,90,000
The new BMW X1 sDrive 20d Exclusive : INR 29,90,000

Note: Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax (as applicable). The above ex-showroom prices are exclusive of sales tax / VAT applicable on sale to the customer. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice.

The new BMW X1 will be available in a range of ten exciting colours to choose from including Alpine White as non-metallic paintwork and the following metallic colours: Black Sapphire, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Vermillion Red, Space Grey, Titanium Silver, Sparkling Bronze, Graphite Blue and Marrakesh Brown.

The new BMW X1 sDrive18i and the new BMW X1 sDrive20d will be available in the upholstery choices: Sensatec Black and Sensatec Beige. Leather Nevada is the standard upholstery for the new BMW X1 sDrive20d Exclusive and is available in the following colours: Beige, Black and Red Brown/Black.

The new BMW X1 : The new BMW X1 expands and enhances the range of BMW X models by yet another innovative vehicle concept. Through its body design the BMW X1 demonstrates self-confident elegance, versatile and sporting character, as well as spontaneous agility. For the first time the features and characteristics of a BMW X model are carried over in modern style into a unique vehicle in the premium compact segment.

The interior of the BMW X1 is characterised by clear function and trendsetting, modern style. In the cockpit, the centre console is tilted slightly towards the driver so all the relevant operating functions are arranged to provide a sense of personal control. The elevated seating position, a generous feeling of space, the wide range of storage options and the variable interior offer ideal conditions for enjoying the new BMW X1 both in an urban environment and beyond.

The interior can be flexibly adjusted to individual requirements. The new BMW X1 has room for spontaneity through fully variable rear seats with separately folding centre section and adjustable backrest angle. The rear-seat backrest comes with ten-stage tilt adjustment from 1 to 31 degrees. The rear-seat backrest is divided in three parts (a split of 40/20/40) and can be individually folded down to increase the luggage compartment capacity from 420 litres to a maximum of 1,350 litres.

The panorama glass sunroof, available in the new BMW X1 sDrive20d Exclusive, creates a particularly bright ambience. Seats in the new BMW X1 are electrically adjustable on both the driver and front seat passenger sides.

A turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail fuel injection gives the four-cylinder diesel in the new BMW X1 sDrive20d a maximum output of 130 kW/177 hp at an engine speed of 4,000 rpm as well as maximum torque of 350 Nm all the way from 1,750 to 3,000 rpm. It accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds with the ability to achieve the top speed of 205 km/hr. The average fuel consumption is 15.24 km/ltr as measured by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for Indian market specifications.

The 110 kW/150 hp four-cylinder petrol version featured in the new BMW X1 sDrive18i provides a similarly economical entry into the world of BMW X models. This engine delivers peak torque of 200 Nm at 3,600 rpm reaching its maximum output at 6,400 rpm. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/hr comes in 10.4 seconds with top speed of 200 km/h. The average fuel consumption of BMW X1 sDrive18i is 11.24 km/ltr as measured by ARAI for Indian market specifications.

All versions of the new BMW X1 are equipped as standard with six-speed automatic transmission with short reaction and gearshift times. In India, the new BMW X1 comes with the dynamic rear-wheel drive system which means the driver enjoys typical BMW agility and driving pleasure – namely precise handling, flawless cornering ability and incomparable dynamics.

Indian Car Of The Year Award 2011

The phenomenal Ford Figo was selected as Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY) 2011 today, earning the country’s top automotive award in the fiercely competitive and rapidly growing Indian market. Now in its sixth year, the ICOTY is awarded to a new vehicle after comprehensive testing by a jury of leading automobile journalists in India.

Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India, accepted the award from Dr. R.P. Singhania, vice chairman and managing director, JK Tyre & Industries, at a ceremony in Mumbai today.

“The Indian Car of the Year award caps off a terrific year for the phenomenal Figo,” said Boneham. “Recognition from some of India’s most respected and influential automotive reporters further reinforces Figo’s reputation as a well-designed, fuel-efficient and fun-to-drive vehicle that delivered exceptional value-for-money for thousands of new car buyers across India. On behalf of all the dedicated men and women at Ford India, we are extremely grateful to the jury members and to our customers for choosing the Figo.”

The winner is determined by a multi-point voting system modeled on the selection process used by the European Car of the Year jury.

The 11-person 2011 ICOTY jury included: Yogendra Pratap and Vikrant Singh (Auto Bild); Gautam Sen and Bob Rupani (Auto India); Girish Karkera and Sriram Narayanan (BBC TopGear); Srinivas Krishnan and Pablo Chaterji (Business Standard Motoring); Aspi Bhathena (Car India); and Sirish Chandran and Bertrand D’Souza (Overdrive).

“We knew Ford had a potential winner on its hands even as we lined up the contenders. The Figo’s crisp driving dynamics, two fuel-efficient engine options, cheerful styling and interiors and, of course, its terrific pricing, simply propelled it to the top of the honours list. It’s only appropriate that the Figo has won the Indian Car of the Year 2011 award, because Ford engineered the car specifically to cater to the needs of the Indian market,” said Srinivas Krishnan, editor, Business Standard Motoring and Chairman, ICOTY 2011.

The prestigious ICOTY award is the latest of many accolades the Figo has received since its introduction 10 months ago. More than 60,000 Figos have been sold since March, setting a new sales record for a single nameplate in India. Figo has become one of India’s best selling vehicles consolidating Ford’s position in the Indian automotive sector. From January to November 2010, Ford India sold 79,586 units across its lineup, an increase of 185 percent compared to the same period last year.

The Figo is being exported to South Africa, and is a finalist for the South African Car of the Year award, which will be announced in early 2011. The Figo is also exported to Nepal and in 2011 an additional 48 international markets will start selling the popular small car.

The New BMW 520D

The new BMW 520d has been launched in India and can be ordered at BMW dealerships across India.

Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said, “The 5 Series is the core model in our product portfolio. The new BMW 5 Series sedan, since its launch in April 2010, has successfully emerged as a leader in the luxury sedan segment in India. The new BMW 520d sets a new benchmark for four cylinder diesel sedans by combining outstanding performance with incomparable fuel efficiency.”

The new BMW 520d delivers best-in-class fuel economy of 18.4 km/ltr as measured by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) for Indian market specifications. This has been possible by effective implementation of “Efficient Dynamics” which in simple words means getting more for less. The new BMW 520d effectively embodies the principle of Efficient Dynamics by incorporating light weight construction technology, Brake Energy Regeneration and the advanced Electronic Power Steering technology.

Powerful aesthetics, dynamic performance and unmatched comfort make the new BMW 520d the most desirable modern executive sedan in its class.  The new BMW 520d will be CKD (completely knocked-down unit) produced at the BMW Plant Chennai and the all India ex-showroom prices in INR are as follows -

The new BMW 520d Price – INR 36,90,000

Note : Ex-showroom price excludes RTO registration charges, tax, insurance, handling charges; Octroi and entry tax (as applicable). The above ex-showroom prices are exclusive of sales tax / VAT applicable on sale to the customer. Prices and options are subject to change without prior notice.

The new BMW 520d will be available in a range of ten paint finishes: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Cashmere Silver, Deep Sea Blue, Havanna, Milano Beige, Space Grey, Titanium Silver, Imperial Blue Brilliant Effect and Sophisto Grey Brilliant Effect.

Individual upholstery designs in Dakota leather will be available in four colours: Black, Vento Beige, Cinnamon Brown/Black, Oyster/Black and Oyster/Oyster Dark. The following interior trims are available: Fine-wood Trim Ash Grain Brown and Fine-wood Trim Fineline Anthracite.

The new BMW 520d comes with a two-lire four cylinder turbo diesel engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivers a maximum output of 135 kW/184 hp as well as peak torque of 380 Nm at 1,750 rpm reaching its maximum output at 2,500 rpm. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/hr comes in 8.1 seconds with top speed of 225 km/h.

Hyundai Accent

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter continued to grow at a steady pace with domestic sales growing at 12% for the month of November, 2010.

HMIL’s total sales for November, 2010 stood at 44,542 units as against 55,241 units in November, 2009 registering a decline of 19.4%. The domestic sales accounted for 31,540 units as against 28,162 units in November, 2009 while the exports dipped by 52% from 27,079 units in November, 2009 to 13,002 units in November, 2010 on account of the company adjusting its production mix to meet the increased demand in the domestic market and the plant shutdown for maintenance work.

Commenting on November, 2010 sales, Arvind Saxena, Director – Marketing and Sales, HMIL said, “Spurred by the festive season demand in November, HMIL continued to maintain steady growth in the domestic market although we were constrained because of the maintenance shutdown of both our plants. In December, we expect the market to continue its growth trend.”

The segment-wise cumulative sales for the month of November, 2010 are as follows: A2 segment (Santro, i10, i20) 40,347 units; A3 Segment (Accent & Verna) 4,142 units; A5 segment (Sonata Transform) 14 units; Santa Fe (SUV) 39 units.

Hyundai Santro

-Achieves fastest 20 lakh car production in a span of 12 years-

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter, today reached a historic milestone with the sale of its vehicles reaching 20 lakh (2 million) mark in the domestic market.

On the occasion, H. W. Park, Managing Director & CEO, HMIL, said, “Today is a red-letter day for all of us at Hyundai family. We are extremely delighted to share this achievement with all our stakeholders and we believe this was possible because of our total commitment to the Indian market and the faith our customers have put in our products. Needless to say we will continue to build “Brand Hyundai” in the market here and bring in the best of products and technology.”

The first Santro rolled out in September, 1998. Right from the beginning HMIL has always been the trend-setter. From the record of setting up the plant in just 17 months to becoming the 2nd largest car manufacturer in just 6 months to rolling out 150,000 cars in about 25 months, Hyundai has fulfilled everybody’s expectations. Hyundai Motor achieved this remarkable distinction of reaching the 20 lakh car production for domestic market in a record time of about 12 years. In December, 2009, HMIL had touched the milestone of fastest production and sales of 25 lakh units (cumulative). With these achievements, HMIL becomes only the second manufacturer in India to have achieved these distinctions.

BMW India

“It is a moment of great pride and joy for us at BMW Plant Chennai to roll-out the 10000th car made in India. The BMW Plant Chennai team is very excited with the achievement of this milestone in less than four years and looks forward to fulfil the increasing demand for BMW cars in India. BMW production is characterized by people that consider quality not only a task, but first and foremost a core attribute. I am convinced that our employees here at BMW Plant Chennai will make a great contribution in strengthening our company’s long-term success in India”, said Mr. Juergen Eder, Managing Director, BMW Plant Chennai.

On 29 March 2007, BMW India officially opened its production plant in Chennai. The BMW Plant Chennai produces the BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series sedans in petrol and diesel variants. By end of 2010, BMW Plant Chennai will also start producing the BMW X1. The BMW Plant Chennai has the capacity to produce 5400 units per year on a single shift basis. BMW India will employ around 400 people by end of 2010. Till September 2010, BMW Group has invested 1.1 billion Indian Rupees. BMW Group’s investment in India will be increased to 1.8 billion Indian Rupees by the end of 2012.

Headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region), BMW India is a 100% subsidiary of the BMW Group. The wide range of BMW activities in India include the establishment of a production plant in Chennai (Tamil Nadu), a central spare parts warehouse in Mumbai (Maharashtra) and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Andreas Schaaf, President, BMW India said “Having taken the lead in the premium segment for the first time last year, we aim to maintain our leading position in the Indian market by now embarking on the second wave of our India strategy. We are confident that we will be able to increase sales substantially over the coming years with exciting new products, now produced in India and the ongoing expansion of our dealer network to reach out to more of our potential buyers.”

BMW India has set a decisive course in India by setting up BMW dealerships of international standards across all metropolitan centres of the country. In 2011, BMW India will aggressively expand its dealer network by increasing the number of outlets to 22 across major metropolitan centres and emerging markets in India (from the present 18 outlets). Up to 1200 jobs will be created in the dealer and service network.

Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, country’s largest carmaker has won the prestigious MMA Asia Pacific and the Global awards for its digital campaign –‘Sports Sponsorship goes mobile.’ The Awards are given to companies for the best use of mobile media for branding purposes, both in the Asia Pacific region and globally. The award ceremony was held at Los Angeles, USA, last week

This is the first time that any Indian company has been chosen for these prestigious awards at a global level.

The awards Asia Pacific – Maruti Suzuki with Affle, Sports Sponsorship Goes Mobile and Global -  Maruti Suzuki with Affle, Sports Sponsorship Goes Mobile were announced by Global Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) at the  ceremony on November 17 at Mobile Marketing Forum in Los Angeles. M/s Affle are Maruti Suzuki’s mobile media partner, whose products and services were used to drive this campaign

Maruti Suzuki had executed “Sports Sponsorship goes mobile” campaign in 2010 around two of the largest sporting – The Indian Premier League (Cricket and FIFA World Cup.

It was a two-month long campaign which used multiple mobile media platforms like Affle’s SMS2.0, Mobile Internet, Voice Portals and SMS advertising. The campaign reached to over 7 million users delivering unprecedented engagement levels. With over 1.2 million engagements and a 7 % CTR (Click Through Rate), this campaign played a very important role to get Maruti Suzuki connect with it’s target audience effectively.

The MMA received hundreds of submissions from companies across the globe. Winners were selected by the MMA Awards Selection Committee that’s comprised of global industry leaders from wireless carriers, technology and content providers, agencies, and industry publications.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Shashank Srivastava, Chief General Manager (Marketing), Maruti Suzuki said, “We are delighted to have played a leadership role in use of mobile media in India and bring this global recognition to India for the first time. This campaign was a result of our study of changing consumer behaviour that showed a significant increase in the consumption of sports related content on the mobile phones. Based on this, Maruti Suzuki launched this campaign to increase company’s association with sports and build greater affinity with its target audience on their medium of choice. In the traditional media as well, Sports is highly consumed by our target group- which is the growing population of younger people in the country.”

- Introduces 3D Signature –
- Move aimed to achieve unified brand identity & competitiveness by 2011-

Hyundai Logo

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the largest exporter and the second largest car manufacturer in India, has renewed its corporate identity standards to ensure uniform brand identity and competitiveness across showrooms and workshops for its customers. The implementation of the new Corporate Identity standards will happen across Hyundai Motor Company globally.

In India, HMIL plans to implement the Corporate Identity at all its 320 Hyundai outlets with the initial phase ending in December 2010 covering 204 outlets and this will include dealerships, sales, service & Advantage (used car business) outlets. The remaining outlets will get the new Corporate Identity by end of 2011. The new corporate identity will be reflected through the main fascia, pylon, entrance gate and projecting sign at all main customer touch points.

Speaking on this development, H.W Park, MD and CEO, HMIL, said, “The Corporate Identity is a visual tool to communicate our philosophy, values and traditions as well as brand strategy. At HMIL, we recognize the significance of communicating a strong and distinctive brand image, especially at our dealerships, which are very important touch points for customers to experience the brand and our products. I am confident that our new corporate identity will be able to position a strong brand recall in the customers’ minds”.

Based on its increased brand value, HMIL has designed a new 3D chrome signature to reflect a refined confident brand. This new signature conveys a powerful brand image and reflects the quality that Hyundai stands for and aims to give Hyundai an upgraded image which is consistent with its product offerings.

The new Corporate Identity implementation will lead to the establishment of a consistent and enhanced global brand image of Hyundai across India and provide a better and easily recognizable retail environment for its customers.