Limited edition of Swift launched by Maruti Suzuki – Only 1000 cars being offered

Swift One Million Edition

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the country’s largest car manufacturer, today announced the launch of a limited edition of Swift, the iconic premium small car brand.

The “Swift One Million Edition” shall be available in a specially created “Goldsmith Black” color and shall be loaded with smart and attractive features like splendid graphics, special integrated stereo with USB and speakers, luxurious leather seats, cushions, foot-mats and an artistic decal on the exteriors.

The limited edition celebrates Maruti Suzuki’s landmark of selling one million cars a year, achieved in late March. The one millionth car was a Swift, and it rolled out of the Company’s state-of-the-art plant at Manesar.

The limited edition car is branded: “Swift One Million Edition“.

Speaking on the occasion Mayank Pareek, Managing Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) said, “It is indeed a moment of pride for us. Swift One Million Edition is our gesture to show gratitude to our customers who have strongly supported us in our journey to reach milestone of one million sales in one year.”

Highlighting the product Mr Pareek added, “The interiors of the Swift One Million Edition have aesthetics of a commemorative edition. The new features and the characteristic body graphics together compliment the sporty character of the Swift. We are confident that this special edition will bring pride to the select owners who get to possess it”.

The Swift One Million Edition is available in Vi version (Petrol) at a price of Rs. 483,079 (ex-showroom, Delhi). Only 1,000 units of this celebration model are being offered.

Swift pioneered the premium A2 car segment in the country. It was Suzuki’s first world strategic model and heralded a new design philosophy which is aggressive, bold and sporty. Swift was also a landmark in demonstrating the R&D capability of Indian engineers: a group of 25 Indian engineers worked on design and development of this global model along with their counterparts at Suzuki.

Since its launch in 2005, Swift has commanded unprecedented leadership with over 4.90 lakh happy customers. Swift has the distinction for achieving the fastest 2 Lakh sales in 35 months and fastest 3 Lakhs sales in 46 months.

The Swift has won many accolades at national and international platforms. The super-car won the Car-of-the-Year in as many as 11 countries, including India, for its path-breaking looks and styling, superior safety features and its ability to balance a dynamic driving experience with a comfortable ride. In addition to over 40 national and international awards to credit, Swift created a Guinness World record for the largest gathering of Swift cars in May’10.

Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, India’s car market leader, sold a total of 104,791 vehicles in August 2010, growing 23.6 per cent in the month. This includes exports of 12,117units. This is the highest ever monthly sales recorded by the company.

The company had sold a total of 84,808 vehicles in August 2009.

Maruti Suzuki’s volume in the domestic A2 segment grew by 25.7 per cent and in the A3 segment the sales volume grew by 34 per cent during the month as compared to sales in August 2009.

During the month the company launched Alto-K10 with 1-litre K-series engine and five CNG models across segments. Customers ranked Maruti Suzuki as the No.1 company in the annual Sales Satisfaction Survey conducted independently by JD Power, a leading global research agency.

The sales figures for August 2010 are given below:

Hero Honda launches New ‘Super Splender’ To Augment Leadership in Deluxe Segment

MORE NEW LAUNCHES LINED UP BEFORE FESTIVE SEASON

Hero Honda Motors Ltd, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has launched the All-New Super Splendor with new value-added features to further strengthen its leadership in the deluxe segment.

Super Splendor - Black with Electric Blue

The all-new Super Splendor 125cc features aesthetic and technological advancements for superior performance and exceptional riding experience.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Anil Dua, Sr. Vice-President (Marketing & Sales), Hero Honda Motors Ltd said, “The strategy of constantly updating the product portfolio has been key to the success of Hero Honda. Our Splendor range is the leading volume driver in the deluxe segment. And today, it is further bolstered by the introduction of the all-new Super Splendor. This bike caters to the changing needs of customers and offers them more contemporary styling and efficient performance. With this launch, we are confident of further strengthening our leadership position in the domestic motorcycle market.”

“With consecutive months of four-lakh-plus sales since the month of May, our sales are moving at all-time-high levels. We are looking to build on this momentum with a slew of new launches leading up to the festive season.”

In a segment where customers seek styling, performance and higher efficiency, Super Splendor offers a perfect blend of features at an attractive value proposition.

The new Super Splendor is supported by new-age technology featuring the Honda Intelligent Ignition System (HIIS). The motorcycle also features a newly designed Carburetor and ACG for improved engine performance. The 5-step adjustable rear shock-absorber provides a smoother drive and comfort. The well-rounded, universal appeal of the all-new Super Splendor is further enhanced by its upgraded external features such as new body-art on fuel tank, new seat design, new wind screen and tail light, uniquely styled front & rear fender, and an elegantly stylized rear grab-rail that hugs the side cowls – thereby marking its unique aesthetic appeal.

The new Super Splendor (drum version with self-start) is attractively priced at Rs 45,950/- (ex-showroom Delhi). It is being made immediately available through Hero Honda’s wide network of over 4200 sales and service points across the country.

Super Splendor - Candy Blazing Red

Hero Honda’s Splendor brand was first launched in the year 1994 and since then the brand has become a legend in the motorcycle industry in the country, and indeed across the globe, surpassing a series of milestones on the way. The Super Splendor 125 cc was introduced in early 2005 with the path-breaking Quantum Core engine and enhanced features to give fuel economy even with higher engine power. Since then, the bike has been regularly upgraded to meet customers’ evolving preferences and tastes.

Hyundai domestic sales up 17.2%

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter continued to be on a growth trajectory with the domestic sales growing by 17.2% over the same month last year.

HMIL’s total sales for August, 2010 stood at 50,636 units as against 49,521 units in August, 2009 registering a 2.3 % cumulative growth over the same period last year. The domestic sales accounted for 28,601 units as against 24,401 units in August, 2009 while the exports declined by 12.3 % from 25,120 units in August, 2009 to 22,035 units in August, 2010.

Hyundai

Commenting on August, 2010 sales, Arvind Saxena, Director – Marketing and Sales, HMIL said, “The domestic demand continues to be strong and we have constraints in production due to some components supply. We are changing our production mix to meet this increased demand in the domestic market. We expect the demand in the domestic market to be even stronger in the coming festival season.”

The segment-wise cumulative sales for the month of August, 2010 are as follows: A2 segment (Santro, i10 & i20) 45,804 units; A3 Segment (Accent & Verna Transform) 4,806 units; A5 segment (Sonata Transform) 26 units.

Hyundai Motor India announces price hike up to 1.2%

- Prices to rise across all models

Hyundai

Hyundai Motor India, the country’s largest exporter and the second largest car manufacturer would be increasing the prices of its products by up to 1.2% across all models, from the 1st of September 2010. This increase is attributed to the increase in input costs.

Announcing the hike in prices, Mr. Arvind Saxena, Director, (Mktg. & Sales) Hyundai Motor India Ltd said, “There has been an increase in the input costs for car manufacturers. We have tried to absorb as much of the cost as we can, to cause as less inconvenience as possible to our valued customers.”

* Ford will launch eight new vehicles in segments appropriate in India by the middle of the decade to meet increasing consumer demand.

* Ford India to export Ford Figo to 50 new markets including Mexico, North African countries and the United Arab Emirates

* Ford’s growth in Asia Pacific and Africa is expected to account for 70 percent of the company’s global growth in the next decade

Ford

Ford Motor Company will launch eight new vehicles in India by the middle of the decade as it moves to rapidly expand its presence in the fast growing market.

Joe Hinrichs, president of Ford Asia Pacific and Africa (APA), made the announcement today during a keynote speech titled “Managing Growth – Evolving Market Dynamics” at the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) Conference in New Delhi.

“We have big plans for India and for this region,” Hinrichs said. “As we have seen from the spectacular early success of the Ford Figo, more and more Indian consumers appreciate the fuel efficient, economical, high quality, safe, and fun-to-drive vehicles that Ford offers. By the middle of this decade we will introduce eight new vehicles to India from our global platforms, in segments appropriate for this market. This is part of our ‘better plan’ to bring more and more vehicles from our vast global portfolio to India and other markets in Asia Pacific and Africa.”

Ford India launched the Ford Figo subcompact in the first quarter of this year, selling more than 30,000 units in 25 weeks.

“Although the vast majority of vehicles we produce in India will help satisfy growing local demand, we also continue to pursue export opportunities,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “We are pleased to announce that Ford India will export our locally-produced, hot-selling Ford Figo to 50 new markets, including Mexico, North Africa and the Middle East starting next year.”

Ford has been exporting the Figo to South Africa since May 2010. Ford India also exports the Ford Fiesta (branded as the “Ikon”) and diesel powertrains to South Africa, as well as 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol engines to Thailand. Ford sells the Endeavor, Ikon, Fiesta and Figo in India, all locally-produced.

The launch and export of both Figo and the engines are the result of a USD 500-million investment in India to expand manufacturing and set up an engine plant there.

Ford’s APA region encompasses markets on three continents, including Australia, China, India, Thailand and South Africa. Industry sales in the region will increase from 16 million units in 2009, to an estimated 35 million units by 2018. The region is expected to account for nearly 70 percent of Ford’s worldwide growth in the next decade.

Sales of vehicles in India have grown at an average annual rate of 17 percent over the past five years, and an estimated 10 million to 11 million people will migrate from two-wheeled forms of transport to small cars in the next few years.

Hinrichs’ remarks at the SIAM conference focused on strategies for managing change, specifically the impact of rising demand and increasing capacity on the value chain.

“Introducing eight new vehicles by the middle of the decade is an ambitious plan that will have tremendous impact on our manufacturing operations, supply chain, dealers and employees. As part of our better plan for India, we are working today to make sure the value chain is ready for the demands we will place on it in the years to come,” Hinrichs said.

Expanding capacity creates particular challenges for suppliers, which are responsible for a large part of a vehicle, and requires new approaches.

“In India and in the rest of the world, we are simplifying the way we work with suppliers by reducing complexity and expanding part commonality,” Hinrichs said. “By 2012, more than 70 percent of the vehicles sold under the Ford brand globally will be built off 15 core platforms. By bringing suppliers into the development process earlier we can ultimately generate more profit for the supply chain.”

This leads to lower development cost and greater economies of scale for our suppliers, and ultimately a higher quality and more economical vehicle for consumers, he said.

“To succeed in a place as unique and fascinating as India, we have learned to listen more closely to our customers, dealers and suppliers,” Hinrichs said. “Our ONE Ford plan says to adapt and to localise. It has made us a better company here in India and around the world.”

Mercedes Benz E Class Cabriolet

* E-Cabriolet further reinforces the E-Class portfolio of seven product offerings
* A four seater, soft top convertible with a 3.5 litre engine churns an output of 272hp (@6000 rpm) and 355 Nm (@ 2400 – 5000 rpm) of torque
* New innovative introductions with AIRCAP ®, introduced for the first time in India

Mercedes-Benz India today announced the launch of the E-Class Cabriolet in India. The highly stylized avatar of the award winning E-Class is complete with a retractable soft top roof and offers comfortable seating for four people.

“The E-Class Cabriolet heralds a new era of Open top motoring. With its launch, the versatility of the E-Class range is further reinforced; the E-Class now offers the Cabriolet in addition to already present the E-Class Saloon and the E-Class Coupe. The E-Class has seven offerings for the discerning customers who seek individuality, expression and dynamism through the cars they drive” commented Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd.

The E-Class has always been a runaway success in the Indian just as in the other parts of the world. It was the first automobile to roll out of the Indian plant back in 1995. Till d ate the E-Class has sold over 12,700 units thereby establishing itself as the most popular luxury car In the Indian market. The New E-Class has broken all records and has already sold 1268 vehicles between January to July 2010.

The E-Class Cabriolet adds to this multi-faceted E-Class line-up making a lifestyle statement par excellence promising an engaging driving experience with the top on or off. Thanks to its classic soft top, the four-seater convertible delivers that unadulterated cabriolet feeling. True to the motto “It’s about air stream and not main stream”, it combines comfort, elegance and year-round usability with the premiere feature of the AIRCAP®. AIRCAP® is an automatic wind deflector that can be deployed at the touch of a button to significantly reduce turbulence in the vehicle’s interior. It also dispenses with the assembly required for conventional wind deflectors and leaves the side profile of the Cabriolet undisturbed.

The production standard sound-dampening soft top comes with extremely high-quality insulation to deliver comfortable travel with the top up. Thus, the closed E-Class Cabriolet offers one of the quietest interiors in the segment of four-seater premium soft-top cabriolets. The top can be open or closed at the touch of a button in only 20 seconds – even while driving at speeds of up to 40 km/h. Like all E-Class models, the Cabriolet also offers an outstanding level of safety with standard equipment that include the ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system, PRE-SAFE® predictive occupant protection, the intelligent light system among others. The E-Class E 350 Cabriolet sports a 3.5 litre engine delivering a powerful output of 272 hp and a torque of 355 Nm celebrating the sheer driving pleasure.

The E-Class Cabriolet is priced at INR 64.5 lakhs as per ex-showroom Delhi pricing.

Maruti Suzuki India launches its FIRST Automatic Variant in the A2 segment with A-star automatic

-       set to revolutionise the market for automatic cars in the category, at a competitive price
-       caters to the growing number of medium to large city customers looking for automatic hatchbacks
-       extends the fuel efficiency advantage of A-star to the automatic version as well
-       introduces advanced A-shift technology

Maruti Suzuki

Maruti Suzuki is all set to introduce the automatic variant of its most fuel efficient car A-star. Already setting the standards with its best in class fuel efficiency since 2008, the automatic variant of A-star is poised to power through Indian roads and create a new benchmark for automatic hatchbacks in India. With the automatic version of the car, Maruti wants to cater to the growing number of medium to large city customers looking for automatic hatchbacks, which are limited in number at present.

The A-star automatic customer will be able to enjoy an enhanced 360 degree driving experience. The 4-speed Automatic Transmission will help drivers glide effortlessly through city traffic, without gear shifts and also superior fuel efficiency of 17 km/litre.  The A-star automatic comes equipped with host of features like Advanced 998 CC K-Series Engine, Superb Mileage, Class-Defining Pick-Up, Sporty looks, Aerodynamics Styling, ABS  and Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat.  The car comes with advanced A-shift technology and is priced very competitively, to suit the customer pocket.

Announcing the launch of Maruti A-star automatic, Maruti Suzuki India Chief General Manager- Marketing Shashank Srivastava said “We see a growing market for automatic transmission cars in India, as traffic congestion is increasing day by day resulting in driver fatigue. Moreover, automatic transmission is known to have the advantage of lower risk of wear and tear of the car in the long run. Through this new variant, our consumers will be given the perfect opportunity to enjoy both fuel-efficiency and a clutch free drive experience.”

He further added that “A-Star is a trendy car for the new age generation and we are confident that it will capture the imagination of today’s generation and provide them with an enhanced driving experience, at a far more competitive price, backed by superior technology and more features. A-star automatic offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a hatchback at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money”.

In sync with the A-star positioning of Stop@nothing, Maruti Suzuki has also developed a unique ad-campaign for the brand. The creative revolves around the power of self belief for the new generation of Indians that believe in no limits. Conceived by M/s Capital advertising and produced by Little Lambs production the campaign will be running at very high decibels across major satellite channels, print, web, outdoor and other below the line activations.

A-star automatic also offers choice of personalisation through a special accessory pack (wrapping) that will provide discerning customers a ‘sporty feel’, and provide them with an opportunity to customise the car to reflect their attitude. Maruti A-star automatic transmission will be available in 9 electrifying colors and will be priced at Rs. 4.35 Lakhs (Non-Metallic) ex showroom delhi.

Maruti Suzuki

The country’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests in the presence of senior government dignitaries and Maruti Suzuki management team. The models include SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat. With this initiative, the CNG footprint of the company spreads across entry level cars, compact cars, sedans and MPV segments.

On the occasion, Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said, ¿We are happy to bring contemporary CNG technology to the Indian customer. We are confident customers would value our i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly. Adapting the CNG technology in our vehicles is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers.¿

Shinzo Nakanishi Managing Director & CEO Maruti Suzuki India said, ¿The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India. Compressed Natural Gas is environment friendly and also reduce country’s dependence on imported fuels. Maruti Suzuki’s big ticket entry into CNG fuel segment augurs well for the environment.¿

Peppy and responsive ‘intelligent-GPI technology’ : The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology offers an intelligent ride. Intelligent as it ensures more power vis-à-vis retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offers a peppier ride experience at par with that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles score very high on safety and reliability vis-à-vis the aftermarket retro-fitted options. Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles pass through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.

Service support across the country : As the CNG technology is factory fitted the customers will enjoy the full warranty benefits including extended warranty. To top it all, the CNG vehicles from Maruti Suzuki will enjoy the nationwide back up of over 2700 Maruti Service Stations.

The simultaneous launch of five CNG vehicles with the same contemporary technology demonstrates the company’s intent and future readiness to produce environmentally friendly vehicles in large numbers.

Steps in Environment care : Maruti Suzuki has the distinction of introducing a host of environment friendly programmes ahead of government regulations and the industry. This includes implementing End of Life Vehicle (ELV) programme ¿ where harmful elements like Lead, Cadmium, Chromium and Mercury are not used in making vehicles. Maruti Suzuki produced the first BS-IV and E-10 compliant engines much ahead of regulations coming to force in the country. Developing a factory-fitted CNG engine is another effort by the Company to contribute to a clean environment.

Technology up

The factory fitted CNG vehicles use advanced Intelligent Gas Port Injection technology. Maruti Suzuki R&D team has integrated this technology with the Company’s range of engines and products to bring the benefits to the consumers.

In a leap over alternative aftermarket options, the i-GPI technology is a Dual ECU (Engine Control Unit) technology. This highly reliable system delivers accurate amounts of gas to the engine thus ensuring improved and consistent performance under various driving conditions.

The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage. Similar to the usual pre-launch evaluation, each of the cars with i-GPI CNG technology has been extensively tested for around 2 lakh kilometers in varied terrains. In addition, over 3,000 hours of bench tests have validated the design and performance to bring unmatchable combination of performance and reliability for the customers.

While working on the new CNG technology, Maruti Suzuki engineers focused on critical aspects of safety, reliability and performance.

CNG for the future : Government of India has committed to developing the infrastructure and network of the CNG stations across the country. This is in line with government’s aim to reduce the dependence on import of fossil fuels. With the discovery of large gas reserves in the country the network of CNG supplies is set to expand rapidly in near future. Maruti Suzuki’s launch of CNG technology vehicles will help create the eco system for use of a clean and cost effective fuel in India.

The Ex-showroom Delhi price (Rs Lakh) of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles is as under

Hyundai Motor India reaches 30 Lakh Production & Sales Milestone — Launches special ‘Hyundai Triple Assurance Program’ to celebrate the occasion

Launches special ‘Hyundai Triple Assurance Program’ to celebrate the occasion

Hyundai Motor India Reaches 30 Lakh Production

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, including exports, reaching 30 lakh (3 million) mark. The occasion marked the announcement of several attractive schemes & promotions for all the existing and potential consumers of HMIL.

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. It is also a proud moment for all of us because India has emerged as the largest export base for our small cars and the Chennai made cars can be seen on the roads of five continents now.”

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. Hyundai Motor achieved this 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.

To commemorate the special occasion, HMIL has introduced a unique initiative to ensure “peace of mind” for its esteemed customers. The ‘Hyundai Triple Assurance Program’, a three-pronged nationwide scheme, will offer customers a host of incentives to enjoy a hassle-free driving experience.

The ‘Maintenance Assurance Program’ assures zero expenditure on all maintenance services for three years or 50,000 kilometres, whichever is earlier. The ‘Motor Assurance Program’ will provide comprehensive motor insurance and add on coverage for a maximum of five occupants for an amount up to Rs. 200,000 per person.

The ‘Warranty Assurance Program’ offers extended warranty for the third year or up to distance of 60,000 km. Besides this, this scheme also includes free roadside assistance for two years. The Hyundai Triple Assurance Program will be available to the buyers of the Santro and the i10, and will be available from 5th  – 25th  August, 2010.

And that’s not all. As a special ‘thank you’ to customers, an Exchange/Loyalty offer of Rs 15,000 for a Hyundai car owner and an exchange amount of Rs 12,000 for any other car for an i10 or Santro. So, Hyundai will make sure that owning a Hyundai car is as much of a pleasure as driving one!