Tatas fast-track finance scheme, get loan for Nano in just 2 days

The country’s largest car maker Tata Motors seems to have decided to go all around to push-up the sales of its small wonder Tata Nano, as the company now has offered a special finance scheme by which a prospective Nano customer can get loan within 48 hours without any down payment. 

At present, the company’s financial arm – Tata Motors Finance (TMF) – offers up to 90 percent finance for Tata Nano on low interest rates. TMF is present at all 540 Tata passenger vehicles dealerships, across the country. 

The new special finance scheme has added yet another offer in the series of sales boosting measures taken by the company in last few weeks. Last month, the company had offered new additional safety features to all 70,000 Nano owners in the country, after a number of incidents of Tata Nano catching fire raised the safety related worries of Nano’s existing and prospective customers. 

Last week, the company had extended the warranty on Nano to 4 years/ 60,000 km in India. Tata Motors said in a statement, “the Tata Nano will now come with a four year/60,000 km (whichever is earlier) manufacturer's warranty, at no extra cost.” The statement adds, “Besides being applicable on new deliveries, the warranty is also being extended to all existing owners of the car.” 

In Nov 2010, Tata Nano sales dipped to its all time low to 509 units from the peak of 9,000 units in July 2010, accounting for a sharp fall of over 85 percent.

http://www.cartradeindia.com/car-bike-news/tatas-fast-track-finance-scheme+-get-loan-for-nano-in-just-2-days-113312.html

Tata Motors to up prices of passenger cars except Nano, Aria

MUMBAI: Tata Motors plans to raise prices of all its passenger vehicles except the Nano and the newly-launched Aria by up to 1.5 per cent from next month onwards.

The increase is on account of surging input costs, the Tata group company said.

"We will increase prices of all our passenger vehicles by 1-1.5 per cent from January due to higher input costs," Tata Motors' Vice-President (Commercial, Passenger Cars Business Unit), R Ramakrishnan told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

"We will increase prices for all passenger vehicles except the Nano and the newly-launched Aria," he said.

Major car-makers such as Hyundai Motor India, Volkswagen and General Motors have also said that they plan to up prices to offset the pressure from rising raw materials costs, including natural rubber.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/Tata-Motors-to-up-prices-of-passenger-cars-except-Nano-Aria/articleshow/7111771.cms

Nissan Micra Diesel – Specifications and Price

Nissan recently announced that it will introduce a diesel variant of its small car model Nissan Micra before the end of this year. It has now released its detailed specification sheet for the Indian customers. The new Nissan Micra diesel will have a Diesel engine having a maximum power of 64 bhp @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 155 Nm @ 2000 rpm is present in Nissan Micra Diesel that has 1461 CC, 4 valves. It will scale a length of 3780 mm, 1665 mm of width and 1530 mm of height. A 5-speed manual transmission will also be provided in this  new car. The smart keyfob will start the engine with the push of a button and the engine immobilizer provided in the new Micra diesel will stop anyone, without the key, from starting the car.

Nissan currently has 20 dealerships across India and has started booking the diesel model that will be available before Christmas. The diesel variant of Nissan Micra has INR 50, 000 extra as compared to Nissan Micra petrol version. The Nissan Micra Diesel XV is available at price tag of Rs. 6.45 Lakh and XV Premium is available at price tag of Rs. 6.90 Lakh. Nissan Micra Diesel variants includes most of the standard features and electric parkand fold mirror, door mirror electric adjustment, auto AC, greige colour interior scheme, intelligent key with push button ignition, front passenger airbag, ABS, EBD, BA, front fog lamps and security alarm.

http://www.cartradeindia.com/car-bike-news/nissan-micra-diesel-%96-specifications-and-price-113153.html

Small and smart

Have you ever let out a sigh when a great-looking sedan zoomed past your little hatchback? Well, almost every small car owner has. But with the present situation of roads in Delhi, it’s actually them who are smiling away to and from the parking lots. “Jis jagah mein 10 Maruti-Santro

aati hai, badi gaddi sirf 5-6 aati hai (where 10 Marutis or Santros can be parked, only 5-6 sedans can be accommodated),” says Manoj Tiwari, a keeper at the NDMC parking at Janpath.

And with the entire city, specially the central Delhi, resembling a war-ravaged zone, it is tough work to navigate your shining cruiser. “Unless you have a designated parking slot for yourself, it’s such a hassle to park a big car,” says Naresh Agarwal, a shopkeeper in Connaught Place. The situation is not better on the road, as 60 lakh vehicles jostle to find space on Delhi’s roads. “I could have jolly well got a [Honda] Civic, but opted for a Jazz instead,” says Shristi Pradhan, a management trainer who commutes every day to Nehru Place from Janakpuri. “But it’s actually a headache to navigate a big car,” she adds. “Also, bigger vehicles are much more prone to scratches and accidents here,” says Manish Bhattacharya, 22, who drives a Santro to college.
Small on stress, big on frills
No wonder, then, that Maruti Suzuki — which gave India its first small car — still dominates nearly 47 per cent of India’s car market, according to Wiki Reports. Even Hyundai, the nearest competitor to Maruti with its Santro, and now i10, aims to have a 20.6 per cent share — all courtesy their small cars.

Add to the list Fiat, Honda and even Volkswagen, who are now focussing on the burgeoning small car market. “The best thing now is that manufacturers are packing all the stylish features of a sedan in a hatchback due to demand,” points Rajiv Mitra, General Manager, Corporate Communi-cations, Hyundai. “So there’s no dent in the pride, as well as satisfaction, if you have a small car.”
So, if you have been planning to go for a sedan, think again. Remember, the biggest cult ‘people’s car’ in history — the Beetle —  is still a hatchback by birth.
Soon on the streets...
Renault-Nissan-Bajaj: The Renault-Bajaj small car, tipped to cost anything between R 1,30,000 to R 1,90,000, is expected to hit the market by next year. It is being considered a competitor to the Tata Nano. The Nissan Pixo, expected to be priced within R 3-4 lakh, is also expected soon.
Reva: The next generation Reva NXR electric is expected in the first quarter of next year.
Maruti: Maruti Cervo, expected to be priced around R 1.5 - 2.5 lakh, may hit the road by the end of the year.
Volkswagen: The Volkswagen Up is expected in the first half of 2011. It may be priced around R 3.5-5 lakh.
Hyundai: Hyundai may come out with a diesel version of the Santro Xing next year, which is to be priced around R 2.7 - 4 lakh. A diesel version of i10, followed by i30, is also expected.
Tata: The Nano may have its hybrid version by the first half of 2011. It will be priced around R 1.15 - R 1.8 lakh.
Honda: The Honda Tif is expected soon. Its price is yet to be announced.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/Small-and-smart/Article1-585202.aspx

GM India showcase range of offerings at Hyderabad Auto Show 2010

The vehicles on display include GM India's latest offerings from the 300 series, Chevrolet Beat and Cruze and the extremely popular and much sought after, Chevrolet Captiva and Spark

General Motors India is showcasing its exciting range of offerings at the regional Auto Show in Hyderabad at Hitex Exhibition Centre from May 13 - 16, 2010. The vehicles on display include GM India's latest offerings from the 300 series, Chevrolet Beat and Cruze and the extremely popular and much sought after, Chevrolet Captiva and Spark. 

 

Speaking about the range of vehicles at display,P Balendran, Vice-President, General Motors India said, “The Auto Show in Hyderabad provides us with an ideal platform to exhibit GM India’s technological advancement and product offerings. This forum gives us an opportunity to engage with the valued consumers in this region and gain market insights into consumer trends and response, enabling us to serve them better. This region has tremendous market potential and is a key region for us.”

 

While Chevrolet Beat and Cruze have become the industry benchmarks in their respective segments and a winner among consumers in India, Chevrolet Spark is one of the most sought after mini car in its segment in terms of styling, performance, fuel efficiency, value for money proposition and other product attributes. The recent roll-out of 100,000th Chevy Spark clearly validates the unmatched popularity that it enjoys amongst the consumers.

 

Chevy Beat

With its best-in-segment design, performance and safety, the Beat is a car that is ideal for those with a modern lifestyle.  With the styling of a sporty hatchback, it showcases the new direction of Chevrolet design and a new trend in the design of mini-cars. The Beat comes with a new generation Smart-TEC II 1.2L engine delivering a class leading 80.5ps and an exceptionally high fuel efficiency of 18.6kmpl per ARAI tests. The Beat also offers some segment first luxury features like Automatic Climate Control and Tilt Steering. An integrated rear spoiler is also standard which adds style and also improves the aerodynamics of the car enabling better fuel efficiency.

 

Chevrolet Cruze

The Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed diesel performance combined with an array of unique features. And with the Automatic transmission option the Cruze offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a Sedan at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money. The Cruze has been receiving excellent market response since its launch in the last quarter of 2009.  The auto Journalists in India who had test driven the vehicle have rated it as the best in its segment for its unique product attributes. The Cruze has already won the following awards:

 

NDTV Car & Bike Viewers  Choice Car of the Year

Autocar Bloomberg UTV Best Saloon Car of the Year

ET Zigwheels Midsize Sedan of the year

Car & Bike NDTV Executive Car of the Year

BS Motoring Best Value for Money Car of the Year

 

Chevy Spark

Chevrolet Spark has been ruling the JD Power Asia Pacific IQS study for 3 years in a row for its top-notch quality features and its best-in-class fuel economy. These awards reiterate the fact that customers across the country trust the Chevrolet Spark for its multiple features, safety, fuel efficiency and value proposition. This entry level Hatchback provides unbeatable value through its modern, dynamic styling, unmatched fuel economy and class leading comfort and convenience. The Spark is one of the world’s most popular mini-cars and has recorded over 3 million loyal customers globally, attesting to its rising popularity amongst car lovers across a wide spectrum of countries worldwide.

 

Chevrolet Captiva

Since its launch, the Captiva has established a clear niche for itself and has emerged as a top contender in the premium SUV space. GM India has also launched a limited edition of Captiva called the Xtreme with state of the art design features like the electric Sunroof, sporty red & black two tone interior trim, black bezel headlamps, smoked lens tail lamps, etc.
http://www.indiainfoline.com/Markets/News/GM-India-showcase-range-of-offerings-at-Hyderabad-Auto-Show-2010/4839339351

 

 

Bajaj car to be world's cheapest

Bajaj's ultra-low cost car being manufactured jointly with Renault and Nissan promises to give hot chase to the Tata Nano. On Monday, Rajiv Bajaj (BAJAJAUTO.NS : 2101.05 0), MD, Bajaj Auto confirmed the $2,500 (Rs 1.1 lakh) price tag for the car, announced first by Renault chairman & CEO Carlos Ghosn at the company's shareholders' meet late last week. The Renault announcement comes a few days after it pulled out of its loss-making Logan venture with Mahindra & Mahindra.
The Bajaj car will be cheaper than the Nano, which comes at Rs 1.23 lakh-1.72 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi ). After the launch of Tata Nano, the race for the No.2 position in the ultra-low cost car segment is under way in India , which as emerged as the Mecca of this segment. However, other automakers' plans to enter this segment are still on the drawing board.
At Renault meeting, Ghosn said: "In India , Renault and Nissan are developing an ultra-low-cost vehicle with the Bajaj group, benefiting from its expertise in light vehicles and knowledge of the Indian market." He reiterated the affordability of the vehicle for the Indian market by citing the targeted low price tag.
"We are combining our strengths with Nissan, notably in India , Russia , Brazil and Mexico ," Ghosn said. "The alliance product strategy has been finalised in India and Russia , and Renault and Nissan will pool their production capacities and platforms there to fully deliver on these developments," he added.
The car was initially scheduled to hit the market this year, but has been postponed to 2012. Bajaj Auto displayed the prototype of the small car at the 2008 Auto Expo. However, the three partners were stuck at various levels of branding and engineering the car till last year. According to industry observers, the project also got delayed as partners were stuck on pricing issues as well. While Renault wanted a low-cost car, Bajaj was keen on a car that would sport high mileage and low maintenance.
It was during his India visit that Ghosn finally announced the finalisation of the project. "As per the agreement, the design, engineering, sourcing and manufacturing will be handled by Bajaj Auto, while marketing and selling will be (done) by Renault-Nissan Alliance," he said. But he had declined to comment on the pricing of the car.
Officials from the alliance have said the car will be smaller than Maruti Suzuki's Alto, which is the biggest selling model in India .
In March, Collin Dodge, executive vice-president, Nissan Motor had said: "It is over two years that Bajaj is trying to produce the car. The physics of it is very difficult. We have not yet found a solution as there are a lot of engineering solutions required." Nissan is also in talks with Hinduja group company Ashok Leyland (ASHOKLEY.NS : 62.2 +1.25) to develop a small car for the global market that could be priced around $4,500-5,000.
"We have a formal agreement with Ashok Leyland for making light commercial vehicles in India . In addition, we also use Ashok Leyland's engineering services for various purposes. At the moment, we are talking to them and many other partners in China , Indonesia ...for a price centric vehicle," Nissan Motor Co executive vice-president Collin Dodge had said at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
http://in.biz.yahoo.com/100503/50/baviql.html

New Entrants in Small Car Market in India

Small car market in India will foresee new entrants in the coming years. This year General Motors has already launched Chevrolet Beat, Ford has introduced Figo and Volkswagen has launched Polo as their small cars. Hyundai’s new i20 diesel and Nissan Micra are new models still expected in the current year. Honda’s new small car and Toyota Etios are expected by early 2011.

Apart from the recent developments in the international auto scenario, more car models are expected in the developing markets especially India. Volkswagen-Suzuki tie up is already contemplating to develop a small car for the Indian market where as Maruti Suzuki has already ramped up its R&D center in India. MSIL is planning to launch a special “made-in-India” car by 2012.

Renault is planning to launch its successful car model Clio or Twingo in India in next two years. The car is built on Nissan’s B platform and is already extremely successful in Europe.

Daimler had earlier launched the Smart Car in the international market. Now Daimler and Renault-Nissan have formed an alliance internationally. Daimler is also planning to develop a cost competitive small car for the emerging markets. “This alliance could help in developing a cost-competitive product for emerging markets,” said a Daimler official working closely with the alliance.

Senior officials at Renault and Nissan said while the alliance may not have an immediate impact on India, it could leverage on R&D and source components from low-cost destinations.

All in all, the small car market never looked so active!
http://www.cartradeindia.com/car-bike-news/new-entrants-in-small-car-market-in-india-112366.html

Tata Nano likely to lose much-hyped price tag

MUMBAI — India's Tata Nano was launched with great fanfare as a 100,000-rupee (2,200-dollar) vehicle -- a round number that neatly encapsulated its status as the world's cheapest car.
But analysts say parent group Tata and its chairman Ratan Tata will struggle to keep the jellybean-shaped vehicle on sale at this level due to the rising costs of raw materials, labour and new higher taxes.
Described as India's "People's Car," the Nano is pitched at the country's aspiring middle-classes, many of whom currently travel on two wheels but are looking to upgrade.
"The Nano is Ratan Tata?s dream project. But as costs rise, the Nano will not remain a 100,000-rupee car," said Vaishali Jajoo, from Mumbai-based Angel Broking.
Tata faces the same problems as other car manufacturers, such as Japan-owned Maruti Suzuki and its rival Hyundai Motors, which have hiked their prices this year.
Steel in most forms has seen an average price rise of 25 percent since April 2009, Jajoo said, while the prices of tyres and auto accessories are rising as demand for copper, aluminium, plastics and rubber picks up.
The increase in commodity prices can be attributed to rising global demand following the end of the financial crisis and deep recessions in developed countries, analysts say.
Tata Motors has guaranteed that the first 100,000 cars will be delivered "price protected" to owners, which means they get the vehicle at the promised price, regardless of rising costs.
At least 26,500 Nanos have been sold since its launch in July last year, with the basic model priced at 100,000 rupees from the factory floor, while the popular, high-end version, the Nano LX, sells for 172,360-185,375 rupees.
When a second round of bookings opens -- seen as likely in the last quarter of the year -- the cost of an LX could rise to nearly 200,000 rupees, while the basic model could be about 130,000, analysts say.
Tata Motors was coy on a possible price rise.
"What happens in the future is difficult to say," a company spokesman said.
But while announcing its previous quarter earnings, the company admitted it faced challenges from the rising cost of raw materials, withdrawal of government stimulus and a possible hike in interest rates.
The Nano has sparked a race to create other ultra-low-cost cars for the Indian and other emerging markets.
India and its 1.2-billion-strong population is a huge draw because of the low number of car owners. Car penetration is just eight per 1,000 people, compared with 550 per 1,000 in Germany and 495 in France.
French automaker Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan plan to launch a car to rival the Nano in 2012 in partnership with scooter and three-wheel specialist Bajaj Auto.
Ford, Toyota and Honda are also poised to launch small cars in India in the next two years.
Nevertheless, analysts said the Nano would still hold its place.
The basic Nano is on average about 1,300 dollars cheaper than its nearest rivals, the Maruti five-seater Omni at 200,000 rupees and the Maruti-800 at 210,000 rupees.
"The Nano has a first-mover advantage (in India). Rural demand will offset any impact of lower demand due to a price rise," said analyst Gaurang Shah, from Geojit BNP Paribas Financial Services.
The car's novelty value is also a big advantage, with the Nano still getting second looks on busy Indian roads eight months after its launch.
"It has that toy-like, cuddly, safe feeling," said Sunaina Kakkad, a Mumbai call-centre worker, who is looking to buy her first car.
The company is also looking to sell it in the United States, but it could be years before the car hits US showrooms, as the company re-designs to incorporate a larger engine and meet higher safety standards.
Last year, Tata unveiled a European version of the Nano sporting airbags and leather trim, with more stringent safety and emissions standards.
The Nano Europa will hit the market in 2010-11 at a price near 5,000 euros (6,390 dollars).
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iMtxrF9rvB6oelohyVFo1ctTyk2A

GM India Introduces Chevrolet Cruze Automatic

General Motors India today launched the Chevrolet Cruze AT in Bangalore at a ceremony presided over by its President & Managing Director Mr. Karl Slym. The manual version of Chevrolet Cruze launched in October has already redefined the D-segment with its coupe-like design proportions, comfortable interiors, class leading features and other exclusive product attributes.
The 6 Speed Automatic Transmission will be offered on the LTZ variant which also comes with a host of features like PEPS, Push Button Start, Cruise Control, Smart Screen and Electric Sunroof to name a few. The Automatic variant will also be available in a special 3 coat paint called White Diamond in addition to the exciting six colors already on offer.
The Chevrolet Cruze AT also has a triptronic mode which enables a sportier drive for the customer. Other highlights of this six-speed automatic transmission include Clutch-to-clutch shift operation for added precision and smoother shifts between gears. Also, it has a wide spread ratio with the first gear designed for a very high ratio to provide brisk acceleration from the top while the sixth gear has an overdrive ratio to keep the engine revolutions as low as possible for highway cruising and improved fuel economy. One of the key benefits of this model is that it uses premium fluids in the transmission that does not need replacement during normal use.
“Chevrolet has already become a driving force in India’s vehicle market,” said Karl Slym, President and Managing Director of GM India. “The Cruze has been receiving excellent market response since its launch in the last quarter of 2009. The auto Journalists in India who had test driven the vehicle have rated it as the best in its segment for its unique product attributes.
The Cruze has already won the following awards
1.NDTV Car & Bike Viewers Choice Car of the Year
2.Autocar Bloomberg UTV Best Saloon Car of the Year
3.ET Zigwheels Midsize Sedan of the year
4.Car & Bike NDTV Executive Car of the Year
5.BS Motoring Best Value for Money Car of the Year
It builds on the reputation of the brand for attractive design, great performance and outstanding fuel economy in the D-segment. The Chevrolet Cruze is also one of the key drivers of the global expansion of Chevrolet. It is backed by the highest scores in major crash safety ratings. The Chevrolet Cruze has also recently received the maximum five-star rating in European New Car Assessment Program (ENCAP) rating, after winning 5 star ratings in Australian and China NCAP. The latest feather in Chevrolet Cruze’s cap is its selection as a finalist in the reputed ‘World Car of the Year’ Award.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.P.Balendran, Vice President, General Motors India said ‘the Cruze is all about value, refinement and power-packed diesel performance combined with an array of unique features. And with the Automatic transmission option the Cruze offers everything any discerning Indian car buyer could want in a Sedan at a price point that represents uncontestable value for money’.
GM’s investment in manufacturing the Cruze in India is a demonstration of our sustained commitment to making Chevrolet the most admired and preferred vehicle brand in this country. We believe this vehicle is the right product for India because of the unique product features and fine tuning that were carried out to meet the requirements of our consumer, climatic and driving conditions. As a result, we expect Cruze AT also to set new benchmarks in its segment. By introducing products like Cruze with class leading features, we look forward to continue building on the brand’s success nationwide, said Balendran.
Coinciding with the launch of Cruze AT , GM India also inaugurated its 3rd dealership M/s. Trident Automobiles Pvt. Ltd in Bangalore today. This demonstrates our commitment to widening our dealership network to take care of our rapidly-expanding customer base in the city and the state of Karnataka. The new dealership is equipped to provide unmatched services and ambience to its customers. A wide range of exclusive accessories will also be on display for customers’ benefit. Additionally, a team of GM trained technicians will be available at the ultra modern workshop with latest garrage tools and tackles, diagnostic equipment, ultra modern body repair shop and computerized facilities for attending to every need of the GM customers in the region.
The company now has 11 dealerships and 12 service centres in the state of Karnataka alone taking the overall tally to 206 sales points and 200 authorised service outlets across the country. It intends to take the network to 300 sales points and an equal number of authorized service outlets by the end of this year. In addition, the company has also set up 4 parts distribution centres at Talegaon, Halol, Chennai and Delhi to ensure timely and easy availability of parts.
The unveiling of the Cruze AT follows GM India’s successful launches of Chevrolet Beat and Captiva Extreme last month.
General Motors India has completed over 13 years of operation in India. GM India started its journey in 1996 and now offers products under the Chevrolet brand, which was introduced in India in 2003. Chevrolet had already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive nameplates in India. GM India produces the Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Tavera for sale in India and operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Halol, Gujarat and in Talegaon, Maharashtra.
http://www.webnewswire.com/node/508321

Impossibly Cheap, Tiny Car Coming To American Market

Back in the early '00s, I saw Smart cars zipping around my neighborhood in France and thought, "Europe is so weird! They'd never sell those in the US." But I was wrong. And the relative success of tiny cars like the Mini Cooper and, the Smart fortwo has led to the inevitable. The world's cheapest car, India's Tata Nano, is coming to America and Europe in about three years.
The Nano sells for about $2,500 USD in India, and will be more robust and safer before it shows up on the American and European markets. But it'll still be tiny, and cheaper than a base-model Hyndai Accent, currently the cheapest new car on the US market.

 http://consumerist.com/2010/01/impossibly-cheap-tiny-car-coming-to-american-market.html