Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Mahindra distributor reportedly says first U.S. models to hit market in spring]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-mahindra-distributor-says-first-u-s-models-to-hit-marke/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-mahindra-distributor-says-first-u-s-models-to-hit-marke/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/23/report-mahindra-distributor-says-first-u-s-models-to-hit-marke/#comments Filed under: , ,

Mahindra Pik-Up - Click above for high-res image gallery

Starting to wonder if the Mahindra TR20 (two-door) and TR40 (four-door) small pickups will ever come to market here in the States? You're not alone. Though our Magic 8 Ball still tells us it's likely that the compact trucks will indeed make an appearance at some unknown point in the future, news comes by way of PickupTrucks.com that the Indian haulers have been delayed yet again until sometime in the spring of 2010.

Sound familiar? It should - this isn't Mahindra's first delay. As a matter of fact, it's not its second delay, either, not that the extra time is completely unexpected. After all, it's not easy to launch an entirely new brand in the United States with as-yet untested products.

In any case, Global Vehicles USA, the chosen distributor for Mahindra's wares here in the States, is saying that the TR20 and TR40 have now passed U.S. federal safety and emissions standards and the final paperwork will be completed by February. We shall see.


Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

mahindra-pickup-large_21mahindra-pickup-large_11mahindra-pickup-large_22mahindra-pickup-large_12mahindra-pickup-large_13

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Mahindra distributor reportedly says first U.S. models to hit market in spring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Global Vehiclesglobal vehicles mahindraGlobalVehiclesGlobalVehiclesMahindramahindramahindra and mahindramahindra delaymahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40mahindra truckmahindra trucksMahindra USAMahindraAndMahindraMahindraDelayMahindraPickupMahindraTr20MahindraTr40MahindraTruckMahindraTrucksMahindraUsa Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:00:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/video-man-wins-india-supreme-court-case-for-mountain-goat-cla/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/video-man-wins-india-supreme-court-case-for-mountain-goat-cla/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/22/video-man-wins-india-supreme-court-case-for-mountain-goat-cla/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,


Dead Chevrolet Forester in India - Click above to watch the video after the break

First of all, if you weren't aware already, the first-generation Subaru Forester was later sold in India as the Chevrolet Forester (General Motors doesn't have the CUV in its lineup anymore). There weren't any real changes to the vehicle in any way, it was really just a Subaru with a Bowtie emblem. Now that that's out of the way, we have learned that an 80-year-old man in India named Ashok Tolat sued General Motors after his Forester came to a halt and died in one foot of water during the monsoon season in 2005. Angered that his SUV couldn't handle any weather thrown its way, Tolat sued GM.

General Motors denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the Forester wasn't designed as an all-terrain, all-weather vehicle. Tolat countered with the car's sales brochure, which reportedly likened the Forester's capabilities with that of a mountain goat. "A total misrepresentation," says Tolat. As far as we can recall, we're not aware of any 2005-vintage mountain goats that stalled out and died in one foot of water... so, there you go.

The General took the case all the way to India's Supreme Court after losing Tolat's lawsuit in two lower courts, but it ultimately lost there too. It took three years, but Tolat finally got GM to buy back the Forester and pay his legal fees. Score one for determination, even if we're a little leery of the court's ruling without the rest of the facts. In any case, click past the break to watch video of the story as covered on NDTV.

[Source: NDTV via YouTube via TTAC]

Continue reading VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester

VIDEO: Man wins India Supreme Court case for 'mountain goat' claims about Chevy Forester originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> ashok tolatAshokTolatchevroletchevrolet foresterChevroletForesterchevychevy foresterChevyForesterforesterindiaindia chevy foresterindia foresterIndiaChevyForesterIndiaForestermountain goatMountainGoat Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:28:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Honda to premiere new small car concept at Delhi Motor Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-honda-to-premiere-new-small-car-concept-at-delhi-motor-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-honda-to-premiere-new-small-car-concept-at-delhi-motor-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/21/report-honda-to-premiere-new-small-car-concept-at-delhi-motor-s/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Honda CR-Z concept 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Honda has announced plans to unveil a new small car concept at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi on January 5. Just last week, Toyota made almost the exact same announcement and both Japanese automakers are staying mum on any actual details.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Honda's entry in the hotly-contested market of India is being referred to internally as the "New Small Concept," and while it's intended primarily for emerging markets (think: Tata Nano), the vehicle is being engineered so that it could be sold in other parts of the world.

Interestingly, in addition to the NSC, Honda will also use the Delhi Motor Show to show off its the concept version of its CR-Z hybrid (shown above), originally seen at the Tokyo Motor Show earlier this year. With brochure images already circulating of the production CR-Z, we expect to see the for-sale version premiere as soon as next month's Detroit Auto Show.


Gallery: 2009 Honda CR-Z Concept


[Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req'd]

REPORT: Honda to premiere new small car concept at Delhi Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cr-zdelhi auto expodelhi motor showDelhiAutoExpoDelhiMotorShowhondahonda cr-zhonda new small conceptHondaCr-zHondaNewSmallConceptindiaNAIASNew Delhinew delhi auto showNew Delhi Indianew delhi motor shownew small conceptNewDelhiNewDelhiAutoShowNewDelhiIndiaNewDelhiMotorShowNewSmallConcept Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:40:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Suzuki CEO indicates joint projects with VW to start in January]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-suzuki-ceo-indicates-joint-projects-with-vw-to-start-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-suzuki-ceo-indicates-joint-projects-with-vw-to-start-in/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/17/report-suzuki-ceo-indicates-joint-projects-with-vw-to-start-in/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Volkswagen and Suzuki won't waste anytime at all in getting started on their assorted joint projects. Well, unless you count the holidays, which we'll let slide. At the launch of the new Suzuki Alto, CEO Osama Suzuki told reporters that the newly tied-at-the-hip automakers will begin "Actual, detailed execution - with our people going there and their people coming here... after January."

That first project will be a new small car that will be sold in developing countries, which may or may not be outsourced from Suzuki's Indian Maruti operations and is rumored to cost between $4,300 and $5,400.

Volkswagen has much less experience in building small cars than Suzuki, which is a leader in Japan's tiny Kei car class, and in making money with such low prices.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Suzuki CEO indicates joint projects with VW to start in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> emerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketssmall suzukismall volkswagenSmallSuzukiSmallVolkswagensuzukisuzuki volkswagenSuzukiVolkswagenvolkswagen Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-gm-saic-pondering-tata-nano-fighter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-gm-saic-pondering-tata-nano-fighter/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/report-gm-saic-pondering-tata-nano-fighter/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Though the minuscule Tata Nano hasn't even been on the market for a complete year, the impact it's had on the automotive world may be exactly inverse to its size and price. In other words, it's had a huge effect, proving to the world that it's possible to build a business plan around selling super cheap cars in rapidly expanding markets.

You can reportedly add the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and General Motors joint venture to the list of automakers that have taken notice of the Nano. According to reports rolling in from China and India, the 50:50 JV is considering a vehicle that would be positioned below the Chevy Spark/Daewoo Matiz that would sell for as little as $3,500.

So far, GM/SAIC isn't commenting on the reports, but has indicated in the past that it plans to build small vans, SUVs and cars for emerging markets like China and India.

[Source: WheelsUnplugged | Image: Mark Ralston/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: GM-SAIC pondering Tata Nano fighter? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> emerging marketemerging marketsEmergingMarketEmergingMarketsGMgm saicGmSaicSAICtata nanoTataNano Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:32:00 EST <![CDATA[Project Penguin: Is Tata Motors planning a Nano-based pickup?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/project-penguin-is-tata-motors-planning-a-nano-based-pickup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/project-penguin-is-tata-motors-planning-a-nano-based-pickup/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/project-penguin-is-tata-motors-planning-a-nano-based-pickup/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Now that Tata has put the World's Cheapest Car on the market, is the Indian automaker ready to make a similar assault on the pickup truck market? Judging by a recent spy shot, it seems likely. It's impossible to know for sure, but the truck's three-lug wheels, single windshield wiper and dash layout indicate that this pickup might be based on the diminutive Nano.

Indian news outlets report that the pickup is codenamed Penguin and is powered by a single-cylinder diesel engine that displaces 350cc and is based on a slice of the Tata Ace and Indica engine block. That big thumper is hooked directly to the rear axle, an arrangement that will do away with the driveshaft and help lower cost. No word on if or when the Nano truck is slated for an official introduction. Hat tip to Shrawan!

[Source: Indian Autos Blog]

Project Penguin: Is Tata Motors planning a Nano-based pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> nano pickupnano truckNanoPickupNanoTrucktatatata nanotata pickuptata truckTataNanoTataPickupTataTruck Mon, 07 Dec 2009 17:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-tata-motors-back-in-the-black-as-jaguar-land-rover-fortu/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,



While many confusing car-related things have happened in the upper strata of the Autoverse over the last few years (Aston Martin and Ferrari both being impart owned by Middle Eastern concerns, Aston Martin not being bankrupt) perhaps the most shocking and disconcerting was Ford's sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to India's Tata. To many, the scheme seemed doomed from the get go and after a couple cash-hemorrhaging quarters coupled to the recent recession, the naysayers appeared right.

Turns out, Tata can say nay to the naysayers as its two prestige/luxury brands just turned a profit. A combination of cost cuts and attractive new models (LR4, XF) have helped catapult the long time money losers into the black. And while the $4.7 million in consolidated net profits last quarter is certainly nothing to jump for joy over, that nearly five million bucks is a nice change of pace from the usual Jag/Landy blood red ink. JLR sales rose 23% over the previous quarter. Rule Britannia! Er, India.

[Source: Gasgoo | Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images]

REPORT: Tata Motors back in the black as Jaguar/Land Rover fortunes improve originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> JaguarJaguar XFJaguarXfLand RoverLand Rover LR4LandRoverLandRoverLr4LR4TataTata MotorsTataMotorsXF Mon, 30 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/report-ratan-tata-again-confirms-hybrid-tata-nano/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

Once again, Tata chairman Ratan Tata has confirmed via the South Korean Maeil Business Newspaper that his company intends to launch a hybrid version of the Nano. While it's impossible to know for sure, we'd imagine that starting off with the World's Least Expensive Automobile may very well equal the World's Least Expensive Hybrid.

We're also unsure what kind of hybrid system Tata is developing - we wouldn't expect to see a full hybrid system with an electric motor and battery pack large enough to power the vehicle for long periods of time, but we'd still hope for something more substantial than a simple stop/start micro system.

Previous reports indicate that a diesel engine is also in the works for the Nano, and we have high hopes that the inexpensive machine will make its way in somewhat modified form to the United States. Even with its current drivetrain, the gas-powered Nano delivers well over 50 U.S. miles per gallon, which would surely make for a welcome option here in America.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

REPORT: Ratan Tata again confirms hybrid Tata Nano originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> hybrid nanohybrid tata nanoHybridNanoHybridTataNanonanonano hybridNanoHybridratan tataRatanTatatatatata nanotata nano hybridTataNanoTataNanoHybrid Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:30:00 EST <![CDATA[It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/it-begins-first-tuned-tata-nano-spotted/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

DC Designs customized Tata Nano - Click above for image gallery

It was bound to happen. Think back to when Volkswagen Beetles infested the roads of the globe; there was no shortage of customized Bugs. Tata aims to put the world on wheels with its low-priced Nano, offering mobility to India's massive population for what many Americans just dropped on Black Friday. To stave off an impending swarm of same-same vehicles, and cash in with buyers looking to stand out, New Delhi-based Carnation Auto (not to be confused with North America's Car Nation) has teamed up with Dilip Chhabria's DC Design to offer prefab-custom options for the Nano.

The endeavor has been given the tagline, "The Artist Meets the Enabler," and it began with tarted-up offerings for the Toyota Innova, creating a car called the Innov8. If the reworked MPV is any indication, we can expect the DC Design Nano to have an interior that apes a Gulfstream, while we can all plainly see what's been done to the exterior. The Nano kit is not yet available, but Carnation says it will be ready to join the already-available Innova, Honda City, and Suzuki Swift kits in 2010. We're sure opinions abound over this visually-charged Nano, so feel free to express yourselves in the comments. Press release posted after the jump.


Gallery: DC Designs Cars


[Source: CarnationDC.com via Indian Auto Talk]

Continue reading It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted

It Begins: First tuned Tata Nano spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> carnation autoCarnationAutoDC Designdc designsDcDesignDcDesignsdilip chhabriaDilipChhabrianew delhiNewDelhitataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanothe artist meets the enablerTheArtistMeetsTheEnabler Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Mahindra maps out 'potential' U.S. dealer network for forthcoming small diesel pickup]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mahindra-maps-out-potential-u-s-dealer-network-for-forthcomin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mahindra-maps-out-potential-u-s-dealer-network-for-forthcomin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/mahindra-maps-out-potential-u-s-dealer-network-for-forthcomin/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Mahindra 'potential' dealer network - Click above to enlarge

No, you're not looking at yet another voting map, or even a topographical depiction of the WalMarting of America (trust us, you don't want to see that). The image seen above is that of Mahindra's "dealership network." We're putting quotes on that because the Indian automaker says on its website that the dots represent only "potential" outlets for their forthcoming small diesel pickup trucks.

Even if the map hasn't been finalized (and doesn't have an associated time frame for each franchise coming on-line), the map is interesting because it illustrates widespread interest in the brand. Credit for that in part should go to the promise of a robust, cheap, and fuel-efficient small truck from a major global player - but it should be equally predictable because there are lots of showrooms sitting empty (or on their way to doing so) thanks to the downsizing of dealer networks associated with General Motors, Chrysler and other automakers.

We could have predicted widespread traction for the brand in regions like the Midwest and even the Northeast, but the concentration of likely franchises in Florida surprises us. Either way, we'll have to wait a bit longer to see just who finally ends up selling the automaker's TR20 and TR40 models - they are expected to go on sale in the first quarter of next year. Hat tip to Sunny B!


Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

mahindra-pickup-large_21mahindra-pickup-large_11mahindra-pickup-large_22mahindra-pickup-large_12mahindra-pickup-large_13

[Source: Mahindra]

Mahindra maps out 'potential' U.S. dealer network for forthcoming small diesel pickup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> diesel pickupdiesel truckDieselPickupDieselTruckdietindian automakerIndianAutomakermahindra and mahindraMahindraAndMahindraMMpickuppickup truckPickupTruckTR 20TR 40TR-20TR-40TR20TR40 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/report-tata-already-tweaking-nano-based-on-market-feedback/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

At roughly $2,500, the Tata Nano is the world's most affordable car - but that apparently hasn't stopped early customers from griping about some of the vehicle's shortcomings. Thankfully, those complaints aren't falling on deaf ears, either, as Tata Motors will reportedly make some subtle yet significant changes to the mini car within the next six months. One major complaint is the Nano's leisurely acceleration, which is to be expected in any vehicle with 33 horsepower. To remedy the situation, Tata Motors engineers will reportedly crank the engine's 5,000 RPM red line up to a more respectable 6,000 RPM, which should help add more pickup. Also under consideration is a five-speed manual gearbox, though the Indian market Nano will likely continue to with just four forward gears.

Autocar India is reporting that the Nano's electronically limited 65 mph speed limit will remain due to safety concerns, though Tata engineers say the low speed limit renders the fifth gear obsolete. That said, the the planned Euro Nano will only be available as a five speed. Another improvement that should make Nano owners happy is the reported addition of an actual tailgate. The current Nano is hatchless in the interest of lower cost, build complexity, and structural rigidity, and anyone who wants to add or subtract cargo has to do so by folding down the rear seat and going through the doors. Other changes include a new side mirror assembly that will make way for future of power mirrors and a "check strap" for limiting how far the door opens.

While those changes will definitely improve the Nano, we're hoping the mods don't come at the price of, well, a higher price. Either way, it's nice to see that Tata Motors appears to be taking the suggestions of its new customers seriously.

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: Tata already tweaking Nano based on market feedback originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1 lahk1 lakh car1Lahk1LakhCarfive speed transmissionFiveSpeedTransmissionnano changesnano pricingNanoChangesNanoPricingratan tataRatanTataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah!]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-nissan-vows-to-build-worlds-cheapest-car-nan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-nissan-vows-to-build-worlds-cheapest-car-nan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/renault-nissan-vows-to-build-worlds-cheapest-car-nan/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

The other day we alerted you to the "fact" that Ford will be releasing a brand new $650 car. But as does everything that sounds too good to be true, the car in question was a severely used (and dented) 1993 Ford Taurus, and the Wisconsin-based masters of parody at The Onion were behind the video, not the Ford Motor Company. We mention this because more than one of you took the time to comment without watching the video, and the results were quite funny - in a laughing at you sort of way. Today though, is no joke.

Carlos Ghosn, the lovable star of his own Japanese manga comic and the CEO of Renault-Nissan, is claiming that his company will produce a car that costs less than the $2,500 Tata Nano, making the as-yet-to-be-named car the cheapest in India, and therefore the least expensive in the world. The car will be built by Bajaj Auto, an Indian scooter and rickshaw company. Not to be left out of the party, both Toyota and GM have expressed interest in selling "ultralow-cost small cars" on the Subcontinent.

However, these cheap, small cars just don't sell themselves. So far, Tata has managed to move just 10,500 Nanos since July. For their part, Bajaj and Renault-Nissan were hoping to get their ultralow-coster on the road by 2011, but there have been delays. First announced last year, Ghosn said that the delays should come as no surprise since neither Bajaj or Renault-Nissan has ever made such a vehicle. He did note, however, that such a car is "critical" to Renault-Nissan's presence in India.

"I don't want Renault and Nissan to be makers of very pretty cars that people dream about but cannot afford." said Ghosn. He also said that by the time Renault and Nissan's small car debuted it might no longer be the very cheapest. There are also plans afoot to export the new vehicle out of India, just like Tata is planning to do with the Nano, though that car would most likely be slightly reworked and therefor more expensive. Tip of the pith helmet to Neil!


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: The Los Angeles Times]

Renault-Nissan vows to build world's cheapest car? Nano-nah-nah-nah-nah! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Carlos GhosnCarlosGhosnGhosnIndiaNanoNissannissan cheap carNissanCheapCarRenaultRenault-NissanTataTata NanoTataNano Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/hyundai-opens-indian-randd-facility-to-develop-small-cars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/hyundai-opens-indian-randd-facility-to-develop-small-cars/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/hyundai-opens-indian-randd-facility-to-develop-small-cars/#comments Filed under: , ,



Over the past decade, Hyundai has rapidly moved up into the top echelon of the worlds automakers and part of its success has come from better tailoring its cars to local needs. To help in that respect, the South Korean company has opened a network of technical centers in the regions where it does business.

Last week, Hyundai opened it fourth R&D facility outside of Korea with its new location in Hyderabad, India. The Indian center will focus on developing small cars and the home office has named it the global center of excellence for the segment.

The Hyderabad Center is starting off with 300 engineers and will also be providing support services to other locations in South Korea, Japan, Germany and the United States. The 300,000 square-foot facility took two years to build at a cost of $25 million.

[Source: Hyundai]

Continue reading Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars

Hyundai opens Indian R&D facility to develop small cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Hyundaihyundai indiaHyundai Motor India Engineering Pvt. Ltdhyundai rd center indiaHyundaiIndiaHyundaiMotorIndiaEngineeringPvt.LtdHyundaiRdCenterIndiaindiard facilityRdFacilityresearch and developmentResearchAndDevelopment Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/02/report-nissan-working-on-tata-nano-like-cheap-car-strategy/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



India's Tata Nano has seemingly shown the world's remaining automakers that it's possible to build a small, inexpensive car for emerging markets that's still profitable. You can reportedly count Nissan among the companies paying close attention and the Japanese automaker reportedly has plans to launch a new small car platform in Thailand, India and China starting in March of 2010.

The new vehicle architecture is called V (as in Versatile), and it's been in development since 2005. According to drive.com.au, the car will sport 18-percent fewer parts than current Nissan compacts and as many components as possible will be sourced from local areas.

Crucial to the success of the program is a massive number of sales - a whopping one million vehicles per year by 2013, which would represent nearly a third of all Nissan's sold in the last three months. To make that goal a reality, sales in Europe and the United States are also planned, possibly as early as 2011.

[Source: drive.com.au]

REPORT: Nissan working on Tata Nano-like cheap car strategy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Cheap NissanCheapNissannissannissan cheap carnissan chinanissan intimanissan nanonissan thailandNissanCheapCarNissanChinaNissanIntimaNissanNanoNissanThailandtata nanoTataNano Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-david-coulthard-gets-a-speeding-ticket-in-an-f1-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-david-coulthard-gets-a-speeding-ticket-in-an-f1-car/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-david-coulthard-gets-a-speeding-ticket-in-an-f1-car/#comments Filed under: , , ,


David Coulthard demonstrates for Red Bull Racing in Mumbai, India - Click above for high-res image gallery

You can't blame an F1 driver from driving fast. That's what they're supposed to do. Evidently authorities in India feel differently, however, as they've slapped David Coulthard with an enormous £20,000 (approx $33k) ticket for breaking the speed limit. The kicker? It was for a Formula 1 demonstration on a closed-off section of roadway.

The winner of thirteen grands prix (and one of the top points scorers of all time) retired from active racing at the end of last season, but remains a consultant and test driver for the Red Bull Racing team which he helped form. The team recently held a demonstration run in Mumbai, India, drawing a crowd of some 50,000 racing fans.

Part of the route took Coulthard across the Rajiv Ghandi Sea Link. The bridge has a maximum speed limit of 62 miles per hour, and even drops to 31 MPH in some parts. DC, however, was clocked at 162 MPH. As a result, the local authorities are reportedly withholding the £20,000 deposit which the team put down for the event, making for one mammoth speeding ticket. But at least Coulthard isn't stuck paying out of pocket.


Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Mumbai, India


[Source: Autosport]

REPORT: David Coulthard gets a speeding ticket. In an F1 car. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> coultharddavid coulthardDavidCoulthardf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOneindiamumbairajiv ghandi sea linkRajivGhandiSeaLinkred bullred bull f1red bull f1 demonstrationred bull racingRedBullRedBullF1RedBullF1DemonstrationRedBullRacingspeeding ticketSpeedingTicketticket Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:32:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Tata investigating as Nano owners report steering column fires]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-tata-investigating-as-nano-owners-report-steering-column/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-tata-investigating-as-nano-owners-report-steering-column/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/report-tata-investigating-as-nano-owners-report-steering-column/#comments Filed under: , ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery

If we weren't car guys, we could understand the attraction of a bare-bones car with a sticker price coming in at a fraction of a conventional car's. Heck, we still do. But we know as well as you do that in order to get the pricing that low, corners probably have to be cut somewhere. And when you're dealing with a metal cage in which you sit surrounded by glass, propelled by a controlled series of explosions and managed by a complex mess of wires and electronics, you don't want to be cutting corners.

So we can't say we're entirely surprised with news of early problems with the Tata Nano. The vehicle that's anticipated to mobilize India has been launched in its domestic market prior to being exported overseas, but three customers have already reported small fires spontaneously igniting inside the vehicle, causing the automaker to launch an investigation.

The problem reportedly stems from faulty wiring in the ignition switch that has, in these three cases reported so far, caused smoke and certain parts around the steering column to melt. Two of the customers have returned their Nanos to their respective dealerships, which have repaired the problem at no charge. One buyer, however, has yet to bring his car in for repairs and has lodged a complaint with law enforcement officials.

So far, Tata isn't issuing a recall notice, but it is conducting a "pre-delivery audit" of the car's electrical systems for those still in their possession and offering to inspect those units it has already sold.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: The Times of India]

REPORT: Tata investigating as Nano owners report steering column fires originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> electricalelectrical fireElectricalFirenanorecallrecallstataTata Motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNanotsb Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/report-labor-unrest-in-india-to-cause-ford-to-idle-key-na-cross/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/report-labor-unrest-in-india-to-cause-ford-to-idle-key-na-cross/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/25/report-labor-unrest-in-india-to-cause-ford-to-idle-key-na-cross/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Rico Auto Industries in India makes transmission parts for Ford's Flex and Edge, along with its upscale Lincoln MKT and MKX twins. Unfortunately for the Blue Oval, Automotive News is reporting that Rico's operations are in flux because of persistent troubles between labor and management. A few weeks ago, some of the supplier's workers went on strike after members were suspended and fired by management. On October 18, the striking workers marched to the factory and got involved in an altercation with "unidentified men" supposedly "acting at the behest of Rico Auto's management." During the brawl, a 26-year-old worker was killed.

In the meantime, Ford reportedly hasn't got the parts it needs to build the crossovers it makes at its Oakville, Ontario plant and will be forced to idle the key facility next week. Ford is watching the situation in India closely - if production isn't restored soon, the lack of parts could impact other plants in addition to Ontario and its 3,000 workers.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd. | Image: Simon Hayter/Getty]

REPORT: Labor unrest in India to cause Ford to idle key NA crossover plant originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Edgeflexfordford edgeford flexford indiaFordEdgeFordFlexFordIndiaindiaindian laborIndianLaborlabor disputelabor disturbancelabor unrestLaborDisputeLaborDisturbanceLaborUnrestlincolnlincoln mktlincoln mkxLincolnMktLincolnMkxmanufacturingMKTMKXplantsRico autorico auto industriesRicoAutoRicoAutoIndustries Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:47:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Indian firm Reva to build electric cars in upstate NY]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/report-indian-firm-reva-to-build-electric-cars-in-upstate-ny/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/report-indian-firm-reva-to-build-electric-cars-in-upstate-ny/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/22/report-indian-firm-reva-to-build-electric-cars-in-upstate-ny/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Indian EV maker Reva is looking into assembling cars in Syracuse New York with Bannon Automotive

Sure, Syracuse, New York has the Carrier Dome, but if a pending deal between Indian electric car maker Reva and Long Island-based Bannon Automotive is finalized, the city may soon be known more for EV production. Bannon Automotive has been negotiating with India's Reva for months now, and the licensing deal that's been tentatively brokered is pending the full approval of the Indian firm's entire board.

State development loans and Department of Energy lending guarantees are behind the move to renovate a 150,000 square foot building in Clay, NY. Over the course of three years, 250 jobs will be created by building Reva NXR vehicles. The Reva NXR can hit 65 mph and has a range of 100 miles when boasting a lithium ion battery, while lead-acid powered NXRs top out at 50 mph and go 100 miles. If all the loose ends with funding and approvals get wrapped up, the electric vehicle effort will be the latest in an effort to entice clean energy manufacturers to New York.

[Source: Syracuse Post-Standard via NYT Blog]

REPORT: Indian firm Reva to build electric cars in upstate NY originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bannon automotivebannon syracuseBannonAutomotiveBannonSyracuseelectric cars syracuseelectric vehicle syracuseelectric vehicles syracuseElectricCarsSyracuseElectricVehiclesSyracuseElectricVehicleSyracuseev syracuseEvSyracuserevareva bannonReva Electric Car Companyreva evreva nxgreva nxrreva syracuseRevaBannonRevaElectricCarCompanyRevaEvRevaNxgRevaNxrRevaSyracusesyracusesyracuse evsyracuse new yorkSyracuseEvSyracuseNewYork Thu, 22 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Ford introduces new Figo hatchback for India's burgeoning B-segment]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ford-introduces-new-figo-hatchback-for-indias-burgeoning-b-segm/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ford-introduces-new-figo-hatchback-for-indias-burgeoning-b-segm/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/ford-introduces-new-figo-hatchback-for-indias-burgeoning-b-segm/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2010 Ford Figo - Click above for high-res image gallery

You could be forgiven for thinking that Ford is starting to get a nicely thick global portfolio of B-segment cars, but with the class of vehicles picking up steam worldwide, the Blue Oval is keen to become an even bigger player - particularly in fast emerging markets like India. As such, Ford president and CEO Alan Mullaly found himself in Delhi today to unveil the company's new Figo hatchback.

With over 70% of the country's car sales falling into the B-segment, having more than just the Ikon and a market-specific version of the Fiesta and Fusion crossover in its quiver should help the Blue Oval take a bigger chunk of the market. Ford isn't releasing hard details (powertrains, platform, etc.) for the Figo yet, but it's quite clear that it fits in the existing family well, with many styling touches that remind us of the European (and soon to be U.S.) Fiesta, albeit with a more traditional upright bent - rather like the previous Fiesta, matter-of-fact.

Ford has just poured $500 million into updating and expanding its manufacturing plant near Chennai to build the Figo (which is apparently an Italian colloquialism for "cool"), and the facility has a production capacity of some 200,000 units, some of which will likely be exported when the line is up to speed (although the Figo is not expected to make any appearances Stateside). Click on the jump for further details after you check out the high-res gallery below.


Gallery: 2010 Ford Figo


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford introduces new Figo hatchback for India's burgeoning B-segment

Ford introduces new Figo hatchback for India's burgeoning B-segment originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Alan mulallyAlanMulallyb-classb-segmentFigoFord Figoford hatchbackFordFigoFordHatchback Wed, 23 Sep 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/report-secondhand-tata-nano-models-being-sold-at-up-to-30-mark/#comments Filed under: ,


Tata Nano - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Tata Nano continues to take India by storm, and residents of the world's second most populous country appear to have gone over the deep end in an effort to secure their own personal "people's car." Australian website Drive is reporting that car buyers are paying a markup of up to 30% to purchase secondhand Nanos from the initial batch of buyers. The pent-up demand for the Nano stems in part from the fact that far more people signed up to purchase the econobox than Tata Motors has the factory capacity to build. To distribute the initial Nano allotment fairly, Tata instituted a lottery system to choose the first 100,000 customers eligible to buy the $2,500 city car.

One would think that the source of this heavy demand comes from families looking to secure a still inexpensive car, but a Mumbai car salesman seems to think it has more to do with an odd "fetish" for the car. Arif Fazulbhoy reportedly told Drive that the wealthy of India are paying over sticker to get their hands on the Nano because it has become a hot and trendy status symbol, adding "They tend to be very rich people who want the Nano for the snob value because it's new in the market." The Nano model fetching the highest premium on the open market is the XL, which has features like air conditioning and central locking.

While it's too bad that the "people's car" is being picked up mainly by India's elite, at least the lower middle class is reaping the profits from the quirky little vehicle's healthy demand. There will likely be more opportunity to profit from the Nano over the next couple years as well, as the initial allotment of 100,000 units could take until the end of 2010 to get delivered - and there are over 200,000 customers waiting in the queue.


Gallery: Tata Nano


[Source: Drive]

REPORT: Secondhand Tata Nano models commanding 30% markup as India's elite grabs on to new trend originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indiaindian autosindian carindian carsIndianAutosIndianCarIndianCarsnanonano salesNanoSalesratan tataRatanTatatatatata motorstata nanoTataMotorsTataNano Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:58:00 EST