Autoblog India http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog India http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Ferrari-driving kid's parents charged by Indian police [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/ferrari-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/ferrari-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/30/ferrari-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Young boy captured joyriding in father's Ferrari on video - screencap

Earlier this month, we reported on a video that was circulating the internet which showed a young boy driving a Ferrari F430 on a street in India while other children watched and two adults recorded the whole thing. And that was all that we knew at the time. Now, there is more information about the car, the kids and their parents thanks to an article in the Daily Mail. As it turns out, a wealthy businessman let his son drive the Ferrari as a present for his ninth birthday and recorded the whole thing while his six-year-old son was riding shotgun.

According to the report, the father, Muhammad Nizam, faces charges and possibly the seizure of the car for letting his son get behind the wheel. Oddly enough, the video is still up on YouTube, and we have it posted for you below.

Continue reading Ferrari-driving kid's parents charged by Indian police [w/video]

Ferrari-driving kid's parents charged by Indian police [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bad parentsferrariferrari f430indiakids drivingparentingparenting failunderage drivingvideo Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552586/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552586/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/30/ferrari-driving-kids-parents-charged-by-indian-police-w-video/20552586/article-detail.xml 20552586 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kids-driving-ferrari2_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kids-driving-ferrari2.png <![CDATA[DC Design plans Avanti facility in India by 2014]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to a story in the Economic Times of India, the DC Design Avanti is on its way - but it's going to take a couple of years. Company founder Dilip Chhabria told the paper that he plans to have a manufacturing facility in the Sanand, Ahmedabad district in Gujarat state, India by next year with a production capacity of 3,500 units.

It would be the fourth DC facility in the country. The factory would produce 1,000 models of the cars DC already makes on top of 2,500 examples of the Avanti or an SUV that DC plans to reveal next year.

DC Design has occasionally called the Avanti a supercar, but it more often refers to the red wedge as a sportscar, an appellation that is more in line with its specs; when it was revealed last year the mooted engine was a 2.0-liter Ford EcoBoost with 265 horsepower. Chhabria said he is targeting aspirational young executives ready to spend 25-30 lakh rupees (about $46,000-$55,000 US) for his offering. He plans to keep them special by only building 4,000 of any DC model, then moving on to the next.

DC Design plans Avanti facility in India by 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> avantidc designdc design avantiDilip Chhabriagujaratindia Mon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550831/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550831/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/29/dc-design-plans-avanti-facility-in-india-by-2014/20550831/article-detail.xml 20550831 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dc-design-avanti-production_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/dc-design-avanti-production.jpg <![CDATA[Tata looking to add nicer Nano models to reverse sales flop]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Tata Nano Gold Plus

Bloomberg reports Tata may introduce more expensive vehicles based on the automaker's low-buck Nano in an attempt to lure more buyers. As the company discovered, even the world's least wealthy drivers aren't interested in a vehicle marketed as the world's cheapest car.

Wrap your head around that one.

Tata has sold 229,157 Nano models since 2009, and last month saw sales fall by 86 percent compared to March 2012. Even so, the company says it doesn't plan to kill off the car. Instead, Tata may bring a number of Nano variations to market.

Those may include something along the lines of the Pixel Concept. That machine debuted at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, offering two doors and a diesel engine along with a bit more style. Specifically, Tata wants to target a wide range of buyers across multiple price points instead of attempting to sell people a four-wheeled scooter replacement.

Tata looking to add nicer Nano models to reverse sales flop originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> tatatata nanotata pixeltata pixel concept Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538765/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20538765/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/14/tata-looking-to-add-nicer-nano-models-to-reverse-sales-flop/20538765/article-detail.xml 20538765 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tata-nano-gold-plus-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/tata-nano-gold-plus-628.jpg <![CDATA[Indian kids joyride in Ferrari F430]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/indian-kids-joyride-in-ferrari-f430/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/indian-kids-joyride-in-ferrari-f430/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/11/indian-kids-joyride-in-ferrari-f430/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Cars and kids. A lot more people out there have both when they should probably have neither, and this is apparent with this latest video coming out of India. While we can't say for sure who these kids and this beautiful Ferrari F430 belong to, it's at least the worst display of adult supervision we've seen since last month when two Russian parents let their 8-year-old daughter drive an Audi on snow- and ice-slicked roads.

A young boy who can barely reach the pedals drives up and down the public road with an equally young passenger drive the Ferrari while two adults (Dad of the Year behind the camera?) record the whole event. It seems almost silly to point out, but neither of the juveniles appear to have their seat belts on, as well. As bad as this person's decision making skills are to let a kid drive a car under these conditions, though, his video recording abilities are even worse. Scroll down to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Indian kids joyride in Ferrari F430

Indian kids joyride in Ferrari F430 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bad parentingferrariferrari f430ferrari f430 joyrideindiakids drivingparenting failunderage drivingvideo Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537748/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537748/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/11/indian-kids-joyride-in-ferrari-f430/20537748/article-detail.xml 20537748 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kids-driving-ferrari2_thumbnail.png http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/kids-driving-ferrari2.png <![CDATA[Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Ford Figo India cartoon ad with Paris Hilton driving bound and gagged Kardashian family in trunk

You will probably remember the ads for the Ford Figo hatchback in India, the ones that showcased the extra large boot of the little hatchback by joking that you can fit three of your enemies in the trunk. One of the ads had Michael Schumacher in the front seat, obviously pleased about having Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso tied up in the back. But the other two had Paris Hilton and ex-Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi up front and three bound and gagged women in the back - in Hilton's case (shown above), it was the Kardashians.

This did not go over well, and Reuters reports that certain employees at JWT India have been fired over the matter. It is also reported that the images weren't actual advertisements, nor were they part of an actual campaign; JWT said they "were never intended for paid publication, were never requested by our Ford client." A JWT rep said the employees who created the ads did so on their own, Ford commented to Automotive News that the ads were "part of a creative exercise intended to test concepts for an advertising competition."

The problem, if the story is to be believed, is that the employees skipped the regular review protocols and uploaded their work to an ad industry site - they were found on Ads of the World. That page, like the employees, has been removed.

Ford bondage ads reportedly trigger firings at Indian ad agency originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> fernando alonsofordford figoford indiaford india sexist adsindiajwtkardashiankim kardashianlewis hamiltonmichael schumachersebastian vettelsexist adssilvio berlusconi Wed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519764/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519764/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/27/ford-bondage-ads-reportedly-trigger-firings-at-indian-ad-agency/20519764/article-detail.xml 20519764 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/fordfigoindiaad.jpg <![CDATA[Ford of India in hot water for Figo celebrity bondage ads]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/#comments Filed under: , ,



Apparently sensibilities in India, at least in the case of some Ford marketing partners, are downright lascivious at times. Case in point are a new series of print ads, presumably touting the vast cargo capacity of the Ford Figo hatchback, that involve more than a whiff of T&A, S&M and other sexy abbreviations.

In all seriousness, the advertising campaign is taking some major heat in the Indian press for being outrageously sexist. All three images - which seem to be produced by a graphic artist with some Heavy Metal work in his/her portfolio - show bound and gagged people stuffed into the Figo's boot. With a tagline reads, "Leave Your Worries Behind." one version features a peace-sign throwing Silvio Berlusconi holding hostage three buxom and barely clad women, all wearing ball gags with hands and feet bound. Charming. Another version shows Paris Hilton ­similarly kidnapping a trio of Kardashians, while a third (tame in terms of the clothing at least), has Michael Schumacher toting Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton.

Clearly in bad taste, at least, the Indian source also questions the timing of these risqué Ford ads, as the follow by days new anti-rape legislation passed by the Indian Parliament. Ford has responded in a statement, that it and its advertising partner (JWT India) "deeply regret" the ads, and claim that they "never should have happened."

Ford of India in hot water for Figo celebrity bondage ads originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> f1fernando alonsofordford figoford indiaford india sexist adskardashiankim kardashianlewis hamiltonmichael schumachersebastian vettelsexist adssilvio berlusconi Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:35:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514659/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20514659/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/22/ford-of-india-in-hot-water-for-figo-celebrity-bondage-ads/20514659/article-detail.xml 20514659 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-figo-sexist-print-ad-silvio-berlusconi-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/ford-figo-sexist-print-ad-silvio-berlusconi-628.jpg <![CDATA[Django Django visits Well of Death for WOR music video]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Django Django WOR Well of Death music video

Django Django (apparently, the D is silent...) are a British rock group based in London, reports Wikipedia. Why do we care? One of their recent music videos is a mesmerizing look at the infamous Well of Death performance in Allahabad, India, and while the band itself never seems to make an appearance, a whole score of interesting daredevils more than makes up for that omission.

The Well of Death, in case you're not aware, is a bowl-shaped structure made from wood that stands about 25 feet high and 30 feet in diameter, inside which motorcyclists cavort with the drivers of miniature automobiles at death-defying speeds sufficient enough that centrifugal force keeps them from falling. Sound insane? Yep, that about sums it up.

Usually, spectators have to stand atop the spiral of death to get a glimpse at the action. Fortunately for you, a crew from Noisey captured it all on video for Django Django, so perhaps you should just scroll down below to see for yourself.

Continue reading Django Django visits Well of Death for WOR music video

Django Django visits Well of Death for WOR music video originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> django djangowell of deathwor music video Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20511105/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20511105/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/20/django-django-visits-well-of-death-for-wor-music-video/20511105/article-detail.xml 20511105 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/django-django-wor_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/django-django-wor.jpg <![CDATA[Judge gives dealers' fraud suit against Mahindra the go-ahead]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

Mahindra Pik-Up with bicycle in bed - rear three-quarter view

Automotive News is reporting that a US District Court has ruled that a lawsuit by five dealers against Mahindra & Mahindra can move ahead. The Indian automaker had moved to have the case dismissed, but District Judge Thomas Thrash in Atlanta said the plaintiffs presented enough evidence for "a reasonable person to infer that Mahindra USA was involved in a plan to deceive the dealers." The group alleges that they were defrauded by the manufacturer when Mahindra said it planned to create a new brand of light trucks in the US. It's the latest in a long line of misfortunes for the automaker in the US market.

Mahindra spent some four years working with Global Vehicles USA, a private US distributor just outside of Atlanta. At one point, Global Vehicles boasted a dealer network of some 350 retailers ready to sell small, Indian-made diesel pickups in the States. Mahindra promised more products would follow after the utilitarian four-wheel drives, but a spate of delays quickly derailed that plan. The distribution deal wound up dead by 2010, leaving many dealers with empty showrooms and pockets. While a US District Court in Missouri dismissed one case against Mahindra on the grounds that the distribution deal was with Global Vehicles and not the Indian automaker, the current suit seems ready to move forward.

Judge gives dealers' fraud suit against Mahindra the go-ahead originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> global vehiclesmahindramahindra and mahindramahindra dealersmahindra lawsuitpik-uptr20tr40us district court Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498772/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20498772/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/12/judge-gives-dealers-fraud-suit-against-mahindra-the-go-ahead/20498772/article-detail.xml 20498772 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The Hindu religion is said to have something like 330 million deities - that's nearly as many gods as there are residents in the United States. Another startling number is the amount of road fatalities in India attributed to drunk driving: 70 percent.

Combining the former with the latter, a restaurant called Zara in Chennai worked with an ad agency to heighten awareness of leaving the bar after several too many and promote a designated driver service. When patrons got their cars back from the valet, they discovered someone else along for the ride - and in a country as sensitive to supernatural encounters as India, it was apparently the last god these motorists wanted to meet. Check out the video below - it's worth a watch.

Continue reading Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India

Anti-DUI campaign puts the fear of god into drunk drivers in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chennaideitiesdrunk drivinghinduindiapsapublic service announcementvideoyamazara Tue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465318/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465318/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/19/anti-dui-campaign-puts-the-fear-of-god-into-drunk-drivers-in-ind/20465318/article-detail.xml 20465318 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/yamacampaign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/yamacampaign.jpg <![CDATA[Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/29/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/#comments Filed under: , ,

Renault badge

After watching the Tata Nano post sales numbers smaller than its engine displacement, Renault gave up on its much publicized intention to build a truly inexpensive car to rival it. Then, a month ago, reports emerged that Renault was resuming work on a couple of low-priced cars for emerging markets, but this time it would work with its in-house partner, Nissan. That plan envisions an offering for €3,000 ($3,888 US) and another for €5,000 ($6,400 US), both of which would be more spendy than the Nano but might avoid the charge of being cheap - and nasty - and instead be considered affordable.

A report in Reuters talks to the man in charge, Gerard Detourbet, who has been in Chennai, India since at least August working on the program. Detourbet led the Dacia Logan project and is considered "Renault's low-cost car specialist" and "the father of entry-car programs." This one is reportedly codenamed A-Entry and will create a "'sub-entry' architecture" that will provide roominess beyond the vehicle's price and class, and use an engine with a displacement of 800 cubic centimeters.

It isn't aimed at the Nano, though - it means to take on the products that make up 45-50 percent of India's car market, like the Maruti Suzuki Alto and Hyundai Eon. According to Reuters, out of the 2.6-million-strong Indian car market the Maruti Suzuki line-up alone nabs one million registrations annually. The Alto 800 begins at 244,000 rupees ($4,440 US), the Eon at 300,000 rupees ($5,559 US), the Chevrolet Spark at about 316,000 ($5,750 US); if Renault can nail its price targets it will just about bracket those three and be right in the game.

Renault wants to get this car right and then ship it to other markets. Detourbet's wider mission is encapsulated in his assessment that "Once you've done battle with the world's best cheap car manufacturer, you can go into another country where there isn't a Maruti Suzuki and be relatively comfortable." Reports have said that we'll see it for the first time at the 2014 New Delhi Auto Expo. Meanwhile, Tata has gone back to the idea well, and the bank, to work on restoring the good fortunes it hasn't had with passenger cars in India in a long while.

Renault appoints Dacia Logan creator to head its Nano-rival program in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> altodaciaeongerard detourbetHyundaiindialoganmaruti suzukinissanrenaultsparksuzuki Sat, 29 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410402/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410402/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/29/renault-appoints-dacia-logan-creator-to-head-its-nano-rival-prog/20410402/article-detail.xml 20410402 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-badge_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/renault-badge.jpg <![CDATA[Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/#comments Filed under: ,

Harley-Davidson

India remains one of the world's largest markets for motorcycles, and word has it Harley-Davidson may be preparing to take on the onslaught of low-cost, low-displacement machines popular with buyers there. The Indian automotive site Zigwheels reports the Wisconsin-based motorcycle manufacturer plans to develop and produce a new model in India for the country's buyers. The article says Harley-Davidson executives have already met with Indian vendors and dealers in early talks about establishing a dealer network, and word has it the new bike will debut at the 2014 New Delhi Motorcycle Show.

Details are somewhat scarce, but the report suggests the India-market motorcycle will boast a 400- to 500-cc V-twin engine and carry an MSRP of around $6,300. Of course, that sounds like plenty of fun to us, but a foreign-built, small-displacement bike runs against the grain of the company's US operations. Currently, the smallest bike on the company's showroom is the 883cc Sportster. That said, Harley-Davidson needs to grow and change if it plans to continue to be relevant moving forward, and a machine targeted at the motorcycle-hungry Indian market would be a great first step in that direction.

Harley-Davidson to produce an India-market bike for 2014 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> harley-davidsonindiaindian harley-davidsonmotorcycle Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411272/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411272/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/28/harley-davidson-to-produce-an-india-market-bike-for-2014/20411272/article-detail.xml 20411272 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/harley-davidson-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/harley-davidson-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again.]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

renault

Four years ago, Renault confirmed that it would partner with India's Bajaj Auto to develop a rival to the Tata Nano. At the time, as everyone waited for the Tata Nano to arrive, you could have used a Richter scale to measure the tremors the executive suites of any automaker with an interest in the low end of emerging markets. Then the Nano, still the cheapest car in the world, didn't sell so well - at the end of last year its sales were just six percent of its most conservative projections - and everyone seemed content to let Tata spend the money to figure out if there really was a market for the cheapest car in the world.

Renault believes there is, kind of. Automotive News Europe reports that it will partner with Nissan to build two low-priced cars for emerging markets, one for €3,000 ($3,888 U.S.) and another for €5,000 ($6,400 U.S.). The price of the least expensive offering is nearly $1,400 more than a Nano, which costs $2,500, and that can't be considered a small sum in comparison. But one of the hindsight knocks on the Nano has been that even in emerging markets buyers don't want a car whose biggest lure is that it is cheap; they'd rather give their aspirations a bit more of a workout.

Renault's offerings are scheduled to hit the non-Western market in late 2014, which is coincidentally the same year that will see the return of the budget-minded and emerging-market-specific Datsun nameplate. They'll be built in Renault facilities in Chennai, India, with no mention made of Bajaj this time around.

Renault planning a Tata Nano rival. Again. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> datsunemerging marketsnanonissanrenaulttata Wed, 28 Nov 2012 09:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387310/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387310/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/28/renault-planning-a-tata-nano-rival-again/20387310/article-detail.xml 20387310 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/renault.jpg <![CDATA[Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2013 Aston Martin DB9 - front three-quarter studio view

Three weeks, ago Businessweek reported that Investment Dar, Inc. was looking to shed its majority stake in Aston Martin. The Kuwait-based financial firm is apparently seeking to restructure its debt load and has sought $800 million for its 64-percent share in the English automaker. That amount compares to the $925 million that it took for a consortium, Investment Dar among them, to purchase 100-percent of Aston Martin from Ford in 2007.

According to reports, bidding for the 64 percent hasn't gone anywhere near that price, however. Bloomberg (parent company of Businessweek) reports that London-based private equity house Investindustrial has made a bid of nearly 250 million pounds ($401 million U.S.), with their overture trumped shortly thereafter by Indian automaking conglomerate Mahindra & Mahindra. According to the report, a winner will be chosen from among those two companies, but instead of Investment Dar's entire 64-percent stake, the winner will get 40 percent equity and 50 percent of the voting rights. Investment Dar will hold onto 24 percent of Aston.

There's some confusion around some of the numbers, however. According to Financial News, though, the stake being offered is 50 percent and Investindustrial, even with a lower bid, might still be the favorite. Investindustrial bought Ducati in 2006, then sold it to Audi for a 300-percent gain in July of this year. Working with another German automaker this time around, it's said that Investindustrial has stressed its commitment to invest in new product, and both reports indicate that it has a tentative deal with Mercedes-Benz to provide Aston access to technology, engines, gearboxes and other parts from AMG. An announcement of the winning bidder could come as soon as this weekend.

Aston Martin scores bids from Mahindra and UK equity house originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> aston martinaston martin saleinvestindustrialinvestment darmahindramahindra and mahindra Sat, 24 Nov 2012 13:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20387306/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/24/aston-martin-scores-bids-from-mahindra-and-uk-equity-house/20387306/article-detail.xml 20387306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/astonmartindarstake_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/astonmartindarstake.jpg <![CDATA[Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in US wearing price tag under $10k]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/#comments Filed under: , ,

Tata Megapixel concept live on show floor in Geneva

Tata's much ballyhooed Nano isn't exactly selling as expected in its home market of India, especially after the well-publicized fires engulfing the several examples of the world's cheapest car. Despite that, the head of Tata Group, Ratan Tata, says his company remains intent on bringing an updated sub-$10,000 Nano to the States, and he intends to do so in three years.

While the Indian market gets a bare-bones Nano powered by a two-cylinder, 37-horsepower engine, Tata unsurprisingly says the US version will have a larger engine, power steering and traction control.

"The Smart and the Fiat 500 have high sticker prices, and people buy them because they are small cars," Tata tells Automotive News. "But everyone knows you put a lot of money into it. We hope that the sub-$10,000 car has appeal."

With the US economy still slowly recovering, a car for under $10k could have plenty of appeal. But the Indian automaker has several obstacles to overcome first, not the least of which is building a dealer network for the Nano. Tata owns Jaguar and Land Rover, but that group's CEO, Andy Goss, says there has been no discussion about using those dealers to distribute the Nano.

Perhaps the updated US-bound Nano will be more like the Nano Megapixel concept (pictured above) we saw at the Geneva Motor Show back in March. That car had a longer, 138-inch wheelbase and a larger 325cc engine supplemented by two electric motors. It's safe to assume that if Tata wants to keep costs down so that it can offer the car below $10,000, the next Nano won't get a hybrid powertrain like the Megapixel, but perhaps it will pick up some of the car's size and styling cues.

Redesigned Tata Nano to arrive in US wearing price tag under $10k originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2015 tata nanonanonano+tatananotataratan tatatatatata nanotata nano united statestata nano ustata+nano+2015tata+nano+usatatanano2015tatananousaworlds cheapest car Mon, 15 Oct 2012 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20350106/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20350106/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/15/redesigned-tata-nano-to-arrive-in-u-s-wearing-price-tag-under/20350106/article-detail.xml 20350106 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-tata-mega-pixel-live-628.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra opens new tech center near Detroit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Mahindra pickup

You didn't think you'd heard the last from Mahindra, did you? Back in July of 2012, Mahindra confirmed that it had basically given up its quest to sell small diesel-powered pickup trucks in the United States. According to a report from TheDetroitBureau.com, however, the Indian automaker is now opening a technical center in Troy, Michigan, near Detroit.

"Because of its ties to the automobile industry and motor sports, Detroit is known as the Motor City around the world. We wanted to be part of that culture," said Rajan Wadhera, Mahindra's chief executive officer for technology and product development. This is reportedly the first tech center Mahindra has ever opened outside its home country of India.

According to the report, Mahindra has already hired 70 workers in Michigan and plans to have 100 employees in Troy within the next six to eight months. It remains to be seen whether this new American base near Detroit will help Mahindra break into the U.S. market, but if it has any hopes of becoming "one of the world's top 10 automotive brands by the end of the decade", it had better get in gear.

Mahindra opens new tech center near Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> detroitmahindramahindra detroitmahindra tech centermahindra usatech centertroytroy michigan Sun, 23 Sep 2012 14:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329363/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329363/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/mahindra-opens-new-tech-center-near-detroit/20329363/article-detail.xml 20329363 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen incites negative buzz by including 'vibrator' in new print ad [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,



Volkswagen isn't afraid to do ads that are a little different... or even a lot different; this is no secret, nor is it new. An ad in various national papers in India, though, including the Times of India, might have gone a black box too far in search of a buzz-worthy response. First, some context: two years ago VW ran a national, full-page ad in India for its Vento sedan, and attached to the ad was a little black plastic box. A light sensor in the box detected when the ad page was opened and a pre-recorded message began saying good things about the Vento. The voice stopped talking when the page was turned and things went dark again.

It got people's attention, making waves on ad blogs and in forums. Fast-forward to the present, and VW has gone back to its black-box routine. In a two-page ad for the Polo and Vento, the first page is bare but for the headline "Feel the shiver of excitement?" Turn to the second page, and the light-sensitive box - on the lower left in the picture above - goes to work again, only this time the box doesn't start talking, it just starts vibrating.

The ad has got people talking on Twitter and elsewhere, but they're using different words. Instead of "neat" and "innovative," this time it's "#Fail," "Volkswagen's vibrating Rowdy Rathore," "freaked me out!" and "I was wondering what the vibrator was doing in the [newspaper]." Then, only if readers focused on staying on message, which it seems most did not, it was easy to make the unsavory connection that neither shivering nor vibration is are things you're looking for in your car.

Still, did we mention that people are talking? So if "any press is good press," perhaps good press is now vibrating press. At least in India. Check out the vibrating print ad for yourself in the video available below.

Continue reading Volkswagen incites negative buzz by including 'vibrator' in new print ad [w/video]

Volkswagen incites negative buzz by including 'vibrator' in new print ad [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> advertisingindiapolotimes of indiaventovibratingvibratorvolkswagenvw Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20321306/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20321306/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/12/volkswagen-incites-negative-buzz-by-including-vibrator-in-new/20321306/article-detail.xml 20321306 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/volkswagen-vibrating-ad-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/volkswagen-vibrating-ad-628.jpg <![CDATA[Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/renault-gives-rhinoplastic-upgrade-to-versa-for-indian-market/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/renault-gives-rhinoplastic-upgrade-to-versa-for-indian-market/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/10/renault-gives-rhinoplastic-upgrade-to-versa-for-indian-market/#comments Filed under: , ,



What do you call a Nissan Versa with a new nose and a home in the Indian car market? A Renault Scala. Given a chrome grille insert, the blacked-out crossbar common to Renaults and a few other "status-enhancing" tweaks, the Scala is Renault's fifth offering in India and rounds out its segment coverage.

The Scala is not only positioned as a sedan with value pricing and luxurious equipment, it is presented as a carriage for the chauffeured classes: best-in-class roominess, leather seating, rear vents for the climate control and two cupholders in the rear armrest attend to the boss in the back.

An 86-horsepower diesel and a 99-hp gas engine take care of matters up front. Available now in three trims, it joins the Pulse hatch, Fluence sedan, and Koleos and Duster SUVs in Renault's Indian line-up, and comes with Renault's CompleteCare service and 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Have a read of the press release below for more info.

Continue reading Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market

Renault gives rhinoplastic upgrade to Versa for Indian market originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indianissanrenaultrenault scalascalaversa Mon, 10 Sep 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319146/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319146/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/10/renault-gives-rhinoplastic-upgrade-to-versa-for-indian-market/20319146/article-detail.xml 20319146 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/renaultscalalaunch_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/renaultscalalaunch.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota hacked by ex-IT worker, sensitive info stolen]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

ToyotaSupplier.com home screen

According to Toyota, a former employee has hacked into its computer systems and stolen sensitive information.

According to an Automotive News report, Toyota filed a complaint with the U.S. District Court in Lexington, Kentucky late last week. The complaint was filed against former IT contractor Ibrahimshah Shahulhameed, who Toyota says was fired on August 23. According to the filing, Toyota indicates Shahulhameed logged on to its system the evening of his firing and downloaded and printed trade secrets.

One result of the filing is that Toyota has acquired a restraining order against Shahulhameed, prohibiting him from leaving the United States or disseminating the information that Toyota says is ill-gotten company property.

The specific area that was hacked was ToyotaSupplier.com, a site where the automaker's suppliers exchange highly sensitive information with Toyota about both current and future products.

Toyota states that it will continue to investigate the security breach and do not yet know exactly what has happened with the confidential information. There is the possibility that it may have changed hands, but according to a Toyota manufacturing spokesman, "It's too early to speculate on what-if's."

According to the court documents, Shahulhameed is an Indian citizen who was living in Georgetown, Kentucky, and was apparently about to leave for his native India.

Toyota hacked by ex-IT worker, sensitive info stolen originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car hackinghackingibrahimshah shahulhameedit securityit securtysecuritysecurity breachsupplier informationtoyotatoyota hacking Tue, 28 Aug 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310409/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20310409/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/28/toyota-hacked-by-ex-it-worker-sensitive-info-stolen/20310409/article-detail.xml 20310409 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyotasupplier.com-home-screen-1346163363_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/toyotasupplier.com-home-screen-1346163363.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki reopens India plant post-riot with police outnumbering workers]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Maruti Suzuki factory sign in India

Suzuki's plant in Manesar, India builds cars for Australia, specifically its Alto small car. Or at least they were building cars before violent worker riots forced the factory to close. The plant has been idled for five weeks as a result of worker violence that led to the death of one manager and 95 injuries. The riot was spurred over a labor dispute - specifically, a gulf in salaries between temporary workers and their salaried counterparts who earn triple the contract workers' wages.

According to reports, on Tuesday, the factory re-opened with more than 1,200 police officers stationed around the plant. The staff of actual workers at the plant numbers just 75 currently, meaning the police force greatly outnumbers Suzuki employees.

The number of employees will eventually grow to 300, and the officers will run in shifts of 100 at a time, but the initial disparity of workers to police is meant as a show of force to the more than 500 permanent and 500 temporary workers who were found to be involved in a July 18 riot.

As a result off the shutdown, Suzuki lost more then $250 million in potential output. News of the plant's reopening boosted Maruti Suzuki (the Japanese automaker's Indian branch) stock 1.7 percent. Up to this point, the stock had dropped four percent since the riot.

Reports indicate that Maruti Suzuki has fired all workers - permanent and temporary - that it has found to be connected with the riots. The company has also developed its own security force of 100, with another 40 guards specifically hired to protect managers and supervisors.

The plant is currently putting out 150 cars a day - nowhere near the 1,500 to 1,800 capacity, but according to Suzuki officials, output is scheduled to grow slowly.

Suzuki reopens India plant post-riot with police outnumbering workers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto workerslaborlabor strikemanesarmaruti suzukisuzukisuzuki riotworker riots Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20308343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20308343/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/suzuki-reopens-india-plant-post-riot-with-police-outnumbering-wo/20308343/article-detail.xml 20308343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/maruti-suzuki-factory-sign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/maruti-suzuki-factory-sign.jpg <![CDATA[Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Ratan Tata and Nano

When India's Tata introduced the Nano in 2009 at about $2,500, it was a hot seller. It was expected to set the world on fire with demand for cheap wheels. In fact, a year after its rollout, the Nano almost did set the world on fire after at least three units burned to a crisp. Sales plummeted to a record low of 509 in November, 2010.

Tata Chairman Ratan Tata has run the company for 20 years and plans to retire at the end of this year. But before he leaves the company, he hopes to revive sales of the little car he helped develop.

"The Nano is something I would love to make successful because I don't think it's exploited its full potential right now," Tata said in an interview with Bloomberg TV India. "There has to be another push to make Nano what it can be."

Extended warranties for current Nano owners, as well as promises that the fires were only isolated incidents, were the first step at restoring confidence in the Nano. A new version of the Nano came out in November with a larger engine, and July sales totaled 5,485. In all of last year it sold 74,527. By comparison, Suzuki sold 491,389 examples of its competing Maruti brand.

In the video below, Ratan Tata talks a bit about the company's purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover and of his upcoming retirement.

Continue reading Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video]

Ratan Tata hopes to restart Nano sales after fiery start [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> indiajaguarland rovernanoratan tatatatatata nano Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307503/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307503/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/24/ratan-tata-hopes-to-restart-nano-sales-after-fiery-start-w-vide/20307503/article-detail.xml 20307503 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/ratan-tata-interview-opt.jpg -1 2