Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif 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/<![CDATA[Audi passes BMW as top luxury brand in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/21/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , ,



By the end of this decade, India is expected to be one of the top three car markets in the world, but automakers are already starting to duke it out for sales. In terms of premium brands, Automotive News says that Audi has jumped out to an early lead for sales in the country due in large part to the recent introduction of the Audi Q3 (shown above).

In 2012, Audi's sales increased 43 percent, rising to 9,350 units and outselling BMW (8,686) and Mercedes-Benz (7,015), both of which experienced a drop in sales last year of 9.5 percent and 5.4 percent, respectively. While none of these sales figures are particularly significant on a global scale, the article says that the market for premium cars in India is expected to quadruple by 2020 up to around 120,000 units. AN attributes Audi's lead to its offering of new SUVs while its rivals have been focusing on small hatchbacks.

Audi passes BMW as top luxury brand in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 May 2013 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q3indialuxury crossoverluxury suvTue, 21 May 2013 09:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20575907/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/21/audi-passes-bmw-as-top-luxury-brand-in-india/20575907/article-detail.xml 20575907 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-audi-q3-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/2011-audi-q3-fd.jpg <![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/#commentsFiled 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 drivingvideoTue, 30 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20552586/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 ChhabriagujaratindiaMon, 29 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20550831/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 drivingvideoThu, 11 Apr 2013 17:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20537748/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 berlusconiWed, 27 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20519764/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 announcementvideoyamazaraTue, 19 Feb 2013 19:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20465318/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 suzukinissanrenaultsparksuzukiSat, 29 Dec 2012 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20410402/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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-davidsonmotorcycleFri, 28 Dec 2012 10:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20411272/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 indiaventovibratingvibratorvolkswagenvwWed, 12 Sep 2012 10:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20321306/article-comments.xml 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/#commentsFiled 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 scalascalaversaMon, 10 Sep 2012 08:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20319146/article-comments.xml 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[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/#commentsFiled 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 nanoFri, 24 Aug 2012 09:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307503/article-comments.xml 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 <![CDATA[Big Daddy Customs turns Tata Safari into Land Rover Evoque]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/21/big-daddy-customs-turns-tata-safari-into-land-rover-evoque/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/21/big-daddy-customs-turns-tata-safari-into-land-rover-evoque/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/21/big-daddy-customs-turns-tata-safari-into-land-rover-evoque/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Big Daddy Customs Moon Rover

India's Big Daddy Customs has made a Moon Rover. What's that? It's a Tata Safari SUV (pictured at right) made to look like a Range Rover Evoque, but only really from the front, at a low angle, ideally in low light and assuming you'd never seen a real Evoque or the donor vehicle before. To get an idea of dimensions, the Evoque is a couple inches wider than a Safari, but the Safari is nearly a foot longer and more than a foot taller.

Having said that, given what Big Daddy started with, it's not entirely dreadful. The Evoque's signatures have been reasonably approximated, and the "custom white paint job" is part of the package. Nothing's been changed inside, but according to the company's Facebook page. "Apart from glass house area, everything else has been modified in the body shell."

So it's good to know that at least they take their work seriously. We think.

Big Daddy Customs turns Tata Safari into Land Rover Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 21 Jul 2012 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aftermarketbig daddy customsbig daddy customs moon rovercloneevoqueindialand roverland rover evoquemoon rovertatatata safariSat, 21 Jul 2012 14:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20282986/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/21/big-daddy-customs-turns-tata-safari-into-land-rover-evoque/20282986/article-detail.xml 20282986 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bigdaddymoonrover-1342878289_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/bigdaddymoonrover-1342878289.jpg <![CDATA[Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mahindra Pickup - rear three-quarter view, silver

With apologies to the Beatles, it's been a long and winding road for those waiting to get their hands on the steering wheel of a small, diesel-powered pickup from Mahindra. Here's the good news: Something definitive has finally been heard from the Indian automaker. Here's the bad news: It's bad news.

According to Reuters, Mahindra "recently decided not to proceed further with the project due to changes in the U.S. regulatory and market situation." In other words, the truck we've long been expecting isn't going to happen. That said, "M&M will continue to monitor the U.S. situation and remain flexible with its approach to this market."

We won't outline all the sordid details on what happened between Global Vehicles, Mahindra and its would-be dealer base - read all about it on these pages - but suffice it to say delays were felt, feelings were hurt and lawsuits were filed.

Some analysts quoted by Reuters suggest Mahindra may regroup and focus on bringing its Korean Ssangyong subsidiary to the States in lieu of its rugged pickup and SUV wares, but we're not holding our breath for either.

Mahindra gives up altogether on small diesel pickup for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dieseldiesel pickupglobal vehiclesindiamahindramahindra and mahindramahindra pickupmahindra tr20mahindra tr40tr20tr40Wed, 11 Jul 2012 15:43:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20276246/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/11/mahindra-gives-up-altogether-on-small-diesel-pickup-for-u-s/20276246/article-detail.xml 20276246 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mahindra-pickup_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mahindra-pickup.jpg <![CDATA[Suzuki cozying up with Fiat?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Fiat Sedici - Front three-quarter view, purple static shot

Fiat and Tata has reportedly stepped away from a tieup in the Indian market that saw Fiats being built in India, using engines shared with Tata and Maruti models, and being sold through Tata dealers. Neither company commented, but according to analysts, the issue was that in addition to Tata was simply too busy with its other endeavors, especially Jaguar Land Rover, to attend to the Fiat deal. Sales of the joint-venture vehicles have declined by more than 20 percent year-on-year.

The Fiat-Tata union isn't binding, and talk has now centered around Fiat snuggling up with Suzuki. Suzuki has a huge position in Asia, Suzuki-Maruti being India's largest carmaker and the Japanese firm having sold more than half its cars in the Asia region, excluding Japan, over the year that ended March 31. Fiat, on the other hand, only sold three percent of its wares in Asia in 2011.

There is debate about how beneficial a Fiat-Suzuki tieup would be. Suzuki's position is facing pressures, but some observers say the Japanese firm has all the strengths and, at most, would benefit from "a timely supply of engines," but possibly confuse customers by adding Fiat to its distribution channel. Others think that it would be a good union, with Fiat providing "a sound name" and a technology exchange.

Such a venture would rely on Suzuki extricating itself from its still-binding union with Volkswagen, an adventure that has probably soured Suzuki on the phrase "technology exchange" for a bit. Among the problematic issues, Suzuki has accused VW of breach-of-contract by not sharing VW technology and not initiating any of the joint projects that were Suzuki's reason for the deal. Suzuki and Fiat presently collaborate on the Fiat Sedici/Suzuki SX4, and when Suzuki bought diesel engines from Fiat instead of VW, the German company accused the Japanese automaker of breach-of-contract. Both parties are in arbitration over the matter; last we heard, Suzuki wants its 20-percent stake returned, while VW is still in favor of the partnership. A VW victory would nix the kind of Suzuki deal with Fiat being speculated now.

Suzuki cozying up with Fiat? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2012 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiafiatfiat suzukiindiasuzukitatavolkswagen suzukiThu, 24 May 2012 10:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20242391/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/24/suzuki-cozying-up-with-fiat/20242391/article-detail.xml 20242391 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-fiat-sedici_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-fiat-sedici.jpg <![CDATA[Honda projects 30 percent of motorcycle sales to come from India by 2020]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/honda-projects-30-percent-of-motorcycle-sales-to-come-from-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/honda-projects-30-percent-of-motorcycle-sales-to-come-from-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/23/honda-projects-30-percent-of-motorcycle-sales-to-come-from-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Honda CBR250R

Honda recently released its financial report for the the manufacturer's motorcycle division. Not surprisingly, two-wheel-friendly Asia accounted for a lofty 79 percent of the company's total sales in 2011. The entirety of North America, meanwhile, soaked up just 1.6 percent of the brand's total volume last year. What's more, Honda fully intends to expand its operations in the blooming Indian market. Until last year, Honda worked with Hero MotorCorp to sell its bikes in India. With the two entities officially split, the Japanese company reports it expects to see somewhere in the neighborhood of 30 percent of its sales come from the Indian market by 2020.

India boasts a population of 1.2 billion people, or around 17 percent of the world's population, making it the second-largest bike market globally. As of right now, Honda is working on chipping out a 20 percent share of that pie, which means it already dominates the country's motorcycle market as the largest foreign bike manufacturer.

Honda projects 30 percent of motorcycle sales to come from India by 2020 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 May 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiahondahonda motorcyclehonda motorcycle saleshonda motorcyclesindianorth americasalesWed, 23 May 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243388/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/23/honda-projects-30-percent-of-motorcycle-sales-to-come-from-india/20243388/article-detail.xml 20243388 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-hond-cbr250r-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/2012-hond-cbr250r-628.jpg <![CDATA[GM to axe 100 R&D positions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

GM Warren R&DGeneral Motors has confirmed it will cut 100 research and development positions at its Warren, Michigan, Technical Center and will close another R&D lab in Bangalore, India.

The cuts are about a 25-percent reduction in the Warren facility and are part of a "global restructuring."

"These moves will enable the organization to better focus on commercializing customer-focused innovation in a more efficient and cost effective manner," GM spokesman Dan Flores tells The Detroit News.

If they aren't offered new positions, affected workers will have 30 days to apply for other posts within GM before the layoffs commence in early June.

GM to axe 100 R&D positions originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bangalorecost cuttingcutbacksgeneral motorsindialayoffsmichr and dresearch and developmentwarren michiganwarren tech centerTue, 01 May 2012 16:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20228144/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/01/gm-to-axe-100-randd-positions/20228144/article-detail.xml 20228144 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gm-warren-rd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/gm-warren-rd.jpg <![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki stretches Swift into new Ertiga]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/maruti-suzuki-stretches-out-the-swift-into-new-ertiga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/maruti-suzuki-stretches-out-the-swift-into-new-ertiga/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/17/maruti-suzuki-stretches-out-the-swift-into-new-ertiga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga - front three-quarter view

With over a billion people, the Indian market holds huge potential for any automaker. In fact, Suzuki makes a dedicated range of vehicles on the subcontinent specifically for the local market under the Maruti banner, and this is their latest.

Dubbed Ertiga, it's essentially a lengthened Swift hatchback "Life Utility Vehicle," or what would conventionally be called an MPV (Multiple Passenger Vehicle).

Call it what you will, Maruti Suzuki has managed to fit three rows of seating into the stretched Swift for seven-passenger accommodation. Launching locally in India prior to export to neighboring markets like Indonesia in the aim to take market share away from the Toyota Avanza and Mahindra Xylo, the Ertiga takes advantage of huge economies of scale by sharing basic components with the Swift and the Dzire sedan which Maruti builds on the same platform.

Buyers in India will be able to choose between three trim levels, two engines (gas or diesel) and seven colors, but they'll have to justify spending six or seven times the price of a Tata Nano to do so - but then again, that's true of most cars. Take a closer look in our gallery above and scroll down for the official press release with more information.

Continue reading Maruti Suzuki stretches Swift into new Ertiga

Maruti Suzuki stretches Swift into new Ertiga originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ertigaindiamarutimaruti ertigamaruti suzukimaruti suzuki ertigasuzukisuzuki ertigasuzuki swiftswiftTue, 17 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20217019/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/17/maruti-suzuki-stretches-out-the-swift-into-new-ertiga/20217019/article-detail.xml 20217019 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/web01-maruti-suzuki-ertiga_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/web01-maruti-suzuki-ertiga.jpg <![CDATA[DC Design Avanti rolls up in New Delhi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/dc-design-avanti-rolls-up-in-new-delhi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/dc-design-avanti-rolls-up-in-new-delhi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/05/dc-design-avanti-rolls-up-in-new-delhi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DC Design Avanti

DC Design, an Indian firm better known for creating one-off customized vehicles based on anything from the Tata Nano to Rolls-Royce coupes, has officially pulled the covers off its first production supercar at the New Delhi Auto Expo. Called the Avanti, we can't help but wonder what esteemed designer Raymond Loewy might think of this creation.

We're not going to call this Audi-R8-meets-duckbill-platypus attractive, though we do spot design themes borrowed from the likes of Ferrari and Lotus (and there's probably a bit of Bertone Mantide in there, too). Somehow it manages to be both somewhat derivative and distinctive at the same time, with proportions unlike that of most supercars from Europe.

Regardless of its styling, we can get behind the idea of a low-cost supercar - its expected 30 lakh rupees in India translates to about $56,000 at current exchange rates - powered by small-displacement engines relying on turbocharging to produce adequate power. The initial engine will be sourced from Ford, an EcoBoost 2.0 liter putting out 265 horsepower, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, so perhaps calling this a "supercar" is overstating its case.

Later, a version of the machine will be offered with a Honda-sourced turbocharged V6 producing something around 400 horsepower. The base Ford engine will reportedly be sufficient to hit 60 miles per hour in under seven seconds and the turbo V6 will surely be quicker. DC Design hopes to build about 200 units in 2013 and plans to ramp up to a few thousand in the coming years.

Continue reading DC Design Avanti rolls up in New Delhi

DC Design Avanti rolls up in New Delhi originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avantidc designdc design avantiindianew delhinew delhi 2012new delhi auto exponew delhi auto showThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20141272/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/05/dc-design-avanti-rolls-up-in-new-delhi/20141272/article-detail.xml 20141272 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/dc-design-avanti-live_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/dc-design-avanti-live.jpg <![CDATA[Latest group that Jeremy Clarkson has offended? Indians]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jeremy Clarkson

Pretty much every time Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson opens his mouth these days, someone takes offense, which does make it hard to tell whether Clarkson is actually offensive.

The latest complaints have come after the Top Gear Christmas special, in which Clarkson and his posse go to India on a "trade mission." According to The Telegraph, the BBC has received 23 complaints about the show, in which Clarkson is charged with making insensitive remarks about Indian clothing, trains, food and history.

Clarkson's "funny" bits on the show included dropping his pants in front of Indian dignitaries and outfitting a Jaguar XJS with a toilet seat and then driving around Indian slums, according to the report. Clarkson reportedly described the Jag as "perfect for India because everyone who comes here gets the trots."

While we haven't seen the episode, we do know that the XJS has a reputation for crapping out with some frequency. Before you fire up the torrents, check out the episode trailer after the jump.

Continue reading Latest group that Jeremy Clarkson has offended? Indians

Latest group that Jeremy Clarkson has offended? Indians originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbcindiajaguarjaguar xjsjeremy clarksontop geartop gear christmas specialxjsFri, 30 Dec 2011 16:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20137873/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/30/latest-group-that-jeremy-clarkson-has-offended-indians/20137873/article-detail.xml 20137873 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/clarkson-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/clarkson-opt.jpg <![CDATA[i1 Super Series puts F1 drivers in Radicals across Asia]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/i1-super-series-puts-f1-drivers-in-radicals-across-asia/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/i1-super-series-puts-f1-drivers-in-radicals-across-asia/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/29/i1-super-series-puts-f1-drivers-in-radicals-across-asia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Radical SR3 at Monza

New racing series are popping up all the time in different locations around the world. So what makes the new i1 Super Series special? Somehow, the organizers have managed to attract an enviable roster of former F1 drivers to participate.

The series, originally known as the Indian Racing League (but which probably changed names to avoid confusion with the defunct Indy Racing League), is a new spec racing series centered in Asia. For the inaugural season, it will be using the Radical SR3 (pictured above), a production-based, LMP-style sports car with a 1500cc Suzuki motorcycle engine custom-tuned to produce around 260 horsepower. That may not sound like much power, but with such a such a light frame, it's capable of hitting 60 in three seconds flat, cornering at nearly 2.5 Gs and consistently holds the lap record at the Nürburgring.

Nine teams (each representing a major city in India) will each field two cars: one piloted by an up-and-coming Indian driver, and one by an established pro. Those are being chosen from a pool that includes such notable talents as Jacques Villeneuve, Giancarlo Fisichella, Jean Alesi, Heinz-Haral Frentzen, Mika Salo and Sakon Yamamoto.

Ten races will be held in this inaugural season at five circuits: India's new Buddh circuit in New Delhi, Sepang in Malaysia, Losail in Qatar, Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain. Read more in the press release after the break.

Continue reading i1 Super Series puts F1 drivers in Radicals across Asia

i1 Super Series puts F1 drivers in Radicals across Asia originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buddh international circuitgiancarlo fisichellai1i1 super seriesindiaindian racing leaguejacques villeneuvejean alesiradicalradical sr3sr3Thu, 29 Dec 2011 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20132134/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/29/i1-super-series-puts-f1-drivers-in-radicals-across-asia/20132134/article-detail.xml 20132134 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/radical-sr3_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/radical-sr3.jpg -1 2