Automobile Blog

Nissan to launch new car, MICRA

Auto Major Nissan has announced that it is planning to launch its new and ultra modern car, Micra in the Indian market soon in a motor show in the Swiss city of Geneva.

The car is build on the V-Platform with a curved shape along with an accented waistline and is already tested in Japan. Nissan wants to triple sales of the car and is aiming at leading markets like India, China, Mexico and Thailand for higher growth.

The model comes with 5 speed manual transmission and is also available in the CVT segment. It is powered by 80 HP 1.2 liters engine with an alternative 1.2 direct-injection three-cylinder engine to generate 98 HP. The engines are designed to be very fuel efficient.

Even as the car now offers added features the prices have been brought down. The car will come in the price range of 3.8 – 5 lakhs. The car is aiming to compete with the likes of Maruti Alto, Wagon R, Chevy Beat, Ford Figo and Hyundai Santro in the Indian market. (more…)

Nissan Micra To Hit Indian Roads Very Soon

Japanese auto major Nissan has uncovered its latest ultra modern car model, Micra at the Geneva Motor show. The latest model is expected to be manufactured in the Chennai unit of Nissan.

Nissan Micra is built on the V- Platform and has been tested in Japan. The company has eyed in tripling the sales of this unit in more than 160 countries including the leading markets like India, China, Mexico and Thailand.

The new Micra has a rounded shape with accented waistline. It has a 5 speed manual transmission and is also available in the CVT segment. The car is run with an 80 HP 1.2 liter engine. There is also an alternate 1.2 direct-injection three-cylinder engine to generate 98 HP. These engines have been designed superbly to save fuel. Apart from that it has also special safety features to protect the driver in case of a crash.

On the design front, the model looks stronger than the previous model. It has Boomerang-shaped grooves on the roof to reduce resonance in the cabin. The interior part has also more space. (more…)

Tata Motors’ electric vehicle Nano makes a splash at Geneva Motor Show news

After the shock and awe it generated by producing the the world’s lowest-priced car, its creator Tata Motors has now unveiled the electric version of the Nano, called Nano EV, at the ongoing 80th Geneva Motor Show.

The Nano EV Concept is an electric version of Tata Motors’ Nano, the world’s cheapest car, which Ratan Tata, the chairman of Tata Motors had launched commercially in September last year. (See: Ratan Tata launches Tata Nano)

India’s largest automobile company, Tata Motors had said in August 2008 that it planned to produce an electric-drive version of the Nano, barely seven months after he had unveiled it at the New Delhi Auto show in January. (more…)

Honda is on its way to adopt Hybrid systems

Honda is on its way to adopt Hybrid systems : Hybrid systems in the next five years will come in first place among alternative fuel technologies used in the automotive industry. This conclusion has drawn through recent study by KPMG’s Global Auto Executive survey 2010: industry concerns and expectations to 2014.

According to the forecasts of most automakers and auto dealers who participated in the KPMG study on a global scale, this year will be sold from 1 to 2.5 million vehicles running on alternative fuels (not including hybrid cars), while sales of hybrid cars range from 750 to 1.25 million .

Honda has also plans to enter in Hybrid systems and in the middle of summer the sale of hybrid sports car Honda CR-Z – c i-VTEC engine volume of 1.5 litres (114 hp), auxiliary electric IMA (14 hp) and six-speed manual will hopefully start internationally.

The main advantage of hybrid car in front of petrol and diesel engines is the ability to use the energy generated at the least the brake pedal to charge the batteries, which are then in the mode of traction motor helps the car accelerate.

The main technical drawback of hybrid systems is the need for additional cooling of the batteries. In addition, the cost of hybrid cars exceeds the cost of analogues, working on internal combustion engines, at 7-47%.
Growth in sales of hybrid cars is expected to a greater extent due to popular brands, rather than the opportunity to save on fuel and reduce emissions into the atmosphere, car market. Experts say so

Honda CR Z Hybrid and Honda Insight Hybrid cars set for launch

One of the vital points of the Honda Hybrid is going to be its cheaper rate as comparable to Toyota. Honda is working up hard to launch its new Honda CR-Z Hybrid and Honda Insight Hybrid. It is being seen as a tough competition to Toyota’s full hybrid cars.

Honda motor company is coming with its new models, Honda Hybrid that is going to be a big completion to already cars in India.It is the know fact that Honda is the largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines and motorcycles. Honda Motors is proud producer of more than 14 million engines (internal combustions ones) every year. (Wow!!!!)

Change and evolution are not merely the words applied to human forms but also in the selling business and the cut throat competition (more…)

Audi A1 Supermini Not to be Launched in India

Audi India has said that it has “no plans to introduce the A1 supermini in next few years”.

This comes after it was recently reported that Audi India’s parent company had revealed the details of its A1 model, which was going to be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show as well.

The initial 3-door A1 model is anticipated to be in the market in continental Europe in the summer of 2010, followed by the United Kingdom by September 2010. A 5-door A1 Sportback model is also expected to be launched.

The company spokesperson, when contacted, agreed that Audi is not considering X1.

He categorically stated, “We don’t see any market potential for A1 in the immediate future. Right now we are focusing on other models like refurbished A8, a new variant of Q7 and a host of other models. By any chance, if we think the market has matured, we will make an official announcement”. (more…)

India creates ‘bullet proof-golf buggy’ to battle terrorists

The Anti-Terrorist Assault Cart (ATAC), which has been described as a ‘golf buggy with attitude’, was inspired by the November 2008 terrorist attack on Mumbai when ten ‘fedayeen commandos’ held India’s special forces at bay for three days, and killed 166 people.

Its creators, Metaltech Motor Bodies (MMB), said it was borne out of the helplessness many Indians felt as terrorist commandos mounted a machine gun rampage through hotel corridors, bars and its main train station, killing 17 security personnel along the way.

One of the key obstacles Indian forces faced was getting men into narrow corridors without being shot. According to MMB, its new armoured ATAC vehicle is designed to wage urban interior warfare, and can operate in hotels, stadiums, and airports – confined spaces where cover is at a premium.

Weighing half a tonne, it can fit into a service lift and launch commandos into a terrorist siege without breaking cover. (more…)