Tata Motors beats Mahindra: Back as the 3rd largest car maker in India

Tata Motors registered an increase in sales by 15%, in July 2012 by recording impressive sales figures of 73,491 which included both commercial and passenger vehicles. Domestic sales of the company's commercial and passenger vehicles registered an increased growth of 18% as compared to the sales seen in July 2011. Total number of sold units which includes exports too, stands at 262,299 registering an increase of 2% as compared to the last fiscal year.Tata Motors passenger car sales units stand at 26,240 for July 2012 as compared to Mahindra & Mahindra's sales figures of 22,011 units.

Sales in commercial vehicles registered a growth of 45 while LCV sales showcased an impressive 19% growth as compared to last year. The same can't be said about M&HCV sales which saw a drop of 19% as compared to sales figures of last July. Passenger vehicle sales were up by 535 this year, Tata Nano sales saw a sharp increase in sales recording a 68% growth, Indica range registered a 51% increase while the Indigo range registered a 40% increase in sales. Sales of other models like Sumo, Safari, Aria and Venture registered a growth of 59%.

These statistics are based on the comparison made between sales in July 2011 and July 2012. Total growth of sales of the Nano and the range Indica are 9% and 12% respectively. Indigo saw a drop in cumulative sales by 14% as compared to last year. Models like Sumo, Safari, Aria and Venture registered an increase of 14% in relation to the cumulative sales. JLR sales continued to see a steep rise in sales this year.

Chrysler Group announce second quarter financial results

As Chrysler Group's second quarter results are declared it may be noted that the company has seen increased income to the tune of $436 million. This figure was up $806 million as compared to a $370 million loss declared in the same quarter of 2011. The period April to June 2012 also saw increased revenue to the tune of $16.8 billion which is an increase of 23% from $13.7 billion in the same three months of the previous year which was primarily due to a 22% increase in exports during the period.

Chrysler Group LLC is one of the strongest automakers in the US market. Their results from April to June 2012 speak for themselves. The company is not only doing exceedingly well in US markets but exports too have increased substantially in the last quarter as the company shipped 630,000 units to their various dealers across the globe. This figure stood at just 541,000 in the same period in 2011.

To add to their increased sales and improved demand the company will also be launching a highly fuel efficient 2013 Dodge Dart. Production has commenced in Belvidere, Illinois and the vehicle is slated to arrive in company showrooms in the not too distant future.

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd. sees a significant growth in sales this year

JK Tyre & Industries Ltd has recorded a significant increase in sales in the last quarter. A gross sales turn over of Rs.1588 Crores for the Q1 has been recorded by the Indian Global Tyre Manufacturer. Operating profit for the current quarter was about Rs.129 Crores which was more than double the amount seen in the corresponding quarter last year.

Profit before tax also recorded a marked increase with figures of Rs. 36 Crores as compared to Rs. 3 Crores seen last year. The Chennai plant of the company has a capacity of producing 25 lac car radials and 4 lac truck and bus radials. This influx will help strengthen JK Tyre's radial leadership locally as also globally.

According to Dr. Raghupati Singhania, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, JK Tyre & Industries Ltd, the company has seen a lot of growth due to utilization of specific marketing techniques and maintaining focus on market segment as also launching of new products coupled with cost compression techniques. The company has enhanced the production of its fast growing TBR and PCR lines and hopes to cater to market needs effectively seeing the demand for its tires in many segments.

ICRA places ratings of 14 auto component manufacturers with high probability of developing implications due to production lapses

Ratings of 14 auto component manufacturers have been placed on Ratings watch with developing implications by ICRA. This comes close on the heels of the production lapse being seen at MSIL at Manesar after violent workers wrought havoc causing loss of life and injuries to many. The company has been on lockdown after the incident and this has disrupted production output of many suppliers that have tie-ups with this plant. The original equipment manufacturer has declared a lockout on the plant and this has halted production of models like the: Swift, Swift Dzire, A-star and SX4. 30-35% of the production volume at MSIL is taken up by these four variants.

Due to the lockout on this plant, several ICRA rated auto suppliers will experience a drop in cash accruals which will thereby cause certain financial problems for them. Development of these issues has forced ICRa to place the ratings under 'Ratings watch with developing implications'

As Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is the largest OEM in the country, lapses in productivity tend to hit suppliers very badly. This type of situation was also experienced in 2011-12 when problems caw lapse of production at both manufacturing plants (Manesar and Gurgaon). Lower profits and cash accruals were experienced by a number of supplier vendors during that time period.

 

VDA 6.3 process audit training and qualification session concludes in Pune

VDA 6.3 is a platform which will help improve the standard for evaluating and improving standards in manufacturing. In order to provide much needed knowledge about the VDA 6.3 module there was a five day session which was held in Pune. This process training and qualification session was jointly organized by VDA QMC and TÜV SÜD South Asia – Academy. 16 participants from the tier 1-OEM suppliers participated in this session which was presided over by a trained instructor from VDA QMC Germany.

This German Automotive industry developed module is an assessment method which is used to evaluate capability and quality management system. This process can be used y any organization for purpose of evaluating internal audits or for evaluating existing suppliers. This is an excellent monitoring tool to help evaluate one's own company process and supplier process monitoring.

According to Mr.Niranjan Nadkarni, CEO, TÜV SÜD South Asia, these VDA 6.3 modules allow for professionals to monitor quality in their manufacturing systems and can thereby be used for improving outputs and profits. Sessions based on this module with be held on the 21st of August in cities of Pune, Baroda and Chennai.

 

VDA 6.3 process audit training and qualification session concludes in Pune

VDA 6.3 is a platform which will help improve the standard for evaluating and improving standards in manufacturing. In order to provide much needed knowledge about the VDA 6.3 module there was a five day session which was held in Pune. This process training and qualification session was jointly organized by VDA QMC and TÜV SÜD South Asia – Academy. 16 participants from the tier 1-OEM suppliers participated in this session which was presided over by a trained instructor from VDA QMC Germany.

This German Automotive industry developed module is an assessment method which is used to evaluate capability and quality management system. This process can be used y any organization for purpose of evaluating internal audits or for evaluating existing suppliers. This is an excellent monitoring tool to help evaluate one's own company process and supplier process monitoring.

According to Mr.Niranjan Nadkarni, CEO, TÜV SÜD South Asia, these VDA 6.3 modules allow for professionals to monitor quality in their manufacturing systems and can thereby be used for improving outputs and profits. Sessions based on this module with be held on the 21st of August in cities of Pune, Baroda and Chennai.

BMW Group wins 48 awards while BMW Group Design receives 14

It was awards all the way for BMW Group at Automotive Brand Contest 2012. 48 prizes were awarded to projects by BMW Group while 14 went to BMW Group Design. Special winners of BMW vehicles in the exterior category included BMW i8 Concept Spyder, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, MINI Roadster and two wheeler models BMW S 1000 RR and Husqvarna Nuda 900 R. In Interior category BMW i8 Concept Spyder, BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, MINI Roadster and BMW 3 Series Sedan were winners.

In the events category, BMW Design Studio Live was a sure winner with all judges agreeing wholeheartedly that COLOR ONE for MINI by Scholten & Baijings was nominated Best of the Best. The Design Team also bagged the award for Team of the Year and Image Film category. These awards will be formally handed over to the company as part of the Automotive designers Night which will take place at "Mondial de l'Automobile" motor show in Paris on September 27, 2012.

A special exhibition was held during Munich Creative Business Week 2012 where visitors were able to view the achievements of BMW design Studio Live at BMW Lenbachplatz. BMW 3 Series were on display with special attention to the design process while visitors were also able to see the BMW Group designers at work on a 1:1 clay model.

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 Special Edition for $62,490

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 special editions Alpine and Vapor have been fitted with a host of exclusive detailing. For starters is the new glossy black grille, hood and door badges and a rear light bar fitted between tail lamps. Black Vapor Chrome finished with five spoke 20" wheels are another interesting feature noted on its exteriors.

Prices of both Alpine and Vapor are at $63,415 which is a good $2,495 over the standard 2013 Grand Cherokee SRT8 prices which start at $60,920. Options include a leather wrapped instrument panel, centre console and door trims along with a power liftgate.

There will be no change in the engine 6.4L V8 or its output. The same 470 hp 6.4 liter V8 engine with five speed automatic transmission offering 471 hp and 465 lb/ft torque is on offer. Top speed will be at 160 mph (257 kmph). 0-60 mph (0-96 kmph) can be managed in 4.8 seconds while braking from 60-0 is achieved in 116 feet. There will also be no change between the two models but Alpine will be seen in a bright white finish for body while Vapor will be in brilliant black.

Audi Group half yearly operating profits stand at €2.9 billion: Audi Q3 sales high and new A3 sedan awaited

Audi Group first half yearly performance was positive with the company reaching both sales and revenue targets. The company earned €2.9 billion in operating profit and 11.5% operating return on sales. It is this that has proved the company's performance in an otherwise dismal auto market atmosphere.

The company hopes to reach deliveries of 1.4 million during the entire year and judging from their first half yearly performance it is in all probability that they will reach over this target. Audi A3 is also expected at dealer showrooms by end of August which will also help in increasing sales pitch. During the first six months of 2012, Audi Group delivered 733,237 units which resulted in an increase of 12.3% over deliveries made in the same period of the previous year wherein the company delivered 652,892 units.

Demand was particularly experienced where Audi Q3, Q5, A6 and A7 models were concerned. These increased sales increased revenue to the tune of 16.2 % over previous year's earnings while operating profit increased by 13.2% over previous year's figures. The company looks forward to Audi A1 Sportback, Q3 and their upcoming A3 to help them reach their targets and increase their share in auto sectors.

Audi luxury car sales increase by 28% during July 2012 in US

Audi sales in US have set a record. Sales increased 28% during month of July 2012 with increased demand seen in company's premium category Audi A8, A7, A6, and Q7, experiencing a 30.4 % increase in sales of these vehicles. This is 19th consecutive month of where Audi has registered increase in sales. The company dispatched 11,707 units during July 2012 leading to a 28% increase as compared to sales in July 2011.

Audi A6 was a major crowd puller. This technologically advanced vehicle saw sales increase to the tune of 66.8% for July 2012 while YTD sales increased 123.8%. Audi A5 sales were up 31.9% as compared to July 2011 while YTD sales increased 6.6% as compared to the same period a year ago. Q5 also saw the same success story. Here sales increased 10% as compared to July 2012 while YTD sales stood at 19.9% compared to the earlier period. For the month of July 2012 Audi certified pre owned cars sales stood at 3,136 units making it the second best month of July to date.

Audi AG is rated as the most successful luxury brand across the globe. It is a top performer in European markets and has broken sales records across the US. The company is also in the midst of planning investments to the tune of €13 billion in the coming five years to launch new products and the latest in technology.

Bugatti Veyron gets artistic: BUGARTI

This is creativity at its best. Automotive artist PopBangColor has taken the mighty Bugatti Veyron, currently the world's fastest production car, and created a colorful vinyl wrap. Ian Cook, is well known for his artwork which is done using remote controlled cars. This work of art seen on the Bugatti Veyron is called BUGARTI.

Ian Cook has also taken the assistance of vinyl wrap specialist Raccoon to help him in this creation. The vehicle is seen in Gulf Racing colors with art work in blue, black and orange on bonnet, side and rear. This work of art is specially created on Lord Prembroke's Bugatti Veyron for Wilton House Classic and Supercar event which are scheduled to take place in the coming week.

The event will be held at Prembroke's estate in Salisbury, Wiltshire and Cook has been working wholeheartedly on this creation and is happy with the end result. He now looks forward to the final display when he will get to see his work on exhibition and will be looking forward to hear people's comments in its regard.

Mahindra vehicle sales report for July 2012

Mahindra vehicle sales increased by 19% to 47,059 units during July 2012 as compared to 39,633 units during the same month last year. Domestic sales of Mahindra & Mahindra India Ltd stood at an impressive 42,799 units as compared to 37,323 units last July. This is a marked increase of 15%. The passenger vehicles segment sold 22,011 units in July 2012, as compared to 17,312 units during July last year, registering an overall growth of 27%. This segment mainly consists of sales related to UV's and the Mahindra Verito.

The farm equipment sector managed to stay on the top and maintained its lead with a sale of 16,521 units which includes both domestic and international tractor sales. Domestic sales for July 2012 were recorded at 15,495 units while exports for July 2012 were recorded at 10,26 units.

Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said that the company was happy to have registered an increase in sales in spite of the difficult market conditions. He also pointed out that a cut in the current interest rates would cut down manufacturing and production costs which would help benefit the Auto industry on the whole.

13 inch Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display to make its way in September

Gizmo lovers are eagerly awaiting the 13 inch Apple MacBook Pro with Retina Display. According to reports that have emerged recently, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the 13 inch Retina MacBook Pro will make its way in September. Kuo also revealed, since components required for a display that go into making the Retina MacBook are limited and not easy to procure, demand may be more than supply.

He also stressed on the fact that individuals will be drawn towards the 13 inch Retina display MacBook Pro because of its exceptional power consumption capabilities. The 13 inch offering by Apple is expected to rely on solid-state flash memory storage and will not have optical disc drive.

The 13 inch model is expected slightly thinner than the 15 inch model measuring 18millimeters. If what Kuo reveals is true the 13 inch device will have a pixel resolution of 2560 x 1600. In India the 15 inch Retina Display MacBook Pro is available at a starting price of Rs 1,52,900 in India.

Hacked: 8.7 million mobile customers in South Korea, two arrested

Police in South Korea have arrested the two hackers responsible for stealing personal information of over 8.7 million customers of the second largest mobile and telecommunication provider in the country. The two hackers had targeted KT Corporation and stolen information that included mobile numbers, customer’s names and registration information.

Since the past five months the data and information collected by the hackers was being sold to telemarketing companies. According to Yonhap news agency, Police revealed that one of the two hackers was a former programmer of an IT company and had earned over $880,000 by selling sensitive and personal information to telemarketing companies.

A statement issued by KT Corporation to its customers read “We deeply bow our head in apology for having your personal information leaked…we’ll try out best to make such things never happen again”. Yonhap said 7 persons had been booked by police for purchasing leaked personal data for telemarketing purposes. This hacking incident definitely raised eyebrows but hasn’t come as a surprise to many, as South Korea one amongst the world’s most wired nations has witnessed frequent hacking episodes over the years.

New images of iPhone 5 emerge

Of late several photos claiming to be Apple’s next generation iPhone have emerged on websites. And, this trend like other scoops is not fading into oblivion. This time around fresh spy shots of what is deemed to be the next-generation iPhone, do indeed look like it’s the real deal.

The photos that have emerged which many believe are of the eagerly awaited next generation smartphone by Apple indicate the new offering will have a smaller dock connector as speculated earlier by tech experts. What’s gotten iPhone 5 enthusiasts jumping with joy is the fact that the photos that have recently made their way on social media reveal full images of the upcoming device alongside some component shots.

The images that have surfaced reveal the 3.5mm audio jack has been relocated. Although Apple has not said a word in regard with launch or release date of its next generation iPhone, analysts believe Apple will make their move soon as they wouldn’t want to play the waiting game for too long and lose out on the market share to its competitors, Samsung in particular.

More Sony Xperia J phone images make their way before release

Although Sony has not announced release date of its Sony Xperia J phone, image leaks of what claim to be Sony‘s offering have made their presence felt, and it’s far from over. Recently, more leaked images, this time much clearer that previous leaked photos have emerged.

The photos reveal three devices in different colors alleged to be the Sony Xperia J phone. This phone is deemed to be an entry level offering Sony which will feature a 1GHz Scorpion processor and Adreno 200 GPU. The Android based phone with Snapdragon S1 chipset (Qualcomm MSM 7227-GSM-MSM 7627-CDMA) will have a 4- inch WVGA TFT display.

The device is expected to have a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash. Connectivity features of the phone include Bluetooth, HSPA, 3G, GPS and Wi-Fi. Running on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich the entry level Xperia offering is expected to target youth that are looking at feature packed phones at an affordable price. Sony is expected to makes an official announcement in regard with release of the Xperia J towards the end of August at this year’s IFA.

Anna Hazare’s health deteriorates on second day of fasting

Veteran social activist and anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare has grown weak after second day of fasting. The popular social activist is staging a fast-unto-death to combat corruption and ensure an effective passing of the Lokpal bill, As Anna Hazare’s fast entered the second day doctors checked on him and reported that he has grown too weak.

Another member from team Anna, Gopal Rai’s condition too has been reported to have deteriorated because of increase of Ketone quantity in his body. 74 year old Anna Hazare at the fast venue of Jantar Mantar said” The way this wave of protest against corruption is building in the country, I am getting this feeling that the government would have to bring a strong Lokpal Bill or else it will have to go” Team Anna has been praised by individuals from all circles of life for relentlessly battling corruption.

Acclaimed director Shekhar Kapur tweeted “India does not need change of government, but change in political system. 65 years of current system has created a huge divide between people and governance”.

Sony’s Xperia 2011 batch handsets will not get Jelly Bean, LG cancels ICS update for Optimus 2x and Black

Regardless of the fact that many Droid users do not swear by the song ‘Born Under a Bad Sign’, they sure do have bad news in their backyard. Sony had earlier announced that its 2011 lineup of phones will be updated to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Now, the company has officially announced that Xperia Mini Pro and Xperia Arc S will not be getting Jelly Bean, as Google announced earlier the new version of its Android mobile OS.

Although Product Manager, Sony Mobile, UK, John Cooper mentioned only two models from Sony’s 2011 lineup, all other models from this year are equipped with the same chipset which indicates the entire lineup will have to do without Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. John Cooper revealed that the company is reviewing which 2012 Sony handsets will receive the Jelly Bean update and that decision in this regard will be announced on Facebook.

For LG users the news is an even more painful. After announcing that the Jelly Bean update would be available in the second or third quarter this year, LG has recently revealed that there will be no Ice Cream Sandwich update for Optimus Black and LG Optimus 2X.

Q2 2012, iOS rises to 33%, Android takes a dip at 56% and Blackberry drops to 6% in US

A research conducted by Strategy Analytics’  reveals that smartphone sales in the US have taken a severe beating and are down to 24 million in the second quarter of 2012. Although iOS moved up by 10% from last year’s 23% to 33% this year, Android and Blackberry sales were affected.

Blackberry now stands at less than 7% and Android has fallen from a healthy 61% last year to 56% for the same period in 2012. However, the drop in Android sales was reported before Samsung’s Galaxy S III was launched in the US. Samsung smartphones have a strong presence in the US and is Apple’s strongest competitor which means that Android market shares will go up in the third quarter.

RIM is in a hole that is going to be hard to climb out of even with the company’s new BB10 operating system on its line of smartphones expected soon. Analysts reveal iOS and Android will be at par in the fourth quarter with RIM and Nokia being the biggest losers.

Is Blackberry’s Porsche 9981 designer phone worth it at Rs 1.4 lakh?

It’s a known fact that many urban Indians have a penchant for luxury phones. It’s least surprising why RIM despite poor sales in India and Asia is offering its Porsche 9981 designer phone. Priced at Rs 1.4 lakh, this smartphone comes with a 1.2 GHz processor and 8GB onboard memory.

Styled by Porsche design, this stainless steel smartphone with leather embellishments is a visual stunner. The Wikitude World Browser app on this smartphone gives users instant access and allows users to forward information immediately. Individuals can read reviews and get information about restaurants, theatres, VIP events and Porsche dealerships all across the world in a jiffy.

This device is equipped with a full touch screen and a wide design Blackberry QWERTY keyboard that makes messaging easier. The high resolution display of the 2.8 inch touchscreeen is extremely responsive because of Liquid Graphics feature. Features such as the Mobile Media Server and Blackberry Tag make sharing music, photos and videos easy. Indeed, the innovative technologies and features on this smartphone will entice a new segment of ultra rich customers in India.

LG brings 3D Gaming to its Smart TVs

Already 3D gaming is growing in popularity all over the world. TV manufacturers are aware of this trend and are integrating 3D gaming into Smart Televisions. LG Corporation South Korea’s second largest electronics manufacturer has added 3D enabled gaming to its line of Smart TVs.

The company announced that five game titles, Frisbee Forever, Diversion, Burn the City, Air Penguin and Downhill Bowling 2 have been added to its app store Smart World and will be available where the company offers paid services.

Countries that will be able to avail of 3D gaming are South Korea, U.K, Australia, Russia, Canada, Italy, Singapore, France, Taiwan, Spain, Philippines, Germany and Russia. LG Cinema 3D Smart TV owners will be able to choose from the games at the app store.

LG has revealed that more games would be added to its app store towards end of August. Air Penguin amongst others was chosen to be optimized with LG Smart TVs specifically for its exceptional 3D playability. LG Smart TV remotes will double up as a motion sensitive game controller.

BMW 3 Series sedan Ultimat3 launch successful in India: 500+ bookings prior to launch

The BMW 3 Series was officially launched in India on July 27, 2012. A look at the new BMW 3 Series Ultimat3 advertisement seen across TV, newspapers and on hoardings will reveal an Indiacentric advertisement campaign. The commercial is made in India and made for Indian audiences.Its commercial is based on the thought "Superior by Evolution".

3 Series first generation was launched in 1975 and since then five generations of the 3er have evolved. This is the sixth edition and its campaign has been the handiwork of Liquid Campaign's India office. BMW has revealed that the campaign was so successful that they received more than 500 booking orders for the new 3er even before it was launched on 27th.

This is the first Indian ad campaign ever since BMW commenced operations in India five years ago. Liquid Campaign India has been doing a lot of Indianised and localized campaigns and this is the first campaign to introduce a car in the country in a novel way.

While other commercials bring out the sportiness of the vehicle here the campaign is adapted to specific needs of Indian and to showcase the product as a leader in an otherwise competitive and dynamic Indian market. The TV Commercial is based on history and evolution of the new BMW 3 Series the whole concept was produced by Contra and Weareflink in Germany.

Christian Saffer, Marketing Director, BMW India, said, "Normally, we get all our communication from headquarters. But sometimes, you feel the need for an adaptation. In Europe for example, no one has a driver for the 3 series. Here the target audience is different. That's why we needed to emphasize other topics. So the campaign had to be adapted to our needs in India."

Speaking about the idea behind the need for a special campaign, Koester said, "Other markets emphasise the sportiness of the car with lines like 'Goosebumps vs speedbumps'. In India, we wanted to go back to the core of the brand and make the product our hero. That's why we decided to go for a totally different approach. Being a leader in the highly competitive and dynamic Indian market, BMW needed to make a strong statement. The line 'Superior by Evolution' explains the attitude of the brand, that is continuously evolving to be the best and is future-ready."

Explaining the TVC, Koester said, "The TVC is based on the heritage and milestones of the 3 series. It's a statement on BMW and the series being a hero in its class. The ad comprises classic material from the BMW archives, driving shots from international footage from a UK based agency, and the whole TVC was produced by Contra and Weareflink in Germany."

Porsche 918 Spyder hybrid sports car dressed to intoxicate in Martini Racing colors

As per a new agreement signed between Porsche and Bacardi, the new 918 Spyder will be seen in a new garb. The car is given a Martini Racing color scheme, painting colorful stripes all across front bonnet, side doors and rear boot of the vehicle. This is not for the first time that Porsche has been associated with Martini. In fact their history dates back to 1973 and 1978 when Martini was official partners of Porsche factory team. The recent agreement between Porsche and Martini sees the 918 Spyder in a new avatar. This 770 hp hybrid is currently undergoing trials at Nurburgring. Porsche 918 Spyder is a car par excellence.

Porsche 918 Spyder is the first eco minded supercar with an all electric drive mode. Combined gasoline and electric output is approximately 800 hp. It possesses a 570 bhp 4.6 liter V8 engine mated to two electric motors one on each axle and a lithium ion battery pack. Power can be transferred from front to rear axles as situation demands. The vehicle is capable of a 3 second sprint time from 0 to 60 mph.

Maruti Suzuki – Autocar Young Driver contest winner: Sudeep Ranjan Mishra

The Maruti Suzuki Autocar Young Driver contest 2012 is an event which is organized to test knowledge of participant's related to real life driving skills, traffic rules as also road safety. This competition is attended by individuals from all over the country and the winner is chosen based on the above factors. In order to expand its reach to many the event incorporated two new categories: a female category to encourage participation of the fairer sex and a category that promotes responsible driving.

The contest covered over 65 cities and spanned over three months wherein people from all age groups took part. The core initiative of this program was to inculcate safe and responsible driving in the younger generation. This competition was held as a part of the National Road Safety Mission, which was launched in 2008.

At the finals held at New Delhi, 27 contestants showcased their driving skills on the tracks of the Institute of Driving and Traffic research. Culmination of the finals saw Sudeep Ranjan Mishra emerge as the winner and he was presented with a brand new A-star. In the female category, Srushty Parsana from Mumbai was adjudged as the winner and presented with a Grand trophy and certificate.

Tag Heuer watch worn by Steve McQueen in 1971 motor racing movie Le Mans, sold for $800,000

A watch seen on the wrist of Steve McQueen in the film "Le Mans" has been auctioned for $800,000. The auction which saw other film memorabilia on display featured this spectacular Tag Heuer watch which noted Hollywood star sported on sets of a 1971 motor racing movie about the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The watch in question possesses a retro 60s style blue face and has a matching black alligator skin strap.

It is the first ever automatic and square cased chronograph watch which was sported by none other than Steve McQueen. The watch made a fashion statement and projected the brand, Tag Heuer to even greater heights. Ever since, Tag Heuer has been anonymous among motor racing drivers.

Auctioneers were well aware of worth of this watch and priced it highly only to be astonished at the final price received which far outshone their expectations. Other items on auction also included a US passport belonging to McQueen which auctioned for $46,125 while a miniature drop-ship used in Aliens sold for $225,000. Wire rimmed glasses belonging to Groucho Marx seen in "A Night at the Opera" also auctioned for $86,100 while the hat used by Vivien Leigh in "Gone with the Wind" auctioned for $67,650.

Eicher truck sales decline by 13.2% for July 2012

Even though the current situation in the commercial vehicles sector has spelt worry for many manufacturers, Eicher too has faced some minor problems as it has recorded a sales figure of 3,602 units for July 2012 which is considerably lower than the July 2011 figures by 13.2%.

However, current year to date sales of Eicher have been recorded at 29,661 units as compared to last year-to-date (YTD) sales of 26,564. This rise in sales accounts for a 7.6% growth in overall sales. Commercial vehicle segment related to the 5T and above variants saw a drop in sale which was recorded at 3,492 units which was lower than 3,935 units sold in July 2011. The drop in sale of commercial vehicles accounted for an 11.3% decline in sales.

Soothing frayed nerves, Eicher's YTD sales for branded trucks and buses have been recorded at 28,177 units as compared to the sales figures of last year which stand at 25,852, representing a 9% growth. Domestic bus segment sales recorded a growth of 3.8% with sale of 929 units in July 2012 as compared to 895 units last July. Apart from this segment, Eicher's heavy Duty trucks have notched up an impressive 21% growth on YTD basis.

Nissan India car sales increase by 118.5% in July: Evalia MPV launch nears

Sales during the month of July 2012 for Nissan Motor India Private Ltd have been spectacular. The company recorded an increase to the tune of 118.5% for which Nissan Sunny and Micra are to be given credit. Nissan Sunny, the small entry level sedan has exceeded sales targets. The company has sold 2,436 units during the month while Nissan Micra – also a small hatchback has seen sales reaching 1,028 units during the past month.

Besides these two models, Nissan Teana, X Trail and 370Z also contributed to sales for the month. The company was encouraged by these sales as this has given them confidence in the Indian auto market which shows affinity to smaller and more compact cars. The company is now ready to launch their new Evalia MPV in India which was showcased at the Delhi Auto Show in January 2012.

It is a comfortable family vehicle with capacity to seat upto 7 adults. Production is already underway at the Nissan plant in Chennai and it will compete with the likes of Mahindra Xylo and Toyota Innova once it is launched this year. Nissan Evalia will be fitted with a 1.5 dCi diesel engine that is also seen in the Nissan Sunny. This engine is capable of 85 bhp at 3750 rpm and 200 Nm torque at 2000 rpm. It possesses a number of safety features and fully loaded infotainment system. The inaugural Nissan MPV is likely to fall in an interesting price bracket of Rs 7 Lakhs and Rs 9 Lakhs.

Renault going small for India: Developing 800cc petrol car

Maruti Suzuki Alto, Hyundai Eon, and Chevrolet Spark will soon get a keen competitor from the Renault stables. Renault is working on developing a small car from the scratch. The new Renault small car will be powered by a 800cc vpetrol engine. Considering that 45% of the cars sold in India are small cars, Renault is now looking at the bigger picture and better future growth in India.

The vehicle in question is codenamed A Entry for the time being. It is being readied under the guidance of Gerard Detourbet, a specialist in the low cost small car department at Renault. Meanwhile, Renault is also working on a small and super efficient engine which is called B4A. This engine will be capable of 20kmpl mileage. The small entry level car will be produced and rolled out from the Renault-Nissan plant situated in Chennai but this should take another year to two to be road ready.

Renault India has great plans for the future. The company wants to scale up organization, dealerships and deliveries to 1 lakh vehicles per year with an aim to ensure Renault India in a top ten market bracket by 2013. This is going to be difficult for a company that sold just 4000 units in fiscal 2012 with hopes to touch 30,000 units in the current calendar year while targeting 1 lakh units by 2013 end.

BMW launches smart vehicle control remote app for Android smartphones

My BMW Remote app was launched back in 2010. But at that time it was only applicable for iPhone users, and BMW car owners using other than Apple phones, were not able to enjoy the benefits of the BMW Remote App.  Earlier this week, BMW has finally revealed the same app for Android operating system.

This app is free of charge and can be downloaded from Google Play store. It is similar to the iPhone version. Through this new app, car doors can be locked and unlocked through your smartphone, while climate control settings can able be adjusted so as to regulate temperature within the car cabin.

With the use of Horn Blow for sounding horn and Flash Light for switching on exterior car lights this application will be most suitable. The system of Vehicle Finder works for locating a vehicle parked out of sight and out of ear shot but is restricted upto a radius of 1.5 km. This system works in a way that the exact location of the vehicle will be displayed on the smartphone screen directing owner to his vehicle. However, this function is only suitable for a car with the ignition on off mode which makes its unsuitable to track the vehicle in case of theft.

Maruti July car sales positive despite Manesar lockdown: Workers Union GS speaks on workers violence

Despite being bogged down by strike, strife, violence and lockouts at Maruti Suzuki Manesar plant since 18th July, the company sales have done exceedingly well in the past month. Sales were up 9.2% for July 2012 with the company dispatching 82,234 units as compared to 75,300 units in July 2011. Domestic sales alone stood at 71,024 units during the month while this figure was only at 66,504 in the same month in the previous year.

Much of this success could be attributed to popularity of company compact sedan Dzire of which 11,413 units were sold while sales of M800, Alto, WagonR and A Star showed a decline by 23.7% as figures stood at 28,998 units. Sales of Maruti Suzuki SX4 saw a 70.5% dip in demand as sales stood at only 679 units in July 2012 and while the company expected much from their luxury sedan Kizashi they managed to sell only 2 units. Exports were also equally positive for the month of July 2012. Numbers were up 27.4% with the company dispatching 11,210 units in July 2012 as compared to 8,796 units in July 2011.

The company is now contemplating what to do next where their plant at Manesar is concerned. It was recently announced that workers will not be receiving their salary for July period of lockout. Monthly wages for the period prior to the incident will be paid to workers only after the lockout is lifted and the plant starts functioning as normal.

On the other hand, Kuldeep Jhangu, General Secretary, Maruti Udyog Kamgar Union (MUKU), in an interview with TOI, said , "I feel that the Maruti management and the Haryana government are equally responsible (for the July 18 episode). The Haryana government should have been speaking regularly to the boys at Manesar after last year's strikes at the plant. While the one who commits suicide is wrong, but who forces him to do so is also equally responsible for the crime. Similarly , in Maruti's Manesar case, it has to be found out that why were the conditions so bad that the boys (workers) became so violent . Those who led to this situation at the plant are also equally responsible."

He also said that in order to get to the root of this problem, instead of the SIT, a CBI probe should be ordered. "SIT may not be able to go deep into the issues. The Haryana Police can only arrest innocent workers. They are only doing a perfunctory job. I hear that those caught so far are innocent . They should arrest only those against whom they have proof," he added.

"While I agree that those who indulge in violence should be held liable, but there is also a need to find out who created the conditions that made the workers act that way. Factory workers normally do not do this if they get proper facilities and money from the company. Why would they lift arms? To dismiss the union is wrong and I am against it. Maruti management should be bothered about running the company, not the labour union."

Vanquish arrives in India: Becomes the most expensive Aston Martin after One77

On Tuesday, British sports car manufacturers Aston Martin rolled out their new super grand tourer Vanquish, priced in India at Rs.3.85 crores. This is the most expensive Aston Martin to date in India, not taking the One-77 into account which was picked up by a solitary Indian customer for a price of Rs.25 crores.

Besides the Aston Martin Vanquish, the company also offers four other cars in India. Vantage is one such vehicle which is priced between Rs.1.8 to 2.75 crores, Rapide which is priced between Rs.3.25 to 3.3 crores, Aston martin DB9 is available for Rs.2.9 crores while Aston Martin DB7 has a price tag of Rs.3.7 crores.

These prices may seem steep to an average Indian but the company has a fan following in India where all of their vehicles in the luxury segment account for major sales. Under the Vanquish bonnet will be a 6 liter V12 engine that will ensure that the vehicle sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 4.1 seconds while top speed is slated at being 183 mph. It has a light carbon fiber body which contributes to its sports car like driving dynamics.

2013 Lexus LS 460 comes out with better, sportier and more enhanced features

As the Lexus LS460 is being launched, its lineup will include LS 460, LS 460L, LS 600hL hybrid, and the LS 460 F SPORT for the first time ever. Lexus LS 460 F SPORT possesses a forceful exterior design with state of the art sporty internal features which include enhanced bolsters, leather encased steering wheel with paddle shifters and aluminum trims.

Air suspension has been lowered 0.4 inches while a Torsen limited slop rear differential has been added. Braking system had been adjusted to offer better power and enhanced pedal feel while a host of safety features such as pre collision safety system and collision avoidance assist are also seen in the new 2013 Lexus 460 along with lane keep assist system and blind spot monitor.

The Lexus 460 interior is done up in a total of five color schemes which include Ivory, Light Gray, Black, Black and Saddle Tan, and a newly available Topaz Brown. The instrument cluster up front possesses a 5.8-inch Thin Film Transistor, Multi-information screen and aluminum analog clock with GPS-based time correction function. Warranty is extended to 48 months or 50,000 mile which is the basic period with road assistance for 48 months.

Audi and Bayern Munich complete a decade of togetherness

It is ten years since the partnership of Audi and FC Bayern Munich was announced. Since then these two auto majors have played a significant role together and in their individual capacities. Besides their combined contribution to the auto kingdom, these partners are also well into the sports arena. In July 2002 just three months after announcing their partnership with FC Bayern Munich, four Audi models were handed over to goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, midfield star Michael Ballack and goal hunter Giovane Elber along with coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Now in the tenth year of association, their partnership remains stronger than ever with many a moment spent on the football field. In a visit to Audi Forum in Ingolstadt Coach Jupp Heynckes, President Uli Hoeneß, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge- Chairman of the Board along with team of the German record championships received new company cars besides offering interviews, signing autographs and hosting a friendly match at Audi Sportpark.

Audi is not only associated with football but is equally active in their role at events like DTM and Ski World Cup. Players are taught how to handle their Audi vehicles with safety and dexterity. Audi Cup 2009 and 2011 held at Allianz Arena along with FC Bayern as hosts.

Chevrolet Optra modified to look like Eleanor Mustang by Big Daddy Customs

It is hardly likely that an original Mini Eleanor Mustang will be seen gracing Indian roads and hence one of a kind classic Mustang was replicated. Cheaper in budget but similar in looks if not performance, is what Big Daddy Customs kept n mind when they made a Chevrolet Optra/Daewoo Lacetti look like a 1967 Eleanor Mustang.

Big Daddy Customs is based in Delhi and is noted as a master car replicator. They took this Chevrolet Optra and gave it a makeover to look and feel like an Eleanor Mustang. Each of the parts were fashioned by hand and hammer and though a little skewed the company must be given credit for the endeavors.

Big Daddy Customs as the tuning company is called is dedicated to creation of something out of nothing to satisfy the urges of their clients. The company is situated at Saroop Nagar in New Delhi and is well versed in showroom condition modifications, designing and prototyping and creative modifications.

Earlier last month, Big Daddy Customs shot to global fame when revealed images of their Moon Rover, a Tata Safari modified to Range Rover Evoque.

Tata Motors sales reach 74,159 units in July 2012

Sales of Tata Motors during the month of July 2012 were up 15% as they stood at 74,159 units as against sales in the same period in the previous year. Domestic sales figures of Tata Commercial and Passenger vehicles too increased by 18% in the month of July 2012 as they stood 18% above the figures achieved in July 2011. During the month the company sold 68,627 units as compared to 57,990 units a year earlier.

Domestic sales and exports for this fiscal too were up, though just by 2%. Commercial vehicles sold in July 2012 stood at 42,387 units, just 4% higher than 40,798 units sold in July 2011. While light vehicle sales were up 19% for the month of July 2012, those of heavy commercial vehicles fell by 19% during the month. Sales of passenger vehicles for July 2012 stood at 26,240 units, up 15% as compared to 17,192 sold in July 2011.

Tata Nano was a major player in the market. It saw an increase of 68% during the month of July 2012. Last year in July the company sold 3,260 units while this July sales of Tata Nano have reached the 5,485 mark. Besides the Nano, Tata Indica, Indigo, Sumo, Safari and Aria too received increased demand during July 2012. Exports on the other hand were lower during July 2012. Last year the company exported 6,512 units during the month while in July 2012 only 5,532 units were exported.

1998 Mercedes Benz CLK GTR expected to fetch $1.5 million at RM Auctions Monterey

One more rare and priceless Mercedes Benz has been resurrected for auction. This 1998 Mercedes Benz CLK GTR may not be old in years but it is rare for the fact that only 25 such models were built and this is the first of this lot. Expected price is slated to be at around £1 million ($1.5 million) as the vehicle goes under auctioneers hammer at RM Auctions Monterey sale in California on 17th August 2012.

This 1998 rare Mercedes boasts of a 7.3 liter engine and a clock that states that the vehicle has traveled only 1335 miles.  Limited in edition, Mercedes Benz CLK GTR is a completely street legal vehicle possessing a 7.3 liter dual overhead cam naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 720 bhp and capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in a matter of 3.4 seconds while having abilities to reach a top speed of 197 mph. The vehicle possesses two small storage compartments under its doors that open upwards giving the vehicle a sportier appeal. The vehicles – all 25 of them were built in Affalterback, Germany.

2013 Lamborghini Aventador might be unveiled next month

2013 Lamborghini Aventador is expected to be unveiled at the upcoming Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2012. The most significant upgrade expected to be featured on the new Lambo Aventador is a multi cylinder deactivation system and a new start/stop system as standard. This will result in better fuel economy while auto emissions to will be at reduced levels. Its engine will be fitted with a capacitor instead of a battery which will result in better restarting process.

Due to a new system, the V12 will be able of shutting down 6 cylinders during cruising model while engine start/stop ensures that the engine saves on fuel consumption while in idle mode. 2013 Lamborghini Aventador is expected to reach 14.7 mpg which is one mpg up from current model which stands at 13.7 mpg. Auto emissions drop from 398 g/km to 370 g/km while the existence of capacitor in place of a battery it will result in 7 pounds less weight as well.

Other updates will include stiffer suspension springs, revised dampeners offering more comfortable rides while interiors are seen with a new gauge cluster and superior quality switchgear.

Mahindra USA NASCAR driver DJ Kennington secures fifth consecutive series win

DJ Kennington, Mahindra USA NASCAR driver saw success for the fifth consecutive series victory at NASCAR Canadian Tyre series held at the Auto Clearing Motor Speedway in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.This win comes just after his earlier win at Edmonton Indy while earlier Kennington was also victorious at MotoPlex Speedway near Vernon, BC. It is Kennington's dedication and commitment to motorsports that has been proved time and again by his victories.

He is dedicated to the sport and upholds similar philosophies as those mirrored by Mahindra's Rise which gives rise to continuous support, positive attitude and consistency. It is these very principles that have ensured confidence in the minds of Mahindra customers, shareholders and communities across the globe.

The last victory at Auto Clearing Motor Speedway is 16th victory for Kennington in NASCAR Canadian Tyre Series career and this is what has resulted in him moving up to top spot with the most series wins. With this win, Kennington will increase his lead in the overall championship point standing to 41 points. The next events are slotted for August 4th and 5th where DJ Kennington and #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team will participate at Grand Prix of Trois-Rivieres.

Nissan Pathfinder 2013 production version SUV unveiled on company Facebook page

Nissan Pathfinder was earlier on display at the Detroit Motor Show in 2012, after which it made its way to the Chicago Auto Show. Now finally, Nissan has unveiled the final production model on its Facebook page and changes seem to be too few to talk about. Alternations between the concept and production model are only made out in the clear windows and grille design. Nissan has offered a chrome grille on the 2013 Pathfinder.

Besides these there are not other differences between the concept and production model of the seven seater vehicle that continues with its same platform as the 2013 Infiniti JX. Chances are also that these two models will share the same engine specifications which will include a 3.5 liter V6 engine offering 265 hp and 248 lb/ft torque at 4400 rpm mated to a Continuous Variable Transmissions.

Describing changes seen in its interiors will reveal that the 2013 Pathfinder can hold upto 7 passengers will all seats up. However if extra cargo hold is required Pathfinder can add up to 79.8 cubic feet of cargo with rear seats folded up. Nissan has not released any pricing yet but estimates reveal that it should be somewhere in the $30,000 range.

Mercedes F1 and Airtel to be seen as allies for the Indian Grand Prix

In preparation for the 2012 Indian Grand prix, Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has confirmed a race partnership with Bharti Airtel. This is not surprising as the Indian telecommunication provider was the sponsor of the inaugural race held at the Buddh international circuit last year.

The telecommunications company will look to use the influence of the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team to help better conditions for racing in India. Mercedes F1 Formula One driver's Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg will also be a part of a commercial to promote racing and the involvement of Bharti Airtel.

The Mercedes AMG F1 W03 car will feature Airtel stickers on the headrest and air box. Branding will also been seen on race suits as also helmets worn by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg. Innovative content and experiences have been planned by Bharti Airtel in preparation for the Indian Grand Prix 2012. During this time, it will use influences of the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One team to boost the affinity of motor sports within individuals in India.

BMW India Facebook fan No 1 millionth: Sachin Tendulkar

Social media has a far reaching impact on the lives of many people. There are numerous social networking sites that are available for individuals to use. Facebook is one of these sites that promote business ventures of a number of organizations and individuals. With the launch of the new 3 Series, the company looks to capitalize consumers and provide a social media whereby rapport can be built with customers and fans.

To mark this special occasion, BMW India invited Sachin Tendulkar to be the One Millionth fan on the page. It was a suitable choice as the Master Blaster has been driving BMW's since 1993. He has been the proud owner of models like the 3-series, M5 and X5. So much so is his passion that he has influenced his brother to take up driving this brand of vehicles. With Sachin Tendulkar as the One Millionth fan of BMW India on Facebook, BMW has achieved yet another milestone in their social media journey.

The BMW fan page was launched in May 2011 and has seen a lot of activity especially by individuals in the 18-34 age group. BMW reaches out to about 1.5 million people on a weekly basis and hopes to increase this number of 5 million in the coming years. Since its inception, this fan page has seen the most activity with nearly 30% of the fan base engaging in conversations and taking part in many activities being held by the company.

Special Edition Jaguar XKR price strarts from Rs 1.27 crore

Jaguar cars radiate luxury and bonhomie. The special edition XKR, further exudes the elegance seen in all of Jaguar vehicles. The interior of the XKR special edition has been done up in leather. The smell of the leather upholstery radiates luxury of this finely designed vehicle. Hand crafted Artisan leather has made use of tactile scraffito leather for the instrument panel, door as also rear quarter casings and seats. Shadow walnut veneer finesse along with leather headlinings coupled with a heated steering wheel and keyless entry and start module defines luxury and elegance of this car. To further supplement the grandeur the car has a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system and heated seats for its occupants.

This car is available in both convertible and coupe form. The convertible hood colors include black, blue, grey and brown. The car is available in six different colors which include: Celestial Black, Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver and Ultimate Black. Among these celestial Black is the Special Edition color chosen by the company. Leather tones of Navy with Jet headlinings and Truffle with Canvas have been shortlisted for the special edition models. 20-inch alloy wheels along with special edition tread plates and stainless steel pedals are some of the other additions to this variant.

The special edition models have made use of bonded aluminum technology which makes this car light in weight. Use of this aluminum based technology can be seen in both variants of the special edition, i.e. coupe and convertible. The 5.0-litre direct-injection V8 petrol engine in 510PS supercharged form provides one with precise control, performance and smooth ride.

BMW M Carbon Racer bicycle tuned by AC Schnitzer

AC Schnitzer is turning its attention to tuning of BMW M Carbon racer bike. This ultra light bike will be made even more lighter, while various alterations will be seen in its appearance once the tuning company finishes working on it. BMW M Carbon bike will be 1 kg lighter and will have a total weight of 6.9 kgs, a 12.7% development as compared to the regular bike.

Developed by non other than BMW's M division, weight of the bicycle has been reduced due to the usage of lighter parts which include new carbon wheels which the tuning company has introduced in collaboration with "Xentis", a new carbon saddle supports with a carbon crank. Though prices of the tuned up M Carbon Racer have not yet been announced it may be mentioned that a regular M Carbon Racer is priced at $3,579 in the US.

AC Schnitzer was founded in 1967 and is a German based tuning company that has vast experience in tuning of BMW and MINI cars. Besides four wheelers, the company is specialized in tuning of motorcycles and bicycles and has now ventured into tuning of BMW racer bicycles as well. BMW's M Carbon ultra light racer bicycle is seen with new enhanced features.

Premier SUV Rio fitted with Fiat diesel engine deliveries commence tomorrow

Premier Limited has announced that deliveries of their new compact SUV Rio, BS4 compliant vehicle, fitted with a 1.3 liter multijet diesel engine sourced by the company from Fiat India Automobiles Limited commence from 2nd August 2012. The new SUV Rio will be available at all company showrooms across the country. Rio with a 1.3 liter CRDi4 diesel engine will be available at a base price of Rs.6.7 lakhs and will be available in a variety of four standard colors of black, white, red and silver.

Speaking of this particular high performance engine, which is also seen in use by some of the country's leading manufacturers, this makes servicing and part procurement easier and more effective. The engine being BS4 emission compliant means that it will enhance drivability offering 19 kmpl fuel efficiency on city roads and on the highway.

Premier Limited has sales and service network of 55 dealers which is being increased to 100 by the end of this year. About 200 authorized service outlets called Premier Authorised Service Stations of PASS will also be set up which will be equipped to handle service of the Rio SUV.

Premier Limited is also noted for the manufacture of Premier Roadstar which is a 1.5 ton LCV while their minivan is called Premier Sigma. Besides these vehicles the company is well versed with CNC machine tool industry and is supplier of heavy engineering components to a variety of wind energy and infrastructure units.

2013 Mercedes Benz C Class features and price for the UK market

Mercedes Benz has announced that their upcoming 2013 model of C Class will be introduced with a number of upgrades. For 2013 Model Year, C Class will be introduced in three grades – Executive SE, AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus. Where Executive SE is concerned, a new sports grille, 16" alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime lights are offered.

All these upgrades will be priced at additional £35 over SE grade. Enhancements can also be availed through a new Luxury Package which is priced at £2,000. These include three louver grille with bonnet mounted star, 17" alloy wheels in a seven twin spoke design, folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on side, rear and shoulder and dimmed rear view mirror.

AMG Sports Plus with upgrades will include 18" bicolor AMG alloys, bi-Xenon front lights with intelligent light system and adaptive high beam assist. Also in the package are AMG support seats enhanced with Black Artico/Dinamica upholstery and accentuated with contrasting red stitching with matching seat belts and floor mats.

Besides upgrades in looks department the company has also added a few engine upgrades for the 2013 MY. Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEFFICIENCY 1.6 liter direct injection turbocharged petrol engine which offered 152 hp and 184 lb/ft torque will see the Saloon offering 47.9 mpg and 138g CO2/km while Estate will offer 47.9 mpg and 139 g CO2/km and lastly the Coupe model will offer 44.1 mpg and 149g CO2/km. Pricing will commence from £25,915 for the Saloon, £27,115 for Estate and £30,090 for Coupe.

2012 Mahindra Verito sedan takes on Maruti Suzuki DZire and Toyota Etios at Rs.5.25 lakhs

All new 2012 Mahindra Verito was launched in July end in the Indian auto market with prices varying from Rs.5.27 lakhs to Rs.7.14 lakhs for the petrol and diesel variants. With launch of the new look Verito sedan, the older Mahindra Verito version is being retired with the company already announcing immediately stopping its production.

Mahindra Verito competes with the likes of Maruti Suzuki Dzire which sells for between Rs.4.88 lakhs to Rs.7.35 lakhs and Toyota Etios which sells for Rs.5.14 lakhs to Rs.8.23 lakhs. Mahindra Verito is competitive in price and performance with its 75PS petrol 1.4 liter engine and 65PS 1.5 liter diesel engines. The Verito also features the Mahindra logo, redesigned fog lamps, roof rails and side rub strips giving it a more distinct appeal

Interiors are done up with additional luxury features which include seats in front and rear in two toned upholstery, rear view mirrors are electrically controlled, power window switches exist on door panels while a 2-DIN music system with CD/MP3/USB/Aux-in compatibility are added for infotainment.

2012 Renault Duster SUV sees increased sales in Indian auto market: 10,000+ bookings and counting

Renault Duster can be compared with the best in its class where space in its interiors is concerned. The availability of an 8 way adjustable driver seat means that the driver comforts are a priority specially for long distance travel. Rear passengers are not ignored either. Rear ACs with independent controls is available. Other features include reverse parking sensor, keyless entry, on board trip computer with multi functional displays, rear defogger and wipers.

As the Renault Duster gets on the road in India it is obvious that this is one vehicle that will be a sure shot winner from the word 'Go'. Over 10,000 orders have already been received, and the company plant is boosting production to keep up with demand, and to ensure shorter waiting periods. Viewed as immediate foe to XUV500 and Mahindra Scorpio, Renault Duster SUV is being offered in both 1.6 liter petrol engine and a 1.5 liter diesel engine. Besides its remarkable looks are a highly efficient, sturdy and a vehicle that offers to best in comforts and functionality.

Enhanced fuel economy, low auto emission and superior in performance, the Renault Duster is capable of sprinting form 0 to 100 kmph in 11.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 171 kmph. Fuel economy stands at 5.0 liters per 100 km while emissions are at 130 g/km. While the petrol variant is available at a price of Rs.7,19,000 and Rs.8,19,000 the diesel variant with an 83 hp engine will have prices ranging from Rs.7,99,000, Rs.8,99,000, and Rs.9,99,000.

Aditya Patel 9th in Round 8 of 2012 JK Racing Asia Series: Heads to 7th VLN endurance race in the Audi R8 LMS Ultra on on 4th August

At the prestigious Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, Aditya Patel finished ninth in the eight round of the JK racing Asia series. Aditya preferred to use his car as it was without making any changes or modifications. When asked about it he mentioned that the car had handled quite well on the previous race and he wanted to make use of the pace seen in the last race.

Though he did not win the race, Patel said that he had quite a lot of fun and enjoyed the circuit and Spa. His most memorable moments were when he raced against Ernie Van der Walt of Meritus during this leg. During the race, few moments saw Patel and Ernie Van der Walt wheel to wheel. The wet Circuit of Spa-Francorchamps played havoc with Patel's control as he couldn't find grip and was all over the place.

This race saw, rookie South African driver Aston Hare clinch a win for eurointernational. Teammates Nabil Jeffri and Tan Wei Ron also clocked podium finishes. The race was a slow one owning to the wet surfaces. Jeffri started on pole position but couldn't hold on to it for long letting Aston Hare and Tan Wei Ron pass him. Smart driving from hare and ensured that Jeffri kept trying to find a way through. Hare's persistence paid off and he won the race 0.389 seconds before Jeffri.This weekend, Audi India sees Aditya Patel alongside triple Le Mans winner Marco Werner, racing the Audi R8 LMS Ultra at the 7th VLN endurance race in Nürburgring on 4th August 2012.

2012 Red Dot Design Award for Mercedes Benz Actros truck

Mercedes Benz Actros, the heavy duty trucks introduced by the company in 1995 is ideally suited for long distance, heavy duty travel. These vehicles are powered by either V6 or V8 diesel engines with turbocharger and intercooler. These heavy duty trucks are fitted with two types of engines - OM 501 LA-541 and the OM 502 LA-542. These trucks possess Euro VI compliant engines from 175 kW to 375 kW and possess safety systems for short radius distribution.

Unmatchable in design and extraordinary in performance is what makes these Mercedes Benz Actros trucks stand apart and is what has earned these vehicles the prestigious 2012 Red Dot Design Award.

This year a total of 1800 manufacturers and designers from 58 countries presented their entries for this exalted award. These vehicles were judged by international and independent experts who came to final decisions after assessing 4500 products on the basis of innovative products, aesthetic quality and pioneering design. The most revered member of the panel was Prof. Peter Zec – initiator and director of Red Dot Design Awards who leads his team of other judges through the judging process.