Ford India all set to ramp up its Chennai unit

Ford India MD and president Michael Boneham told that the fully-owned subsidiary of the US auto major Ford Motors, Ford India Motors will be one of the major production hubs for the parent company�s operations in the Asia-African region.

Ford India is all set to invest $500 million to ramp up its Chennai plant�s production capacity to 2-lakh vehicles by 2010.

The US-based Ford Motors, which has not taken any financial rescue from the US government like its peers GM and Chrysler, is developing China, Thailand and South Africa, as the other major manufacturing hub

Ford Figo showcased in India

Ford Motor showcased its compact car, Ford Figo, in India on Wednesday. However, this small car will be launched in India by early 2010. The compact car, Ford Figo, will be available in petrol and diesel versions.

This four-door hatchback will be manufactured in Ford Chennai plant. Apart from this, the company reveled about its exteriors but specific details about engine capacity, price and other data is under cover. Ford Figo is believed to compete with the Hyundai i20 and the Maruti Swift. The recent global trend is to switch over to small cars that are fuel efficient but Ford India's products present here in mid-sized cars and SUV class. The company is aiming to grab the most in small car segment in India and China.

India to make Ford Figo

Ford Motor has plans to make India its manufacturing hub for its small car Ford Figo. Ford Figo will be launched in the first quarter of 2010 and come in both petrol and diesel variants. No prices have been officially announced by Ford India but the car is expected to cost at Rs.4 lakh and upwards for the base variant and will compete against an array of cars like Maruti Swift and Maruti Ritz, Fiat Grande Punto, Chevrolet U-VA and Hyundai i20 that are already present in the market.

After unveiling the Ford Figo in Delhi, Ford�s president and CEO, Alan Mulally said: �The global market is shifting towards smaller cars and India has a predominant advantage with a 70% market for compact cars." The company also has plans to export a significant number of the Ford Figo to Asia Pacific and African countries in 2010.

Special edition of Ford Fiesta launched

The best selling product of Ford, US auto manufacturer, Ford Fiesta now will be available with a couple of new features in India. The mid-sized sedan Ford Fiesta is having the price tag of Rs 6.44 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi). Nevertheless, the new Ford Fiesta 1.6 ZXI comes with petrol engine only. According to a company statement, the car saw impressive sales during the festival period in India.

Ford to increase market share by new car launches

Michael Boneham, president and MD of Ford India here on Thursday indicated that the US car maker, Ford has decided to launch a new car every 12 to 18 months in India to enhance its market share. However, he did not indicate what sort of market share the company aims to achieven the long run. Talking to newsmen at the inauguration of Ford�s new dealership, Victoria Ford, Mr. Boneham said: "We now have a marketshare of nearly 2% and we want to grow it significantly in coming years. Launching of new cars from the Ford stable, will play a crucial role in growing our market share in India."

For 2009, Ford India aims to achieve sales of 30,000 cars compared to 29,000 cars sold in calendar 2008. "In September �09, we have been able to sell 3,500 cars which is a 50% increase year-on-year basis," said Nigel Wark, executive director (marketing, sales and services). By investing $500 million, company will expand production at its Chennai plant from 1 lakh to 2 lakh vehicles, apart from producing 2.5 lakh engines, both in petrol and diesel.

Ford launches another variant of Ford Ikon

US based car manufacturer Ford has introduced a new variant of its popular entry level sedan Ford Ikon in India. The new variant has been launched on the basis of the responses the company has witnessed from the users of Ikon iKool. The new Ford Ikon model has been priced in the range of Rs 5.17-5.77 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi). The New Ford Ikon Plus model will be available in both Diesel and petrol versions. The price difference between the previous Ford Ikon and the new Ford Ikon Plus is about Rs 33,800. The new model has been launched with stylish exteriors as well as modified interiors.

Ford plans to launch series of small cars in Asia

Ford Motor,the second largest car maker in Detroit, is all set to push its sales in Asia,particularly in China through introduction of a family of new small cars which will the focus of the company's product profile.In its pursuit towards small cars.Ford displayed a new version of Focus,its top most selling car in Detroit this week According to Alan Mully,Ford's chief executive,the company's strategy would be to move quickly to invest in one of the fastest growing economy China.The company is now converging on manufacturing a series of small and mid sized cars built on the platform,"One Ford" strategy something that is followed by the company on a global basis. The fundamental structure of the revamped Ford Fiesta will be common around the world except for the changes that will be required at the top of the car to meet with the local standards,rules and regulations.Around 10 models will be manufactured using the new platform,resulting in the production of 2m units annually by the year 2012.

Ford to launch next version of Explorer SUV

US based automobile manufacturer Ford Motors has announced that it will invest $400 million in its production facilities to manufacturer next version of, its Explorer SUV by the end of year 2010. According to company this move is expected to create 1,200 jobs at its Chicago assembly plant. The USD 400 million includes the investment of USD 180 million in manufacturing facilities at the Chicago sites and investment of about USD 220 million for launch and engineering costs.

Audi rzero

Audi rzero Sport Car

Audi rzero Car Picture

Audi rzero

2008 Lamborghini Reventon

2008 Lamborghini Reventon

Made of carbon fibre and precision
Although it is based on the extraordinarily successful Murci�lago LP640, the exterior design of the Revent�n is completely new. Just like the base model, the exterior is made of CFC, a composite carbon fibre material, which is as stable as it is light. The exterior components are glued and fixed to the body comprised of CFC and steel.

The front is characterised by the acute angle of the central �arrow� and by the powerful forward-facing air intakes. Although they do not supply air directly to the turbine like an airplane, bearing in mind the 650 hp, an abundant volume of air is necessary to cool the carbon brake disks and the six cylinder callipers.

Car Picture

Specifications
Production: 20Engine: 6.5 liter V12

Weight: 3671 lbs

Aspiration: natural

Torque: 487 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm

HP: 650 hp @ 8000 rpm
HP/Liter: 100 hp per liter
0-62 mph: 3.4 seconds

Top Speed: 211 mph

Car

Born to become a legend

Since its foundation, Lamborghini has been a creator of trends in the world of sports cars and has always manufactured cars with an absolutely unmistakable character. Models such as the Miura or Countach, for example, were veritable forerunners and rapidly acquired the status of timeless classic cars. From the moment they are launched, every new Lamborghini promises to become a legend, destined to become a sought-after and precious possession.

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Lamborghini Murcielago Sport Car

More powerful engine,The engine of the new Murci�lago LP640 has undergone outstanding and radical modification. The increased bore and longer stroke have boosted the displacement of the classic 60� V-engine from 6.2 litres to 6.5 litres (6,496 cm3). Thus the already extraordinary 580 hp engine power has now been elevated to an impressive peak of 640 hp (471 kW) at 8,000 min-1. The 12-cylinder engine reaches a maximum torque of 660 Nm at 6,000 min-1. Naturally, the Lamborghini Murci�lago LP640 complies with every European and North American law governing exhaust fumes.

Lamborghini Murcielago Fast Car

Gearbox and transmission: improved efficiency and strength,More power and higher torque call for superior gearbox component performance. To meet these new demands, the new Murci�lago LP640 features a modified six-ratio gearbox as well as a tougher rear differential and new axle shafts. On request, the e-gear automatic gearbox is also available equipped with the new dedicated �Thrust� (acceleration programme) mode.

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

The first vehicles will be available in spring 2006 ( Lamborghini )

2005 Orca SC7

2005 Orca SC7

One of the fastest supercars that ever was, Pagani Zonda F is a winner from the stable of famed Italian sports car manufacturer, Pagani.The superior styling of the Pagani Zonda F sports car means that it is real competition to its counterparts manufactured by other leading automobile giants such as Ferrari and Porsche ( Orca Sc7 )

2005 Orca SC7 Sport Car Picture

Pagani Zonda F specs
Top Speed: 214 mph / 345 kph
0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Engine: AMG 4 valve V-12

2005 Orca SC7 In Car Show

Hyundai i20 diesel stylish new model

Hyundai i20 diesel model will be launched in India in just few days. Interiors of the i20 are almost same as the previous Hyundai i20 petrol model but this time the whole gear system is same as the Hyundai Verna model. What makes the Hyundai i20 diesel different from the other models is its smooth driving experience and its silent engine.

Besides this the Hyundai i20 diesel model has a good mileage as the company is claiming. Good pick up ,attractive dashboard and comfortable seating are its other good features.

Hyundai i20 1.4 Asta AT (O) with Sunroof Price Rs 772,609*

Hyundai i20 1.4 Asta AT (O) with Sunroof Price Rs 772,609*

Hyundai i20 Price Rs 480,508* - Rs 772,609*

In the hatchback category of cars Hyundai i20 is a new generation car with large headlamps and fog lamps. This new Hyundai i20 is even more spacious, stylish having amazing eye catching features. Equipped with standard safety features it has ABS, seat belts with pre-tensioner, dual air-bags for the driver and front passanger, auto-unlocking doors Hyundai i20 is one of the best car. Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and suspension systems in the car are such that they provide maximum ease while driving the vehicle. This latest version of Hyundai i20 is best featured with many important special equipments that co-ordinates best with the activity of the diver.

Hyundai i20 Price Rs 480,508* - Rs 772,609*

'New' Naza (KIA) Picanto: only for the fairer sex?

With an unorthodox tagline like "Guys love cars, girls love Picanto" I found myself warming up to the new Picanto facelift model a little warm and fuzzy inside, perhaps even a tad blushy....or have I even gotten myself in touch with my feminine side? I know, I shudder at that thought too.





But truth be told, this Naza reabged Kia is pretty (no pun intended) decent. Though having to make do with just a tiny 1.1 litre 4-pot with old-tech port fuel injection, common distributor coil-to-spark-plug-cables spark ignition system and regular throttle cable for fuel metering, this little hatch feels quite peppy on the move from the word go (till about 100km/h). Decent enough for town driving. The chassis also felt surprisingly solid, while the liquid-filled dampers gives very pliant ride around the city and suburbs, where it intended range of commuting are mostly destined for. Of course, like its i1o cousin, uphill task can be a bit of a chore, after slowing down to pick up pace again.





I can't give you the fuel consumption figure since I had hardly burned off past the fuel tank's half way mark. Sorry about that. But I reckon it would be as economical as the Hyundai i10 since both are 'blood' cousins in more ways than one. Supermini these days also feels more well screwed/bolted together. Such a feeling of solidity on the road can be appreciated by way of nicer planted agility (granted, the suspension setting is still on the soft side) and somewhat tighter body control. Even the steering feels okay with a nice weighting to it. Inside, you don't even feel cramped like you do in an old Perodua Kancil anymore. Shoulder room and elbow room are acceptable here in the Picanto and I am no horse-riding jockey.


The Koreans have indeed come a long way. This 'new' Picanto is a potentially viable alternative to the rather pricey (relatively speaking, of course) 'local' Perodua Viva. For a fact, that was mainly why the Hyundai i10 walked away with NST-Maybank Car of the Year 2009 Award in the entry-level car category.


Interestingly, my wife initially liked this car for its affordability, being a brand new car with manufacturer's warranty, less worry about costly unscheduled maintenance et al. For those with no hang-ups about Korean automotive brand or badge snobbery issues, imagine paying off for this car in four, maybe five years instead of seven. And for whatever the residual's worth after that hire-purchase period, the average damage in depreciation is say, a more manageable RM5k per year? Kinda makes great food-for-thought, financially speaking, yes?



Back to my better half again, she subsequently complained of lack of power after the few days of joint sampling of this tester, and also of bumpier ride than her Mitsu Colt Ralliart. Hmmm....so "Girls love Picanto"? Probably not all girls, especially women...



Related posts:
Perodua Viva Elite
Driven: Hyundai i10

Ferrari FXX

Ferrari FXX

Ferrari FXX Sport Car Picture

Ferrari FXX Sport

Ferrari Enzo

Ferrari Enzo

Ferrari Enzo The Pink

Car

Tata Indica

Tata Indica V2 Xeta GL 265,968 15.3

Tata Indica V2 Xeta GLE 293,397 15.3

Tata Indica V2 Xeta Description :

Indica Xeta, Its eXtra Efficiency Torque Advantage petrol engine delivers 12.4 kgm torque, for a smoother and more responsive drive. With instant pick up and fewer gear changes in stop-start city traffic. The technologically superior MPFI engine comeswith a 32-bit microprocessor, and sports 12 sensors, including a knock control sensor to reduce damage from adulterated fuel, Even more enjoyable long drives, with a frugal fuel consumption at 14 kmpl. Its spacious cabin - the biggest in its class, seats three people comfortably in the rear, with ample elbow room and generous leg room. The luxurious beige interiors come as a standard feature. Tata Indica V2 Xeta is the latest model from Tata Motors. Equipped with 475 SI Multi Point Fuel Injection System with 32-bit microprocessor

Hyundai Santro Xing XK

Hyundai Santro Xing XK (Non-AC)263,999 17.8
Providing good power efficiency, reliability and long life to the vehicle and delivering the same to its customers is a pre-requisite for Hyundai Motors. Active intelligence technology delivers good mileage and power. Suspension with stabilizers help in providing better control on the road

Maruti Eeco

Maruti Eeco
Add to Compare

Maruti Eeco 5 Seater Standard 258,999 15.1

Maruti Eeco 7 Seater Standard 275,000 15.1

Maruti Eeco 5 Seater AC 288,999 15.1

Maruti Alto

Maruti Alto
Add to CompareMaruti Alto Std 224,214 18.9

Maruti Alto LX 255,018 18.9

Maruti Alto LX 272,202 18.9

Maruti Omni

Maruti Omni
Add to Compare

Maruti Omni LPG CARGO BSIII W/ IMMOBILISER 189,969 19.7

Maruti Omni MPI CARGO BSIII W/ IMMOBILISER 194,673 19.7

Maruti Omni MPI STD BSIII 5-STR W/ IMMOBILISER 212,779 19.7

Maruti Omni MPI STD BSIII 8-STR W/ IMMOBILISER 214,409 19.7

Maruti Omni LPG STD BSIII 5-STR W/ IMMOBILISER 223,659 19.7

Maruti 800

Maruti 800
Add to Compare

Price Rs. Mileage

Maruti 800 Std BSIII 185,094 22.1

Maruti 800 Std. LPG 199,408 16.4

Maruti 800 AC BSIII 204,651 19.9

Maruti 800 Uniq 209,614 14.0

Maruti 800 AC LPG 218,965 16.6

Tata Nano

Tata Nano Std BSII 115,361 26.0

Tata Nano Std BSIII 123,361 26.0

Tata Nano Cx BSII1 40,361 26.0

Tata Nano Cx BSIII 148,361 26.0

Tata Nano Lx BSIII 172,361 26.0

The world�s cheapest and the most anticipated car Tata Nano has been launched in Indian market. Tata Motors launched Tata Nano on 23rd March while its booking started from the second week of April 2009.