In a yellow taxi Nissan sees gold

NEW YORK -- Nissan will do well to sell 4,000 of them a year. But the automaker is giving its new van-shaped taxi cab all the auto show fanfare of one of its biggest products.
Models last night handed out prepaid credit cards to New Yorkers worth a free cab ride in the city as a way of advertising Nissan's entry into the taxi business.
The canary yellow cab -- a converted Nissan NV200 commercial van -- is being hawked in billboards around the New York auto show, and the only existing model of the van sits prominently on Nissan's display at the show, even though it will not appear on the streets until October 2013.
Why all the hoopla?
Three reasons, according to Nissan Motor Co. CEO Carlos Ghosn:
First, New York is only the beginning.
"Eventually, we'll see it in other markets in the world," he says. The company has received queries on the cab from cities in China, India and Britain.
Second, the so-called "Taxi of Tomorrow" will serve as a rolling advertisement for the Nissan brand for millions of New Yorkers and tourists, Ghosn says, showing off Nissan as a technology innovator.
"Six hundred thousand people a day will experience it," Ghosn says.
Among the cab's innovations: interiors made of anti-bacterial materials that neutralize odors and germs; large roof skylights to let visitors gaze at the city skyline while in traffic; rear-seat reading lights; plug-in jacks to recharge cell phones; separate passenger air conditioner controls; a driver-to-passenger intercom system; and an embedded radio-transmission feature that helps hearing-impaired passengers hear the driver.
The taxi also will come as a battery-powered electric vehicle, giving Nissan still more exposure as a maker of electric cars.
"In my opinion, the EV will be the dominant version of the taxi," Ghosn conjectured. "It's quieter, and that will be attractive."Automobile News

Old models like Indica, Sumo Spacio may phase out by Tata Motors

MUMBAI: Tata Motors' cars portfolio hasn't had a month like March in a long, long time, with models like the Nano and the Vista fuelling robust double-digit growth over a year ago.
Still, one swallow won't make the company's summer, and the top brass has been considering a string of alternative strategies to counter lower-thananticipated sales of its flagship models, falling market shares and poor profitability of the automobile business in the face of competition from more contemporary rivals.
One of the options being weighed, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter, is de-emphasising the 14-year-old compact car brand Indica, and replacing it over time with more contemporary models in the same segment like the Vista.
Alongside, production of underperforming brands, like the Indigo Marina, and warhorse models, like the Sumo Spacio, may be stopped. The Tata Motors' top brass is also working on a plan to make optimum use of a factory in Sanand in Gujarat that currently produces only the ultra-low cost car, the Nano, and is therefore underutilised.
This would mean that production of some models being made at the factory in Pimpri on the outskirts of Pune could be shared between Pimpri and Sanand. Another measure being worked on is to lean on engine technology of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), the two luxury brands Tata Motors had acquired in 2008 and spun off into a separate company.
A Tata Motors' spokesperson did not respond to queries emailed to him. Since 2006-07 , Tata Motors' growth has lagged that of the industry; and market share has fallen from 16.44% five years ago to under 12% in the current fiscal year till February (see graphic).
The Nano has been one of the biggest disappointments. Whilst the initial plans were to produce close to 20,000 units a month, Tata Motors has been able to average a little over half of that number. People close to the development say one way to increase utilisation levels at Sanand - and also tap into the tax incentives available - and in the process bring down costs is to have common welding , body and paint shops for the Nano and other Tata cars.
JLR will play a key role in enhancing the appeal of Tata Motors' current range of cars. For instance, JLR plans to develop a twolitre engine that will be modified to have a lower displacement and used in Tata vehicles like the sports utility vehicle , the Safari. Plans also include making the next-gen Aria (a crossover SUV), the Safari and the Land Rover Defender all on same platform.
Phasing out older models is also part of the revival strategy. Tata Motors has done this in the past when it stopped production of the Sierra and Estate models. The Indica will also become less visible as the company opts to focus on a more contemporary and fuel-efficient variant like the Vista.
Already, what began as the Indica Vista is now simply known as Vista in the company's communication material. Tata Motors' passenger car business has operating margins of 6-8 %, points out an equity analyst on condition of anonymity, as against 8-12 % for its peers. He adds that the share of passenger vehicles in the overall top line has come down from 28% in 2006-07 to under 20%.
"Since the launch of Indigo Manza (over 2 years ago), there has been nothing exciting from Tata - unlike its peers who have had many new launches . The company needs to bring new products to market and refocus marketing strategies," says Umesh Karne, auto analyst, BRICS Securities.Automobile news

From India to UK Renault to export 2012 Duster SUV in 2013

This year, Duster SUV will be brought by Renault in India and by the starting of 2013, this SUV will hit the UK car bazaar. The best thing is that Renault Duster SUV will be exported to United Kingdom from India and will be named Dacia in UK. The SUV will be made at the Nissan-Renault’s Oragadam facility located near Chennai. Renault displayed Duster at the 11th Auto Expo in New Delhi and the launch of this car is one of the biggest one in India this year. Just below Ford EcoSport Crossover this car will be positioned and would arrive in India by the end of this year.
Apparently, Renault is planning to launch Renault Duster SUV in India by the mid of 2012. Duster will be basically the 2nd car launch by Renault in the country in 2012, first being Renault Pulse hatchback. The company will also launch a sedan probably based on the C-segment sedan, Nissan Sunny. This sedan will be called Scala. Back to Duster, this SUV by Renault is a five seater and will be offered in both diesel and petrol version. Considering the current market condition, Renault will probably bring in the diesel version of Renault Duster followed by petrol version after sometime.
Under the bonnet, Renault Duster diesel variant will come powered with 1.5 litre of K9K CRDe engine accompanied with variable geometry  turbocharger. This engine is likely to churn out 105 BHP of power with 240 Nm of torque. On the other hand, the 1.6 litre of petrol engine will power the petrol variant of Renault Duster. Initially, the company will come with a front wheel drive version of the SUV; the 4WD variant might come in later.Automobile News

At N.Y. auto show Toyota to unveil 'all-new' sedan

LOS ANGELES -- Toyota Motor Corp. will unveil an "all-new" sedan next week likely at the New York auto show that will be a replacement for the full-sized Avalon.
Dealers who had watched the preview of the car last year said Toyota called it the Avalon successor that is due this fall.
According to a dealer the sedan represents a dramatic styling change for the brand.
Toyota has previously declined to comment on future plans and spokesmen weren't immediately available for comment today.
A teaser sketch of the vehicle released today shows fastback styling similar to the coupe-sedan lines of the Volkswagen CC, Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS.
In a statement, Toyota called the sedan's styling "elegant yet athletic."
The sedan is one of 19 new or redesigned U.S. models coming from the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands this year. The automaker is trying to rebound from two years of declining sales due to the unintended-acceleration recall crisis in 2010 and the Japanese earthquake and tsunami in 2011.
The Avalon has been Toyota's mainstay full-sized sedan since 1995, when it replaced the Cressida as the brand's top-line vehicle. Sales of the car, now in its third generation, have tapered off as the segment has slumped.
Last year, the Avalon accounted for 28,935 U.S. sales -- less than a third of the peak of 104,078 reached in 2000. This year's demand is up 76 percent through February.
The debut will take place at 10:30 a.m. EDT on April 5, Toyota said.Automobile News

In India Hyundai plans to set up diesel engine plant

NEW DELHI: Within days of FM Pranab Mukherjee deciding against imposition of additional tax on diesel vehicles, Hyundai has finalized plans to set up a diesel engine plant in India. The company, that currently imports diesel engines to strap on cars like i20 hatchback and the Verna sedan, is likely to invest around Rs 500 crore for the engine facility, and an announcement is expected soon.
Hyundai's plans come months after the Korean company had put on hold a decision on the diesel plant as it awaited clarity from the government over the treatment of diesel vehicles. The company feared that a special additional tax on diesel vehicles could slow down the buoyancy in demand for them and would not justify new investments.
"With the budget throwing clarity on the matter, the plans for diesel engine factory are on again and an announcement can be expected over the next month or so," sources said. The company is looking at having a minimum capacity of 1.5 lakh units for the plant and the engine configurations being considered are 1.1-litre, 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre.
This would mean that not only will the requirement of the bigger cars be met, but possibly even a popular compact like i10 can see a diesel variant.
Companies like Maruti Suzuki, General Motors and Ford are already ramping up diesel cars production as the market moves sharply towards the fuel that not only offers a huge price incentive over petrol but also higher fuel efficiency. Sources said Hyundai's diesel engine plant is likely to come up at the company's existing factory premises near Chennai, though other options are also being looked at, including in Gujarat.Automobile News

For Malaysian Grand Prix Sahara Force India is looking forward to

Sahara Force India looks ahead to round two of the 2012 Formula One season in Sepang, Malaysia. The Indian F1 team has started the season with points in the season opener Australian Grand Prix. Dr Vijay Mallya, the team principal said ``The Australian Grand Prix was certainly an action-packed race and good viewing for the fans. It’s just a shame that we got caught up in some of the drama when Nico was taken out on the very first lap of the race. These things happen in racing, but it was a cruel end to an excellent weekend for him. Paul’s race was strong and he did well to pick up the final point. It’s difficult to judge much from the first race, but we have learned a lot from Melbourne and we will try and improve our race pace consistency this weekend in Malaysia. What is clear is that all the teams around us are very closely matched in terms of absolute pace and even the smallest mistake in qualifying or the race can cost you several positions. It will be very competitive in the midfield, just as we predicted during the pre-season. Sepang this weekend should bean other good indicator of where we stand in the pecking order. I’m optimistic that it will suit the characteristics of the VJM05 more than Melbourne and that we can remain in the hunt for points.’’
Paul di Resta stated that they are aiming for points in Sepang track also. He said ``It will certainly be the aim. We picked up a point in Melbourne at the very last moment, but we were quite fortunate with the way the last lap unfolded and so it was a nice surprise. As I said after the race, we struggled for consistent race pace in Melbourne and it will be interesting to see if we can improve on that this weekend on a circuit with very different characteristics.’’ When asked how he spent the time between the two races, he said ``I left Melbourne on Sunday night because it was important to get to Malaysia and start acclimatizing as soon as possible. Sepang will be a tough fitness test and I’ll see how well the work over the winter has prepared me. I definitely feel in good shape at the moment.’’ Speaking of Malaysian Grand Prix is the most physically demanding race of the season, he said ``It’s up there alongside Singapore as one of the toughest races of the year, simply because of the heat and humidity. While you are driving it’s not too bad because you get some air flow through the car, but you really feel the heat when you’re sitting in the car in the garage with the heat soak from the engine and the tyres. That’s when you’re most uncomfortable in the cockpit.’’
Another driver Nico Hulkenberg now looks to put the disappointment of Melbourne behind him and bounce back this weekend in Sepang. He said ``I’m glad that we have back-to-back races because I just want to get back in the car. Seeing how the race developed it was frustrating not to be out there fighting for points, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’m now fully focussed on Malaysia because there’s no point thinking about what might have been.’’ He also stated that ``The way the Melbourne weekend unfolded means that there are still a lot of questions to which I don’t know the answers yet. That’s because I didn’t do the usual heavy fuel runs in the wet on Friday and I didn’t get a feel for the performance of the tyres over long runs. All I can do is rely on the feedback from Paul and his race data, and try and learn as much from that.’’ When asked for his thoughts on the Sepang track, he said `` The lap has a nice variation of high and low speed corners and there are two long straights. So you have to find the right balance  between top speed and having enough downforce for the corners. The high temperatures and the track surface also result in quite high tyre degradation so it’s important to find a race set-up that is quite easy on the tyres.’’Automobile News

200 EXC 2012 KTM

Sometimes, enduro bikes need not be the most powerful of the lot. More often than not, the playful handling of a 125 can be enjoyed very well with the engine power of a 250cc enduro all wrapped up into one. The KTM 200 EXC is considered to be a special bike as it is not only built for a specific Enduro World Championship class, even for those who want to break fee from the competitive class-based society and are looking for nothing more than a fun, rideable, and perfectly ergonomic bike. For 2012, the 200 EXC is introduced with even more performance than before and a completely revamped chassis, for upstart riders everywhere making it a true must-ride.

To the heart of the KTM 200 EXC is a revamped 193cc 1-cylinder 2-stroke engine, water-cooled, with a reed intake, an exhaust control, a redesigned air box, and the flow-optimized to intake flange between the airbox and the carburetor which ensures more powerful revving and even more power in all rev ranges for the liquid-cooled, two-stroke machine.

In terms of handling, the 200 EXC is well fitted with the latest WP upside-down fork with wider adjustment ranges and a new setting. The sensitive responsiveness and outstanding damping of the open-cartridge fork with 48 mm (1.89 in) outer tubes are a perfect complement for the 200 EXC’s playful handling and precision. New wheels are also boost by 200 EXC also boasts of new wheels that come with CNC-machined hubs, Excel rims, zinc/nickel-coated spokes and aluminum nipples, all of which improves the playful handling of the 200 EXC.Automobile News

China's JAC to unveil F-150 pickup clone

China's Jianghuai Automobile Co. plans to unveil a pickup at the Beijing auto show in April that adopts many of the exterior design details of the Ford F-150.

The JAC 4R3 shares the F-150's grille, hood and extended cab, and it even sports Ford's distinctive blue oval.

Ford Motor Co. has not decided whether to take legal action against JAC.

"We're aware of it and we're investigating," Ford spokesman Mike Levine said. "We're just trying to get an idea of what's going on with the vehicle and haven't decided what our next steps might be."

Over the years, Chinese automakers often have been accused of producing clones of foreign cars and trucks. Automakers that have filed lawsuits against their imitators have had little success in China's courts.

State-owned JAC is based in Hefei, in east China's Anhui province. Last year, the company sold 425,505 passenger vehicles and commercial trucks, according to LMC Automotive.Automobile News

Start of 2012 on a winning note by Volkswagen Group India

Volkswagen Group India continued its stellar performance and won 28 awards at 7 recently held Auto Awards ceremonies. Audi won 15 awards this year out of which Audi A8 grabbed 6 awards and Skoda won 4 awards for the new Rapid. Volkswagen won 9 awards of which 6 were bagged by the Volkswagen Jetta. On winning the awards, Dr. John Chacko, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India and President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India Private Limited said, “I am pleased that the Volkswagen Group has won prestigious awards for our offerings in 2011. The excellent sales figures coupled with the awards reiterates that we are moving ahead in the right direction. Volkswagen Group cars have won awards this year across categories which have significantly helped to reach out to newer and varied segment of customers. These awards validate the fact that it’s not only the customers but also the industry experts who appreciate Volkswagen Group cars.”

Maik Stephan, Managing Director, Volkswagen Group Sales India Private Limited said, “2011 has been an enriching year for us. Along with achieving best sales figures, I am happy that we were able to excite our customers with newer exciting products offerings in 2011. Our marketing efforts have also been appreciated by the industry experts. We have won awards on the marketing front with the Best Integrated Campaign of the Year for the Audi A8 L and the Best Automobile Ad of the Year for the Volkswagen Jetta 'Flyboy'. These awards reinforce our commitment to innovate and excel.” On receiving the awards, Michael Perschke, Head, Audi India said: “2011 has been Audi’s most successful year in terms of sales which surpassed our expectations. The Audi A8 L, R8 Spyder, Audi A7 Sportback and the business luxury limousine - Audi A6, contributed greatly to making 2011 the strongest year in terms of sales in India.

And now the awards won by these models not only impressively demonstrate their success in India but also reiterate our philosophy of thinking ahead of the curve as well as our ability to bring innovative and progressive products to India. I thank our customers for their continued support and appreciation.” Thomas Kuehl, Director and Board Member, Sales and Marketing, Skoda Auto India said, “I am happy that our latest offering, the Skoda Rapid, has won many accolades and is considered as one the best family cars available in the market. The Rapid will drive Skoda’s strategy in India and we are confident that with these accolades, it is already a great start to 2012.” Mr. Neeraj Garg, Member of Board and Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd: “Despite the unstable market situation we have continued to invest in the market by way of introducing new products, expanding our dealer footprint, refreshing our existing line up with our action models and enhancing our brand image. These awards are the realization of our efforts and we are truly delighted by the acknowledgement for the Volkswagen Jetta and the Volkswagen Passat.”Automobile News

Chandigarh made the debut with Ghost Extended Wheelbase

The announcement ceremony of the fourth dealership in India coincided with the Chandigarh debut of the sixth new Rolls-Royce model, Ghost Extended Wheelbase. Building on the enormous success of Ghost in India, the cabin space with segment-leading of car combines with the driver dynamic that has endeared so many to Ghost. Cabin passengers to the rear- will have 170mm more room than the already ample space Ghost owners enjoy.

As standard bathes the cabin the panoramic sunroof in natural light contributing to an ambience that exudes lavish comfort and serenity. Sumptuous lambs-wool carpets and multimedia theatre-configuration, both as standard enhance the super-luxurious feel of the car. Beautiful Malabar wood, indigenous to Kerala in the South of India, is one of an array of ethically sourced, hand built wood packages available. Ghost which is an award-winning movie has seen exceptional demand since its 2010 launch in India.

Designed as a more informal Rolls-Royce, it has introduced a new generation of customers to the brand, endeared by its combination of drivability and hallmark Rolls-Royce exuberant luxury. According to the Indian customer at the forefront of the design team’s thinking, It simply takes the principle even further with the Ghost Extended Wheelbase. Customers who require slightly more rear-cabin space to transport families in comforts that are uncompromised are able to do so whilst still enjoying the peerless Ghost driving experience; in essence it is the perfect car for all occasions.Automobile News

Over 11,000 vehicles exported by Chinese auto maker Chery in January

The Chinese auto makers are reporting growth in export numbers and now it has been reported that Chery Automobile has reportedly exported a total of 11,823 vehicles in January.

According to reports, the amount represents a 25.1 percent increase from the previous month and is 21.2 percent higher than last January's figure. The Chery Tiggo was once again the manufacturer's best selling model overseas, with a total of 5,185 units sold. The SUV accounted for 43.9 percent of Chery's exports.

It was reported that Chery's domestic sales last year reportedly failed to meet earlier targets; however, the manufacturer was aided greatly by its 160,200 exports. Chery was the country's top automobile exporter in 2011.Automobile News

X5 M Sport Edition by 2012 BMW

After officially introducing the X5 M50d, BMW has moved on to announce the launch of the new X5 M Sport Edition - a model that targets customers who want more than a standard X5. The X%M Sport Edition will go on sale in Spring 2012 and will be offered with a new 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers a total of 241 HP and 248 lb-ft of torque.

The exterior of the new X5 M Sport Edition will be distinguished by a new set of 20" light alloys, a BMW individual high gloss shadow line, xenon lights, and adaptive cornering headlights. The model will also be equipped with a pneumatic rear wheel suspension and a sporty suspension setting.

For the interior, BMW has added an M leather-clad steering wheel with shift paddles, as well as stainless steel pedals and the M footrest for the driver. Additional features include a BMW Individual anthracite roof lining, BMW Individual interiors trim strips in black piano lacquer, and doorsills boasting the M logo.Automobile News

XK and XKR Special Edition by 2012 Jaguar

With rumors of a limited run XKR-S Coupe buzzing in the air, Jaguar is giving us a brief slice of what ’special edition’ means in their parlance.
Headed to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show are pair of special edition models of the XK and XKR that come with some pretty eye-catching exterior and interior details. The former includes an array of color options that customers can choose from: Celestial Black, Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver, and Ultimate Black. Including Jaguar also fitted the sports car a choice of two headlining color options - Navy with Jet or Truffle with Canvas - and two new sets of 20" alloy wheels wrapped in diamond-turned Venom wheels with a dark grey finish.

As for the interior, Jaguar put in a couple of trims, highlighted by two exclusive Artisan interior color ways: Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. As for the convertible variants, the British automaker is also providing more options for the hood, including a choice of four colors: Black, Blue, Grey, and Brown. The interior also has seats dressed in a tactile ‘scraffito’ finished leather, an instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings, Poltrona Frau leather headlinings, and two new veneer finishes: Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminum.

Last, but certainly not least, the XK and XKR Special Edition models will receive Jaguar’s Dynamic Pack which comes with a modified engine that bumps up the car’s top speed from 155 mph to 174mph. The Pack also includes side sill extensions with new rear diffuser, revised adaptive dynamics, spring and damper rates, and a new front steering knuckle for optimized precision.Automobile News

Reveal of lighter, faster California version of Ferrari

Ferrari has announced a LIGHTER! And MORE POWERFUL! Version of its California soft-top, set for a reveal at the upcoming Geneva motor show.

Maranello's finest have installed new exhaust manifolds and remapped the engine management system to extract a further 30bhp from that glorious 4.3-litre V8, with power and torque figures now sitting at 490bhp and 504Nm.

Ferrari has also used aluminium fabrication and construction techniques - employed by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence - in building the California's chassis to reduce weight by 30kg to 1705kg.

As such, these minute improvements help the California's 0-100kph time by a minute fraction: the ubiquitous benchmark now takes 3.8 seconds, down from 3.9 seconds.

There's more. Ferrari has also announced a Handling Speciale package that speeds up the electronics controlling the Magnetorheological dampers by 50 per cent, features stiffer springs and a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.

This minutely improved and minutely faster California also gets a choice of new colours and personalisation schemes too.Automobile News

Revealed of new Audi RS4

It's been three years since Audi's RS4 went MIA from Ingolstadt's line-up. Be thankful for today then, because it has now returned in an attempt to take its rivals back to school. Welcome the new Audi RS4 Avant.

Yes, it's launching in estate guise first, and like its RS5 Coupe sibling, gets Audi's hand-built 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. That means 444bhp and 430Nm of torque being fed through Audi's quattro system; a system with a self-locking crown-gear centre differential capable of attributing up to 70 per cent of the power up front, or as much as 85 to the rear. Audi has configured the new RS4 Avant to have a 40:60 rear-biased setup for some sideways hoonery, which sounds promising. We're just hopeful that the RS4's new power steering system and cross-linked dampers will improve the RS5's occasionally nuggety ride and steering.

Anyway, Audi claims a 0-100kph sprint of just 4.7 seconds and a derestricted top speed of 280kph, along with a claimed 10.9kpl. The whole car sits 20mm lower than the standard A4 estate on 19in forged aluminium alloys (20in are optional, naturally), that don't really hide 365mm lightweight, vented ‘wave' disc brakes with six-piston calipers. Sufficient stopping power to unsettle items of confectionary you may have stored in the rear.

The standard-fit Audi drive select varies the seven-speed ‘box and throttle valves through three modes, as well as altering the sound of the exhaust. Good. Inside you'll find a black interior with carbon inlays and brushed matte aluminium, heated front sports seats, driver information system with colour display - including an RS menu with lap timer - and, naturally, the mind-boggling complement of Audi's options list. Automobile News

Next-gen diesel engine unveiled by Honda

Honda may be known for their spectacularly refined petrol motors, but one can't deny the fact that diesel cars are fast gaining popularity around the world. So at this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Honda took the wraps off a new generation diesel motor that will power the Japanese auto giant's small and mid-sized cars in the near f uture. Honda already has a 2.2-litre common-rail diesel motor in its portfolio, but this new engine comes with lower capacity, lower emissions and higher mileage. Dubbed 'Earth Dreams Technology', this 1.6-litre common-rail diesel engine has a displacement of 1,596cc and produces a maximum of 120PS of power at 4,000rpm, while the max torque is 320Nm at 2,000rpm. This engine is the lightest in its class, weighing just 170 kilograms, and is also expected to be highly fuel efficient. The 1.6 litre common rail, turbo diesel engine will be mated to a six speed manual transmission with no news about an automatic transmission for the engine announced just as yet.

 Honda plans to power the European Civic with this engine by the end of 2012. Taking into consideration the steep increase number of diesel cars being sold in India, thanks to rising fuel prices, we too are likely to get this gem coming to our market pretty soon and power most of Honda’s line up in different state of tunes. With this diesel engine, Honda is sure to take the fight to its rivals who at the moment hold the diesel trump card to their advantage.Automobile News

Irremissibly hike workers salary by Maruti

Maruti Suzuki India the largest car manufacturers of the country, might be required to increase the salary of the workers at the Gurgaon assembly line by double digits. Two years back only the company had last increased the salary of the workers around 5 to 6 percent. The employees at Gurgaon unit, including around 3000 all time workers have now asked for a salary hike in double digits. The employees at the Manesar set up are also planning at making a union. Meanwhile communication between the company and about 1200 workers at Gurgaon has started and the Manesar workers however have planned to begin negotiations with the company sometime in the month of March.

The process of increasing the salary is a periodic activity which is carried out after every 2 to 3 years at the company. According to speculations, the newly formed union will be considerably powerful as was proved by the Maruti strike at the Manesar assembly line in 2011. The strike which lasted for 4 months caused serious losses to the company as the production came down by around 1.06 lakh Maruti cars in India in the previous year. It further delayed the company's strategies to introduce new models.

To add to the losses, the market share of the company came down to as low as 38% which was lower than ever before. Moreover the profit of the company decreased by 39% touching 995 crore in the first 9 months of the financial year. The sale was also hampered by 14% coming down to 8, 88,794 units. However, now both the sales in the domestic market and the exports have marginally improved. According to Maruti's managing executive officer, Mr. Mayank Pareek, the company is optimistic about recovering in the last 3 months of the fiscal by selling more number of diesel variants. The company recently sold their 10 millionth vehicles-a Red Swift Vxi from the Manesar plant after their dominance in the Indian market for 29 years.Automobile News

Mercedes with new fuel-efficient 3-series sedan fought by BMW

DETROIT -- Concerning the U.S. luxury car market last year when BMW won the race, the world's largest premium automaker is keeping a sharp eye on its rear-view mirror.

Facing increased competition from Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, General Motors Co.'s Cadillac and Volkswagen AG's Audi, BMW is determined to hold on to its hard-won top position with the arrival of the new entry-level 3-Series sedan in U.S. showrooms this weekend.

The success of the 3-Series, first introduced in 1975, has been a key to BMW's ability to outsell Mercedes last year and capture the U.S. luxury crown from Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus. That may change as a slew of competing entry-level luxury sedans increases the pressure on the new 3- Series, which features more power yet greater gas mileage than earlier versions.

"Ever since we came out with the 3-Series we were very successful, so we've been hunted for a long time," said Ludwig Willisch, CEO of BMW North America. "We are used to that."

The new 3-Series is making its debut as Mercedes is moving to surpass BMW. Mercedes was the top-selling U.S. luxury brand last month, its sales surging 24 percent to 20,306 while BMW rose 3.1 percent to 16,405. Lexus, which held the luxury title for 11 years until 2011, is targeting U.S. sales to surge more than 25 percent this year to 250,000.

Mercedes started selling an updated C-Class sedan in September that ended the year up 11 percent, edging out the 3- Series sedan by about 500 sales. Audi plans an updated A4 to arrive in U.S. showrooms around midyear. GM's Cadillac will introduce its first compact luxury car in about 25 years when the ATS arrives in the third quarter.Automobile News

30% spike in revenue seen by Tata Group firm York Transport

MUMBAI: Trailer axles manufacturer York Transport Equipment India, a part of the Tata Group, is eyeing a 30 per cent revenue growth this fiscal on the back of growth in the industrial sector.

York Transport Equipment Asia became a part of the Tata Group after Tata Robins Frazer acquired a majority share holding in the company recently.

"The domestic industrial sector is on a growth trajectory. And without trucks and trailers it is not possible to think about industrial development and also the massive progress of the respective sectors. As axle manufacturers we see a huge growth potential and expect our revenues to grow by nearly 30 per cent every year," York Transport Chief Operating Officer G S Chatterjee said.

Currently, the size of the market is 28,000 trailers a year. "We enjoy nearly 26 per cent share in the axle market and with the kind of products we offer, the share will continue to grow in the coming years," Chatterjee said, adding the trailer segment is growing at around 40 per cent annually.

The Singapore-headquartered company, which has two manufacturing units in India - at Jamshedpur and Pune - has set up an R&D facility in Pune to serve the global demand, Chatterjee said.

"We have made an investment of about Rs 20 crore to set up a plant and Rs 3 crore for an R&D centre. We plan to shut operations at the Jamshedpur factory and shift the manufacturing to Pune. We want to consolidate our business as we want to focus on the Western region, especially Maharashtra and Gujarat where industrial development is rampant," he said.

At present 8,000 axles the company manufactures annually.

"We will continue to enhance the capacity to cater to the growing demand. We will make an additional Rs 10 crore investment next fiscal," he said.Automobile News

A chance to rejoice and celebrate Valentine's Day to Fiat Caffe

As the Valentine Day is around Fiat Caffe in Delhi gives couples a chance to celebrate the day of love in the “Italian way”. One can walk in with their lady love and get a free test drive of the Fiat Linea or Punto 2012. The company said that the company wants to make the celebration will be much sweeter with a complimentary cup of Italy’s favorite coffee - Lavazza coffee and cookies being served free to all. The evening will be complete with the couple’s portrait gifted to them at the end. The offer at the Fiat Caffe is on till 18th February, 2012.

Fiat says it embodies deep passion in whatever they do from designing best in class engines or styling great cars for the world. For deeply highlighting their association with Valentine’s Day and to celebrate this wonderful festival of love and passion, Fiat has come up with such nice suggestion. At the Caffe, the guests can enjoy the classic Italian atmosphere while enhancing ones knowledge about their favourite brands, sipping to some authentic Italian coffee, which will be one of the many highlights of the Caffe.Automobile News