Quality=Toyota, No longer True?

Has Toyota compromised on its Quality to become the world number 1 ? This is the top question being asked by the critics all over. In 2008 Toyota ended General Motors' 77-year reign as the world's largest auto maker but the road has been a bumpy one for the Japanese giant, long lauded for its vehicles' safety and reliability.

Last week it recalled 2.3 million cars and trucks because of the accelerator problem. The move was separate to a recall of about 4.2 million vehicles that began last year due to a risk of loose floor mats jamming the pedals. Toyota is also believed to be considering a recall of as many as two million vehicles in Europe due to the accelerator problem.

The 2009 recall, Toyota's largest yet, came after a California Highway Patrol officer and three members of his family were killed in a fiery crash when the accelerator pedal of their Lexus became entrapped in the floor mat.

The firm said it would stop producing the eight models, including the Corolla and Camry sedans as well as the RAV4 and Highlander sport utility vehicles, for a week at five North American plants due to the sales suspension. It is important to mention that these models affected accounted for 70 percent of the maker's brand sales in the United States in December.

According to the analysts, Toyota's unprecedented decision to suspend sales of eight models in the United States due to possible defects will undoubtedly hit its earnings, but the impact on its brand image could be even more serious.

Spied : The New 2012 Mercedes SL

These are the spy pictures of the new Mercedes SL which is undergoing winter testing at Scandinavia. The next generation Mercedes SL, due in 2012, will be one of the first new Mercedes models to feature the firm’s ‘artistic’ new design language.

 

Starting with the new CLS, Mercedes deign chief Gorden Wagener plans to elevate Mercedes design to a more artistic level and previewed some of the design features with the sculpture concept from this month’s Detroit motor show.

Despite the heavy disguise and cladding, the SL spied indicates that the car’s front end will mirror that of the design concept’s including the grille and large badge.

The proportions of the new car are expected to be similar to the current model's, although the use of aluminium in its construction makes it relatively lighter. The engine range is likely to be an evolution of the current model's.

Key components such as the suspension and electrical systems should be shared with the SLS supercar to keep development costs down.

2011 BMW 5 Series lined up with its Previous Generations; Real-Life Photos

The 2011 BMW 5 Series was spotted in Portugal setting up at its own press reveal for what appears to be a real life version of the awesome photo of all six generations of the rapidly expanding mid-size luxury-barge. (Click on the Thumbnails to view Full Size)

Jaguar XF Diesel to be Launched in India Soon

 

Jaguar is planning to launch the diesel version of its XF saloon powered by a 3-litre, V6 diesel engine in India very soon. Acc to Mike O’Driscoll, Managing Director, Jaguar Cars

It is a matter of months before the diesel version makes its debut in India.

Seeing the massive growth in demand for diesel luxury cars, the company has decided not to develop a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) version of its 3-litre diesel engine. O’Driscoll clarified -

We are introducing the 3.0-litre diesel with a non-particulate filter and will ensure that this engine can run on the type of diesel fuel available in India.

Petrol Version - The XF diesel will be launched in India alongside the XF petrol that is available with 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine producing a massive 385bhp, while churning out 52.5kgm of maximum torque. Equipped with 6-speed Auto box, the V8 petrol is capable of touching 0-60kph mark in 3.45sec, while taking 6.74sec to reach the ton.

Although the V8 petrol retails at Rs 68.29 lakh (ex-showroom, Mumbai), the XF diesel is estimated to be around Rs 50 lakh when it debuts in India later this year.

Source – Autocar India

Narain Karthikeyan gets the Padma Shri – A Proud Day for Indian Motorsports

The ‘fastest Indian in the world’ Narain Karthikeyan has been awarded the Padma Shree for his contribution to the world of motorsports. He is the only Indian driver to have raced in Formula 1. He did so in 2005 when he raced for Jordan. Narain has also raced in A1 GP and the Le Mans Series, among other international championships. Here’s what Narain had to say when he learnt about the news -

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the Government of India in receiving this award. It is truly a great day, not only in my life, but also in the life of Indian Motorsport. I have countless people to thank and credit for this achievement – first and foremost of which is my family, without whose unrelenting support, my career would not have taken the path it has. My sponsors, the Tata Group, Bharat Petroleum, JK Tyres and Amaron, who have supported me for so many years, as well as MRF Tyres, with whom I have recently entered into a partnership, have also been crucial to my success as a racing driver. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person at all of these companies who have supported and believed in me for so many years. Last, but not least, I owe a huge debt of thanks to all of my fans, who have cheered me on through all of my successes. I dedicate this award to all of them.”

This is being seen as an important day for Indian Motorsports. According to Zigwheels,

Motorsport has always taken a back seat in the Indian sporting world but the fact that its importance has grown many-fold over the last decade or so is evident from Narain’s award. The Nation has acknowledged his success and with it the upliftment and hope Narain has brought to many youngsters aspiring to make it big in the Motorsports world.

Padma Shree is one of the most prestigious awards given by the Government of India. Till 2009, only 2255 people have been granted this distinct honour. (The Padma Shree in India could be equated to the OBE in the UK)

The Castrol Motorsport Rankings powered by Autosport, the world’s leading publication on motorsport, were recently launched at the Autosport International Exhibition in Birmingham, UK. In these first ever definitive motorsport ranking system, Narain Karthikeyan has been rated as the top Indian racing driver in the world, ranking 126th out of 2,000 drivers in the overall world classifications, a massive 1,353 points, and 75 places ahead of his nearest Indian rival.

Mo - Samoan Half Sleeve (2 sessions)

Bajaj sells 200 Kawasaki Ninja's in India since launch

Bajaj launched the 250cc Kawasaki Ninja in October last year and has already managed to sell 200 units. According to the company

"What makes this motorcycle unique is its near-perfect combination of performance, riding comfort and ease of handling. As a result it is as popular among casual riders as it among serious enthusiasts. In India, in a market cluttered with overpowered litre class motorcycles, the Kawasaki Ninja 250R will be the only supersport motorcycle whose performance is practical for Indian conditions. And with a price tag of less than Rs. 3 lakh, it is well within reach of those seeking a supersport motorcycle."

In addition to this, Bajaj hopes to sell 1000 units of the Kwacker in 12 months! Good going, Bajaj, is all what we can say right now!

Dealers Desperate to Clear the 2009 Stock of Honda Jazz

Honda dealers are finding it hard to sell the 2009 model of the Honda Jazz. According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI) had produced 1,066 units of Jazz in December 2009, but managed to sell only 269 units.

To overcome this decline in sales, the dealers are luring the customers by announcing discounts on the model of upto Rs 40,000 and attractive interest rates on loans.

The company, however, said the discounts were an initiative by the dealers and it has no plans to cut the price of the car, which is currently sold in the price range of Rs 6.98 lakh to 7.33 lakhs.

According to the various dealers in Delhi & Pune

"We started the scheme in early January and it will run till end of the month. The discount of Rs 40,000 is intended to clear up last year's stocks"

"We are not giving direct discount. Rather we are going for special finance benefits like making available low interest rates."

"The Jazz 2009 model is being offered with a special finance scheme at interest rate as low as 5.8 per cent against 9.5 per cent normally."

Skoda Fabia to have Cheaper Variants, No plans to launch NSF Cars in India

Skoda Auto, part of the Volkswagen group is expected to change the market positioning of its premium hatch, Fabia by introducing its cheaper variants ahead of the launch of Volkswagen's Polo in India. The Czech car brand is expected to cut Fabia’s price by reducing some features in April when it will come out with a new Bharat Stage IV compliant engine.

Acc to the company -

“We will not reposition the entire range and we will introduce new models across the range. There is enough room for the Passat and the Jetta (VW models) and the Superb and the Laura (Skoda).”

However, Skoda said that it will not introduce the new small family (NSF) cars it is working on, in India, This is a category called A Zero Zero in Europe and refers to cars such as the Maruti 800.

Ford Ikon Plus Launched – News, Additional Specifications, Photo

US car maker Ford on Thursday launched a new variant of its entry-level sedan Ikon - the Ikon 'Plus'

The new variant is nothing but the regular Ikon with an additional kit provided by the manufacturer that could be fitted at the dealership level.

An outcome of customers' feedback, the Ikon Plus will be sport 13inch silver alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, side mouldings and chrome touches on the decklid handle and exhaust trims. On the inside it features leather vinyl seats, IPod-compatible MP3 player and remote keyless entry.

There are no changes to its powertrain. It comes with the same tourqey 1.4-litre TDCi diesel and the 1.3-litre ROCAM petrol engine options.

The Ikon is priced at Rs 6.77 lakh for the diesel and Rs 5.78 lakh for the petrol variant, on road Mumbai. The new kit will cost Rs 35,000 (approx.) over and above the mentioned car prices.

Ford India is trying extremely hard to sell its ageing saloon and this is the second variant after Ikon iKool introduced in a span of six months.

Nissan 370Z Fairlady Z launched in India - News, Specs Overview, Launch Photos

Nissan on wednesday launched its widely acclaimed sportscar Fairlady Z in India - the 370Z - that has already won 9 awards since its launch in early 2009. The 6-speed manual transmission model is priced at Rs. 53.5 lakh and the 7-speed automatic transmission model costs a lakh more i.e 54.5 Lakhs. (The manual comes with what Nissan calls ‘Synchrorev’ that blips the throttle automatically as you downshift through the gears.)

This speed riot has a 3.7 Litre V6 DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft) petrol engine that produces a massive power of 332bhp and 37.32kgm of torque. It has a power to weight ratio of 200bhp per tonne. The engine comes equipped with Nissan’s VVEL technology, or Variable Valve Event and Lift which is said to give smoother power delivery and improved fuel efficiency.

The car is available in eight attractive colours and two interior leather colour options (Persimmon Orange and Black) The company initially hopes to sell 2-4 370Zs per month.

The launch of the iconic Sportscar was said to be of Hollywood IShtyle. With the car emerging out of a trailer for the Auto Journos who were following it in two open double-decker Buses. Which was followed by some drifts in the mean machine by Narayan Karthikeyan.

Photos from the launch –>

 

BMW to Expand Dealerships in India by Year-End

• German luxury car maker BMW plans to ramp up its network across the country by year-end and penetrate into tier II cities.
• The company currently has 12 dealers in 10 cities and plans to add 10 more in tier II cities like Coimbatore, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Bhubhaneshwar and Lucknow by the end of 2010. It expects each dealer from Tier II locations to contribute about 30-40 cars a year.
• BMW has already launched four new models this year with three more in the offing. These include the petrol and diesel variants of its top-end sedan 7 series.

Maruti Suzuki does a Price Hike

• Maruti Suzuki India has hiked prices of most of its models by an estimated up to Rs 10,000 depending upon the model
• The average increase in prices is of around 0.6%, it varies from 0.12% for the Ritz VDi at the lower end to 1.9% for the Dzire LXi models
• The refreshed Estilo which was launched in August last year will now be expensive by Rs 1,200- Rs 2,400 depending on the variants.
• Acc to the Company, "The price increase is to partly recover the increase in the input costs arising out of raw material costs (including steel) over the past one year."
• Maruti’s recently launched multipurpose vehicle Eeco, Petrol variant of the small car Swift and its Gypsy models will not be affected by the price rise.
• Recently, Other car manufacturers such as Honda Siel Cars India and BMW had also taken similar measures.

Nissan 370Z SportsCar coming to India on 20th January!

• (To be) The Most Expensive Nissan Car in India
• Known as the Fairlady Z in the Japanese Market
• Called the Poor Man's Porsche (Expected Price Range – Rs 28-35 Lakhs)
• Will be Imported as a CBU (Completely Built Unit)
• 3,696 cc V6 engine with an output of 336 PS@7000rpm and 365 Nm@5200. (More Torque than many SUVs)
• Transmission Options - 7 Speed Automatic with Paddle Shift OR 6 Speed Manual
•  Weighs over 3000 lbs inspite of the Aluminium Door Panels, Hood and Hatch which implies a very low Fuel Efficiency.
• Launch Date – 20th January 2010

Ford launches New 2010 Limited Edition Fiesta

Ford has launched the  2010 Limited Edition Fiesta with Some New Features which Include

• MP3 player with 4 speakers
• Driver seat height adjust
• Premium Interiors with soft feel fabric
• Map reading lamp & Rear reading lamp
• Metallic finish Facia & interior trim (door handles / steering wheel cuffs)   
• Body colored OSRVM, Door handles, mirror & tailgate

These Features have been Introduced for the Petrol (1.6 litre Duratec) & Diesel (1.4 litre Duratorq) Versions of the Fiesta, which are Standard.

The 1.6 Duratec petrol 2010 Limited Edition is available in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, New Delhi / NCR region, Kolkatta, Guwahati and Tinsukhia while the 1.4 Duratorq diesel 2010 Limited Edition will be available in the rest-of-India.

Prices : (Ex-Showroom)
Rs.5.63 Lacs for 1.6 Duratec
Rs.6.49 Lacs for 1.4 Duratorq

For more Price & Other Information, Follow this Official Link by Ford

Bajaj launches the New Pulsar 220 DTSi “S”

Bajaj has launched the naked street fighter avatar of its premium model Pulsar 220 DTSi - the Pulsar 220 S.

The only Major difference between the Standard Pulsar 220 DTSi 'F' and the S version is that it gets rid of the Quarter Fairing. It has the Standard Bikini Fairing (with tank scoops) which is present in all the versions of the Pulsar.

The Rear End of the bike remains same. The Pulsar 220 S even has the same exhaust chamber as the older Pulsar 220 DTSi.

Personally, we @GediJunction like the older version of the P220 with the quarter fairing because it lends the bike a distinct image. The bike is a major head-turner only because of its quarter fairing. Otherwise the P220 S and the P150 look almost just the same. Another thing worth noticing here is that, the bike does not have the Projector headlamps available in the Older P220 DTSi 'F'.

However, this could definitely help Bajaj in cutting down the cost of the new bike by about a couple of grand which would lend it amazing Value for Money!

According to some sources, the bike costs Rs 78K (Ex Showroom, Bangalore). We'll confirm this bit and post the update.

Images Courtesy – Bike India

The New 2010 Tata Safari gets BS IV Compliant

Image Courtesy – GlobalMotors.Net

The Tata Safari in its latest 2010 avatar has been made BS IV compliant.

There've also been slight tweaks in both the Exterior/Interior Department.

• The exterior enhancements include chrome plated grill and chrome plated ORVMs.
• The interiors have completely been refreshed in a dual dark graphite and beige theme with tan-coloured leather upholstery and door inserts, a new instrument cluster and faux wood in the centre console.

The top of the line Safari already comes with ABS, dual airbags, reverse guide system and DVD/MP3 system with dual LCD screens. The Safari range comprises of four variants in 4×2 and 4×4 Drives.

John - Japanese half sleeve (grey & white) 2nd session

James - Hamo Lion (back)

..nice journey for James with his hamo-lion...