The company that put middle class Indians on wheels is now set to be separated. After 24 year long spell of this ambitious joint-venture between Hero Group and the motorcycling giant Honda, they have decided to go their own ways finally. However they have singed a new License agreement till 2014, starting January 2011. Hero Group will buy Honda’s 26% stake in Hero Honda.
Hero has been bailing themselves out for a long time now, after it renewed its venture with Honda in 2006. However, this time around Hero will have the brand name changed over the time and will pay royalty to Honda till the time they are using its brand name attached to their motorcycles. Hero can use Hero Honda branding until June 2014 on the condition that the brand will be dropped if any changes are made into the vehicles. Market sources’ speculation that the royalty will be higher than it was at present has been thrashed by CEO Pawan Munjal in its press meet today. The royalty will be at 4.3% of Sales and the company is free to export products in new markets. (more…)
It was reported that Mahindra is all set to buy the troubled South Korean automaker Ssangyong Motor Company. In the process, they beat 5 other bidders including Renault and Ruia Group of India.
This comes as a major acquisition since it is for sure going to fuel the growth of Mahindra in global markets where the company is trying hard to make its presence felt. What would be exiting enough for Indian markets would be the cars and the technology that Ssangyong brings in and how Mahindra are able to incorporate the same under their portfolio. Given that they already have technologically advanced with Mirco Hybrids and now Reva’s Electric technology, they are the hidden tigers at present who are all set to prowl in a year or two with brilliant products.
Ssangyong is good products in the SUV area though it only has a 2% overall market share in Korean market. This is where M&M finds solace with Ssangyong. The design language too can be an inspiration for future M&M cars. Its high time we saw a new Scorpio. Common guys, give us something more awe-inspiring stuff. (more…)
Come Sunday and all the F1 fans can feast their eyes with a RBR F1 car doing rounds on the recently inaugurated Bandra Worli sea link. The RBR 02 2005 car of David Coulthard will cruise on the sea link. The authorities had given their NOC to the event management company for the event with a raider. The election commission has to also approve since the state elections are just so close. Initially plans were put on hold but with their approval coming, the car can zoom.
But there is a catch. The Red Bull team will not be able to display the true speed. David will have to run the car just 20kmph above the pit land speed. That is not exceeding the 100 kmph. This might be a bit disappointing for all the F1 fans and Red Bull. Hope to catch the glimpse of the RBR.
Are Ferrari and Fiat planning to create their own Nano iterations? That is exactly what these scoop pictures revel. Tata and Fiat’s relationship
Believe it, this is the first Ferrari hatch back car. Ferrari is named this little wonder F634 and code named it one, while Fiat is planning to use it to create a sequel Fiat 600 to its successful and legendary Fiat 500. Enjoy exclusive scoop pictures.
What is unclear whether this attempt is to make just a Concepts or actually make it to production. Watch this place for more…
Ferrai F634 one
FIAT 600: Based on Tata Nano, £8000 . Quality, upmarket feel, luxurious interiors. Click on the picture for Bigger Picture
Tata has got Ferrari to design & use the Nano platform for a Nano sized sports version, which of course would not be cheap. This Ferrari will use the 500 Abarth’s engine and will be built in limited numbers. F634 is based on the platform that underpins the Tata Nano, so it would be some what similar to Nano in its dimensions. However, it would look different. The scoop pictures have only revealed the back side, keeping the Front and Side design under wraps.
Design house Pininfarnia which got its hands on the First Nano recently, has been assigned the responsibility for designing this cute little hatch. Ferrari has a long association with Pininfarnia, and Tata Motors is also a share holder.
What makes me wonder is that Ferrari is moving away from it sedan and moving to Hatch back!!!
Vehicle type: back-engine, front-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 3-door hatchback
Estimated Base Price: $23,000
Esitmated Launch: 2011
Engine: Turbocharged DOHC 16-valve 1.4-liter inline-4, aluminium block and head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 83 cu in, 1368cc
Power: 135 BHP @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 152 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 90.6 in Length: 139.8 in Width: 65.0 in Height: 58.2 in
Curb weight: 2282 lb
Performance (Est.): Zero to 62 mph: 7.9 sec
Fuel Economy (Est.): 8 Km. /litre
FIAT 600 Seicento
FIAT 600: Based on Tata Nano, £8000 . Quality, upmarket feel, luxurious interiors. Click on the picture for Bigger Picture.
Fiat has got rights to use the Nano Platform to produce the sequel to Tata Nano. However this Nano will be different. It will not be tall as Nano, but will be better and cuter. As seen in this artist’s representation here, it certainly looks cool in 3 door format of Nano which is not seen yet, however if you notice the height is down by 100 nm. Read Wiki about Fiat 600 Seicento here.
Similar to FIAT 500, FIAT 600 Seicento was produced last from 1955 to 1969.
Understandably, the front will go extensive overhaul to give it the 500 family look, how side is expected to remain same. This Fiat will sport a mid – engine.
An ideal choice for Fiat to go ahead and give the people a sequel to 500, however expect this to be cheaper than 500. The Current 500 available in UK costs £8,100 OTR Price so expect this one to cost between £7000 – £8,300.
Specs:
Vehicle type: rear-engine, front-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door hatchback
Estimated Base Price: £7,000 – £8,300
Esitmated Launch: 2012
Engine: Pop 1.2 litre, port fuel injection
Displacement: 65 cu in, 1242cc
Power: 69 BHP @ 5500 rpm
Torque: 132 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 2300 mm, Length: 3546 mm, Width: 1627mm, Height: 1485 mm
Curb weight: 865 Kgs.
Performance (Est.): Zero to 62 mph: 12.9 sec
Fuel Economy (Est.): 8 Km. /litre
Ratan Tata will be marking a historic event in India, and its motor industry.
I have compiled a few information which should assist any Nano buyer.
Loans from Bank:
Nano is targeted at a group where most of the people will be choosing for a loan that putting cash on the table.
SBI group may be the leading lender for Tata’s Nano, but it may not be offering the cheapest interest rates. SBI and associated banks may be offering loans for Tata Nano at the prevaling interest rates, at around 11.5 – 12 %. At the same time, taking a loan from BoI (Bank of India) may be much affordable, since loans interest rates for the Nano’s perspective customers of Nano would be around 12.5 %.
Ah, finally you can customize your Nano for a few thousand rupees and make it your unique one. That does not come cheap, but is far more satisfying to know that you bloody, can.
Luggage carrier for space consious.
Colored Bumpers for looks
Radio / Audio Player for those looking for solace in music
Body color, side skirts, alloy wheels… glore…
You get more options and it is not that you have to visit the Tata dealer to get these fitted. As confired in a report by Zee Business, you can get accessories in the market starting day three after the launch of a automobile product.
Fully Loaded Nano
What will a fully loaded Nano come with?
It comes with all the usual bells and whistles of a standard version but adds some of the following add ons.
Air Conditioning, Body Colored bumpers, Power stearing, Power Windows
What you can add on?
A audio player, Alloy wheel and a Luggage carrier.
The space of the small car is maximized in the inside for comfort, however taking a baggage is a concern. The back-engined Nano does not offer luggage space in the front, but actually behind. This space is smaller and may not gobble up much of your luggage. If you are not having rear passengers, you have an option of adjusting the rear seats to accomodate your luggage. Or if you have, then you are stuck with it.
The AC has been reported to be good enuf to combat the heat for April and May. As compared to the AC which comes with Maruti 800, it is better. (reports Zee Business)
Interior plastic is not top – notch and you may feel the cheap plastic keeping in the theme with its cost. So don’t be surprised.
Tata Motors have announced the domestic launch of the much-awaited car, Tata Nano. Tata Nano will be launched at a function in Mumbai on March 23, 2009. The cars will be on display at Tata Motors dealerships from the first week of April 2009. Bookings will commence from the second week of April 2009.
Tata Motors are making arrangements for the widest possible network to book the car, so that prospective customers can conveniently avail of booking facilities at their locations, across India. The booking process and other details will be announced on March 23, 2009.
It is now been confirmed by the company sources that the first Nano to roll out of the Gujarat Plant will be in 2010.
If you happen to visit the Reliance Digital Retail malls and see this cute chic there, don’t be surprised. Its not a part of offer or lucky draw. Its for sale.
Understandably, Reliance’s electronic mall would sell India’s first full indegeous electric car. This move saves Maini group from the pain of setting up dealer networks and directly bank roll on the established network of Reliance Digital. The credit crisis has stirred the brains of the marketing honcho’s brains who are coming up with out of the box delivery models (Tata Nano booked by State Bank of India) for their products.
To defy the words of Osama Suzuki, of Suzuki Motors, who jokingly said on TATA’s NANO “it would be a three-wheeler with a stepney”, TATA is launching the NANO finally on March 3. As a tribute to the JRD on his birthday, Tata is launching the Car of the Year for this year (it’s my prediction, Nano will have the crown). Wow, what a brilliant way to paying a tribute to JRD.
When is the Tata Nano Launching?
That has been the question on every one’s lips. What is the launch date of Tata Nano. People have kept asking me about it (I am famous with my circle of friends for Automobile updates) and everytime I have only one answer. I will ask Ratan Tata when he is free. Today the date is in the Public domain.
The famous phrase of Ratan Tata now stands valid “promise is a promise” and delivered. (more…)
