MAHINDRA RACING TO COMPETE IN FIA FORMULA E CHAMPIONSHIP

Mumbai, November 28, 2013: Mahindra Racing will join the inaugural FIA Formula E Championship beginning in September 2014. The motor sports division of the Mumbai-based USD 16.2 billion multinational Mahindra Group has signed an agreement with series promoters Formula E Holdings to become the eighth and only Indian team to join the new zero emission series.

The innovative all-electric global race series will include 10 races in its first season in city-centre locations around the world, including London, Beijing and Los Angeles, designed to raise awareness about electric vehicles as well as help advance EV technology.

 The series has generated significant interest globally, and professional services firm EY recently released a report forecasting that Formula E will help contribute to the additional sale of 77 million electric vehicles worldwide over the next 25 years.

 Already a major global force in the development and production of electric vehicles through Mahindra Reva it was a natural step forward for the Mahindra Group to join the Formula E Championship.

 “We strongly believe that Formula E can provide an excellent global showcase for our electric vehicle technology,” said Mr Anand Mahindra, Chairman and Managing Director of Mahindra Group. “With advanced operations and expertise in electronics, IT, automotive technologies and manufacturing, we are already seeing the fusion of this technology into our electric vehicle operations. Racing will further accelerate that trend while Formula E is set to raise awareness globally about the benefits of electric vehicles.”

Mahindra is no stranger to international motor sport, with Mahindra Racing already established

 Alejandro Agag, CEO, of series promoters Formula E Holdings, added: “We are very proud to have a major global company like Mahindra join the FIA Formula E Championship. Adding a manufacturer from India to what is already a real global mix of teams is fantastic news for the series. Everything is coming together very well and we look forward to presenting all ten teams to the FIA World Motor Sport Council next month.”

Tata Motors introduces 'Learn & Earn Scheme', at technical institutes Mumbai & Gujarat

Tata Motors has for the first time, partnered with its dealer network to introduce a new 'Learn & Earn Scheme', at reputed technical institutes recently upgraded by the company in Vadodara, Ankleshwar and Mumbai said in press release.  Tata Motors has partnered with -

• Cargo Motors at St. Xavier Institute, Vadodara
• Ambica Auto Sales and Serviceat St. Xavier's Industrial Technical Centre, Ankleshwar
• Bafna Motorsat Don Bosco Technical Institute, Kurla, Mumbai

As part of Tata Motors CSR initiative, the company facilitated upgradation of these private technical institutes training youth in automotive trades, also ensuring that they receive hands-on experience, along with a stipend for the services they render, at authorised Tata Motors service.

In a bid to promote employability through skills-enhancement and greater employment opportunities for the youth of India, Tata Motors has joined hands with various non-government organisations and ITI's (Industrial technical Institutes) across the country, offering technical education in automotive trades, with an aim of assisting these institutes to fulfill the objectives laid down in the Prime Minister's National Skill Development Mission. Through Tata Motors prestigious skill development program - Kaushalya, technical institutes will have well-defined training modules and facilities to create opportunities for multi-skilling.

Mr. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, said, "Reports suggest that the average age in India will be 29 years by 2020, and if the country is to leverage its young workforce, it is imperative to impart the right skills, ensuring higher productivity and employability. We believe it is important that we join hands with the government and our partners alike, to help create this skilled workforce for the country, with hands-on training, and on the other hand incentivise them while studying. By far, Tata Motors has tied-up with over 135 Government ITI's and over 10 Non Government Technical Institutes across India, through Kaushalya."

Apart from introduction of the Learn & Earn Scheme, Tata Motors has assisted with value addition to the ITI's curriculum by introduction of e-learning modules, cut section of engines, transmission, gearbox, wall-charts, course material, along with assistance in the upgradation of the center's learning facilities. Tata Motors has also facilitated a 15-days training program for faculty members, on the latest automotive technologies at its plants in Jamshedpur and Pune. The company has also guided these institutions in establishing Driver Training Centres, with provision of a Driving Simulator for the purpose of training & enhancing driving skills.

Euro NCAP 4 Stars for the BMW i3, Ford Eco Sport

Euro NCAP organizes crash-tests and provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe

Established in 1997, Euro NCAP is composed of seven European Governments as well as motoring and consumer organisations in every European country. (Read more on our members) 

Euro NCAP has rapidly become a catalyst for encouraging significant safety improvements to new car design

The BMW i3 has missed out on getting top marks in the Euro NCAP safety tests.The model in question has scored 86 percent in Adult Occupant, 81 percent in Child Occupant, 57 percent in Pedestrian Safety and 55 percent in Safety Assist. The tested vehicle was a 5-door hatchback in the standard trim, weighing 1,250 kg.

The Ford EcoSport which is sold in India has also scored a 4-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, with 93 percent in Adult Occupant, 77 percent in Child Occupant, 58 percent in Pedestrian Safety and 55 percent in Safety Assist. This is actually safer when it comes to protecting its passengers than the BMW i3 because the only affected body areas were marked as Adequate. The tested vehicle was an EcoSport Titanium, weighing 1,350 kg.

One more feather to Ford EcoBoost engine 1.0-Litre EcoBoost Engine Wins UK Innovation Award

Ford’s already highly acclaimed 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine  has won another prize, this time been crowned winner of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) Automotive Innovation award 2013.

Using now controversial turbocharging, the engine achieves a low CO2 emission rating yet also reaches performance figures comparable with a more conventional 1.6 litre engine. Developed in the UK, at Ford’s Dunton Technical Centre in Essex, the engine has also been named the International Engine of the Year in both 2012 and 2013.

The SMMT Award for Automotive Innovation – sponsored by GKN and supported by The Times – is designed to honour world-class design, R&D and engineering developed in the UK with previous winners including bus manufacturer Optare, Jaguar Land Rover and Gordon Murray Design.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive and one of the Award judges, said: "The UK is a hotbed for global automotive engineering talent, a fact proved by the winning Ford entry being designed and developed at its UK R&D centres.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is currently available in the Ford Ecosport and will also feature in both the forthcoming Ford Fiesta facelift and Figo replacement model

Maruti Suzuki recalls 1500 units of Ertiga, Swift, Dzire, A-Star

India's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India today said it will recall 1,492 units of Ertiga, Swift, Dzire and A-Star models produced in October this year to rectify a possible problem with steering column.

Maruti Suzuki said it will inspect the steering column for 1,492 vehicles -- Ertiga: 306 units, Swift: 592 units, Dzire: 581 units and A-Star: 13 units manufactured between October 19, 2013 and 26th October 2013.

If the steering column is found defective, the company will replace the steering column free of cost," MSI said in a statement.

The new steering column has been dispatched to dealer workshops.

This exercise is limited to vehicles within the above specified range and does not pertain to any other vehicle of the company or any of its exports, MSI added.

Maruti Suzuki dealers will contact owners of all vehicles in the above range, it said.

The last big recall made by the company was in February 2010 when it recalled about one lakh units of its flagship export model 'A-Star' to replace a faulty fuel pump part.

Around the web : Maruti plans to make an Innova rival by 2017

News come in from Live mint reveals Maruti Plan to make an Innova rival by 2017. India’s best-selling multi-utility vehicle Innova, made by Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd, may face competition from a new vehicle that car market leader Maruti Suzuki India Ltd plans to launch in 2017.

Maruti is developing the vehicle, code-named RX, to take on the Innova, according to Livemint.

The Innova, launched in 2005, is akin to a mini-van of the sort popular with soccer moms in the US and has found favour with both taxi operators and families. Toyota sold 430,000 units of the vehicles till October, with the latest models priced between Rs.12.45 lakh and Rs.15.06 lakh, ex-showroom Delhi.

The Innova is the market leader in its category, easily holding its own against rivals such as Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd’s Xylo and XUV 500, and General Motors India Pvt. Ltd’s Tavera, and has a 31% share of the category.

The vehicle is expected to be launched in the second half of 2016-17 and positioned above the Ertiga, the company’s current offering in the multi-utility segment.

BMW India announces price hike in January

The festival season is over and car makers are already gearing up for price mark ups in the New Year. Stung by the slide in the rupee, the high import content luxury cars have been the first to announce the hikes. BMW India has announced a price increase from 7 -10% across the BMW and MINI product range effective January 1, 2014.

Said Philipp von Sahr, President, BMW Group India said, "At BMW Group, we believe that both profitability and growth are essential for a win-win situation at the end. We are making price decisions with all due care and consideration ensuring that they pay off in the long run."

Announcing price hikes in January to push year-end stock has now become standard marketing practice in the auto industry in India. Typically December stock has proved difficult to move because customers prefer new model year cars. Car marketers announce price hikes in January to move the year-end stock before new year.

Nissan to sell Datsun Brand Cars on its own in India

Japanese auto major Nissan Motor Co will sell its upcoming small car Datsun Go and other models from the Datsun range on its own in India and not through its country sales and service partner Hover Automotive

“Selling the Datsun Go and future Datsun models through Nissan Motor represents a natural evolution of the company’s operations in India, which are well recognized in the market,” Datsun Global Head, Vincent Cobee, said in a statement

Cobee said an expanded model range will follow the introduction of the Datsun Go, the hatchback that was unveiled in July.

Nissan cars are currently sold in India through dealers appointed by Hover Automotive India Pvt Ltd.

Datsun will work primarily with existing Nissan dealers, the company said, adding, “This arrangement will in particular allow Datsun to rapidly establish a top quality, expansive retail network and open the brand to a large segment of the potential market straight from the initial launch.”

Datsun is one of three brands within the Nissan Motor Co. portfolio. The others are Nissan and Infiniti.

Around the World : BMWi3 – at a glance

Redefining urban mobility means thinking far beyond environmentally-conscious and agile driving. The result: with its visionary design, the BMW i3 design defines the automobile of tomorrow. Its innovative BMW eDrive power train was designed in the scope of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology and is not only locally emission-free, but also offers an incomparable and nearly silent driving experience. The intelligent BMW ConnectedDrive Services bring you easily and conveniently to your destination

Design

The consistently sustainable design of the BMW i3 makes it the perfect vehicle for urban environments in the megacity: driven by pure electric power and customised for the requirements of a sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of travel. The vehicle represents an integrated and harmonious concept where every detail has been optimised to its purpose. This can be seen in the functionally dynamic exterior and in the clean and reduced interior space.

Charging the BMW i3.

An innovative charging concept provides for a new dimension of electromobility: the BMW i3 can not only be charged quickly, easily, and conveniently at home using the wallbox or the charging cable, it can also be charged on the go from a continuously increasing number of official charging stations. The BMW i3 finds these easily via innovative BMW ConnectedDrive Services such as, for example, the fully connected BMW i Navigation with display of the dynamic range and charging stations

Safety in the BMW i3.

For the BMW i3, a special safety concept was developed tailor-made for electric vehicles. Like the lithium-ion high-voltage battery, which is optimally positioned in the Drive module, the exceptionally-strong passenger compartment is made of carbon and likewise offers secure protection from outside influences. Innovative driving assistant systems help the driver to always make the right decision. And in case of emergency, a wide range of network services are there to help you to always stay mobile

Driving

BMW eDrive is an innovative new development in the scope of the BMW EfficientDynamics technology. The impressively agile electric motor developed by BMW in conjunction with the lithium-ion high-voltage battery and intelligent energy management provides driving enjoyment and efficiency in every situation. The BMW i3 flawlessly fulfils the requirements of city driving while simultaneously allowing convenient overland trips without concern about the range.

More details can be found at BMW website

Mahindra Reva inaugurates electric vehicles charging station at Bengaluru International Airport

Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., a part of the USD 16.2 billion Mahindra Group, today announced in press release that it has partnered with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to set up an electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at the Airport.

With the tie-up, BIAL will become the first Indian airport to have EV charging infrastructure in the country. The facilities are offered exclusively to Mahindra e2o customers, free of cost with an additional benefit of 20% discount on parking charges.

The city is home to the largest number of electric cars in the country and the most EV friendly market with its significant charging infrastructure. While 95% of the charging is done at home, Mahindra Reva has installed over 100 Charge points at convenient locations across the city. All the charging stations are strategically located and customers will have access to at least one every 5 kms. 

The 100+ public EV charging stations in Bangalore include shopping malls, various State Bank of India branches, numerous automotive garages, M&M Dealerships, Mom & ME retail outlets and now BIAL.

Commenting on the initiative, Chetan Maini, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. said, “We are happy to partner with Bangalore International Airport Limited and appreciate their belief in our vision of the future of mobility. Facilitating free EV charging at the airport will help customers to do affordable airport commutes from various parts of the city without any range anxiety. We look forward to working with the government and other entities to create an EV ecosystem for the adoption of zero emission mobility for cleaner and greener cities.”

Around the Web : 2014 TATA Falcon – Spotted

Tata Motors have been busy in developing a modern design updated Vista hatchback. The updated Vista called as Tata Falcon expected to take off screen in 2014 Auto Expo.

Falcon is completely revamped Vista with new front and rear end and expected to have new dashboard with better fit and Finish.

CarToq have spotted the upcoming Falcon which is now seen quite regularly in the Indian roads. The latest images reveal the details of Head Light and Bumper grill. As expected the Christmas tree tail lamp has been replaced my modern, sleek look one.

Tata motors is aiming to position this car as Premium Hatch back .

Around the Web : 2014 Mahindra Scorpio – Rendering

Mahindra Scorpio Test mules were spotted by the eagle eyes of reporters in the past. Based on the range of spyshots floating about on the internet, CarToq.com has put together a speculative render of the 2014 Scorpio Facelift.

CarToq is reporting that the new Scorpio gets a fully updated front-end complete with new headlamps, grille, bumper and hood. The website is claiming that the new model would be introduced at the Auto Expo.

Mahindra is also working on the next generation Scorpio which will be a massive leap in many ways. The automaker continues to work on the current Scorpio as it feels there is still potential left in the current life cycle of this decade old product. The facelifted Scorpio (codenamed W105) will continue to use the same set of engines; 2.2-litre mHawk producing 120 BHP and 2.5-litre m2DiCR generating 75 BHP

Next Generation Honda City unveiled - A Closer Look

Update – New gallery added to post

Next Generation Honda City unveiled – Launch in Jan 2014

Honda Cars India today unveiled the fourth generation Honda city in Delhi. Honda has made us wait for quite a long time to bring a diesel engine car in the C2 segment but as they say, all's well that ends well. With the next Generation City, 1.5L i-DTEC diesel engine will be offered along with existing 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine.

Honda claims that the i-DTEC diesel will have class leading fuel efficiency and top class performance.

Honda would the start the mass production in November and market launch will be held in January next year.

2014 City to feature Low, sleek-looking aerodynamic front-end. Wider stance at the rear end with dynamic presence.

Exterior concept called as Sleek Cross motion with Advanced Man Maximum and Machine minimum philosophy while the Interior gets layered floating cockpit

The vehicle’s length is the same at 4,440 mm, while the wheelbase extended by 50 mm to 2,600 mm. The width is retained, but the shoulder room and the headroom is up by 40 mm and 10 mm respectively and legroom increased by 60mm and knee room up by 70mm

The new City will also come with a considerably longer features list. 5-inch display, Audio with inbuilt handsfree, rear wide camera, compatible with jackpot, eight speakers and four power outlets at front and rear seats, rear AC vents and also gets touch panel air conditioner and start stop function

F-TYPE Coupé Makes Global Motor Show Debuts in Los Angeles and Tokyo

The Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé, the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever, has made global motor show debuts in both Los Angeles and Tokyo few days ago. 

Phil Popham, Group Marketing Director, Jaguar Land Rover said: "The F-TYPE Coupé provides its driver with a unique sports car experience. It combines seductive design with cutting-edge technology and performance which is truly breathtaking. Engaging, precise, intuitive and alive - it is the definitive sports Coupé." 

AT-A-GLANCE 

The new F-TYPE Coupé is the most dynamically capable, performance-focused, production Jaguar ever 

The model line-up is headlined by the F-TYPE R Coupé, its 550PS/680Nm 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine enabling acceleration from 0-60mph in 4.0-seconds, and a top speed of 186mph (limited) 

The F-TYPE R Coupé features Jaguar's second-generation Electronic Active Differential which works in parallel with a new Torque Vectoring by braking system to deliver enhanced agility and exploitable handling at the limit 

F-TYPE Coupé builds on Jaguar's industry-leading expertise in aluminium delivering torsional rigidity of 33,000 Nm/degree - it is the most torsionally rigid production Jaguar ever 

The all-aluminium F-TYPE Coupé embodies the uncompromised design vision of the award-winning C-X16 concept 

F-TYPE S Coupé and F-TYPE Coupé models complete the range, powered respectively by 380PS and 340PS versions of Jaguar's 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine, giving 0-60mph in 4.8/5.1-seconds and top speeds of 171/161mph 

A Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system - featuring 398/380mm discs front/rear - is optional on both F-TYPE R and F-TYPE S Coupé models 

All engines drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission with full manual sequential control via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central SportShift lever

The F-TYPE Coupé has up to 407-litres* of boot space - easily accommodating two sets of golf clubs - the tailgate being available with power assisted opening 

The F-TYPE Coupé range complements the existing 2013 'World Car Design of the Year' award-winning F-TYPE Convertible model line-up of F-TYPE,
F-TYPE S and F-TYPE V8 S 

Tata Motors expands its CNG portfolio After Nano emax, launches Tata Indigo emax and Tata Indica emax in 6 CNG markets

Tata Motors today formally announced in the press release about the launch of two new additions to its CNG portfolio - Tata Indigo emax and Tata Indica emax. These two variants have been introduced in 6 markets across India and will now be available in Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura.

The new emax range is powered by fuel efficient state-of-the-art engine, with CNG and Petrol bi-fuel system options. The Tata Indigo and Tata Indica emax have a low carbon footprint of 0.251 g/km and 0.338 g/ km, respectively. They are very fuel efficient cars with a mileage of 23.7 km/kg for Indica emax and 24.6 km/kg for Indigo emax. 

Announcing the launch, Mr. Ankush Arora - Sr. Vice President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (Commercial), Tata Motors Ltd., said, “CNG is gaining momentum in the Indian automobile market and we are happy to announce expansion of our CNG portfolio. The introduction of the new variants comes as an essential step that underlines our commitment to be a sustainable automotive player.At Tata Motors, the core philosophy behind the launch of every new vehicle is anticipating what our customers need and blending it with the best-in-class technology and design engineering. Besides offering exciting new features, these cars will be backed by an engaging purchase experience and advanced technology to be an economic, friendly choice for consumers.This helps us arrive at an end product that suits the inherent automotive needs of our customers in a holistic way.”

Tata Motors showcased its emax range at the Horizonext event, held in Pune, in June 2013, with a commitment to launch its CNG range in a phased manner, in FY 14. The Nano emaxwas the first in the range. The Tata Indigo emax and the Tata Indicaemax have now been introduced in the emax series of CNG cars.

Mahindra XUV500 sets a new record in the Limca Book of Records

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, announced in press release that its popular global SUV, the XUV500 has recorded the rare feat of completing a journey of 3,997 kilometres from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in the shortest time. With this, the XUV500 has set a new record in the Limca Book of Records.

 A four-member team from Standard Chartered Bank, comprising of Zuzur Tinwalla (leader), Jyoti P Bhattacharjee, Anshuman Kakar and Neeraj Rastogi, completed the 3,997km drive from Kanyakumari to Leh in just 62 hours 20 minutes. Having surpassed the previous record by a margin of 10 hr 27 min, the XUV500 set a new record under the category of Fastest South-North Four-wheeler Expediton in the Limca Book of Records. The journey started from Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu on September 30, 2013 and reached Leh in Jammu & Kashmir on October 3, 2013, having traversed the entire length of the country.

Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, M&M Ltd. said, “It is a proud moment for us since this record further reaffirms the tough and rugged 'Mahindra DNA' of the XUV500, which is a popular and much admired brand. Since its launch in 2011, the cheetah-inspired XUV500 has carved a special niche for itself and proved its mettle through tough and gruelling conditions in several rallies. This time was no exception. Completing a journey of 3997 kms in just 62 hours is a clear validation of the XUV500’s capability of handling all kinds of terrain while maintaining power-packed-performance. The team completed the journey with utmost safety and without a single incidence of breakdown. It is also testimony to the spirit of adventure of the XUV500 as well as the people who drive it so passionately. Unmatched in terms of style, performance, safety and comfort thereby providing a complete driving experience, the XUV500 has reached new heights with this achievement.”

Source: Mahindra Press Release

LA Auto Show 2013 - Honda Accord named “Green Car of the Year”

 The 2014 Honda Accord was named “Green Car of the Year” at the L.A. Auto Show on Thursday morning at the Los Angeles auto show.

The Accord win marks the second time in three years Honda captured the annual award. The Japanese maker’s midsize sedan was up against four other finalists that reflected the increasing breadth of environmentally friendly automotive technology.

This year’s L.A. Auto Show is introducing consumers to a variety of vehicles that could very well become serious contenders for Green Car of the Year honors in the years ahead

LA Auto Show 2013 - BMW Concept X4 unveiled

BMW Concept X4 - Captivates everyone. Fears nothing.

Striking proportions, sculptured contours and refined details as far as the eye can see  with the BMW Concept X4, the X6 Sports Activity Coupé success story blazes a trail into a new vehicle segment.

The BMW Concept X4 exudes dynamics from all angles. With its wedge-shaped silhouette, long wheelbase, extended glass surfaces and powerful front and rear with short overhangs, this concept vehicle sends out one message even before it’s left the blocks: this is a vehicle that is simply raring to hit the road

This new BMW Concept X4 crossover is based on BMW X3 underpinnings and when it makes it to production form it will sit below the bigger X6 in the range

it is characterised by its swooping roofline, which gives it a scale-model X6 silhouette, its 21-inch wheels and tyres and its 2810mm wheelbase.

It’s also a long machine, with a 4648mm overall length, a 1915mm width and it’s 1622mm higher, most of which will carry over, give or take a few millimetres, into the production car

The company will be hoping to continue the success story started by the X6, which has consistently sold well since it was introduced in 2008. For every two-and-a-half X5s that found homes globally last year, BMW sold one X6. Similar sales figures for the X4 are likely

2013 Tokyo Motor Show - Nissan IDx concept attracts !!!

Nissan head-faked the entire media world at the Tokyo Motor Show today. We were expecting a concept update for the 370Z. What we got instead was a car targeted directly at millenials, and in a way, at trumping the Subaru BRZ and other sports cars in that price range. Nissan showed off two fastback coupe concepts: the IDx NISMO and IDx Freeflow.

Andy Palmer, chief planning officer at Nissan, heavily hinted that this isn’t just a pair of “concepts,” either. At least not eventually.

Renault Keen to Launch MUV, sub 4 Lakh car in India…

Renault India Private Ltd is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault s.a.s, France. Renault India Pvt. Ltd was established in 2005 and in May, 2011 introduced the Renault brand and its first product – the premium sedan Fluence to customers in India

Renault currently has five models in the Indian market – the premium sedan Fluence, the luxury SUV Koleos, the premium compact - the Pulse, the SUV Duster and the premium sedan Scala. Renault cars are manufactured in the plant located on the outskirts of Chennai in Oragadam with a capacity of 400,000 units per annum.

After tasting success with its sports utility vehicle Duster, has also set its sights on its sub 4 Lakh entry-level car to boost its volumes in the country and also keen to tap the potential of the fast growing multi-utility vehicles (MUV) segment in India.

The Renault MUV, probably rebadged Dacia Lodgy will take on the Toyota Innova, Maruti Ertiga and Mahindra Xylo in the MUV segment.

LA Auto Show 2013 News – BMW 4 Series Convertible

The BMW 4 Series Convertible has its world premiere at the 2013 LA Auto Show. The new BMW 4 Series Convertible is visibly larger in width, track and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Convertible. Under the hood, the new BMW 435i sports the same N55 engine as the 435i Coupe, 306 horsepower coming from a six-cylinder engine. The topless 435i drops the 0-60-mph time to 5.5 seconds. Both cars come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and BMW says that a manual transmission will not be offered on 4 Series Convertibles in the US market.

2015 Ford Edge Concept Previews modern look with Self-Parking Technology and Obstacle Avoidance Capability

Ford’s biggest announcement with the Edge Concept comes with inclusion of a variety of safety technologies, including self-parking and obstacle avoidance systems

When the mid-sized Edge crossover was introduced in 2006 it was aimed primarily at regional markets dominated by North America but explosive growth in utility-vehicle sales around the world, notably China, has prompted a change in Ford's approach, according to Jim Farley, Ford's executive vice president of global marketing, sales, service and Lincoln

Technology aside, the Edge Concept looks fairly close to production. Mechanical technology includes active grille shutters, engine shutoff at idle and adaptive steering that can change ratio and assist

Inside, the cabin’s broad dashboard has genuine leather stitching atop the gauges, as well as top-end Nubuck leather atop the doors and dashboard

High levels of craftsmanship and rich materials unify the interior of Ford Edge Concept

Honda Unveils Planned Production Model Named VEZEL at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013

TOKYO, Japan, November 20, 2013 - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today unveiled the planned production model named the VEZEL, a new vehicle that belongs to a new category of automobiles that fuses together multifaceted values at a high level. The VEZEL is on display at the Honda booth during the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show 2013 (press days: November 20 - 21, 2013, public days: November 23 - December 1, 2013).

More details about the VEZEL will be announced on December 19, 2013 and the vehicle will go on sale in Japan on the following day, December 20, 2013.

The VEZEL is a completely new model that goes beyond the boundaries of automobile categories by fusing together multifaceted values at a high level, including the dynamic qualities of an SUV, the elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a minivan.

The exterior design of the VEZEL expresses SUV-like stability in its lower body and coupe-like styling in its upper body. These two different types of styling are fused together by the sharp character lines to create an inspiring and emotional exterior design. The interior design creates a coupe-like, high-quality personal space for the front seats and minivan-like elbowroom, comfort and functionality for the rear seats.

In Japan, both the hybrid and gasoline models of the VEZEL will go on sale. The hybrid model will be equipped with SPORT HYBRID i-DCD* that combines a 1.5 L direct injection engine with a high-output motor, and the gasoline model will be equipped with a 1.5 L direct injection engine. Adopting the new-generation powertrain technologies, the VEZEL realizes a dynamic driving character and excellent fuel economy at the same time for both models.

Honda also unveiled the VEZEL exterior design on the Honda website starting today prior to the official announcement of the model. Honda is planning to continue providing updated information on this website prior to the formal launch of the vehicle.

URL: http://www.honda.co.jp/VEZEL/new/ (only in Japanese)