customer

Spied – New VW Touareg spotted in Pune

by Paul Joseph June 30, 2011 Featured

Overdrive magazine has posted images of the new Volkswagen Touareg caught testing in Pune. The 2011 Touareg is the second generation model unveiled in February last year. When we asked Volkswagen India why they launched the outgoing model two months before the all-new Touareg (you see here) was premiered, they said if customers were not provided options they would look at a competitor brand for honoring their needs. This is exactly what VW told Indian Autos Blog last year – If we waited for one year and then introduced the Touareg in India, the customer will go for X, Y or Z. We want the customer to buy our product and after five or so years when he’s looking to buy his next car, he would come to VW for the replacement. The RHD (Right Hand Drive) conversion usually takes six months and Volkswagen has takes its time in bringing the new Touareg to the Indian market. The new Touareg is likely to sport the Bluemotion badge in India with fuel economy figures about 10% better than the outgoing model. The 3-liter V6 producing 240PS/550Nm is the expected enginel. It will propel the car to 100kph in less 8 seconds and accelerate till 218 kph. New VW Touareg Video The diesel engine is paired to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen might not offer the Touareg hybrid as the image of hybrid cars in India is yet to catch up with Europe or America. The cost of importing and replacing the batteries could cost as much as the savings on fuel. The Touareg is designed in keeping with the company’s new design language seen on the Polo, Vento and Passat. It will continue being imported as a CBU so prices will not come down. Overdrive reports that the new Touareg will be launched in August. [Spyshot courtesy - Overdrive.in ]

Tagged as: customer, touareg, volkswagen

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2011 Hero Honda Glamour – The lowdown

by Paul Joseph June 20, 2011 Featured

Hero Honda has launched the 125cc Glamour/Glamour FI with a few nips and tucks. Those familiar with Hero Honda’s facelift tradition will won’t have to be told that the mechanicals remain untouched. The cosmetic elements have been enhanced. Hero Honda has planned for continuously refreshing its products to keep the interest alive on the bikes. 2011 Hero Honda Glamour facelift changes New Stickers Redesigned Front cowl and visor Sportier muffler cover New digital + analogue meter console New trapezoidal headlight Tank extension Maintenance-free battery 2011 Hero Honda Glamour Price The prices haven’t seen much of change yet the new goodies on offer will excite the customer and will surely affect the sales, that too in the favor of the company. According to the Hero Honda website the indicated price of the Glamour is PGM FI (Front Disc): Rs. 70,018 (On road Bangalore) Front Disc Variant: Rs. 61,130 (On road Bangalore) Front Drum Variant: Rs. 57,781 (On road Bangalore) 2011 Hero Honda Image Gallery [Source - BharatAutos.com ]

Tagged as: bangalore, bikes, customer, hero, hero honda, sales

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Toyota tosses Corolla Altis facelift into the market

by Paul Joseph June 16, 2011 Featured

It seems like Toyota has silently launched the Corolla Altis facelift today. The facelift is applicable to petrol and diesel variants and is priced between Rs. 10.53 – 14.77 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).  The petrol engine displaces 1,798cc producing 140 PS @ 6400 rpm and 173 Nm @ 4,000 rpm. The petrol engine is fitted with 16 valves and has dual VVTi (variable valve timing for inlet and exhaust valves). The petrol engine is also mated to a new CVT with 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic technology. The entry-level Altis comes with a 6-speed manual transmission. The technical specifications of the diesel variants have not changed. Equipment on board has been beefed up. The new Altis gets smart entry, engine start stop button, 8-way power driver seat, cruise control, 6.1 touchscreen DVD audio system, electro-chromatic rear view mirror, HID lights, reverse sensors, headlight washers and disc brakes on all four wheels Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) Toyota Corolla Altis Petrol J- 10.53 lakh G- 12.39 lakh GL- 13.86 lakh VL- 14.77 lakh Toyota Corolla Altis Diesel J- 11.46 lakh G- 13.41 lakh GL- 14.55 lakh To program out any confusions,  learn everything about the new Altis at toyotabharat.com Toyota Corolla Altis Image Gallery Press Release Toyota Introduces The Stunning New Corolla Altis A blend of Genius performance and Gorgeous style Ø New design exterior styling adds a touch of class Ø Enhanced performance – New petrol engine and transmission gives enhanced output and torque and lowers emission level in the petrol variant Ø Available in the price range of 10,53,300-14,77,400 rupees (petrol variant) and 11,46,500 – 14,55,000 rupees (diesel variant), ex-showroom Delhi New Delhi, 16th June 2011 – Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. today announced the launch of the Stunning New Corolla Altis in India. The New Corolla Altis has been distinctively designed to give it a advanced and dynamic look. The petrol variant comes with an all new powerful 2ZR Dual VVT-I engine and super CVT-i with 7 speed sequential shiftmatic enhancing the output and torque. The new contemporary styling and enhanced performance makes the New Corolla Altis a perfect combination of dynamism and performance. The petrol variant will come with an all new powerful engine – 2ZR Dual VVT-i Engine 1798 CC, producing an increased output of 140 PS @ 6400 rpm and an improved torque of 173 Nm @ 4000 rpm. The new engine is designed to provide excellent driving performance, best in class fuel economy and environmental performance with lower emission. The petrol variant is available in both super CVT-i with 7 speed sequential shiftmatic or 6 speed manual transmission. The 4 speed AT in the petrol variant has now given way to the super CVT-i with 7 speed sequential shiftmatic. The 5 speed manual transmission (MT) has also been upgraded to a 6 speed MT. This will enable a smooth change in gears and a better control over the car with more gear options, excellent driveability, and class leading fuel economy. The enhanced low to mid speed range torque and high speed range output will provide smoother acceleration in high traffic and greater accelelration on highways. The Diesel variant retains its 1ND D-4D Diesel Engine with Variable Nozzle Turbo & Intercooler with 6 speed manual transmission. It continues to provide, best in class fuel economy of 21.45 kmpl. The diesel and petrol variants get advanced and dynamic exteriors and the latest in luxury features. The new advanced interior creates an advanced and refined atmosphere. The new plush leather perforated seats, darker grey upper interior colour and the dark wood finish adorns the interiors giving a richer feel. The New Corolla Altis is equipped with an array of the latest luxury features – push start/stop button, smart entry, new DVD touch screen audio with bluetooth, new design optitron meter with eco diving indicator, remote boot opener and reverse sensor. The New Corolla Altis incorporates an elegant and sporty design in an advanced and dynamic form and embodies class above overall quality. With its sleek front headlamps, dynamic grille and stylish rear design, the New Corolla Altis exudes a bold, strong and commanding presence. The diesel variant gets new design grill with bar and mesh. This new attention grabbing presence brings joy and pride of ownership. The New Corolla Altis is available in array of 7 exciting colours. Present at the launch Mr. Michihiko Sato, Chief Engineer – Corolla Altis , Toyota Motor Corporation said “Following half a century of continuous evolution, responding to the needs of the times, the New Corolla Altis design and driving performance has been further refined to continue being a leader in its class. The contemporary styling and intelligent performance takes the experience of owning a Corolla Altis to an all new high. The New Corolla Altis represents the best of global motoring experience and also further strengthens Toyota’s commitment to the Indian market” Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, Managing Director, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) said, “The Toyota Corolla Altis has constantly been a leader in its class. We are delighted to now introduce the New Corolla Altis that will offer an exclusive blend of contemporary styling, luxurious features and intelligent performance, in response to the latest customer demands of the times.We hope to take customer delight to an all new level with the Stunning New Corolla Altis.” Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director, Marketing, TKM, added, “The New Corolla Altis is aimed at providing newness to the product and offers the latest in technology and design.The Stunning New Corolla Altis is Genius inside and Gorgeous outside. With an all new engine and transmission and contemporary styling the New Corolla Altis is a perfect blend of genius performance and gorgeous style. The New Corolla Altis is intended to appeal to the customer who seeks the ultimate combination of style, power and driving comfort. The New Corolla Altis will be available in the price range of 10,53,300-14,77,400 rupees (petrol variant) and 11,46,500 – 14,55,000 rupees (diesel variant), ex-showroom Delhi and will be available at all Toyota dealerships from today.” The New Features are as follows: Exterior features: The New Corolla Altis’s gorgeous look is the perfect amalgamation of elegance and sportiness. Some of the advanced features include: · Distinctive front grille for a dynamic new look (also available in diesel) · Pronounced rear bumper, sleek rear combination LED tail lamps and rear chrome garnish for a sporty appearance · Front angular headlamps for a sharp and refined look Luxury features: * Push Start/Stop button * Smart Entry * Thoughtfully designed backlit Optitron meter with eco driving indicator (also available in diesel) * 6.1” DVD Touchscreen Audio with bluetooth (also available in diesel) * Reverse sensor * Remote boot opener * Darker wood finish (also available in diesel) * Perforated leather seats (also available in diesel) * Rear arm rest with wood finish and lid for cup holder (also available in diesel) Performance: * The genius new Dual VVT- i petrol engine, provides the perfect blend of power, fuel efficiency and low emissions * New generation super CVT- i with 7 speed sequential shiftmatic or the 6-speed manual transmission

Tagged as: customer, deputy, image, marketing, price, toyota, toyota-corolla

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Tell us – Tata Nano taxi enters Sri Lanka; Does it hurt the brand?

by Paul Joseph June 12, 2011 Featured

IAB readers would surely know that Sri Lanka was the first foreign market to get the Tata Nano. After countless meetings with Taiwan , Bhutan and some African countries, Tata Motors finally decided that Sri Lanka would be a perfect market for their little wonder. However, it seems that the Nano – billed as world’s cheapest car has not touched down on the private car market. Instead, a local company has bought 45 units of the Nano as Taxis. The company has also plans to introduce 200 more Nano Taxies within six months. The Nano Taxi is marketed at a lower price than air-conditioned cabs and as a better alternative to ubiquitous three-wheel taxis (read Bajaj Auto). The Magic Iris could have done this job better but there’s no way Tata can choose who buys the Nano. Ultimately it is the customer who decides the positioning and target group of a product. Is this good for the Brand ‘Tata Nano’? Image Source – Yahoo.com

Tagged as: customer, source, tata nano

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Honda turbocharges plans for Brio; Will it lead its comeback?

by Paul Joseph May 16, 2011 Featured

After a lack luster performance in the first quarter of 2011, Honda plans to come back strong in the later half with the Brio. The company plans to expand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to give the sales of the Brio a massive boost. Seki Inaba, HSCI’s marketing director to Business Standard – Brio is important for the company, as with it we intend to widen our customer base. We want to target upcountry customers with this car. At present, nearly 50 per cent of our sales come from the top seven-eight cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad. The remaining sales come from 69 cities. So, the potential to increase sales from the rest of the country is huge Currently Honda has 125 sales centers in 77 cities. Honda plans to take this number to 150 by the year end. There is intense pressure on Honda Siel to make their small car ambition – the Brio – succeed. After forgoing dominance in almost all segments in which it was a market leader, Honda Siel needs to come back strong with the Brio. The company plans begin the Brio’ price at under 5 lakh rupees with a localization content of up to 80 per cent. The car will be produced in their Greater Noida facility in Uttar Pradesh where it manufactures other Honda cars. Only time will tell whether Brio is a big Thumbs up or a massive Thumbs down! Source – Business-Standard.com

Tagged as: customer, honda, honda-brio, sales

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Why did Maruti opt for a shorter 2012 Dzire?

by Paul Joseph April 27, 2011 Featured

After the hatchback market , the entry level sedan segment is gearing up for heavy action. Just yesterday, Mahindra announced that their contender for this particular market – the Logan has been now given a bit of tinkering on the outside and now has a new badge – Verito. Now AutocarIndia published a spy pic of the sub-4 meter Dzire based on the 2011 Swift platform. The reason of it being below 4 meters is because it can now enjoy low excise duty of just 10%, as opposed to 22% on bigger cars. Being on the older platform, the current Dzire will be discontinued and this new Dzire will replace it at a much lower price point. ACI is expecting a cost benefit of at least Rs. 30,000 to 40,000 to the customer. But that’s not the only reason why the new Dzire is under 4 meters long. According to our Sedan comparo, the Swift Dzire is the largest selling sedan in India. It is also the oddest looking sedan in India. But Maruti’s problem child has to be the SX4. With a small diesel engine and limited features, its chances of garnering good numbers is unlikely considering there are four new players in 2011 entering that segment with more on offer – Nissan Sunny, Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Verna and Skoda Rapid. Three out of the four brands enjoy a better image with bigger cars and are going to offer something completely new. The SX4 numbers will taper off no doubt. The last thing Maruti needs is in-house competition – We’ve all heard tales about how customers find the Dzire and SX4 very similar and end up going for the slightly higher VFM SX4. Given the fact that the new Swift is marginally bigger, executing a normal Dzire would have pushed it closer to the SX4. To keep the SX4 and Dzire well apart considering they have the same powertrain and similar features, Maruti could have opted for the sub-4 meter option. Nonetheless, the Dzire is sure to create a stir in the market. Expect it to debut at the Auto Expo in Delhi next year. What are your thoughts on it? Source – AutocarIndia.com

Tagged as: auto, customer, hyundai-verna, maruti-suzuki, maruti-swift, spy pictures, thoughts

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Ford launches Fiesta Classic in India

by Paul Joseph April 9, 2011 Featured

Legends are known to reinvent themselves for a new innings. After establishing a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning over 100,000 customers, Fiesta – the legendary sedan from Ford is set to better its success story in the B segment with the new `Fiesta Classic’. The Fiesta Classic will address a much broader customer base with two new trims – LXI and CLXI. With this the Classic becomes more attractive and affordable with the petrol variants starting at Rs. 549,030 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and diesel variants at Rs. 648,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In its new form, the much acclaimed sedan will be available to more customers who now can experience the Fiesta Classic’s superior drivability, aesthetic styling and best-in-class fuel efficiency with an all new interior package. “With a proud and loyal customer base, the Fiesta has been one of the main stays of our product brand portfolio in India. With the elegant Fiesta Classic’s thrilling on-road dynamics, refreshingly classy new interiors and proven frugality we invite more customers to experience and benefit from the additional new variants we are offering with our classy product.” said Michael Boneham, managing director and president, Ford India. Spirited performance and proven drivability The new Fiesta Classic retains its core characteristics of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by its refined, trusty and proven 1.6 Duratec and 1.4 Duratorq powertrains, which deliver on the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption. Class and style within customers’ reach The elegant new Fiesta Classic gets a refreshingly classy new interior with Ebony and Jasper Blue coloured instrument panel, a new centre and floor console finished in Graphic Metallic, new seats with soft feel fabric and enhanced dual-tone door trims. In addition, all the product variants will display the ‘Classic’ moniker and will be available in a striking new body colour – Colorado Red. It is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options across three variants – LXI, CLXI and SXI to suit growing customer requirements. Reliable as well as frugal Thrilling performance and fuel efficiency are signature attributes of the Fiesta Classic, which customers have been experiencing and enjoying throughout their ownership. This was proven once again by delivering 30 kmpl with the diesel and 20 kmpl with the petrol, as per a cross-country drive undertaken by a leading automotive magazine. Recently, Fiesta was ranked highest by TNS for Customer Satisfaction in the `Midsize Segment’, in their latest Automotive 2010 India Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) study. In addition to the new Colorado Red, customers can choose from the existing six colour options –Moondust Silver, Diamond White, Panther Black, Sea Grey, Morello, and Chill. Encouraged by the existing Fiesta Classic, Endeavour and The Figo’s remarkable success and popularity, Ford India plans to bring the all-new global premium sedan Fiesta into India later this year. This is part of its strategy to bolster Ford India’s portfolio with eight new models by middle of the decade. Courtesy: Ford India

Tagged as: classic, customer, fiesta, india, petrol, press-release, product, silver

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Breaking – Ford Fiesta Classic starts at 5.49 lakh rupees

by Paul Joseph April 7, 2011 Featured

Ford has launched the Classic variant of the Fiesta which replaces the existing Fiesta range. There are two variants of the petrol and diesel each. The Fiesta Classic eyes the Swift Dzire and Toyota Etios buyer. Ford Fiesta Classic features – Classic car with affordable price – 1.6L (101PS) petrol, 1.4L (68PS) diesel – LXI, CLXI and SXI variants – New dual tone instrument panel – New graphic metallic center and floor console finish – New ebony and Hub-styled seat fabric and door trims – Colorado Red is the new color addition Ford Fiesta Classic prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) – LXI (petrol) – 5,49,030 rupees; CLXI (petrol) – 5,99,000 rupees – LXI (diesel) – 6,48,000 rupees; CLXI (diesel) – 6,89,000 rupees Ford Fiesta Classic target customer 30-40 year old male, married with kids, in a joint nuclear family, needs outstanding fuel economy, rich features, good ride and handling. Ford Fiesta Classic Press Release Ford launches Fiesta Classic • New stylish Fiesta Classic will continue delivering quality, on-road dynamics and best-in-class fuel efficiency • Refreshingly new interiors with Ebony and Jasper Blue instrument panel, centre and floor console finished in Graphic Metallic, new seats, trims and a new badge • New Fiesta Classic starts at Rs. 549,030 (ex-showroom, Delhi) • Definitively classy and affordable, the Fiesta Classic will be available 3 variants LXI | CLXI | SXI each offering both petrol and diesel engine options Chennai, India, 7 April, 2011 – Legends are known to reinvent themselves for a new innings. After establishing a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning over 100,000 customers, Fiesta – the legendary sedan from Ford is set to better its success story in the B segment with the new `Fiesta Classic’. The Fiesta Classic will address a much broader customer base with two new trims – LXI and CLXI. With this the Classic becomes more attractive and affordable with the petrol variants starting at Rs. 549,030 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and diesel variants at Rs. 648,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi). In its new form, the much acclaimed sedan will be available to more customers who now can experience the Fiesta Classic’s superior drivability, aesthetic styling and best-in-class fuel efficiency with an all new interior package. “With a proud and loyal customer base, the Fiesta has been one of the main stays of our product brand portfolio in India. With the elegant Fiesta Classic’s thrilling on-road dynamics, refreshingly classy new interiors and proven frugality we invite more customers to experience and benefit from the additional new variants we are offering with our classy product.” said Michael Boneham, managing director and president, Ford India. Spirited performance and proven drivability The new Fiesta Classic retains its core characteristics of surefooted balance on the road, responsive steering and compliant suspension. Its reputation as a driver’s car is enhanced by its refined, trusty and proven 1.6 Duratec and 1.4 Duratorq powertrains, which deliver on the optimum mix of gripping performance and frugal fuel consumption. Class and style within customers’ reach The elegant new Fiesta Classic gets a refreshingly classy new interior with Ebony and Jasper Blue coloured instrument panel, a new centre and floor console finished in Graphic Metallic, new seats with soft feel fabric and enhanced dual-tone door trims. In addition, all the product variants will display the ‘Classic’ moniker and will be available in a striking new body colour – Colorado Red. It is offered in both petrol and diesel engine options across three variants – LXI, CLXI and SXI to suit growing customer requirements. Reliable as well as frugal Thrilling performance and fuel efficiency are signature attributes of the Fiesta Classic, which customers have been experiencing and enjoying throughout their ownership. This was proven once again by delivering 30 kmpl with the diesel and 20 kmpl with the petrol, as per a cross-country drive undertaken by a leading automotive magazine. Recently, Fiesta was ranked highest by TNS for Customer Satisfaction in the `Midsize Segment’, in their latest Automotive 2010 India Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) study. In addition to the new Colorado Red, customers can choose from the existing six colour options –Moondust Silver, Diamond White, Panther Black, Sea Grey, Morello, and Chill. Encouraged by the existing Fiesta Classic, Endeavour and The Figo’s remarkable success and popularity, Ford India plans to bring the all-new global premium sedan Fiesta into India later this year. This is part of its strategy to bolster Ford India’s portfolio with eight new models by middle of the decade. Ford Fiesta Classic Image Gallery

Tagged as: automotive, black, classic, customer, ford, ford fiesta, indian, press, press-release

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Would you buy a Tata Nano from the local supermarket?

by Paul Joseph March 17, 2011 Featured

Ratan Tata’s dream child – the Tata Nano hasn’t quite dominated the market as one expected. Heck, it hasn’t even challenged the supremo Maruti Alto in that segment. Sure, the Singur event, the fire controversies, manufacturing & delivery issues and other factors had a lot to do with the slow progress of the Nano in terms of sales. But Tata Motors also felt that the ‘distribution aspect’ of the car was overlooked as well. Hence, the company has gone one step forward and has tied up with Big Bazaar to sell the Nano from their outlets. This is the first time in the history on Indian Auto Industry that a passenger car will be sold in a hypermarket. Future group’s Customer Strategy president Sandip Tarkas – There is a lot of commonality between Big Bazaar consumers and prospective Nano buyers. Big Bazaar as a concept appeals to the masses and with over 150 million footfalls every year, we are trying to see how we can sell Nano, which has a similar positioning. If sources are to be believed, Big Bazaar has already sold 450 Nanos in the month on February. Personally, I believe that this move will get the Nano an unprecedented exposure that no other car has received till date. Just imagine the plethora of people that walk into a Big Bazaar everyday. Not only these people come from a varied stratum of the society, but they also spend a lot of time doing their daily groceries. Clearly, they would love spare a few moments to have a detailed look at the Nano. But I doubt India is ready to buy a car ‘off the shelf’. The things that one buys in a supermarket are commodities that you use on a day to day basis. No one researches on those commodities prior to buying them. You don’t ask your friends, read magazines or browse on the internet for advice when you buy a commodity. You see it, you look at the price, you look at the features, you look at the discounts and put it in your carry basket. That’s it! I believe a car is much more than a commodity. It is an aspirational good that one buys after due diligence. Even if you are very rich, you will still think twice before buying a car. So although I would love to have a detailed look at the car in my local Big Bazaar, I would still go home and do my research before buying it. And after I have done my research, why would I go to Big Bazaar to buy a car? I would rather prefer going to a Tata dealership to sit down with the sales representative and haggle for discounts and finance schemes. This is especially true if you look at the target market of the Tata Nano. What are you opinions? Are you ready to say “1 kilo Rice, 2 kilo Dal aur ek Tata Nano” ?

Tagged as: customer, fire, india, indian, internet, nano, research, sales, tata motors

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Ferrari California, Italia, 599, FF confirmed for India

by Paul Joseph March 15, 2011 Featured

Ferrari’s India foray, which was under speculation since last year , has finally been made official. As predicted before, Shreyans Group has been appointed as the official importer for Ferrari in India. The prancing horse will first grace Delhi and later this year another dealership will be opened in Mumbai. The cars confirmed so far are Ferrari California, 458 Italia, GTB599 Fiorano as well as their latest shooting brake FF. The price will start from 2.2 crores and then really sky is the limit. On the occasion, Ashish Chordia, Chairman, Shreyans Group – We are proud to announce the partnership with Ferrari. This brand represents for us the epitome of success and we are proud to partner with one of the world’s most desired brand. We will establish a highly qualified network of Ferrari dealers across India to cater to the discerning needs of our customer According to the company sources, Ferrari has allocated 24 cars for India in 2011 out of which 14 cars are already sold.

Tagged as: customer, ferrari, india

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