Ford India to market new fuel-efficient vehicles

Ford India has announced plans to market a new line of fuel-efficient vehicles.

The cars, which will be available for sale in 2010, are fueled by compressed natural gas and liquified petroleum.

Ford India currently distributes Ikon, Fusion and Fiesta cars, as well as the Endeavor sports-utility vehicle. However, the worldwide economic recession caused sales to plummet by 22.5 per cent from April-September 2008. Nevertheless, the company still managed to ship a total of 4,062 cars and SUVs during the troubled period.

"The credit crunch and the lack of confidence has affected [us] in the short-term," admitted Michael Boneham, president of Ford India. According to Boneham, the company expected 2009 to be a tough year for the industry with a single-digit growth (rate). However, the optimistic president projected that sales would increase when Ford launched its fuel-efficient small car in 2010.

Ford will undoubtedly face stiff competition from a number of companies vying to dominate the lucrative Indian automotive market. For example, Toyota is reportedly developing a new fuel-efficient vehicle expected to retail at $5,000. In addition, Tata is slated to launch its affordable $2,500 Nano sometime in the near future.

Mahindra to Launch Xylo in India

Mahindra and Mahindra announced that it is ready to launch its new MUV, Xylo, in India. It has developed its multi-ultility vehicle under the name of Ingenio. The new vehicle has been developed completely in-house after the success of its SUV, the Scorpio.

According to the press release from the company, “The much awaited Mahindra XYLO has been co-created with customers for developing a vehicle around the lifestyle and luxury aspirations of its end customer. This is further testimony to Mahindra’s customer centric vision of co-creating products and services based on the feedback and latent needs of its consumers.”

The vehicle has already undergone thorough testing in India and other countries. It is expected to be priced around Rs. 6.5 lakh to Rs. 7.5 lakh and will be pitted against Toyota Innova and upcoming Tata Indicruz Crossover.

“XYLO has been developed by a team consisting of 160 experts who have created new benchmarks in styling, technology and performance,” said Pawan Goenka, Mahindra Auto President. The car may be launched by end of December 2008.

Maruti To Launch Its First Luxury Family Car in India

India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, plans to enter the D-segment of the Indian car market. It will be launching its new model, Kizashi, in India by 2009. It will be one of the first cars in India that will have four-wheel drive in its segment. The new model will compete with Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Hyundai Sonata, Skoda Octavia, and Volkswagen Jetta.

Maruti is already the most successful car manufacturer in the A-segment and B-segment cars in India. Its engineers are now working towards a new target of bringing the model from the concept form to the production level. The car was first unveiled at the Frankfurt Motors Show 2007. It was also showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo 2008. The new model, Kizashi, is basically a crossover sports sedan powered with an advanced four-valve turbo-fired 2-litre petrol engine completely compliant with Euro V norms.

The company sources have not spoken officially about the car or its prices but the new model is expected to be priced at Rs. 10 lakh and above. The new model may roll out from the Manesar plant in Gurgaon by end-2009 or early 2010.

First seven-seater car launched in India

The Swedish Volvo Group is launching its first seven seater car in India, which is available in five attractive colours, stylishly priced at Rs 58 lakhs. Paul De Vojis, managing director, India says, they plan to launch three more models soon..

SWEDISH LUXURY car manufacturer Volvo has rolled out the latest variant of its luxury SUV XC90 in the Indian market. The car comes outfitted with a powerful V8 4.4 litre petrol engine delivering 315 bhp.

The XC90 made an entry to the Indian market in the year 2007 and the all-new variant is loaded with a host of luxury and safety features. It comes equipped with sports calibrated steering, sport-tuned chassis, and stylish stability control techniques.

According to Volvo Car India managing director Paul De Voijs, “The launch of the new variant of XC90 aims to broaden our model range to attract more customers with an active and urban lifestyle. Volvo that entered the Indian market in September last year with two models, has so far sold over 100 units.

He also said that we plan to launch our most recent offering XC60 soon after it is rolled out in Europe in November this year. We have three other models that might also be launched in India.”

The Volvo XC90 R-DESIGN will be available in five colours and is the first seven seater Volvo car in the country. The car is priced at Rs 58 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The company is also planning to bring its all-new compact-sized crossover, XC60, in the country after its launch in Europe next month.