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Marutis Proposed SUV and New Engines
Maruti Udyog is to consolidate its position in the SUV market by launching a new product priced between the Gypsy and the Grand Vitara. It is also considering localising production of the Vitara in a bid to bring down its price. The variant, which is expected to be in the price band of Rs 9-12 lakh, will have a sizable local content to cut costs.
Additionally, Maruti Udyog will replace its entire F-series of engines, currently rolled out in models like M800, Alto, Wagon R and Zen Estilo, with the more advanced K-series by the end of 2008. The K-series are not only Euro IV compliant but are also more fuel-efficient. The engine will replace F10 engine of the Wagon R and the Zen Estilo. It's also likely to replace the G13 engine of the Swift and the Esteem later. The new engine will offer higher bhp, but may make cars fitted with it slightly more expensive. The cars with the new engine will be sold in the domestic and export market.
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Toyota Launches Limited Edition Innova
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Toyota Kirloskar has set a sales target of 4,000 units per month for its multi-purpose vehicle, the Innova, for the year 2007. The company has also launched a limited edition model of the Innova. Toyota is targeting to sell 1,000 units of the limited edition Innova |
during January to March after which the vehicle would be taken off the market. The vehicle will be priced at Rs 9.15 lakh in Pune. The limited edition, available in an eight-seater G1diesel variant, comes with a 2.5 litre D-4D diesel engine, and is available in two shades, warm silver and simpson red. |
Toyota Promises Interesting New Innovation
Toyota Motor Corp. will develop a system to stop a vehicle if it detects the driver is drunk. The system is expected to be available in the year 2009 and will analyze sweat on the palms of the driver's hands to asses the blood alcohol content, and would then not allow the vehicle to be started if the reading is above the safety limits. The system would also analyze the driver's eye movement, driving performance and other factors.
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Hondas Upgrade Accord and Hyundais Diesel Sonata
Honda launched the new upgraded version of its luxury sedan, the Accord, in Delhi. The 2.4 litre base version has been priced at Rs 14.92 lakh, while for the top end automatic versions, the 2 litre engine model comes at Rs 15.62 lakh, and the 3 litre V6 engine model has been priced at Rs 17.32 lakh (an increase of Rs 38,000). The company has |
shelved its plans to introduce the diesel Accord in the Indian market at the same time as Hyundai launched the new Sonata diesel at under 15 lacs with a 2.0 litre, 4 cylinder turbocharged CRDi engine pumping out 142PS @ 4000 Rpm. |
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M&M Eyes The US
M&M is to market an Indian designed and made SUV in the US in an attempt to become the first Indian carmaker to break into the American market. M&M has signed a distribution agreement with Global Vehicles of the US to market Mahindra products through a network of dealers. The design and production of the new SUV are still in the planning stages.
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Price Increased
Automakers are hiking the prices of their models this year. Hyundai Motor India has increased the price of its new model Verna by Rs 3,500-10,000.
Tata Motors has raised the price of its SUV, the Safari, by Rs 15,000, and Sumo by Rs 5,000. Honda Siel Cars has increased the price of its City range by Rs 5,200 to Rs 8,400, and the Civic range by about Rs 12,000. |
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