Mercedes-Benz launched two new cars – AUTO SHOW 2012

Mercedes-Benz launched India’s most powerful open top vehicle: the SLS AMG roadster and the all new M-Class in India.

The SLS AMG: While it looks like a beauty, it does ride like a beast. The eight cylinder V8 engine produces rumbling 571 horse power at 6800 rpm with a maximum torque of 650 Nm at 4750 rpm. It can go from 0-100 km/h in under four seconds (3.8s) and has a top speed of 317 km/h. The power and performance of a monster, the SLS AMG Roadster has all the trimmings of a formidable sports car.

The M-Class: Continuing in true M-Class tradition the third generation of this vehicle sets new benchmarks in SUV design, technology and performance. Pioneering the interpretation of a contemporary SUV, the NEW M-Class sports a powerful exterior and an interior featuring high-quality detail. The vehicle leads the field in terms of safety, comfort, quality feel. It is the benchmark for comfort and load compartment capacity and offers ease of handling on and off-road. In a nutshell, the M-Class is the new benchmark for a Luxury SUV in driver’s delight, passenger convenience and overall safety, a testimony of which is the prestigious EURO NCAP 5 Star rating awarded to the vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz also showcased the fresh, vibrant product design through the Concept A-Class; the car which will offer design cues to future Mercedes-Benz development.

Mercedes-Benz utilized the Auto Expo to launch a new platform apart from launching 2 new cars.

Mb.Inspired: The philosophy of Best or Nothing has always inspired Mercedes-Benz as a guiding philosophy. It has not just inspired Mercedes-Benz in pioneering many innovations, it has also helped Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be the best in the auto industry and many more. Mercedes-Benz would be promoting this philosophy in India through the mb.Inspired Initiative. A new India is on the rise and its all about youth and rising aspirations. It’s a India which is fearless about taking risks and doesn’t fear failure. Mercedes-Benz commemorates these young youth inspirational icons through mb. Inspired

Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India explains: “ As India readies itself for globalization, the young India seeks recognition for their talent & uncompromising attitude which have made many stand up & get recognition in their respective fields. mb Inspired is once such platform which shall recognize these individuals & collaborate with them to spread inspiration. This helps us in communicating our brand values of Best or Nothing seamlessly to the Indian consumers”

Debashis Mitra: Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said; “mb. Inspired is an initiative which synergises the Mercedes Benz ethos across various creative , sporting, business and lifestyle universes. The result is a collaborative perspective that fuels new ways of thinking and spreads inspiration.”

Farhan Akhtar, Chetan Bhagat & Masaba Gupta are all reflections of these very brand values which inspire the younger generation to take up new challenges & risks. They demonstrate the philospy of “Best or Nothing” in their own fields & spread inspiration in their peer groups.

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Toyota Launches the NEW Prius – AUTO SHOW 2012

Toyota Launches the NEW Prius - with Solar Powered Ventilation System & Easy Seat - a social initiative

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd launched its all new variant of Prius - a pioneer and global leader in Hybrid technology at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. Toyota furthered its endeavor to “serve the society” with the launch of Easy Seat – a customized swivel seat for people with special mobility needs.

The new Prius is priced between Rs. 27, 38,500/- to Rs.29, 40,500/- ex-showrooms Delhi.

Prius

The Prius - third generation - was first introduced in India in 2010. Prius is a pioneer in hybrid technology and the first mass production hybrid vehicle. Much more than delivering exceptional fuel efficiency and lower carbon emission, it shaped a revolution in various ways including advanced design and powerful driving performance and received great acclaim around the world.

True to the meaning of its name, i.e. 'to go before,' in Latin, the Prius is ahead of times as it not only anticipated but also answered the needs of an environment – conscious world, shaping a new direction for what is possible, and setting a benchmark for the future.

Building on its pioneering technology and achievements Prius has leaped further ahead by introducing the latest innovation in advanced automotive technology – the Solar Ventilation System. This feature comes with a solar panel integrated on the moon roof, generating electricity and using it to ventilate inside the cabin when the vehicles is parked. The Remote Air Conditioning System enables you to operate the air conditioning system by remote control before entering the car, lowering the temperature inside the cabin.

Other New Features In Prius:

Sporty Exterior Design: New Design Front Grill, Front Bumper, Headlamps, Turn Indicator with ORVM Retract and New Design Alloy Caps and LED Tail Lamps

Luxurious and premium Interiors: New Audio JBL 8 speaker with USB Port and Back Monitor

Mr. Shekar Viswanathan, Deputy Managing Director – Commercial, TKM, said “The introduction of the Prius was Toyota’s endeavor to bring in advanced automotive hybrid technology to India with an aim to initiate and encourage the hybrid market in India. We aim to increase awareness on hybrids, the eco friendly vehicle of tomorrow. The new Prius has further enhanced its technological offerings with the unique and innovative solar powered ventilation system .This feature an engineering marvel is one of its kind in the industry. We hope to see more Prius customers and contribute to the growth of the Indian hybrid market and thereby contribute to a greener tomorrow.

Easy Seat

Toyota has always strived to serve the society and has considered its “customer first “in all its endeavors. Easy Seat was made with this philosophy in mind. The Easy Seat is a TKM recommended accessory. It is a customized swivel seat aimed to provide transport solutions especially for the mobility impaired. The Easy Seat will come as a fitment to the Corolla Altis. The Easy Seat will ensure that a wide range of people, including those with special mobility needs will be able to use vehicles comfortably.

The Easy Seat has a mechanism that enables the seat to swivel and slide. The user – friendly seat can be slid and turned with ease, allowing easy entry and exit for those with special mobility needs. The Easy Seat is recommended for people with special medical conditions like arthritis, knee related ailments etc. Easy Seat is designed and developed by M/s Graphica Design Solutions Pvt. Ltd and is a Toyota recommended accessory. It has also been certified by ARAI and meets all industry safety norms.

The Easy Seat will be priced at Rs. 29,979/- (Toyota Dealer Price in Delhi). Easy Seat comes with a one year warranty offered by M/s Graphica Design Solutions Pvt. Ltd. The Easy Seat is made against order and the fitment will be done at all authorized Toyota dealerships only.

Mr. Sandeep Singh, Deputy Managing Director – Marketing “We are glad to introduce the Easy Seat, which will enable us to serve our customers better and cater to their special needs. Toyota’s global policy is to pro actively provide travel solutions to a cross section of people. It is looked upon as our social responsibility. Toyota strives to understand the needs of its customers enabling us to serve them better by enhancing the customer experience. Easy Seat was made with this philosophy in mind. With Easy Seat we aim to provide Toyota’s comfort and luxury to all our customers, even those with special needs.”

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Ducati unveils Monster M795 – AUTO EXPO 2012

Italian superbike maker Ducati unveiled its ‘Monster’ model M795 at India Auto Expo 2012.

Talking about the event CEO Ashish Chordia told “We have priced it attractively to make it easier for Ducatisti to own their favorite brand”. The M795 is supposedly the most affordable Monster priced at Rs 6.99 Lakh. The Monster 795 is the definitive naked sports bike and a lifestyle icon of unmatched brilliance.

The Monster M795 is packed with a 803cc engine with a maximum power of 86 bhp@8250 rpm and is developed specially for Asian market.

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Land Rover Defender Concept 100 India debut– AUTO EXPO 2012

LandRover press

Land Rover's Defender Concept 100 and Defender Concept 100 Sport made its Indian debut at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012.

John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director said: "The Defender has always been at the heart of the Land Rover Brand and single-handedly defines our go-anywhere, can-do spirit. Our ambition is to create an all new Defender for a global market that remains absolutely faithful to its original DNA: tough, versatile, durable and capable. At the same time, it will be developed for the 21st century and adaptable for the needs of future generations. Our intention is to introduce the all new Defender in the middle of the decade - there's a lot of work to do to meet these dates and our concepts are just the start of the journey. We are here in India to showcase the Defender Concept 100 and Defender Concept 100 Sport." 

Shown for the first time in Firenze Red paint with a white roof, the Defender Concept 100 re-invents the essential Defender design cues for the 21st century. These include short overhangs for extreme approach and departure angles, vertical panels, an upright windscreen and strong shoulder line for visibility and ease of positioning and, of course, the honest Defender 'face' with its signature round lamps and prominent grille, incorporating a winch.

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Jaguar C-X75 and C-X16 concepts make Indian debut – AUTO EXPO 2012

Jaguar press Conf

The award winning Jaguar concepts, the C-X75 and C-X16 made its debuts at the New Delhi Auto Expo 2012. The stunning C-X75 and C-X16 concepts clearly indicate the company's continued commitment to innovation and investment in future technology.

Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar Global Brand Director, said: "Both the C-X75 and C-X16 won best-in-show awards following their global debuts, and today we're proud to introduce these exciting concepts to the Indian market here at the New Delhi Auto Show.

"In May of 2011, following an incredibly positive reaction to its launch, we announced that the C-X75 concept would be developed into production form, and that process is well-advanced. The C-X75 is destined to be one of the world's most desirable, exclusive, efficient and advanced supercars.

"Reaction to the C-X16 coupe has been equally positive following its debut in Frankfurt during September of last year, and as a vivid evocation in aluminium of Jaguar's future sports car design language, it points to very exciting times ahead."

Displayed alongside the C-X75 and C-X16 was the XF, XJ and XK models.

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Maruti Suzuki’s new compact SUV unveiled – AUTO EXPO 2012

Maruti Suzuki, India’s largest car maker unveiled its compact SUV named XA Alpha at the auto expo 2012.

About 5 Maruti engineers were involved in the project to develop the new concept along with the engineers of Suzuki, which took about 10 months, the company said. The concept XA Alpha is developed by unified R&D teamwork of Suzuki Motor Corp and Maruti Suzuki India.

The XA Alpha displays combination of boldness and strength, with elegance and compactness. The XA Alpha is aimed at the youth’s and for customers looking for an SUV segment.

Mr Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd said “We expect customer expectations to become more sophisticated. They will select the vehicle based on their personality and lifestyle.” 

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Mahindra and SsangYong’s Rexton unveiled – AUTO EXPO 2012

Mahindra and Mahindra, unveiled a sports utility vehicle- Rexton, from its subsidiary SsangYong. Mahindra plans to develop a platform for two new vehicles jointly with the SsangYong.

Customers probably can anticipate the availability of the Rexton in the next six months.  An addition to the list of Mahindra vehicles would be SsangYong’s Korando C which will hit Indian shore by next year.

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Ford to Preview All-New Global Vehicle at Auto Expo 2012

Ford will use Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi for the global preview of an all-new vehicle, providing the first glimpse of another next-generation vehicle for India and other global markets

Ford's all-new vehicle will join a showcase of 12 vehicles on display to capture the attention of customers

The Ford stand will use the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers

Visitors to the Ford stand at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi next month will get the first glimpse of an all-new vehicle planned for introduction in India and other global markets in the near future. With expected attendance of 1.4 million visitors, Auto Expo 2012 is an ideal location to showcase the newest Ford product.

This next-generation vehicle will take centre stage on Ford's high-tech and interactive stand, which will cover roughly 1,400 square meters. Highlights planned for Auto Expo 2012 include comprehensive safety and quality displays, a 3D theater, live shows and a crowd-sourced, interactive driving game.

The new vehicle will be the latest One Ford global product, a vehicle designed to help expand Ford's footprint in the world's fastest-growing auto markets, including India. It will be the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by mid-decade.

Fleet of Ford Vehicles on Display

Also on the Ford stand will be the Ford Figo, the All-New Fiesta, the Ford Classic and the Ford Endeavour.

The Figo has already sold around 130,000 units since its launch in March 2010. While the Figo has only been in the Indian market for a short time, it has become the country's most awarded car ever, and has garnered industry-wide recognition as a great value-for-money vehicle, which is exported to close to 30 international markets.

The Ford Classic, as it is known today, has established a strong foothold in the Indian market by winning more than 120,000 customers with its on-road dynamics and best-in-class fuel efficiency, while the Ford Endeavour is a popular all-action SUV.

The All-New Ford Fiesta four-door sedan, soon to be available with the new best-in-class PowerShift automatic transmission, also will be on display. A premium offering in the B-car segment, it is another positive step in Ford's strategy to bring the latest technology to customers in India. Compared to traditional four-speed automatics, the PowerShift transmission can improve fuel economy by up to 9 percent, depending on the vehicle.

Ford Stand Bursting With Activity

The Ford stand will take advantage of the latest technology to deliver a lively and interactive experience for customers.

A major highlight will be allowing the audience to take control of a vehicle on a large LED screen – virtually. Using a motion-sensing camera, the crowd will collectively be able to control the vehicle as it rolls along the road, and unlock information at each bend. The display will prompt the crowd to lean left and right during a short drive as it shows highlights of the route.

Photos from this event will be taken during each game and uploaded to a Facebook gallery, where visitors can tag themselves.

Ford also will have a Figo Theatre that allows customers to sit inside the car and watch a film played on a plasma television in front of the windscreen. The video will explain the Figo's Smart technologies.

Another theatre, in 3D, will showcase the technologies Ford takes advantage of in designing, developing and engineering its vehicles. Guests will navigate a virtual car interior under the guidance of a Ford engineer.

A Quality Touch Table will provide guests with a hands-on opportunity to feel the quality of the materials used in Ford vehicles, while a Green Touch Table will demonstrate the long-term value of Ford's green technology, delivering on Ford's commitment to provide customers with low total cost of ownership.

A Fiesta body shell also will be on display, giving visitors an opportunity to discover the engineering features that make the Fiesta safe, sturdy and secure on the road.

Guests will be entertained by a local magician who will perform on the stand, telling Ford's safety stories in a fun way.

Auto Expo 2012 runs from January 7-11 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

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Mercedes-Benz India to set the pulse racing at the 11th Auto Expo, 2012

Mercedes-Benz India to set the pulse racing at the 11th Auto Expo, 2012 with its new design language, exciting products and world acclaimed future technologies

Pursuing the tremendous success achieved in 2011, Mercedes-Benz India is all set to further unveil the sporty and dynamic attributes of the Three Pointed Star, at the 11th Auto Expo. Mercedes-Benz India will be introducing its new fascinating design language that invokes excitement and reflects dynamism of the brand. The company will set the pulse of the new generation racing by showcasing the concept A-Class, which is globally acclaimed for its expressive design and technological marvels.

Among the main highlights for Auto Expo 2012, Mercedes-Benz India for the first time in India will also be showcasing its new generation compact cars, future technology like the Fuel-Cell that will define the future of automobile, and also an array of exciting product range that is hallmark of the state-of-the-art innovations in automobile manufacturing, synonymous with the company.

Mercedes-Benz India stall at the 11th Auto Expo will be largest among luxury car manufacturers spreading over 3600 sq. metres. The stall will see the presence of more than 10 cars that includes stunning cars like the SLS GT3 and the DTM car, and also a range of performance cars from the AMG stable. The Auto Expo will also provide the motorsports enthusiasts of the country, the opportunity of enrolling for the soon to be launched Mercedes-Benz- JPSI Performance Driving Academy, a first of its kind platform for nurturing racing talent in India.

Peter T Honegg: Managing Director& CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said; “Our showcase at the Auto-Expo this year will be impressive both in terms of presentation and display vehicles. The Mercedes-Benz Arena located exclusively at Hall 15 will feature the company’s new design language; it will also showcase the pulse of a new generation, the concept A-Class and the equally acclaimed Fuel Cell technology. There will be a lounge area to offer an exclusive experience, special accessory outlets besides opportunities to offer networking possibilities for patrons and representatives. There will be several show-stoppers including the launch of the stunning SLS AMG Roadster. Besides these there will be technology demonstrators as well as an array of exotic Mercedes-Benz cars that represents automotive design and technology at its best.”

Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. has had very successful 2011 with a growth of 31% (January – November 2011 6698 units sold as compared to 5110 units for January – November 2010).

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