Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Tata Motors to launch diesel Nano by 2010

Tata Motors to launch diesel Nano by 2010

MUMBAI: TATA Motors could follow up the launch of Nano’s petrol variant on March 23 with a diesel variant by the middle of next year. "We are Nano part-suppliers for the diesel version and have been asked to start supplying to the Tatas in six months," a vendor told ET.

"If vendors start supplying by August-September, the company should be able to roll out the diesel version by the middle of next year after extensively testing the product."

Multiple auto industry sources indicated this version could come with a price tag of Rs 2 lakh, making it the cheapest diesel car. The Tata Indicab, priced at Rs 3.06-3.3 lakh ex-showroom, is currently the cheapest diesel car. Against this, the base variant (without AC) of the petrol Nano will be priced at Rs 1 lakh (ex-showroom) and deluxe variants could cost Rs 1.4-1.6 lakh.

In response to an email query about the launch of the diesel version, Tata Motors said, "We would make the announcement at an appropriate time."

However, a company source said Tata Motors is unlikely to manufacture diesel Nanos at its interim facility in Pantnagar. As the company has tested the gasoline engine, it will ramp up capacity of the petrol variant. Once the Sanand (Gujarat) facility comes up and a sufficient number of petrol Nanos are built, it could start with the diesel variant, the source added.

Currently, the company plans to produce petrol variants from its Pantnagar facility. Industrial experts said the demand for diesel versions could be high because of Tata Motors’ strength in the diesel vehicle segment. "Historically, Tata Motors has fared much better in all of their diesel versions compared with petrol versions," said
an analyst.

Ratan Tata chairman Tata Group, while unveiling the Nano at the Delhi Motor Show in January 2008, had said the petrol versions would be followed by diesel versions.

Other vendors, when asked about the launch of the Nano diesel, said they had been asked to develop products for diesel versions. "We are suppliers for petrol as well as diesel versions. We have developed products and would be able to supply to the Tatas at one month’s notice," said a vendor who supplies engine parts for Nano.

Vendors also told ET, for March and April, the company has asked them to supply components for 1,000-1,500 Nano units. Moreover, the company is believed to have manufactured 600 units in February. These 600 units would be sent to all dealers throughout India for display after March 23.

If industry sources are to be believed, the Nano diesel would be powered by a 624-cc engine as its petrol counterpart. The company is also looking at higher engine options like a 684cc two-cylinder DiCor diesel engine. The diesel Nano would be available in three versions — basic, deluxe and luxury.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Tata-Motors-to-launch-Rs-2-lakh-diesel-Nano-by-2010/articleshow/4220799.cms

Ravi Kant and Ratan Tata


Ravi Kant (MD Tata Motors) and Ratan Tata (Chairman Tata Motors) with the Tata Nano Europa at Geneva Motor Show 2009

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Audi India Authorized Dealer Showrooms

Audi Ahmedabad
Rudra-Path, S.G. Road,
Ahmedabad

Audi Bangalore
Survey No. 6/1, Beratana
Agrahara, 15th KM, Hosur Main Road


Audi Chandigarh
Plot No. 171, Industrial Area,
Phase I

Audi Delhi
B -1/H 1, Mohan Co-operative Industrial Estate,
Mathura Road, New Delhi

Audi Gurgaon
Orchid Centre, Sector – 54,
Golf Course Road

Audi Hyderabad
8-2-684/A, Road No.12,
Banjara Hills

Audi Pune
Pro1 Business Centre, Plot No. 395 + 396,
Senapati Bapat Road, Shivajinagar

Audi Mumbai
81, Dr. Annie Besant Road

Source: www.Audi.in

Audi India: Records impressive sales growth of 95 percent in February 2009


Mumbai – Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, today announced an increase in its performance with the sales of 113 cars in February 2009 - a growth of 95 percent in comparison to February 2008 (58 cars).


In spite of the challenging market situation, the first two months (Jan–Feb) of this year have been impressive for

Audi India as sales grew constantly by 95 percent in both months: In January 2009, 109 units were sold, up 95 percent in comparison to January 2008 (56 cars). In the year 2008, Audi India's vehicle sales volume grew by 201 percent with sale of 1,050 cars as compared to 349 units in 2007.



“Our steady growth in India is reflected once again in our sales performance last month that has almost doubled when compared to February 2008. To gain additional market share we are looking forward to introducing new models and expanding our dealerships network to mini-metro cities this year. This reaffirms our commitment to Indian customer by offering superior performance and great value through the core essence of 'Vorsprung durch Technik’,” said Benoit Tiers, Managing Director of Audi India.



The Audi model range comprising the new Audi A4, Audi A6, Audi A8, Audi Q7, Audi TT and Audi R8 is available in India at present in twelve dealerships across the country: in Delhi, Gurgaon, Chandigarh, Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Chennai, Kochi and Kolkata.

Source:www. audi.in

Ratan N Tata Chairman Tata Sons and Tata Motors unveiling the Tata Prima at the Geneva Motor Show 2009




Ratan N Tata Chairman Tata Sons and Tata Motors unveiling the Tata Prima at the Geneva Motor Show 2009

Soruce: www.tatamotors.com

Tata Indica Vista EV


Tata Indica Vista EV

The Tata Indica Vista EV will be a more practicable option for the consumer: capable of carrying four individuals, adequate luggage space, with a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds. Tata Motors continues its innovative approach with the Indica Vista EV too, using super polymer lithium ion batteries which have superior energy density to conventional batteries. Tata Motors’ electric vehicles will be produced in association with Miljo Grenland/Innovasjon, Norway. Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has a 70% stake in Miljo. The first such vehicle to be developed by the company is the Indica EV, which is currently undergoing extensive tests in Europe.



Besides these three new cars, Tata Motors is displaying the new generation Tata Indica Vista itself. Launched in India in August 2008, it has received excellent customer response. It has received two prestigious Indian awards -- the UTVi Autocar Best Value for Money Car Award and the Business Standard Motoring Jury Award. Also on display is the Tata Xenon 2.2 litre double-cab, an ideal dual-use vehicle with contemporary styling and superior convenience.

Source: www.tatamotors.com

Tata Nano Europa, for future launch in international markets, displayed at 79th Geneva Motor Show


Geneva, March 3, 2009: Tata Motors today presented at the 79th Geneva Motor Show the Tata Nano Europa, intended for a future launch in select international markets. The company has also displayed the Tata Prima, a concept luxury sedan, and the Tata Indica Vista EV, an electric vehicle based on the award-winning new generation Tata Indica Vista.



Speaking on the occasion at the Geneva Motor Show, Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman of Tata Sons and Tata Motors, said, “In India, the Nano will be launched on March 23, and the cars will be on display at company dealerships from the first week of April. The Nano has also generated wide interest in developed countries, since it’s unveiling in Delhi and its presentation here last year. We are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in such markets. The Indica Vista EV represents the work of Tata Motors on alternate technologies, while the Prima is an iteration of a luxury sedan we will introduce. They together signify the ongoing evolution in our cars.”



Tata Nano Europa

With a length of 3.29 metres and width of 1.58 metres, the Tata Nano Europa continues to be stylishly petite but surprises with its spacious interior and generous leg space. The slightly longer wheelbase of 2.28 metres combines excellent space and manoeuvrability, further improving on the benchmark standard set by the Tata Nano. The enhanced spaciousness is complemented by redesigned interiors, marked by smooth curves and a high tech yet gentle feel.



To meet the driving needs of its target customers, the Tata Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder sporty all-aluminium MPFI engine matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and electric power steering. The gasoline engine will be class-leading, providing high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission of less than 100 gm / km meeting the twin goals of being environmentally friendly and stylish – just like the Tata Nano.



The Tata Nano Europa meets all safety regulations. In addition to the all sheet-metal body, its energy absorbing design, use of advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and Air Bags will enhance passenger safety.



Just like the Tata Nano, the Tata Nano Europa incorporates exterior compactness with interior comfort and seeks to provide motorists the pleasure and utility of personal mobility combined with affordability and environment-friendliness, in a world where smaller, fuel-efficient cars are emerging as a preferred choice.



Tata Prima

The Tata Prima, the concept luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina, is an iteration of the next generation luxury sedan from Tata Motors. It combines the fundamental design characteristics of the Tata brand, as seen in the Tata Indigo, with sporty curvatures to create a coupe-like silhouette, simple yet refined with an inherent premium.



The Tata Prima’s large wheelbase of 2.70 metres endows it with excellent interior space that a luxury sedan demands. The subtle treatment of the C pillar, the hallmark of a Pininfarina design’s gracefulness and sporty characteristic, brings forth a coupe-like sloped cabin and tapering back without compromising interior space. The result is that the Tata Prima concept exudes an overall elegance, endowed with style, luxury and comfort and proportions that are classical yet modern.

Source: www.tatamotors.com

Tata Prima


Tata Prima

Tata Prima displayed at 79th Geneva Motor Show


Tata Prima

The Tata Prima, the concept luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina, is an iteration of the next generation luxury sedan from Tata Motors. It combines the fundamental design characteristics of the Tata brand, as seen in the Tata Indigo, with sporty curvatures to create a coupe-like silhouette, simple yet refined with an inherent premium.



The Tata Prima’s large wheelbase of 2.70 metres endows it with excellent interior space that a luxury sedan demands. The subtle treatment of the C pillar, the hallmark of a Pininfarina design’s gracefulness and sporty characteristic, brings forth a coupe-like sloped cabin and tapering back without compromising interior space. The result is that the Tata Prima concept exudes an overall elegance, endowed with style, luxury and comfort and proportions that are classical yet modern.


Soruce:www.tatamotoars.com

Skoda mulls to introduce Yeti in India; to launch new Laura

GENEVA: German car maker Skoda is mulling to introduce its sports utility vehicle 'Yeti' in India, besides looking at launching an advanced version of its sedan Laura, when the car will be relaunched in India by June this year.

"We are currently conducting tests on Yeti to see its suitability for India. We want to bring the car to India. However, the car will be launched in India only after it is introduced in Europe," SkodaAuto India Pvt Ltd Managing Director Karsten Bogun told the media at the Geneva Motor Show.

Skoda unveiled the SUV at the Motor Show and the vehicle will be launched in the European market in the next few months with a 1.2 litre petrol engine and a 2.0 litre diesel engine.

For the Indian market, Yeti's engine capacity would be tweaked and could come with a 1.8 litre petrol engine,he said.

The company is also considering powering Laura with a new 2.0 litre diesel engine.

"We are thinking of a 2.0 litre diesel engine for the Laura in India. Final decision will be taken when the new Laura will be launched in May-June," Bogun said. Laura was launched in India in 2005 with a 1.9 litre diesel engine.

The company sells Octavia and Superb, besides the Laura, in the sedan segment in India. It also sells the premium hatchback Fabia.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Auto/Skoda-mulls-to-introduce-Yeti-in-India-to-launch-new-Laura-/articleshow/4217490.cms

Tata Motors unveils the Nano Europa

MUMBAI: Tata Motors on Tuesday unveiled the Nano Europa, the European version of the Nano, at the Geneva Motor show. Nano Europa.


"In India, the Nano will be launched on March 23, and the cars will be on display at company dealerships from the first week of April. Since the Nano has generated wide interest in developed countries, we are delighted to present the Nano Europa for future launch in such markets," said Ratan N Tata, chairman Tata Motors at the Geneva Motor show.

The company also displayed the Tata Prima, a concept luxury sedan, and the Indica Vista EV, an electric vehicle based on the new generation Tata Indica Vista.

The Indica Vista EV represents the work of Tata Motors on alternate technologies, while the Prima is an iteration of a luxury sedan we will introduce, Mr Tata said.

To meet the driving needs of its target customers, the Nano Europa will be powered by a 3-cylinder sporty aluminium MPFI engine matched with a 5-speed automatic transmission, and electric power steering. The gasoline engine meets all safety regulations, with high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission. The car will also use advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP and air bags to enhance passenger safety.

The Tata Prima, the concept luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina, is an iteration of the next generation luxury sedan from Tata Motors. The Vista EV, a more practicable option for the consumer will have a predicted range of up to 200 km and acceleration of 0-60 kmph in under 10 seconds.

Tata Motors’ electric vehicles will be produced in association with Miljo Grenland/Innovasjon, Norway. Tata Motors’ UK subsidiary, Tata Motors European Technical Centre plc, has a 70% stake in Miljo.

The first such vehicle to be developed by the company is the Indica EV, which is currently undergoing extensive tests in Europe. Also on display is the Tata Xenon 2.2 litre double-cab, like-style pick up vehicle.

Soruce:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Tata-Motors-unveils-the-Nano-Europa/articleshow/4218450.cms

Monday, March 2, 2009

Tata Motors February 2009 domestic sales at 42,493 nos

Mumbai, March 2, 2009: Tata Motors’ domestic sales for the month of February 2009 were 42,493 nos., the highest in the last 4 months. Domestic commercial vehicle sales at 23,454 nos. were the highest since September 2008, while domestic passenger vehicle sales at 19,039 nos. were the highest since May 2008. The company’s total sales (including exports) were 43,807vehicles, also highest in the last 4 months.

While the financial stimulus announced by the Government, particularly for commercial vehicles, has had a positive impact, the retail market would still take some time to reach the corresponding period levels of the last fiscal. As a result, February 2009 domestic sales nos. were 15% lower than that of February 2008. Cumulative sales (including exports) for the company were 444,071 nos., 14% lower than the corresponding period in the last fiscal.

Commercial Vehicles
The company’s sales of commercial vehicles in February 2009 in the domestic market were 23,454 nos., 35% higher than that in January 2009. However, it was 25% lower than 31,317 vehicles sold in February 2008. M&HCV sales at 8,810 nos., was highest in the last 4 months, and reflects a 52% growth over January 2009, but 48% lower than February 2008. LCV sales at 14,644 nos., was also highest in the last 4 months, and even 2% higher than February 2008.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal were 236,006 nos., a decline of 15% over 277,367 nos. last year. Cumulative M&HCV sales stood at 101,341 nos., a decline of 30% over last year, while LCV sales for the fiscal were 134,665 nos., a growth of 2% over last year.

Passenger Vehicles
The company’s sales of passenger vehicles in February 2009 in the domestic market at 19,039 nos. were the highest this fiscal since May 2008 sales of 19,234, 4% up over January 2009, and 1.5% higher than vehicles sold in February last year. Overall sales were in the positive territory only for the second time since May 2008. The February 2009 passenger car sales of the Indica and Indigo range put together at 15,524 nos. were the highest this fiscal, surpassing January 2009 sales of 15,406 and 15% higher than February 2008. Car sales have been in positive territory since October 2008 for four of the five months, due to growing new Indica Vista sales. The Indica range sales at 11,315 nos. came into the positive territory for the first time this fiscal and were 12% higher than February 2008, continuing at their peak level this fiscal of January 2009 sales of 11,433 nos. The Indigo range sales of 4,209 nos. were 27% higher than February 2008. The Utility Vehicle/SUV range accounted for sales of 3,515 nos., 20% higher than January 2009, but 34% lower than February 2008.

Cumulative sales of passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal were 176,454 nos., a decline of 7% over 190,021 nos. in the same period last year. Cumulative sales of the Indica range at 97,575 nos., reported a reducing decline of 20%. Cumulative sales of the Indigo family were 44,614 nos., a growth of 70%. Cumulative sales of the Utility Vehicle/SUV range at 34,265 nos. declined by 17%.

Exports
The company's sales from exports at 1,314 vehicles in February 2009, were up 7% over January 2009, but declined by 68% compared to 4,097 vehicles in February 2008. The cumulative sales from exports for the fiscal at 31,611 nos. declined by 35% over 48,507 nos. in the same period last year.


Soruce:www.tatamotors.com

GM India February 2009 sales at 4921 units

New Delhi: General Motors India registered sales of 4921units in February, 2009 compared to 5563 units sold in the corresponding period last year. The sales for February 2009 comprise of 945 units of Chevrolet Tavera, 746 units of Chevrolet Aveo, 89 units of Chevrolet Optra, 2940 units of Chevrolet Spark and 201 units of Chevrolet Captiva.

Commenting on the sales performance, Mr P. Balendran, Vice President, GM India said “despite adverse market conditions, the Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Captiva registered a healthy increase over their 2008 numbers. The rise in the sales of Chevrolet Spark and Captiva, clearly demonstrates our focus on providing best in class service and catering to changing needs of our valued customers.” The overall sales decline is triggered by the sluggish market conditions combined with tighter lending norms of banks and finance companies. We expect the sales to go up with the liquidity position improving and interest rates marginally coming down in the coming months.

General Motors India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation. GM India manufactures the Chevrolet Optra Magnum, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet SRV, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Tavera and Chevrolet Captiva at its state-of-the-art-facility in Halol, Gujarat.

Source:www.chevyspark.in

HSCI sales for February 2009 jump by over 47% Highest ever sales for the month of February

New Delhi, March 2, 2009: Honda Siel Cars India (HSCI), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, registered a staggering growth of 47.83%. The company reported a robust 5,579 units in sales for the month of February 2009 as against 3,774 units in February 2008 making it the highest ever for the month.


This remarkable growth in sales is fuelled by the success of its leading model- the new Honda City. The company sold 4,739 units of the award-winning car in the month. Honda City won 10 awards including Indian Car of the Year (ICOTY 2009) in the month of February 2009.


Model wise break-up: City: 4,739; Civic: 530; CR-V: 107; Accord: 203


About Honda Siel Cars India Ltd

HSCI was established in December 1995 as a joint venture between Honda Motor Co., (Japan) and Siel Ltd. (India). Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from its established qualities of durability, reliability and fuel-efficiency.Honda Siel Cars’ state-of-the-art manufacturing unit was set up in 1997 at Greater Noida, U.P. and has inaugurated its new expanded capacity of 100,000 units per annum in February 2008.


HSCI launched the 3rd generation all new City in September 2008 which comes with completely new design, new engine, spacious cabin and equipped with various active and passive safety features. Honda’s most successful global model, the eighth generation Civic was launched in July 2006 and is a segment leader.


HSCI launched the 2.0L 2WD CR-V with Honda’s latest iVTEC engine. The 2.0L CR-V has better fuel efficiency without compromising on performance.


The latest 8th generation Honda Accord is a new benchmark in sophistication and luxury, with enhanced safety features. It is a perfect combination of power, style and comfort


HSCI launched India’s first hybrid car– the globally acclaimed Honda Civic Hybrid in June 2008. The Honda Civic Hybrid System features Honda’s revolutionary IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) technology that provides nearly 47% enhanced fuel efficiency than a regular 1.8L Civic AT without compromising on driving performance.



The company operates under the stringent standards of ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environment management.


Soruce: www. hondacarindia.com

TVS launches 'Scooty Streak'


VIJAYAWADA: Two-wheeler manufacturer, TVS has launched the 'Scooty Streak' here.

"Girls will find the Streak more comfortable as it has been made with the aim of offering the right mix of performance, style, convenience and comfort," TVS Area Sales Manager Arun Kumar said at the launch here yesterday.

Streak, the latest from the scooty range, would be a no compromise option considering its valuable features, Kumar added.

Soruce:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Auto/Two-wheelers/TVS-launches-Scooty-Streak/articleshow/4170046.cms

Bajaj XCD 135 DTS-Si hits powerband!

India's second largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Bajaj Auto Ltd. launched one of its first products of 2009, the XCD 135 DTS-Si, in January end and the deliveries began in February 2009. The bike has been welcomed by consumers and within the first fifteen days, Bajaj Auto sold more than 10,000 units of the new XCD 135 DTS-Si.

Bajaj Auto's facility located at Pantnagar which was commissioned in 2007, will now start the manufacturing of the new XCD 135 DTS-Si to meet the increasing demand for the new bike. Bajaj Auto was languishing at the back of the mid-level or 125cc segment and none of its earlier launches managed to shake Hero Honda top standing in the respective segment. With the sales of the new bike growing by the day, Bajaj Auto might have a winner on their hands with the new XCD.

The company is trying its best to promote the bike and wants to ride the wave of freshness until it lasts. The new TV commercial of the XCD 135 DTS-Si is already on air. With aggressive marketing and nation-wide availability of the bike, Bajaj Auto is aiming to sell close to 20,000 bikes by the end of February.

The XCD 135, fittingly bridges the gap between the popular 125cc segment and the steadily developing 150cc segment, providing buyers the best of both worlds.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Auto/Two-wheelers/Bajaj-XCD-135-DTS-Si-hits-powerband/articleshow/4192994.cms

Mercedes makers, dealer asked to compensate for misleading consumer

NEW DELHI: Daimler Chrysler, makers of luxury car Mercedez Benz, and one of its dealers here have been asked to pay Rs.500,000 by a consumer court for misleading a customer by selling a limited edition of a car under the garb of it being the latest model.

"It is apparent and crystal clear that the complainant had been sold by way of misrepresentation (of) a limited edition, which was never launched in the market," the Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission headed by Justice J.D. Kapoor ruled in a recent order.

Terming the acts of the carmaker and its dealer, TNT Motors Ltd, as "the grossest kind of deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice", the Commission held them equally responsible for misrepresenting the consumer and ordered the company to refund the cost of vehicle on its return.

Intercard (I) Ltd, another car dealer that had bought the car in 2003 for personal use, approached the Commission and urged it to direct the auto major and its dealer to return the whole amount taken against the purchase of the car or exchange it with the latest version, besides demanding Rs.200,000 as compensation.

The consumer had gone to the dealer in February 2003 to purchase the C-180 model of Mercedez Benz, a regular edition, but the complainant was supplied with C-180K version, a limited edition, by stating that it was latest model and launched recently in the market.

The Commission was not impressed with the contention that the car had already been used for over 50,000 km by the consumer.

"It is immaterial whether the complainant has run the car for 50,000-60,000 km as what is material for us is that such gross misrepresentation was made by the manufacturer and the dealer and that the customer suffered huge financial loss, mental agony, harassment and lost mental peace," the Commission said last week.

It also asked the dealer and manufacturer to pay Rs.20,000 as the cost of litigation.

The court also dismissed the plea of the car company that the complainant was not a consumer and said: "At the outset, to say that the complainant is not a consumer is highly fallacious argument as there is a distinction between commercial activity and commercial purpose. Had the complainant purchased the vehicle for further sale to earn profit only then it could have come within the ambit of commercial purpose.

"He had purchased only one vehicle for his use and merely because it was engaged in some commercial activities does not mean that it was used for commercial purpose."

Soruce:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Auto/Automobiles/Mercedes-makers-dealer-asked-to-compensate-for-misleading-consumer/articleshow/4211366.cms

Auto major post impressive sales in Feb 2009

NEW DELHI: Automobile sales jumped back to the positive charts as major manufacturers posted double digit growth for the first time in past eight months.

Maruti sales in domestic market grew 19% to 70,625 units in February 2009 compared to 59,311 units in the same month a year-ago, while South Korean major Hyundai Motor registered a 45.3% growth to 21,215 units in domestic market. Hero Honda sales grew 24% to 3.29 lakh units in January 2009 over same corresponding period last year.

Pune-based, Bajaj Auto Ltd posted 17% increase in two wheeler sales to 1.59 lakh units with major jump coming from its recently launched 135 cc bike XCD of which the company sold 20,688 unit in January.

The Chennai-based TVS Motors posted a 13% growth to 1.07 lakh units in February 2009 against 95,235 units in the corresponding period of the previous year.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Auto/Auto-major-post-impressive-sales/articleshow/4212584.cms

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Hyundai sales grow in February ‘09 Domestic sales grow by 45.3%

New Delhi, March 2, 2009: Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter, registered a 45.3% growth in the domestic market sales. While the cumulative sales increased by 31.9% over February, 2008 and the exports increased by 18.3%.

HMIL’s total sales for February, 2009 stood at 38,254 units against 29,001 units of February, 2008. The domestic market accounted for 21,215 units, compared to 14,600 units for the same month last year while the exports totaled 17,039 units in February, 2009, against 14,401 units of February, 2008.

Arvind Saxena, Sr. Vice President - Marketing and Sales, HMIL said, “While January, 2009 sales growth for both the industry as well as Hyundai Motor India Ltd had been negative, February, 2009 sales saw a slight upturn with double digit growth for the industry but the overall market situation continues to be challenging and not much should be read into the February growth as last year in February the budget was to be announced and a substantial amount of sales were deferred till March. We expect a fairly flat sales growth curve for the industry for the first quarter ending March, 2009”.

The segment-wise cumulative sales in the month of February, 2009 are as follows: A2 Segment (Santro, i10, Getz & i20) 34,285 units; A3 Segment (Accent & Verna) 3900 units; units, A5 Segment (Sonata Transform) 66 units; and SUV Segment (Tucson) 3 unit.
About HMIL

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea and is the second largest car manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter from India. HMIL presently markets 33 variants of passenger cars across segments. The Santro in the B segment, the Getz Prime, i10 and the Premium hatchback i20 in the B+ segment, the Accent and the Verna in the C segment, the Sonata in the E segment and the Tucson in the SUV segment.

Hyundai Motor India, continuing its tradition of being the fastest growing passenger car manufacturer, registering total sales of 489,328 vehicles in the calendar year (CY) 2008, an increase of 49.6 percent over CY 2007. In the domestic market it clocked a growth of 22.4 percent as compared to 2007 with 245,397 units, while overseas sales grew by 92.5 percent, with exports of 243,931 units.

HMIL's fully integrated state-of-the-art manufacturing plant near Chennai boasts of the most advanced production, quality and testing capabilities in the country. In continuation of its commitment to provide the Indian customer with global technology, HMIL commissioned its second plant in February 2008 which produces an additional 300,000 units per annum, raising HMIL's total production capacity to 600,000 units per annum.

HMIL has invested to expand capacity in line with its positioning as HMC's global export hub for compact cars. Apart from the expansion of production capacity, HMIL currently has 251 strong dealer network across India, which will be further bolstered in 2009.

In 2008, HMIL also successfully completed 10 glorious years of operations in India and to commemorate its achievements, initiated a unique trans-continental drive from Delhi to Paris in two of its hugely popular i10 Kappa cars. The drive created automobile history by completing a distance of 10,000km in just 17 days after which the i10s were showcased at the Paris Motor Show in October. In fact it was at the Paris Motor Show that HMIL first unveiled the Hyundai i20 and the car received a phenomenal response from the auto enthusiasts across the world. Hyundai Motor India also accomplished the landmark of producing the fastest 20th lakh cars in India in 2008.

Like 2008, the year 2007 had also been a significant year for Hyundai Motor India. It achieved a significant milestone by rolling out the fastest 400,000th export car. Hyundai exported to over 100 countries globally; even as it plans to continue its thrust in existing export markets, it is gearing up to step up its foray into new markets. 2007 also saw the launch of the i10 and yet another path-breaking record in its young journey by rolling out the fastest 1,500,000th car.

Hyundai's new model i10 made a clean sweep of all the 'Car of the Year 2008' awards from the leading automotive magazines and TV channels like BS Motoring, CNBC-TV18 AutoCar, NDTV Profit Car & Bike India and Overdrive magazine. The i10 was also the choice of the discerning automotive media of the country as they conferred the prestigious 'Indian Car of the Year' (ICOTY) award to the i10 as well.

The Santro and the Accent also received the 'TNS Voice of the Customer - 2008' award for the Premium Compact Car (Santro) and the Entry Mid size Car (Accent). In March 2008 it achieved yet another milestone by rolling out the fastest 500,000th export car.

In 2007, the Hyundai Verna had also bagged some of the most prestigious awards starting with the Overdrive magazine's 'Car of the Year 2007', the 'Best Mid-size Car of the Year' award from NDTV Profit Car & Bike India, the 'Best Value for Money Car' from CNBC Autocar and 'Performance Car of the Year' from Business Standard Motoring.

Hyundai cars have been a favorite at all awards ceremonies and has won many awards. The Sonata Embera won the 'Executive Car of The Year 2006' award from Business Standard Motoring magazine and NDTV Profit Car & Bike India had declared the Tucson as the 'SUV of The Year 2006'.

Not only this, HMIL has also been awarded the benchmark ISO 14001 certification for its sustainable environment management practices.

Soruce: www.hyundai.co.in

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