'IAB Report – Ex-Maruti COO Mayank Pareek appointed as head of Tata’s passenger vehicle division' plus 15 more

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• IAB Report – Ex-Maruti COO Mayank Pareek appointed as head of Tata’s passenger vehicle division
• Philippines – Tata Indigo taxicab unveiled, vies to take on the Toyota Vios
• Leaked – Fiat Avventura variant details surface online
• Report – More purported Lamborghini Asterion leaks surface
• Rendering – Mazda RX-9
• IAB Report – Mahindra to launch the Mojo after stabilizing Gusto’s sales
• Review – Mahindra Gusto
• Report – Cadillac is developing a Mercedes CLA rival
• Report – Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade are “like female and male version of the same car”
• IAB Report – Mahindra Gusto launched at INR 43,000
• IAB Report – Mahindra XUV500 Hybrid launching next year; Facelift & AT planned
• Report – UM Global signs JV with Lohia Auto for local manufacturing
• IAB Report – New Mahindra Scorpio will not get AMT
• IAB Report – TVS Jupiter gets two new color options
• Report – Ford Figo and Classic successors to have ‘Figo’ in their names
• Spied – New Maruti Alto K10 shows a part of its interior; Fresh details inside

IAB Report – Ex-Maruti COO Mayank Pareek appointed as head of Tata’s passenger vehicle division Posted: 29 Sep 2014 09:41 AM PDT Brings in over two decades of experience from Maruti. In what is a significant talent acquisition, Tata Motors has appointed Mr. Mayank Pareek as its new head of Passenger Vehicle Business Unit (PVBU), effective from October 1. In his previous assignment, Mr. Pareek was the Chief Operating Officer at Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) and is a veteran of the Indian auto industry with an experience of over two decades. He was also a member of MSIL’s management committee and a permanent invitee to the MSIL board. The new appointee’s primary task would be to spearhead the launch of the Tata Bolt. During his tenure at Maruti since 1991, Mr. Pareek, an engineering and MBA graduate, had managed operations of wide and varied domains like marketing & sales, dealer development, after market services, product development, spare parts and accessories, used car business, outbound logistics and international marketing & sales. Mr. Ranjit Yadav, the current head of Tata’s PVBU will now assume a new role as the head of International Business for Passenger and Commercial Vehicles. Also read: Ratan Tata says Indian auto market deserves to be much larger The appointment of a highly experienced leader is expected to provide Tata’s passenger vehicles division a much needed shot in the arm. The immediate task for new head would be to execute a successful market introduction of the Bolt. More details about his background are available in the press release below the gallery. Tata Bolt – Image Gallery Mayank Pareek moves to Tata Motors – Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you can't view the press release.]

Philippines – Tata Indigo taxicab unveiled, vies to take on the Toyota Vios Posted: 29 Sep 2014 09:29 AM PDT 12-year old sedan is put on a plane with a fresh mandate. Pilipinas Taj Auto Group, the official importer and distributor of Tata Motors vehicles in the Philippines, has showcased the Tata Indigo taxicab with the yellow and black livery. The variant measures over 4m long and comes with a 1.4L diesel engine. The Indigo sedan for the Philippines market is the longer version which is no longer listed in the automaker’s Indian website. With a frugal diesel engine and generous rear legroom and boot space, the Indigo is the default vehicle for cab operators. Power comes from a 1.4-litre diesel motor which generates a modest 70 PS (69 bhp) and 135 Nm of torque. The transmission is a 5-speed manual unit. The taxicab market in the Philippines is dominated by the Toyota Vios, the last two generations of which are still operational on a large scale in the national capital region (Metro Manila). The previous gen Hyundai Verna, which is called as the Accent in the country also has a considerable presence as a taxicab. Check out our coverage of the Philippines International Motor Show 2014 (CAMPI 2014) The regular version of the Tata Indigo carries an introductory price of Php 525,000 (around INR 7.17 lakhs), significantly undercutting the base Toyota Vios 1.3-litre petrol which is priced at Php 592,000 (around INR 8.09 lakhs). The Indigo was succeeded by the Manza which in turn passed on the baton to the new Zest compact sedan. However, given the typically long product lifecycle plans of Indian cars, all the three names coexist. [Images: Topgear Philippines]

Leaked – Fiat Avventura variant details surface online Posted: 29 Sep 2014 09:13 AM PDT To be launched in October 2014. The variant details of the soon-to-be-launched Fiat Avventura instant crossover have emerged online. The Punto-based crossover comes packed with several standard features even in the entry level trim. The base Active variant is decently equipped. The 1.4-litre FIRE petrol engine generating 89 bhp and 115 Nm of torque and the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine which delivers 92 bhp and 209 Nm of torque constitute the engine lineup. A 5-speed manual gearbox is the standard transmission. The Active trim will offer standard equipment such as central locking, rear spoiler, rear foglamps, dual-tone dashboard, front power windows with auto-down function, remote keyless entry, inclinometer and compass, ORVMs with blinkers, follow-me headlamps and 16-inch alloy wheels. Only the diesel Dynamic variant will offer ABS with EBD. The mid-level Dynamic adds ABS with EBD (only available in diesel variant), door ajar warning which points out the exact door, body colored ORVM with electrically adjustable mirrors, front fog lamps, door trim with fabric inserts, rear power windows, height adjustable driver seat, audio system with speed sensitive volume control, USB and Aux-in, and external temperature display. The top-end Emotion trim carries forward the equipments of the Dynamic in addition to dual front airbags, seat belts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, height adjustable front seat belts, leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob, automatic climate control, rear AC vents, rear defogger and wiper, 60:40 rear split seats, Blue & Me, voice recognition with SMS readout function, and steering mounted audio controls. The top-end Emotion comes with dual front airbags and rear AC vents. Also read: Fiat working on a sub-4 metre mini SUV The instant crossover will be available in six colour options – Zafferano Orange, Bronco Tan, Exotica Red, Minimal Grey, Hiphop Black and Vocal White. Competitors: VW Cross Polo, Toyota Etios Cross Expected Price: INR 6 – 8 lakhs, ex-showroom Launch Date: October 2014 Fiat Avventura – Brochure scan Fiat Avventura – Image Gallery [Brochure scans from Indianhoods]

Report – More purported Lamborghini Asterion leaks surface Posted: 29 Sep 2014 06:56 AM PDT Its powertrain will deliver a combined out of about 900 bhp. Last week we reported a couple of magazine scans of an upcoming Lamborghini concept making rounds all over the web. However, the scans were not clear enough to give us a good idea about the final design. Now though, new shots of a magazine article that features the Lamborghini Asterion have surfaced online. This time, the image is far clearer and give us the first unofficial look at the all new Lamborghini. The two-door, 2+2 sportscar appears less wild than the Aventador or Huracan. Judging by the shots, the Asterion looks smaller and less wild than the Huracan, though that impression might change when Lamborghini unveils the concept at the 2014 Paris Motor Show or on the eve at the VW Group Night. Along with the shots, a few details on the Asterion’s powertrain have also been shared. As reported before, the Asterion will feature a hybrid powertrain that combines a V10 engine and three electric motors that will generate a total output of 900 bhp. If this pans out to be true, the Asterion will be the most powerful Lamborghini to be ever made, if not the most fuel efficient. Also Read: Lamborghini Aventador Nazionale premieres at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show With Lamborghini working hard on bringing the production-spec Urus SUV to the market, it may take quite a while before we see the Asterion on sale. Lamborghini Huracan – Image Gallery (unrelated)

Rendering – Mazda RX-9 Posted: 29 Sep 2014 05:38 AM PDT Features an interpretation of the KODO design language. Mazda had earlier acknowledged that the rotary engine will make a comeback in the future, with its reliability and quirks worked out. Since rotary engines in the past were only seen under Mazda’s RX lineup, we’re guessing that its return will be under the hood of a new RX- car. Industrial designer Alex Hodge has rendered an unofficial representation of a next generation RX, dubbed the RX-9, that follows Mazda’s KODO design philosophy with a few design elements that pay homage to the popular RX-7. It follows a 2-door 2-seater coupe configuration. Under the hood, the RX-9 is expected to be powered a newly developed rotary engine that works in conjunction with an electric motor, effectively making it a hybrid vehicle. This should iron out the efficiency problems associated with rotary engines as well as improve torque figures to higher levels. Also Read: All-new Mazda2 ASEAN premiere unfolds at IIMS 2014 Initial rumors have it that Mazda will announce a rotary-powered car in 2017. Mazda RX-9 by Alex Hodge – Image Gallery

IAB Report – Mahindra to launch the Mojo after stabilizing Gusto’s sales Posted: 29 Sep 2014 03:44 AM PDT The Mahindra Mojo would be launched in the coming months. With the festive season just around the corner, getting the sales of the newly launched Gusto automatic scooter up and running is high on Mahindra Two Wheelers’ agenda. The Mahindra Mojo received a comprehensive redesign even before hitting the market. The Mojo, which has been in the pipeline for four years now, will be the next product to be launched. Mr. P.S. Ashok, senior VP and head (R&D and Pune operations), Mahindra Two Wheelers, told Indian Autos Blog on the sidelines of the Gusto’s media ride program that the launch time frame of the Mojo depends on the time required to stabilize the Gusto in the highly competitive scooter market. He however confirmed that the Mojo will be the next product in line, hinting that it would be launched before the end of this year if the Gusto stays on track as far as sales expectations are concerned. The motorcycle gets a 296 cc single-cylinder fuel-injected liquid cooled engine. To recap, the flagship 300 cc motorcycle was unveiled at this year’s Auto Expo in its redesigned avatar and has been testing extensively thereafter. Also read: Mahindra Mojo showcased at the 2014 Nepal Auto Show The tourer is powered by a 296 cc single-cylinder liquid cooled engine which develops 25.6 bhp and 25 Nm of torque. The fuel injected motor is mated to a 6-speed transmission. Competitors: KTM Duke 200, Suzuki Inazuma Expected Price: INR 1.25 – 1.5 lakhs, ex-showroom Launch Date: In the coming months Mahindra Mojo – Image Gallery

Review – Mahindra Gusto Posted: 29 Sep 2014 03:32 AM PDT The idea of owning an automatic scooter is steadily manifesting itself among the Indian two wheeler buyers as evident from the breed's recent surge in market share. So naturally, now is the time to come up with an automatic scooter but well established rivals mean anything less than a top-notch product would be treated with sheer indifference. The Mahindra Gusto is the newest entrant in the bustling 110 cc automatic scooter segment and we went all the way to the Thar Desert to check how well it fairs. Design The unisex scooter is full of edgy elements. The front apron is a busy place with a 'Y' shaped ridge, turn indicators, contrasting louvres and a silver insert that carries the badge. The kinks on the apron below the indicators and the V-shaped headlamp with integrated LED pilot lamps further accentuate the edginess of the design. The Gusto measures 1,825 mm in length, 697 mm in width, 1,188 mm in height and 1,275 mm in wheelbase. A long seat and pronounced creases on the engine cover define the scooter in profile. The silver theme is used for the fork, transmission case and rear foot rest. Mahindra's engineers have located the kicker in a position that allows the rider to use it without having to get off the seat. A recess in the underbody that neatly houses the side stand is another nice touch. The rear fascia has a unique appeal thanks to the prominent garland-like combination light which encloses a glossy black centre piece (irrespective of the color option) with the Mahindra badge. The wide seat calls for an even wider grab rail. The edgy styling works in favor of the Gusto. The rear suspension is completely hidden and the comparatively large 12-inch steel wheels, finished in silver, add to the stance apart from being very functional (we will come to that later). The silencer and its shield are finished in black. In addition to the traditional storage hooks and under seat compartment, the Gusto also offers a small compartment behind the instrument console that can be used to store small items. The taillight design stands out. The overall design is a little quirky but easy on the eyes. It should to be mentioned that, for some, it takes a bit of getting used to. Material and build qualities The instrument console offers speedometer, odometer, fuel guage and usual telltale lights. The build and paint qualities are at par with the competition. The steering grips are of right size and feel, and the same can be said about the switchgear. The plastic panel on the inner side of the apron could do with a softer texture and feel. On the other hand, the silver housing for the instrument console and the surrounding hard plastic panel feel a bit tacky. A softer texture for the plastic on the inner side of the front apron would have helped too. Ergonomics The Mahindra Gusto's ergonomics deserves a special mention. The vehicle offers a first-in-class height adjustable seat which makes it a true unisex scooter. A rear-hinged seat with a patented locking mechanism has allowed the engineers to locate the height adjustor right below the rider. The seat height can be easily adjusted by up to 35 mm. All you need to do is open the seat, pull a knob and adjust the mount up and down. It's to be noted that the seat mount can only be fixed at a fully low or high position, effectively varying the seat height between 735 mm to 770 mm. The difference in the saddle height is pretty apparent and is a boon if the scooter is used by more than one person within the family which usually is the case. The front mounted kicker improves convenience. Irrespective of the saddle height, the riding position is comfortably upright and the knee room is adequate for a tall rider. The wide seat with right amount of cushioning makes for a comfortable journey. Engine, gearbox, performance and fuel economy The 109.6 cc all-aluminium M-TEC engine is an all-new unit, says Mahindra. The 4-stroke air cooled motor which is mated to a CVT develops 8 bhp and 8.5 Nm of torque. The all-aluminium engine mated to a CVT is well refined once on the move. Though the motor induces a noticeable vibration at idling, the refinement levels are impressive once on the move. In fact, the Gusto accelerates all way up to is speedo indicated top speed of 92 km/h without any fuss. Once past the inherent rubber band effect of the CVT, the acceleration is brisk enough to be called as peppy. What’s more commendable is that, the scooter can continuously hold on to cruising speeds of 60 – 70 km/h quite effortlessly. The scooter delivers a ARAI certified fuel economy of 63 km/l. However, we didn’t get a chance to calculate the real world fuel economy during our road test. Ride, handling and braking The Mahindra Gusto is a dynamically sound scooter, thanks in no small measure to the 12-inch wheels which are larger than the competition (only the TVS Jupiter matches the size). The ride is comfortable and the handling is confidence inspiring. The telescopic front suspension and single-sided rear coil spring are tuned in such a way to iron out most of the road imperfections while retaining a good straight line stability even at high speeds. Around the corners, the new Mahindra feels stable and confidence inspiring. The 130 mm front and rear drum brakes, 12-inch wheels and MRF Zapper tyres offer excellent braking performance. The Gusto’s composure under braking has to be the single largest benefit of using bigger wheels. Aided by a set of grippy 90/90-12 MRF Zapper tubeless tyres, the Gusto doesn’t feel nervous like most of the scooters under heavy braking. The wheel lock-up and fish-tailing are kept under check and you come to a stand still within the desired distance. Features The LED pilot lamps, find-me and guide-me lamps would attract young customers. As with the Centuro commuter, the Gusto’s top-end variant comes packed with features such as the remote smart key, Find-Me and Guide-Me lamps. Simple yet clever touches like adjustable saddle height, rear-hinged seat with lock and front-mounted kicker make it easier to use. Verdict The Mahindra Gusto is an accomplished package. It has got sound dynamics, a refined and zippy motor, numerous first-in-class features, and is high on practicality. The Mahindra Gusto is a potent 110 cc automatic scooter. Mahindra's brand presence in the two wheeler market is still at a nascent stage but the Gusto certainly has got what it takes to be a highly competitive product and the starting price tag of INR 43,000 (introductory pricing, ex-showroom Delhi) is indeed the icing on the cake. Mahindra Gusto Review – Image Gallery Mahindra Gusto – Spec Sheet [Head to Slideshare if you can't view the document.]

Report – Cadillac is developing a Mercedes CLA rival Posted: 29 Sep 2014 01:54 AM PDT Would prove handy whenever the brand launches in India. As part of a new product strategy charted under newly appointed President, Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac will introduce new products in the market to rival various top-selling premium cars. One of the cars that the American brand is targeting is Mercedes-Benz’s compact 4-door coupe, the Mercedes CLA Class. A luxury sedan rivaling the S Class is another product that will come out of the expansion strategy. The new model will also rival Audi’s latest compact A3, and will help Cadillac grab a piece of market share in the emerging segment. It’s expected to start at USD 30,000 (INR 18.44 lakhs) and will be part of Cadillac’s global lineup, so expect it to play a key role in markets all over the world. Under ex-Infiniti boss, Johan de Nysschen, Cadillac is on the path of restructuring its brand image and its relationship with parent company General Motors. Also confirmed is a flagship model, dubbed the CT6, that will rival super-luxury heavyweights like the Mercedes S Class, BMW 7 Series, and the Audi A8. Also Read: Mercedes CLA coming to India by February 2015 Their current range includes the mid-size 5 Series rivalling CTS, compact luxury ATS sedan, and the popular Escalade SUV, and the rejigged strategy should breathe new life into Cadillac, and help fully restore the brand’s premium reputation. Cadillac ATS Coupe – Image Gallery (unrelated) [Source - Thedetroitbureau.com]

Report – Fiat 500X and Jeep Renegade are “like female and male version of the same car” Posted: 29 Sep 2014 01:32 AM PDT Both Renegade and 500X are ruled out for India. Fiat will announce its all-new compact crossover under the extensive “500” range, called the Fiat 500X, at the 2014 Paris Motor Show on Thursday. The 500X will be made alongside the Renegade at the Melfi plant in Italy to tackle the likes of the Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport. It sits on a new modular platform co-developed by Fiat and Chrysler, that also underpins Jeep’s latest compact offering, the Renegade. In fact both the 500X and the Renegade share many critical components, and roll out of the same factory in Italy, and will compete for the crown as Europe’s best compact crossover. So would the Italian Fiat 500X steal the Jeep Renegade’s thunder? The Jeep Renegade made its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and slots in below the Wrangler. According to industry analysts, the 500X will not pose as a threat to the Renegade as Fiat is targeting a different customer group. While the 500X will feature a cute, urban styling with limited off-road driving capabilities, the Jeep Renegade is a boxy, rugged, off-road terrain-friendly SUV that borrows design cues from the popular Wrangler. So the two contrasting designs and features help keep a safe distance between the two siblings in the competitive segment. Ian Fletcher, an IHS Automotive analyst, said it won’t be a rivalry for FCA to worry about – They are almost like the male and female version of the same model, although I expect the two models to please both men and women. The IHS market research predicts that sales figures will favor the Renegade – 109,425 units to 72,897 units for the Fiat 500X in 2015 – and both should rise by 45 and 33%, respectively, in 2016. [Source - AutoNews.com]

IAB Report – Mahindra Gusto launched at INR 43,000 Posted: 29 Sep 2014 01:28 AM PDT Rivals the hugely popular Honda Activa 110. Mahindra today launched the Gusto automatic scooter in two variants, at introductory prices mentioned below. The Gusto is available in Dx and Vx variants. Mahindra Gusto Prices: Mahindra Gusto Dx – INR 43,000 Mahindra Gusto Vx – INR 47,000 [Note: Prices are ex-Showroom, Delhi.] The Gusto is powered by a 109.6 cc four-stroke air-cooled engine capable of producing 8 bhp at 7,500 rpm and 9 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. It is mated to a CVT gearbox. The scooter sits on an underbone steel type tubular frame and gets a telescopic suspension at the front and a single-sided long stroke coil spring suspension at the rear. Stopping power comes from 130 mm drum brakes at the front and rear. In terms of dimensions, the Gusto measures 1,825 mm in length, 697 mm in width and 1,188 mm in height with a wheelbase of 1,275 mm. The Gusto has a fuel tank capacity of 6 liters and a ground clearance of 165 mm. The Mahindra Gusto boasts of first-in-class height adjustable seat. The top-end Vx trim gets features like a height-adjustable seat, a remote flip key, guide-me and find-me lights. Features seen on both variants include 12-inch tubeless wheels and a storage console below the instrument cluster for keeping items like sunglasses, mobile phone, etc. Made at Mahindra Two Wheelers’ Pithampur plant in Madhya Pradesh, the Gusto was developed at an investment of INR 65 crore by 55 engineers over a course of 25 months. Read our review of the Mahindra Gusto Competitors: Honda Activa 110, Suzuki Let’s, Yamaha Ray, TVS Wego, TVS Jupiter Mahindra Gusto launched – Press Release [Can't see the press release above? Head to Slideshare]

IAB Report – Mahindra XUV500 Hybrid launching next year; Facelift & AT planned Posted: 29 Sep 2014 01:06 AM PDT Segment leader will get variants and cosmetic updates in the years ahead. Mahindra’s flagship offering in its own brand, the XUV500, is three years old now, and in a bid to keep the momentum flowing, the company is now thinking about a facelift. The XUV500 Hybrid would be the first manual diesel hybrid car in the world. Speaking to Indian Autos Blog, Mr. Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division for Mahindra and Mahindra, said – You’ll hear about it as we go along. I can’t put a timeframe on it. Mr. Shah confirmed that the company was also working on an automatic transmission for the SUV, and the market launch would take place as and when the system is ready. Apart from the automatic transmission and a facelift, Mahindra is also prepping a hybrid variant of the car (Mahindra showcased a hybrid concept on the XUV500 at the Auto Expo this year, with an 18 percent improved fuel efficiency). In reply to whether the XUV500 Hybrid can be expected to launch next year, Mr. Shah said – Yes, generally as a philosophy of Mahindra, we don’t showcase the product if we don’t have any plans to commercially launch them. Surely, XUV500 Hybrid option will also be at the market place. Also read: New Mahindra Scorpio will not get an AMT system Mahindra XUV500 Hybrid – Image Gallery

Report – UM Global signs JV with Lohia Auto for local manufacturing Posted: 29 Sep 2014 12:35 AM PDT Lohia Auto’s current facility at Kashipur, Uttarakhand, will be utilized. Aims to take a stab at the 200 – 300 cc segment. The American two-wheeler maker UM Global has signed a 50:50 joint venture with the Indian electric bike maker Lohia Auto to locally manufacture its range of motorcycles. The UM Renegade Commando cruiser will be launched in India shortly. UM Global will manufacture its models at Lohia Auto’s Kashipur facility in Uttarakhand. Economic Times reports that the total investment would be in the tune of INR 120 crore, a part of which has already been utilized on the manufacturing and R&D facilities. The manufacturing plant has an installed production capacity of 1,00,000 units per annum. Speaking to the publication, Mr. Juan Villegas, Director, UM Global, stated that the local production would not only cater to the domestic market but also to some export markets. It’s to be noted that the brand showcased its Renegade Commando and Xtreet models at the recently held NADA Auto Show in Kathmandu, Nepal. The UM Xtreet naked bike would follow the cruisers. The local manufacturing is expected to go on stream in the second half of 2015 and the company would import its bikes until then. The cruiser range which includes the Renegade Commando and Renegade Sport would be launched this year in 4 variants. Also read: KTM RC200 launched in India Competitor for the UM Renegade Cruiser range: Bajaj Avenger 220 Expected Price for the UM Renegade Cruiser range : INR 80,000 – 1.5 lakhs, ex-showroom Launch Date for the UM Renegade Cruiser range: In the coming months UM Renegade Commando – Image Gallery UM Xtreet – Image Gallery [Source: ET Auto]

IAB Report – New Mahindra Scorpio will not get AMT Posted: 29 Sep 2014 12:11 AM PDT The new Scorpio 2.2 gets an upgraded 5-speed manual transmission. The new Mahindra Scorpio was launched last week, with prices beginning at INR 7.98 lakhs, ex-Showroom, Mumbai and the SUV carries over its engines from the previous variants. However Mahindra no longer offers the 6-speed automatic transmission which was available with the 2.2-liter mHawk diesel engine previously. The upgraded 5-speed 320MT gearbox is seen on the 2.2-liter variants. Instead, the 2.2-liter variant of the new Scorpio come with an upgraded 5-speed manual transmission, while the 2.5-liter m2DiCr variant continues with its older 5-speed manual transmission. So, does Mahindra plan to introduce the automatic transmission on the new Scorpio? Speaking to Indian Autos Blog at the New Delhi launch of the SUV, Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra and Mahindra, said that the company will indeed launch such a variant provided demand existed. The Scorpio will not get the AMT technology however. Also read: 5-time Mahindra Scorpio owner’s first impressions of the new Scorpio By the end of this fiscal year, Mahindra will launch the Quanto with an automated manual transmission (AMT). The AMT technology has received plenty of interest among car maker’s who are keen to tap into this low-cost technology which offers improved fuel efficiency without shooting up the maintenance costs. However, the Scorpio will not get an AMT system. Mr. Shah said – We’ve no plans to use AMT on this product (new Scorpio). Mahindra have also announced that in the following weeks dealerships will retail additional safety features as an option for cheaper Scorpio variants. New Mahindra Scorpio – Image Gallery

IAB Report – TVS Jupiter gets two new color options Posted: 28 Sep 2014 10:38 PM PDT The update is timed with the launch of the Mahindra Gusto. The TVS Jupiter 110 cc automatic scooter has been updated for the festive season with two new color options namely Matte Beige and Sparkling Silver. The color update for the TVS Jupiter is aimed at improving its festive season prospects. With the addition of new colors, the Jupiter’s color options now stand at six, the other four being Volcano Red, Midnight Black, Titanium Grey and Pristine White. Introducing the new colors, Mr. K.N. Radhakrishnan, president and CEO, TVS Motor Company, said: Today, we have the widest and most comprehensive range of scooters straddling all segments of the scooter market with Jupiter targeting the male single user segment, Wego targeting the dual user segment and Scooty Zest, Pep+ and Streak making up for the women single user segment. The Jupiter shares its platform with the Wego. The TVS Jupiter shares its platform with the Wego. Power comes from a 109.7 cc air cooled engine mated to a CVT, and the Jupiter develops 7.88 bhp and 8 Nm of torque. The scooter is suspended by telescopic front and single sided coil spring rear suspension. Just like the Mahindra Gusto which will launch later today, the Jupiter is equipped with comparatively larger 12-inch wheels. Also read: TVS Scooty Zest launched in India Competitors: Honda Activa 110, Suzuki Let’s, Mahindra Gusto, Yamaha Ray Z TVS Jupiter – Image Gallery TVS Jupiter new colors – Press Release [Head to Slideshare if you can't view the press release.]

Report – Ford Figo and Classic successors to have ‘Figo’ in their names Posted: 28 Sep 2014 10:33 PM PDT The new cars will be made at the Sanand plant in Gujarat. It’s no longer new that Ford India plans to replace the Figo hatchback and Classic sedan next year with newer models. The new Ka which is currently on sale in Brazil will replace the hatchback, while the production version of the sub-4 meter Figo sedan concept shown at this year’s Auto Expo will succeed the Classic. The new Ford Figo is already on sale in Brazil, where it is called the Ka. Economic Times reports that both these cars will carry the ‘Figo’ name, as the brand has a high recall value among buyers. Prior to the EcoSport’s launch, the Figo was the best selling model for Ford in India, and it seems justified that the company doesn’t want to experiment with a fresh name. Sources told the publication that the sedan will hit the market by the middle of 2015, and will have its own brand identity apart from the ‘Figo’ name. The naming strategy would be similar to that of Maruti’s Swift- Swift Dzire products, sources said. The sub-4 meter sedan will rival the likes of the Maruti Dzire. Also read: Ford Figo with a blue interior theme launched at INR 3.87 lakhs Both cars will roll out of Ford’s upcoming facility in Sanand, Gujarat. With the launch of these cars, Ford India will be present in three high volume segments (B-segment hatch, compact sedan and compact SUV), which should help it perform better in terms of sales . New Ford Figo Competitors: Honda Jazz, Maruti Swift, Tata Bolt, Hyundai Elite i20, VW Polo New Ford Figo Expected Price: INR 4 – 6.5 lakhs, ex-Showroom New Ford Figo Launch Date: 2015 New Ford Figo Sedan Competitors: Honda Amaze, Maruti Swift Dzire, Tata Zest, Hyundai Xcent New Ford Figo Expected Price: INR 5 – 8 lakhs, ex-Showroom New Ford Figo Launch Date: 2015 New Ford Ka (New Ford Figo) – Image Gallery Ford Figo Concept Sedan – Image Gallery [Source - Economic Times]

Spied – New Maruti Alto K10 shows a part of its interior; Fresh details inside Posted: 28 Sep 2014 10:04 PM PDT The new K10 benefits from the AMT technology found on the Celerio.  The new Maruti Alto K10 was spotted once again at the car maker’s manufacturing facility, and these cars hint that production is already underway. The interior of the new K10 is expected to be more premium than the Alto 800’s. To summarize, the new K10 is now based on the Alto 800’s body, and gets redesigned headlights and taillights, bumpers and a new chrome grille to differentiate it better from its cheaper and less powerful sibling. Inside, the dashboard sports rectangular central AC vents, circular vents for the corners with silver surrounds, a 3-spoke steering wheel and what looks like a new instrument cluster. A report says that the top-end variants will get a dual-tone black-and-beige dashboard and door trims. The new K10 will be powered by the same engine, but will get the AMT system as well. Also, the top-end VXi will receive front and rear power windows, foglights and body colored bumpers, door handles and wing mirrors. Also read: 6 New Maruti products coming by end of this fiscal year Power for the new K10 comes from the same 1.0-liter three-cylinder petrol engine which, in the current model, is capable of 68 PS (67.04 bhp) and 90 Nm of torque. This engine will not only be paired to a 5-speed manual transmission, but also to an automated manual transmission (AMT), making the new K10 the most affordable automatic car in the country when it launches. Competitors: Hyundai Eon 1.0L, Datsun Go Expected Price: INR 3.2 – 4 lakhs, ex-Showroom Launch date: Coming months New Maruti Alto K10 – Spy Image Gallery [Spy images from Gaadi Waadi]

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