Car News - Latest Indian Car News & Views | CarWalehttp://www.carwale.com/news/Latest news updates on Indian car industry, expert views and interviews exclusively on CarWale.Copyright 2012 CarWaleCarWale RSS Generator10230<![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki launches Eeco Smiles limited edition]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/10230-maruti-suzuki-launches-eeco-smiles-limited-edition.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/10230-maruti-suzuki-launches-eeco-smiles-limited-edition.htmlVenkat Desirazu3/20/2013 4:17:00 PM1840//img1.aeplcdn.com/ec/A9/52/10230/img/m/Maruti-Suzuki-Eeco-Front-view-16111_m.jpg//img1.aeplcdn.com/ec/A9/52/10230/img/m/Maruti-Suzuki-Eeco-Front-view-16111_l.jpgMaruti Suzuki has launched a limited edition of its Eeco van called the Smiles edition. The Eeco Smiles has seven additional features, some body decal and can be had for Rs 9490 over the price of the regular variant.

]]>Maruti Suzuki has launched a limited edition of its Eeco van called the Smiles edition. The Eeco Smiles has seven additional features, some body decal and can be had for Rs 9490 over the price of the regular variant.

To inject some life into what is an effective but rather dull people carrier; Maruti Suzuki has installed a double-din music system complete with USB connectivity, two speakers, dual tone seat covers and black floor mats. On the outside, the Eeco Smiles gets full wheel covers, mud flaps and some exclusive decal as well as graphics both on the side and at the back. 

Underneath the hood, it will continue to be powered by the same 1.2-litre petrol engine which produces 74bhp and 101Nm of torque. Power is transmitted to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The Eeco is also available with a CNG option and can be had in a five or seven seater combination.

 

]]>8647<![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki and McDonalds announce the Eeco-Meal winners]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/8647-maruti-suzuki-and-mcdonalds-announce-the-eecomeal-winners.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/8647-maruti-suzuki-and-mcdonalds-announce-the-eecomeal-winners.htmlCarWale Team2/2/2012 5:34:00 PM1592//img1.aeplcdn.com/ec/8647/img/m/8647_m.jpg//img1.aeplcdn.com/ec/8647/img/m/8647_l.jpgMaruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) and McDonald’s announced the winner of the ‘Eeco-Meal’ contest. The month long promotion open to all Indian citizens selected the two best entries. The two lucky winners who won a brand new Maruti Suzuki Eeco are Mr. Vikas Singhal of Delhi & Mr. A.K Sinha of Mumbai.

]]>Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) and McDonald’s announced the winner of the ‘Eeco-Meal’ contest. The month long promotion open to all Indian citizens selected the two best entries. The two lucky winners who won a brand new Maruti Suzuki Eeco are Mr. Vikas Singhal of Delhi & Mr. A.K Sinha of Mumbai.

 

 Maruti Suzuki and McDonald’s early this financial year had come together for a special month long `Eeco-Meal’ promotion. This unique promotion was targeted to bring customers together over a meal and offer them a chance to win a brand new Maruti Suzuki EECO car. The contest was open to all Indian nationals above 18 years of age and with a valid driving license. To participate, the contestants had to purchase any McDonald’s Value meal, Happy meal or a Breakfast meal, fill the entry form, answer three basic questions on the Maruti Suzuki Eeco and write a slogan. The best slogan wins a powerful, spacious and comfortable Maruti Suzuki EECO!

The Eeco Happy Family Contest received a phenomenal response from customers and saw over 35,000 entries from enthusiastic participants across India. Out of total entries received, 16 entries were shortlisted and finally the two winning entries were selected today. 

Maruti Suzuki Eeco is a special offering by the company for customers that enjoys travelling together. Eeco powered by a 1200 cc engine comes with a powerful AC and offers spacious interiors. Today over 1 lac families have chosen Eeco as their family car.

 

]]>7368<![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki sells 1,11,645 units in February]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/7368-maruti-suzuki-sells-111645-units-in-february.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/7368-maruti-suzuki-sells-111645-units-in-february.htmlCarWale Team3/1/2011 1:06:00 PM6762//img3.aeplcdn.com/ec/7368/img/m/7368_m.jpg//img3.aeplcdn.com/ec/7368/img/m/7368_l.jpgMaruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 1,11,645 vehicles in February 2011 which includes 10,102 units of exports. The company had sold a total of 96,650 vehicles in February 2010. In February 2011, the company sold 1,01,543 units in the domestic market. Sales were up 19.4% in A2 and 27 per cent in A3 segment. In C segment, company recorded a growth of 26.9%.

]]>Maruti Suzuki India Limited sold a total of 1,11,645 vehicles in February 2011 which includes 10,102 units of exports. The company had sold a total of 96,650 vehicles in February 2010. In February 2011, the company sold 1,01,543 units in the domestic market. Sales were up 19.4% in A2 and 27 per cent in A3 segment. In C segment, company recorded a growth of 26.9%.

With the oncoming of the Super Turbo Diesel SX4 and the subsequently the company's CBU Kizashi, whose deliveries to customers begins in March, we will get to see how the company sustains this growth.

]]>6935<![CDATA[NGV Conference kickstarts in Mumbai]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/6935-ngv-conference-kickstarts-in-mumbai.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/6935-ngv-conference-kickstarts-in-mumbai.htmlCarWale Team11/24/2010 9:01:18 PM2673//img3.aeplcdn.com/ec/6935/img/m/6935_m.jpg//img3.aeplcdn.com/ec/6935/img/m/6935_l.jpgThe much awaited Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) conference kick-started from today in Mumbai. The conference cum exhibition will be open for a duration of three days with eminent speakers discussing about not only the growth opportunities but also answering the queries of those visiting these discussions. As said by one of the speakers the conference will be business, knowledge and social exchange spread across three days. The exhibition was declared open by Mr. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas. He went on to say how important conferences such as these were as they got together some brilliant minds and also make the public understand that there are enough and more ways to counter the epidemic of pollution.

]]>The much awaited Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) conference kick-started from today in Mumbai. The conference cum exhibition will be open for a duration of three days with eminent speakers discussing about not only the growth opportunities but also answering the queries of those visiting these discussions. As said by one of the speakers the conference will be business, knowledge and social exchange spread across three days. The exhibition was declared open by Mr. Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas. He went on to say how important conferences such as these were as they got together some brilliant minds and also make the public understand that there are enough and more ways to counter the epidemic of pollution.

He also emphasized on the fact that gas discoveries in India would add up to the tally and it would prove to be a boon for India. He elaborated on the point that Mr. Mansingh, Chairman, Petroleum and Natural Gas regulatory Board, had made earlier about laying down pipelines for natural gas so that there would availability of natural gas would reach the remotest of places in India. He said that the Government of India had already sanctioned the laying of more than 6000 kms of natural gas pipeline and in the coming years would be sanctioning 5000 kms more. But it seemed clear from the beginning that the Minister was clearly interested in the concept of a CNG two-wheeler.

After declaring the exhibition open Mr. Jitin Prasada headed off to the sole stall which exhibited the 2-wheeler CNG and enquired about its specifications. The two wheeler boasted of a 1kg CNG tank and a full tank would last for 120 kms. The price of the vehicle was a cause of concern and it was told that the bike could cost anywhere around Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1.3 lakh. Of course suggestions for government subsidies were pounded on the Minister but he gracefully left the stall and headed off to take a round of the exhibition.

Many national and international companies form a part of this exhibition and even big players of the Indian car market could not resist this opportunity to enlighten the audience that they too are doing that part to conserve the environment. Car manufacturers like Tata Motors, Mahindra&Mahindra, Kirloskar Motors and Maruti Suzuki India displayed their own CNG models. For Tata Motors, it was the Magic, the Xenon pick-up, the Ace, the Indigo XL and also the 909 Starbus which had the company fitted CNG. ‘Green Engineering’ as Tata Motors calls it would certainly make a lot of difference to the companies image as the speakers in the conference thwarted the use of diesel saying how it adversely affected the environment.

Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd too cleared the air by mentioning that the company too is looking at introducing cars powered by CNG. He also mentioned about the CNG cars the company launched in Delhi on the 15th of August (read article here) But when asked about a plunge into the electric car sector Mr. Nakanishi mentioned that the future of CNG looked brighter than the electric car and so said that the company would think only of long term investment. He further said that with the help of the Government of India the cities would be greener.

A host of speakers including Mr. Mansingh admitted to the fact that infrastructure growth in India is a huge problem. "The growth is gradual but things will fall in place eventually" is what he said. When asked if the Government of Maharashtra lent support to the idea of CNG, Mansingh said that destabilization of the Government has rendered him helpless and he was soon to meet the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and would continue the discussions.

Mr. Mayank Parekh, Managing Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, too agreed that the Government was cooperative and encouraged the car manufacturers to produce greener cars. When asked about the problem that Maruti Suzuki India Ltd faced in certain parts as regards their CNG vehicles (read report here) Mayank said that the matter has not yet been fully resolved. He said that 50-60% of the filling stations now have the infrastructure in place. When questioned if the people should still go in for Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles he said, “Of course, they should go in for it. The city needs greener cars and we are providing them with it. There are only a small percentage of filling stations remaining and the issue will be resolved quickly, so there is no problem.” We couldn’t resist asking when the Kizashi would arrive and with a slight grin on his face he said that the car will arrive within the financial year. When asked if it would come in February or March he said that "March is what I would look at." So for all those waiting for the Kizashi, March is what you look forward to.

The Government of India is certainly looking at promoting the NGVs in a big way. Foreign investment and the hours put into R&D for the implementation of this strategy speaks volumes about the urgency and the need for greener cities.  The increase in the sales of diesel vehicles is a cause of concern for both the EPCA and the Government of India but then again alternate fuels are still being researched on and their availability on a large scale too has been questioned. But fighting for a greener planet is what this conference is all about and NGVs will just help in fulfilling that criteria.

]]>6753<![CDATA[Tata To Launch the Venture Soon - SCOOP]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/6753-tata-to-launch-the-venture-soon-scoop.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/6753-tata-to-launch-the-venture-soon-scoop.htmlCarWale Team10/13/2010 2:03:03 PM9626//img1.aeplcdn.com/ec/6753/img/m/6753_m.jpg//img1.aeplcdn.com/ec/6753/img/m/6753_l.jpgTata Motors had displayed the Venture at the Auto Expo this year in New Delhi. The Venture is a seven-seater van which will be powered by a 1.4-litre diesel engine which churns out 70bhp and it is based on the Super Ace platform. This is the tried and tested engine that came strapped in the Tata Indica for many years.

]]>Tata Motors had displayed the Venture at the Auto Expo this year in New Delhi. The Venture is a seven-seater van which will be powered by a 1.4-litre diesel engine which churns out 70bhp and it is based on the Super Ace platform. This is the tried and tested engine that came strapped in the Tata Indica for many years.

Tata Motors sure seems to be on its way to capturing a niche space in this segment, as currently there are no players besides Maruti Suzuki whose vehicles the Omni and the Eeco, both, come with petrol engines only. Tata’s diesel powered engine should definitely prove advantageous as this comes at a time when there’s hardly any competition for the giant automobile manufacturer.

CarWale Team spotted one of the test mules of the Tata Venture. The test mules indicate that Tata has reached the final stage of testing the car and we believe it should be made available in the market by November 2010. This will be the first seven-seater with a diesel engine in this price range and we expect it to be a hit in the market. The Tata Venture is most likely to be priced between Rs 4.5-6.5lakhs.

]]>6618<![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki unveils SX4 Hybrid and Eeco Charge Electric concepts]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/6618-maruti-suzuki-unveils-sx4-hybrid-and-eeco-charge-electric-concepts.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/6618-maruti-suzuki-unveils-sx4-hybrid-and-eeco-charge-electric-concepts.htmlCarWale Team9/29/2010 11:11:17 AM3484//img2.aeplcdn.com/ec/6618/img/m/6618_m.jpg//img2.aeplcdn.com/ec/6618/img/m/6618_l.jpgMaruti Suzuki handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One ‘Eeco Charge’ to Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon’ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

]]>Maruti Suzuki handed over first lot of Two Maruti Suzuki SX4 Hybrid cars and One ‘Eeco Charge’ to Arvinder Singh Lovely, Hon’ble Minister of Transport for NCT Delhi. The vehicles intended for use at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, were handed over by Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi, Managing Director and CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, in the city.

Maruti Suzuki has made ready a lot of 14 future technology vehicles for the use at Commonwealth Games. These include 10 Maruti Suzuki SX4  Hybrid Cars and 4 Maruti Suzuki ‘Eeco Charge’ vehicles. The balance vehicles will be handed over to the Commonwealth Games Organising Committee for use by the Officials during the Commonwealth Games.

On the occasion Mr. Shinzo Nakanishi said, “I am happy that engineers at Maruti Suzuki have developed these future technology vehicles. This project has helped our engineers to increase their knowledge and enhance their R&D capability. We are grateful to the Government for their leadership to promote green technology in automobiles. Maruti Suzuki is happy to be associated with the Commonwealth Games national initiative, through these vehicles.”

SX4 Hybrid and ‘Eeco Charge’ concept development has been taken up by Maruti Suzuki as a part of the Government initiated and SIAM coordinated NHPP & MNRE National Hybrid Propulsion Program (NHPP) and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy Sources (MNRE)’s High Energy Density Battery Development Program.

]]>6399<![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki Halts Delivery of CNG Variants in Some Cities]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/6399-maruti-suzuki-halts-delivery-of-cng-variants-in-some-cities.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/6399-maruti-suzuki-halts-delivery-of-cng-variants-in-some-cities.htmlCarWale Team8/30/2010 2:46:02 PM7435//img2.aeplcdn.com/ec/6399/img/m/6399_m.jpg//img2.aeplcdn.com/ec/6399/img/m/6399_l.jpgMaruti Suzuki India Ltd. who have recently launched 5 CNG powered variants of their most popular cars namely the Alto, Wagon R, Estilo, Eeco and SX4 have just hit a road block! We have been told by our sources in Mumbai that although dealers have the vehicles in stock, they have been requested by Maruti Suzuki India Limited to delay delivery  to the customer of these factory fitted CNG variants. The reason for this, we are told, is the incompatibility of the CNG filling nozzle installed on these CNG variants to the dispenser nozzles (at filling stations) available across India.

]]>Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. who have recently launched 5 CNG powered variants of their most popular cars namely the Alto, Wagon R, Estilo, Eeco and SX4 have just hit a road block! We have been told by our sources in Mumbai that although dealers have the vehicles in stock, they have been requested by Maruti Suzuki India Limited to delay delivery  to the customer of these factory fitted CNG variants. The reason for this, we are told, is the incompatibility of the CNG filling nozzle installed on these CNG variants to the dispenser nozzles (at filling stations) available across India.

We are also being told  that these nozzles for the dispensing stations are on their way from abroad and the delay of fitment at the CNG dispensing outlets is the problem at hand. Maruti Suzuki India Limited have therefore, requested that the dealers hold back the delivery of all of their CNG powered variants, so that the consumer doesn't face an immediate issue whilst filling CNG in their cars. They have done this so that they do not have dissatisfied consumers.

When Carwale contacted Maruti Suzuki India Limited to dig deeper into the problem they assured us that it is only delivery of cars in regions other than Delhi and Gujrat have been affected due to infrastructural issues at the CNG dispensing stations. A spokesperson from Maruti Suzuki India Limited has said, "There is no delivery delay of Maruti Suzuki CNG vehicles to customers in Delhi and Gujarat. In Mumbai, due to non-compatibility of CNG filling nozzles at dispensing stations, we have put delivery of CNG vehicles on hold. However, the situation will change as we are told the required infrastructure will be put up soon at these dispensing stations. Orders have been placed and nozzles are in transit."

We sure hope that the infrastructure required for these Maruti Suzuki CNG variants is put into place soon in Mumbai and other regions, for the customers sure are waiting for the greener city cars.

]]>6320<![CDATA[Maruti Suzuki India Unveils CNG Technology in Five Cars]]>http://www.carwale.com/news/6320-maruti-suzuki-india-unveils-cng-technology-in-five-cars.htmlhttp://www.carwale.com/news/6320-maruti-suzuki-india-unveils-cng-technology-in-five-cars.htmlCarWale Team8/13/2010 7:26:44 PM21156//img2.aeplcdn.com/ec/6320/img/m/6320_m.jpg//img2.aeplcdn.com/ec/6320/img/m/6320_l.jpgMaruti Suzuki India Limited today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. With Independence Day around the corner, Maruti Suzuki India Limited sure has taken a giant leap to spread the message of 'Go Green' in the country. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests. The models include the Maruti Suzuki SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat.

]]>Maruti Suzuki India Limited today unveiled its flagship CNG engine technology, ‘intelligent-Gas Port Injection’ or i-GPI on five popular models. With Independence Day around the corner, Maruti Suzuki India Limited sure has taken a giant leap to spread the message of 'Go Green' in the country. The CNG vehicles were unveiled by Mr. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) Environment and Forests. The models include the Maruti Suzuki SX4, Eeco, WagonR, Estilo and Alto and are being launched in Delhi NCR, Mumbai and Gujrat.

Maruti Suzuki India Chairman RC Bhargava said, "We are happy to bring contemporary CNG technology to the Indian customer. We are confident customers would value our i-GPI technology that is safe, reliable, clean, responsive and environment friendly."

Having launched the Alto K10, there was a brief moment when everybody thought if the production of the old version of the Alto would be stopped, but with this cracker of an idea, we come to know how strong a grip on the nerve of the Indian car market.

The i-GPI or Intelligent Gas Port Injection bi-fuel technology ensures more power through  retro-fitted CNG vehicles and offer a peppier ride experience similar to that of a petrol-fuelled engine, while achieving high fuel efficiency at the same time. The factory fitted CNG vehicles passed through all the quality checks, processes and systems similar to a regular car manufactured at Maruti Suzuki plants.

The i-GPI technology uses separate injectors for each cylinder. Based on inputs from the ECU, metered CNG quantity is injected to the engine through gas ports. The quantity of CNG required for different driving conditions is controlled by the dedicated ECU, leading to more efficient fuel usage.

Shinzo Nakanishi Managing Director & CEO Maruti Suzuki India said, "The development is significant on multiple counts. This is the first instance when a car manufacturer has developed and launched factory-fitted technologically superior CNG engines in India."

Maruti has literally attacked the cars in all the segments, right from the 7-seater to the small cars to its much loved sedan. With the CNG versions out, Maruti Suzuki India have taken a step closer not only to save the environment but also has made things tougher for the rest of the manufacturers in India.

The cost of the models are as follows:
































NamePetrol (Rs Lakh)CNG (Rs Lakh)
Alto Lxi2.783.23
Estilo Lxi3.554.05
WagonR Lxi3.614.11
Eeco (AC + 5 seater)3.093.64
SX4 Vxi6.927.47

The Alto will prove to be a competition to the newly launched Nissan Micra. The Estilo and the Wagon R would fall in the same category. As regards the SX4, it will compete with the recently launched Chevrolet Aveo CNG. The manufacturers sure are taking care that global warming does not reach the next level but they are intensifying the heat as regards the competition.

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