Category: AutoGyaan

Cars, Bikes, Alternative Vehicles, Air Transport et All

General Motors To Launch Sail U-VA in November; New Spark Launched Today

General Motors India have successfully launched the new Spark at a base price of Rs 3.16 lakhs, and a topend price of Rs 4.10 lakhs for the LPG variant. Now, the American car maker is all set to launch their next car, Chevrolet Sail U-VA, in India. Chevy Sail is a sub 4 meter hatchback and is expected to be launched in November.

This is the first model to be launched in India from the General Motors SAIC joint venture. Sail U-VA will sit on a 2465mm wheelbase, promises a generous amount of internal space while external styling is also up to expectations. The vehicle will be fitted with a 79 bhp 1.2 liter petrol engine and a 1.3 liter diesel engine, while prices are expected to be in the Rs.4.2 lakh range for the petrol variant and going upto Rs.5.8 lakhs for the diesel counterpart. ARAI has pegged mileage to be at 22.1 kmpl for the diesel variant

The company website displays the Sail U-VA with a new front fascia, interiors are done up in a two tone finish while safety features are at a premium. Fuel tank being strategically positioned means that boot capacity is extended to 1134 liters when seats are folded down. Once launched, Sail U-VA will compete with Maruti Swift, Ford Figo and Toyota Etios. Chevrolet has also launched a new video to promote their new Sail hatchback in India.

[Rush Lane]

October 25, 2012

Honda launches CNG compatible City sedan

Honda has launched a CNG variant of the Honda City in India. Available in a single trim, V MT, the City CNG is priced at approximately Rs 9.60 lakh ex-Delhi. The Honda-approved retro-fitted CNG kit is available at all of Honda’s 45 dealers located in 28 cities in India. The 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine from the petrol variant has been retained while the suspension is said to have been altered to handle the extra weight of the CNG kit. Honda is offering the CNG trim with ABS, BA and dual airbags.

Honda has also introduced an Audio Visual Navigation (AVN) pack on the V AT and MT trim levels. The AVN includes a Bluetooth-enabled touchscreen, DVD and CD player, USB/I-Pod/Aux-in connectivity and leather upholstery. The CNG powered City though doesn’t get the AVN package.

Speaking on the occasion Jnaneswar Sen, Sr vice president, Honda Cars India Ltd. said “Honda City is one of the most successful car brand in the country and certainly the most desirable sedan in its category due to its unmatched values of performance, mileage and overall reliability. We are extremely happy to bring the City with a CNG option for our customers. Adapting the CNG technology is another step to keep low cost of ownership for our customers and will add to the appeal of the car, as it will not only be cheaper to run and maintain but also eco-friendly.“

Here are the Honda City prices.

Fuel	Variants	Price in lakh (ex-Delhi)
Petrol	Corporate	7.26
Petrol	E MT	7.88
Petrol	S MT	8.41
Petrol	S AT	9.15
Petrol	V MT	8.94
Petrol	V AT	9.68
Petrol	V MT CNG *	9.03
Petrol	V MT AVN	9.72
Petrol	V AT AVN	10.46
Petrol	V MT (sunroof)	9.78
Petrol	V AT (sunroof)	10.52

* CNG Kit: Rs 50,200

Installation Charges (Extra)

[Overdrive]

October 23, 2012

Winston Churchill Land Rover sells at auction for £129,000

A Land Rover used by legendary leader Sir Winston Churchill to transport him around the grounds of his Kent home has sold for more than double its estimate, at £129,000 .

The vehicle, which was used to drive the former Prime Minister around his Chartwell estate and presented to him on his 80th birthday, went under the hammer in Cambridgeshire.

The vehicle, which had been modified to enable him to be chauffeur-driven around his Chartwell estate in Kent, was expected to fetch up to 60,000 pounds at an auction in Cambridgeshire, the BBC News reported.

It was sold with the original logbook registering it to Churchill to a bidder who wished to remain anonymous. The previous owner had kept it in a shed in Kent since 1977.

The 1954 Series 1 Land Rover was registered as UKE 80 in the name of the “Rt Hon Sir Winston Spencer Churchill KG. OM. CH. MP. Chartwell, Westerham, Kent”. It was especially modified for him with an extra-wide passenger seat and heated footwell.

Cheffins auctioneers said the vehicle, which had 20,812 km on the clock, was the most expensive item in its auction of more than 2,000 vintage vehicles.

October 21, 2012
Mercedes-Benz Contemplating A-class–Based Mini G-Wagen

Instead of changing the looks of the iconic G-Wagen and modernizing it for today’s world, Mercedes is going to launch the GLG, a mini G-Wagen that is set to take the crossover market by storm. Size-wise, the car will be similar to the upcoming Land Rover Defender, but styling will be heavily inspired by the G-Class.

The small SUV will most likely take the characteristic features of the G class, except with a range of smaller engines, whereas later an AMG model might look some 350 Hp of power. If it makes it to the production it will sit on the MFA platform seen on the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The project has been internally nick-named “mini-G” and will complement the GLA crossover, but as more powerful alternative. The ‘mini-G’ will be featuring taller, more upright stance, and visual links to the original G-wagen. Certain reports also indicate that Mercedes might also include a front-wheel drive version of GLG, which makes sense as Land Rover is also working on a similar strategy.

4Matic versions will still be offered and will be able to transfer the torque through an electronically controlled Haldex clutch, instead of the three separate differential locks of the G-Class. Under the hood, the engine line-up will be mainly identical to the A and B-class motors. Petrol engine comes in the form of a 1.6-litre with 122bhp, or a 2.0-litre with either 156bhp or 211bhp. Meanwhile, there are four diesels to be offered: a 1.8-litre/109bhp and a 2.1-litre in differing states of tune good for 136bhp, 170bhp, or 204bhp. For enhanced performance, the range will be topped by a 350bhp GLG45 AMG fitted with stronger brakes, a seven-speed automatic gearbox, quicker steering and a re-engineered front axle.

Via : Nitrobahn

October 15, 2012
Maruti Alto 800 Crosses 6000 Pre-Launch Bookings

Maruti Suzuki has bagged 6000 pre-launch booking orders for the eagerly awaited Maruti Alto 800. Bookings for the small car have opened on October 1 after Maruti launched a web page (www.marutisuzukialto800.com/). On the site, those interested can complete all the details and pre-book the car, with deliveries expected to start during the Diwali holidays.

Looking at the response, the company believes that 10,000 bookings before the car’s official launch is very much possible.

The new Maruti Alto 800 is more fuel efficient than the outgoing variant and has been developed at an investment of Rs 470 crores and is based on the same platform seen on the earlier Alto which was launched 12 years ago. The current model will offer fuel efficiency of 22.74 kmpl which is enhanced by 15% as compared to the previous model while it will sport improved gear shift and additional space in rear passenger cabin. Once launched, MSIL hopes to have a production schedule of 800 cars per day.

October 14, 2012
Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500 Launched For INR 1.8 lakh

Royal Enfield, the maker of iconic motorcycle Bullet, launched its next generation Thunderbird (500 & 350) cruiser motorcycles, as well as a range of accessories in Mumbai on Wednesday.

Developed on an all-new platform, the new Thunderbird 500 is priced at Rs 1,82,571. The Bullet-maker will also be rolling out a range of accessories.

[quote]By next year, the company plans to increase it two-wheeler capacities by 50% to 1,50,000 bikes a year. “Eicher is currently selling 1000 units of Thunderbird 350 in a month. The waiting period for other bikes will lower as we grow production by 2013,” Lal added.[/quote]

Furthermore, he said that the company’s new plant will be ready in three months and will keep adding capacities.

The new Thunderbird, which is targeted at highway cruising motorists, is priced at Rs 1,82,571 (on road Mumbai for the 500 cc) and Rs 1,43,346 (350 cc). According to a PTI report, the company has dropped its plans to launch a diesel variant of the aforementioned model.

Moreover, it is also important to note that the company’s new launch comes at a time when the September sales figures for in the country rose by a staggering 19%.

October 12, 2012
Tata Motors’ Special Vehicles For Gujarat Police Force

Tata Motors Defence Solutions (TADS), a strategic partner of the Indian Armed Forces since 1958, delivered state-of-the-art 21 Light Armoured Troop Carriers (LATC) to the Gujarat Police Force. The new LATC will enhance the arsenal of the Gujarat Police Force and will certainly empower their security alertness.

Tata Motors Defence Solutions makes a wide range of vehicles, in the light, medium and heavy categories. These include logistics, tactical, armoured and specialist vehicles. The Tata Motors Service network enables maximum operational readiness and low life-cycle maintenance costs for its Defence vehicles across the country.

[quote]Vernon Noronha, Vice President (VP), Defence and Government Business, Tata Motors said, “Tata Motors’ Defence Solutions covers the complete range of logistics and armoured vehicles that have been popular in supporting police and paramilitary forces across the country. The Tata Light Armoured Troop Carrier will enable comfortable movement of troops across the state.”[/quote]

Reportedly, the Tata LATC has all the trimmings of a world class product and incorporates an incredibly powerful powertrain, under its hood. Further, the vehicles comes with top draw security features and has been assimilated with an All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, besides coming with advance protective measures on all sides. The cutting-edge LATC vehicles have been laced with bullet-proof and splinter-proof glassing along with suspended seats and explosion resistant material in the fuel tank.

October 7, 2012
Raid-de-Himalaya Flagged off From Shimla

The 14th edition of the Raid-de-Himalaya, one of the world’s toughest off-road motor rallies, was flagged off amid much fervor yesterday.

The rally is witnessing the participation of around 260 participants in the four and two wheeler categories, who would be braving the inhospitable terrains and hostile weather conditions of the Himalayas.

Vice-President of the Himalayan Motorsport Association, Manjeev Bhalla, said participants will cover a distance of 1,800 kilometers in six days before reaching Leh, the terminating point.

[quote]”This year our event is running over six-days, we start off in Shimla today and finish in Leh on the 12th. The prize distribution is on the 12th evening at Leh itself. The total distance the rally will cover will be about 1,800 kilometres, of which 600 kilometres are competitive mileage and then we have three and a half days in Himachal. We go from here to Manali, from Manali we head for Kaza, we spend one-day in Kaza itself and then make our way to Pang in Ladakh and from Pang we go to Leh,” said Bhalla.[/quote]

The tough route this year goes through some of the highest motorable passes and human settlements in the world.

These include Darcha (3360 mts), Keylong (3440 mts), Leh (3524 mts), Kaza (3650 mts), Dhanka (3894 mts), Losar (4079 mts), Rumtse (4300 mts), Kunzum La (4551 mts), Komik (4587 mts), Pang (4600 mts) & Wari La (5313 mts).

Motorists will compete across three categories: X-treme 4-wheelers (50 teams), X-treme 2-wheelers (34 participants) (both Xtreme 2W and 4W categories cater to professional motorsport enthusiasts), and 60 teams in the Adventure Trial category for amateurs. There are 14 foreigners participating this year from Austria, Netherlands and UAE.

The Maruti Suzuki Raid-de-Himalaya invites participation in three categories: Moto Xtreme, Adventure Trial and Bike Xtreme categories. The participants are grouped in different categories depending upon their prior experience, endurance levels and expertise in handling the escalating difficulty levels.

October 7, 2012
Mercedes-Benz Launches C-Class Sport and E-Class Sport

Mercedes-Benz India today launched a Sport Edition of its flagship sedans the C-Class and the E-Class. The Sport Edition of the C-Class 220 CDI and the E-Class 220 CDI Sport Edition was launched by Mr. Peter Honegg, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Debashis Mitra, Director, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz India.

The C-Class and the E-Class flagships sedans have been Mercedes-Benz India’s highest selling luxury cars in India. The C-Class sedan known for its performance and driving dynamics has sold close to 16,000 units in the Indian market since its introduction. The E-Class sedan that sets benchmark in luxury segment has sold more than 21,000 units till date. The average age of customer in India today is getting more younger & the Sport Edition of the C-Class and E-Class is a tribute to these young, aggressive and trendy emerging new age consumers. The Sport Edition of the C-Class and the E-Class stands distinctively different from any other car in its segment in India, since the dynamic interplay of lines and colors and trims reflect the aggressive driving dynamics of these vehicles.

The Sports editions of the C-Class and the E-Class are priced at Rs 29.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs 39.9 lakh respectively. Both the sedans are powered by the 220CDI four-cylinder diesel engine developing 170bhp and 400Nm of torque; mated to 7G TRONIC automatic transmission.

The C220 CDI Sports edition gets loads of additional features inside, along with the AMG body kit. The interiors get Artico upholstery with Black piano lacquer trim, electric seats, THERMATIC automatic climate control, an Audio 20 with single CD player with USB, Aux in and Bluetooth connectivity. The C 220 CDI also features a Mirror Package.

The AMG styling kit of C220 CDI includes front and rear bumper aprons and side skirts, 17-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, black painted roof with a SPORT badge, halogen lamp and is available in Polar White colour.

The basic body kit remains the same on the E220 CDi as well, but the alloy-wheels are bigger – five-spoke 18-inch rims. The E-Class Sport also gets LED Day time lights and Direct Control Suspension; it is also available in the Polar White colour.

The features on the E220 are similar to that of the C220; however it gets burr walnut wood trim. Both cars have host of safety features including PRE – SAFE, NECK Pro, Attention Assist, tire pressure loss warning system, 6 Airbags, Antilock Braking System, Brake Assist, and Electronic Stability Programme with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR).

October 5, 2012
Mahindra to launch Rexton on Oct 17

Mahindra & Mahindra, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, on Wednesday announced it would be launching the Rexton, its first product under Ssangyong stable in India, on October 17.

The Rexton has always had solid underpinnings, borrowed from the Mercedes-Benz M-Class from a few generations ago, but it lost out a lot in the looks department. Unveiled at the Busan Motor Show in Korea in May, the new Rexton is a third-generation model that is based on the W163 M-Class chassis.

The new Rexton, dubbed the Rexton W, gets a completely new front-end, with new headlamps, fog lights and a wider, chrome-lined grille. The entire front bumper assembly also appears to be new. At the rear, new tail-lamps and a new bumper round out the deal. The other details of the car remain the same though, but the wheel-arches of the car are much better integrated this time around and don’t look like after thoughts.

There will also be new powerplants on offer. The old 2.7-litre turbo-diesel engine that currently does duty in the Rexton has been replaced with a 154 bhp, 2.0-litre engine. This one is an in-house creation as opposed to the older engine which was derived from a Mercedes-Benz unit.

Mahindra hopes to offer both a 5-speed automatic as well as a manual version of the Rexton and is likely to be priced in the Rs 17 to 19 lakh bracket.

[BSMotoring]

October 4, 2012
AutoGyaan : GM Launches new Captiva in India Starting Rs 18.75 L Ex-Showroom Delhi

General Motors has launched their much awaited SUV the 2012 Chevrolet Captiva 2.2 AT AWD in India, Priced between 1,874,062-2,459,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The SUV is powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine that delivers 186.5 bhp at the rate of 3,800 revolutions per minute (RPM) and 424 Nm at the rate of 2,000 RPM torque along with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The SUV is also equipped with a five-plus-two flexible seating arrangement that can accommodate seven adults. It boasts of 1,565 litre cargo space. In terms of safety, the Captiva is equipped with six airbags.

[quote]In India, it (Captiva) has established a clear niche for itself in the premium SUV segment, The Captiva is all about economical, refined and power-packed diesel performance combined with spacious luxury and fantastic road presence,”

Lowell Paddock, president and managing director, General Motors India[/quote]

June 27, 2012
AutoGyaan : Porsche 918 Spyder Hybrid gets a polished Matte Black and White look (PR)

The Hybrid super car from Porsche, “918 Spyder” has gotten a makeover and a renewed Km/L average. The plugin hybrid is now coated with a polished matte Black and White special coat pain work, and will now deliver 100KM/3 liters of petrol. The price is $845,000 (Rs. 45,482,125 excluding duty and tax).

The car has a carbon-fiber reinforced-plastic monocoqueshell, rear-axle steering and upward-venting exhausted system. A combustion engine along with an electric motor to achieve the high Km/L.

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Development of the Porsche super sports car enters next phase

Atlanta. The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, has taken the driving trials of the super sports car of the future a step further with completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder is planned for production at the end of September 2013, with the first customer deliveries currently scheduled for the United States late in 2013. “What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

The prototypes, their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the interplay between the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” said Wolfgang Hatz. These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of Porsche’s core competences. Both of them have a major influence on the extreme driving fun to be had with the 918 Spyder and they make possible a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 kilometres. Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

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May 17, 2012
AutoGyaan : Ferrari Q1 Result : 42.1 Million Euro Profit : New Hybrid Enzo Plans

The Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. reported a very positive first quarter of 2012, revenues rose to 556.1 million euro (+13.2 per cent) and 1,733 cars were delivered to the dealership network, an increase of 11.5 per cent on the same period last year. Trading profit grew by 13.4 per cent to 60.5 million euro, while net profits rose by 17.2 per cent (42.1 million euro).

Ferrari’s industrial net cash position on March 31st was the strongest in its history at 860 million euro.

Sales in Europe in the United Kingdom were up (+31 per cent, 177 cars delivered) and in Germany (up 24 per cent). Italy is the exception to this trend with sales of 121 cars, down 65 compared to the first quarter 2011 as a result of the economic situation and the local government’s recent financial initiatives.

In the Far East, the Greater China market (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) continued to grow with 154 cars delivered in the first quarter. On May 18th, a major new Ferrari exhibition will open at the Shanghai Expo in China where a 1,000 square metre space will host some of our most iconic road models as well as Formula 1 cars. The display will also feature simulators and interactive points where visitors can learn about Ferrari’s history and the Maranello campus.

The Middle East also delivered extremely significant results with sales this first quarter up by 23 per cent and 81 cars delivered.

But, the most interesting news of the result came form Ferrari chairman, who declared that the company is working on a Hybrid Enzo which should be out at the end of the year.

[quote]

After an extraordinary 2011, starting the year with all the economic indicators on the rise is very satisfying indeed, We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average. At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.

– Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo.

[/quote]

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Very positive Ferrari first quarter growth

– Revenues of 556 Million Euro (+13.2%)
– 1,733 cars delivered (+11.5%)
– Net profits of 42.1 Million Euro (+17.2%)
– Record industrial net cash of 860 Million Euro

Excellent results from the USA (+16%), United Kingdom (+31%), Germany (+24%) and Middle East (+23%)

Maranello, 10th May 2012 – The Board of Directors of Ferrari S.p.A. met today under the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the company’s accounts for the first quarter of 2012.

On March 31st, Ferrari recorded a string of excellent results: revenues rose to 556.1 million euro (+13.2 per cent) and 1,733 cars were delivered to the dealership network, an increase of 11.5 per cent on the same period last year.

These results are the fruit of the success of the 12-cylinder FF and the continuing popularity of the 8-cylinder models, most notably the Ferrari California, which is the company’s best-selling GT, and the coupé and spider versions of the 458 which top the sports car segment.

One hundred per cent of Ferraris are personalised by their owners who, since the start of 2012, have also been able to avail of the innovative Tailor Made programme, which allows each client to tailor their own bespoke car using an extensive variety of unique and exclusive materials, colours and finishes, with the assistance of a specialist team.

The F12berlinetta, the most powerful and high performance Prancing Horse car ever built and the first in a new generation of V12s, made no contribution to these results as deliveries will not commence until the second part of the year.

Trading profit grew by 13.4 per cent to 60.5 million euro, while net profits rose by 17.2 per cent (42.1 million euro).

Ferrari’s industrial net cash position on March 31st was the strongest in its history at 860 million euro. This was achieved despite keeping product investment extremely high and thanks to a net cash flow for the first quarter of 152 million euro.

The one-make series of the Prancing Horse, the Ferrari Challenge, is also proving to be very successful with the 2012 racing season starting with 100 458 Challenge cars on the tracks in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

In terms of sales, the US remains Ferrari’s most important market recording growth of 16 per cent even after the excellent figures recorded in 2011.

Sales in Europe were also very positive with excellent results in the United Kingdom (+31 per cent, 177 cars delivered) and in Germany (up 24 per cent). Italy is the exception to this trend with sales of 121 cars, down 65 compared to the first quarter 2011 as a result of the economic situation and the local government’s recent financial initiatives.

In the Far East, after a record 2011, the Greater China market (China, Hong Kong and Taiwan) continued to grow with 154 cars delivered in the first quarter. On May 18th, a major new Ferrari exhibition will open at the Shanghai Expo in China where a 1,000 square metre space will host some of our most iconic road models as well as Formula 1 cars. The display will also feature simulators and interactive points where visitors can learn about Ferrari’s history and the Maranello campus.

The Middle East also delivered extremely significant results with sales this first quarter up by 23 per cent and 81 cars delivered.

“After an extraordinary 2011, starting the year with all the economic indicators on the rise is very satisfying indeed,” declared Ferrari’s Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo. “We have a complete new model range brimming with technological innovations, and which deliver significant reductions in fuel consumption and emissions, down by 30 per cent on average.” He continued: “At the end of the year, we’ll also be unveiling the new Enzo, a limited series model and our first ever hybrid car.”

Brand activities (retail, wholesale, licensing and e-commerce) are up by 10 per cent overall: there are now 50 Ferrari Stores worldwide, including a new store in Madrid which opens officially at the end of May.

Ferrari also retains its leadership in online activities with over 8 million friends on Facebook and almost one million on Google +.

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May 14, 2012
Brammo Empulse and Empulse R Officially Official, 100 mph- Starting US $16,995 (PR)

Brammo’s electric Empulse is now finally ready and undergoing production, for the 2013 release model Empulse and Empulse R. The Empule will come standard with a six-speed gearbox, a max speed of 100 mph. The company now promises a fast recharge of 3.5 hours, the Empluse will now sell for US $16,995 (Rs. 9,11,000). There’s also the Empluse R, apremium model that will go on sale for $18,995 (Rs. 10,18,000) in June.

The Empulse R’s exterior body is made out of carbon fibre while the empales retains the plastic shell construction.

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

ASHLAND, Ore., May 9, 2012 — Brammo, Inc., the designer and manufacturer of world leading electric motorcycles, revealed pricing and production plans for the Empulse and Empulse R while giving motorcycle enthusiasts in Los Angeles a first look at the stunning new design.

At this unique electric vehicle industry event, Brammo has demonstrated to consumers and motorcycle insiders alike the advancements in electric motorcycling and is providing a glimpse of what is to come in the future. The Empulse is the only electric motorcycle to include a 100-mile range and 100-mph top speed as well as a breakthrough battery and powertrain system enabling a great zero-emission experience.

At the launch party, Brammo announced the Empulse and Empulse R will cost $16,995 and $18,995 respectively with financing available from Sheffield Financial. Through this financing, customers will be able to purchase the new Empulse and Empulse R from Brammo dealers as follows:

Empulse: 8.9% for 72 months at $303, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $334 and 3.9% for 36 months at $499

Empulse R: 8.9% for 72 months at $339, 6.9% financing for 60 month at $373 and 3.9% for 36 months at $558

Availability of each model will vary based on demand for the Empulse and Empulse R. Production for the Empulse R will take place first with limited availability in June 2012 and in volume by Q3 2012. The Empulse will be available in Q1 2013.

Research conducted by Brammo with both customers and dealers has driven the development of the Empulse and Empulse R. As a result, these motorcycles now come with a water-cooled AC motor and fully integrated IET™ six speed transmission, seating for two, regenerative braking and on board J1772 Level 2 charging capability. To ensure the highest quality performance and design, Brammo works with internationally renowned manufacturers for superior components of their motorcycles. This close attention to the supply chain ensures the durability, reliability and ultimately future resale value of Brammo products.

“It was important to Brammo to create a great motorcycle and we paid attention to customer feedback to create just that,” said Craig Bramsher, CEO and president of Brammo. “From concept to production the Empulse product has evolved quite a bit. We are bringing you a different motorcycle that promises to be more than what our riders expected.”

The two models vary as follows:

The Empulse body work is all plastic, has semi adjustable front suspension and semi adjustable rear suspension.

The Empulse R uses carbon fiber for headlight shroud, front and rear fenders, top panel and the rear light housing.

Brammo promised that of the first 1000 people who pre ordered an Empulse, one would be selected at random to receive their motorcycle free of charge. Last week from the first 1000 orders six finalists were selected. At the event, Craig Bramscher rolled a dice and Jueiming Chen was the lucky winner.

True to Brammo’s devotion to zero tailpipe-emission transportation, the Empulse launch event was carbon-neutral. Brammo has worked with Carbonfund.org to purchase carbon offsets to mitigate the greenhouse emissions generated by transportation, electricity use, and other resource-intensive activities associated with this event.

In additional efforts to reduce travel and carbon intensity of the event, Brammo will stream the launch event live to tens of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts, who will be able to experience the launch party across the nation and afar in Asia and in Europe.

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May 12, 2012
Volkswagen Ready to source double components from India – Spend US$ 942 Million

Volkswagen Group is looking to double ‘component sourcing from India’ with an expense of $924m for the current year said Audi Chief Michael Perschke. While Audi looks at multiple car launches and dealership expansion in 2012, VW Group luxury car maker acknowledges that cost effective manufacturing would find strength in component sourcing from India, and investment in new plants.

The Volkswagen Group sources various components from India that include crankshafts for vehicles across its Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda brands.

Audi sold just over 5,500 cars in India in 2011, and targets sales of 8,000 cars in the current calendar year, in line with luxury car sales growth of around 50 percent in the country.

In the long run, our expectations are to increase our global sourcing out of India,” Perschke said. “In terms of cost competitiveness […] India has a strategic advantage.”

-Michael Perschke

Audi sold just over 5,500 cars in India in 2011, and targets sales of 8,000 cars in the current calendar year, in line with luxury car sales growth of around 50 percent in the country.

Spending on luxury cars in India grew 36 percent in 2009-10 to $1bn, according to a recently released report by AT Kearney, outstripping growth in jewellery, electronics and watches. But, we still lack behind countries like China where Mercedes and BMW sold a combined 320,000 vehicles in the first nine months of 2011.

February 6, 2012