Volvo May Unveil S60 in India by 2010

The Swedish luxury carmaker, Volvo is making most of the growing luxury car market of India. Volvo is planning to launch its luxury car in India within the next one and a half years. Volvo will be launching S60 in Europe previously to launching in India. Volvo is actually relaunching S60 in Europe and this will happen sometime around the middle of next year.

In the European car market, the S60 was available until this year, but it was completely removed from the European car market in May. But this would be a new addition to India’s luxury cars’ market.

From its parent facility in Belgium, the S60 will be imported to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The car will be a new and advanced version of the S60 previously available in the market.

Once Volvo is able to sell 3,000 units, it is planning to start an assembly plant in India. The pricing of Volvo S60 is not yet available.

Toyota to Launch Fortuner in India

The much awaited Toyota fortune will adorn the Indian roads in September this year. Toyota always wanted to launch Fortuner in the Indian market. Fortuner was to follow Innova and it has been in the to-do list of the company since 2005, but Toyoto waited still long and has found this the most suitable occasion to bring out its new model. Toyota will be launching an upgraded version in India.

Powered by a 3-litre diesel engine this giant SUV is based on the platform of Innovative International Multi-purpose Vehicle (IMV). This automobile giant is powered by a 3-litre diesel engine and had very spacious and comfortable interiors which will satisfy any travelling needs of the passengers.

Though the price of this new member from the Toyota family is still unknown, there are speculations that it would be priced around 20 Lakh. The SUV car market in India is very strong and stable, with prominent models such as CR-V and Pajero, and Fortune will have to face a sturdy competition from them.

Toyota is expecting to bring new life into its sales, which is expected to be flat, in 2009 with the launch of Fortuner.

Ford Indian to Launch Upgraded Endeavour

The SUV segment is in great demand and the completion is too growing really high. Every car manufacturer to top up the position comes out with models enhanced with innovative technology and features. Foreseeing the success of the upcoming Toyota Fortuner, Ford India is introducing the facelifted Endeavour in the Indian car market.

The specification, price and the launch date is still under cover but its said that the new Endeavour would be powered by a CRDi engine with an output of 143bhp which will be a replacement of indirect injection engine (equipped in Endeavour). The engine will be supported by a new 5 speed automatic transmission system against the 5 speed gearbox for the existing model. It will be also seen with new chrome grille and redesigned headlights adding more charm to the SUV.

The interior and exterior too will undergo minor changes Endeavour is the perfect off roader that shines on the Indian roads and hope that upgraded Endeavour will add more figures in their sales graph.

Honda to Launch Small Car with a Competitive Price Tag

Honda Jazz is still on the way to the Indian market with the price tag of Rs 7 Lakh. But looks like the Japanese car manufacturer has started liking the small car trend as the car manufacturers is working on another small car.

The new car will be seen with a competitive price of nearly Rs4.5 Lakh and to keep the low price the company decided to localize the components. This small car from Honda is going to challenge the other players of its segment. Currently the small car market is ruled by the Maruti Suzuki and Hyundai in India.

For the first time, the new model will have India as the lead market. Whereas the upcoming car Jazz will have Japan as the lead market and US was the lead market for the Accord and Civic and Thailand for City. The new small car is expected to be produced in mass volume from the company’s new Rajasthan facility.

Eight New Models from Nissan by 2012

Nissan is planning to strengthen its position in the Indian car market by introducing eight new models in the country by 2012.  All these models will comprise of both imported models as well as locally assembled models from the manufacturers plant at Chennai.

These eight models will also include a car from the small car segment called Micra which the company is planning to introduce in the Indian car market by 2012.Micra which is also known as March will be available in both petrol and diesel variants Micra which will be positioned against the sporty Maruti Suzuki Swift is first small car from Nissan for India.

Micra/March petrol variant will be come with a 1.2-litre three cylinder engine and the diesel engine will be powered by a .5-litre Renault engine which is presently used in Mahindra Renault Logan.

There is also speculation that Micra would be followed by a sedan version which would be developed on Micra platform and will compete with Swift Dzire. The other models from the lists include compact SUV and a MUV for the markets of India which will be manufactured at the at Chennai plant.

Mitsubishi to Launch the Upgraded Version of Pajero

Mitsubishi Motors is a great car brand and so are the models. Every car rolled out from Mitsubishi’s stable is worth appreciation. In the SUV segment Pajero shines in the Indian car market and to further add charm to the SUV, the car manufacturer is thinking of launching the new version to the Indian car market. Just like Toyota Fortuner, even the Pajero is based on a truck called Triton.

Currently Mitsubishi Pajero for the Indian market is available with a2.8-litre diesel engine which is mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. The new version will give an option of two diesel engines-3.2-litre engine with an output of 165 bhp and a 2.5-litre engine that delivers 140 bhp.

Coming to its new features it will be seen with all new aggressive front fascia, well designed cues and the strong body structure. The interior is also a complimented well which offers comfort, convenience, and luxury similar to that of striking looking Outlander.

The upgraded version of Pajero will come with a choice of two diesel engines which will be powered by a. The engine will be mated with the Triptonic-like INVECS-II automatic transmission. It also flaunts with super select four wheel drive system.

Fiat to Add More Power to Linea

Fiat Linea with the retro styling grille is great model for Indian car market. At present Fiat Linea offers 1.4L ‘FIRE’ Inline-4 petrol engine which delivers an output of 89 bhp and a1.3L Advanced Multi-Jet Inline-4 diesel that produces 85 bhp. Equipped with a 5-spped manual gear box, the car offers a great riding comfort and handling.

Now the company has decided to add more power to Linea by introducing a 1.6-litre multijet diesel engine and 1.6-litre petrol engine by 2009 end. When the diesel engine will deliver the power of 118 bhp, the petrol engine will come with and output of 106 bhp.

Currently The Fiat Linea is available in three variants-Active, Emotion, and Dynamic are the three variants that are available in both diesel and petrol.

With powerful Linea, the other competitors of the same class are going to have a real tough time.

Chinese Car Manufacturers to Enter Indian Car Market

The Indian car market is already a prominent market with great potential for other car manufacturers. Now with the growing popularity of the Indian market, the Chinese car leaders are planning to try their luck here.

The Indian car market has attracted the Chinese car brands and as a result two important car manufacturers called Chery Automobile and Great Wall Motors are thinking strong to enter the Indian car industry. As we all know that for any car manufacturer it is important to have a local partner and the Chinese car manufacturers too are looking for the same.

All this while, the Chinese car company was concentrating on U.S. and European market. But after the recession bug hitting the market they decided to turn towards our country.

Chery is in discussion with the Sonalika group (makers of ICML Rhino RX) for small cars in India. And if everything falls on track then we can expect Cherry cars by2010. Whereas, Great Wall Motor (GWM) is looking for a local partner in India for launch of their products.

Lexus to Enter Indian Car Market

Lexus, the luxury car brand from Toyota motors will soon enter the Indian car market. The car manufacturer has confirmed this news though earlier it was speculated. The luxury car population is increasing in Indian and with recognizing potential the company has come forward with the decision.

The car manufacturer has not revealed the launch date or the upcoming models for India. The Indian roads have experienced the presence of Lexus cars which has been imported by the individual customers.

Lexus is a popular brand but it is not that prominent in India as in other countries. Very few are even aware that it is part of Toyota Motors. Toyota launched Lexus in 1989 an America and brand received great response and popularity and turning it into a one of the highest selling car brands.

Maruti Suzuki Ritz to be launched on May 15th

Finally Maruti Suzuki Ritz will be hit the Indian car market by May 15^th. The car which was earlier christened as Splash is speculated to be the replacement of Wagon R.

The new model will be seen in both petrol and diesel versions. This model also bags the credit for being the first car of India to be in compliance with the BS-IV emission norm. The premium A2 market segment that offers other models like Alto, WagonR, Swift, Zen and A-Star will see a new member called Ritz in their team. Ritz will have an option of two engines. A1.2-litre four-cylinder the new K-series engine that delivers 84 bhp and a 1.3 litre, 16-valve diesel engine that delivers of 74 bhp.

Maruti Suzuki which occupies the major market share has launched 7 new models namely Swift, Zen Estilo, SX4, Swift Diesel, Grand Vitara, Swift Dzire in last two year. The new model Ritz is the 8^th lucky model to be launched.