Mercedes Benz launches two cars in Auto Expo 2012

Mercedes Benz India Limited launched two new cars at the Auto Expo 2012 in Delhi. The Mercedes SLS AMG roadster and the 2012 M-class are the additions to the three star’s Indian bouquet. Apart from that,Mercedes showcased the A-Class concept and Fuel Cell technology. Apart from that, there is a display of more than 18 cars ranging from the S-600 Pullman to DTM racing cars. They also launched their new business initiative mb.Inspired.
Peter Honegg, managing director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “As India readies itself for globalization, the young India seeks recognition for their talent & uncompromising attitude which have made many stand up & get recognition in their respective fields. mb.Inspired is once such platform which shall recognize these individuals & collaborate with them to spread inspiration. This helps us in communicating our brand values of Best or Nothing seamlessly to the Indian consumers”
The SLS AMG Roadster gets a 6.3-litre V8 engine making 578PS power and 650NM of torque, which allows the car to go from 0-100 kmph in aclaimed 3.8 seconds. The SLS AMG Roadster has gota top speed of 317kmph.
The 2012 M-Class gets an increase in its overall length while technology wise, it has attention assist, active parking assist with integrated Parktronic technology, rear view camera, nine air-bags, ESP, ABS and electronic traction system.

Source : overdrive

Audi Q3 launched in Auto expo 2012

Audi the German auto maker has launched the Q3 2.0T Quattro petrol at the 2012 Auto Expo. Audi launched the Q3 with Peter Schwarzenbauer, member of the board of management of Audi for marketing and sales along with Michael Perschke, head, Audi India. Adding to it even the A3 e-tron was showcased, which encapsulates Audi’s expertise in hybrid electric propulsion and drive train technology, the Audi A6 and the Audi Q7 V12.

According to the reports,Audi has also declared that an important step for the company's India operations would be to achieve their targetted sales figure of overall 8000 units in the country by the end of 2012. The car comes powered by a 6.0-litre 12-cylinder TDi engine that makes 368 kW (500Hp) and develops 1000 Nm of torque between 1750 and 3250 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed tiptronic transmission.
Peter Schwarzenbauer was quoted as saying"India is a key strategic market for Audi and we are making a clear long-term statement in the country with ambitious expansion plans. Audi has seen phenomenal growth since its inception in India five years ago and today is the fastest expanding premium brand in the market. Now we are starting the next chapter of our success story: As a true premium SUV, the Audi Q3 leads the way for the Four Rings to enter a new segment in India, with ever increasing customer groups demanding for premium mobility in a compact form."

Jaguar Land Rover unveils C X16 , C X75 concept supercars

Two award-winning Jaguar concepts, the groundbreaking C-X75 and C-X16, made their Indian market debuts at the New Delhi Auto Expo.
Jaguar's current range comprises the XF, XJ and XK models – each being world-class competitors in their respective sectors– and the stunning C-X75 and C-X16 concepts clearly indicate the company's continued commitment to innovation and investment in future technology.
Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar global brand Director, said, "Both the C-X75 andC-X16 won best-in-show awards following their global debuts, and we're proud to introduce these dexciting concepts to the Indian market here at theNew Delhi Auto Show.
"In May of 2011, following an incredibly positive reaction to its launch, we announced that the C-X75 concept would be developed into production form, and that process is well-advanced. The C-X75is destined to be one of the world's most desirable, exclusive, efficient and advanced supercars.
"Reaction to the C-X16 coupe has been equally positive following its debut in Frankfurt duringSeptember of last year, and as a vivid evocation in aluminium of Jaguar's future sports car design language, it points to very exciting times ahead."
The most powerful production car Jaguar hasever built, the XKR-S was recently acclaimed '2011 Sports Car of the year' by the respected German magazine Autobild Sportscars. To date, the XF and XJ have jointly received more than 200 global awards.

Peugeot's India-assembled car to hit roads by 2014

Peugeot 508

French car maker Peugeot plans to roll out locally assembled car for the Indian market by 2014.
The company will begin by importing a range of models in completely built units (CBU) format in India by the end of next year.
“We will start with CBUs next year and then follow it up with Peugeot 508, which will be locally assembled and then go to different segments, starting from C-segment (sedan) and then later B-segment,” PCA Motors India MD Frederic Fabre told reporters at New Delhi.
However, depending on the demand, the company could also import the 508 model before local assembly begins in India, he added.

Peugeot 3008

In September last year, Peugeot had entered into an agreement with the Gujarat government to set up a manufacturing facility with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore in Sanand. The facility will have a capacity of 1,70,000 units. The company today showcased a rangeof cars — Peugeot 508, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and its concept RCZ Sports Coupe— at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 ate New Delhi. Asked if the company plans to launch small carsin India, Fabre said the company has a “top down” approach and thatwill not change. On dealerships, Fabre said the company will target the large cities.
“During the initial stage, we plan to be present in the main cities of India,” Fabre said adding that at least 100 cities should betargeted.
The French car maker was present in India through a joint venture with Premier Automobiles nearly a decade ago. The JV was later wound up when thecompany PAL Peugeot Ltd stopped operations.

Maruti Ertiga unveiled in Auto Expo 2012

Maruti Suzuki unveiled the Ertiga MPV at the 11 th Delhi Auto Expo and the company will launch it in April. The Ertiga kicks start a new compact MPV segment and will compete with the Chevrolet’s production version of the MPV concept and Mahindra’s mini Xylo that did not make appearance at the auto show.
It seats seven adult seats(2+3+2 configuration) with 135 litres boot space when all seats are up—or, 480 liters with folded third row. The petrol variant will be powered by a 1.4-litre K-series 98 bhp motor while the diesel variant will be powered by 1.3-litre DDiS super turbo that makes 90 bhp.
The Ertiga is expected to be priced in the range of Rs. 6 – Rs. 8 lakh depending on the variant. At this price, it will make for rather compelling big family car.