Indian Autos Thread

Neela · Post by **Neela** » 22 Aug 2008 20:07

Note to self: Vina,not TFTA, shorter than 160cm.

sanjaykumar · Post by **sanjaykumar** » 23 Aug 2008 09:17

Very nice shape for a small car.

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 23 Aug 2008 09:28

He might still be FTA just not 'T'

Neela wrote:Note to self: Vina,not TFTA, shorter than 160cm.

vina wrote: The minus is that SHQ in the back seat gets to see the speed at which you are driving and her back seat driving gets exponentially worse, now with constant readings of the "excess" speed at which i drive and how 60 kmph is not appropriate speed etc..

Why is SHQ exiled to back seat? Don't tell me Mom-in-Law (CinC, SHQ) is occupying front passenger seat.

Avinash R · Post by **Avinash R** » 23 Aug 2008 13:33

Maharashtra spreads red carpet for Tata's 'Nano' project

Sat, Aug 23 12:44 PM

Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh has invited Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata to set up the 'Nano' small car project in the state is it decides to move out from West Bengal, where it is mired in controversy.

"The Tatas will be accorded red carpet welcome to set up the project in Maharashtra and will be given land and necessary facilities," Deshmukh said in a statement in Mumbai on Saturday.

The Maharashtra Government's offer comes a day after Tata threatened to exit from the small car project at Singur if violence and disruption continued.

Incidentally, the West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had offered help to Videocon Chairman V N Dhoot in setting up the company's TFT-LCD project in his state, after Maharashtra Revenue Minister Narayan Rane objected to allot land for the plant near Mumbai.

The Singur plant, which has already seen an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, will manufacture the world's cheapest car that Tata had promised to bring in the market by the year-end.

vina · Post by **vina** » 24 Aug 2008 14:34

Raja Bose wrote:Why is SHQ exiled to back seat? Don't tell me Mom-in-Law (CinC, SHQ) is occupying front passenger seat.

Thankfully no. My dad was sitting in front in the passenger's seat , my my , SHQ and the kid were in the back.

bart · Post by **bart** » 24 Aug 2008 22:52

Indica V3 has been launched, it seems to be priced really well, and as per initial reviews is a kickass car.

http://indianautosblog.com/2008/08/anot ... #more-1517

This is what we need - Indian companies making cars suitable for Indian conditions, sized to seat Indian people, and at Indian prices, while maintaining international standards of refinement. MSIL can take their overpriced sardine cans and go to hell.

Himanshu · Post by **Himanshu** » 25 Aug 2008 13:32

The car launch season has just started.. 4-5 more models are waiting to come on the ramp..

MSIL will Launch A-Star and Splash

Fiat will launch Linea and Punto

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 25 Aug 2008 13:46

toyota will launch new corolla dubbed altis soon. looks like a civic.

Nayak · Post by **Nayak** » 25 Aug 2008 14:44

http://howrah.org/business/25842.html

Ghana to assemble Indian-made farmtrac tractors
Font size: Decrease font Enlarge font
NEWSX
25 August, 2008 06:38:04
Ghana will soon start assembling farm tractors imported from India with the brand name, FARMTRAC.

A stone laying ceremony for the construction of the assembly line was held at the free zones enclave in Tema Saturday. Performing the ceremony, President Kufour remarked that the decision by Escorts Limited of India to open an assembly line in Ghana at this time is almost like destiny meeting fortune.

This is because Ghana has since last year been privileged to access over half a billion dollars from the Millennium Challenge Account and has embarked on a vigorous programme to modernise her agriculture. This is being done through mechanisation and other interventions.

Access to cheaper tractors will therefore be a great boost to this programme. An enhanced access to mechanisation will help the farmers to expand the area under cultivation, reduce the drudgery and fatigue inherent in their work and also make farming appealing to the youth.

So far government has imported over 3,000 tractors for sale to farmers at highly subsidised rates amount other things. The Sector Ministry is in the process of establishing mechanisation service centres across the country to improve farmers access to tractors and other machinery.

President Kufuor said FARMTRAC tractor is not new to the country. About 1,281 farmtrac tractors have already been brought in at government's own expense.

He urged the company, Escorts which has chosen Ghana for its first assembly plant in Africa to ensure transfer of technology by engaging Ghanaians in position of responsibility.
---3 times read ---

Himanshu · Post by **Himanshu** » 26 Aug 2008 20:01

Lots of cars

Meanwhile, the new Corolla (Altis) from Toyota is coming on September 5
Honda will bring its new City in the middle of next month.
Maruti’s A-Star hatchback will be introduced in October.
Ditto for Fiat’s Linea sedan along with GM’s new entry into the sedan segment.
The new 7 Series from BMW and
Hyundai i20 hatchback will be coming in November.

Mitsubishi is planning to launch its new sedan, the Lancer Gallant, and compact SUV Outlander in October and utility major M&M will debut its new platform Ingenio MUV.

From
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/New ... 404836.cms

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 27 Aug 2008 18:43

General Motors to set up engine plant in Maharashtra.

John Snow · Post by **John Snow** » 28 Aug 2008 23:12

SO is nano scuttled? It was supposed to be sold to public in Aug 2008 right?.

Guys I want some advice, this summer I want my extended family to visit "char dham" I am thinking of renting a TATA Winger to travel from Hyderabad to all places of "char Dham"
Rishikesh, Gangotri Yamontri Badarinath".

We will be 10 to 11 travelers plus cook plus cooking gas cylinder para phernilia.

I have two options one to buy Tata Winger or rent one.

Please advice ( I know that winger is 6.75 lacs). I will to return to desh in about 5yrs from now. I can garrage the winger or is economically dumb to buy?

SK Mody · Post by **SK Mody** » 28 Aug 2008 23:42

Why are TATA's wasting their time with WB govt? Are they trying to live up to their "socially responsible" image or to get on the good side of UPA govt? They should cut their losses and move to another state or they will get taken for a long ride.

Himanshu · Post by **Himanshu** » 29 Aug 2008 17:56

John.. it's better to rent a vehicle then buy one.. For a 10-11 set of people a Tempo Traveler would be well suited..

John Snow · Post by **John Snow** » 29 Aug 2008 18:54

thanks Himanshu ji. I will explore your idea. regards

vina · Post by **vina** » 30 Aug 2008 08:20

The ten to 12 seat hot dog is the Tata Winger. Every BPO operator is moving to that now and why even my kid's play school has two of those. It is the same as an old renault platform, but a Tata engine. It is a uni body unlike the chassis on truck like the 407 based things you are talking about. Should have a near car like ride.

Hire an airconditioned Tata Winger and you are all set.

John Snow · Post by **John Snow** » 31 Aug 2008 08:57

thanks Vina garu and others.

Rishirishi · Post by **Rishirishi** » 31 Aug 2008 17:20

SK Mody wrote:Why are TATA's wasting their time with WB govt? Are they trying to live up to their "socially responsible" image or to get on the good side of UPA govt? They should cut their losses and move to another state or they will get taken for a long ride.

I second that. Shifting the plant out of WB will force the public in the state to discuss what it wants for the future. It will also send a strong signal to the respective state gov. to create a good opperating environment, for the investors.

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 31 Aug 2008 19:07

Spinster bhau,

Some other stuff to keep in mind:

If you are hiring, make sure the company has the proper papers. You are most likely going to be crossing a lot of state borders, at least some of which will be manned by those walking corruption fleabags called octroi agents. i know you are not moving goods for sale, but it doesnt take that much imagination for a baksheesh hungry agent to cook up some charges. Its best that the company is a registered private taxi for hire.
Make sure the driver has the correct license, you will be surprised how many fly by night operators there are. Also the papers for the vehicle that you are hiring.
Ask around what the implications are of lugging a gas cylinder when crossing state borders, or a simple baksheesh is enough
Not that you need to be told, but spare a thought for the driver. I have seen families that hire vehicles, go on extended trips and do not care for where the driver eats or sleeps, and make the driver drive 16+ hours a day.

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 01 Sep 2008 00:06

you would be crossing two state borders delhi->UP and UP->uttaranchal. the 'rules' are the
the taxi operator picks up the latter which is like a multiple entry H1 visa and valid for some
months..while the delhi->UP crossing I believe is valid for a few days and involves paying a
fee each time. there is some 50-100/- extra baksheesh charged by the agent in the tax
outhouse at the border.

driver 'batta' would be in range of 150-250/day and on this he would manage his food and
bed. if not lodge nearby he would sleep in vehicle itself. many lodges have inexpensive rooms
for drivers too. you can probably give him the food atleast.

Rishirishi · Post by **Rishirishi** » 01 Sep 2008 01:30

Tanaji wrote:Spinster bhau,

Some other stuff to keep in mind:

If you are hiring, make sure the company has the proper papers. You are most likely going to be crossing a lot of state borders, at least some of which will be manned by those walking corruption fleabags called octroi agents. i know you are not moving goods for sale, but it doesnt take that much imagination for a baksheesh hungry agent to cook up some charges. Its best that the company is a registered private taxi for hire.

Make sure the driver has the correct license, you will be surprised how many fly by night operators there are. Also the papers for the vehicle that you are hiring.

Ask around what the implications are of lugging a gas cylinder when crossing state borders, or a simple baksheesh is enough

Not that you need to be told, but spare a thought for the driver. I have seen families that hire vehicles, go on extended trips and do not care for where the driver eats or sleeps, and make the driver drive 16+ hours a day.

Safety
I take taxi from Delhi to Uttranchal and back several times. Most cabs are not registered for cabs and do not pay the relevant licence. It is never a problem. Book the cab via a know agent, and make sure that the cab owner knows that your relative has taken the cab number and also pic of the driver. The only ting you need to make certain is that the driver has been employed for a long time, with the company. If it is the drivers cab, then it is also ok. Also make a few telephone calls during your drive, and make sure that the cab driver understands that you have a mobile.
You should be very safe.

The most important thing is however to check the condition of the car. Here is what I check.
1 The milage (try to have a car under 50 000 km)
2 Tires, Just inspect them and see tha there is grip in them.
3 Get a general impression of the condition. If the car looks fine, is usually is, becase the dust and dirt usually make cars look worse then they are.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 01 Sep 2008 23:23

Mercedes-Benz launches inter-city luxury bus, Plans engine and gear box mfg plant at Pune.

German auto giant Mercedes-Benz is contemplating a possibility to set up a plant to manufacture engines, gear boxes and other components in India at a whopping investment of Rs 2,500 to Rs 3,000 crore. While the company is yet to finalise the plans, the lower cost of manufacturing in India has made the company give a serious thought to it.

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 02 Sep 2008 20:07

Rediff is reporting that Tatas have shut down the Nano plant in Singur and plan to move it.

This is a great victory for Communism, brothers! Long live the Revolution, we showed them bourgeois who is the boss eh?

What Bengal does today, the rest of India follows tomorrow!

Surya · Post by **Surya** » 02 Sep 2008 20:39

Err did I miss something

Technically its the Mamta crowd and Amar sing lot which shut it down.

The commies have been doing this - thats one thing but this is still mamta fault.

Populism triumphs over the rule of law

A sad sad day

negi · Post by **negi** » 02 Sep 2008 23:45

At last TATA's have called it a day . They will be better off moving to Jharkhand,Orrissa or even Bihar . As for people of WB they will be on the loosing side and continue to be so until communists are thrown out. And trust me it is easier to hold fair elections in Kashmir as compared to WB

Tanaji · Post by **Tanaji** » 03 Sep 2008 01:16

Surya,

Yes, its Mamta's fault, but the culture of massive hartaals, bandhs, gheraos and violent demonstration was perfected by the communists. Insane pro - labour policies, strikes at the drop of a hat, ridiculous demands... the book was written by the Communists.

Mamta is just taking this to the logical conclusion.

Both are equally to blame.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 03 Sep 2008 08:35

Tanaji, you are absolutely right, mamata is simply displaying "more communist than the communists" syndrome, just when the realities of governance had started to get to the communists.

sugriva · Post by **sugriva** » 03 Sep 2008 09:16

Could Mamata actually be a prop by the business rivals of the Tatas ? Given that TMC and Mamata are totally out of cash, what with even the CMC out of their control and no say in central politics(1 MP only), it wouldn't take much to persuade Mamata to sit in agitation on behalf of corporate interests. So it is wrong to blame WB and its people for being anti industry. In today's TOI it was reported that 70% of WB wanted the project to come up in Singur.

Do not post unsubstantiated libel about communities, especially of the 'I have no proof but...' kind.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 03 Sep 2008 09:29

actually there have been reports (unconfirmed, of course) that Rahul Bajaj is supporting these agitations to delay the nano so that his eklakhi gets a better chance. He appeared on times now and vehemently denied it, he seemed genuinely disturbed by the allegation.
btw, don't think TMC is out of cash, they may not be as rich as the cpm but they do have some support from smaller industrialists.
ascribing deeper causes to mamata's agitation would be insulting her stupidity. "never ascribe to malice ...." and all that !

P.S. may be now people understand why cpm still gets the seats in WB, as they will this time too. my prediction : TMC would be routed in urban areas, would do better in some rural areas but overall, alongwith INC would still manage less seats than the LF.
MB had her best chance during NDA rule when she broke away from the alliance a fortnight before the elections. I knew then she will never be successful.

edit: It seems MB can sue me.
Supreme Court defines who's an idiot

amit · Post by **amit** » 03 Sep 2008 12:19

Why is Mamata so inflexible towards Tata project?

•Paschim Banga Khet Majur Samity: This NGO held up bus loads of engineers and staff working at the Nano site on August 28 and it was after their threats of intimidation that Tatas decided to stop sending staff to the plant. It’s headed by Anuradha Talwar, 49, a graduate of Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. Her husband Swapan Ganguly is secretary of the organisation.

Talwar and Ganguly established an NGO Gana Samhati Kendra in 1984 in Badu, North 24 Parganas. Talwar says that with funding from the Ford Foundation, they ran a project on healthcare and sanitation in villages. In 1987, they established the Khet Majur Samity, a trade union body, which they claim has no political affiliation.

•Gana Mukti Parishad: An NGO headed by Sunanda Sanyal, a former professor who fell out of CPM’s favour, this group has exposed fake electoral lists. Former Secretary of the state Land Reforms Department Debabrata Banerjee is also associated with this NGO. Sanyal found in the Singur campaign a visible forum to take on the CPM and rushed in. During the last elections, he had actively campaigned for having NGOs as observers. Asked about his funding, Sanyal said: “We get donations from friends.”

All in all a collection of Leftists who have fallen foul with the CPI(M). A case of stormtroopers coming back to bite the hand that used to feed it?

I agree with Rahul, this is going to be (yet again! sigh!) kaput of Mamata.

A long time ago when Mamata was still a fresh and upcoming leader, she pledged to throw the CPI(M) into the Bay of Bengal. That captured the imagination of a lot of folks. At that time I had written that she may well be able to actually throw the Leftists into the Bay of Bengal but would then be at a loss at what to do next - the mundane task of governing never appealed to her.

Well it appears I was both right and wrong. Wrong in thinking Mamata would be able to dislodge the CPI(M). Right in thinking that she hasn't got a clue about governance. She would make a worse CM than Jyoti Basu and that's saying a lot.

That's the tragedy of Bengal. You have one bunch of incompetents manning the ramparts and you and an even more incompetent bunch outside trying to storm the same ramparts. If it hadn't been so deadly serious life and death issue it would have been really funny.

bart · Post by **bart** » 03 Sep 2008 17:42

Looks like many of these shady NGOs could well be working for American car companies, Japanese/Maruti, or the Chinese, and other 'interested parties'.

amit · Post by **amit** » 04 Sep 2008 11:09

Much as I feel dismayed at the way the Tatas are caught in a political cross fire in Bengal (yes it was never, never about the farmers or people of Singur), I can't but feel a bit satisfied by the way the UPA is now doing a bit of its own knife twisting in the CPI(M)'s back.

Compensation for Singur farmers inadequate: Commerce Secy

Kolkata, September 4: : In a new twist to Singur land controversy, Union Commerce and Industry Secretary G K Pillai on Wednesday said the compensation offered to the farmers to acquire land for Tata Motors' small-car factory by West Bengal government was inadequate and the method of land acquisition was incorrect.
"Total compensation package is inadequate," Pillai said on the sidelines of Export Award Function of Shellac and Forest Products Export Promotion Council in Kolkata late on Wednesday evening.

However, the sad part is Buddhadev is at the receiving end and not Prakash Karat. This happens when the apparatchiks are given power without responsibility.

Sigh!

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 04 Sep 2008 11:23

amit, can we continue in the red menace thread ?? I would like your inputs on the implications
of MB joining hands with the maoist factions in the state.

FWIW, there has been a very big backslash against mamata's antics at singur itself. the pro-nano movement is threatening to engulf TMC agitation, which for the most part is by outsiders. (unlike nandigram)
the state population is in general sick of this type of politics.

Tide turns in shocked Singur, own supporters tell Mamata to stop
Nano Knot: Mamata in reverse gear over Singur
'Singur could've been Bengal's Detroit'
Mamata's stir claims first life: Tata worker commit suicide

amit · Post by **amit** » 04 Sep 2008 11:39

Rahul M wrote:amit, can we continue in the red menace thread ?? I would like your inputs on the implications
of MB joining hands with the maoist factions in the state.

FWIW, there has been a very big backslash against mamata's antics at singur itself. the pro-nano movement is threatening to engulf TMC agitation, which for the most part is by outsiders. (unlike nandigram)
the state population is in general sick of this type of politics.

Tide turns in shocked Singur, own supporters tell Mamata to stop
Nano Knot: Mamata in reverse gear over Singur
'Singur could've been Bengal's Detroit'
Mamata's stir claims first life: Tata worker commit suicide

Sure can Rahul.

That's one thread I need to visit more often.

Avinash R · Post by **Avinash R** » 04 Sep 2008 11:56

Thanks to mamta bannerjee another 27 crore loss of investement to west bengal. hail communism and this 'socialist education' which has created a generation of people who are hell bent on destroying people's lives and creating an economic disaster in west bengal.

We are with Tata on Singur issue; ready to relocate: Sona Koyo

New Delhi, Sep 3 (UNI) Reiterating its support to the Tatas on the Singur issue, Sona Koyo Steering System, which will supply the steering component for the world's cheapest car Nano, today said it is ready to relocate if the Tata Motors move out.

''We are with the Tatas on the Singur issue. We came here with them, wherever they go, we will go,'' Sona Koyo Steering System Vice Chairman Sanjay Kapur told reporters here.

The company, which has put in Rs 27 crore to set up a unit at the vendor's park, hopes the situation will 'normalise' soon.

Expressing concern over the consequences of the pullout by the Tatas from the Singur plant, Mr Kapur said it will not be a good omen for the West Bengal as the State will lag in the race of development and also in providing employment oppourtunities to its people.

Himanshu · Post by **Himanshu** » 04 Sep 2008 12:01

Finally the wait is over..

Honda City 2009
http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000707/h ... _2009.aspx

vina · Post by **vina** » 04 Sep 2008 12:33

Himanshu wrote:Finally the wait is over..

Honda City 2009
http://autos.maxabout.com/cvid0000707/h ... _2009.aspx

Pretty underwhelming specs. No airbags and ABS for for a car that puts out 77bhp that costs 8.5 lakh? . I am sure the VTEC version will come with the fully loaded specs and cost 10 lakh !.

India is the largest market for the City. Honda knows it cannot sell this "sedan" version of the Jazz at these prices and not draw a laugh. That is why India is the "Home" market for the City . Notice that the Jazz is not being introduced in India, because, it will face strong competition right away and will be shown it's place and cant be priced, too far north of 6 lakhs OTR , and people will start asking uncomfortable questions on why is a boot worth nearly 3 lakhs extra ?.

I am in the market for a car for long commutes and I think I will wait for the Linea / uprated version of Ford Fiesta if they come with the newer versions of their diesel engines with around 90bhp . The Linea I think will offer far better specs in terms of space , performance and standard equipment list than the Honda City. I am not willing to pay a massive premium for the Honda brand. If Fiat and Ford can get their after sales service act together and get the price of their spares down and especially for Ford, let go of their money grubbing tactics , then I will go for them. Honda doesn't indulge in such behavior, but they do the money grubbing right up front when they sell you the car.

bart · Post by **bart** » 04 Sep 2008 14:40

Vina, I think you have not understood the Honda City buyers mindset. It sells in numbers, not despite being overpriced but BECAUSE it is overpriced. Its bought be many people despite the price because of the quality, but for most it is bought because it sells at a premium so lends some snob value for the buyer. If it was competitively priced Honda would perhaps lose some customers.

The best value in the just under 10L range IMHO is the Cedia...its a cut about the City's and the Verna's though I haven't driven the new City.

vina · Post by **vina** » 04 Sep 2008 15:43

Nah bart.. You forget 'em Yindoos. They line up to buy the City because it is fuel efficient and is a 3 box car (to carry phamily and luggage). It is an efficient package. They pay the premium because the city is the biggest and most efficient package in that segment (all others are less fuel efficient and smaller.. Ford , Hyundai etc) . City ruled the roost because it did not have a comparably efficient offering with equal space and features at that price point. Cedia, Toyota etc, with bigger engines are far less fuel efficient . The Lancer that I have is at least a generation older and the newer Honda engine with similar space and better packaging and way more fuel efficient engine thumps it.

The competition (I am counting on the Linea) is going to put in a more efficient package (the Linea will have a 90 bhp diesel that in all circumstances will outperform the 1.5 idsi , in torque, power and fuel efficiency) than the City and will be bigger than the city.. That is why Fiat delayed the Linea, to see what the new city has on offer, so that they can do better than the City and will get offered at a price point that is equal or less than the Honda, given that the fiat will have far higher local content including engines.

City ruled the roost so long because it did not face competition (the SX4 and Verna are sorry ass attempts . the Fiesta 1.4 diesel did come close, the petrol ones were never as efficient, you were better off with the City.. but Ford overpriced it because they had to import the engine, high spares cost and terrible service) . The new gen competition is going to make things tough for the City. Let us see how it faces up to competition when there is a competent substitute and the price conscious Yindoos go comparsion shopping in the face of such choices

Avinash R · Post by **Avinash R** » 04 Sep 2008 19:45

Tata says Nano launch will be on schedule

Kolkata, Sep 4 (ANI): TATA Group Chairman Ratan Tata today said that he is doing everything possible to launch the Rs one lakh Nano car as planned.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi has begun preliminary discussions with the State Government and the Trinamool Congress.

The Governor also held a meeting with Sudip Bandopadhyay, the chairman of the State Assembly's Standing Committee on Commerce and Industry.

Taking to reporters after the meeting, Bandopadhyay said: "The Governor asked me to meet with him. I told him that the alternative land must be given to the farmers, but Tata should not pullout. The company should not take any decision in a hurry. They must understand the plight of the farmers."

According to sources, the state's Industry Minister, Nirupam Sen, accompanied by Panchayat Minister Surya Kanta Mishra met Governor Gandhi to prepare the groundwork for Friday's talks to end the deadlock.

Gandhi held a two-hour-long meeting with State Government ministers and met a Trinamool Congress team separately at his residence.

Earlier, Gandhi sent a letter to Ratan Tata informing him about the initiative taken to resolve the Singur deadlock.

A total investment of Rs 1,500 crore has been envisaged for Tata's ambitious project to roll out the Rs.1 lakh car by October.

The project, however, has been mired into a controversy with Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee demanding the return of 400 acres out of a total 1,000 acres land leased out by the State Government.