Indian Autos Thread

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 19 May 2012 14:12

Biggest automobile parts hub planned in Gujarat

johneeG · Post by **johneeG** » 21 May 2012 21:40

This is not related to India, but to automobiles.
A Chinese farmer designs and builds a wind powered electric car in 3 months with 1000 pounds.

Someone in youtube commented that this is an absurd idea and violates the laws of physics.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 21 May 2012 22:34

Finally, the Chinese have a worthwhile competitor to the Habib Sitara.

Vipul · Post by **Vipul** » 22 May 2012 00:28

Volkswagen joins convoy to Gujarat.

Automakers seem to be heading for Gujarat en masse, encouraged by the ‘investment-friendly' environment in the State.

Volkswagen is the newest addition to a growing list of carmakers that are either already present in, or looking to move into the State. While GM and Tata Motors have operational plants in Gujarat, Maruti Suzuki has slotted mega expansion in the State.

Peugeot Citroen and Ford Motor have already been given tax breaks and have signed ‘state support' agreements.

Recently, a few officials from Volkswagen evaluated sites near Ahmedabad and Vadodara, State Government officials told Business Line.

“They (Volkswagen) saw multiple sites as part of their due diligence process. It's still in the early stages and they are supposed to soon meet the Industries Department officials again,” a Gujarat Government official said.

A Volkswagen Group India spokesperson said the company is “not as yet” looking at other States to set up a new car plant. Asked further about investment plans, he added: “We are looking at various options and, as and when we firm up our plans, we will share them with you.”

Though Volkswagen currently has two plants in Maharashtra (Chakan and Aurangabad) with a combined 1.3 lakh-unit annual capacity, a wrangle with the State authorities over discontinued VAT benefits may force it to seek alternatives. Maharashtra used to refund VAT paid on all vehicles made in the State, a practice modified last year to include only those vehicles sold within the State.

“Till we get the final proposal from the Government of Maharashtra, it will be difficult for us to decide on further investments,” the company official said.

Till date, the Volkswagen Group has invested Rs 3,800 crore at the Chakan plant (near Pune) in India, with another Rs 2,000 crore in the pipeline.

However, expansion is currently on hold, following the in the VAT decision, Volkswagen Group Chief Representative India, Dr John Chacko, has reportedly said. The Chakan plant makes cars for the Volkswagen and Skoda brands, while the Aurangabad plant additionally assembles premium Audi models. Other group brands present in the domestic market are Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti. These are imported as completely built units.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 26 May 2012 06:49

Maruti to sign agreement with Gujarat government for proposed facility in Mehsana on June 2

NEW DELHI/AHMEDABAD: Maruti Suzuki India, India's largest carmaker, is set to sign an agreement with Gujarat government on June 2, ending a five-month-long uncertainty over its proposed facility near Mehsana in north Gujarat.

Maruti is expected to set up an initial capacity of 2.5 lakh cars per annum that would gradually be scaled up to feed demand from domestic market and export commitments. Under the proposed agreement, Gujarat government will allocate 500 acres to the carmaker for setting up its first facility outside Haryana, one senior official in the state industries department said. "The June 2 agreement will enable the company execute its strategic plans in the state," the official said.

Maruti plans to develop a capacity to produce 20 lakh cars per annum in Gujarat in phases and will initially invest Rs. 6,000 crore initially along with its vendors and suppliers. The Bechraji facility will be the Maruti's seventh manufacturing unit and is expected to start production in next five years. It currently operates three plans from its principal facility in Gurgaon and two more from Manesar where one more plant is coming up.

The Narendra Modi government in Gujarat wants to make the state an auto hub. Auto firms like General Motors, Asia Motor Works and Tata Motors have facilities in the state. Tata's Nano was launched two years ago within one year of its signing a state agreement. Ford Motors too has started work on their car project in the neighbourhood of Tata's Nano plant in Anand near Ahmedabad.

It was on May 31, 2011 that Maruti Suzuki India chairman RC Bhargava announced the choice of Gujarat for future expansion. However, in January this year, there were speculation that Maruti might go slow on its expansion plans in Gujarat. The speculation will end with the June 2 agreement. "Over 500 acre is in possession of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation for setting up an industrial estate. However, the plan never materialised and now it will be sold to Maruti Suzuki India for its expansion plans in India," said another official in the Gujarat industries department.

Its reported 270 hectares (27,00,000 sqm) will be alloted at 647Rs per sqm. Maruti will pay 174.69cr upon possession.

andy B · Post by **andy B** » 30 May 2012 09:21

http://theage.drive.com.au/motor-news/i ... 1zgo7.html

The car is the Mahindra XUV500, and the Indian brand aims to offer the new seven-seat soft-roader with a generous equipment list and a starting price under $30,000.

Advertisement: Story continues below According to Mahindra Australia, final pricing for XUV500 is still to be decided, but expect a few model grades with an entry-level front-wheel-drive model starting at about $27,000 – just above the diesel Great Wall Motors X200 diesel 4X4 SUV which starts at $25,990 driveaway.

All-wheel-drive versions of the Mahindra are expected to tip over the $30,000 mark.

Kaaments:

This cut price SUV is probably a whole lot safer than all the old rust bucket Hyundai Excels and Ford Lasers currently hooning around our roads with P-plates plastered on them. ANCAP safety 'star' rating is not gospel when it comes to road safety. There aren't many SUV's in the $25k bracket out there which quote "the car will be offered with a generous equipment list, including the full complement of safety equipment with six airbags and stability control." You even get 2.2-litre turbo diesel Renault built engine producing 103kW and 330Nm mated to a 4x4 six speed manual transmission. The Australian built Holden Cruze for example is similarly priced and does not boast half of those features. Most will compromise half an ANCAP 'star' for added comfort features. It's all about perspective

Ummm Daz, where in the article does it say either of the cars have a safety rating under 4? The SUV500 has ESP, ABS and 6 airbags - I'd say that sounds pretty safe

aniket · Post by **aniket** » 04 Jun 2012 19:29

Ive been meaning to ask fellow members. Does anybody own a XUV500?
Any feedback or comments about it would be greatly appreciated.TIA

manish · Post by **manish** » 06 Jun 2012 11:20

^^^ <<< First up: I am not lucky (or rich) enough to own one

>>>

Enough has been said about the positives of the model in the press and elsewhere, so I guess you are already well aware of those.

On the downside, I saw somewhere on Team-BHP that quite a few niggling gremlins have cropped up on many vehicles. I guess T-BHP ownership threads would be the right place to ask around on.

Here's a link... and the quote...

Over lunch, we were discussing the merits and demerits of XUV ( he told me that i did a good thing bynot buying XUV since the service guys are fed up with the number of complaints coming in the vehicle- mostly to do with electronics and the suspension- and truth be told, I did count at least 5 XUVs in the service center with their dash board ripped open- not a pretty sight for a car lover , and one unregstered XUV with its engine completely ripped apart, the exhaust dismanteled and lying on the rear seat- dunno what is the story of that one!).

But I think these must be teething issues and am sure these things will get sorted out in due course. Overall, it appears to be a good vehicle IMHO.

OTOH for some reason, Mahindra seems to continue to struggle with suspension systems - the same has been their Achilles Heel with the Scorpio for a very long time!

vina · Post by **vina** » 06 Jun 2012 13:13

johneeG wrote:Someone in youtube commented that this is an absurd idea and violates the laws of physics.

Absurd alright, but does not violate the laws of physics. In fact, if you remember, sail powered ships traveled all over the globe and explored every inch of the seas, and also, there are solar powered cars.

The windmill/propeller, just like the sail, is an aerodynamic device used to convert wind energy into motive force.

The only quibble I have with that guy's engineering is to try and use a windmill/propeller to try and move the car via turning the wheels. He would have been better off putting a sail on the car, atleast he would have avoided the transmission losses and the other stuff and saved some money in the bargain.

Dileep · Post by **Dileep** » 06 Jun 2012 14:33

Vina, would you put a windmill in front of the car, facing forward, if the idea is to harness wind power? It is the are old "perpetuum mobile" onlee. That is what the commentary/newsclips say as well.

vina · Post by **vina** » 06 Jun 2012 14:44

Dileep wrote:Vina, would you put a windmill in front of the car, facing forward, if the idea is to harness wind power? It is the are old "perpetuum mobile" onlee. That is what the commentary/newsclips say as well.

No. This is not a perpetual motion machine (which violates 2nd law ). In fact, to answer your question, don't think of it as a "car" .

Take one of those giant wind generators you see. There the windmill faces the wind (ie facing into the wind) and suppose, you connect the power generated (either directly or from the generator ) to the wheels (either via a transmission or via electric motor), with the "Windmill Car" (with windmill facing forward) move ? Of course it will.

In fact it will reach a steady state where the power output of the windmill (which will drop as the windmill moves) and the resistance to motion of the car (which will increase at it picks up speed) reach equilibrium and that will be a few kilometers per hour.

Dileep · Post by **Dileep** » 07 Jun 2012 13:00

Well, you are right if the purpose is to demonstrate that it is possible to move against the wind using the same wind's power. I don't think the designer's intention is that.

Hear the commentary. It says, once the car reaches 40kmph, the turbine rotates and generate electricity. There is no mention of harnessing the energy from "natural wind". It is clearly an attempt of perpetuum mobile, by harnessing energy from the "wind" felt when the car moves.

If your intention is to harness power from the natural wind, you would mount the turbine above the car on a turret or something, so that it can work with wind from any direction. The simple fact that the turbine is facing forward, clearly indicate 'perpetuum mobile', nothing else.

vina · Post by **vina** » 07 Jun 2012 13:09

Dileep wrote:Well, you are right if the purpose is to demonstrate that it is possible to move against the wind using the same wind's power. I don't think the designer's intention is that.

I must confess that I didn't even watch that clip or read the comments in that. All I did was take a look at the "preview picture" and saw comments dismissing it as against "laws of physics" . Yes, it is goofy to put a propeller in front like an airplane, but that thing will move and does not violate the laws of physics.

Dileep · Post by **Dileep** » 07 Jun 2012 13:39

Yup. The video was not in PPT format. I forgot

Now, please watch them, hear the commentary, and realize what is being claimed.

Of course, NOTHING can violate the laws of physics, can they?

The correct statement would be "In order to perform the way it is claimed to be, it will have to violate the laws of physics (which is impossible)"

And if you still want to debate the merits/demerits of this invention, please tell me, what exactly is the role of that fan, and if it does make any technical or commercial sense.

vina · Post by **vina** » 07 Jun 2012 14:03

Dileep wrote:The correct statement would be "In order to perform the way it is claimed to be, it will have to violate the laws of physics (which is impossible)"

But that wasn't your question. Your question was, to "Harness the energy in the wind, will you put the propeller in front , facing the wind"

And if you still want to debate the merits/demerits of this invention, please tell me, what exactly is the role of that fan, and if it does make any technical or commercial sense.

In the way the Chinese dude is doing, he is actually wasting energy (the energy generated by the fan will always be much less than what the battery/prime mover which is moving he vehicle will be putting out) and he can safely remove the fan and improve his performance.

But to answer Your question, yes, the optimum place to put the fan will be on the nose of the car, facing the wind (assuming of course, the wind is always blowing in one direction and the Chinese dude wants to laws drive into the wind.).sort of you are driving BLR-Hosur, (North-South), and the wind is always blowing Hosur-Blr (South-North) and you are bent on using a propeller and not a sail (which like you said can be turned to harness wind blowing from any direction).

member_20292 · Post by **member_20292** » 07 Jun 2012 16:03

Who's got an Enfield Bullet here? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Bullet with say, a Bajaj Pulsar ?

aniket · Post by **aniket** » 07 Jun 2012 17:54

manish wrote:^^^ <<< First up: I am not lucky (or rich) enough to own one >>>

Enough has been said about the positives of the model in the press and elsewhere, so I guess you are already well aware of those.

On the downside, I saw somewhere on Team-BHP that quite a few niggling gremlins have cropped up on many vehicles. I guess T-BHP ownership threads would be the right place to ask around on.

Here's a link... and the quote...
Over lunch, we were discussing the merits and demerits of XUV ( he told me that i did a good thing bynot buying XUV since the service guys are fed up with the number of complaints coming in the vehicle- mostly to do with electronics and the suspension- and truth be told, I did count at least 5 XUVs in the service center with their dash board ripped open- not a pretty sight for a car lover , and one unregstered XUV with its engine completely ripped apart, the exhaust dismanteled and lying on the rear seat- dunno what is the story of that one!).
But I think these must be teething issues and am sure these things will get sorted out in due course. Overall, it appears to be a good vehicle IMHO.

OTOH for some reason, Mahindra seems to continue to struggle with suspension systems - the same has been their Achilles Heel with the Scorpio for a very long time!

This is the reason why i decided to wait for a good time after the initial launch.Will hopefully book it this weekend if i can convince dad.I absolutely love it.
@ mahadevbhuji my advice to you would be to buy a Royal Enfield if you are passionate about it.The new Desert Strom looks promising.But if are not that into it the Pulsar would be a better choice.

Dilbu · Post by **Dilbu** » 07 Jun 2012 18:38

Bullet is known as an enthusiast's bike. If you are looking for the pure thrill of owning and riding a Bullet and dont care about mileage and maintenance then it is for you. OTOH if you are a normal munna looking for just a bike with a pretty good mileage to commute to office I would suggest you to stick with Pulsar.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 07 Jun 2012 18:55

mahadevbhu wrote:Who's got an Enfield Bullet here? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Bullet with say, a Bajaj Pulsar ?

I owned one, it was 12V but right hand side Gear shift type

Advantages

1) Macho Look

2) Lovely ride feel

3) Beautiful engine noise

Disadvantages

1) Needs to be taken good care off especially when compared to 100-200CC bikes, maintaince costs will be higher and needs to service with regular time intervals

2) Braking can be pretty poor and needs a guy who is experienced with Bikes

3) not very nible in taffic and can be difficult to park

4) Expensive to Buy.

5) Poor Mileage

A few things from back of the head.

rgsrini · Post by **rgsrini** » 07 Jun 2012 19:22

^^Check out Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500. It was showcased in Autoexpo 2012, and I believe it will be launched at the end of 2012. There are quite a few improvements over Thuderbird 350 and the styling is very refined. Probably the most refined one from the Enfield stable.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 07 Jun 2012 19:33

Boss thunderbird is poor copy of Harley davidson, would prefer a Classic 500

rgsrini · Post by **rgsrini** » 07 Jun 2012 20:03

Saar... Royal enfield is older than Harley Davidson, in case you don't know this info. If you consider that, we can call Harley, a copy of Royal Enfield in the first place. You are going to find similarities between these 2 brands.

Anyway, it is not copying. It is called being inspired. I am happy that Royal enfield is beginning to refine its products. there will always be a market for the classic versions. There will be a bigger market for the refined versions, IMO and it will ensure that the company survives and grows bigger.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 07 Jun 2012 20:11

mahadevbhu, get bajaj avenger if you want a tourer minus the hassles of RE.

Aditya_V · Post by **Aditya_V** » 08 Jun 2012 15:05

Nah the Bajaj Avenger is not the real deal. RE is great fun, only thing it is not the correct bike for guys int he 18-22 range trying to overtake all and sundray on road in cities. RE hs its own delights.

harbans · Post by **harbans** » 08 Jun 2012 16:10

I own a Bullet. In the past i did a lot of solo biking across the country. My max trip was a 2000 km one South to North. Enfield is a cruiser bike. I don't think one can compare a Pulsar and a Bullet.

rgsrini · Post by **rgsrini** » 08 Jun 2012 21:24

We all know that Royal Enfield is known for its mad craftsmanship, atleast in some areas. Take a look at this video. It is an artist at work, pinstriping the fuel tank.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsTIMxeO ... re=related

I get a kick out of this video, everytime I watch it.

ArmenT · Post by **ArmenT** » 08 Jun 2012 22:00

^^^
Yep, saw another video of this pinstriping process from years ago and it was the same gent doing it then as well. Apparently, Royal Enfield has only two people on staff to do all the pin-striping paint jobs and they happen to be brothers. In an interview with one of them, he said that he does not drink at all, in order to have a steady hand. He also said that Enfield management starts to get nervous if they call in sick or go on vacation etc.

Gaurav_S · Post by **Gaurav_S** » 09 Jun 2012 07:52

Hyosung superbike plant to be shifted from Maharashtra to Gujarat

member_20292 · Post by **member_20292** » 09 Jun 2012 22:13

Everyone,

mahadevbhu is 6 feet 2 inches tall...pretty big...102 kg big. Not fat. But powerful.

Long legs..the kind that supermodels have as well.

So, sitting on the Pulsars front seat is like doing a padmasana for me. Legs are twisted half ways to the moon and back.

Same for most of the other smaller bikes out there.

The ones that would work are

Hero Honda Karizma...

I tried the Bullet Electra and the Bullet Thunderbird.

The Electra's riding position is excellent for me. My hands are extended well. My legs find it okay.

The thunderbird, as its handles are nearer to the rider....they dont allow my arms to be extended while holding the handlebar; I hold it with a bend in my arms.
Therefore, for pure riding ergonomics, ELectra is better than Thunder bird for me.

Now;

a. How is a NEWer model Bullets maintenance ?

b. My driver was telling me that both parts and servicing for his old 1970 Bullet were cheaper than his 2012 Pulsar.

member_20292 · Post by **member_20292** » 09 Jun 2012 22:15

In short....all Mahadevbhu is looking for is a fun ride which accomodates his long legs and large frame in peace and safety.

Riding handling, comfort is a big plus...but riding comfort and ergonomics come first.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 09 Jun 2012 22:21

>> a. How is a NEWer model Bullets maintenance ?

a friend has an electra for close to a year with absolutely no problems. and he rides it everyday to work and back.

>> b. My driver was telling me that both parts and servicing for his old 1970 Bullet were cheaper than his 2012 Pulsar.

have some salt.

member_20292 · Post by **member_20292** » 09 Jun 2012 22:39

^^^^

In his words....jaan bahut hai Bullet main. His love for his old bullet was showing through in his perceptions of maintenance

Raja Bose · Post by **Raja Bose** » 10 Jun 2012 01:15

mahadevbhu has the legs of a supermodel and the upper body of an Arnold? Is he a real life Sabu?

negi · Post by **negi** » 10 Jun 2012 01:33

For a moment I thought Mahadevbhu was trying to hit on mards in the jirga.

On Bullet I like the old classic model with standard handle bars, new ones have spoiled the lines except for classic 500.
Having said that the bike which I liked the most was 2 stroke Yamaha RX 100, I think last was was made somewhere back in 2002-03. Lighter than any of the existing 150cc line of bikes but more powerful. In Indian roads you can weave between the vehicles on that baby.

member_20292 · Post by **member_20292** » 10 Jun 2012 09:44

any more suggestions for comfortable bikes for tall leggy people??

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 10 Jun 2012 10:41

p 200NS

Singha · Post by **Singha** » 10 Jun 2012 18:31

if you are single and ready to mingle, the Yamaha YZF R15 has a split pillion seat mounted higher up and sloping down http://www.yamaha-motor-india.com/produ ... index.html

it will make the girl slide down, hugging your profile and easier to place her head above yours and look forward.

Rahul M · Post by **Rahul M** » 10 Jun 2012 19:18

once. next time she will run away when she(he ?) sees the R-15. the new R-15 has a very bad pillion position.

member_20292 · Post by **member_20292** » 12 Jun 2012 21:44

anyways, I test drove Electra 350, classic 350 and classic 500. All were good.

Main thing was that Delhi roads are crappy and driving here is painful and dangerous on a two wheeler.

So I have decided....after loads of advice from family etc...to not buy a bike in Delhi.

Maybe in the states....later. Thanks all.

rohitvats · Post by **rohitvats** » 14 Jun 2012 12:14

^^^VERY SANE ADVISE.