11,111,111th Polo leaves assembly line at Volkswagen Group India

11,111,111th Volkswagen Polo

WOLFSBURG / PUNE : February 4, 2010 - On his state visit to India, Prof. Dr. Horst Köhler, President of the Federal Republic of Germany, today visited the Volkswagen plant in Pune. The German President joined Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG with responsibility for ‘Group Production’, and Jörg Müller, President and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group India, at the celebrations to mark the roll-out of the 11,111,111th Polo ever produced.

Heizmann welcomed the German President to the plant which was opened in 2009 and is a key element in Volkswagen’s growth roadmap in the Indian subcontinent. As Heizmann emphasized: "The scale of investment to date and the sustainable employment opportunities for people from the region underscore Volkswagen’s long-term commitment to India. The Polo built at the Pune plant demonstrates that excellent vehicles are created when German engineering prowess interacts perfectly with Indian skills."

Only two weeks ago, the Polo was named "Car of the Year 2010", one of the most prestigious awards in Europe. Volkswagen began building a hatchback version of the Polo specially designed for the Indian market in December 2009. "We are determined to bring the Polo’s European success story to India. Volkswagen will tap its opportunities in India with vehicles like the Polo, our modern plant in Pune and a highly-motivated workforce," Heizmann continued. "The visit by the German President, today’s production anniversary and the naming of Volkswagen Group India as "Automotive Company of the Year" just a few weeks ago inspire us to continue on the course we have set," Müller added.

At the event celebrating the roll-out of the 11,111,111th Polo, the German President toured the new Volkswagen plant in Maharashtra State accompanied by a delegation of 30 high-ranking representatives from politics and industry. The group found out about the training programs for the newly recruited employees and the innovative production processes at the plant.

The Pune plant is one of the most modern in the Volkswagen Group and covers all stages in the production process from press shop through body shop and paint shop to final assembly. It has a maximum annual capacity of 110,000 vehicles. In addition to the Volkswagen Polo, the Pune plant also builds the Škoda Fabia.

With a total financial commitment amounting to 580 million euros, the Volkswagen plant in Pune is the largest investment to date by a German company in India. Volkswagen plans to employ some 2,500 people locally by the end of 2010.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]

Honda to Exhibit the Honda New Small Concept at Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi

Honda New Small Concept

NEW DELHI : January 5, 2010 - Honda Siel Cars India Ltd. unveiled the Honda New Small Concept, a concept model for a new small-sized vehicle, at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi. HSCI also announced plans to begin sales of a new model in 2011 based on this concept model.

For the Honda New Small Concept, a wide platform with a stable center of gravity was adopted to create a highly efficient compact size with seating for five people. With the "Efficient Energetic Exterior" design, the dynamic design of the Honda New Small Concept with front forward fenders highlight the presence of the vehicle.

Honda is planning to introduce a new model based on the Honda New Small Concept in 2011, in India and also in Thailand.

Honda will strive to provide a new small-sized vehicle that is beyond the expectations of customers in rapidly growing markets and offer it at an affordable price by leveraging Honda's global parts sourcing network.

Images : Honda New Small Concept

[Source : HONDA]

Toyota unveils concept of New Compact Cars at the Auto Expo 2010 - Global premier of Etios Concept – World First, India First!

Toyota Etios Concept Hatchback

• Concept of Etios, Toyota's new strategic compact cars for the global market, launched today.
• Specially developed for Indian conditions, Toyota's new global strategic compact cars will be launched first in India and then across the world.
• Newly developed engine for sedan concept (1.5 L, petrol) and hatchback concept (1.2 L, petrol) showcased at Auto Expo 2010.
• Design concept - Bold simplicity
• New compact cars will come with the world famous Toyota quality that is never compromised and possess class leading style, comfort and cost of ownership

NEW DELHI : January 5, 2010 - Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. (TKM) today unveiled the concept model of its soon to be launched new compact cars in India. Named as Etios concept, it incorporates the advanced technology and superior quality features that have been developed by Toyota specifically for India, by leveraging the world class innovation that Toyota is globally renowned for.

Toyota Etios Concept Hatchback

The concept cars were unveiled in the presence of Mr. Kazuo Okamoto (Vice Chairman, Toyota Motor Corporation), Mr. Akira Okabe (Senior Managing Director, Toyota Motor Corporation), Mr. Yoshinori Noritake (Chief Engineer, Product Planning for Passenger Vehicle, Toyota Motor Corporation), Mr. Vikram Kirloskar (Vice Chairman, TKM), Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa (Managing Director, TKM) and Mr. Sandeep Singh (Deputy Managing Director, Marketing, TKM).

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Kazuo Okamoto said, "We are very excited to finally showcase the concept of Etios, which has been newly developed specifically for customers in India. Our tagline of 'World First, India First' represents our choice of India for the global premiere of the Etios concept, following which exports to other countries will be evaluated. India will play a pivotal role in Toyota's global expansion plans and the time has come for us to strategically accelerate our growth here. Based on our 'Customer First' approach, our highest priority will be to make every effort to exceed the Indian customer's expectations and the introduction of the Etios concept today is the first step in this direction.

Toyota Etios Concept Sedan

Added Mr. Hiroshi Nakagawa, "In the past decade that Toyota has been in India, we have brought smiles to the faces of more than 4 lakh customers who own Toyota products. These customers are our biggest asset as we have learnt a lot from them and have utilized their feedback in designing our new compact cars. All preparations for the launch of Etios in India are on schedule, namely the construction of our second plant and the expansion of our dealer network. With the introduction of Etios, we will enter the mass volume segment. We are looking at a sales volume of 70,000 in the first year and will ensure that the customers of our new compact cars will have access to the world class quality standards that only Toyota can provide."

Elaborating on the Etios concept, Mr. Yoshinori Noritake said, "In the process of development of Etios, I have visited many Indian cities and homes to understand the market and interact with customers. The Etios concept will cater to the basic needs of this market - highest standards of quality at competitive prices. Toyota's new compact cars have been designed to offer innovative styling, roomy interiors, superior ride comfort and best in class mileage at competitive prices. The design concept of 'Bold Simplicity' represents the pursuit of the perfect combination of functionality and affordable luxury. More than 2000 engineers in India and Japan have worked in close collaboration for four years to ensure the perfect blend of local design sensibilities and unmatched global quality standards that is Etios. "

Mr. Sandeep Singh added, "We are very proud that India is the lead country for Toyota's new compact cars. We understand that the Toyota brand in India represents quality that is never compromised, advanced technology, durability and reliability, all of which are essential features in our soon to be launched new compact cars. With the introduction of Etios, we hope to attain a sizeable market share in India in the shortest possible time. To ensure maximum accessibility to our customers, we will expand our sales/service network to about 150 dealers by the end of 2010. This is the beginning of our marketing campaign for Etios. Next would be the exhibition of Etios and other models in 10 major cities for Indian customers to see and experience Toyota's legendary quality standards."

[Source : TOYOTA]

Volvo XC90 makes its first appearance in Bollywood

2010 Volvo XC-90 R-Design at Bollywood

Volvo XC90 R-Design makes its first appearance in Bollywood with 3 Idiots starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The film will be released on December 25.
"We are delighted to be a part of a big banner Bollywood movie. Bollywood is a cult in India," says Paul De Voijs, Managing Director, Volvo Auto India.


For the first time in India, Volvo Cars gets associated with Bollywood with the debut of its red XC90 R-Design in the most awaited releases of 2009 - 3 Idiots. Produced by Vinod Chopra Films and directed by Raj Kumar Hirani, the film's cast includes the crème of the Indian acting fraternity - Aamir Khan, Kareena Kapoor, R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi.

Aamir Khan has scored resounding successes in all the movies in which he has been involved since the start of the 2000s. Today he is somewhat more restrained in his on-screen output and performs in no more than two movies a year. The female co-star Kareena Kapoor is also immensely popular. The other two stars R. Madhavan and Sharman Joshi, are also among Bollywood's acting elite.

"The movie and its lead characters emanate vibrancy, energy and sportiness; exactly the qualities represented by our XC90 R-Design. Hence the ideal integration of our brand and the movie," says Paul De Voijs.
"Artistic integrity is crucial for successful brand placements and the utility of the product has to be woven properly into the script. The placement should be a natural fit," Paul de Voijs further adds.

The film is about the journey two friends undertake in their search for a third compatriot, played by Aamir Khan. The backdrop of the movie is along the length and breadth of India, covering the scenic beauty of the mountainous region of Ladakh. The film has been shot along the world's highest-altitude road, at 5,590 metres or 18,340 feet above sea level. The landscape is dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful.

Images : 2010 Volvo XC-90 R-Design at Bollywood

[Source : VOLVO]

Toyota to unveil new compact car concept for India at New Delhi Show

TOKYO : December 10, 2009 – TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION (TMC) announces its production and sales subsidiary in India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private, Ltd. (TKM), plans to unveil a concept for a new compact car designed for the Indian market, as well as display 13 other concept and production vehicles, at the 10th Auto Expo automobile show in New Delhi from January 5 to 11, 2010.


The concept for the new compact car is to be unveiled at a TKM press conference on January 5.

Other vehicles on display are to include the redesigned “Prado” and “Fortuner” SUVs and the India-market-leading “Innova” minivan.

The TKM display will also present Toyota’s active approach toward developing modes of transportation for the future by showing the “i-REAL” personal mobility vehicle, the “Fine-S” fuel-cell hybrid vehicle and other concept vehicles.

[Source : TOYOTA]

Ford revealed New Figo for targeting India market and export sales

Reveal of the New Ford Figo in Delhi India

DELHI, India : September 23, 2009 – India’s role as an important player in the future of Ford Motor Company’s international strategy was underscored today when the company’s President and CEO, Alan Mulally, unveiled an all-new car targeting the heart of the Indian car market – the new Ford Figo.


The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market, signals Ford’s intention to compete in India’s largest and most important small car market segment.

Reveal of the New Ford Figo in Delhi India

Ford Figo is the result of a significant Ford investment commitment to expand its plant near Chennai for volume production as a small-car centre of excellence regionally. Ford’s $500 million investment has doubled the plant’s production capacity to 200,000 units per year and introduces major advances in high-quality automation and innovative, eco-friendly production techniques.

The Ford Figo, a new nameplate and a fresh face on the Indian market

“Our exciting new Ford Figo shows how serious we are about India,” Mulally said. “It reflects our commitment to compete with great products in all segments of this car market. We are confident the Ford Figo will be a product that Indian consumers really want and value.”

Ford Figo is designed and engineered to compete in India’s small car segment, which accounts for more than 70 percent of the new vehicle market. It leverages Ford’s small-car platform architecture, sharing underlying technology with the Ford Fiesta, already familiar to Indian drivers.

New Shape, Solid Foundation

Today’s press conference in Delhi was the first public preview of the exterior design of the new Ford Figo. Ford is reserving further details about the vehicle until closer to its production launch early in 2010.

Design-conscious Italy inspired the new Ford Figo’s name. Figo is colloquial Italian for “cool.”

Sharing key elements of Ford’s kinetic design language with vehicles like the globally renowned Ford Focus, Ford Mondeo and the Ford Fiesta, Ford Figo features a fresh, contemporary shape that will be a distinctive alternative to traditional brands in this segment. The design language conveys a dynamic spirit of energy in motion.

Quality, substance and generous proportions are clearly evident in the design of the new Ford Figo, which features a solid stance, an invitingly large interior and a vibrant, youthful character. Its package is right-sized for the market, which is predominated by congested urban driving conditions.

From its modern headlamps, grille shapes and sculpted bonnet of its distinctive face to the subtle integrated spoiler and chamfered window shape at the rear, Ford Figo is filled with kinetic design touches. These also include sculpted shapes to the body side – chiseled front fenders, a “comet tail” undercut in the doors and additional light-catching sculpting in the lower bodyside – which combine to communicate the solidity, substance and protective safety of its design.

The bold graphic of Ford Figo’s large side window shape is another key kinetic design feature hinting at the comfort and spaciousness awaiting occupants’ front and rear. The side window graphic is executed with a blacked-out B-pillar, an elegant design touch that unifies the side windows into one shape visually.

With its wheels positioned at the four corners of the vehicle with minimal overhang, Ford Figo’s bold wheel arches self-assuredly signal its agility and solidity.

“We’re confident that the new Ford Figo will be extremely attractive to Indian car buyers,” said Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India. “It’s going to be very competitive with the current market leaders and offer a tremendous value story for our consumers. We believe Ford Figo is a big game-changer for Ford that will help transform our brand into a volume player in India.”

New Ford Regional Production Centre

The introduction of the new Ford Figo marks a significant shift for India’s role in Ford’s strategy. Transformed with a production capacity of 200,000 units, the integrated Chennai manufacturing facility is now positioned as a Ford regional centre of excellence for small-car engineering and production.

Ford Figo models will be produced at the plant for export to international markets. The plant is also being groomed to produce diesel and petrol engines for local vehicle production and export within Ford’s Asia Pacific and Africa region.

With more automation and high-tech new facilities, the new site reflects the latest Ford manufacturing processes globally and pioneers new technologies for Ford and India. Created with a “best of the best” approach, it has been benchmarked against other competitive facilities globally, as well as the current volume manufacturers in the Indian market, for quality and production efficiency.

The transformed plant introduces eco-friendly production techniques like its new Three-Wet High-Solids paint process. This approach produces beautifully painted vehicles with three wet coats – primer, base coat and clear coat – of high solids-content paint applied one after the other without oven curing between coats. A first for India, it produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions and reduces volatile organic compounds emissions by about 20 percent compared to current medium-solids solvent-borne paints. Use of high-solids content results in a paint finish with high levels of gloss and depth of colour which is more resistant to scratches and stone chips.

Images : 2010 Ford Figo

[Source : FORD]

Volkswagen opens new plant in Pune / India

Volkswagen opens new plant in Pune / India

• Largest investment by German company to date in Indian growth market – maximum annual production capacity of 110,000 vehicles
  

WOLFSBURG / PUNE, India : March 31, 2009 - The Governor of Maharashtra State in Western India, Shri. S. C. Jamir, and Prof. Dr. Jochem Heizmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft with responsibility for ‘Group Production’, officially opened the new Volkswagen Group’s plant in India on Tuesday in the presence of some 500 international guests. For Volkswagen, the new production facility in Pune is a major stepping stone towards achieving its ambitious growth targets on the Indian subcontinent.


The Pune plant will begin building the Skoda Fabia compact car in May 2009. Production of a hatchback version of the Volkswagen Polo specially developed for the Indian market will be added from 2010. With a total financial commitment in India amounting to 580 million euros, the Pune plant represents the largest investment to date by a German company in the country. The facility has a maximum annual production capacity of 110,000 vehicles destined for delivery to the Indian market.

"With the start of production at our new plant in Maharashtra State, the Volkswagen Group has conclusively arrived on India’s emerging market. Thanks to the local production of Volkswagen and Skoda models in Pune, we will benefit even more from enormous growth on the Indian automobile market in future," Heizmann said at the opening ceremony.

Despite the impact of the financial and economic crisis the desire for individual mobility in India remains high. Experts predict that the Indian automobile market will grow from the present 1.2 million vehicles to over 2 million vehicles by 2014. The Volkswagen Group has already been building Skoda, Volkswagen and Audi models at its plant in Aurangabad since 2001. In addition to expanding production capacity, the Group is also investing in an efficient Indian supplier industry and in expanding its dealer network across the country.

At the opening ceremony, Jörg Müller, President and Managing Director of Volkswagen Group India, underscored the significance of the new factory in the Chakan industrial park: "Volkswagen and its cars are already visible testimony to ‘mobility – made in India’. So I am all the more delighted that our new plant in Pune sends a clear signal for the further development of our brands in India and for the people in this region."

The Pune plant is one of the most modern in the Volkswagen Group. It has a high level of vertical integration and a large share of local suppliers. The facility is the only production plant operated by a German automaker in India that covers the entire production process from press shop through body shop and paint shop to final assembly.

Volkswagen plans to employ some 2,500 people at the Pune plant by the end of 2010. The investment agreement to build the new plant was signed in November 2006 – just over two years before today’s inauguration ceremony.

In 2008, the Volkswagen Group produced 6.347 million vehicles worldwide, some 66.2 percent (4.201 million) of which were built outside Germany. The Pune plant is the 61st in the worldwide production network of the nine-brand Group.

To mark the opening of the new plant, Jörg Müller presented an ambulance to the Red Cross hospital in Pune and announced that Volkswagen India would support a local primary school.

[Source : VOLKSWAGEN]

GM India Launches New Chevrolet Aveo U-VA

NEW DELHI : October 17, 2008 - General Motors India today launched the new Chevrolet Aveo U-VA at a press conference attended by its brand ambassador and movie star Saif Ali Khan.



Launched as part of General Motors' centenary year celebrations, the new Chevrolet U-VA is a testament of the company's continued commitment to sharing its joy with valued customers. The New U-VA comes with a number of additional interior and exterior features including:

• Driver airbag and ABS system for enhanced occupant safety
  
• Keyless entry with burglar alarm for improved vehicle security and ownership convenience
  
• A rear spoiler to add sportiness and youth to the external visual package
  
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob to enhance driver appeal
  
• Split folding rear seats to ensure cabin payload flexibility
  
• Premium deco moulding on the instrument panel and door trims to provide luxury

Speaking on the occasion Mr. P. Balendran, Vice President said, "The new Chevrolet U-VA now brings superlative value and additional safety, security and luxury to our customers, which is in line with our commitment to provide best-in-class products and services. With our Talegaon plant going into production last month, GM is now in a position to strengthen the company's presence in the Indian market through the Chevrolet brand. We will now continue to roll out new products and also revitalize our existing line up to create new excitement in the market. We are confident that we will be able to capture a sizable portion of the domestic market by 2010, he added.

"The Chevrolet U-VA is a global product sold in Europe, North America and other parts of Asia Pacific," said Mr. Ankush Arora, Vice President (Marketing, Sales & After Sales). "Today, the new Chevrolet U-VA can also boast of truly class-leading and exciting features that put it a league above its competition", he added.

The new Chevrolet U-VA is backed by nationwide dealer and service networks, combined with reasonably priced maintenance, industry-first warranty schemes and low-cost spare parts, which add further lustre to the vehicle.


A high decibel advertisement campaign for the new Chevrolet Aveo U-VA

Mr. P. Balendran, Vice President and brand ambassador - movie star Saif Ali Khan.

A refreshing television advertisement campaign for the new U-VA also went on air recently starring movie star and brand ambassador of Chevrolet, Saif Ali Khan. "The creative in this new commercial has taken the new U-VA's proposition to the next level - as the big car for the large heart, with its 'Bada Dil Badi Car' tag, "With Saif and a witty script, this ad has caught the attention and appreciation of audiences throughout the country. The high decibel campaign will be seen across channels with approximately 120 spots per day and over 200 spots on the weekends. The campaign is now running on all the prominent channels and has been inserted around popular entertainment programmes," said Ankush Arora.

The Chevrolet U-VA shares a common platform with the Chevrolet Aveo, and has received rave reviews from auto experts and has won many awards since its launch, including podium honours from leading industry watchdog, J D Power Asia Pacific in its recent India Initial Quality Survey and BS Motoring Car of the Year award in its year of launch.

[Source : GM - Chevrolet]