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India Auto News DriveInside.com |
Auto News Highlights - New car buyers in India are now relying on internet-based research more than ever before, says study- Chevrolet Beat production plans on track; Cruz to be launched on October 12, 2009 - Toyota Kirloskar Motor to focus on 800cc car - Now is the best time for Indian automakers to enter the US: Ernst & Young - Toyota Motor recalls 3.8 million cars |
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New car buyers in India are now relying on internet-based research more than ever before, says study A study conducted by JD Power Asia-Pacific shows that more and more car buyers in India are now basing their purchase decisions on online research. Only 69 per cent of new car buyers in 2009 visited a dealership to decide on which model to buy, compared to 82 per cent in 2008. Car buyers no longer feel it is necessary to go to a dealership to make a decision. A number of them make up their minds based on internet-based research and the views of friends and family, before they actually see the car in a showroom. While 21 per cent vehicle shoppers used the internet to find out about makes and models in 2007, 34 per cent did the same in 2009. The most-researched topics include technical specifications, vehicle prices, brochures, pictures, features and accessories. |
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Chevrolet Beat production plans on track; Cruz to be launched on October 12, 2009
General Motors India is all set to start the production of its small car, the Chevrolet Beat, at its Talegaon plant in Maharashtra. Production for sale will begin on the 15th of December, 2009, and the car will be displayed at the Auto Expo in January 2010. It is expected to be priced at approximately Rs 4 lakh. The company will also be launching its much awaited sedan, the Chevrolet Cruz on October 12, 2009. The Cruz will be priced at Rs 12-14 lakh. |
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Toyota Kirloskar Motor to focus on 800cc car Toyota's latest offering in India, the Toyota Fortuner, may be doing exceedingly well but the company is completely focused on its small car scheduled for launch in 2010. The 800cc car will be launched towards the end of next year, and is expected to come with both petrol and diesel engine options. With it, Toyota will be entering the small car segment in India for the first time. This is significant because small cars make up 80 per cent of the passenger car market in India. Codenamed ‘800 L’, the new car is likely to be 4 metres long, to qualify for the eight per cent duty on small cars. |
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Now is the best time for Indian automakers to enter the US: Ernst & Young
The Global Automotive Leader at Ernst & Young, Mr Mike Hanley, said during a recent visit to India that this is the perfect time for Indian auto companies to enter the US. The market for small, fuel-efficient cars is growing rapidly in the US, something that Indian car makers can capitalise on.
Tata Motors has already entered the US market with its acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover. Mahindra & Mahindra too will soon be selling the Scorpio ‘pick-up’ in the US. However, these companies may also face challenges in the form of North American customers' evolved tastes. Customers in the US are very particular about safety standards, emission norms and additional features, all of which must be met by any Indian company hoping to enter the market. |
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Toyota Motor recalls 3.8 million cars
Japanese car company, Toyota Motor Corporation, has decided to recall 3.8 million units of 7 of its models in the US. These are the Toyota Prius (2004-2009), the Camry (2007-2010), the Avalon (2005-2010), the Tacom (2005-2010), the Lexus ES350 (2007-2010), the Tundra 2007-2010), the IS250 and the IS350 (2006-2010). The reason for the recall is a problem with the cars' removable floor mats, which can impede functioning of the accelerator and cause a crash. |
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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES - Auto News Roundup, 30-September-2009 - Auto News Roundup, 24-September-2009 |
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