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India Auto News Thursday, 22 Oct. 2009 |
National - Renault may sever ties with M&M- Three Tata Nanos develop technical snag; company to order an audit - Volkswagen India to launch sedan based on Polo's platform - Toyota to launch Prius in 2010; may introduce new product to be placed below Innova International - Low attendance at Tokyo Motor Show; Japanese companies focus on green cars |
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Renault may sever ties with M&M
Following speculations about the instability of its tie-up with Mahindra & Mahindra, French automaker Renault has further hinted that the Mahindra-Renault joint venture may be on the verge of ending. Renault's President and CEO, Mr Carlos Ghosn, said at the Tokyo Motor Show that if things did not work out, the company would bring a second product to India, along with a different partner. It currently sells only its entry level sedan, the Logan, in the country. |
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Three Tata Nanos develop technical snag; company to order an audit
Just seven months after its launch, the world's cheapest car - Tata Nano, has received a jolt to its image. It has been reported that three Nanos recently developed short circuits in their steering wheel columns, leading to minor fires. A short-circuit case was first reported in Ahmedabad last month. This was followed by similar incidents in Delhi and Lucknow this week, putting a question mark on the vehicle's safety aspects. Tata Motors is now planning to check electrical circuits of all cars before delivery, as well as cars that have already been delivered. However, officials at Tata Motors say that they are not considering a recall as the problem is not generic. |
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Volkswagen India to launch sedan based on Polo's platform
Volkswagen India is planning to launch a new sedan in the country, built on the platform of the VW Polo. The car will be launched in the second half of 2010 as a mass-market product. The hatchback version of the Polo will be launched in early 2010. VW is also planning to bring its iconic car, the Beetle, to India as a CBU. However, it has not yet given a time frame for the car's launch. The company's expansion efforts in India have been given a major push in recent months. Apart from new launches, it is also planning to add 15 more dealerships in the country. |
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Toyota to launch Prius in 2010; may introduce new product to be placed below Innova
Toyota will be launching its much talked about hybrid car, the Prius, in India in early 2010. The car will be showcased at the January 2010 Auto Expo, and will be launched soon after. The Prius is equipped with an electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack, as well as a regular petrol engine. It will come to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU). The Japanese company is also considering launching a new product, to be positioned just below the Innova. Expected to be a 5-6 seater, the new vehicle will be priced between Rs 6 and 8 lakh. |
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Low attendance at Tokyo Motor Show; Japanese companies focus on green cars The 41st Tokyo Motor Show is being dominated by Japanese automakers, as major foreign companies have stayed out of it. The economic recession has forced car companies to cut down on their avoidable expenditures. A number of them are not participating in the Tokyo Show as Japan is fast losing its significance as a major auto market, having recorded its lowest vehicle sales in three decades last year. Volkswagen, BMW, General Motors and Ford Motor Company have all failed to show up this year. Meanwhile, those who are present are focusing on showcasing electric vehicles and hybrid technologies. While Toyota is promoting its hybrids - the Plug-in Prius and the Sai saloon, Nissan is investing in battery technology. Honda too has reaffirmed its commitment to fuel cells and battery electric vehicles. |
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NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES - Auto News Roundup, 20-October-2009 - Auto News Roundup, 15-October-2009 |
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