Automotive Updates - 13th February 2015

• In a move which helps strengthen its electronics portfolio, Magna International Inc, a leader in cameras, driver assistance systems and related electronics components, has acquired the head-up display and electronic components business units of Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions (PLDS) in Wetzlar, Germany, as well as PLDS' ultrasonic sensor business in Hsinchu, Taiwan. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/magna-acquires-business-units-philips-lite-digital-solutions-7681#sthash.gT6EKngc.dpuf

• The details for the 2016 Auto Expo are out. The biennial event which is India’s largest auto show will take place at Greater Noida’s India Expo mart between 5th and 9th of February. Media days are scheduled for 3rd and 4th of February.In its 13th iteration, the Auto Expo will follow the new template experimented by the 2014 version. The venue was shifted from Pragati Maidan, which was getting increasingly congested for a show of this scale, and required the visitors to walk for kilometres at a stretch, tiring them out in the process, while also making it difficult for the manufacturers to plan their product launches in a streamlined manner.(Motoroids.com)

• UML, which is an equal joint venture between the renowned United Motors Motorcycles and Lohia Auto is on course of developing a cruiser range of motorcycles. It is expected that the launch of these motorcycles will be scheduled during the second quarter of 2015. The bikes are expected to have a capacity of 300 to 500 cc as against the normal 200 to 230 cc, which was announced previously. In the first phase, there will be a total of 50 dealers in the first year, which will be spread across the metropolitan cities in the country.(cartrade.com)

• Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation, has announced that it has closed on material portions of the previously announced acquisition of TRW’s engine valve business. The acquired business, headquartered in Barsinghausen, Germany, employs nearly 4,000 people globally. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/federal-mogul-powertrain-completes-purchase-trw-engine-valve-business-7674#sthash.0iRIgHCf.dpuf

• First launched in India in October 2007, the i10 succeeded the Hyundai Atos. Soon, i10 became Hyundai’s best selling car in country. Now, the company has revealed that Hyundai i10 global sales have crossed 2 million mark. And, of the 2 million (20 lakh) i10 produced, Hyundai has produced 1.89 million (18.9 lakh) units at their plant in Chennai, India.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/hyundai-i10-global-20-lakh-12143577.html#oMFojp64Fy8JWlls.99

• Multiple reports suggested the launch of the Vios in India and now the vehicle has been spotted for the first time in the country, in Bangalore. Toyota has a plant in Bidadi which is near Bangalore so one can expect the company to launch the Vios in the country later this year. The automaker hasn’t been doing very well with sales mostly coming form its UVs, the Innova and Fortuner while the Corolla also manages good numbers. The Etios twins (or is it triplets with the Etios Cross?) have failed to live up to the company’s expectations, the Camry doesn’t sell either.Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/02/cars/toyota-vios/toyota-vios-spotted-on-test-in-india-launch-likely-in-2015/#lDz6GVakhxW7qJtm.99

• Tata Motors forecasts back-on-track growth in all segments of Commercial Vehicles, following recovery of medium and heavy CV segments over last nine months. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director of Tata Motors, points out the resurrecting M&HCV sales pace and projects a turnaround in Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sector that has been sky-diving for the past three years. In Bus segment, Tata Motors expects significant growth, after Bus Body-building Code is enforced in April 2015. Currently customers are buying only the chassis and getting the body built to taste at their local maker’s. This saves them around 10 percent on their pockets. With the Bus Code announced, build quality, dimensions, safety and comfort features will be constrained to specifications and the cost difference will be diminished.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/bus-body-building-code-tata-motors-12143963.html#ACd28M1uW7rzUVw0.99

Automobile Updates - 12th February 2015

•  Fair trade regulator CCI has rejected allegations against VolkswagenGroup Sales India Pvt Ltd that it abused dominant market position with respect to itsdealership agreements. A complaint filed by Bhasin Motors, a car dealer in Delhi -NCR region, had alleged that Volkswagen by virtue of its dominant position in the market imposed unfair and one sided agreement on its authorised dealers. (Etauto.com)

• Hybrid and electric vehicles may soon become cheaper with the government considering a proposal to give incentives to manufacturers of such vehicles in Budget 2015-16.Pushing Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ campaign, the Finance Ministry is likely to allocate Rs 800 crore in the Budget to promote manufacture and sale of electric and hybrid vehicles. The move is expected to bring down the prices and help in substantial reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by about 1.5 per cent by 2020, a senior government official told The Indian Express.(financialexpress)

• A lot has changed for tractor makers like Mahindra & Mahindra and Escorts in the past year. Projections of double-digit sales growth have been replaced with estimates of double-digit decline.Key factors that have contributed to this change is last year's below-normal monsoon, lower farm output and a moderation in growth of support prices of wheat and paddy.Tractor sales have declined 8.3 per cent in the nine-month period (April-December) of the current financial year.The drop in the quarter ended December was a steep 22 per cent. In January, market leader Mahindra reported a 26 per cent drop in tractor sales.Tractor sales are a barometer of economic sentiment in rural India.(businesstoday)

• Nissan has become the first manufacturer to apply glow-in-the-dark car paint to showcase how its all-electric Leaf is helping more and more people convert to solar energy at home. The manufacturer worked with inventor, Hamish Scott, creator of Starpath, which is a spray-applied coating that absorbs UV energy during the day so that it glows for between eight and 10 hours when the sun goes down. According to Nissan Motor GB EV manager, Paul O’Neill, “The Nissan Leaf is a shining beacon of sustainability and the future of motoring. Not only is it saving our customers money in running costs but it we are now seeing how it is helping people become more environmentally sensitive by reducing their carbon footprint.” - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/nissan-car-maker-apply-glow-dark-car-paint-7662#sthash.CpfbRGtx.dpuf

• Tata Motors has just celebrated the roll-out of the 100,000th Tata Ace Zip at its Dharwad facility in Karnataka, that has a capacity of 90,000 units per annum. The Ace Zip is the second highest selling variant from the Ace family. The Ace name was created in May 2005, while the Ace Zip arrived in May 2011. According to Tata's official statement, the variant ropes in average sales of 2,500 vehicles per month and enjoys a 78% market share in its segment.(teambhp)

• Honda Cars India has launched its CNG-ready variant of the Amaze sedan. The new variant, which is called Amaze 1.2 S MT Plus (i-VTEC), is a modified petrol Amaze compatible for CNG fuel option. The car costs Rs 599,585 and the CNG kit including installation will cost Rs 54,315. The Amaze has had a successful run in India since its  launch in 2013. For the year ended December 2014, Honda Cars India sold 65,505 units comprising 28,471 petrols and the rest, diesel. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/honda-introduces-cng-compatible-amaze-variant-7666#sthash.WVgZ2cYz.dpuf

 

Automotive Update - 11th February 2015

•  Maruti Suzuki has decided to go slow on launching the 800cc diesel engine powered small car and a small commercial vehicle due to a slowdown in domestic sales of mini-trucks and consumers' preference for petrol as diesel loses its price advantage, people aware of the development said.The car maker could delay these two new launches by about 3-6 months, the persons quoted earlier said, adding that the automaker has told vendors that volumes for the first year will be 70-80 per cent lower than projected.(Etauto.com)

• German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday launched the diesel variant of its C-Class sedan, priced up to Rs 42.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).The company has launched the C-Class diesel in two trims, the 'C 220 CDI Style' variant priced at Rs 39.9 lakh and the 'C 220 CDI Avantgarde' priced at Rs 42.9 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi), Mercedes-Benz said in a statement.(businesstoday)

• Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced a refreshed version of its entry level commuter, the HF Dawn. The entry-level commuter gets few exterior changes and addition features. This bike is priced at Rs. 39,370 (ex-showroom).The Hero HF Dawn is equipped with a metal carrier fixed securely just behind the pillion seat, which further enhances the luggage carrying capability. This entry level commuter provides an upright riding position and an extended saddle for comfort. Its console also features a good side-stand engaged indicator.(cartrade.com)

• Maruti has so far been sourcing diesel engines from Fiat and have been selling them like hot cakes. The company is set to use their first indigenously produced diesel mill on the Celerio. the first pictures of the tiny 0.8 L twin cylinder diesel engine has been captured which will be gracing the heart of not just the Celerio but it will also be equipped on Maruti’s first LCV Y9T!(motorbash.com)

• Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistrytoday launched the centenary celebrations ofTata Power and announced investments for generating a capacity for 450 MW of hydel power from this year and commissioning of 120 MW this year itself. The country's largest integrated power company began its operations on February 9, 1915, by commissioning the country's first large hydroelectric project with a capacity of 12 MW at Khopoli near Mumbai. (Etauto.com)

• India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is slowly increasing its export business. The company has started exporting the Ciaz sedan to some international markets including Mexico and Dubai. Both the markets will get petrol versions inthe LHD (left hand drive) form.The Mexican market gets the more powerful variant of the Ciaz saloon. The car is offered in two trim levels- GLS and GLX. Under the bonnet is the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that also powers the India-spec Ciaz and Ertiga MPV. This engine is capable of producing 100bhp of top power at 6,000rpm and 132.8Nm of peak torque at 4,000 compared to 91bhp and 130Nm of torque in India. (cartrade.com)

• After tasting success in supplying automotive grade aluminium for the popular Ford F150 pickup truck, Novelis Inc., the US business of India’s Hindalco Industries Ltd, is hoping that the auto aluminium sector will help make up for demand and margins fall in its core business of beverage cans. However, analysts say, the move may not significantly alter the contribution of the $10 billion aluminium rolled product manufacturer to Hindalco’s revenue or profit.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Industry/D2HsESDXsTd9FLmQwNSQrJ/Novelis-targets-auto-aluminium-on-poor-outlook-for-cans.html?utm_source=copy

Automobile Market updates - 10th February 2015

• Domestic passenger car sales increased by 3.14 per cent to 1,69,300 units in January 2015 as compared with 1,64,149 units in the year-ago period.  Two-wheeler sales in January climbed up by 1.07 per cent to 13,27,957 units, ales of commercial vehicles rose 5.30 per cent to 52,481 units in January 2015.(businesstoday)

• Naresh Kumar Rattan, Executive Director, Force Motors Limited has resigned from the post in January, after close to three-year long stint with the Indian off-road and agriculture vehicle manufacturer. He has joined Sonalika Group as Director, Sales & Marketing, for the group's all three business verticals - International Tractors Limited, International Cars & Motors Limited and Sonalika Tractors.(ETauto.com)

• Qlik, a leading global data management firm, announced that Mahindra & Mahindra will be using its resources to transform the way it (Mahindra) manages its data for reporting, analysis and decision making. M&M rolled out the QlikView under less than 12 weeks of its deployment across the departments that include inventory, sales as well as finance teams.(cardekho.com)

• Tata Motors’ subsidiary in Indonesia, Tata Motors Distribusi Indonesia (TMDI), has sold 1,000 vehicles in the archipelago. Tata Motors entered Indonesia in September 2013, and currently sells the Ace EX2, Super Ace, Xenon XT, Vista, Safari Storme and Aria, through the CBU route. Of these, the Super Ace garnered maximum sales in 2014, accounting for 694 units, according to online reports. Last year, Tata Motors showcased future products at IIMS 2014, including the production version of the Super Ace-based Angkot passenger van, and a host of applications including a TipperRead more: http://indianautosblog.com/2015/02/tata-motors-manages-to-sell-1000-vehicles-in-indonesia-167187#ixzz3RNJbPEJX 

• Daimler India Commercial Vehicles has begun exporting bus chassis from India. Hartmut Schick, head of Daimler Buses, and Markus Villinger, head of Daimler Buses India, were present in Cairo to celebrate the delivery of the first bus chassis to the company’s long-time business partner MCV. The products are nine-tonne bus chassis that MCV will equip with bodies in Cairo. Starting immediately, the finished vehicles will be sold as Mercedes-Benz-brand buses through MCV’s nationwide sales network. “The export of bus chassis from India to Egypt is yet another demonstration of how we are successfully leveraging on our global presence,” said Hartmut Schick at the festive handover of the chassis. “Our global production network allows us to offer appropriate and competitive products for every market.” - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/daimler-india-cv-begins-bus-chassis-supplies-egypt-7649#sthash.z5uSYm2W.dpuf

• Tata Motors has introduced a new base variant of the Nano Twist in India. Dubbed XE, the new variant is priced at Rs. 2.06 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).(teambhp.com)

Two wheeler sales analysis - India - January 2015

Automotive Updates - 9th February 2015

•  Force Motors plans to set up a manufacturing facility at Chakan near Pune to produce a range of parts including engines, gearboxes and axles with annual capacity of 50,000 sets. The company's board has approved, as per the circular dated February 7, establishment of factory, Force Motors Ltd said in a filing to theBSE. (ETauto.com)

 

• Automobile industry body SIAM wants Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to reduce excise duty on automobiles in the upcoming Budget to help the sector combat demand slowdown.Besides, measures towards restarting stalled infra projects to help revive demand particularly of commercial vehicles should also be put high on the agenda, SIAM feels.“We expect reduction of excise duties on automobiles, which is required considering market conditions and demand now,” Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers Deputy Director General Sugato Sen told PTI.(financial express)

• BMW Group's Indian arm on Wednesday said it will partner with seven domestic suppliers to source components for local production of cars at its Chennai plant.With the addition of the partners, which include Force Motors, Tenneco Automotive India and Lear India, the level of localisation at the company's Chennai plant will increase to about 50 per cent, BMW Group India said in a statement.(businesstoday)

• Matt Levatich is scheduled to take over as the next CEO of Harley-Davidson, thus replacing Keith Wandell. Keith had been at the coveted post for the motorcycle manufacturer since the 1st of May, 2009. Matt will take responsibility on the same date, this year.Levatich will have the luxury of inheriting the company at a much better stage than it was during the tenure of Wandell. Incidentally, Harley-Davidson has reported consecutive profits for six years in tandem, which shows how crucial has been the effect of Wandell on the company.(cartrade.com)

• With its India plans not making much headway, China's largest truck manufacturer, Beiqi Foton Motor, has let go of most of its top local executives, multiple sources said.The $400-million investment that Foton promised in 2011 is still the largest foreign direct investment proposal by a Chinese company in India. The Beijing-based company's plan was to bring in its heavy commercial vehicles range that has made it the segment leader in China and one of the largest players globally. (ETauto.com)

• Eider Motors is a new bike manufacturing company based out of Telangana state and the company will be launching its bikes in India in March. The company offers products across various segments and will be introducing scooters, commuter bikes, a higher capacity bike and a cruiser in the market. Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/02/bikes/eider-motors/eider-motors-plans-march-2015-launch-of-bikes-in-india/#PZzTVGvJSChmM8Fi.99

• Ford has become the first auto manufacturer in India to launch a vehicle personalisation centre, enabling customers to customise their favourite vehicles. To start with, Ford India offers customisation of the EcoSport. This centre is also the first such Ford-operated unit in the Asia-Pacific.Located in the vicinity of Ford India’s Chennai factory, the vehicle personalisation centre is spread over 35,000 square feet. (financial express)

Tata Motors January sales grow by 5% Year-on-Year at 42,582 nos.

Tata Motors saw strong growth in certain key segments, as passenger cars (excluding UV’s) and M&HCV grew 38 per cent year-on-year; with the total commercial and passenger vehicles sales (including exports) in January 2015 of 42,582 vehicles, a growth of 5% over 40,481 vehicles sold in January 2014. The company’s domestic sales of Tata commercial and passenger vehicles for January 2015 were 38,621 nos., a growth of 5% over 36,657 vehicles, sold in January 2014. 

Cumulative sales (including exports) for the company for the fiscal are 405,577 nos., lower by 15% over 475,560 vehicles, sold last year. 

While market continues to remain challenged by macroeconomic trends, besides positive growth in segments such as M&HCV and Passenger Cars, Exports have grown in January 2015 by 4%, over last year.

 

Passenger Vehicles

In January 2015, Tata Motors passenger vehicles recorded sales 13,047 nos., a growth of 19%, compared to 10,974 nos., sold in January 2014. 

The trend of growth in passenger vehicles continued - with the strong Zest sales and the good response to the all-new Bolt. While the sales of the passenger cars in January 2015 were at 11,637 nos., higher by 38%, over January 2014, the UV sales declined by 44% at 1,410 nos., in January 2015.   

Cumulative sales of all passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal are 105,274 nos., lower by 8% over last year.

Commercial Vehicles

The company’s sales of commercial vehicles in January 2015 in the domestic market at 25,574 nos., remained flat. LCV sales were at 14,301 nos., a decline of 18% over January 2014, while M&HCV sales continued to show growth at 11,273 nos., which is higher by 38%, over January 2014.

Cumulative sales of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal was 259,716 nos., lower by 19% over last year. Cumulative LCV sales was 159,726 nos., a decline of 31% over last year, while M&HCV sales at 99,990 nos., were higher by 13%, over last year.  

Exports

The company's sales from exports were 3,961 nos. in January 2015, grew by 4% compared to 3,824 vehicles in January 2014. The cumulative sales from exports for the fiscal at 40,587 nos., grew marginally by 1%, over last year. 

Automotive Sales - January 2015

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Automotive Updates - 30th January to 1st February 2015

• Mahindra & Mahindra, the leading home-grown utility vehicle manufacturer, said it conducted raids across six auto spare part makers and sales outlets in the country, to counter the 'ever-growing' threat of counterfeit products.The auto maker seized more than a thousand items from raids conducted jointly with the police at shops, traders, packing and manufacturing units in the northern region, Mahindra said in a statement on Thursday.(businesstoday)

• The board of Rico Auto Industries today approved transfer of the company's investments held in three subsidiary firms to Rico Investments, another unit of the auto component manufacturing firm. The company's board has approved sale and transfer of investments in RAA Autocom, Rasa Autocom and Rico Jinfei Wheels to another subsidiary firm Rico Investments, which has been incorporated for the purpose of holding investment in the group companies as a core investment company, Rico Auto Industries said in a filing to the BSE.(ETauto.com)

• The Coimbatore-based Amrita University, one of the premier institutions of higher learning in India, has opened the Amrita Automotive Research & Technology Centre (AARTC), a joint venture between Amrita University and Automotive Test Systems. The Rs 15 crore facility set up in the university headquarters at Coimbatore was inaugurated by Dr K Tamilmani, director general, Aeronautical Systems, DRDO and the guest of honour  Rashmi Urdhwarshe, director, ARAI Pune, on January 28. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/amrita-university-auto-research-atre-nd-tech-centre-coimbatore-7522#sthash.HowPwdIn.dpuf

•  Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (SMIPL), a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan today launched Swish 125 at Rs. 51661 (Ex-Showroom Delhi).The Swish 125 comes with features such as a New Digital Meter with Service Reminder, Dual Trip Meter and Digital Clock. The new scooter from Suzuki comes with a large under seat storage capacity of 20 litres and a fuel tank of 6 litres. (ETauto.com)

• After having purchased a 51 percent stake in the French brand Peugeot Motorcycles, Mahindra Two Wheelers has now imported six of the French brand’s scooters to their headquarters in Mumbai, states a report on Autocar India. Some of these scooters do hold a potential to be sold in India as mass market products, but Mahindra is quite tight lipped about the whole operation at this moment.Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2015/01/6-peugeot-scooters-spied-india-166195#ixzz3QWvgY3ao 

• After failing to meet high expectations with its small car Nano,Tata Motors is planning several initiatives, including introducing an automatic gear shift version, to revive sales."We have in place more initiatives to strengthen the Nano portfolio," a Tata Motors spokesperson said, refuting reports that the company was looking to phase out the model due to continuously falling sales. (ETauto.com)

• Maruti Suzuki is expected to launch the Super Carry LCV in India in the month of May. The company plans to sell the vehicle in limited numbers initially as the LCV market in the country is weak.In the first year, Maruti is aiming to roll out 80,000 units of the Super Carry from its Gurgaon manufacturing facility. This number can be ramped up to 1,00,000 units later. The company is also planning to use a new network of dedicated dealerships to sell the vehicle.(Teambhp.com)

•  Pune-based DSK Motowheels will start selling five superbikes from its Italian partner Benelli's stables from March with prices ranging between Rs 3.5 lakh and Rs 14 lakh (ex-showroom prices).The company, which had entered into an agreement with Benelli last October to bring the Italian superbikes into the country, will roll out the bikes initially in eight cities. (ETauto.com)

BBC TOP GEAR INDIA AWARDS - 2014

The 7th BBC TopGear India Magazine Awards were announced this evening in Mumbai at a glittering event held at the Sofitel Luxury hotel, BKC. The TopGear Awards are the definitive acknowledgement of automotive excellence, and is one of the most awaited events in the Indian automotive industry. To receive the ‘Stig’, a car, or a motorcycle has to be special. The previous winners of the most prestigious awards in the country have included cars such as the Porsche Cayman S, Mini Cooper S and Audi RS 5.

BBC TopGear India is the country’s second largest automotive title. It has over 1.5 million likes of Facebook, and topgear.com/india is among the India’s most visited automotive websites.

This is  complete list of winners.

• Entertainer of the Year: Jaguar F-Type Coupe R

• Luxury Car of the Year: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

• Manufacturer of the Year: Hyundai

• People’s SUV of the Year: Mahindra Scorpio

• Family Car of the Year: Honda Mobilio

• Cruiser of the Year: Indian Chief Vintage

• Supercar of the Year: Lamborghini Huracan

• Boys’ Toy of the Year: Polaris RZR 900 (ATV)

• Scooter of the Year: Honda Activa 125 

• Comeback of the Year: Tata Motors

• Facelift of the Year: Fiat Punto Evo

• Variant of the Year: Renault Duster All-Wheel Drive

• Sportsbike of the Year:  Triumph Daytona 675R 

• Idea of the Year:  Maruti Suzuki Alto K10 AGS

• Man of the Year:  Eberhard Kern

• Man of the Year (Motorsports):  CS Santosh

• Readers’ Choice Car of the Year:  Hyundai Elite i20

• Readers’ Choice Bike of the Year:  KTM RC 390

• Engine of the Year:  Mercedes 45 AMG

• Value Car of the Year:  Hyundai Xcent

• Value Bike of the Year:  Harley-Davidson Street 750

• Saloon Car of the Year:  Audi A3

• Monster of the Year:  Force Gurkha RFC 

• Car Design of the Year:  Jaguar F-Type Coupe R

• Bike Design of the Year:  Kawasaki Z1000

• Hatchback of the Year:  Hyundai Elite i20

• Interior of the Year:  Mercedes-Benz C-Class

• Driver’s Car of the Year:  Porsche Macan

• Street Sport bike of the Year:  Suzuki Gixxer

• Performance Car of the Year:  BMW M3

• Bike of the Year:   Triumph Daytona 675R

• Car of the Year:  Porsche Macan

Commenting on the BBC TopGear Magazine Awards, Tarun Rai, CEO, Worldwide Media Ltd, said: “It is very tough to get your hands on the Stig. Our boys at TopGear put the machines through gruelling, real world tests through the year and take their time choosing their winners. There are other awards and then there is The Stig: The Oscars of the automobile world.”

The Car of the Year, the one automobile that won the ultimate Stig, was the Porsche Macan, while the Bike of the Year was the Triumph Daytona 675R.The awards night saw a variety of cars and motorcycles grace the podium. Among them were the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Lamborghini Huracan, the Indian Chief Vintage and the Suzuki Gixxer. Sticking to tradition, the winners this year were selected by the magazine’s writers and road-testers who live with the cars through the year and subject them to a variety of situations and environments. This is in sharp contrast to the usual procedure prevalent in automotive awards circles, of inviting test riders and drives to drive and ride chosen cars and motorcycles for a day before arriving at a decision.

Apart from high performance machines, the year’s awardees also included robust, practical machines such as the Honda Mobilio, the Hyundai Elite i20 and the Honda Activa 125. According to Tarun Rai, choosing the most deserving car or bike for these categories was not an easy job because of the sheer number of options available. “There are a number of good cars and motorcycles in the Indian market today, and it is a sign that the market has matured.” The awardees also included the Force Gurkha RFC and the Polaris RZR900. These two machines won two very TopGear awards: the former was the Monster of the Year, and the latter the Boys’ Toy of the Year.

And it wasn’t just about the machines. TopGear also awarded the men who left a massive impact in the world of automobiles. These included Mercedes-Benz India CEO, Eberhard Kern, for charting the resurgence of the luxury brand in India and CS Santhosh for becoming the first Indian ever to successfully compete in the legendary Dakar Rally. They were named as TopGear’s Men of the Year.

information and image source - Topgear Magazine