Mahindra launches MOJO

Mojo is a technologically advanced, comfortable and capable motorcycle, and has been launched at a special introductory price of only Rs. 1,58,000/- (Ex-showroom Delhi)

The First 100 MOJOs have already been pre-booked by invitation

Synopsis:

• Mahindra's MOJO aims to set best-in-class benchmarks in styling, performance, and ride quality
• A head turner, MOJO will appeal to biking enthusiasts
  • Bold Styling: the MOJO boasts of predator styling with Mahindra's DNA of being bold, tough and masculine.
  • Unraveled Performance: It is powered by a 300cc liquid cooled, EFI single-cylinder engine, which produces max power of 27bhp and peak torque of 30Nm.
  • Superior Ride Quality: MOJO with its large wheel base, Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres, inverted front suspension and coaxial mounting of frame, swing arm and engine provides unmatched ride quality.
• Launched simultaneously in New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Pune. Mahindra's MOJO will be available across 10 select Dealerships in Phase 1
• Available in Glacier White, Charcoal Black, and Volcano Red.
• Launched at an attractive introductory price of Rs. 1,58,000/- (Ex-showroom Delhi) for all bookings till this Diwali.

 Mahindra Two Wheelers Limited, a part of the US $16.9 billion Mahindra Group, today unleashed the eagerly awaited MOJO on Indian roads. The technologically advanced 'MOJO' aims to set new benchmarks in styling, performance and ride quality.

MOJO comes equipped with the state-of-art engine with DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft), low friction piston and rings, advanced EFI (Electronic Fuel Ignition), iridium spark plug, resonator fitted intake system and twin exhausts. MOJO uses a twin tube frame with high torsional rigidity, inverted front fork with rigid triple clamp mounting and high pressure gas charged offset rear mono-shox with separator floating piston, largest 320mm radially mounted front disc brakes and Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tyres. These features are enhanced with a 21 litre fuel tank, the largest in its class, to ensure it can cover longer distances on road effortlessly. The handlebar and footrest placement of MOJO offer an upright riding stance which enhances the comfort of long distance riding.

MOJO also features Twin Pod Head lamps with LED guide light and LED tail lamps. The fully loaded console includes a digital speedometer with fuel gauge, dual trip meter, and analogue tachometer. The twin-exhaust system is specially designed to produce a unique note.

Dr Pawan Goenka, Executive Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, "All of us at Mahindra are extremely proud of the MOJO. It has been developed in-house, with inputs from global partners and is designed to be on par with global products in this class. MOJO leverages deep consumer insights to serve many distinct needs of passionate biking enthusiasts. Testimony to this, is the fact that we already have 100 invite based pre-bookings for the MOJO."

Rajesh Jejurikar, President & Chief Executive – Farm Equipment & Two Wheeler Division said, "We are confident that MOJO will be an iconic brand. We are overwhelmed with the response so far from both experts and customers. We are happy to announce the creation of the 'MOJO Tribe', a community of MOJO owners that will ride on exhilarating long rides together." The sales and service experience is also being enhanced by creating a MOJO Zone, a shop-in-shop concept in line with the expectations of this discerning consumer segment.

The Mahindra MOJO was launched today at an attractive introductory price of Rs 1,58,000/-(Ex-showroom Delhi). The price is valid for all bookings till this Diwali.

The bookings open on 16th October online on www.mahindramojo.com

MOJO TRIBE – Club of MOJO Owners
Mahindra Two Wheelers also announced the launch of the MOJO TRIBE. This exclusive club for MOJO owners has been created for them to share their biking experience with other like minded owners and also be a part of the upcoming rides called the 'Trails of MOJO TRIBE.' The first of such consumer trails will be flagged off on 17th October at Bengaluru. The club will regularly hold rides for owners of Mojo and organize activities that will enhance the biking experience.

Automotive Updates - 15th and 16th October 2015

• One of the fastest growing passenger car manufacturer in the country, Honda Cars India has announced plans to increase their total investment to INR 7,800 crore by the end of this fiscal. This new phase of investment, which is about INR 500-600 crore worth, will see the Japanese brand increasing production capacity at their plant in Tapukara, Rajasthan from current 120,000 units to 180,000 units.Apart from this, the company will also invest in making their rudimentary R&D facility inside Greater Noida manufacturing plant, a full fledged R&D facility.(rushlane)

•  Amtek Auto has hiredMorgan Stanley to find buyers for a minority stake in its overseas units, Chairman Arvind Dham said, as the auto parts maker tries towriggle out of it cash problems, compounded by a recent bond default.The company is looking to sell up to a 30% stake in some of the foreign units, Dham said on Thursday. "Any other talk of our group selling overseas assets (completely) is factually wrong. You have heard it from the horse's mouth," he told ETAuto.

• Mahindra & Mahindra has launched two new products on an all-new small commercial vehicle platform called Supro – the 8-seater Supro Van and Supro MaxiTruck for small goods movement. The manufacturer says it will target Tata Ace customers with the Supro MaxiTruck, which comes with a two-year warranty. The Supro Van is a spacious 8-seater diesel-engined people-mover which M&M says is “ideal for large families and the tour and travel segment.” It is priced at Rs 4.38 lakh (ex-showroom Thane) for the BS III variant. The vehicle’s highlights include “best-in-class seating comfort, class-leading headroom and legroom and large boot space.” It also gets a segment-first electric power steering and air-conditioning.  See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/mahindra-rolls-van-cv-supra-platform-9508#sthash.dIwO0I56.dpuf

• BMW India launched the X5 M, a sports activity vehicle, and X6 M, a sports activity coupe, at Sriperumbadur, near Chennai, on Thursday.The BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M, available as completely built-up units, are priced at Rs.1.55 crore and Rs.1.60 crore, respectively (ex-showroom).(Livemint)

• Mahindra Two Wheelers, a part of the $16.9 billion Mahindra (M&M) group, on Thursday launched 300 cc bike 'Mojo' in the country, priced at Rs 1.58 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).The motorcycle comes with various features like advanced electronic fuel ignition, iridium spark plug, resonator fitted intake system and twin exhausts. It also has a 21-litre fuel tank, the largest in its class. It has been developed in-house, with inputs from global partners and is designed to be at par with global products in this class.(businesstoday)

•  India's Apollo Tyres is mulling hiring a sales team to grow its business in the United States, a top company executive told Reuters, having failed two years ago to buy US Cooper Tire & Rubber for $2.5 billion.Apollo's global push is aimed at reducing dependence on the domestic market, where passenger and commercial vehicle sales are recovering slowly after a slump and where it plans to invest $400 million over the next three to four years.(Etauto)

• German luxury carmaker Audi has topped the J D Power 2015 India Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study (Luxury segment) released today. Audi India ranks highest with a score of 888, followed by BMW India with 885 and Mercedes-Benz India with 878. Now in its 16th year, the study examines seven factors that contribute to new-vehicle owners’ overall satisfaction with their sales experience (listed in order of importance): delivery process, delivery timing, salesperson, sales initiation, dealer facility, paperwork and deal. Satisfaction is calculated on a 1,000-point scale. Overall sales satisfaction in the luxury segment is 883 in 2015, a 7-point decline from 2014. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/luxury-car-buyers-india-happiest-audi-jd-power-study-9494#sthash.cePCaODu.dpuf

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches the New Liva this Festive Season

-Stylish Dual Tone Painted Contrast Roof & Pillar -A direct factory build and the 1st in its segment by any manufacturer.

-15 Inch Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels for Bold Look.

-New Wood Finish Interior with Bluetooth Audio & New Dual Tone Seat Fabric for enhanced Interior Ambience.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor today announced the launch of the stylish, dual toned and feature loaded new Liva. Features include Rear Roof Spoiler, Black Grille & ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirror) to complement its overall looks. The new Liva comes with enhanced safety, equipped with Standard Dual Front SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) Airbags and Standard Pre Tensioner and Force Limiter Front Seatbelts. Added with best in class cabin space and comfort, it comes with a warranty of 3 years / 100,000kms, whichever comes first. 

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Akitoshi Takemura, Senior Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd. said, "It is our endeavor to continuously upgrade our offering in line with the changing lifestyle preferences of our customers and with Etios Series being received "Most Promising Brand 2015" by Economic Times and we are confident, the New Liva will further delight our customers this auspicious season".

Attractively priced at Rs. 5.76 lakhs (petrol variant) and Rs. 6.79 lakhs (diesel variant), ex-showroom Delhi, the New Liva will be on sale from this festive season.

Log onto http://www.toyotabharat.com/inen/news/media-contact/view-gallery.aspx for latest images of all Toyota models in India

Overview of TKM

Company name	Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited
Equity participation	TMC: 89%, Kirloskar Group: 11%
Number of employees	Approx. 7,000 +
Land area	Aprox. 432 acres (approx.1,700,000 m2)
Building area	74,000 m2
Total Installed Production capacity	Upto 3,10,000 units

Overview of TKM 1st Plant

Established	October 1997 (start of production: December 1999)
Location	Bidadi
Products	Innova, Fortuner manufactured in India. Prado, Land Cruiser and Prius imported as CBUs.
Installed Production capacity	Upto 1,00,000 units

Overview of TKM 2nd Plant

Start of Production	December 2010
Location	On the site of Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Limited, Bidadi
Products	Corolla Altis, Etios, Etios Liva, Etios Cross, Camry, Camry Hybrid
Installed Production capacity	Upto 2,10,000 units

Automotive Update - 13th and 14th October 2015

• Nissan Motor Co has entered into an eight-year sponsorship agreement with the International Cricket Council (ICC), a company executive said, in a bid by the Japanese car maker to boost its small market share in cricket-crazy India.Nissan's passenger vehicles sales in India fell 24 percent to 19,563 in the six months from April to September, compared with the same period a year ago, giving it a 1.5 percent share of the market, industry data showed.India is forecast to become the world's third-largest car market by 2020.(businesstoday)

• Tata Motors wants to regain the market share it lost in passenger vehicles, as it set a target to double segment sales to more than 4 lakh units a year by the end of the decade.The company had a 10% market share more than a decade ago, when its Indica hatchback was a favourite for personal use and as a taxi.The market share has now fallen to 5.7%. If it manages to achieve the target, it will return to about 10% of the estimated market in 2020.(Etauto)

• Toyota Motor Corp. said it’s targeting a 90% reduction in emissions from its new vehicles by 2050 as it seeks to build on the success of its hybrid autos.The maker of the hydrogen-powered Mirai sedan said on Wednesday it aims to deliver more than 30,000 fuel-cell vehicles annually by around 2020. The Prius seller also set a goal to reach more than 15 million cumulative deliveries of hybrids in the same span.(livemint)

• NNG, which develops navigation solutions for the global automotive industry, supported by cloud connectivity, smartphone integration, and HMI services, is looking to assist the safety effort in India.   According to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) earlier this year, there have been about 450,000 road accidents in 2014 and a majority of these were caused by human error. Wrong decisions, lack of information about the surroundings or insufficient experience can easily lead to accidents causing damage or even injuries. Safety of driving has always been a focus point for carmakers, and this intention remains central as the cars include more and more electronics and smart solutions. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/nng-looks-assist-road-safety-india-advanced-navigation-support-solutions-9479#sthash.ZfTBMo0P.dpuf

•  Auto component manufacturer Motherson Sumi Systems has appointed Naveen Ganzu as Additional Director and he would hold the office till the date of next AGM, the company informed in a BSE filing.He has also been appointed as an Independent Director with immediate effect. (ETauto)

• Unveiled officially in India at media drive event in Jaipur, new details of the Maruti Baleno hatchabck has emerged. The most premium hatchback from Maruti Suzuki, Baleno has been developed from scratch at an investment of INR 1,060 crore.A global car, Maruti Baleno is not only going to be sold in India, but will be sold in developed markets like Europe and Japan. Yes, Baleno will become the first car in the history of Maruti Suzuki to be exported to the home country of its parent, Suzuki Motors. To be manufactured only in India, Baleno will be exported to over 100 countries.(rushlane)

• Mercedes-Benz, the best-selling luxury car brand in India for nine consecutive months till this September, brought its much awaited new coupe-shaped GLE SUV to take on the segment leader Audi Q5, and also help the company settle scores withBMW 's X5.The new GLE would be sold at the ex-showroom prices of Rs 58.90 lakh and Rs 69.90 lakh for the two variants. (businesstoday)

NISSAN SPONSORS GLOBAL CRICKET EVENTS IN MAJOR ICC PARTNERSHIP DEAL

Nissan has agreed to a major eight-year deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC) that further strengthens its ties with global sport.

The agreement, which runs through 2023, confirms Nissan as a global sponsor of cricket's international tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, ICC Champions Trophy and ICC World Twenty20, as well as Under 19 and Women's Cricket and qualifying events.

The ICC partnership is a significant expansion of Nissan's ongoing international sports sponsorship strategy. It allows the Japanese carmaker to bring its innovative and fan-focused approach to sport to millions of cricket-lovers around the world.

“Innovation that excites is what Nissan does.” said Roel de Vries, corporate vice president, and global head of marketing and brand strategy for Nissan. “As partners with the ICC we will introduce ways to enrich the experience of cricket fans through our rights with the global Trophy Tour, the International Flag Bearer Program and new live event experiences.” 

“We're excited to be part of the global cricketing family and to be involved in some of the world's most prestigious and popular tournaments. Our aim is to share with cricket fans around the world the excitement of the game and our cars. Both are created by people who have passion for what they do.” 

As a global partner, Nissan will have extensive in-venue activation, broadcast and digital rights at all ICC events.

COMMENTING ON THE AGREEMENT, DAVID RICHARDSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COUNCIL, SAID:

The ICC is delighted to welcome Nissan on board as a Global Partner and we look forward to working together for the next eight years to deliver a strong partnership at all ICC global events.

Nissan is one of the world’s leading motor companies and boasts a strong international presence in both new and established markets. Nissan’s values are closely aligned to those of the ICC, to be innovative, with a strong focus on delivering exciting and unique experiences for our fans and stakeholders. 

We are delighted to welcome such a strong brand to our growing commercial portfolio and we would like to thank Nissan for their support.

Guillaume Sicard, President Nissan India Operations, commented: "In India, cricket goes way beyond simply being a sport. It is practically a way of life for millions of people. I believe we have found a perfect partner for our brand.

"Our goal is to achieve 5% market share in India by 2020 and we have already invested substantially to build one of our most advanced plants and established one of our three global R&D centres. Now we are keen to repeat in India the sales success we already have in Europe, China, the US, Japan and elsewhere. 

"We are thrilled to bring our passion and unique approach to cricket in India and around the world and are very much looking forward to the ICC World Twenty20 in India in 2016.”

The ICC partnership is another example of Nissan’s dedication to global sport, which includes the UEFA Champions League, the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Olympic Teams of Great Britain, Mexico and Brazil, the National Collegiate Athletics Association, the Heisman Trophy, City Football Group and GT-R ambassador Usain Bolt.

Mahindra & Mahindra assigned BBB- rating with stable outlook by Standard & Poor's Rating Service

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M) has been assigned BBB- long term corporate credit rating with a Stable Outlook by Standard and Poor’s Ratings Service (S&P), the well known global rating agency.

S&P’s rating reflects the company's leading market position in tractor and utility vehicle (UV) segments, strong financial ratios, and financial flexibility arising out of significant investments in group companies.

This rating action of S&P is based on M&M’s conservative leverage policies, healthy cashflow generation and the market leading position in Indian Tractor and UV industries, risk mitigation through presence in various businesses with a pan-India footprint and a good mix of rural and urban customers.

India’s sovereign rating from S&P also stands at BBB-.

Mr. Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group, said on this occasion, “S&P’s rating is an important event in M&M’s 70 year history. To add, the investment grade ratings from S&P demonstrates a unanimous vote of confidence in M&M’s diversified business model, stellar credit profile and high standards of corporate governance practices.We certainly celebrate the ratings as a worthy milestone in M&M group’s global aspirations.”

Mr. V.S Parthasarathy, Group CFO, Group CIO & President (Group Finance and M&A), Member of the Group Executive Board, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., said “S&P’s investment grade rating provides assurance in double measure to the stakeholders of M&M who have always reposed faith in its conservative and robust financial policies. The rating will serve to enhance M&M’s prestige in the international capital markets. The investment grade rating is a validation of our management vision and we hold it dear as a commitment to the path of excellence.”

M&M has been assigned Baa3 ratings by Moody’s recently. With S&P’s and Moody’s ratings, M&M will now enjoy dual investment grade ratings which are equivalent to India’s investment grade sovereign ratings from both the above agencies.

M&M has been already assigned the highest credit rating of AAA by all four leading domestic credit rating agencies, CRISIL, India Ratings, ICRA and CARE.

Maruti Suzuki opens bookings for Baleno, the all-new premium hatchback

Maruti Suzuki, the leader in passenger vehicles, today announced the pre-launch bookings for the most awaited car of 2015, Baleno. Baleno, the Dynamic, Energetic and Premium Hatchback will be the second model in three months to be offered through NEXA. Baleno, the Dynamic, Energetic and Premium Hatchback will be the second model in three months to be offered through NEXA. Equipped with several high end features and technologies, Baleno is all set to redefine the premium compact segment • 1st car in India to get the intuitive Apple CarPlay® feature • Built on a New Generation Platform that uses ultra-high tensile steel and makes the car 100 kg lighter and 10% stronger than a conventional platform • Multi-Information Speedometer Display • Addressing ease of driving: First CVT in a hatchback by Maruti Suzuki • HID Headlamps with LED Daylight Running Lamps & LED Rear Combination Lights • Segment first UV Cut Glasses which reduce UV rays by upto 85% • Safety at the core: Dual Airbags, ABS, EBD & Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters as standard fitment from the base variant onwards. For pre-launch bookings, customers can take any of the following routes - • Dial 1800 200 6392 (toll free) to make enquiries and leave contact details. • Log in to www.nexaexperience.com and leave contact details. • Pre-book the Baleno at one of the NEXA showrooms. • Customers can approach and leave their contact details at the existing dealerships of Maruti Suzuki, which will help and support them, connect to the relevant NEXA outlet. • The Baleno can be booked with an initial payment of Rs 11,000/-.

Variants and Colors: Legend: (O) Available / (-) Not Available VVT Petrol DDiS 190 Engine Displacement 1.2 litre 1.3 litre Transmission 5MT/CVT 5MT Fuel efficiency 21.4 km/l 27.39 km/l Manual Transmission Sigma O O Delta O O Zeta O O Alpha O O CVT transmission Delta O - Color Options Ray Blue Fire Red Autumn Orange Premium Urban Blue Pearl Arctic White Metallic Premium Silver Granite Gray   Click https://flic.kr/s/aHskkeQqAa for high resolution images of Celerio AGS and Alto K10 AGS.

Automotive Update - 12th October 2015

• General Motors India has announced the shipment of the first batch of 3,000 left-hand-drive Chevrolet Beats to Mexico. The vehicles left the Mumbai Port Trust of Maharashtra and are expected to arrive in Mexico within eight weeks, with sales commencing in December 2015. “In keeping with our commitment to the Make in India program, we are proud to celebrate the first shipment of Chevrolet Beats to Mexico, GM India’s second major export market,” said GM India President and Managing Director Arvind Saxena. “This is part of GM’s strategy to make India an export hub for global markets. We will continue to export Beats to Mexico on a monthly basis.” The Beat, badged as the Spark outside India, is available in more than 70 markets worldwide and has sold over 1 million units. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/maharashtra-mexico-gm-india-despatches-export-shipment-9465#sthash.RgdFcKia.dpuf

• Mahindra Arjun NOVO 4WD tractor launched.Mahindra claims that the Arjun NOVO 4WD is the most technologically advanced tractor in the 57 hp category.The new Mahindra Arjun NOVO 605 DI-I -4WD is the technologically advanced and stylishly designed tractor, claims Mahindra. It is the new tractor to be launched Mahindra’s Arjun NOVO series, which was first launched last year in August. The first two tractors in the Arjun NOVO series were 57HP – 605DI-I & 52HP – 605DI-PS.(rushlane)

• Pune-based Kalyani Group on Sunday said Hyosung T&D India, a subsidiary of the South Korean major Hyosung Corp., will set up its greenfield manufacturing facility in Khed City near Pune.“The company will produce high voltage gas insulated switch gears and related accessories using state of art technology for domestic markets and thus contributing in enhancement of the electrical transmission efficiency and reliability,” Kalyani Group said in a statement.(livemint)

• Volvo Financial Services on Monday launched its operations in India, offering customisable loan, lease and insurance options for truck, construction equipments and bus customers under three different Volvo Group brands."Volvo Financial Services offers a comprehensive selection under Volvo Group brands Volvo Financial Services, Eicher Financial Services and SDLG Financial Services," the company said. "Volvo Financial Services strengthens the Volvo Group's ability to provide a competitive and total one-stop shop solution of equipment, loans, leases, insurance, maintenance, and other aftermarket services, to customers and dealers of the Volvo Group and VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd," it said in a statement. (businesstoday)

• The Supreme Court today imposed an 'Environment Compensation Charge' (ECC) on commercial vehicles entering Delhi, in addition to the toll tax, from November 1 for four months on a trial basis, in a bid to check high pollution levels in the city.The charges would be payable at the rates of Rs 700 for light duty vehicles and two-axle vehicles and Rs 1,300 for three-axle and above.(Etauto)

• Potential customers looking forward to drive home this festive season need to wait longer. As revealed by sources, Maruti Suzuki has formally announced the commencement of bookings for Baleno hatchback across the country on 14th October, 2015. Interested customers can book one with a booking amount of about Rs 11,000. The company shall also launch the facelifted version of popular MPV Ertiga on 15th of this month. The diesel version would get mild hybrid inputs and along with automatic transmission.(cartrade)

Automotive Updates - 10th and 11th October 2015

• US-based supplier of liquid and powder coatings, Axalta Coating Systems will double its production capacity and construct an automotive OEM coatings development laboratory at its operations centre at Savli in Gujarat, the company said in a release today. The company plans to invest an undisclosed amount that will enable it to meet the need for additional coatings among light vehicle automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India. The Savli facility will continue to manufacture coatings for Axalta’s refinish, automotive parts and commercial vehicle customers, it said. The fresh investments in India are in line with the company’s forecast to increase the contribution of the Asia-Pacific region to its revenues from 15% at present to up to 25% in the next five years. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/axalta-coating-double-capacity-india-revenue-asia-pacific-2022-9467#sthash.KPmJd1Uj.dpuf

• Car maker Hyundai Motor India (HMI) is looking at gaining market share in taxi hailing segment, which is dominated by its rival Maruti Suzuki. "Operators like Uber, Ola and others are aggressively increasing its presence in the taxi hailing segment in India. We are looking at this segment to gain market share", HMI Executive Director Y J Ahn told reporters here today.(cartrade)

• Singapore-based private equity firm Everstone Capital has purchased a controlling stake of over 51 per cent in domestic auto components maker SJS Enterprises for an estimated Rs 350 crore, executives close to the development said.The money will be used to expand capacity.The PE firm, launched by former Goldman investment bankers Samir Sain and Atul Kapur, acquired 26 per cent stake owned by American specialty printing company Serigraph and another 25 per cent stake from the three owners of the Bengaluru-based auto components maker.(ETauto)

• Debt-ridden Amtek Auto has pledged an additional 4.37 per cent stake in its subsidiary Castex Technologies towards short-term borrowing needs.Taken together, more than 1.56 crore shares were pledged withAllahabad Bank and State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur on September 21 and September 28, respectively, according to regulatory filings by Castex.(businesstoday)

• Indian Motorcycle has inaugurated a dealership in Mumbai. It is located in Jogeshwari (E) at Unit No. 4 & 5, Hubtown Viva on the Western Express Highway and run by Auto Hangar (India) Pvt. Ltd. The dealership will cater to the region of Western Maharashtra, including Pune.The showroom will showcase the entire range of Indian Motorcycle products, currently available in the Indian market.(team-bhp)

• As it faces stiff competition from erstwhile partner Honda, Munjals-run Hero MotoCorp is set to give an image makeover to its best-selling bike Splendor Pro (100cc ).The Splendor has been the mainstay of Hero's firm grip on the large-volume Indian motorcycle market and the model, with all its variants, accounts for sale of 25 lakh units annually.It was launched in 1994, and the flagship variant was re-named as 'Splendor Pro' in 2010.(ETauto)

Tata Motors launches two new cars - the Bolt hatchback and sedan in South Africa

Key Features of Bolt hatch and sedan:

• MULTI DRIVE modes
• All new REVOTRON 1.2 Turbocharged MPFi Petrol engine
• Generation next Safety with 9th gen ABS by BoschTM, Corner Stability Control (CSC) and Dual Airbags
• ConnectNext touchscreen infotainment by HARMANTM

The new Tata Bolt hatch and sedan have arrived in South Africa, sporting stylish designs and are packed with segment first connectivity technology. Manufactured in Pune, India, the Bolt range has a new design language and offers comfortable and responsive driving experience.

"With the aim to deliver the best of products and services to our customers, we at Tata Motors are delighted to bring two new exciting products to the South African market -- the dynamic sedan and the sporty hatchback, Bolt. This range, represents the new DNA of our passenger vehicles business and is the first to be produced under our Horizonext strategy," remarked Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors.

The Bolt hatch and sedan, extends Tata South Africa's passenger product portfolio, and offers an upgrade of distinctive style and remarkable features.

"We, at AMH, are very excited about the new Bolt Hatch and Sedan. We have no doubt that the range will be an incredible success for Tata Motors South Africa." commented Manny de Canha, CEO, Associated Motor Holdings Pty Ltd.

Tata Bolt Sedan

The launch of HORIZONEXT, Tata Motors' strategic plan, marked the paradigm shift in terms of fresh product design for the brand. Tata Bolt is the first vehicle from Tata Motors that clearly exemplifies the HORIZONEXT themes of Intense Product Focus, World-class Manufacturing Quality, Enriched Purchase Experience and Consistent Quality of Service for its passenger vehicle business.

The styling of the Tata Bolt sedan is based on its new design direction of 'Confident Dynamism'. With a classy new forward pouncing stance and well-sculpted body, the design portrays a sense of power and agility. The Tata Bolt comes with a neatly-layered dashboard in Java Black for a high-tech inviting feel.

The Tata Bolt comes standard with the Revotron 1.2L Turbocharged Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFi) petrol engine. It has been developed in conjunction with global consultancies and suppliers to deliver world-class performance in terms of power, torque and efficiency.

The Multi-Drive mode functionality is one of the key innovations in the Tata Bolt. The 'Multi-Drive' technology enables switching between the default, ECO and CITY mode.

Understanding the dynamic consumer's increasing need for connectivity, the Bolt XT derivative offers its customers the ConnectNext experience which features the 5" ConnectNext Touchscreen, Advance voice command recognition, SMS notification and read outs and  Fully Automatic Temperature Controls on the touchscreen. The Company has worked closely with HARMANTM to design and engineer an acoustic audio and infotainment system which allows the driver to stay connected.

Tata Bolt Hatchback

The word BOLT signifies speed, representing an attitude of winning and staying ahead. This attitude is embodied in the new Tata BOLT hatch in all aspects of design, drive and seamless connectivity.

The silhouette reveals smooth, flowing lines finishing in a flat edge of the spoiler. While the rear-spoiler aids in aerodynamics, the effect of the wraparound rear windows by darkened C-pillar creates a distinctive floating roof design and provides an extra sporty touch to this hatch.

The Tata Bolt hatch comes standard with DriveNext features such as the REVOTRON engine, Multi-Drive Mode and an infotainment system. The Bolt hatch powered by the REVOTRON 1.2L Turbocharged MPFi petrol engine, gives maximum power output of 66kW@5000 RPM and peak torque of 140Nm@1500-4000 RPM.

With the Multi-Drive feature, the Bolt can switch between default, ECO and CITY mode. This coupled with advanced catalytic converter to reduce toxic emissions and Smart ECU (Electronic Control Unit) with various innovative strategies, ensures a responsive performance. The dual-path suspension coupled with a zero pivot sub-frame ensures smooth and comfortable ride and the 9th generation ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Distribution) from Bosch for improved braking efficiency, and the Corner Stability Control feature, add to the safety features of the vehicle.

For Tata Bolt hatch, Tata Motors has continued its association with HARMANTM for developing the touchscreen infotainment system.

The Bolt hatchback starting retail price is R132 995 Incl. VAT, while the Bolt sedan starting retail price is R142 995 Incl. VAT. The vehicles will be available for sale, across the country in 43 Accordian dealerships as of today. The Bolt range will be available in two trims XMS and XT, respectively. The range will be available in a choice of 5 colours.

Attractively-styled, competitively priced and offering buyers the option of a five-door hatchback or a compact four-door sedan; the Bolt range is well placed to grow Tata's share of the important B-segment.