Renault Fluence to be launched

The much awaited premium sedan Renault Fluence is all set to mark its debut in the Indian market today. The Fluence model will mark the re-entry of the French car maker in the Indian market as the company currently doesnt' have any car in the country. However, the company is yet to reveal any specification details of the car.

The Fluence model is speculated to be rolled-out in the price range of Rs 11 to 14 lakh where it will be competing with the likes of Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze and Skoda Laura. The Fluence sedan will be imported to the Indian market as a completely knocked-down unit (CKD).

Initially, the Fluence model will be available at only 12 dealerships of the company in the Indian market. The company plans to enhance the reach of the Fluence model as per rise in the demand for the car. According to a recent statement given by Mr. Sudhir Rao, Deputy MD, Renault India, “Currently, we have appointed about six dealerships. By the end of May we should be having 12. The plan is to have 100 dealership networks by 2012.”

Source:cartradeindia.com

2011 Tata Nano Diesel

Here’s an ICB exclusive straight from a very reliable source regarding the 2011 Tata Nano Diesel. Work on the 2011 Tata Nano Diesel is going on at a frenetic pace at Tata Motors as the Nano Diesel is the next big thing for Tata. We have many interesting things about the Nano Diesel, first of which is the launch. The Nano Diesel’s CRDI engined version should be all set to hit Indian roads by the end of 2011.

Simultaneously a lower priced Nano Diesel with a Direct Injected version of the the Tata Ace’s engine is being tested and that could follow the Nano Diesel CRDI as a cheaper alternative. However, the Nano Diesel DI’s launch is something that Tata Motors is still evaluating. Coming to the Nano Diesel CRDI, the 800cc common rail diesel engine has been developed by German diesel engine specialists FEV along with Bosch proving the injection system.

According to our source, the engine is extremely torquey and Noise Vibration and Harshness levels are pretty similar to that of the Indica Vista Diesel. Now, that is a huge positive as we were concerned about the 3 pot CRDI Diesel NVH levels considering that the petrol Nano’s engine is more on the audible side. The biggest selling point of this engine is said to be it’s fuel efficiency with Tata’s in-house testing managing 40 KMPL pretty consistently.

The boffins at Tata are gunning for an even better economy figure to ensure that the Nano Diesel CRDI really turns on the heat when it is launched later this year. Now, beat that! Coming to the fuel efficiency of the DI engined Nano Diesel, it is expected to be much lesser than the CRDI engine’s figures and will be in the range of 30 KMPL. Also, a major change in the Nano Diesel’s engine design is the location of the radiator which might be in all probability shifted to the front of the engine.

This, as Tata seems to be grappling with the temperature levels of the petrol Nano engine, especially with the CVT variant, with the radiator being located at the back of the car, struggling to cool the engine quickly over large distances. The front radiator design might be adopted in the CVT Nano, which is another product that is being developed quickly. While that is a lot of messy plumbing, it is imperative for the Nano’s engine to remain cool and reliable. The Nano CVT could see a 2012 launch and going by our source, the Nano CVT might just be the best solution for driving in Indian traffic.

Also, there have been reports about the Nano’s boot being redesigned to allow more access by means of a hatch type rear windshield design. No such plans for the Nano exist in the near future and the Nano’s design is set to be pretty consistent for some more time. While Tata continues to explore on the interior front seat redesign, no decision to incorporate it in the Nano has been arrived at yet.

Finally, coming to the Nano fires incident, Tata has been testing the Nano Petrol all along, even after it’s official investigation declaring the Nano’s design to be safe. Here’s some good news for existing Nano owners. The Nano’s design is safe and in most fire cases reported, the improper fitment of accessories have been the cause of short circuit fires in the Nano. So, if you’re are in a spot over the Nano’s safety, don’t worry. Just go ahead and buy it. Your Nano is safe.

So, that brings us to the end of this week’s big ICB exclusive on the Tata Nano Diesel. Stay glued as we bring you more juicy stuff soon. And thanks for reading!
Source:www.indiancarsbikes.in

Honda to develop new diesel engine for Civic and Accord

After a number of delays and postponements, the leading Japanese car maker Honda will be developing a new diesel engine for its premium cars – Civic, Accord and CR-V. So far, most of Honda cars are only available in Petrol versions and the company has developed only a 2.4L diesel engine for Accord. In a statement given in a recent interview Mr. David Hodgetts, MD, Honda UK, said that the company will be launching its new diesel engine once its new Civic model completes one year on road.

The new diesel power-train of the company will be rolled-out in across the world by the first quarter of year 2013. The move of developing a new diesel engine has been taken in the view of rising demand for diesel run cars in the country. The launch of diesel version will not only strengthen the company’s India portfolio, but will also enable its luxury cars in Indian to compete more promptly with their rivals.

The unavailability of diesel versions is now proving a major drawback for the Honda cars. For instance, the closest competitors of the Honda Civic model including Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze and Skoda Laura, all are available in diesel versions.

2012 Tata Nano America to be launched soon in US

Tata Nano is expected to hit the US market either in 2011 or 2012 as a 2012 model. This will be known as the 2012 Tata Nano America, which will be a tough competitor for other group of minicars in US market.

Tata Nano was launched first in India during 2007. This was a blessing for millions of people to get this small car at an affordable price of just $ 2,500. The 2012 Tata Nano America is being called as the 21st century Model T.

The Tata Group's CEO, Ratan Tata came up with this small genuine car that can seat four passengers quite comfortably. This small car was a big relief for most of the people in India. Many Indian families, who cannot afford to have a car, would travel on a two wheeler with four persons on it.

Tata Nano is a mini car, which is shaped like an egg. It is a four door model car, which has taken it from the original British Mini of 1960's. Tata brought a deluxe version called Nano Europa at the Geneva Auto Show held on March 2009. This Nano Europa was meant to be launched in other developed countries in future. The source says that Tata Europa would be released for sale in UK, Spain, Italy, and Poland markets.

The new and the latest version of Nano is the US version of Nano called the 2012 Tata Nano America. This Tata Nano in US would compete with 2011 Chevrolet, 2011, Ford Ka, Smart ForTwo, Scion iQ, and other minicars in US. 2012 Tata Nano America will measure 129.5 inches in length, 62.2 inches in width, and 65.0 inches in height. The base curb weight of this car is 1,475 pounds. The wheelbase measures 89.8 inches. The 2012 Tata Nano America is 7.5 inches longer than the basic Tata Nano model. The wheel base of the Nano America is 2 inches longer and larger.

2012 Tata Nano America is a subcompact car with rear wheel drive. Its engine is placed in the back. It has a 1.0 liter 3 cylinder engine that produces 65 horsepower and 65 Ib-ft of torque. This new Nano America has a five speed automatic transmission, which is replaced by the basic Nano's 4-speed manual. The 2012 Tata Nano America is modeled after Nano Europa in Indian markets. The 3-cylinder engine is based on the Europa model. The Tata Nano America claims to have very low CO2 emissions. It gives a fuel economy of more than 50 miles per gallon.

The interior of the new 2012 Tata Nano America will have a high quality interior trim with leather upholstery. The outside appearance of the small car will surprise you with the more spacious interior. The new Tata Nano American version will have a restyled strong bumpers placed for the Western crash tests. The Nano America will also have a rear wiper and washer. Unlike basic model of Tata Nano, the Nano America will have safety features like four airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, stability system, which are standard safety features found in top trim levels.

2012 Tata Nano America also include air-conditioning, fog lights, front power windows, and power door locks. The new Nano America is more stylish in design. All these features in 2012 Tata Nano America comes with the base price of $ 7,000, which is very impressive for a person with low budget.

Source:www.auto-types.com

Big Bazaar helps Tata Motors drive Nano sales

Kishore Biyani's discounted retail format Big Bazaar, which started the concept of 'Sabse Sasta Din' a few years ago, is now selling the sabse sasta car-the Tata Nano.

In a novel move, Tata Motors has tied up with Future Group to sell the Tata Nano in Big Bazaar outlets.

"There is a lot of commonality between Big Bazaar consumers and prospective Tata Nano buyers. Big Bazaar as a concept appeals to the masses and with over 150 million footfalls every year, we are trying to see how we can sell Tata Nano, which has a similar positioning," said Future group's Customer Strategy president Sandip Tarkas, who heads this initiative at Big Bazaar.