GM slows down the new car development

Facing the brunt of dismal car sales across its portfolio, General Motors India is slowing down of new car development for the Indian market. Almost all of GM’s cars in India, save for the Beat, have not been performing well at the hustings and this factor, combined with the overall slowdown in car sales across the county due to the twin factors of high interest rates and fuel prices has prompted GM to rejig its launch plans. The first casualty will be the LCV that GM planned to launch in India, in partnership with its Chinese partner SAIC.

2012 Chevrolet Sail Hatchback

Facelifted 2012 Chevrolet Captiva SUV

General Motors India has launched the facelifted model of the Captiva SUV. The facelifted Captiva, which was showcased at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo comes with two engine options, both of them being turbo diesel engines. While the base 2 Liter engine is the same unit that used to power the previous model, the new engine is a 2.2 Liter unit capable of generating 186.5 Bhp of peak power and 424 Nm of peak torque. This engine is mated to a 6 speed automatic transmission while the older engine now comes only with a 5 speed manual gearbox. The older 2 Liter turbo diesel engine produces 148 Bhp-320 Nm.

Facelifted 2012 Chevrolet Captiva SUV

2012 Bajaj Boxer BM100 Low Cost Commuter Motorcycle

2012 Bajaj Boxer BM100 Low Cost Commuter Motorcycle

2012 Bajaj Boxer BM100 Low Cost Commuter Motorcycle Profile

2013 BMW X1 Crossover Facelift Spyshot

The 2012 Audi Q3 crossover, which was launched weeks ago, has gone on to become a big seller already, with all 500 units of the car being booked within days of its launch in India. The Q3 crossover is pitted directly at the BMW X1, which in itself is a big seller for brand BMW in the Indian SUV market. The BMW X1 is a delightful handler with the crossover also being a hoot to drive, especially in diesel guise, with the free revving 2 Liter, four pot turbo diesel engine. With the Audi Q3′s arrival though, the heat is now on BMW to protect its market share and leadership position in India.

2013 BMW X1 Crossover Facelift Spyshot

2012 New Volkswagen Jetta Sedan

Volkswagen India has launched the Jetta sedan’s petrol engined variant at a price of INR 13.6 lakhs for the entry level Trendline variant. The mid level Comfortline  variant sells for INR 15.07 lakhs, both prices being ex-showroom Delhi figures. The 2012 Jetta ptrol sedan is powered by a 1.4 Liter TSI turbo petrol engine and direct injection. This engine generates a peak power of 122 Bhp while peak torque comes in at 200 Nm. The engine is mated to a six speed manual gearbox. The car will now form the entry level variant of the Jetta’s range in India.

2012 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan

Tata eMO Electric Small Car Concept

Tata Technologies, which showcased the eMO electric car concept at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show, is currently in partnership with Dassault Systems to build an electric car that will be priced under $20,000. The main aim of this electric car will be to seat 4 adults in a compact form factor with the price being pegged at under $20,000. The car which was showcased at Detroit featured innovative interiors with foldable rear seats that will liberate a large amount of luggage space. The car also comes with innovative packaging to maximize space on the interiors.

Tata eMO Electric Small Car Concept