Auto Sector

Tata Motors introduces Nano Europa at Geneva Motor show

Nano EuropaTata Motors launched the Nano Europa, the European version of the Nano, on Tuesday at the Geneva Motor show before Nano's formal launch on March 23 in the domestic market.

Nano Europa supports 3-cylinder sporty aluminium MPFI engine and electric power steering, using all international safety standards and regulations. The car has been provided with advanced restraint systems, ABS, ESP, with high fuel efficiency and low CO2 emission.

M&M Posts 21.6% Growth In February Sales

M&M Posts 21.6% Growth In February SalesMahindra and Mahindra, part of the $6.7-billion Mahindra group, has
recorded a 21.6% year-on-year increase in its three-wheeler and utility
vehicle sales in February 2009.

The Indian auto major sold 18,135 units during the last month, as against 14,909 units in the same period last year (Feb 2008).

The company recorded a 17% sales growth its utility vehicle segment,
which includes M&M’s Bolero, Scorpio and Xylo range of vehicles.

Under this section, M&M sold 14,720 units in Feb 2009 as compared to 12,562 during last February (2008).

BEST plans AC double-deckers

Not long ago, the BEST wanted to phase out double-decker buses. Now, the undertaking not only wants Mumbai to retain its beloved monsters, but it also plans to introduce them in an air-conditioned avatar.

Accord Advertisement Pvt Ltd has offered to provide 100 fully air-conditioned double-decker buses to the undertaking in return for ad rights at bus stops and on the buses. Initially, 10 buses are proposed to be operated on a pilot basis. Depending on response, the fleet would be increased to 100.

Bangalore leads the superbikes race

Motorcyclists in the city are leading the pack in an emerging segment of buyers who look at bikes as a status symbol rather than just a utility.

“You can expect more superbikes being launched in the country going ahead as the base of enthusiasts increases with Bangalore leading the trend,” said Sanjay Tripathi, Division Head – Product Planning and Marketing, Yamaha.

According to industry insiders, thanks to the increased level of awareness and higher disposable incomes, the biking culture in the city is catching resulting in Banglaore accounting for over 40% of the superbikes sold in the country.

Two-wheelers speed up, too

Much like car companies, two-wheeler makers also reported healthy growth numbers in February with Bajaj Auto being the only exception since it reported a 17% decline in sales. But despite doing poorly compared with February 2008, Bajaj managed to claw back to the second position in the domestic two-wheeler pecking order - a position it had relinquished to Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) for some months in the current fiscal.

Market leader Hero Honda Motors continued its growth spree, logging 24% growth at 329,055 units (265,431 units) and laying claim to a market share of over 56%. Much of this growth has come from the company’s new launches such as Passion Pro Power Start.

JWT duo wins AAAI contest

Savio Alva, senior copywriter and Hetal Ajmera, creative director — part of the Young Creatives Team of JWT, Mumbai were adjudged the winners of Advertising Agencies Association of India's (AAAI) national ad contest. Members were invited to send entries on the theme 'Don't drink and drive'.

Ajmera said, "A lot has already been done on the theme of 'Don't drink and drive'. We used another approach. A lot of new cars in the market today have a host of safety features to help you. The point we tried to make, is that none of those features are going to be of use, if you drink and drive."

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