Automobilestillnow

Nissan has opened a new dealership in Mumbai, called Ritu Nissan, located in the Bhandup West suburb of Mumbai. With the new dealership now operational, Nissan accounts for 159 sales outlets across 113 cities for both Nissan and Datsun vehicles, in the country. The 3,000 sq ft showroom space will display Nissan and Datsun's India portfolio. Speaking at the inauguration, Sicard said, “Nissan’s strategy for continued and significant growth in India is underpinned by our commitment to providing customers with a superior ownership experience. This is backed by our continuous expansion of dealership outlets nationwide.” Nissan plans to double its dealership network in India by 2016. It aims to open 300 outlets across the country by then.

The India-bound Honda Jazz, which is also sold in Australia, has been given a five-star safety rating by the ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program). “The Honda Jazz received a score of 36.58 out of a possible 37, which is a fantastic result” said Honda Australia Director, Stephen Collins. “The Jazz was also the first vehicle to be tested using data shared with ANCAP’s sister program, ASEAN NCAP in Malaysia.” said Collins. ANCAP recently began sharing crash test data with ASEAN NCAP; both have been working closely for the past few years. The new Jazz scored well in all of ANCAP’s test categories. But, while the Australian Jazz gets safety kit like six airbags and electronic stability control as standard, it needs to be seen how much safety kit will trickle down to the Indian markets. Honda will be launching the  Jazz   in India soon, and it will be powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel engine, like the brand’s Amaze sedan. Production...

The Government Of India is paying some attention to road safety issues in the country. Keeping road safety in mind, the GOI is working on making the anti-lock braking system mandatory for all two-wheelers above the engine capacity of 125cc. This is a big step forward in the right direction, as over 70 percent of accidents that take place in India involve two-wheelers. Nitin Gadkari, Road Transport Minister has just recently approved this proposal, and is working on implementing it. Gadkari, who was recently present at the Bloomberg TV Autocar India Awards 2015 also talked about his plans of building safer roads for India. This is absolutely necessary, keeping in mind that as per data collected in 2013, 39,353 people were killed on Indian roads while riding two-wheelers. While the time frame for the Indian government to enforce this law remains undecided, sources say that safer roads for India aren't too far away.   

Renault has announced that its new SUV for international markets will be called the Renault Kadjar.  It will be positioned above the popular Captur SUV.  Renault says that the first part of the name is inspired by the word 'quad', representing a go-anywhere four-wheeled vehicle, suggesting that the Kadjar will be offered with four-wheel drive. The second part of the name is said to be inspired by the French words 'agile' (agility) and 'jaillir', which Renault explains, means 'to suddenly emerge from somewhere'. Renault has started posting pictures and videos about the new Kadjar every day on social media, and will do so until the SUV is revealed on February 2. The Kadjar, it is understood, will share the same architecture, and most of the powertrains and looks of the Nissan Qashqai, and will be built on Renault-Nissan's Common Module Family platform.  Announced in June last year, the CMF architecture will eventually be used to und...

In a move that will aid further localisation, Volkswagen India has inaugurated a new engine assembly plant at Chakan, Pune. The plant, within VW's existing premises, was inaugurated by the chief minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, and will help strengthen Maharashtra’s reputation as a manufacturing hub. The assembly plant is spread across over 3,000 square metres. This new engine plant will be used to assemble Volkswagen’s 1.5-litre unit and also has a full-fledged engine testing facility. The plant was built in around 11 months with an investment of Rs 240 crore. The 1.5-litre diesel engine currently does duty in the Volkswagen Polo and Vento and the Skoda Rapid sedan. The petrol engines on the other hand, will continue to be imported.    

It’s official, Bajaj has just launched a new and upgraded Platina called the ES (electric start). This new Platina, as Bajaj mentions, is equipped with the most fuel-efficient engine Bajaj has developed to date. The Platina ES comes with new body graphics and colour options (red, blue and black). The motorcycle's grab handle will also get the corresponding body colour. A completely blacked-out engine and alloy wheels add to the Platina ES’s fresh appeal. The fuel-tank can hold 11.5 litres, and 110mm drum brakes are standard for both, the front and rear wheels.  The new Bajaj Platina ES is equipped with a 102cc, four-stroke, single cylinder engine which is air-cooled. The motor is equipped with dual spark plugs and twin valves. The engine produces maximum power of 8.2bhp at 7,500rpm and maximum torque of 0.88kgm at 5,000rpm. Power is sent to the rear wheel using a final chain drive and four-speed transmission that shifts in an all-down pattern. The motorcycle weighs on...

Maruti has launched a new limited edition version of the Swift hatchback, called the Swift Windsong edition. Available only on the updated Swift VXi and VDi trim, the Swift Windsong edition gets exterior additions such as body graphics, front and rear mud-flaps and a rear spoiler. Interior add-ons include special seat covers and a steering wheel cover, illuminated door sills and ambient lighting. The important equipment addition that comes as standard on the Swift Windsong edition is a Sony touchscreen audio system with CD/DVD/Bluetooth/USB. It also doubles up as the screen for the reverse parking camera. There are no mechanical changes in the Swift Windsong edition, which means it continues to use the familiar 1.2-litre K12 petrol and the 1.3-litre diesel motors. The Maruti Swift Windsong edition is priced at Rs 5.14 lakh for the VXi and Rs 6.1 lakh for the VDi variant. (Ex-showroom, Delhi).