New Ford Endeavour 4x2 AT launched

Ford India has recently unveiled the Ford Endeavour 3.0-litre 4x2 Automatic (AT) - the newest addition to its Endeavour premium Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) range. At the launch, Michael Boneham, president and managing director, Ford India, said, "We are excited and delighted to introduce our latest Endeavour variant to India. "Building on the strong Endeavour sales so far this year, and the overwhelming response to the automatic transmission launched last year, we are confident that the Ford Endeavour 4x2 AT will be a popular and well received addition to our product line-up. Competitively priced at Rs. 17,88,760 (ex-showroom, Bengaluru) the Endeavour 4x2 AT is powered by a 3.0-litre, 156 PS DuraTorq TDCi (common-rail) powertrain with the Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) and 5-speed automatic gearbox - with the overdrive switch on the shift lever – to deliver a highly responsive drive that complements its best-in-class torque performance at 380 NM at 2500 rpm.



Compared to other diesel automatic offerings in the 15-20 Lakh premium SUV segment, the DuraTorq engine of the new SUV delivers class-leading fuel efficiency of 10.7 kpl (ARAI).'Like other variants in the portfolio, the 4X2 variant is robust, good looking, great to drive and versatile. We describe it as a ‘smooth operator’ SUV with the state-of-art 5-speed auto transmission technology that provides a superb and effortless driving experience whether negotiating congested city streets, cruising on the highway or exploring country hills and back roads, " said Boneham. While rugged on the outside, the interior of the new Endeavour includes many creature comfort features. For example, the interior design sports a classy two tone finish complemented by a spacious passenger cabin.

Inside, it also boasts ergonomically designed leather upholstered seats, a 6-CD changer music system and DVD player and an environmentally-friendly dual air conditioner with personalized air conditioning vents for the second and third rows. Other unique touches which enhance the 4x2 AT's aesthetic and driving appeal include illuminated scuff plates, a titanium-finished instrument panel, sports pedals and a stylish side body cladding. The new variant also offers an array of active and passive safety features such as dual-stage front air bags for the driver and passenger. The air bags work in conjunction with three-point safety belts and pre-tensioners and load limiter features unique to Ford vehicles. In addition, the Anti-lock Braking system (ABS) coupled with Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) provides extra security peace of mind for drivers.



The Ford Endeavour 3.0- litre 4x2 Automatic (AT) is available in five colour options - Diamond White, Moondust Silver, Sea Grey, Panther Black and Morello. Since it was launched in India in 2003, the Ford Endeavour has been a perennial favourite among Indian premium SUV buyers and is consistently ranked as the number one or two top-selling vehicle in the segment.” Boneham said demand for the Endeavour remains strong in India. "Our January to August 2010 Endeavour sales numbers are up 68 percent compared to January - August 2009. In addition, the market segment for SUVs priced between Rs. 15 - 20 lakh has nearly quadrupled, year-on-year, for the same period, and offers tremendous growth opportunities.”

Maruti Suzuki sales figure of August 2010

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, India’s car market leader, sold a total of 104,791 vehicles in August 2010, growing 23.6 per cent in the month. This includes exports of 12,117 units. This is the highest ever monthly sales recorded by the company. The company had sold a total of 84,808 vehicles in August 2009. Maruti Suzuki’s volume in the domestic A2 segment grew by 25.7 per cent and in the A3 segment the sales volume grew by 34 per cent during the month as compared to sales in August 2009. During the month the company launched Alto-K10 with 1-litre K-series engine and five CNG models across segments. Customers ranked Maruti Suzuki as the No.1 company in the annual Sales Satisfaction Survey conducted independently by JD Power, a leading global research agency.



Meanwhile, Maruti Suzuki has also launched an automatic transmission version of its popular premium hatchback car, Maruti A-Star in the month of August 2010. After successful launch of these models in the Indian auto market, the company comes again with one other product, Maruti Ritz 'Genus' in the auto market. India's biggest auto maker, On the occasion of first anniversary of Maruti Ritz has launched an special limited edition Ritz Genus in the country. On the other hand, Behind of Tata Nano, Maruti Suzuki is also intending to launch an another cheapest car, Marutio Cervo soon in India.

Tata Motors tie-up with IndusInd Bank for retail financing

Tata Motors has entered into an understanding with IndusInd Bank for financing its range of passenger vehicles to provide an added facility of finance to its customers. A memorandum of understanding was signed by senior executives of both the companies today. Mr. R. Ramakrishnan Vice President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors Limited said, “The customers of Tata Motors will now have access to customised finance products from IndusInd Bank. We are sure that our growing network will also drive the tie-up to achieve the aspirational growth targets. IndusInd ranks in the top retail financiers for Tata Motors commercial vehicle segment today and we are happy to extend this partnership for our passenger vehicle business as well. IndusInd Bank will be one of the preferred financiers for Tata cars and utility vehicles.”



Announcing the tie-up, Mr S. V. Parthasarathy, EVP-Consumer Finance Division, IndusInd Bank said, “With this tie-up IndusInd Bank would be in a position to cater the financial needs of Tata Motors customers for the entire range of vehicles sold by Tata Motors. With their huge reach IndusInd Bank and Tata Motors would be able to cater to AAM AADMI ” Tata Motors is India's largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of Rs. 92,519 crores ($ 20 billion) in 2009-10. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand and Spain. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India. With over 5.9 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles.

Jaguar announced its sponsorship of the Serpentine Gallery summer celebrations

World's major luxury car maker, Jaguar announced its sponsorship of the Serpentine Gallery’s legendary annual Summer Party taking place on 8th July. The fundraising evening is a cornerstone of the international social calendar and will take place in the 10th Serpentine Gallery Pavilion designed by the world-renowned architect Jean Nouvel¹. Major names from the worlds of international art, film, fashion and business are expected to attend the party in Nouvel’s vivid red Pavilion and will be chauffeured to the event in the all-new Jaguar XJ. Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars said: “Jaguar is proud to be associated with one of Britain’s best-loved galleries and The Serpentine Gallery summer party highlights Britain as a hub of class-leading design. "You might think that the car industry is just about engineering and technology. But the reality is that design is at the centre of everything that Jaguar does.



The final polished product is the end result of a range of design concepts with endless inspiration taken from across the spectrum of fashion, architecture, jewellery and lighting. "More than ever before, car design, and design as a whole, is a profession where motivated, talented young people can make a real difference to the world around them."Guests will be invited to play with champion players on the red ping-pong tables; have their heartbeats recorded in French artist Christian Boltanski’s acclaimed installation The Heart Archive; and view a major new exhibition of the work of artist Wolfgang Tillmans² in the galleries. A highlight of the evening will be a secret performance by one of Britain's leading music stars, curated by Raye Cosbert, Metropolis Music and Morton Metropolis Gallery. Seb Fontaine and Queens of Noize will be guest DJs.