Hero Ignitor launched from price of Rs 55,900 in India

 

Hero MotoCorp has finally launched the much awaited 125cc offering, the sexy looking Ignitor in India. Prices start at Rs 55,900 for this bike. Here is the official press release of the same

HERO MOTOCORP AUGMENTS PRESENCE IN DELUXE SEGMENT WITH LAUNCH OF “IGNITOR” NEW 125CC BIKE NOW AVAILABLE IN MARKET, ATTRACTIVELY PRICED AT RS. 55,900/- 

New Delhi, July 3, 2012: Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has further strengthened its presence in the deluxe segment with the launch of its new motorcycle – Hero “Ignitor”. Close on the heels of the first “Hero” branded scooter Maestro, which was launched just over a month ago, comes the “Ignitor”. It is attractively priced at Rs. 55,900/- for the drum-self-cast variant and Rs 57,900/- for the disc-self-cast variant (both prices ex-showroom Delhi). Ignitor comes with the power of new generation 125 cc ATFT engine which offers a peak power output of 11PS at 8000rpm.

The sporty looking bike is loaded with impressive features that include digital-analog combo meter console, stylish split seat, classy front cowl, striking trapezoidal headlight, dazzling tail light, adjustable rear shock-absorbers, body-coloured rear grip and dual tone rear view mirrors.
Mr. Anil Dua, Sr. Vice President (Marketing & Sales), Hero MotoCorp said, “Every new launch of Hero MotoCorp flows from a clear strategy to further consolidate its leadership position across segments. With "Ignitor", we aim to bolster our presence in the growing deluxe segment. It combines sturdiness and superior technology with contemporary style and yet comes with an attractive price tag. We are confident that with such an irresistible package, Ignitor would definitely appeal across the young adult segments.” Besides being available in two variants, Ignitor comes in four exciting colour options - Pearl White, Sports Red, Vibrant Blue and Panther Black Metallic. With this, Hero MotoCorp has already launched three new models in quick succession – the Impulse, Maestro and now Ignitor. The company had showcased all these models at the Auto Expo in Delhi in January this year along with yet-to-be launched 110cc motorcycle “Passion X Pro”.
HMCL already has a very strong presence in the 125cc space where it straddles the segment with two clear positioning planks with two powerful brands - Glamour and the Super Splendor. Glamour appeals to youngsters as the most attractive bike with its ‘Simply Magnetic’ positioning, while Super Splendor has its own loyal customer base as the strong and reliable functional bike with exceptional performance.
HMCL on Monday reported its best-ever quarterly sales, riding on two consecutive months of record sales. With sales of 5,34,091 units in the month of June, HMCL’s cumulative sales for the first quarter (April-June) of this financial year (2012-13) clocked 16,42,292 units - its highest-ever sales in any single quarter. The company had sold 5,56,644 two-wheelers in May, its highest-ever monthly sales, surpassing its previous highest of 5,51,557 units, recorded only the previous month (April’12). The company had sold 15,29,577 units in the corresponding quarter of the last financial year (2011-12). The month of June also marks the 11th successive month of five lakh-plus unit sales for HMCL, which highlights the company’s robust performance since embarking on its solo journey just over a year ago. HMCL recently announced its largest-ever investment of over Rs 2500 crore in setting up new plants, expanding capacity at the existing plants and in building an integrated R&D centre. The company announced its plans to set up two new plants – at Neemrana in Rajasthan and in Gujarat. The company will also be soon setting up an integrated state-of-the-art Technology/R&D centre spread over 250 acres at Kukas, Jaipur in Rajasthan, which is going to be the largest two-wheeler R&D centre in the country.

Land Rover 'Journey of Discovery' Raises One Million Pounds for IFRC's Water and Sanitation Project in Uganda

Pictured left to right: Mark Cameron, Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director presents a cheque for £1million (GBP) to Mark Astarita, Director of Fundraising for the British Red Cross, next to the One Millionth Land Rover Discovery vehicle at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Land Rover ‘Journey of Discovery’ has raised £1million for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). 

Mark Cameron, Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director, presented the cheque to Mark Astarita (Director of Fundraising, British Red Cross) at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Land Rover is celebrating the ‘Journey of Discovery’ this weekend.

This landmark effort is Land Rover's most ambitious fundraising project to date and supports a much-needed water and sanitation project in Uganda. The IFRC is Land Rover's global humanitarian partner and the project is in addition to the three-year global initiative "Reaching Vulnerable People Around the World".  This initiative, launched in 2010, provides additional support for IFRC programmes in over 15 countries worldwide.

The 50-day ‘Journey of Discovery’ from Birmingham to Beijing, was one of the most epic and ambitious modern-day overland journeys and celebrated the production of the One Millionth Land Rover Discovery - the world's most capable and versatile SUV.

Pictured left to right: Mark Astarita, Director of Fundraising for the British Red Cross accepts the £1million (GBP) cheque, raised by Land Rover, at Goodwood Festival of Speed. The funds will go towards a much-needed water and sanitation project in Uganda, benefitting over 45,000 people

Handing over the cheque, John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director said: "Land Rover is delighted to have reached the target £1,000,000 in aid of the IFRC – an organization we have had a relationship with since 1954." "It’s an absolutely fantastic achievement and I’d like to express my gratitude to the extended ‘Land Rover family’ that got involved including dealers, suppliers and employees around the world.”

“It is truly incredible that a basic human right such as clean water – something we take for granted everyday – is still the most common and preventable underlying cause of disease and death today. The funds raised will be supporting a water and sanitation project in Uganda, which we hope will help over 45,000 beneficiaries and make a substantial difference to the community."

Goli Ameri, Under Secretary General, Humanitarian Values and Diplomacy, of the IFRC said: “We are grateful for Land Rover’s support which will enable us to reach many more vulnerable people in Uganda who are in need of clean water and sanitation. Uganda is one of the countries worst affected by a lack of safe water and although water supply is crucial, sanitation and hygiene are equally important. With Land Rover’s generous assistance, we will now be able to reach thousands of people in Uganda with these life-saving resources."

As the expedition wound its way over 10,000 miles of varied terrain, via 13 countries and travelled through a mix of urban and off-road destinations, it revealed some fascinating stories.

The One Millionth Land Rover Discovery on the Land Rover stand, at Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new show stand is inspired by the Discovery production line – right down to the black-and-yellow hazard markings, recreating the scene inside one of Jaguar Land Rover's production

From avalanches in the Aosta Valley (Geneva) to a police escort in Heroes Square (Budapest), to the ghost town of Pripyat in Chernobyl (Ukraine) and submarine shelters in the Black Sea (Balaklava). Throw in an exclusive tour of the Kremlin (Moscow), gliding in the Uzbekistan desert, meeting camels in Dunhuang’s Golbi desert, and after a stop at the Great Wall, on the home straight to Beijing Auto Show in China. Without a scratch, but caked in the dirt of adventure, this one-in-a-million journey was over.

The One Millionth Land Rover Discovery vehicle is on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (29 June – 1 July), where Land Rover are celebrating the ‘Journey of Discovery’ with a stand that replicates a JLR manufacturing facility and an experience area that is themed around the expedition.

CarZ signs up with Corporate Services Plan for extended warranty

CarZ signs up with Corporate Services Plan


A first of its kind Warranty Program in India is being offered by CarZ, a multi-brand car service network. They have tied up with Corporate Services Plan India to provide Extended Warranty for cars across all their 14 service outlets in India. Here is the official press release of the same. 


CarZ, a multi-brand car service network, today announced their tie-up with Corporate Services Plan India to provide Extended Warranty for cars across all their 14 service outlets in India. This is a first of its kind Warranty Program in India that will provide extended warranty for passenger cars beyond the manufacture’s warranty period.
The Extended Warranty plan offers Peace-of-Mind cover protecting the owner from the cost of repair or replacement of components along with the associated labour cost for the vehicle. Based on the plan opted, the plan will cover Automatic Gearbox, Braking system, Diesel Injection System, Electrical system, Engine, Front Wheel Drive System, Fuel System, Manual Gearbox, Propeller shaft, Rear Axle, Suspension & Steering System. The plan comes at an affordable price of Rs. 5 per day.
The services to be provided to customers shall be under three different warranty programs which include - Platinum: Comprehensive warranty coverage; Gold: Semi comprehensive warranty coverage applicable and Silver: Good basic drive line coverage.


Mr. Venu Donepudi, Founder and Managing Director of CarZ said, “ We are pleased to tie-up with Corporate Services Plan, which is India’s leading provider of Extended Warranty, to offer our customers a hassle free motoring experience. We will be offering this at a competitive price with an option to choose from a basic cover to a comprehensive cover. This partnership will further enhance our commitment to provide our customers with various value-added offerings and services, that will go a long-way in making their motoring experience pleasurable.”


Mr. Vijay Gummadi, Founder & CEO of CarZ said, “ We foresee our customers benefit in numerous ways. The benefits include, enhanced value of vehicle through regular servicing and warranty protection, enhanced vehicle resale value, wide service network of quality repairers, use of high quality replacement parts and uniform service standards. ”

Honda (HMSI) family now comprises of 10 million customers

 Honda family now rejoices with 10 million Happy Customers

•  Realizes ‘The Power of Dreams’ of 10 Million Happy Customers in just 11 years of operations
•  HMSI achieves last 10th million in record 5 months
• ‘India’s Fastest Growing 2Wheeler Company’ continues connecting with customers at faster pace

Honda has come a long way in India in the two-wheeler domain. They are now the number three manufacturer of two-wheelers in the country and with the Dream Yuga motorcycle launched, seem all set to be a strong number two player. Over the years, the company has sold over 10 million vehicles in India. This is the official press release of the same milestone. 

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI), the only Honda in Indian 2Wheeler industry created new history today by adding 10 million happy customers cumulatively. 
From achieving its 1st million mark in five years to achieving the last 10th million in just 5 months, Honda has aggressively grown to meet increasing customer demand inn India - the World’s second largest two-wheeler market and a priority market for Honda for the next decade and more.


Speaking on this achievement, Mr. Keita Muramatsu – President & CEO, HMSI said- “ We at Honda are proud that together as a Team, we have today successfully given Joy of mobility to over 10 Million Happy Customers. This milestone re-affirms the deep trust of customers for Brand Honda. Going ahead, Honda will intensify its efforts to rapidly expand production, network and continue to achieve many more million smiles introducing advanced Indian centric products across all motorcycle & scooter segments to realize our Dreams for India.”


Expressing sincere thanks to Honda customers, Mr. Y. S Guleria – Vice President, Sales & Marketing, HMSI said –“ Achieving the 10 million customer mark in this significant year as Only Honda in India has both humbled and inspired us. We thank our valued customers and reaffirm that as the Fastest Growing2Wheeler Company of India, Honda shall continue to provide high quality India specific products and benchmark services backed with increased production capability to achieve its Dream of Mobility for
All.”


HMSI came into existence on 14 Dec, 1999 and its first production facility at Manesar started operations in 2001. Since inception, the ‘Wings’ have aggressively expanded to serve customers faster. From operating its two production facilities at Manesar (Haryana) and Tapukara (Rajasthan) to rapidly moving towards construction of its upcoming third facility at Narsapuram, Karnataka; Honda is today uniquely poised to reach 4 million annual production capacity by 2013.


Matching its pace with The Power of Dreams of a billion Indians, HMSI has rapidly increased its network. In current FY’2012-13, Honda aims to add 500 new touch-points and take its growing network to 2000 touch-points in a bid to spread its reach and provide service closer to customer.


For over a decade, Honda’s consistency of providing high quality products and services has instilled a deep trust and confidence amongst Indian customers in the ‘Wings’.From its first model ‘Activa’ which gave a new life to scooter segment and is India’s largest selling automatic scooter to its latest product ‘Dream Yuga’ which marks the Company’s entry in mass motorcycle segment; all 15 quality Honda products are highly popular among Indian customers.


Throughout this journey, Honda has been the Industry First to promote Fun, Safety and Environment in India. As a responsible manufacturer, HMSI has till date trained over 1.7 lac customers, children and women on road safety. On the environment front, Honda works on reducing & reusing waste, resource conservation, improved efficiency and other initiatives at its factory, dealer and supplier premises.

Volvo CNG City Bus trials commence in Mumbai

Volvo has taken the bus segment by storm in India and easily controls most of the segment with its offerings like the B7R and B9R. Similarly, in the city transport domain, Volvo City Bus has set a perfect example in various cities and recently, the CNG City Bus started trails in Mumbai. Here is the official press release of the same event


Press Release

Volvo CNG City Bus trials commence in Mumbai


Volvo Buses today started trials of the Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus in Mumbai. Mr. Ashok Patil, Chairman of Brihanmumbai Electricity Supply & Transport Undertaking (BEST) flagged off the bus from Oshiwara depot. Manish Sahi, Managing Director, Volvo Buses in India was present on the occasion. Senior officials of BEST were also present at the ceremony. This initiative has been made possible with support from BEST.


Following the successful trials in New Delhi and Navi Mumbai, the Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus will now run in Mumbai. The CNG city bus, like all products from the Volvo stable, adheres to the highest quality, safety and technology standards. The high-performance CNG engine has been designed to meet the rigours of city driving conditions.


Akash Passey, Senior Vice President – Business Region International, Volvo Bus Corporation and Chairman of the Board, Volvo Buses in India said, “Volvo Buses’ understanding of the customer and passenger needs has reflected in the kind of products it has developed for Indian cities. The Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus has been adapted for specific needs and is an effective solution to address sustainable public transport and clean technology concerns. We are happy that BEST has decided to run trials with this bus. We are confident that passengers in Mumbai will experience the quality, comfort and motivation to travel that this bus offers.”


Volvo today has the richest experience in high-performing coaches and city buses with its city buses today operating in 13 cities of India. Backed by world-renowned Volvo Technology, The design of the Volvo CNG City bus is an outcome of this very experience and close collaboration between product designers in Sweden and India.


The Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus typifies the strengths of Volvo in terms of reliability, better performance, optimal operating costs, passenger & driver comfort and safety. It has the best power-to-weight ratio in its class and a perfectly matched driveline enhances the driving performance. The low-entry at the front and in the middle, means it is easy to get on and off, even for passengers with impaired mobility.


The CNG variant also houses the new transmission from Volvo - Ecolife, which aims to offer the driver and passengers a superior drive experience. It offers significant fuel reduction opportunities due to a fine-tuned optimised gear system which operates at the most efficient speed ranges in terms of fuel consumption. The bus is equipped with intelligent systems to recognise when a vehicle is moving into idle or into gear thereby reducing fuel consumption again.


The Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus will now have an even stronger retarder system which ensures that the ride is even more jerk-free than ever. There is also far little noise in turn and much lesser heat passed onto the brakes.


Safety is a core value at Volvo Buses and the Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus is yet another instance of a product designed to offer enhanced safety to drivers and passengers. The CNG city bus has unique features such as self-diagnostics and sensors for crash, heat & fire detection that increase safety levels in the bus.


·         Container valve, self-diagnostics
The containers are equipped with a self-test device, monitored by fuel tank monitor to ensure the function of the container’s solenoid valves. Each time the bus’ main switch is turned on, the self-test is put in stand-by state. When the engine is started and runs at idle, the solenoid valves are opened one at a time and the system runs a cycle that tests the function of all solenoid valves. If the throttle is opened, the test is stopped but starts again as soon as the engine is at idle. Once the test -cycle is completed, all solenoid valves are opened, even at idle.


·         Crash Sensor
The crash sensor equipped at the electrical box above the driver area is connected to the fuel tank monitor. In case, there is sudden drop in the system pressure or if there is a huge impact on the vehicle due to accident the crash sensor would get activated shutting of all the cylinders via the solenoid. There will be no fuel supply from the container till the crash sensor is reset after vehicle repair is completed.


·         Heat Sensor
The heat sensors are located in the engine cabin side. In the event of higher than normal heat is detected, driver immediately gets a warning. This is a crucial system and can avoid any imminent fire hazard.


·         Fire Sensor
The fire sensors located inside the engine cabin is equipped with an automatic fire extinguisher of power type. As soon as the fire is detected, powder would be sprayed all across the engine thus extinguishing the flames. This system can also be activated manual by a switch located at the driver area.




Today, Volvo city buses are being operated in 13 cities across India – Bangalore, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Kolkata, Pune, Mysore, Mangalore, Faridabad, Chennai, Vellupuram, Thiruvanathapuram, Kochi, and Hyderabad.


The Volvo 8400 low-floor CNG city bus is built at the state-of-the-art manufacturing plant of Volvo Buses in Hoskote near Bangalore. The factory and overall profile of being a complete transport solutions provider, gives Volvo Buses a unique ability to be in the best position to understand the needs of the Indian market and configure products accordingly.