Bajaj RE60 named- the Qute. Exports announced, India launch awaiting

The RE 60 will be called the ‘Qute’. Bajaj Auto announced the plans to export its Qute Quadricycle to countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe. Production of Bajaj Qute has already commenced and the company  is awaiting for a verdict from the Supreme Court to launch this vehicle in India. Only then we can have a word on its pricing.

The Qute is powered by a water-cooled 216cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder DTSi, 4-valve engine that returns a fuel efficiency of 36 kmpl. The engine produces 20 BHP of power and is mated to a 4-speed manual transmission.  The Qute can reach a top speed of 70 km/hr . It has low carbon emission of 66 gm/km.

[caption id="attachment_14509" align="alignnone" width="640"] Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto at the launch of RE60 "Qute"[/caption]

PRESS RELEASE

Bajaj Auto all set to export ‘Qute’ to over 16 countries

While India awaits the Supreme Court verdict, the eco-friendly, next gen Quadricycle makes its way to countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

 New Delhi, September 25, 2015: Bajaj Auto – the world’s largest manufacturer of three-wheelers, today announced plans to export its Quadricycle, known as RE60.

During research the RE 60 evoked responses from consumers like ‘Cute’ and ‘beautiful’ in Asia and ‘Bonita’ in Latin America.  The RE 60 is now branded as ‘Qute’.  Production for Bajaj Qute has already commenced and export to about 16 countries is planned.

The Qute is powered by an all new water-cooled DTSi, 4-valve engine that has an impressive fuel efficiency of 36 kmpl and a max speed of 70km per hour. It is easy to drive, compact, lightweight and has an extremely low carbon emission of 66 gm/km. Qute has been designed in response to evolving requirements of low cost, last mile public transport across the world by optimizing size, weight, cost and speed.

Qute is the first Indian made Quadricycle to meet the stringent European Quadricycle norms and get the European WVTA (Whole Vehicle Type Approval) certification awarded by RDW Netherlands.  Today, Bajaj Auto is all set to export Qute to over 16 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

 Mr. Rakesh Sharma, President, International Business, Bajaj Auto said, “Over the years, the Bajaj RE has become a part of the social fabric in many countries. Apart from being an effective last mile transportation solution it also provides employment to millions. With Qute, we are now raising the bar and ushering in a new solution of transportation that is cleaner, safer and more comfortable. Our partners across Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe are excited about the growth opportunities that Qute can bring for us.”

Mr Abraham Joseph, CTO, Bajaj Auto said, “We have applied all our two-wheeler expertise of  light weight vehicle engineering  & super-efficient powertrain technology based on DTS-i, to create the Qute.  We use high strength steel body along with impact resistant plastic closures to achieve this. The small displacement high performance 4 Valve engine uses closed loop fuel injection & triple spark ignition.  Coupled with the 5 speed gear box, it gives outstanding fuel efficiency & emission performance. The engine is water cooled for long life.”

Qute Product Specs

Low emissions	CO2 : 66gms/km
Highest Mileage	36 kmp
Maximum Speed	70 kmph
Turning circle radius	3.5 meters
Overall length	2752 mm
Overall width	1312 mm
Overall height	1650 mm
Seating capacity	1+3

Isuzu ​​Motors India opens new dealership- 'Viiraaj Isuzu' in Pune

Isuzu Motors India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors, Japan, inaugurated a new dealership “VIIRAAJ ISUZU” in Pune. The new 3S (Sales, Service and Spares) facility is located at Mahalaxmi Icon, Mumbai – Bangalore Bye-pass, Tathawade, Mulshi, Pune. The new facility adds to the network of dealerships in Maharashtra already operational in Navi Mumbai and Nagpur.

[caption id="attachment_14502" align="alignnone" width="640"] ( L-R) Mr. Naohiro Yamaguchi, MD, and Mr. Shigeru Wakabayashi, DMD, Isuzu Motors India inaugurating MU7 for Pune market​[/caption]

PRESS RELEASE

Pune: As part of its network expansion drive, Isuzu Motors India Private Limited, a subsidiary of Isuzu Motors, Japan, one of the world’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturers and a leader in pick-up trucks, inaugurated a new dealership“VIIRAAJ ISUZU” in Pune. The new 3S (Sales, Service and Spares) facility is conveniently located at Mahalaxmi Icon, Mumbai – Bangalore Bye-pass, Tathawade, Mulshi, Pune. The new facility adds to the network of dealerships in Maharashtra already operational in Navi Mumbai and Nagpur.

Speaking about the inauguration, Mr. Naohiro Yamaguchi, Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India, said, “We are witnessing an increase in demand for pick-up trucks in Pune, thanks to the growing diverse industrial population from SMEs to large enterprises. ISUZU has been making rapid inroads across the country with more such dealer outlets to offer world-renowned D-MAX range of pick-ups, enabling customers to achieve greater business efficiency. With the MU-7, ISUZU offers SUV customers and enthusiasts a powerful, spacious and a luxurious ride. With three years of operations, we have made remarkable progress in offering the customer, products that suit their requirements appropriately. With VIIRAAJ ISUZU we are assured of offering best-in-class sales and service support to our customers”.

 Mr. Punit Wadhwani, Dealer Principal, VIIRAAJ ISUZU, said, “It is indeed a proud moment for us to have associated with a brand like ISUZU. The products are world-class and are known for their robust performance and versatility. With greater focus on customer satisfaction, we certainly believe the right mix of product and service will largely benefit our customer community”.

DSK Benelli launches TNT 600i Limited Edition @ 5.66 lakh

DSK Benelli launched the TNT 600i limited edition gold colour which will go on sale from 3^rdOctober 2015, across all DSK Benelli showrooms in the country.  Only 60 of these bikes available across the country on a first-come-first-serve basis!

The DSK Benelli TNT 600i is powered by a 600cc, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 85.07bhp of maximum power at 11,500rpm, while peak torque of 54.6nm is generated at 10,500rpm.

DSK Benelli TNT 600i (LE) prices

• TNT 600i (LE) – Rs. 5,58,000 - (ex-showroom Delhi)


• TNT 600i (LE) – Rs. 5,66,000 - (ex-showroom Pune)

[caption id="attachment_14498" align="alignnone" width="640"] (L-R) Mr. Shivapada Ray, COO, DSK Motowheels and Mr. Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels[/caption]

PRESS RELEASE

Pune, September 24, 2015: DSK Motowheels, one of the most well-established and strongest players in the Indian superbike industry and the legendary Italian superbiking brand, Benelli, announced the launch of a limited edition gold colour for the incredibly powerful and highly popular superbike, the TNT 600i. After the unprecedented success of the TNT 600i in the Indian market that was as striking as its roaring engine, the company has unveiled this exquisite model for those mettlesome riders who love to turn heads as they vroom on the roads. The limited edition gold colour bike will go on sale from 3^rdOctober 2015, across all DSK Benelli showrooms in the country. Exclusivity is assured as there will be only 60 of these bikes available across the country on a first-come-first-serve basis!

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels said, “We are thrilled to bring out the limited edition model of the DSK Benelli TNT 600i. The launch has been spurred by the phenomenal success of this superbike in India and we are certain that those who have enjoyed its superb riding experience will now love the enhanced flamboyance that the new colour exudes. This is the only 600cc superbike in the country, ever to be made in the scintillating and royal shade of gold. Only a few exclusive aficionados will get to own this Italian golden beauty.”

[caption id="attachment_14497" align="alignnone" width="640"] DSK Benelli TNT600i (LE)[/caption]

The DSK Benelli TNT 600i is powered by a first-in-segment 600cc, in-line four-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that produces 85.07bhp of maximum power at 11,500rpm, while peak torque of 54.6nm is generated at 10,500rpm.

Today, the TNT 600i stands as one of the highest selling superbikes, amongst the line-up on offer by DSK Benelli, exuding great attention to detail, cutting edge design language and well sorted ergonomics for both the rider and pillion, coupled with power packed performance.

Earlier this year, the launch of the TNT 600i created a new chapter in the realm of superbikes in the country, and now the limited edition gold offering is here to take this riveting experience a notch higher.

DSK Benelli TNT 600i (LE) is available at attractive price points:

• TNT 600i (LE) – Rs. 5,58,000 - (ex-showroom Delhi)


• TNT 600i (LE) – Rs. 5,66,000 - (ex-showroom Pune)

Goodyear and Rainer Zietlow break a new world record! 19k kms, 10 days, one set of tyres

Rainer Zietlow, camera man Marius Biela and blogger Sam Roach have set a new world record for the fastest drive between South Africa to Nordkapp in Norway in their Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI equipped with Goodyear-Wrangler HP All Weather tyres. The team drove Cape-to-Cape 2.0 in less than 10 days [9 days, 4 hours and 8 minutes], conquering more than 19,000 kilometers on one set of Goodyear Wrangler tyres.

The team crossed 21 countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and finally Norway. The team flew the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI from Amman, Jordan to Adana in Turkey for the shortest flight over Syria.

PRESS RELEASE

Goodyear and Rainer Zietlow break a new world record!

Rainer Zietlow drives Cape-to-Cape 2.0 in less than 10 days [9 days, 4 hours and 8 minutes], conquering more than 19,000 kilometers on one set of Goodyear Wrangler tires

Nordkapp, Norway – September 24, 2015: Rainer Zietlow, camera man Marius Biela and blogger Sam Roach have set a new world record for the fastest drive between South Africa to Nordkapp in Norway in their Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI equipped with Goodyear-Wrangler HP All Weather tires. They completed this epic 19,000-kilometer drive in 9 days, 4 hours and 8 minutes. With this feat, the Cape-to-Cape 2.0 team beat their own existing world record of 21 days and 16 hours between Nordkapp and Cape Agulhas.
Rainer and his team used only one set of with Goodyear-Wrangler HP All Weather tires to achieve this world record, which involved battling through the most challenging terrain and extreme weather conditions on Earth, including the Sahara desert floods, mud and the ‘road to hell’ in Kenya, putting their equipment to the test at every stage of their 19,000-kilometer journey.
Alexis Bortoluzzi, Marketing Director EMEA, said “Without a doubt, the Goodyear-Wrangler HP All Weather tires were the best attire for Rainer’s VW Touareg V6 TDI. We are very proud to have been a reliable partner of the Challenge4 2.0 team for this amazing challenge. We have demonstrated that our passion coupled with a hundred years of safety-driven innovation lead to success.”
Rainer Zietlow said as he crossed the finish line in Nordkapp on Sunday the 20th September: "We are happy that we can now end our Cape to Cape projects with this amazing time of 9 days and 4 hours. I would like to give my enormous thanks to all of my sponsors and partners again, including Goodyear for their exceptional tires, free from any damage or punctures in the most brutal of road conditions. I would definitely choose Goodyear again for my next challenges”

Background
The Cape-to-Cape 2.0 team departed on Friday September 11 at 10am from Cape Agulhas in South Africa and arrived at Nordkapp in Norway in their Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI on the 20th of September at 2pm after driving 19,276 km. All on one set of Goodyear-Wrangler HP All Weather tires.
The team has crossed 21 countries: South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and finally Norway. The team flew the Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI from Amman, Jordan to Adana in Turkey for the shortest flight over Syria.

Maruti Suzuki Baleno aka YRA India launch on Oct 26

Maruti Suzuki will be launching the Baleno aka YRA hatchback in India on October 26. The car was unveiled at the ongoing 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Baleno hatchback, length just under four metres, qualifies to be a compact car under the Indian regulations. The car is based on an all- new platform. The Baleno will be the second car to be sold through Nexa after the S-Cross.

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Powering the India-spec Baleno hatchback will the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel engines seen in Swift hatchback and Ciaz sedan respectively. The 1.2-litre K12M petrol engine makes 84.3PS of power and 115Nm of torque, while the D13A diesel mill pumps out 90PS and 200Nm of torque.

 

[caption id="attachment_14363" align="alignnone" width="640"] Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback[/caption]

India will also get a CVT option for the petrol variant, which is the first for a Maruti Suzuki car. In Europe, the car will get a new 1.0-litre BoosterJet turbocharged petrol engine producing 92bhp and 170Nm of torque.

[caption id="attachment_14392" align="alignnone" width="640"] Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback interior[/caption]

The premium hatchback has the new Suzuki design language with sweptback headlamps, flared wheel arches and a V-shaped grille at the front. When launched, the Baleno hatchback will take on the Hyundai i20 and the Honda Jazz in the premium hatchback segment. Expect the Baleno hatchback to be loaded with features. The car has a wheelbase of 2520mm and is pretty spacious.

[caption id="attachment_14393" align="alignnone" width="640"] Maruti Suzuki Baleno hatchback interior space[/caption]

The hatchback with Baleno name is completely different from what had appeared on our roads a decade and a half ago in the form of a large powerful sedan and estate which couldn't delight consumers.

[caption id="attachment_14411" align="alignnone" width="846"] Maruti Suzuki Baleno sedan[/caption]

Maruti Suzuki have already started manufacturing the cars at their Manesar facility.

Suzuki Baleno image gallery

[gallery ids="14395,14396,14397,14398,14399,14400,14401,14402,14403,14404,14405,14406,14369,14370,14371,14372,14394,14368,14366,14363,14393,14392"]

 

DSK Benelli inaugurates its showroom in Chandigarh

DSK Motowheels, announced the launch of showroom for the Italian brand Benelli in Chandigarh. The showroom, under the dealership of ‘AAW’ is located in City Emporium Mall, Shop no 1 & 2, Industrial Area, Phase 1, showcasing the entire range of DSK Benelli superbikes available in India,

DSK Benelli superbikes prices: (ex-showroom, Chandigarh)

• TNT 300 – Rs. 2,99,000


• TNT 600i – Rs. 5,38,000


• TNT 600 GT – Rs. 5,96,000


• TNT 600 GTS – Rs. 6,33,000


• TNT 899 – Rs. 9,48,000


• TNT R – Rs. 11,81,000

[caption id="attachment_13855" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (L-R) Mr. Amit Saini, Dealer Principal Chandigarh & Mr. Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_13856" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (L-R) Ribbon Untying_Mr. Amit Saini, Dealer Principal Chandigarh & Mr. Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels[/caption]

Press Release

Chandigarh, September 9, 2015: DSK Motowheels, one of India’s most well-established and strongest players in the superbike industry announces the launch of an exclusive showroom for the legendary Italian superbiking brand Benelli in Chandigarh. The state-of-the-art showroom is situated in a plush locale at City Emporium Mall, Shop no 1 & 2, Industrial Area, Phase 1, showcasing the entire range of DSK Benelli superbikes available in India, under the dealership of ‘AAW’.

The showroom houses the sporty-looking Tornado Naked Tre, or TNT superbikes that encompass the TNT 300 – In-line two-cylinder 300cc engine, TNT 600i  - In-line four-cylinder 600cc engine, TNT 600 GT - In-line four-cylinder 600cc engine, TNT 899 - In-line, three-cylinder 898cc engine and TNT R - In-line, three-cylinder 1131cc engine.

Located in one of the liveliest areas of the city, the outlet will be in complete consonance with the premium luxury that the DSK Benelli brand stands for. Well-trained and knowledgeable staff is available in order to assist the patrons in sales as well as service.

Speaking on the launch, Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels said, “It gives us immense pleasure to be associated with ‘AAW’. The philosophy with which we operate is in tandem with the ethos of our Chandigarh dealer. The employees at DSK Benelli – Chandigarh have been provided with specialised training in management of sales, service, spare parts and customer service, to ensure that customers can enjoy best-in-class ownership experience. Keeping in mind the global standards, we are also glad to announce that all the DSK Benelli showrooms across India, including DSK Benelli – Chandigarh are the first set of showrooms worldwide to meet the International CI standards of Benelli global showrooms.”

Shirish Kulkarni, Chairman, DSK Motowheels, further added, “Our main focus is to align DSK Benelli’s presence across all strategic locations in order to generate strong brand eminence and Chandigarh in that respect, is one of those key markets. The dealership will not only act as a platform to sell motorcycles but also a place for DSK Benelli superbike enthusiasts to interact with other bikers and share their love for the Italian biking legend.”

Born of rich, pure lineage, DSK Benelli today boasts an impressive range of globally-respected superbikes that marry heritage, innovation, styling and technological prowess. DSK Benelli’s distinctly stylish motorcycles are known for their Italian flamboyance and the ability to provide riders from all walks of life a pure, high-performance experience.

DSK Motowheels is assembling and selling Benelli bikes across the country and supporting them with a good backup of service and spares. With its mounting sales and service network, the brand offers 24 x 7 on call breakdown service.

The showroom will showcase the entire gamut of DSK Benelli superbikes at attractive price points: (ex-showroom, Chandigarh)

• TNT 300 – Rs. 2,99,000


• TNT 600i – Rs. 5,38,000


• TNT 600 GT – Rs. 5,96,000


• TNT 600 GTS – Rs. 6,33,000


• TNT 899 – Rs. 9,48,000


• TNT R – Rs. 11,81,000

Ford S-Max and Galaxy Scores 5-Star Euro Ncap Safety Ratings

The Ford S-MAX and Galaxy have been awarded the maximum 5-star safety rating by independent crash test authority Euro NCAP. The S-MAX and Galaxy are offered for the first time with second-row seat side-airbags for additional passenger side-impact protection, and also offer first and second-row seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters to further enhance rear passenger safety. In addition, S-MAX and Galaxy gets Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection technology that can reduce the severity of some frontal collisions involving vehicles and pedestrians.

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ŠKODA India launches Rapid ‘Anniversary Edition’ starting at Rs. 6.99 lakh

ŠKODA India has launched the Rapid Anniversary Edition with prices starting at Rs 6.99 lakh. The Rapid Anniversary Edition gets side door foils, contrasting tone roof foils and wood décor interior trims. The Elegance Plus model will come equipped with the TrackPro car tracking device system.

The Rapid Anniversary Edition also gets dual front airbags as a standard fitment to all variants. Other features include 7-speed DSG transmission with tiptronic manual gear changing, adjustable dual rear AC vents on rear center console, ŠKODA 2-DIN integrated audio player, Bluetooth connectivity for phone /audio streaming / remote control via phone app, cruise control, projector headlamps, height & length adjustable steering wheel.

The Rapid Anniversary Editions will be available across all authorized ŠKODA dealerships and showrooms across India, till September 2015.

 

[caption id="attachment_13747" align="alignnone" width="1024"] ŠKODA Rapid ‘Anniversary Edition’[/caption]

Press Release

1^st September, 2015: ŠKODA AUTO India has introduced the all new Rapid Anniversary Edition with exciting features at a starting price of Rs 6.99 lakhs across the country.  Riding on ŠKODA’s acclaimed Simply Clever philosophy, this range comes with a host of fresh features designed to enhance the overall ownership experience for customers.

Unique to the Anniversary Edition are side door foils, contrasting tone roof foils and wood décor interior trims. The Elegance Plus model will have the revolutionary TrackPro car tracking device system, which will enable customers to stay connected with their vehicle and keep track of its location 24x7. ŠKODA has always adhered to strict safety regulations and the additions of dual front airbags as a standard fitment to all versions will ensure maximum safety in case of an emergency making the Rapid one of the safest cars in the C segment.

In addition, the Anniversary Edition will also sport other popular features that ensure excellent driving dynamics i.e. - 7-speed DSG transmission with tiptronic manual gear changing, adjustable dual rear AC vents on rear center console, ŠKODA 2-DIN integrated audio player, Bluetooth connectivity for phone /audio streaming / remote control via phone app, cruise control, projector headlamps, height & length adjustable steering wheel.

Commenting on new introduction, Mr. Ashutosh Dixit, Director – Sales, Service & Marketing, ŠKODA AUTO India said,“The ŠKODA Rapid has been wowing buyers with its style, practicality and refinement since its launch in India, and now, thanks to ŠKODA’s commitment to enhance ownership experience and maximizing value, customers ordering the new Rapid Anniversary Edition will get even more value for their money.  It’s a testament to ŠKODA’s enduring legacy of offering clever and practical solutions for its patrons. With an amalgamation of technical features, added safety measures and appealing aesthetics, the Rapid Anniversary Edition will be a novel offering in the competitive C segment.”

A unique feature, the TrackPro device will be synced with the car enabling the customer to stay updated on the location of his or her vehicle. Through the web application, the user will also be able to track and obtain vehicle location live through 24x7 SMS, record vehicle trip history, assign over speed limit and boundary alerts and update tracking configurations like owner’s number, vehicle registration IDs etc. The owner will also be able to set-up mobile alerts to be notified on his or her car getting towed, over speeding, entering and exiting boundaries and whenever the tracking device is disconnected or re-connected with the vehicle. This innovative tracking technology will be available only on Elegance Plus variant.

Symbolizing ŠKODA’s brand value – “Simply Clever”, the Rapid is ideal for the Indian streets with an attractive design, ample space, excellent safety equipment and modern proven technology. It is a comfortable car for the family with an elegant design, ensuring an efficient drive. The new features will now make the Rapid ‘Anniversary edition’ an even more enviable purchase within the already successful Rapid model range.

The Rapid Anniversary Editions will be available across all authorized ŠKODA dealerships and showrooms across India, till September 2015.