SkodaAuto India, achieved a record sales of 98% this year in comparison to October 2008. Skoda sold 1753 units in October 2009 in contrast to 887 units in October 2008.At this juncture of increased sales, Mr. Thomas Kuehl , Board member, Sales and Marketing, SkodaAuto India said that the sales figures for Skoda since the launch of the all new Skoda Superb and the New Laura this year have surpassed their expectations.
Skoda expects the momentum will continue to see a stronger retort in coming future. Skoda offers state-of the-art manufacturing, which in case increases its sales figures. Mr. Thomas believes that the concept of online marketing is gaining momentum and the online sales of Fabia had helped them boost up their sales to the number unexpected in the past two months.
Skoda Superb had a ‘superb’ growth rate of over 332% in its segment as compared to last year. During the period January-September 2009, Skoda recorded a sales growth of 22.8% as against 5.4% in the same period in 2008.
Expressing his ecstasy on this sales performance, the General Manager of Sales, SkodaAuto, Mr. Arjun Dixit said that they were pleased to see such robust growth for all products and services, which reflects the customer’s growing confidence in Skoda day by day.
Skoda is one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe and with a net of 62 dealerships in India, SkodaAuto India, aims at catching the potential market at an additional rapid rate.

Remember Fiat 1100 (Premier Padmini), one of the oldest cars in India, known for its reliability? Premier Ltd. (Former name: Premier Automobiles Ltd.), was one of the first car manufacturers in India. It has once again stepped upon the podium of automotive industry with its compact SUV RiO.
RiO has a 1489cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology that delivers a mileage of 16 kmpl. With a seating capacity of 5, RiO will put up for sale in 5 versions, base model being priced at Rs.5.25 lacs and top model at Rs.6 Lacs (ex-showroom price: Pune).
Premier RiO will feature in market with five colors initially, red, black, blue, silver and white. All models come outfitted with power steering, CD/MP3 player and central locking features. Nevertheless, the top variant accompanies features like Anti-lock braking system (ABS) and airbags.
Premier will be ready to compete in market in the first week of November.  It will start deliveries to the dealers by December 2010. Currently, there are 30 dealers, which will expand to 100 in the next six months.
As per the Chairman and Managing Director of Premier Ltd, Mr. Maitreya Doshi, RiO is meant for fun-loving, small families looking towards multi-utility vehicles. So if you are one of a kind, look forward to this SUV since RiO promises to offer all- in- one at an amount less than others in its segment.

After gathering all the headlines and popularity into its account, even before its launch, Tata Nano is again into the headlines, but this time forming a negative impact. Remember Nano fire incident? Fire in the Tata’s little discovery due to short circuit led to dire consequences.
An executive of Tata Motors revealed that, “While 12-15% of our bookings were earlier cancelled because of the long waiting period, there has been higher number of queries, and the rate of cancellation has gone up to 20% following the fire incidents were reported last week,”

Post Fire scenario has brought awful consequences for this innovation. Nano received 2000 bookings but after the incidents of Nano’s catching fire, nearly 400 bookings have been cancelled and many are even considering the resale option even if it gets hold of them a premium of Rs.15000-20000.
Nevertheless, A Tata spokesperson quoted, “We have not received any cancellation requests post the incidents that have been reported on Tata Nano.” But if the dealers and the Tata executives are to be believed, then it is sadly a misfortune for Tata’s dream to make the cheapest car unbeaten.
Panic and dissatisfaction among masses has led to both dejection and rejection for the Tata Nano. As per the analysts, while this incident will further affect the sale of Nano, on the other hand, it is likely to bring good news for dealers who would mint cash by reselling it.

Hyundai motor India, one of the largest exporter and second largest manufacturer, is keen on expanding its used cars business – Hyundai Advantage started in May 2006, as an outcome of mounting used car industry. Hyundai buys all the models of any make under its exchange proposal.
Hyundai Advantage was started in May 2006 with 6 dealers across the nation. Gradually, it stretched to form 69 dealers in 49 prominent positions across the country. With the expansion of automobile industry, the commerce of used cars has also stretched itself to form a large number of 1.3 million cars per year and therefore, Hyundai has decided to cater to this increasing demand by targeting the operational dealership to 200 by 2010.
Hyundai Advantage boasts to maintain high quality standards and a complete satisfaction to its customers before selling the car. Before undergoing the sale process, each car passes through meticulous quality checks as well.
As the name suggests, Customers can avail to a number of advantages at Hyundai Advantage such as:

1.    Credibility assured with company backed operations
2.    Hassle free payment
3.    No middle man transaction
4.    Hyundai backed warranty for 1 year & 20,000kms
5.    Transfer RC not required for claiming exchange bonus
6.    Assistance in easy Finance
7.    Detailed 147 point check by Hyundai Engineers
8.    Assurance of car going into right hands

As a part of its expansion, Hyundai has also initiated an online portal Hyundai.co.in to make the purchasing car process effortless and uncomplicated for its customers. People can buy cars through this online car portal as well.

Hyundai is definitely trying to make its presence felt world-wide through the following enlargement of its business.

One of the oldest and largest car manufacturers of India, Maruti Suzuki, has launched a new SX4 with 4-speed automatic transmission and advanced VVT engine that provides greater power, torque and norms complying with Bharat Stage IV.
The executive officer (marketing and sales) of new SX4 said that the car is bound to shake the luxury segment of cars with its powerful VVT (variable valve timing) engine and wide spectrum of contemporary features.
The 1.6 litre engine provides a maximum power of 104.68Ps @ 5600rpm & a torque of 145Nm @4100 rpm.  The 4-speed transmission makes the city drive more comfortable and easy. However, SX4 comes with both manual as well as automatic transmission.15.6 km per litre mileage with petrol engine also reveals the efficiency of the new SX4.
With the plushiest interiors, impressive exteriors, latest technology and great safety and security features, SX4 is sure to win many hearts. The beige interiors provide an air of calmness and coolness. Attractive exteriors are bound to steal at least one glance of people on road. The VVT engine technology provides a very good mileage, power, and torque along with protecting the environment. Front side passenger and driver airbags, seat belt tighteners, automatic climate control etc. are a few features that will win over you. SX4 has comes with an increased ground clearance of 190 mm, the highest in its segment.
With such features, technology and contemporary style, SX4 is surely expected to give a tough competition to other cars in its segment.

“Quite a few Bollywood stars have picked up Audi cars in India. Whether it is Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachchan or Katrina Kaif – each of them has one Audi parked in their garage,” quotes Martin Birkner, marketing head of Audi in India.  Bolllywood stars like Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Amitabh Bachhan etc. are associated with the brand Audi. According to Birkner, though not the only market, but Mumbai forms an eternal proportion of the market for enhancing sales.
Mumbai proves to be a great market for enhancing sales from the marketing aspect, which is proved from the fact that actor Salman Khan recently bought Audi A8 (price: 71 lakhs-1 crore) and Neil Nitin Mukesh bought the recently launched SUV Q7 (price: 63 lakhs- 76 lakhs). Audi being the luxury car brand attracts executive and high profile class for it is considered the prestige icon.
Audi has already achieved a high number of sales in comparison with its competitors like Mercedes, but it still aims at increasing the sales by 50% by the end of this year. “In 2008, we sold 1,050 cars in India and we have a revised target of 1,600 cars by the end of 2009. We have had considerable growth since last year, so we are projecting a nearly 50 percent growth this time,” said Burkner.
Apart from the contribution by Bollywood, Audi also has other marketing strategies for its promotion to boost sales. Audi has been a partner to Wills Lifestyle Fashion Week for the past 4 years.  Such events provide a great podium to showcase its cars to the prospective customers. The ongoing fashion event at Pragati Maidan, Delhi is putting on show Audi A8 and Q7 which is likely to bond more customers.
Well, it seems as if Audi has a strong marketing strategy to boost up its sales and there is no looking behind now.

Putting diesel in a petrol car sounds funny but can cause a serious problem. It is estimated that each year around 1, 50,000 drivers accidently put diesel in their petrol or gas car which can be really harmful for the health of a car.
It is very obvious to panic if such a disaster takes place with you. However, putting petrol in a diesel car is more dangerous than the opposite. Let us begin with explaining what happens initially? The car would produce black fumes or smoke and if you continue to drive the vehicle for a longer distance, it would harm the engine completely. The vehicle would come to a halt after running for a distance.
Sometimes, there are also such cases where people dilute petrol and diesel together. In such a case, the car would not stop completely. Infact, it would not cause problem as such but then, it affects the health of your car and engine. It is always advisable not to drive your car in such a case. It is better to tow the car or else it would ruin the engine.
How to overcome such a fault?
The first step is to drain the fuel tank completely. It is better to call a trusted manufacturer or mechanic and get the fuel pipe, injectors & entire fuel system cleaned up. Refill with the fresh fuel and then start up your car. At first, it would cause a little problem in ignition but later it would be acceptable. In case of greater damage, you might have to change the filter and get a new one.
Usually such a mistake occurs at petrol pump where the employees faultily pour in the wrong fuel in your car. The best way to cause least damage is “NOT TO DRIVE” the vehicle, get it towed, visit the manufacturer, clean up the system and pour in fresh fuel along with some engine oil.
Does such a loss fall under insurance claim?
This is the most frequently asked question. Does the damage to engine under such a case fall under insurance claim? The answer is “no”. Usually insurance company does not cover such a loss. It is really depressing to know that such a misfortune is not covered under insurance claim despite the high expenses incurred on maintenance of such a fault. However, this should be checked with the insurance company as well.
It should be noted that this is not a permanent loss and can be repaired/ maintained with the precise guidance.

Ever heard about carbon monoxide poisoning in a car? Never?  Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a dangerous toxic gas usually formed in enclosed areas such as  closed cars, rooms etc. Inflowing of CO in your bloodstream can cause even death because hemoglobin has 200 times stronger affinity towards Carbon monoxide than oxygen.
It is called a silent killer because it is really difficult, almost next to impossible; to detect its presence due to its odorless, colorless properties and yes, your car can be a killer machine if this intoxicant gas forms in your vehicle.
•    When does it usually occur?
Co poisoning usually occurs in cold chilly winter season when people tend to shut all doors of their cars without allowing air to enter in.

•    Causes of carbon monoxide poisoning in a car.
Leaky engine: When your car engine blurts out exhaust fumes, go get it checked! Why? Because, you are not just spoiling your car health but also are at a high risk of carbon monoxide poisoning for these exhaust fumes release out 5-10% carbon monoxide emissions.

Defective muffler & tailpipe: The stories of leaking out of carbon monoxide gas from defective muffler & tailpipe are many. Infact, this is the most common reason of carbon monoxide poisoning in a car and there have been many cases as well. It’s better to get your car maintained before it is too late!

Starting a car in closed garage: Don’t! Never start your car in a closed garage for if you are doing so, you are obviously giving an open invitation to this silent killer! And even worse, if your home is attached to the garage, carbon monoxide might enter your home causing more trouble.

•    Signs of poisoning
Colorless, odorless properties, plus symptoms you hardly care about, make carbon monoxide a secret killer.
Initial signals: headache, dizziness, nausea, stomach ache, discomfort.
After prolonged exposure to CO: loss of consciousness, memory loss, speech loss & in extreme cases DEATH!

•    Prevention is always better than cure
A few precautions:
-To avoid such a mishap, always keep your car well maintained. In case of engine exhaustion, leakage in muffler or tailpipe, leaky pipe gasket and leaky exhaust pipe, immediately get your car checked at a trusted mechanic shop.
-Avoid starting up your vehicle in a closed garage.

It seems as though nothing can stop Indian luxury car market from growing now. After Russia and USA, India would become the third market for the fastest- ever car SSC Ultimate Aero TT. 

According to the news flowing around, Shelby Super Cars Ultimate Aero Twin Turbo will hit Indian market in coming few months making its debut presence at Mumbai. The car with a top speed of 413km/hr is recorded to be the fastest and the most expensive cars.

With some of the remarkable luxury features like customized leather seats, multiple speaker music system, DVD screen, power windows& mirrors, extremely powerful twin-turbo charged 6.35 litre V8 engine and 0.67 km in just 27 seconds, SSC Ultimate Aero is a feast for the fast cars lovers!

SSC is expected to compete with other super cars such as Bugatti, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

The car will mount on the Indian podium with a price range of 6-crore. Well, for being the fastest you also need to be the richest! As far as I am concerned, yes, I am very excited for this launch!!

Zafar Sareshwala, a Gujarat based businessman, who owns Bayerische Motoren Werke, (better known as BMW) ownership at Ahmedabad, gifted a BMW XB to the handsome hunk Salman Khan as a gift on Oct5, 2009.

Isn’t this a surprisingly interesting news?? Well, Salman is really getting lucky these days, specially after the hit of his latest movie ‘Wanted’.

According to Sareshwala, Salman really wanted to buy this car and he didn’t want him to take it from other dealership.”Family-friends”, you see!!

Anyways, the point is that Sallu has already been gifted a car costing a whooping amount of Rs 75 lakh. Lucky Salman!!