Automotive Synopsis; What Happened Last Week
With the passing of this week, we shall have only one more week left for the end of the year 2012. Over the year we've seen the Indian Auto Expo, several key launches in the automotive world, the introduction of new brands to the upcoming Indian market and we've even recently dodged the supposed end of the world. It's almost time to skip over to the new year, 2013. But before we do, let's take a look at the major happenings of the past week where our news section was dominated mostly by two of our major automakers; Tata Motors and Maruti Suzuki. We saw Tata with a 'refreshed Nano' in the works and Maruti Suzuki venturing into the commercial vehicle segment that is currently dominated by Tata Motors. Apart from that we also have a list of the most popular upcoming Utility Vehicles for the year 2013 because we know just how crazy our readership is about the UV segment.
'Refreshed' Nano in the Works: Ratan Tata
Last week, we took a closer look at why the Tata Nano failed to garner the kind of results it should have and how Tata Motors is planning to rectify that. Mr. Ratan Tata claimed “loss of momentum due to plant transfer issues, poor advertising campaigns and lack of a proper dealership network” as the reason for its poor sales. And in a move to rectify those faults, Tata Motors is working on a 'refreshed' version of the Nano that will help realise its full potential and will target rural India to derive its growth.
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Tata to Introduce a More Luxurious Version of the Safari Storme- SCOOP
Not only does Tata Motors have the Nano down for a visit to the workshop, the auto major also has plans to introduce a more luxurious version of the Safari Storme. In the previous week, we brought to information on Tata's plans for working on the Safari Storme's new interior additions, which will include a new 2-DIN music system, and it also gets a touchscreen system that will offer navigation. Tata is currently testing the reliability of these products, and we can expect them to be offered in the Safari Storme by mid-2013. This will help Tata compete with the likes of the XUV500.
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Upcoming Utility Vehicle Launches in 2013
We also saw CarDekho bring to you a list of the most awaited UV's to hit the market in the coming year. Featuring on the list were the ever popular Ford EcoSport, Hyundai Tucson, Mercedes-Benz GL, SsangYong Korando, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Ford Endeavour. We took a look at what makes these UV's popular, what they have to offer to the Indian market and most importantly; when will they be launched.
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Maruti Suzuki Exploring Commercial Vehicle Segment with 800cc Diesel Engine
Lastly, we brought to you information from Maruti Suzuki on their plans to foray into the commercial vehicle segment. Maruti Suzuki is planning on actively exploring its options thanks to the development of its 800cc 2-cylinder engine that can be put to work in small pick up trucks. MSI has initiated a project to foray into the light commercial vehicles market; the project has been code named 'AP' and if successful could see MSI enter the commercial vehicle segment by 2015-2017. Additionally, reports indicate that MSI may develop an all-new platform for the segment or use Suzuki's current pick up truck platform and modify it for Indian use.
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