Online Gifts Store in India - Infibeam.com

The “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York is devoted to the dramatic changes in aspects of human life witnessed in recent decades. The series of exhibits highlights the rapid pace of development – in mobility and communications, for example – with the focus on innovative design solutions that take into account life’s quickly changing requirements. The exhibition will be open to the public from February 24 until May 12, 2008.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the Mercedes-Benz bionic car, which was first unveiled in June 2005 at the Innovation Symposium organized by Daimler AG in the US capital, Washington DC. As well as boasting near-perfect aerodynamics and a lightweight concept derived from nature, the car features a clean and economical high-tech diesel engine with BLUETEC technology, which plays a major part in cutting fuel consumption and reducing emissions by a substantial margin: in the EU driving cycle, the Mercedes-Benz bionic car consumes just 4.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers – making it 20 percent more economical than a comparable production model. With an output of 140 hp, it delivers state-of-the-art, hallmark Mercedes-Benz performance. If the US measuring system (FTP 75) is used, the figure comes in at around 70 miles per gallon (mpg, combined) – 30 percent better than a standard-production car. When driving at a constant speed of 90 km/h, the direct-injection model consumes a mere 2.8 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers – equivalent to 84 miles per gallon in the US test cycle.

Engineers, designers and biologists at Mercedes-Benz worked hand in hand to develop the Mercedes-Benz bionic car. Its template was a sea dweller from tropical latitudes: Ostracion Cubicus – more commonly known as the boxfish. Despite its unusual-looking shape, the fish is extremely aerodynamic and can therefore move using a minimal amount of energy. It is also able to withstand high pressures and, thanks to an outer skin consisting of hexagonal bone plates, can survive unscathed following collisions with corals or other sea dwellers. In free flow, its body has an outstandingly low cd value of 0.06. These characteristics are also ideal ingredients for a car designed to achieve the best possible levels of energy efficiency and passenger safety.

The result is a two-door vehicle with four comfortable, individual seats and a drop-shaped design that is 4.24 meters long, 1.82 meters wide and 1.59 meters high. With a drag coefficient (cd figure) of 0.19, the Mercedes-Benz bionic car is one of the world’s most aerodynamic compact cars in its class. Today, this figure still stands as a benchmark for the aerodynamic optimization of car bodies.

The concept vehicle also played a pioneering role for Mercedes-Benz when it came to emission control. It was the first test car to be fitted with SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology. The emission-control technology, which Mercedes‑Benz calls BLUETEC, has been available for commercial vehicles since 2005 and in the

E-Class 320 BLUETEC since October 2006. Another three vehicles featuring the world’s cleanest diesel will be launched before the end of this year.

In consultation with bionics experts, a process was developed to transfer the growth principle used by nature to automobile engineering. Based on the Soft Kill Option (SKO), computer simulation is used to configure body and suspension components in such a way that the material in areas subject to lower loads can be made thinner, and perhaps even be eliminated (“killed”), while highly stressed areas are specifically reinforced. This process enables an optimal component geometry to be identified that meets the requirements of lightweight construction, safety and durability in equal measure. The bone-plate skeleton of the boxfish demonstrates how nature is able to achieve maximum strength with a lightweight design. In the case of a car door, for example, this honeycomb-design method increases stiffness by up to 40 percent, while the weight is reduced by around 30 percent, based on calculations using the SKO method. The SKO method has since been used for producing components such as the engine support arms that are fitted on some rural-service buses.

The “Design and the Elastic Mind” exhibition at New York’s MoMA acknowledges the work of the Mercedes-Benz designers and honors the powers of innovation, based on extremely flexible trains of thought, displayed by the research and development departments. The collection of individual exhibits aims to give visitors an overview of the latest developments from practically every discipline of science, research and design.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

Mumbai: Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. was awarded the ‘Excellence in Innovation’ Award at the Indira International Innovation Summit (3i’s Summit) held recently in Mumbai. This award was presented to M&M for encouraging consistent innovation and building innovation into the fabric of its business.

A delighted Mr. Gautam Nagwekar, COO, Farm Equipment Sector, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., commented, “Mahindra is always at the forefront of innovation, whether it is India’s first bio-diesel tractor or the first ever hybrid SUV. The customer is the central protagonist in our pursuit of innovation. Whether it is developing a world-class vehicle or creating a memorable holiday experience, the company’s processes are finetuned to ensure that technology is effectively leveraged to create innovative products for the consumer.”

At M&M, business is characterized by a relentless focus on innovation. In early 2007, the company unveiled Asia’s first bio-diesel SUV and India’s first bio-diesel tractor. M&M’s hybrid vehicles combine the best features of internal combustion engine and electric vehicle technologies to bring forth vehicles with incredible fuel economies with no sacrifice in performance.

As a part of its Sustainable Mobility Solutions Programme, M&M has also successfully developed the Hy-Alfa, the first of its kind hydrogen-powered Alfa 3-wheeler vehicle which runs on nothing but compressed hydrogen gas. The E-Alfa also incorporates zero-emission vehicle technology. This electric, battery-powered passenger vehicle offers extended range and a smooth, silent and clean drive.

The theme of the 3i’s summit was “Fostering and Promoting a Culture of Innovation throughout your Business to drive Revenue and Growth.” The Summit aims to develop an insight into developing a mindset for Innovation. Organizations are faced with a consistent challenge of breaking the routine and helping individuals to move to new levels of performance. The 3i’s SUMMIT is a platform for celebrating industry excellence; a platform for the professionals, of the professionals and by the professionals.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

Irvine, CA - Volvo has released the first photos of one of this year’s most anticipated new car launches - the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60. “This is not only the safest Volvo ever - it’s also the most stunning,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 makes its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The first cars will reach dealers in Europe in fall 2008 with the U.S. launch following shortly thereafter; the first quarter of 2009.

Volvos’ new XC60 crossover steps boldly into what is the motoring world’s toughest and fastest-growing segment - the “Small Premium Utility.” It blends a dynamic mix of two styles. Down below, the unmistakeable, immensely capable XC pumps its muscles. Up top, the daring lines create the elegant, sporty charisma of a coupe.

“This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. “We’re elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you’d recognise a Volvo from 300 feet away today, I dare say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance.”

A variety of intelligent safety systems are another important part of the XC60’s special character. The big news is City Safety - a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.

“Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard,” says Arp. “City Safety clearly signals that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision.”

The XC60 targets a group of customers who impose high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. “One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car,” says Arp. “It’s as sporty and exciting, but more capable. With the XC60, we’re widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle.”

The new XC60 will be launched in the US with a single engine: the powerful turbocharged T6, which produces 281 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard.

Europe and North America sales targets
The global sales target for the new XC60 is 50,000 units per year. The five largest markets during the peak year 2010 are expected to be the USA (15,000 - 20,000 units annually), Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.

The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales will start in Europe during the fall of 2008, while sales in North America are targeted to begin in early 2009.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A. – Recognizing Honda’s application of fuel efficient and alternative fuel technologies, four Honda vehicles earned recognition from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) as the “greenest vehicles of 2008″ with the Civic GX natural gas car taking the title of the greenest vehicle for the fifth consecutive year, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced. In the 11th annual ACEEE’s “Green Book Online” ranking of environmentally responsible vehicles (available at www.greenercars.org), the natural gas-powered Civic GX ranked first with the gasoline Civic, Fit and Civic Hybrid joining the list of the 12 most environmentally-conscious vehicles available to the public.

This is the eighth year in a row that a Honda vehicle received the number one ranking and the seventh consecutive year that Honda vehicles held at least four positions in the top 12, an impressive one-third of all vehicles on the list.

“The ACEEE awards speak to the commitment Honda has made to lead the industry in lowering emissions, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing dependence on oil,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. “Honda continues to set the standard for socially and environmentally-responsible automotive products and our commitment to alternative fuels will further expand with the zero emissions FCX Clarity fuel cell vehicle coming to market this summer.”

Using a singular measure that incorporates fuel economy, health-related pollution impacts and global warming emissions, all vehicles are analyzed and given a “Green Score.” This score is used in ACEEE’s ranking system, resulting in a ranking of each vehicle’s total environmental performance, including a list of the 12 “greenest” and 12 “meanest” vehicles. The Civic GX, first introduced in 1998, is the cleanest internal combustion vehicle certified by the EPA*, and is 90% cleaner than the average gasoline-powered car on the road today.

Honda has a long history of environmental leadership including the introduction of America’s first hybrid, the Honda Insight, delivery of the first fuel cell vehicle in the U.S., and the first vehicles to meet stricter emissions standards, including:

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, the country’s largest car manufacturer will cross its 500,000 mark. The company has exported 497,000 cars on cumulative basis till the end of January 2008.

Still the company has shipments of over 4000 units are lined up during February. The company recently also crossed another milestone by manufacturing its millionth Alto earlier this month.

Europe has been the most popular destination for Maruti cars with 56% of the company’s cumulative exports. Netherlands stands second with 67,700 units followed by Italy over 41,000 units and UK over 34,000 units have been biggest European buyers. Germany and Hungary also have imported over 20,000 Maruti Suzuki cars and amongst the non European markets, Algeria is the biggest Maruti car buyer.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

The new Ford Endeavour Thunder+ is the most advanced and powerful SUV in its class. The new Ford Endeavour Thunder+ delivers unmatched power, best-in-class torque, cleaner tailpipe emissions and excellent fuel efficiency. The result is a comfortable, premium 4×4 SUV ready, willing and very able to overcome the challenges of India’s demanding conditions.

Ford India has created a new performance benchmark with the Endeavour Thunder+.

The Endeavour Thunder+ is priced attractively at Rs. 17, 32,000 [Ex-showroom, New Delhi].

Arvind Mathew, managing director and president, Ford India said, “We promise to ‘Make Every Day Exciting’ for Indian consumers, and the Endeavour Thunder+ with the power and torque of the larger turbodiesel engine is definitely well suited to India. This 3.0-litre engine offers unmatched torque, performance and fuel efficiency. We’re confident the Endeavour Thunder+ has the driving qualities and comfort features to exceed customers’ needs.”

The new 16-valve DOHC 3.0-litre turbodiesel TDCi engine offers class-leading torque of 380Nm peaking 2500rpm. This coupled with maximum power of 156PS at 3200rpm combines to deliver excellent driveability beyond the competition.

And, the fuel efficiency of the 3.0-litre engine will be at par with the 2.5L TDCi launched last summer.

The new Endeavour Thunder+ innovative features include:

*

A 3.0-litre turbodiesel common rail injection engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
*

Peak torque of 380Nm available at 2500rpm
*

Peak power of 156PS at 3200rpm
*

Larger exterior mirrors incorporate turn indicators and puddle lamps
*

Puddle lamps illuminate area around front doors when entering and exiting vehicle
*

Endeavour Thunder+ exterior equipment includes spare wheel cover, body cladding, two-tone exteriors, front bumper over rider and a rear ladder

The interior of the new Endeavour Thunder+ is designed to offer a luxurious drive experience and includes:

*

Camel tone full leather interiors
*

SIX CD changer and MP3 player with six speakers
*

All-new in-car entertainment system with interior roof-mounted DVD player
*

Dual air-con with ceiling-mounted controls
*

Innovative storage solutions for all passengers

Ford India offers the Endeavour Thunder+ with an attractive palate of colours: such as Panther Black, Brush Steel, Diamond White, Jeans Blue and Mystic Wine.

“The new powerful and advanced Endeavour Thunder+ provides the SUV owner with a vehicle of class-leading ability on-road and off-road. Whether maneuvering through city traffic or cruising on the highway or conquering rough terrains – the Endeavour Thunder+ is a real SUV that will magnify your adventure and will make the drive a memorable experience,” asserts Scott McCormack, vice president marketing sales and service, Ford India.

The Endeavour Thunder+ features active safety technologies such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) system to assist the driver during high-demand situations. Endeavour Thunder+ is equipped with dual front airbags.

It sports ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and has additional safety features such as increased diameter of the shock absorbers for better control and handling in all driving conditions, repairable breakaway front bumper system that minimizes collision impact and maximizes safety. The SUV also has an engine immobilizer and an anti-theft alarm ensuring complete vehicle security.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

New Delhi – Yamaha, the world’s second largest motorcycle maker, which has now been a struggling player in India, is again planning to make a powerful comeback in the Indian market.

The company had very poor sales of only 3.2% shares of the domestic market in 2006-07. Yamaha was able to sell only 2.1 lakh units out of the total industry sale of 65.5 lakh units.

Yamaha is now planning to make its comeback in the market and add excitement to its brand.

The company’s sales in the US market have slowed down and therefore it plans to focus on India which is world’s second-largest motorcycle market after China. Yamaha also plans to set up its own finance company to support dealer and sales network in India.

The company was also planning to add new models, adding the much-needed buzz around the brand.

Yamaha plans to set up company-owned ‘bike stations’ in metros, apart from motorcycles which would have apparels, accessories and even coffee shops.

After Yamaha parted ways with Escorts in 2001 the company has been unable to maintain its grip on the Indian market and has been struggling with sales for the last few years.

MD T Ishikawa had also warned the staff early last year to either shape up or be ready for closure. Now as the company has been backed by its parent company Yamaha Motor Corp. (YMC) which is going to invest Rs 800 crore in the market while wiping off accumulated losses.

Yamaha Motor Corp. (YMC) has given the Indian subsidiary stiff targets and has set double-targets which should be reached by 2010.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will unveil its new Phantom Coupe at the 78th International Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday, 4 March 2008. Production of the new car will start at Goodwood in the summer of 2008.

The Coupe is the most driver-orientated model in the Phantom line. A number of subtle but significant modifications have been made that change its character. It is noticeably more dynamic, whilst still offering incredible levels of comfort.

Marrying cutting-edge technology with a beautifully proportioned, muscular body that exudes power and style, it incorporates timeless Rolls-Royce design cues in an utterly contemporary manner.

Designed to cover great distances effortlessly, the Coupe is the perfect choice for a transcontinental trip. Power is provided by the Phantom’s 6.75-litre V12 that produces 453 bhp, 720 Nm of torque and has segment-leading fuel economy. A 25 percent increase in fuel capacity, compared to the Drophead Coupe, adds significant driving range. Agile, fast, long-legged and virtually silent, the Phantom Coupe allows both driver and passengers to emerge unruffled, even after an all-day run.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Designer, Ian Cameron, said “Rolls-Royce has always been about pace, performance and style. For the Coupe design we gave the quintessential Rolls-Royce design a dynamic twist. This adds a sense of drama to the outstanding engineering and drivability that are fundamentals of Rolls-Royce cars. The dynamic drive of the Phantom has always come as a surprise to customers and the Coupe takes it one step further.”

The Phantom Coupe features rear-hinged coach doors which add considerably to the ease of access to the rear lounge seats as well as to the overall aesthetics. Crucially, they aid the overall stiffness of the body as the rear hinged doors allow for an uninterrupted A-pillar helping to make this the most torsionally rigid Rolls-Royce ever. A brushed steel finish of A-pillar and bonnet, as seen for the first time on 100EX, is also available for the Coupe.

At the rear is a spacious picnic boot. A split tail compartment that opens in two parts, gives easy access to 395 litres of space. The lower tailgate also provides a comfortable seating platform for two adults when lowered.

At the core of the Phantom Coupe is an advanced aluminium chassis, perhaps the single most significant component in delivering the marque’s legendary refinement. Lightweight and exceptionally strong, it impacts positively on ride comfort, handling and safety. Hand made, it requires over 130 meters of welding to create each body.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chairman and Chief Executive, Ian Robertson, said, “The Coupe has been designed and engineered to be the most dynamic interpretation of our values. Our 2007 sales figures illustrate how successful the entire model range has been with an increase of 25 per cent over the previous year.”

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news

New, advanced 125cc scooter “Kinetic SYM Flyte” has walked away with top scooter honours at automotive awards functions this year by winning two prestigious “Scooter of the Year 2008” awards. Flyte was given awards by expert teams from Business Standard Motoring and also from Overdrive, in association with apex industry bodies CII, SIAM and ACMA. The awards are given after extensive testing of all new automobiles.

In India’s highly competitive two wheeler industry, these awards are coveted by manufacturers as recognition of excellence and product superiority. Ungeared scooter segment in India has seen interesting developments this year with several new scooters having arrived, and Flyte has emerged as the top winner among scooters. Industry experts have appreciated the Flyte for its contemporary design, features, handling, overall quality and value for money. As Overdrive magazine says,” Flyte is a joy on city roads.”

The 125cc Flyte, from Kinetic’s association with Taiwan’s automotive giant SYM, is based on SYM’s current international bestseller XPRO ; and has several cool features to improve riding experience, such as: front fuelling, central locking, anti-theft magnetic key, convenient mobile-phone charging, impact resistant mirrors, and 9Ah battery. Flyte has the biggest underseat storage of all scooters, along with front cubby and bag hooks – and the storage automatically lights up at night! Flyte also brings benefit of new, cutting-edge technology to scooters – such as telescopic front suspension for a comfortable ride, and secondary air injection for easy start and low emissions. The fuel efficient 4-stroke engine on the Flyte gives a mileage of 50 kmpl, and manufacturer confidence is denoted by a 3 year warranty.

Announcing the Flyte awards, Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Managing Director of Kinetic Motor said, “It is great to receive the experts’ recognition of Flyte. Every once in a while comes along a two wheeler that the country simply falls in love with. Flyte which has everything going for it – specifications, design, quality, critical appreciation and customer delight – seems to be on it way to the top of the scootering charts.”

Kinetic Motor Company is India’s pioneer in gearless scooters. Recently, Kinetic was voted among India’s top 100 brands (among 38,000 brands). Kinetic first gave gift of mobility to 65 lakh owners, and was the first woman and family friendly two wheeler in the country. SYM is a USD 1.1 billion automotive giant from Taiwan renowned for high quality, technology and R&D. SYM are known to make some of the best scooters in the world and the Kinetic – SYM association will bring many delightful scooters for Indian riders, starting with the amazing Flyte.

For more Info Please Visit: http://www.infibeam.com/blog/news