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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.

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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.

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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:

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A 3.0-litre turbodiesel common rail injection engine with Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT)
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Peak torque of 380Nm available at 2500rpm
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Peak power of 156PS at 3200rpm
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Larger exterior mirrors incorporate turn indicators and puddle lamps
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Puddle lamps illuminate area around front doors when entering and exiting vehicle
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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:

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Camel tone full leather interiors
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SIX CD changer and MP3 player with six speakers
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All-new in-car entertainment system with interior roof-mounted DVD player
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Dual air-con with ceiling-mounted controls
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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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Hiroshima, Japan - For the first time ever, a Mazda2 three-door hatchback joins the popular Mazda2 model range. Bringing with it all the attributes of the five-door hatchback, the three-door model is even sportier and more affordable. Mazda will showcase the world premiere of this new vehicle at the 78th annual Geneva International Motor Show to be held from Tuesday, March 4 through Sunday, March 16, 2008.

The new Mazda2 three-door hatchback is designed to attract new customers to further Mazda’s continued growth in the European market. It comes with the same lively and responsive MZR 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre petrol powertrains, and the same MZ-CD 1.4-litre common-rail turbo diesel, as the five-door hatchback. These engines achieve high fuel efficiency along with particularly low CO2 emissions.

Launched in September 2007 as Mazda’s first new-generation Zoom-Zoom vehicle to evolve to the next level, the new Mazda2 was an immediate hit with European customers. In December 2007, it was awarded five stars for adult occupant protection on Euro-NCAP crash testing and has won more than 20 automotive awards. These include Car of the Year awards in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Denmark, Greece and New Zealand, along with the Japan RJC Car of the Year.

By completely redesigning the body and chassis and implementing Mazda’s unique gram strategy, the Mazda2 is nearly 100 kilograms lighter compared to the previous version, with a vehicle weight under the 1,000 kilogram threshold. This outstanding result resists the trend to heavier and bigger cars.

Also at Geneva this year are three European debuts: the Mazda Taiki concept car, equipped with Mazda’s next-generation rotary engine, the Mazda5 Hydrogen RE Hybrid and the facelift version of Mazda’s unique rotary engine sports car, the RX-8.

Officially called the Salon International de l’Auto de Genève, the Geneva show’s press days are on March 4 and 5, and the public days are March 6 through16, 2008. Mazda’s press conference will take place at the Mazda stand on March 4 at 09:00 (local time).

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An alumni of Art Centre Pasadena in Transportation Design,  he heads a company under his own name D.C. Design offering Styling and

Prototyping services to the automotive industry.

His is a case of a designer who chucked a secure job at the Design Centre in Warren, Detroit at General Motors with plans to work

for his own brand. On his return to India he first started his own entrepreneurial venture in Automotive accessories, which ran

successfully for 10 years.

This exposure gave him insights into consumer buying behavior and decision making for products ranging from a couple of Rupees to

high value items. It also gave him a hands on understanding of various materials and processes, a key learning for an enterprise

offering Styling and Prototyping services based on the capabilities of a single resource.

In 1993 with enough capital to invest in his dream of designing complete cars, Dilip Chhabria started the company in its present

form, shutting down the successfully running accessory business, to focus exclusively on the new initiative. 13 years down the line

that one mans dream and vision has translated into a 300-man organization with over 550 exclusive designs on the road, a dream of

every designer. As a result the company enjoys a brand in India that has a huge following and is associated with churning out eye

catching and exciting products.

The company’s client list spans a wide spectrum of automotive OEM’s in India to high net worth individuals to corporate with

specific needs. The company started marketing its services in Europe and within the 1st year achieved a prestigious breakthrough in

the form of an order for prototyping the new Aston Martin, Renault, Ford and GM successfully competing against the Established

European service providers. The project was successfully completed delivering on all aspects of quality, cost and time.

All DC concepts come with highly developed automotive Interior surfaces including IPs, glazings, seats, door trims etc.and infact

among the first accessory in his young days was an IP as an aftermarket. DC Design has evolved into showcasing a customer interface

IP commissioned by Renault, displayed at Paris Auto Show in Sept. 06, and have developed a Touch Screen for all automotive

functions and viz: Aircon, lights, Audio & Video through proprietary software manifested hardware used in most of our customizing

exercises.

His has been a case of Design being used as a differentiator and driver to build an entrepreneurial business model in a country

where words like design, aesthetics and styling were unheard of especially in the automotive sector.

His hobbies, pastime, relaxation, are all rolled into a single-minded passion for designing cars.

Infibeam.com presents India’s Automobile Design Guru - Mr Dilip Chhabria.
      Infibeam: How did the concept of design enter the automobile sector?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: Design has always been an integral part of the automotive industry. In the last few decades, styling is clearly

an emerging concept and the number one priority for car buyers worldwide. Aesthetics play far more on an important role today as

car buyers are more image conscious. Different segments in the worldwide car industry are formed on the sole basis of styling and

looks. For instance, an Audi TT and a VW Golf share the same platform, but are separated at birth largely due to the different

design directions both follow. Design is what gives a car its own identity.

Infibeam: You are a pioneer car designer of India. How did you become one?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: I became a designer in India purely pursuing my passion for transportation design. I was formally trained at the

art centre at Pasadena, California. But my success I feel was largely due to the fact that my designs translate from drawing board

to reality. We at DC Design have the ability to manufacture our customer’s dreams…

Infibeam: What are the different aspects that a designer observes while conceptualizing a car design?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: While conceptualizing a car, a designer has to keep in mind a myriad of limitations. The most important ones

being: (a) style, (b) packaging, (c) performance, (d) costs, (e) ergonomic, (f) longevity, and (g) ownership experience.

Infibeam: Which are your favorite designer cars and of course designers from whom you may have drawn inspiration?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: There is just the one designer that I am truly inspired by- Guigaro.

Infibeam: What goes in the concept of Special Purpose Vehicle?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: The concept of a special purpose vehicle is in itself pretty self explanatory, i.e. the vehicles are purpose

built for the specific requirements client has in mind. We endeavor to deliver a product that will satisfy all the requirements on

our client’s wish list.

Infibeam: Have you any special design for presentation at AUTO EXPO2008?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: “DC’s Ambierod” and the “S.”

Infibeam: Can you tell our website members and visitors about your popular and personally acclaimed creations?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: All my creations are equally important and acclaimed. I would suggest all to visit DC Design website.

Infibeam: What advise do you have for new car owners who wish get their car designed by you?

Mr Dilip Chhabria: My advice to car owners is to first brainstorm about a concept they have in mind, decide if it suits their

day-to-day needs, pencil down a budget and get in touch with us!!!

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An MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, USA she is a business leader, an achiever and above all - an entrepreneur ‘par excellence.’

As Managing Director of Kinetic Engineering Ltd, Pune, India she is responsible for the group’s overall business strategy and

development with a keen eye on the ‘potboiler’ Indian two wheeler market.

Her interests do not end here and they extend in to auto components besides engineering design services, multilevel parking

solutions, elevators & escalators and others. She initiates and propels the corporate business strategy and in its implementation

across group companies.

To affirm her status as a leader, and an achiever, she was featured as a business “Face of the Millennium” by leading magazine

India Today. A Fortune India industrialist poll voted her among the top 25 business leaders of the next century.

Among other string of awards she has received include the Society Young Achiever’s Award for Business, Young Super Achiever Award

by Business Today, award for excellence as a top woman CEO from the Institute of Marketing and Management, and MTV’s style icon

award.

To top it all, she was selected by the World Economic Forum as a ‘Global Leader of Tomorrow.’

http://www.infibeam.com proudly presents Ms Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Managing Director, Kinetic Engineering Limited.

Infibeam.com: According to you, what is the size of Indian two-wheeler market and how is it growing?

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: The two-wheeler market of India is second largest in the world (second only to China), and estimated

at about 4-5 million units a year. After posting impressive growth for few years, last year there has been a decline largely in

motorcycles. However, ungeared scooters segment of the market has been posting impressive growth (estimated at 15%), indicating a

possible shift in consumer preference towards modern, gearless scooters, which offer greatest comfort, convenience, and wide appeal

in urban/semi-urban areas.

Infibeam.com: What are your future plans in the two-wheeler market?

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: Our immediate future plans are centered on riding the emerging wave of popularity among the gearless

scooters. In fact, Kinetic would lead this segment by offering superior products. For this, we put in place some important

alliances last couple of years, which would enable us to bring the world’s smartest designs and advanced technologies to gearless

scooters. We have demonstrated the power of our ideas through our two last launches – the Italiano Blaze, which is India’s first

moto-scooter with an impressive new design format, powerful engine, first-time technology (4-valve engines, disc brakes, etc); and

the recently launched Kinetic SYM Flyte, from our association with SYM of Taiwan. Both Blaze and Flyte mark significant advances in

scooters in India, and our next launches – starting with more from the Italiano series - would create a similar effect.

Infibeam.com: Kinetic has made foray into auto component manufacturing and tool engineering for domestic as well as international

companies. How has this helped propel growth of your Group?

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: Recently, we restructured Kinetic so that one of our companies now exclusively focuses on auto

components. We’ve done well and bagged several prestigious orders for this, including supplying gearbox and gears for the Tata

Nano. Over the next few years, we will continue to build and grow this business. Auto components are an emerging opportunity in

India, tipped to grow exponentially. Especially with the Nano, the whole world is looking with admiration at India’s presence and

competence in automobiles.

Infibeam.com: Your company and several others have placed high value bikes in Indian market. What is the kind of response you have

received so far and what is in store for future?

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: So far, the high value bikes are an enthusiasts’ product. And to that extent it is a niche segment.

Hopefully there will be good growth in these bikes in coming years, because after all biking is not simply about getting from point

A to point B; but also about flamboyance, glamour, performance & adventure. Our future plans for the enthusiasts would be from our

Italiano range, where some of the scooter designs (Jupiter, Dragster) are radical, like technology thunderbolts!

Infibeam.com: According to you, what sort of impact would the world’s cheapest car Tata ‘NANO’ have on the Indian two-wheeler

market?

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: The Tata NANO is a stupendous design achievement and hats off to Tata Motors for this accomplishment

that puts Indian automobile industry firmly on the global map. Everyone has a right to travel in safety, comfort & convenience with

their families, and the Nano can give that to a lot of Indians. I expect that a new segment of buyers would emerge, and the impact

on two wheelers would be muted, at least initially – since the annual production of the Nano would be a small percentage of the

two-wheeler market size; and also there are things like running costs, parking space to be considered.

Infibeam.com: Will the advent of Tata Nano inspire your company to join the bandwagon?

Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: That’s an interesting question – because in fact, Kinetic was the first company to make an affordably

priced people’s car. A dream of our founder, Mr. H. K. Firodia, Kinetic has showcased its CityCar at the Auto Expo nearly ten years

ago. In the pre-SEZ days, we could not productionize it, as the Government did not grant certain tax benefits. However, now we will

be partnering with Tata Motors for the same, by supplying gearboxes and gears so it has come a full circle in a sense.

Infibeam.com: How is your recently launched Sym Flyte doing in the Indian market?
Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani: The Flyte is doing very well in the market; we are increasing production to meet demand. Flyte also

has won rave reviews from experts and customers alike – and picked up two prestigious “Scooter of the Year 2008” awards this year

(from Business Standard Motoring and Overdrive) in addition to general acclaim all around. Our research has always indicated that

the Flyte would be a sure-shot winner – as it is a superior scooter in many ways. Flyte has everything going for it – design,

innovative useful features, ride, quality, value for money.. every few years, an automotive product comes along that the whole

nation falls in love with; and Flyte certainly has the potential to go to the top of scooter charts.

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