Honda Cars India introduces DIGIPAD AVN system in BR-V

Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, today introduced its enriched BR-V, featuring the Digipad – Honda’s revolutionary 17.7cm Advanced Touchscreen Audio Video Navigation (AVN) system. Along with the new infotainment system, BR-V comes with newly introduced rear parking camera & rear parking sensors to offer a more convenient and safer parking experience. The new features have been introduced in the VX grade of the BR-V. The rear parking sensors have been introduced from S Grade onwards. 

Speaking about the enriched Honda BR-V, , Mr. Jnaneswar Sen, Sr. Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “We are delighted to introduce the enriched version of the BR-V for our customers in this festive season. The BR-V with Digipad, and other new features, adds to the model’s versatility and we are confident that this “Be Ready Vehicle” will complement the varied lifestyles of our customers.” 

“Honda has introduced many new features in several Honda models during this festive season and they have received excellent customer response. We are quite optimistic of good sales numbers in this season,” he added. 

The revolutionary 17.7cm advanced infotainment system, with capacitive touch-screen – the DIGIPAD – – is especially introduced to add an advanced and interactive appeal to the BR-V. It features:

• In-built satellite-linked 3D navigation
• My Storage internal media memory of 1.5GB
• Mirror Link support for smartphone connectivity
• Internet access for browsing, email and live traffic via optional Wifi receiver
• Voice commands for media, navigation and calling
• Smartphone voice assistant activation
• Bluetooth for hands-free telephone and audio streaming support
• AM/FM Digital radio tuner, MP3/WAV, i-Pod/i-phone compatible
• USB slots (2 Nos), Micro SD Card slots for maps and media (2 Nos.) & HDMI-IN port

Honda BR-V is a new generation crossover utility vehicle featuring a combination of bold, sporty appearance and an extremely versatile and spacious cabin. BR-V has been able to attract diverse customers due to its Bold and Sporty stance, high ground clearance, powerful performance, excellent mileage and highly versatile premium 3-row seating. The versatile seating of BR-V offer recline, slide & folding options. 

Available in both diesel and petrol variant, BR-V has been well accepted by the customers across the country. The unique “Paddle Shift” option in the CVT variant provides the convenience of an automatic with enhanced driving pleasure of a manual. 

The 3 year unlimited km warranty policy on BR-V has been strongly appreciated by the customers. 

The price of the enriched VX grades of the BR-V (ex-showroom Delhi price) are as below: 

1.5L VX MT Petrol – Rs 12,27,169 

1.5L VX MT Diesel – Rs 13,22,512

Source : Honda

2018 Honda Odyssey Achieves Highest Safety Ratings from IIHS and NHTSA

• IIHS recognizes Odyssey with a 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating
• Odyssey earns 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA
• Industry-leading Honda Sensing® technology standard on EX and above trims

The 2018 Honda Odyssey has continued its longstanding safety leadership by earning the highest safety ratings of TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Odyssey earns TOP SAFETY PICK+ when equipped with available Honda Sensing® and LED headlights. Honda Sensing is now standard on EX and above trims, accounting for 99 percent of 2018 Odyssey sales1.

"Odyssey was designed to keep everyone in the family happy, and helping to keep everyone safer is a crucial part of that mission," said Ray Mikiciuk, assistant vice president of Honda Automobile Sales. "Honda's goal of reaching a collision-free society includes safety improvements for each new generation of Odyssey without having to sacrifice minivan-first technologies like available Magic Slide SeatTM, which consumers have come to love."

The model earned a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating as a result of scores on crashworthiness tests, earning GOOD ratings across the board, and with the help of two additions for the 2018 model year: available Honda Sensing and LED headlights. The Collision Mitigation Braking System™ in the new Odyssey, which is included in the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assistive technologies, earned a SUPERIOR rating as a result of its performance in IIHS collision avoidance tests. In track tests at 12 mph and 25 mph, an Odyssey equipped with Honda Sensing avoided the collisions. The Odyssey Elite and Touring trims, accounting for 42 percent of 2018 Odyssey sales1, earn an ACCEPTABLE rating for their LED reflector headlights. The two trims include high-beam assist, a feature that automatically switches between high beams and low beams, depending on the presence of other vehicles.

To earn the 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+ award, a vehicle must earn a rating of GOOD in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests. It also must have an available front crash prevention system with an ADVANCED or SUPERIOR rating and headlights that earn an ACCEPTABLE or GOOD rating.

The Odyssey achieved a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score in the NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) by scoring 5 stars in the frontal crash tests for driver and passenger, 5 stars for side crash tests for both front and rear seats and pole, and 4 stars in the rollover test. 

Honda vehicles offer a broad range of active and passive safety features, including Honda Sensing, which can help drivers avoid a collision or mitigate its severity. There are more than 500,000 vehicles equipped with Honda Sensing on U.S. roads today. Honda Sensing is available on the Civic, Fit, HR-V, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline and Odyssey, and standard on the Clarity series and the soon to be available 2018 Accord. Honda Sensing is part of the pathway for the company's goal to introduce vehicles with highly automated driving capability in most driving situations (SAE Level 4). This goal builds upon earlier-announced plans for Honda vehicles to have highly automated freeway driving capability (SAE Level 3) by 2020. These are critical steps in Honda's commitment to contribute to a collision-free society.

Honda Sensing technologies include Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™) with Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). All 2017 Honda models come equipped with a multi-angle rearview camera as standard equipment. Additional standard safety equipment on all Honda models include Advance Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure; Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with traction control; Anti-lock Braking System (ABS); side curtain airbags (some vehicles equipped with a rollover sensor as well); advanced front airbags; and front side airbags.

Source : Honda

INDOOR POLLUTION - THE ENEMY INSIDE YOUR HOUSE

Pollution is a major killer & till date, we have mostly focused on the outdoor pollutants that come from Vehicular traffic, power plants, construction debris, etc., in the form of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), i.e. PM 1, PM2.5, PM10,  Benzene, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulpher Dioxide (SO2), Ozone (O3), Heavy metals (Lead & Mercury), as well Volatile organic compounds (VOC),etc. 

But today, we will talk about the Enemy inside your house, i.e. the indoor pollutants in your home, which are also the serious cause of concern, as they too are the silent killers. These indoor pollutants include the Volatile organic compounds that come from your wall paints, as well the bio-aerosols, Nitrous oxides from the cooking gas in your kitchen, and so on. Please watch the Indoor Air Quality & Indoor Pollution video embedded below, that shows 5 areas of concern.



The above Air Advice for homes, clearly shows the status of various danger levels, inside your home, i.e. 
Danger level 5 - Carbon Monoxide, low level causes mild health effects such as Headaches, Dizziness, Disorientation, Nausea, Fatigue, while high level can be Fatal; 
Danger level 4 - Microbial Growth, i.e. Micro - organisms, Mold, Fungal spores, causes Allergies, Sinus & Respiratory infections as well as Infertility;
Danger level 3 - Allergens & Particulates, i.e. Dust, Pollen, Pet dander, Insect debris & Smoke, causes Nose & Throat irritation, Congestion, Sneezing, Coughing & Asthma;
Danger level 2 - Infectious illness, i.e. Bacteria, Viruses, Germs, Cold, Flu, Airborne illnesses & Microorganisms; 
Danger level 1 - Contaminants, Toxic compounds, Building material, Furniture, Carpets, Paints, Cleaning chemicals, and so on, along with other pollutants as above, may be the cause of serious health hazards such as Cancer, Asthma, as well a Stroke. 

The risk of indoor pollution has increased manifolds due to the massive use of  Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), in the buildings, painting of walls, as well varnishes used inside. Please view the video embedded below to understand, what are the Volatile Organic Compounds. 



Various opinions on the Indoor pollution :

1A. If you check the World Health Organization (WHO) Key facts on the indoor pollution, you will be shocked, as it says that over   People die every year from the exposure to indoor & household air pollution. # More than 50% of premature deaths due to pneumonia among children under 5 are caused by the particulate matter inhaled from household air pollution. # 3.8 million premature deaths annually from noncommunicable diseases including stroke, ischaemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are attributed to exposure to household air pollution. 

1B. In yet another study, World Health Organisation (WHO) said,  # Ambient and household air pollution caused, respectively, 2.8 & 3.7 million NCD deaths from ischaemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer in 2012. #  Globally, 29% of COPD deaths are attributed to household air pollution, 8% ambient and 11% workplaces. # Reducing air pollution from transport, energy generation and industrial emissions; and exposures to ionizing and UV radiation, and chemicals, such as solvents, pesticides, asbestos and formaldehyde, can prevent lung and other cancers. Workers in certain occupations are at particular risk.

2. United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said, “Organic chemicals are widely used as ingredients in household products. Paints, varnishes, and wax all contain organic solvents, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic, degreasing and hobby products. Fuels are made up of organic chemicals. All of these products can release organic compounds while you are using them, and, to some degree, when they are stored”.

3. Tina Porwal, in her Abstract, “Paint Pollution Harmful Effects on Environment”, has said, that “Paint generally include pigment (the colour), carried by a resin and/or binder, a solvent to help the paint application, and a dryer. In vinyl and acrylic paints they will also include plastics compounds. Some will include formaldehyde, arsenic, thinners, and foam makers”. 

She continues,"Every year we like to paint our home, furniture, etc., for decoration, protection, identification, sanitation. But we forget the impact of paint on our environment. This can cause some serious hazardous effect on our body like headaches, trigger allergies, asthmatic reactions, irritate skin, eyes, and put increased stress on vital organs such as heart and not only paints but also its byproducts or by which paint creates are also more dangerous to us and our environment".

We are sure, by now, you have understood the seriousness of the issue and willing to get rid of these indoor pollutants from your sweet home, as the indoor pollution levels are much above the normal levels. Various experts have measured these at 2 to 5 times, as well, even up to 10 times and to reduce this pollution from your house, you require the ROYALE ATMOS.

INTRODUCING - ROYALE ATMOS - A new paint from Asian Paints. Asian paints have now introduced a new paint,"Royale Atmos", that looks much more beautiful. You will be surprised to note that, this new paint gives you a better Air Quality by providing, clean air inside your home. It makes the air in your home, purer than before, so that you can breathe easily. The Carbon technology Activated in this paint reduces the harmful pollutants from the air, inside of your home. Additionally, you won't feel certain select foul smells of household as Royale Atmos absorbs foul smells to give you a clean & fresh air, inside your home. Moreover, you will feel pleasure as this new paint has a fragrance & not the foul smell of Volatile organic compounds.




If you have any doubt that how the pollutants, such as formaldehyde will be reduced in your home, please watch this video:



If you want to understand that how Royale Atmos will clear the Air, please watch this video:



Please note, University of Chicago, in its recent report, has mentioned that,"National Capital Region residents are losing out on almost 6 years of life because of the dangerous air pollution levels. If WHO standards were met in NCR, people would live 9 years longer. In Kolkata and Mumbai better air quality would translate into almost 3.5 years longer life spans". The report says,"4.6 billion life years would be added in the country by complying with WHO standards". Hindustan Times Delhi covered this news very significantly:

Therefore, you must call Asian Paints immediately, to understand the product, to understand it's suitability, in order to reduce indoor pollution from your house. If you want to know more about the Indoor Pollution as well the Royale Atmos, please log on to www.asianpaints.com/atmos

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Data Source / Pics / Vids / Quotes, used with thanks:    WHO  WHO 2  EPA  TINA PORWAL ABSTRACT   ROYALE ATMOS  UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO Air Advice for Homes  airocide  Hindustan Times

Meet The Opening Gala Line-up – Thursday, November 23rd, 2017

Eco Fashion Week Australia 2017 (EFWA2017) has an amazing line-up featuring collections from over 44 designers (local, national and international), 2 unique curated fashion shows and performancees by 3 talented local musicians. This is part 1 in 5 part series introducing you all the wonderful artists taking part in our event this year.

In addition to those listed below, the opening gala will include a unique runway show featuring one look from each of the 44 designers showcasing collections on the runway Friday through Monday – a fabulous taste of what is to come!

Source : Eco Fashion Week Australia

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Launches 'Fortuner TRD Sportivo' True SUV. True Style

• Sportier, Classier, Trendier Edition of the New Fortuner
• Specially designed by Toyota Racing Development
• Available in Pearl color, 4x2 AT variant only is attractively priced at Rs 31,01,500 ( Ex Showroom Delhi )
• Fortuner a market leader in its segment since launch in 2009 sold over 1,18,000 units

New Tough and Sporty Features

• Sporty Front and Rear Bumper Spoiler
• TRD Radiator Grille & Lower Grille Cover
• R18 TRD Alloy Wheels
• TRD inspired exterior accents
• TRD Sportivo Badge
• Red stitch accents on the interior

Product Highlights

Reinforced power & toughness

• Power packed 2.8 L diesel engine available with 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential & paddle shift
• Frame structure that delivers exceptional torsional & bending rigidity even in the most challenging terrains
• Eco & Power drive modes
• Active traction control

Safety & Security features

• Impact absorbing structure with pedestrian protection support
• 4 Wheel Disc Brakes with Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) & Brake Assist (BA)
• 7 SRS airbags
• Vehicle stability control (VSC)
• Speed auto lock with emergency unlock
• Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)

Stylish Exterior features

• Auto Bi-beam LED with DRLs
• LED Foglamps
• Smart entry with push start
• Fully automatic power back door with height adjust memory & jam protection

Luxurious Interior features

• 7” tablet inspired touch screen Infotainment with Navigation
• Second row one touch tumble seats
• Park assist with back monitor & rear sensors
• Large TFT Multi-information Display
• Auto Climate Control [Dual AC]

Bangalore, 21^st September 2017: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the launch of the Fortuner TRD Sportivo, the sportier edition of one of the most celebrated SUVs in the Indian auto market. With the rollout timed just ahead of the festive season, the new edition available in the 4x2AT -pearl white color with a brawnier and sportier appeal than its predecessors.

Priced at Rs 31,01,500 ( Ex showroom Delhi ), the Fortuner TRD Sportivo is designed and developed by Toyota Racing Development (TRD). Delivering Toyota’s legendary promise of Quality, Durability & Reliability (QDR), the newest Fortuner not only enhances road presence but also the sporty quotient.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Akitoshi Takemura, Senior Vice President, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd said, “Fortuner has proven to be a “True SUV” well recognized for its best in class durability, on-road comfort and off-road prowess. The 2nd generation Fortuner has also continued this legacy with its distinctive, sleek and powerful design backed by improved driving dynamics has received tremendous responseever since its launch in India last year.

Our latest festive offering, the 'Fortuner TRD Sportivo' will add more excitement to brand Fortuner. It will certainly make the SUV look sportier and also impose the brand’s cult on-road presence and unbeatable performance by providing exclusivity to our customers” he added.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. N. Raja, Director & Senior Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd said, “Among Toyota’s offerings, the Fortuner series has inspired unwavering loyalty in customers who appreciate its exemplary driving experience, and identify with the car’s unique sense of power, style and adventure. As Toyota’s flagship model, the Fortuner has won many hearts globally and in India.

Since its launch in 2009, the Fortuner has been dominating the SUV segment in the country, conquering about 75% of the market share. The upgraded Fortuner that was introduced in November last year has received a phenomenal response with average monthly sales of over 2000 units and cumulative sales of over 21,000 units.

The Fortuner TRD Sportivo has undergone a series of changes to satisfy the requirements of even the most demanding customers, he added.

Bookings of the Fortuner TRD Sportivo will begin today along with vehicle display in all Toyota dealerships across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jalandhar, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Lucknow.

source : Toyota Kirloskar

Jio Festival Celebration offer - JioFi Router ar Rs 999/- only

Reliance Jio has announced a “Festive Celebration” offer for its wifi router JioFi. Under the festive celebration offer, Reliance Jio is offering JioFi device at Rs. 999 when compare to its original price of Rs. 1,999. Using JioFi, you can connect up to 32 devices to enjoy the high speed 4G data, JIO announced on its website. The JioFi device also allows its users to do voice calling without any cost.

Study shows Audi unmatched for future viability

Kudos for the four rings: When it comes to viability for the future, the BrandTrust Resilience Index has ranked Audi in first place among automobile brands in Germany. The brand moved up a spot since the last survey in 2015 and took over the top ranking from Tesla.

The index covers the resilience and future viability of automobile brands in Germany. It is based on a representative study by the brand and management consulting firm BrandTrust. Ten “resiliency indicators” served as the assessment criteria. These include a brand’s ability to adapt, its social relevance, the ability to be a trend-setter, the quality of the brand experience, and the loyalty of its customers.

Compared to the study results two years ago, this time the survey respondents gave Audi higher scores in almost every category. The factors behind this success, according to the authors of the study, are outstanding products, clear brand positioning and impressive brand experiences.

Audi is continually working on the mobility of the future. The new Audi A8 is the world’s first production automobile developed for highly automated driving. And last week at the International Motor Show (IAA), the premium brand presented its idea for a fully autonomous car of tomorrow – in the form of the design vision Audi Aicon.

The Ingolstadt-based brand will usher in the age of purely electric cars next year with the Audi e-tron. Audi wants to offer more than 20 electric cars and plug-in hybrids in its product range by 2025, represented in all segments and concepts. The plan calls for a third of all Audi models delivered to be electrically powered by then.

Source : AUDI

Tata Motors Launches SUV Nexon To Take On Brezza, EcoSport

Tata Motors yesterday announced its entry into the growing Compact SUV segment with the commercial launch of its new Gen-next lifestyle SUV, the Tata NEXON.

Targeted at the personal car buyers, the Tata NEXON is the 4th product based on the ‘Impact Design’ philosophy. It brings together global and contemporary design with best-in-class technology and features for the ones who would like to express themselves with a unique style of their own. Keeping customers and their aspirations at the heart of the business, the Tata NEXON will deliver an emotional elevation through more individualized experiences in the passenger vehicles market.

With an introductory price of  Rs. 5,85,000, ex-showroom Delhi, for the petrol variant and at Rs. 6,85,000, ex-showroom Delhi, for the Diesel variant, the Tata NEXON is the most competitively priced SUV in this segment, with class-leading features. Starting today, the Tata NEXON will be on sale, across 650 Tata Motors authorized sales outlets in India.

Unveiling the Tata NEXON, Mr. Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said, "Our passenger vehicle market is dynamic. The fast-moving generation has clear preferences in terms of design and style. Catering to this discerning need of our customers, we have consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering by creating new categories of vehicles. The Tata Nexon is the result of our intent to break away from the conventional approach of segmentation in its discreet forms and fulfilling a larger set of milieus. Connecting Aspirations of our customers, with the Tata NEXON, we offer an unparalleled package of style, performance, and innovative features."

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Mayank Pareek, President- Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, "Our focus is to introduce products that not only enhance the brand, but simultaneously align well with the rising aspirations of customer segments. As part of the aggressive turnaround strategy, we have renewed focus on filling in product gaps and tapping the spaces that will emerge. Conceptualised as a lifestyle SUV for young progressive individuals, The NEXON is the culmination of this radical shift in thinking and will further expand Tata Motors’ addressable market."

The Tata NEXON is a revolutionary design of "Breaking the BOX" with an aerodynamic silhouette. This design element of the car enhances its sporty character and represents the evolution of the SUV design featuring the practicality of an SUV with style of a sports coupe.

Available in four variants – XE, XM, XT, XZ+, the Tata NEXON will come in five exciting colour options – Vermont Red, Moroccan Blue, Seattle Silver, Glasgow Grey and Calgary  and will come with a standard warranty of 75000 kms or 2 years, whichever is earlier.

Source : Tata Motors

Samsung Galaxy Note8 hit stores in India ahead of Apple iPhone 8 series; price, specs and more

The new Galaxy Note8 boasts formidable specifications including S Pen to match Apple's iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone 8 in hardware aspects and also the price makes the Samsung's phablet more compelling.

As promised, Samsung's flagship Android phablet: Galaxy Note8 hit stores in India for Rs 67,900 on September 21.

As part of the launch offer, Galaxy Note8 consumers can avail an attractive Introductory Offer comprising a one-time screen replacement (have to pay Rs 990) and a free Convertible Wireless Charger.

The company has also announced 'Samsung Upgrade' program offering its loyal Galaxy device owners the maximum value when they trade in their old device for Galaxy Note8. The program offers a convenient solution through My Galaxy app (powered by Cashify).

Galaxy Note8 buyers will also get a Double Data offer on Jio, under which they can get up to 448 GB of extra 4G data over 8 months, as well as complimentary Jio Prime Membership.

To further sweeten the deal, consumers who purchase their Galaxy Note8 using an HDFC Credit Card will get a cashback of Rs 4,000.

With the release of Galaxy Note8, Samsung has got a headstart over arch-rival Apple, which is scheduled to launch iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus on September 29.

Samsung Galaxy Note8 flaunts a gorgeous 6.3-inch super AMOLED screen with Infinity Display feature, that makes the screen cover more than 75 percent of the front-panel offering rich viewing experience and also improving exterior looks by several notches compared to previous generation model.

In India, it comes packed with Samsung's proprietary Exynos 8895 octa-core backed by 6GB RAM, 64GB internal storage and a 3,300mAh battery with fast wire/wireless charging capabilities.

with thanks : IBTimes : LINK : for more details

India loses 6.41 mn mobile subscribers in August; Idea hit the hardest with loss of 2.89 mn subscribers: COAI

In a report provided by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), it showed that there has been a loss of 6.41 million mobile subscribers from the month of July to August.

The report said that the total number of all India mobile subscribers in the month of August was 948.54 million. This is a drop from the 954.95 million mobile subscribers in the month of July.

According to a report by Indian Express, Bharti Airtel was standing at the top with a market share of 29.3 percent. Meanwhile, Vodafone and Idea Cellular were close with a difference of 17.08 million subscribers. Vodafone came second and Idea Cellular came third.

When it came to the loss in subscriber base, it was Idea Cellular that lost the most subscribers (2,898,508), followed by Vodafone at 2,404,807 customers. Least was by Airtel which was around two million.

Since it was all India, Kerela had the maximum mobile subscriber additions, while UP (East) Circle had 84.07 million mobile subscribers. Uttar Pradesh had the highest total number of mobile subscribers.

The report quoted director general COAI, Rajan S Mathews, saying, "Mobile connectivity and data services have played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and moving India towards a truly equitable and democratic nation. The telecom industry, therefore, deserves urgent relief and an immediate intervention to encourage policy and regulatory stability, and facilitate growth, innovation and investment."

with thanks : yahoo news : LINK : for more details.