Honda Cars India Ltd. registers domestic sales of 14,234 units in October 2017

New Delhi: Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of passenger cars in India, registered monthly domestic sales of 14,234 units in October 2017 against 15,567 units in the corresponding month last year. 

The company has registered a cumulative growth of 17% selling 105,503 units during April- October period in 2017, against 90,422 units in the corresponding period of April - October in 2016. 

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno, President, and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, "There have been some market disruptions on account of GST and additional cess implementation in the last few months which resulted in pre-buying ahead of the festive period this year. The festive purchases also spread across two months this year where we have witnessed a combined sales growth of over 6%." 

During October, we also faced some supply constraints of few components, due to which our production of some models got impacted and held us back in terms of dispatches last month. We have taken steps to strengthen the supply situation and hope it will normalize in November," he added.

Model wise sales break-up for October 2017:
Brio	640
Jazz	2,646
Amaze	1,845
City	4,366
WR-V	3,443
BR-V	1,280
CR-V	14
Domestic Total	14,234
Exports	385
Grand Total	14,619

Source: Honda India

Audi of America sets October sales record driven by consumer demand for the Q7 and new Q5

HERNDON, Virginia – Audi of America reported an October sales increase of 9.6 percent to 19,425 deliveries, as the Q7, new Q5, and the new-to-the U.S. A5 Sportback drove consumer demand.

October was the 82nd straight record sales month for Audi of America. The previous October record was set last year with 17,721 deliveries. Audi has now sold 180,339 vehicles in the U.S. this year. Year-to-date, Audi sales have increased 6.1 percent.

Deliveries of the Q7 were up 23 percent to 3,438. The Q5 deliveries rose to 5,416, and 15 percent year-to-date. Sales of the Q3 rose 4 percent to 2,021. SUV sales for Audi increased 28 percent to 10,875.

Deliveries of the A5 Cabriolet, Coupe, and Sportback increased to 2,143 over last October, boosted by the addition of the A5 Sportback. Sales of the A5 Cabriolet and Coupe nearly doubled to 1,101.

“Our results show that in a tight market, consumers respond to design, quality and technology,” said Cian O’Brien, chief operating officer, Audi of America. “These results give us confidence for the remainder of the fourth quarter and heading into 2018.”

Source: Audi USA

Maruti Suzuki Financial Results Q2 (Jul-Sept) and H1 2017-18

New Delhi, October 27, 2017: The Board of Directors of Maruti Suzuki India Limited today approved the financial results for the period July-September 2017-18 (Q2) and April-September 2017-18 (H1).

Highlights: Quarter II (July-September 2017-18)

The Company sold a total of 492,118 vehicles during the Quarter, a growth of 17.6 percent over the same period of the previous year. Sales in the domestic market stood at 457,401 units, a growth of 19.4 percent. Exports were at 34,717 units.

During the Quarter, the Company registered Net Sales of Rs. 214,381 million, up 21.8 percent over the same period, previous year.

Net Profit was Rs 24,843 million, a growth of 3.4 percent over the same period previous year.

The operating profit increased by 24 percent while the net profit increased by 3.4 percent due to lower non-operating income as the yields on investments were lower compared to last year, and some impact of commodities and advertisement expenses, and increase in effective tax rates

Highlights: H1 (April-September 2017-18)

The Company sold a total of 886,689 vehicles in H1 a growth of 15.6 percent. Sales in the domestic market stood at 825,832 units a growth of 17.1 percent. Exports were at 60,857 units.

The Company’s net sales stood at Rs 385,705 million in April-September 2017-18, a growth of 19.5 percent over the same period last year.

Net profit stood at Rs 40,407 million, up 3.8 percent.

The operating profit increased by 16 percent while the net profit increased by 3.8 percent due to lower non-operating income as the yields on investments were lower compared to last year, and some impact of commodities and advertisement expenses, and increase in effective tax rates.

Source: Maruti Suzuki

Mahindra Holidays Wins the Coveted Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability 2017

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL, Club Mahindra), India's leading leisure hospitality provider, and a part of the US$ 19 billion Mahindra Group has been bestowed with the prestigious Golden Peacock Award for Sustainability 2017. The award was received by Mr. Arun Nanda, Chairman, Mahindra Holidays at a glittering ceremony in London.

Since its inception, Mahindra Holidays has focussed on driving sustainability across the business. The Company has implemented a robust sustainability practice across its network of 50 resorts in India and abroad. Some of the key areas that the Company has been working include carbon footprint measurement, conservation of biodiversity and assessment, environment, energy, water and community development.

On receiving the award, Mr. Arun Nanda, Chairman – Mahindra Holidays & Resorts (India) Ltd., stated, "It is a proud moment for all of us to be recognized for achieving economic growth while preserving the natural resources and ecosystem for future generations. At Mahindra Holidays, we recognize the importance of Sustainable development and are committed to conserving the ecological integrity of the locations we operate in."

To reiterate its pledge to sustainability and conservation, Mahindra Holidays joined EP100, making the commitment to double its energy productivity by 2030 and became the first global hospitality company to take on a leadership role in energy productivity and actively supporting India's national commitments to mitigate the impacts of climate change. The Company has taken several initiatives such as the use of solar power plants and provisioning of newer technologies & energy efficient machines at new projects. Besides, measures are taken to further conserve power, water, and deployment of biogas plants and compost machines for recycling dry and wet garbage respectively. The Company has also invested in equipment upgrades, such as switching to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, highly-efficient heat pumps and variable frequency drives at its various resorts.

Mahindra Holidays actively participates in the Mahindra Group's initiative for Corporate Sustainability Reporting. The 'Sustainability Report' of the Group is prepared in accordance with the internationally accepted framework specified by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This framework sets out the principles and indicators that should be used to measure and report economic, environmental, and social performance.

Source: Mahindra

Honda Announcements at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show - Automobiles

Automobiles

• Honda Sports EV Concept:
  Honda exhibited the world premiere of the Honda Sports EV Concept, a concept model which combines EV performance and AI (artificial intelligence) inside a compact body with the aim to realize the joy of driving the user can feel a sense of unity with the car.
• Honda Urban EV Concept:
  Built on a newly-developed dedicated EV platform, the Honda Urban EV Concept is a concept model which indicates the technology and design directions for Honda’s future mass-production EV models. A new model based on this concept will go on sale first in Europe, and then in Japan in 2020.
• Honda NeuV:
  The Honda NeuV is an EV concept model that explores the potential of mobility products which will be further expanded by automated driving technologies and AI. NeuV makes judgments about the driver’s state of stress based on facial expressions and/or tone of voice and provides assistance to the driver to support safe driving, and by learning the driver’s lifestyle and preferences, provides suggestions to the particular driver, realizing communication between driver and mobility.
• Honda CR-V:
  The Honda CR-V is an SUV model enjoyed by customers in more than 160 countries around the world. The lineup of this all-new CR-V includes a series-first hybrid model equipped with Honda’s original “SPORTS HYBRID i-MMD” two-motor hybrid system, which will be available in front-wheel drive and 4WD variants. A 3-row seating type will be added to the lineup of the gasoline model. The all-new CR-V is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in 2018.
• Clarity PHEV:
  Based on Honda Sports Hybrid i-MMD, the output and capacity of the battery were increased, and the EV range of more than 100 km was made possible. The Clarity PHEV, a new-generation plug-in hybrid model, features an exterior form with low vehicle height, spacious cabin that seats 5 adults and a large-capacity cargo area. The Clarity PHEV is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in summer 2018.
• Honda RoboCas Concept:
  The Honda RoboCas Concept is a small-sized electric mobility product created to make people’s dreams and ideas come true. Different types of carrying space with a canopy can be freely combined with a compact-sized vehicle body base which has a driving function.

Source: Honda

Honda Announcements at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show - Motorcycles

Motorcycles

• Honda Riding Assist-e:
  The Honda Riding Assist-e is an experimental motorcycle model Honda developed by applying proprietary balance control technologies Honda amassed through its research in the field of robotics. Honda’s aim for this model is to offer motorcycle riders greater peace of mind and make life with motorcycles more fun for people by mitigating the risk of a fall.
• Neo Sports Café Concept:
  Honda exhibited the world premiere of the Neo Sports Café Concept, which is a concept model for a naked sports model that combines the fun and beauty of a sports bike with a new-generation motorcycle package.
• Super Cub 110, a commemorative model recognizing the 100 million-unit milestone:
  The Super Cub 110 is a special model Honda produced exclusively for the Tokyo Motor Show to commemorate the achievement of the 100 million-unit global production milestone this year and the 60th anniversary next year for the Super Cub series.
• Super Cub C125:
  The Super Cub C125 inherited and evolved the attractive design and functionality as a personal commuter from the first-generation Super Cub (C100). This new 125cc model features the latest equipment such as a smart key and electric seat opener and yet realizes ample power for a comfortable riding experience.
• Monkey 125:
  A 125cc horizontal, single-cylinder engine was installed to the signature body of the Honda Monkey with a sense of intentional deformation which comes from the short & tall body proportion unique to the Monkey series. Adopting unique features such as LED lights and digital meters, the Monkey 125 explores the new appeal of the Honda Monkey model.
• GOLD WING TOUR / GOLD WING:
  Honda exhibited the Japan premiere of the Honda Gold Wing grand touring model, which has been evolving as a flagship motorcycle model of Honda and will undergo a full model change. The all-new Gold Wing features new technologies including a newly-developed horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine, 7-speed DCT and Honda’s original double wishbone suspension. The Gold Wing is planned to go on sale through Honda’s new “Honda Dream” sales channel to be launched in April 2018.
• PCX ELECTRIC:
  The PCX Electric is an electric scooter equipped with a high-output motor developed independently by Honda as well as the Honda Mobile Power Pack, a detachable mobile battery pack. Honda PCX Electric is scheduled to go on sale in 2018 in the Asia region including Japan.
• PCX HYBRID:
  Honda newly-developed an original hybrid system designed for motorcycles. This compact hybrid system employs a high-output battery and ACG starter to assist the engine and enables PCX Hybrid to realize a “torqueful” riding performance. Honda PCX Hybrid is scheduled to go on sale in 2018 in the Asia region including Japan.
• CROSS CUB 110:
  Featuring a crossover style which will look good for both urban area riding and outdoor activities, the Cross Cub 110 proposes a new value of Honda Cub motorcycles. As a model oriented toward recreational use, the “tough” image is being emphasized with the adoption of a leg shield and wider tires.

Source: Honda

Samsung Galaxy Tab A (8.0”) to Keep the Whole Family Entertained

Created for the entire family, the Galaxy Tab A comes with an expansive offering of entertainment media and kids content:

• Kids Mode features exciting games, videos and content from partners including 5,000 videos and games from The LEGO Group as well as a social network themed LEGO® Life app with exclusive sticker content. The Galaxy Tab A also comes with a new native block coding app called Crocro Adventure; with this app, kids will be able to learn about block coding and programming through fun games teaching valuable logical thinking skills. Kids Mode now also features Value Pack options so users can download highly popular apps like LEGO® Batman: Beyond Gotham, LEGO® Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin, Toca Hair Salon 3 and BRIO World – Railway at no cost.⁴
• Optimized for gameplay with Game Launcher, the Galaxy Tab A provides an enhanced user interface and personalized gaming experience with more gaming tools, as well as a Call and Notification Prevention Mode so users can focus on their games without interruption.
• Galaxy Tab A provides entertainment for everyone with three months of YouTube Red⁵free trial with purchase. YouTube Red provides an uninterrupted viewing experience free of commercials and advertisements, Offline Mode capabilities to watch and download videos and access to exclusive content such as YouTube Red Original movies and series.

Source: Samsung

Samsung Introduces the New Samsung Galaxy Tab A (8.0”) an Everyday Tablet Designed for the Whole Family

Samsung Electronics today announced a new addition to the Galaxy tablet portfolio, the Galaxy Tab A (8.0’’), an everyday, versatile tablet designed for the entire family. The Galaxy Tab A builds on the Galaxy design legacy, featuring a refined look and feel with a sleek, metal body and smooth rounded edges making it comfortable to hold. It offers long-lasting battery, a beautiful display that looks good in any light, and increased onboard memory with expandable storage.

“At Samsung, we continue to work towards meaningful innovation that delights our customers and meets their unique needs,” said Sangsuk Roh, Vice President of Tablet Product Strategy, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Galaxy Tab A is designed for both parents and kids. It’s the tablet that’s just as easy to take on the go or curl up with on the couch, with long-lasting battery life to get the entire family through the day.”

Enhanced Performance for Uninterrupted Fun

To improve everyday usability and performance, the Galaxy Tab A is equipped with a bright and immersive display for watching your favorite TV shows, playing games or browsing the web on a screen that looks good even under bright sunlight. It also has an optional blue light filter to balance the brightness and reduce eye strain, making it easier to view content at night and in dim lighting settings.

The long-lasting battery (5,000mAh) of the Galaxy Tab A lets users power through movies, games, emails and more, all from a single charge that lasts up to 14 hours.¹ With 16GB of built-in storage and expandable memory (up to 256GB²) for additional files, the Galaxy Tab A allows the user to store more apps and content whether at-home or on-the-go.

Convenient Features to Benefit the Whole Family 

Daily family life can get hectic, so the Galaxy Tab A strives to add convenience with the new Home Mode, which can be configured to show up to three displays, providing a quick glance at information like the time, family calendar, whether or photos even while the device is charging. Each family member can have their own login with Multi-User Mode to securely save their favorite settings and apps. With Parental Controls, parents can set limits on usage and customize available content to create a fun and safe environment for younger users. Also, users can easily view their favorite apps and content on personalized Bixby³ Home screens.

The Galaxy Tab A captures amazing photos even in low-light conditions with enhanced 5MP F2.2 front and 8MP F1.9 rear cameras, as well as a new flash for clearer and brighter photos. Never miss another sharable moment with the Galaxy Tab A’s improved and intuitive camera interface, making it easier than ever to capture great photos from any angle and switch between camera and video modes.

Source: Samsung

Racing its way to glory! TAMO’s RACEMO bags the German Design Award 2018

Making its first public appearance at the 87th Geneva International Motor Show, the RACEMO has made headway in the global automotive industry. Designed at the Tata Motors Design Studio in Turin, Italy, the RACEMO has been bestowed with the German Design Award (GDA) in the Gold category for International Excellence in "Exceptional Product Design". The RACEMO combines strong expressions of Tata Motors’ IMPACT DESIGN elements i.e. Humanity Line, Slingshot Line and Diamond DLO, giving the car instant recognizability.

Commenting on the occasion, Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors, said, "Winning the prestigious German Design Council’s Gold Award for Automotive Design is a proud moment for us and , and is testament to the skill and passion of the Global Tata Motors Design team. A perfect blend of Italian sensuality and Indian ingenuity, the RACEMO is the first innovation from our sub-brand TAMO and our emotional, unexpected leap to the future. The RACEMO connects with the aspiring customers of India, making it a perfect extension of our customer’s personality. We hope to continue on this path towards innovation and disruption in product design and technology."

Adding to this, Pratap Bose, Head of Design, Tata Motors, said, "With the RACEMO winning the award for International Design Excellence, within a few months from its first global showcase, marks a very important milestone for Tata Motors Design Team. The RACEMO was the result of the intense collaboration between the design and engineering team at Tata Motors. What started off as a design study, today stands strong as a production-ready two-seater sports coupe, specially designed for the global Indian audience. All of us at Tata Motors is very proud and excited about bringing the car to India."

The RACEMO has been built on an innovative MO-Flex platform, a structural technology, enabling greater freedom in surface design, efficient large-scale part integration leading to modularity and faster time to market.

RACEMO is India’s first globally developed ‘phygital’ car, merging the physical and digital worlds. Meant for the risk-taking, adventure loving, digitally native, mobile first technophiles of India, the RACEMO is also India’s first connected car. Powered by Microsoft, RACEMO will bring alive connected technologies such as cloud computing, analytics, geospatial and mapping, and increased human-machine interface, creating a new benchmark in the industry for connected vehicles. The RACEMO, which is the first Indian sports car available on Microsoft’s gaming platform Forza has already in just 8 months, over 2.2 million users experiencing this design.

Source: Tata Motors

Google Pixel 2

Google Pixel 2 smartphone was launched in October 2017. The phone comes with a 5.00-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1080 pixels by 1920 pixels. Google Pixel 2 price in India starts from Rs. 61,000. 

The Google Pixel 2 is powered by 1.9GHz octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and it comes with 4GB of RAM. The phone packs 32GB of internal storage that cannot be expanded. As far as the cameras are concerned, the Google Pixel 2 packs a 12.2-megapixel primary camera on the rear and an 8-megapixel front shooter for selfies.

The Google Pixel 2 runs Android 8.0.0 and is powered by a 2700mAh non-removable battery. It measures 145.70 x 69.70 x 7.80 (height x width x thickness) and weigh 143.00 grams.

The Google Pixel 2 is a single SIM (GSM) smartphone that accepts a Nano-SIM. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC, 3G and 4G (with support for Band 40 used by some LTE networks in India). Sensors on the phone include Compass Magnetometer, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Ambient light sensor, Gyroscope, and Barometer.

With thanks: NDTV