Nissan announces U.S. pricing for 2018 GT-R

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nissan today announced U.S. pricing for the 2018 Nissan GT-R, which is on sale now at select Nissan dealers nationwide.

Following last year's significant enhancements to the iconic Nissan GT-R – which included a refreshed look inside and out and 20 additional horsepower – the changes continue for the 2018 model year with the introduction of a new GT-R Pure model, the addition of Apple CarPlay™ to NissanConnectSM with Navigation and Services, and a new black "Kuro Night" color for the Premium Interior Package.

With a starting MSRP1 of $99,990, the 2018 GT-R Pure model is designed to be the most affordable of the four GT-R trim levels. The differences between the Pure and Premium grade, which is priced at $110,490, includes an 11-speaker Bose® audio system, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement systems, and Titanium exhaust system.

2018 Nissan GT-R Track Edition

The GT-R Track Edition, now in its second year of limited availability, is designed to deliver a higher level of performance than the GT-R Pure and Premium models and features elements of the flagship GT-R NISMO. The GT-R Track Edition retains the GT-R Premium model's 565-horsepower engine rating (versus the GT-R NISMO's 600-horsepower rating). It has a starting MSRP of $128,490.

The ultimate GT-R, the motorsports-inspired GT-R NISMO, is available in very limited numbers in North America. It features numerous motorsports-inspired technologies to enhance the car's performance through optimized aerodynamics, suspension, and powertrain, creating a well-balanced machine at home on both the road and track2. The GT-R NISMO is priced at $175,490.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices1 (MSRP) for the 2018 Nissan GT-R: 

GT-R Pure - $99,990 USD

GT-R Premium - $110,490 USD

GT-R Track Edition - $128,490 USD

GT-R NISMO - $175,490 USD

Destination and Handling $1,695.

The 2018 GT-R Pure, Premium and Track Edition grades are equipped with an advanced 3.8-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 rated at 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque, dual-clutch sequential 6-speed transmission, electronically controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. The GT-R NISMO is rated at 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque3 and also features unique exterior and interior treatments, along with special suspension tuning.

For full information on the complete lineup of 2018 Nissan GT-R models, please see nissannews.com.

Source: Nissan

Mahindra’s Auto Sector Sells 51,149 vehicles during October 2017

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.) today announced its auto sales performance for October 2017 which stood at 51,149 vehicles, compared to 52,008 vehicles during October 2016.

The Passenger Vehicles segment (which includes UVs, Cars, and Vans) sold 23,413 vehicles in October 2017, as against 24,737 vehicles during October 2016. The company’s domestic sales stood at 48,818 vehicles during October 2017, as against 48,729 vehicles during October 2016. In the Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles segment, M&M sold 748 vehicles for the month, a growth of 59%. Exports for October 2017 stood at 2,331 vehicles a de-growth of 29 %

Commenting on the monthly performance, Rajan Wadhera, President, Automotive Sector, M&M Ltd. said, “The auto industry has had a mixed month. The build-up to Dhanteras & Diwali was good but the demand tapered off subsequently. Last year all festivals were in the month of October and the industry volumes had a high base. This year, September and October combined, we have grown by 7.9% in Auto Division. Going forward we enter into a year-end period of lower sales. Our refreshes & new variants, that have been launched, will carve out a niche and we expect to sustain the growth momentum for the remaining period of the current financial year.

Source: Mahindra

The Super Performer Next Gen VERNA Outshines

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the number one car exporter since inception, announced outstanding performance continuing the strong momentum of its recently launched NextGen VERNA in India. The Super sedan has set a new benchmark for the segment and received more than 20,000 Bookings and more than 150,000 inquiries in a short span of 2 months of its launch in India and has become customer’s first choice.

Commenting on this achievement Mr. Y K Koo, MD & CEO- Hyundai Motor India Limited said: “The Next Gen VERNA has outperformed in India once again with more than 20,000 bookings and 150,000 inquiries in a short span of 2 months of its launch in India. We are extremely thankful to our Indian customers for their trust in brand Hyundai. The NextGen VERNA is beyond the ordinary, a global product that personifies Hyundai’s Modern Premium Brand and a landmark in Hyundai growth story winning many prestigious accolades worldwide.”

Human Technology Connect : 

The NextGen VERNA is ‘Intelligent by Design’ and an All-rounder car with Human Technology Connect for new age aspirational customers. More than 45% of the NextGen VERNA customers look for premium and Segment Unique Comfort Features. NextGen VERNA offers 21 New Age Technologies and Advanced Features such as Front Ventilated Seats, Smart trunk, Smart Sunroof, The Eco Coating Technology and Advanced Telematics System.

Setting the New Trend:

- The NextGen VERNA has led to a new trend of first-time car buyers contributing to 20% of its total sales. These NextGen customers are trendsetters and resonate with the Modern Premium Brand Image of Hyundai.

- More than 25% of NextGen VERNA have preferred Automatic Transmission over Manual Transmission depicting flawless performance of AT variant of Next Gen VERNA in both Petrol and Diesel engines.

Expanding the Segment:

- With the launch of Next Gen VERNA, the Mid-High Segment average sale of 14,000 units (H1) crossed average 20,000 units.

Source: Hyundai

Hyundai Registers 49,588 Units in October 2017

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s second largest car manufacturer and the number one car exporter since inception registered the domestic sales of 49,588 units for the month of October 2017.

Commenting on the October sales Mr. Rakesh Srivastava, Director - Sales and Marketing, HMIL said, “Hyundai did its highest retail of over 50,000 units in a festival month, with a wholesale of 49,588 units on the strength of strong demand for GRAND i10, ELITE i20 and CRETA. In addition, the NextGen VERNA received strong customer response with over 20,000 cumulative bookings and 150,00 enquiries, this was further amplified by increased level of customer satisfaction with Hyundai Ranking the ‘Number One position in After Sales Customer Satisfaction’ with the all-time high score of 923 points in J.D.Power 2017 India Customer Service Index (Mass market) Study.” 

	October 2016	October 2017
Domestic	50,017	49,588

Source: Hyundai

Tata TIGOR portfolio expands with trendy, stylish AMT variants

Tata Motors has added to its range of models equipped with Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) by expanding its sedan portfolio. Today, TATA Motors announced the addition of two AMT variants to the Tigor Style back sedan range. Available in XZA and XTA variants, with the Revotron 1.2L petrol engine – the XTA variant is priced at INR. 5.75 Lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi and the top-end XZA variant is priced at INR 6.22 Lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. The new AMT cars will be on sale across the country in over 600 Tata Motors sales outlets, from today.

The TIGOR AMT will further strengthen the company’s addressable market range. The new TIGOR AMT brings global and contemporary design with advanced technological features targeted at young and dynamic customers and comes with the first-in-class Sports Mode, which gives one a spirited and peppy driving experience.

According to Mr. Vivek Srivatsa – Head – Marketing, PVBU, Tata Motors – “Given the current traffic scenario and growing driver fatigue levels, an AMT is a perfect solution to bringing back the joy of driving in a city, without compromising on fuel efficiency. As per our turnaround strategy, we are working with a renewed focus and energy to improve our market share and bring products that align with customers’ aspirational and practical requirements. Keeping with the trend of this growing segment, we introduced the AMT variants of the hatchback TIAGO, which has so far received a tremendous response. Now, with the TIGOR AMT, we continue to reach out to our customers with stylish and feature loaded products that offer best-in-class technology and design engineering.”

The TIGOR AMT is equipped with four gear positions – Automatic, Neutral, Reverse and Manual for smooth and regular acceleration to offer a comfortable and stress-free driving experience. In addition, it boasts of a first-in-class Sports mode, for a spirited and peppy driving experience. The Manual mode helps shift gears at a flick of a gear stick for an engaging experience.

For ease of maneuverability in heavy traffic conditions and during parking, the TIGOR AMT comes with an inbuilt ‘creep’ feature, which enables the car to crawl as soon as the pressure is eased off the brake pedal, without pressing the accelerator. This function also prevents the car from rolling back when it starts from an inclined position.

Source: Tata Motors

Tata Motors domestic sales grows by 5% in October 2017

Tata Motors Limited, a leading global automobile manufacturer announced growth in October 2017, driven by strong sales performance in Pick-up (45%) & ILCVs (7%). The domestic Passenger and Commercial Vehicle Business, recorded a growth of 5% at 48,886 units, in October 2017, compared to October 2016, last year. This is at the back of festive demand across segments, increased positive customer sentiments and the introduction of new products.

Domestic – Commercial Vehicles

Tata Motors’ overall commercial vehicles sales in October 2017, in the domestic market, were at 32,411 nos., higher by 7% over October 2016. The sales grew on the back of a further ramp-up of production, growing demand for newly launched products and higher customer uptick owing to increased consumption across sectors, coinciding with peak festive season buying trends across segments. Cumulative sales growth of commercial vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal (April-October 2017) were at 193,782 units, a growth of 5%, compared to 184,871 units, in the same period, last fiscal.

The M&HCV trucks segment grew by 8%, at 11,391 nos., in October 2017. This segment witnessed growth in demand due to increasing acceptance of Tata Motors’ SCR technology, infrastructure development led by government funding and restrictions on overloading creating greater demand for new high tonnage vehicles, especially for new 37T multi-axle trucks and 49T tractor trailers.  

The I&LCV truck segment also saw an upward trend and grew by 7% at 3,760 units in October 2017, driven by the performance of new product introductions.

The pickup segment at 5,604 units in October 2017 reported a strong growth of 45% with the Tata Xenon Yodha and ACE Mega XL gaining acceptance and demand across markets while the SCV cargo segment with sales at 8,413 units, remained flat, over last year. The passenger carrier (including buses) segment sales were at 3,243 units were lower by 17%, over October 2016, as the fresh purchase from STUs and the release of permits have been subdued. 

Domestic – Passenger Vehicles

In October 2017, Tata Motors passenger vehicles, recorded sales of 16,475 units, the growth of 1%, over October 2016. This was supported by the continued good performance of new generation vehicles Tiago, Tigor, Hexa and an excellent response received for the newly launched compact SUV, Nexon.

Cumulative sales growth of passenger vehicles in the domestic market for the fiscal (April-Oct 2017) were at 97,892 units, a growth of 10%, compared to 88,976 units, in the same period last fiscal. 

Exports

The company’s sales from exports were at 4,311 nos., in October 2017, a decline of 32%, due to the continued drop in TIV in Sri Lanka (by 53%) and Nepal (by 46%).

Source: Tata Motors

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