Who cares for the city, the National Capital, Delhi?

Sunday Pioneer:
Who cares for the city, the National Capital, Delhi? Pollution has crossed the limits all over, but politicians are busy in the blame game.
B S Vohra
Environmentalist

Audi starts fourth quarter with sales growth

The Four Rings achieved a successful start to the fourth quarter. AUDI AG sold around 158,750 premium automobiles worldwide in October, up 5.3 percent year-on-year. Among the core regions, deliveries grew in North America (+10.2%) and China (+14.5%) last month; sales in Europe were down 1.6 percent year-on-year. Since the return to growth in June, Audi managed to reduce consistently the cumulative year-on-year decline in sales month by month; around 1,539,500 deliveries worldwide since January are still 1.3 percent below the 2016 figure.

“After our good start to the fourth quarter, we intend to sustain this trend over the next few months despite continuing challenging conditions,” says Bram Schot, Board Member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “Our model initiative is laying the foundation for our future success. Following the Audi A8, the new Audi A7 has lifted sportiness and aesthetic design to a new level in the luxury class. Even before its market introduction, this unique product concept has caused a sensation and has been well received by our customers.”

In mid-October, Audi unveiled its new four-door full-size coupé at its headquarters in Ingolstadt. The new Audi A7 (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.2 – 6.8 (32.7 – 34.6 US mpg), combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 163 – 154 (262.3 – 247.8 g/mi)*) with its dynamic and progressive design language is primarily aimed at trend-conscious, design- and technology-oriented customers. In March 2018, the model will go on sale at the first dealers in Europe.

On the home continent of the Four Rings, the Audi Q2 once again remained a firm favorite last month. Around 6,600 European customers picked up their keys for the city SUV in October. Across all models, Spain and Italy, in particular, created a great deal of momentum: On the Iberian Peninsula and the Canary Islands, 4,393 customers boosted October sales by 10.5 percent year-on-year. Deliveries in Italy increased by 23.4 percent to 5,993 cars

sold. By contrast, the market development in the UK negatively impacted European business last month, with sales down 5.5 percent on the 2016 figure. Being down 0.6 percent over the course of the year, UK sales are, however, coming in almost on a par with the prior-year level and well above the declining overall market. 5,374 customers bought an Audi in France, a year-on-year fall of 8.5 percent. In Europe as a whole, the company delivered around 68,450 units in October (-1.6%). This is equivalent to a cumulative increase of 0.5 percent compared with 2016 when Audi set a new record-breaking sales figure in the European market.

In China, 53,828 automobiles sold set the best October sales month in Audi history. In addition, the Chinese market achieved its highest growth to date this year with sales up 14.5 percent. The Audi dealers in China saw high demand particularly for the long-wheelbase version of the Audi A4. Since January the Ingolstadt-based automaker sold 472,498 automobiles in China, with the cumulative decline in sales reduced to 3.0 percent. In mid-November, Audi will be celebrating the China premiere of the Audi S4 at the Guangzhou International Motor Show (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 7.5 – 7.3 (31.4 – 32.2 US mpg); combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 170 – 166 (273.6 – 267.2 g/mi)*). From spring 2018, the dynamic S model will augment the portfolio of the Four Rings in the Middle Kingdom.

North America once again proved an important growth engine in the past month, with Audi setting a new record-breaking figure of around 23,800 automobiles sold in the region. In the United States, the company set its 82nd record-breaking month in a row (+9.6% to 19,425 cars). Canada once more achieved double-digit growth (+11.3 to 3,063 cars). The SUV trend maintained its momentum in both countries. Since the start of the year, half of U.S. customers opted for a Q family model. One in four vehicles delivered in the neighboring country was an Audi Q5 in the period January through October.

Source: Audi

3 NIGHTS IN BALI – Free draw for all EFWA2017 ticket purchasers

One of their newest sponsor – Bali Eco Stay – has stepped in to offer a fabulous prize draw for those attending Eco Fashion Week Australia Nov. 23-27, 2017, and they couldn’t be more excited the details with you.

The Prize – 3 nights at Bali Eco Stay in the heart of Bali in an open-air, over water jungle bungalow surrounded by nature – total prize value $1058. This bungalow features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and can provide accommodation for up to 4 people. The lucky winner can choose to bring up to 3 friends/family members. Airfare and ground transportation not included.

Who can enter – Everyone who purchases a ticket to come to EFWA from Nov. 23-27, 2017 are eligible. You may enter once for each night you purchase a ticket. The more nights you come, the better chance you have to win.

How to Enter – There will be a sealed boxed in the entry. After showing your purchased ticket, please place your business card (or substitute) in the box.

About The Resort – Bali Eco Stay offers a green sanctuary in the heart of Bali where travellers reconnect with nature, discover pure food and immerse themselves in tropical food forests, traditional Balinese culture and jungle life. Enjoy relaxing while surrounded by nature in your open-air, over-water bungalow. Feast on authentic Balinese home cooking prepared with love and respect for nature using organically grown food. And explore all our unique area has to offer – lounge in freshwater rock pools, learn traditional crafts with our Kakek (grandfather) and explored untouched landscapes and village either by foot, bike or scooter. Check out their website at www.baliecostay.com

Conditions – Booking is subject to availability (not available July – August, and Nov 15 – Jan 15).

Draw Date – The winner of this amazing prize will be drawn on our final day – Monday, November 27th – just before the final 2 runway shows. All entries for tickets for that day’s shows must be placed in the box no later than 8:45.

About Bali Eco Stay

Australians Cath and John Blundstone, with their Balinese family Mini and Agung, joined forces to create Bali Eco Stay. Their vision was to design the property as a working model of sustainability, and a beautiful place where rice paddies meet the jungle. Bali Eco Stay, a mountain resort offering nourishment for all your senses within a natural setting of food forests, rice fields and towering mountains reaching as far as the eye can see.

What distinguishes Bali Eco Stay from the rest is that it will not be found along the well-beaten tourist trails of Bali. Its remote location provides a unique opportunity for travellers seeking something different and off the beaten track to experience another side of Bali – the Bali from 40 years ago with its untouched pristine landscapes and charming villages steeped in profound local customs.

Source: Eco Fashion Week

Tata Motors Group global wholesales at 1,03,761 in October 2017

The Tata Motors Group global wholesales in October 2017, including Jaguar Land Rover, were at 1,03,761 nos., higher by 2.7%, over October 2016.

Global wholesales of all Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range in October 2017 were at 37,400 nos., higher by 1.3%, over October 2016.

Global wholesales of all passenger vehicles in October 2017 were at 66,361 nos., higher by 3.5%, compared to October 2016.

Global wholesales for Jaguar Land Rover were 49,757 vehicles (*JLR number for October 17 includes CJLR volumes of 6,880 units). Jaguar wholesales for the month were 13,295 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the month were 36,462 vehicles.

*CJLR – It is a JV between JLR and Chery Automobiles and is an unconsolidated subsidiary of JLR

Source: Tata Motors

Dock and Run: Samsung DeX Offers New Opportunities for Business and Entertainment

The ability to see something on a different scale often offers a new perspective. Launched with the Galaxy S8 and S8+ and now available with the Galaxy Note8, Samsung DeX* lets users use their smartphone like a desktop by providing a seamless, mobile to desktop transition. Now, users have the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds in an ever-expanding ecosystem of partnerships, opening up new possibilities for coding, entertainment, and productivity.

Out and about with Linux on Galaxy

At last, developers themselves are able to experience a truly mobile development environment.

Linux on Galaxy, an app demonstrated during SDC 2017 in San Francisco, is designed to free developers from their desks by providing a Linux OS environment for their Galaxy smartphone: anywhere, anytime, on-the-move. Smartphones with Linux on Galaxy are capable of having multiple operating systems running at the same time, so developers have the ability to work with their Linux-based distributions of choice on their mobile device, without restrictions. As well as using the Android OS, they can open the app to run any software they require in a Linux OS environment, giving developers the flexibility to choose.

What’s more, Linux on Galaxy is DeX-enabled, meaning that developers can seamlessly move from smartphone to desktop whenever they want to work on a larger screen with a keyboard and mouse.** Currently, in its trial stage, Linux on Galaxy is already causing a buzz amongst developers.

Even More Entertainment

Samsung DeX complements the conventional mobile experience. In the world of entertainment, Samsung DeX now offers support for even more mobile games and video streaming services, so users can watch the action come to life on a larger screen.

Samsung’s partnerships with major video game developers such as Super Evil Megacorp’s Vainglory, Game Insight’s Survival Arena, Eric Froemling’s BombSquad and Netmarble’s Lineage 2 Revolution present popular mobile games on the immersive desktop setting through the Samsung Game Launcher app, with a keyboard and mouse for easier gameplay. This allows players to move from mobile to desktop, and back again, without disrupting their gaming experience. In addition, new titles – including Lineage 2 Revolution and Nexon’s AxE – are beginning to support Vulkan API in increasing numbers. The upcoming “mobile title” Square Enix FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION has been optimized for both Vulkan and DeX, pushing the boundaries of mobile gaming.

With Twitch, users of the video streaming service are provided with a better multitasking experience and can resize the window and play video while running other apps via Samsung DeX.

Powering Productivity

The service doesn’t just enhance mobile entertainment– it also heightens user productivity. Samsung DeX transforms the docked Samsung smartphone into a desktop-like workstation, increasing output for professionals on-the-go.

Users can enjoy an improved email experience—with email clients such as Samsung Email, Samsung Focus, Nine Email and MS Outlook—via an optimized interface with a desktop-like, three-column layout, flexible split view and multi composer.

Likewise, Samsung DeX enables a better collaboration with video conferencing from even more services such as Zoom, BlueJeans, and GoToMeeting. Video conferencing has been made simpler with a seamless docking-undocking experience, support for screen and document sharing, and multitasking capabilities that allow the user to stay on the call while taking notes or sending an email.

With the Galaxy Note8, the new All Apps user interface offers users a full view of up to 36 of their mobile apps at once, which is an increase from the previous view of 25 apps. The enhanced UI makes app access and search more convenient, allowing users to identify and utilize apps faster.

As Samsung continues to expand its partner ecosystem with third-party developers and strives to broaden the use of Linux on its smartphone, the service’s ecosystem will continue to grow organically, offering a wider range of Samsung DeX-optimized apps, features and experiences for Galaxy users across business and entertainment.

Source: Samsung

Fans name Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 the top Nissan NISMO race car of all time

YOKOHAMA, Japan – The fans have spoken, and the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 has taken the victory in the #NISMOtop20 competition.

The car beat out three notable GT-R machines: the Bathurst 12 Hour, Blancpain GT Series and GT300 championship-winning Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3; the 2003 JGTC championship-winning Nissan Skyline GT-R R34; and the Super GT 2014/15 championship-winning Nissan GT-R NISMO GT500.

Ultimately, it was the R32's racing pedigree and cult-favorite status that catapulted it to the top.

In production for just five years, the Skyline GT-R R32 earned top honors in championships and prestigious races on three different continents. In Europe, the R32 took the overall victory in the Spa 24 in 1991. And it won the Australian Touring Car Championship for the first time in 1991 – followed up with another championship in 1992, taking Bathurst 1000 victories both years.

However, it was in Japanese touring cars where the R32 saw arguably its biggest successes. The Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 scored the victory in every Japanese Touring Car Championship race during the 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 seasons, earning championships for the Hashemi and Impul teams along the way.

In addition to its racing repertoire, the R32's status as a fan favorite was cemented with its inclusion in the Gran Turismo video game series.

An enduring and endlessly popular option for gamers everywhere and a racing champion, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 proved its prowess on the track, on the screen, and in the #NISMOtop20 competition to be named the greatest Nissan NISMO race car of all time.

Source: Nissan

Roof Top Solar Energy installations with a 30% Subsidy from Delhi Government

In a positive move directed towards making the capital more reliant on Renewable & more specifically Solar energy, New Delhi was tasked with generating 1,000 MW of solar power out of the national quota of 40,000 MW in 2016. Now with the right subsidies in place, the target that was set by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) to be achieved by 2020 from residential and institutional rooftops, is well on its way.

An Elevated Rooftop Installation of 5kW in the busy neighborhood of “Pitampura”

“The Solar Experience” Roof:

Even though 1,000 MW is only part of Delhi’s total solar potential of 2,500 MW with a residential potential of 1,250 MW; Solar Universe India is helping drive the larger movement, which was initially kick-started by Greenpeace India – instrumental in getting the Delhi Government to draft its own Solar Policy in June 2016. Some of the highlights of that policy include:

• Concept of Virtual Net Metering for roofs with limited Solar potential

• Group Net Metering for societies and RWA's

• Generation Based Incentive of Rs 2 PER UNIT for up to 3 years

• Building bylaws amendment for Rooftop Solar Installations

• Tax breaks, benefits, and subsidies

The “Solar Universe India” reasons Going Solar

How Going Solar Helps You:

The Delhi Government, with the help of its implementing agency and empanelled vendors, is providing UPFRONT SUBSIDY on Rooftop Solar Installations across New Delhi and Solar Universe India (Success Impex Pvt Ltd) is one of those, that provides a subsidy to the end consumers worth up to 30% of the cost of the Solar Plant. More importantly, through a concept called Net Metering, one can earn for the power they generate even when it is not being used, which is especially beneficial for large buildings like educational and religious institutions, hospitals, farmhouses and RWA's.

How Net Metering Works

How Solar Net metering Works:

Upfront Subsidy of up to 30% is available for the following type of buildings:

Institutional Buildings Educational Institutions Schools Universities Health Institutions Hospitals Medical Colleges	Social Sector Community Centres Welfare Homes Orphanages & Old Age Homes Common Service Centres & Workshops Trusts, NGOs & Voluntary Organizations	Residential Buildings All types including RWA’s

Thanks to the introduction of UPFRONT SUBSIDY (doing away with the old practice of direct disbursement to client bank account after plant commissioning), the payback period of Rooftop Solar Installations has been reduced to less than 42 months. In comparison to industry standards, Solar Universe India (Success Impex Pvt Ltd) is also offering 15% more energy through their installations titled "The Solar Experience".

The Solar Experience:

In New Delhi, most of the houses with roof ownership have a sanctioned load of 11kV and open roof space of 80 sqm which equates to a Solar potential of 8kW. An 8kW Rooftop Solar Installation can earn you Rs 1.05 lakhs every year for up to 25 years and is equivalent to planting 960 trees over the lifetime of the installation.

“20kW Installation Solar Plant with Net Metering”

RWA’s usually have a sanctioned load of 40kVa for common area lighting & energy and can install a solar plant of up to 32kW that will generate approximately 51,000 units per annum (as per the “Solar Experience of Solar Universe India”) for an investment of Rs 14.75 lacs that can be recouped in 30 months and save up to Rs 90 lacs over the lifetime of the Solar Plant.

Schools & larger institutions can export excess energy to the grid for more than 140 days in a year on account of various holidays and recoup their investment in less than 30 months owing to the various monetary benefits being offered.

Going Solar is now as easy as getting a home entertainment system. An 8kW Solar System can be set up in 15-20 days. You can schedule a site feasibility analysis by simply sending a WhatsApp message to +91-9810288787. If you're looking for such an installation (with SUBSIDY) in Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, J&K and Maharashtra or are just curious to know more, contact the above number for more details and go solar today! Solar Universe India, a brand of Success Impex Pvt Ltd have been the pioneers of Solar PV installations in India since 2003. For any more details, please log on to www.solaruniverseindia.com/ 

The next blog post will address "How Simple It Is to Make Your Home Go Solar" and will answer to all of your questions regarding Finance, Space, and Cleaning of Rooftop Solar Installations.

Having received a Solar Grading of “SP1B” (only 8 out of 551 companies in India have this grading) from the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (Government of India) symbolizing “Highest Solar Potential & Moderate Financial Capability”, the company has directly or indirectly touched more than 150,000 lives with their solar installations. In New Delhi alone they have carried out more than 60 installations of 1kW to 140kW at residences, schools, gurudwaras and RWA’s.

Red Fort invisible as dense smog grips Delhi

New CB1000R and Africa Twin ‘Adventure Sports’ lead Honda’s 2018 line-up at EICMA

Honda today reveals its full 2018 European motorcycle line-up on the eve of the EICMA show in Milan, with the introduction of five new and two extensively upgraded models, alongside concept versions of two Honda legends. The new line-up spans the entire Honda range from a new entry-level 125cc machine, to the 2018 GL1800 Gold Wing, further enriching the deepest, widest product line-up of any manufacturer. 

CB1000R, CB300R, and CB125R bring a new kind of naked style

The CB1000R heads a trio of new naked machines with a unique new identity developed under a design theme of ‘Neo Sports Café’. The new styling language is modern and minimalist, mixing sports naked and café racer inspirations with head-turning results. While every single part has been chosen with its aesthetic effect in mind, the CB1000R lacks nothing in performance and specification: a 12kg weight reduction and 15kW power up compared to the previous generation of CB1000R mean a 20% improvement in power to weight ratio. The multiple riding modes with different combinations of Power, Engine Braking, and Honda Selectable Torque Control run on a new state-of-the-art Throttle By Wire engine management system.

Sharing the new look are two machines for riders at an earlier stage of their motorcycle career. The CB300R and CB125R are both built for fun riding, with lightweight and free-revving engines. But they also boast high specification 41mm USD forks, preload adjustable rear suspension, radial-mount 4-piston front brake calipers and several other features more usually found on much larger machines such as LCD instrument display, LED lighting and IMU-based ABS system.

Upgraded Africa Twin gets new ‘Adventure Sports’ stablemate

The new ‘Adventure Sports’ version of the CRF1000L Africa Twin marks the 30th anniversary of the arrival in Europe of one of the motorcycling’s most celebrated names. Bearing the same Tricolore paint scheme as the original, the new model is built to go even further on both on-road and off-road adventure. It has a 5.4 liter bigger fuel tank than the CRF1000L Africa Twin itself, plus longer travel suspension, higher riding position and ground clearance, heated grips, extra-large skid plate and extended fairing with protective cowl bar. It also shares the extensive updates given to the Africa Twin, which includes Throttle By Wire engine management with four riding modes, expanded Honda Selectable Torque Control parameters, and revised intake and exhaust for a stronger mid-range response.

X-ADV readier than ever for off-road action

Having taken the market by storm in 2017, selling close to 10,000 units in its first 8 months, Honda’s ‘motorcycle SUV’ - which marries the convenience of a scooter with the dynamism of an adventure motorcycle - is now equipped with more off-road capability for 2018. The addition of a multi-level Honda Selectable Torque Control system and ‘G’ switch for more direct gear changes offer a wider range of performance for when the tarmac ends and the trails start. A new 35kW version also makes the X-ADV available for A2 license holders.

GL1800 Gold Wing lands in Europe

The new GL1800 Gold Wing makes its European debut at the 2017 EICMA show. Synonymous with long-range comfort, luxury, and quality for over 40 years, the new Gold Wing has been redesigned from the wheels up, to be sharper, lighter and more compact. The monumental flat six-cylinder engine now has 4-valves per cylinder and comes equipped with Throttle By Wire, 4 riding modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control and a Hill Start Assist function. The new chassis features an aluminium beam frame, double wishbone front suspension, and single-sided Pro-Arm.

The Gold Wing remains the only motorcycle to offer an airbag as an option, and the new standard-fit Apple CarPlay is another motorcycling first. An entirely new, third generation of Honda’s unique Dual Clutch Transmission - with seven speeds - will also be available and is the perfect match for the Gold Wing’s continent-crossing capabilities.

Evolution of popular NC series continues

For 2018, the wide-ranging appeal of the NC750X, NC750S, and Integra will now be within reach of A2 license holders thanks to the addition of 35kW versions to the line-up. All three also have an rpm limit raised by 900rpm to 7,500 to allow the natural use of the engine performance into a higher rpm range, and both the NC750X and Integra benefit from the addition of Honda Selectable Torque Control.

Concept versions of two small machines with a big history

Alongside the new models, two concepts - both wearing the original Honda wing logo - add a nostalgic appeal to Honda’s 2017 EICMA unveil. In addition to a 125cc horizontal single-cylinder engine, the Monkey 125 concept sees modern touches such as LED lights, Smart Key, USD forks and digital meters appear on the unmistakable, much-loved Monkey platform.

Finally, the Super Cub 125C concept is a new take on the instantly recognizable classic. Having last month reached the unparalleled milestone of 100 million units sold, this concept version writes a new paragraph in the Super Cub’s 59 -year-old history, and is an ultra-modern reminder of its enduring appeal.

Source: Honda

CB4 ‘Interceptor’ concept adds futuristic extra dimension to Honda’s EICMA line-up

The 2017 Honda stand at EICMA will again feature a Design Studio area showcasing the design work of Honda’s R&D facility in Rome.

This year’s exhibit is the CB4 ‘Interceptor’ - the result of ongoing research around the ‘Neo Sports Café’ design theme which first bore fruit in the ‘CB4 Concept’ shown at EICMA in 2015. The new concept model adds an evocative ‘Sport Endurance’ tone to the original design language of the CB4 Concept, creating a new perspective on the world of the Café Racer, on which the series is based.

The color scheme is “total black”, combining elegance and sportiness while leaving room for a futuristic technology integrated into the flowing design lines. The front of the bike features a fan used to convert the motorcycle’s kinetic energy to power the touch-screen located on the tank. The screen provides constant connectivity, to allow the rider to follow the road through digital maps, make emergency calls or simply to connect devices.

source: honda