GM to launch eeco rival

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When launched, the Hong Tu with its 2500mm wheelbase will compete with the Maruti Eeco. This model is powered by a 1.2-litre 85bhp petrol motor which qualifies it (along with a sub-four meter length) as a “small car” which entitles it to an excise saving in India. The rear wheel drive Hong Tu comes with a five-speed manual transmission. The base variant has rear leaf spring suspension while the top variant gets coil springs.

Don’t be put off by the strange sounding names of these products because they will be completely re-badged and in all likelihood sold under the “Tavera” moniker, the sub-brand GM is planning to create for its range of Wuling products. Also, these products will be modified for Indian conditions. This means giving them higher ground clearance and re-engineering them for overloading.

Initial impressions of Wuling products indicate that they are indeed hardy if a touch crude. Reliability and durability are believed to be good but the fit and finish of the interiors is quite poor and well below Maruti standards. However, for the Indian market, these products which are expected in 2011-12 will be completely revamped and sold at prices that could send shockwaves through the industry

Tata motors offers extended warranty for nano

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Tata Motors Finance, a non-banking finance company, is now set to offer 90% loan on the Nano at an interest rate lower than those charged on two-wheelers. Nano will now come with a extended warranty of 48 months (or 60,000 km) from 18 months (or 24,000 km). This extended warranty will cover existing owners too.
A new comprehensive maintenance contract will be offered at Rs. 99 and will help customers take care of running maintenance of the Nano. Currently, Tata is in talks with leading financial institutions present in remote parts of different states where sales counter for the Nano are available.
Nano was introduced in the market more than a year ago with an aim to provide consumers a better alternative to a two-wheeler. The car created immense hype but in the past few months, Nano lost the fizz among customers amid reports of poor quality. Now, banks are unwilling to provide finance for the car and confidence among car buyers for Nano has also sagged. In November, Tata Motors was compelled to drop production of the car to only 509 units to clear the huge inventory it carries at most Tata Motors dealerships.
But now, Tata has opened sales of the small car in 12 states and aims to cover the entire country before the end of the year. State Bank of India and HDFC Bank are being approached to sort out the consumer profile for loan seekers. Additionally, special sales executives will be hired to deal with Nano customers and more focus & support will be extended in rural areas.

Chevrolet spark JD quality award

Chevrolet Spark won the top award for quality for the fourth consecutive year in the India Automotive Initial Quality Study announced by J.D Power Asia Pacific 2010. The Chevrolet Spark was ranked the highest in the compact car segment in this year’s study conducted by JD Power. This is for the record fourth time in a row that Spark has bagged this prestigious award. Chevrolet Beat bagged the second position in the Premium Compact Car segment and the Chevrolet Tavera was placed at second position in the Multi Utility Vehicle/Multi Purpose Vehicle segments respectively.