Mahindra XUV500 secures 5,900 bookings in two days (India Cars)

Mahindra XUV500 secures 5,900 bookings in two days (India Cars)

 The company registered around 5,900 plus bookings for its XUV500 within two days of reopening the registrations.

Image Credit: carkhabri.com

Mahindra and Mahindra (M&M) on Friday reported that the company had received around 5,900 plus bookings for its newest SUV, the XUV 500 within two days after the bookings were reopened on January 25.

Within ten days of the launch of the XUV500, the company has accumulated over 8,000 bookings and the carmaker finally had to shut down the registrations of the SUV on October 11, 2011 to cope with the orders in hand. Now, since the company has cleared the backlog, the second phase of the bookings commenced on January 25 and will be kept open till February 3.

The company has also raised the prices of the XUV500 from January 1, 2012 due to rise in the prices of raw materials and depreciation of rupee. The price of the base model W6 has been hiked by Rs 30,000 and that of models W8-FWD and W8-AWD have been hiked by Rs 50,000 and 55,000 respectively. (All prices are ex-showroom, New Delhi.)

Please, leave your feedback about this article in the comment box below.

source: On Cars

Read more »

Mercedes-Benz to launch SLS AMG Roadster at Auto Expo in January (India)

Mercedes-Benz to launch SLS AMG Roadster at Auto Expo in January (India)

Premium luxury car-maker Mercedes-Benz today said it will launch its SLS AMG Roadster model at the Auto Expo in New Delhi in January.

Image Credit: cartolo.com

"Our showcase at the Auto-Expo this year will be impressive, both in terms of presentation and display vehicles. There will be several show-stoppers, including the launch of the stunning SLS AMG Roadster," Mercedes-Benz India Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Peter Honegg said in a statement issued here.

The company will also display the concept A-Class, which is globally acclaimed for its expressive design and technological marvels, it added.

The company's stall at the Auto Expo will see the presence of more than 10 cars, including the SLS GT3 and the DTM car.

Mercedes-Benz, which will launch a driving academy in association with Jaypee Sports International by April, will allow participants at the expo to enroll in the academy.

"There will be a lounge area to offer an exclusive experience, special accessory outlets, besides opportunities to offer networking possibilities for patrons and representatives," Honegg said.

Mercedes-Benz posted a 31 per cent growth in sales to 6,698 cars during January-November, 2011, from 5,110 units in the corresponding period last year.

source: Times of India

Read more »

Audi India plans to launch S6 sedan, Q3 SUV in 2012

Audi India plans to launch S6 sedan, Q3 SUV in 2012

 According to IBN Live, German luxury car-maker Audi plans to launch its sedan S6 and sports utility vehicle Q3 in India next year as it looks to achieve about 40 per cent growth in sales in 2012.

The company will showcase the two models at the upcoming Auto Expo next month in the national capital. "The study is going on to introduce S6 in the Indian market. We are thinking to launch it during the second quarter of next year," Audi India Head Michael Perschke told PTI.

Image Credit: audirs6sedan.blogspot.com

Besides, the company is also considering to introduce smaller sports utility vehicles (SUV) such as Q3 in the Indian market, he added.

"We may launch Q3 in India very soon. It will most probably come in during the second half of 2012," Perschke said. The company will also showcase the concept of the electric hybrid version of the A3 at the Expo, he added.

When asked about the sales, Perschke said: "We are expecting to end the current year with about 80 per cent sales jump. We have already crossed 5,100 units and hope to sell a total of about 5,400 units for the entire 2012".

The company had sold 3,003 units in last year. "In 2012, the Indian luxury market is predicted to grow by 30-40 per cent. We are expecting a jump of minimum 50 per cent next year that is about 8,000 units," he said. Out of this expected sales, about 1,500 units will come

from the imported models, he added.

On its dealership expansion plans, Perschke said: "At present, we are present in 15 locations. By the end of 2012, our plan is to have dealers at 23 locations."

Audi India had earlier announced its aim to become the market leader in Indian luxury car segment by 2015 by surpassing its compatriots BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Earlier this year, Audi India had launched a new version of its SUV Q5 at a price lower than its previous range.

Which one do you like most S6 sedan or Q3 SUV. Leave your suggestions in the comment box below.

source: IBN Live

Read more »