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Wednesday, August 19, 2009
DUCATI 749
Harley Davidson to hit Indian roads
New Delhi: American cult bike brand Harley Davidson can be seen cruising on Indian roads soon.
In return for allowing mango exports to the US, the Government on Friday relaxed emission and testing norms for the import of Harley Davidson bikes.
The Commerce Ministry on Friday notified that import of motorcycles up to 800 cc engine capacity or above subject to compliance to Euro III emission norms.
Individuals, firms and original equipment manufacturers with service networks would be allowed to import these bikes.
The relaxation followed an agreement reached at the India-US Trade Policy Forum meeting in New Delhi.
"We have reached an agreement... now Harley Davidson motorcycles can be imported while Indian mangoes will be available in the US markets," as quoted , Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath said.
The Government has done away with the need for conducting homologation checks for these bikes. These tests are essential to see if imported vehicles meet Indian regulations. In place of this, test certificates of accredited agency will suffice.
Though bikes in India have to meet strict norms, Harley Davidson and other motorcycles of higher engine capacity have been given a liberal treatment. But they would have to meet at least Euro III norms.
US Trade Representative Susan Schwab on the other hand said, "Indian mangoes are only a few days away from the shipment".
The king of fruit has not been allowed to enter the US market due to various non-trade barriers and the last hitch of radiation testing is being addressed. A radiation testing facility is being set up in Mumbai on a cost-sharing basis.
Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi
Bajaj Auto launched the its new bike Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi to streghten their position premium segment. This new bike has a 220cc, oil-cooled, DTS-Fi engine with a 5 speed gearbox which produces 20 PS power at 8500rpm. and 19.12 Nm torque at 6500rpm. This bike is equipped with DTS-Fi(Digital Twin Spark Fuel Ignition) technology. The DTS-Fi technology helps in faster and better fuel combustion which makes it the fuel efficient bike in 220cc+ segment. This bike is embedded with 220cc power plant which provides the great acceleration to this bike so that Pulsar can hit 0-60kph in just 4.0 seconds and it can run a quarter mile in 16 seconds.
Features of Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTS-Fi:
* DTS-Fi Tecnology
* Digital LCD Cosole Speedometer
* 6-Spoke Alloy Wheels
* Larger Tank Cowl
* Tubeless Tyres
* Oil Cooling
* Great Accelaration
* Muscular Frame
* Naked Chain Cover
The price of the Pulsar 220 is Rs 87,130, which is a competetive price for 220cc+ segment bike. Bajaj Auto hopes to sell more than five lakhs bike in the upcoming year and the low price tag of Pulsar might helps it to achieve its target. The Reviewers of the bike said that the street fighter looks of Pulsar make it the best looking naked bike in the 220cc segment. Further, the muscular frame, sporty front and rear view makes the Pulsar a must buy bike in its segment.
Available Colors of Pulsar:
* Silver
* Blue
* Red
VEHICLE SUMMARY:
Engine:
ENGINE TYPE : 4-Stroke, DTS-Fi
DISPLACEMENT : 220cc
MAXIMUM POWER : 20 PS @ 8500rpm
MAXIMUM TORQUE : 19.12 Nm @ 6500rpm
ACCELERATION : 0-60 Kmph in 4.0 Seconds
TOP SPEED : 135kph
STARTING : Self Start/Kick Start
IGNITION : Digital Twin Spark Fuel Ignition
COOLING TYPE : Oil-Cooling
TRANSMISSION:
CLUTCH : Multi-Disc Wet Type
GEAR BOX : 5 Speed Costant Mesh
CHASSIS TYPE : Tubular Double Cradle
SUSPENSION:
FRONT : Telescopic, 130mm Stroke
REAR : Mono Tube 5-Step Adjustable Canister - Gas Filled Shock Absorbers
BRAKES:
FRONT : 260mm, Twin Calipers Disc Brake
REAR : 200mm, Single Caliper Disc Brake
WHEELS AND TYRES:
WHEEL TYPE : Alloy
TYRE TYPE : Tubeless
TYRE SIZE(FRONT) : 90 x 90 - 17
TYRE SIZE(REAR) : 120 x 80 - 17
FUEL TANK:
FUEL CAPACITY : 15 Ltrs
FUEL RESERVE : 3 Ltrs
DIMENSIONS:
LENGTH : 2035.00 mm
WIDTH : 750.00 mm
HEIGHT : 1165.00 mm
WHEELBASE : 1350.00 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE : 165 mm
KERB WEIGHT : 150 Kg.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:
FUEL GUAGE : Digital
TACHO METER : Analogue
TRIP METER : Digital
SPEEDOMETER : Digital
SELF START : Available
LOW FUEL INDICATOR : Available
LOW OIL INDICATOR : None
LOW BATTERY INDICATOR : None
FUEL CONSUMPTION(CITY) : Around 35 Km/Litre
FUEL CONSUMPTION(HIGHWAY) : Around 45 Km/Litre
Bullet Machismo 500
Royal Enfield has launched its next cruiser bike, Bullet Machismo 500. The new Bullet Machismo 500 is a foxy combination of the cutting edge technology, higher torque, comfort and style. Bike reviewers said that Bullet is the Indian version of Harley Davidson and it is the only true cruiser bike available in Indian motorcycle market. This new bike is equipped with a 499cc, air-cooled, OHV engine with a 5 speed gearbox which produces 24 PS power at 5600rpm and 40.85 Nm torque at 3500rpm.
Bullet Machismo is the first motorcycle in the Indian motorcycle market which has the true cruiser and classical image and features. The spoked wheels, a sleek muffler with alluminium finish engine, gas filled rear shock absorber gives this bike a deadly looks.
The 499cc power-plant of produces the great acceleration which helps this bike to touch the 60 Kmph speed in just 5 seconds and make it able to cross the barrier of 130 Kmph. Its 19 x 3.25mm(front)and 19 x 3.5 mm(rear) wheels makes the handling capacity of this bike so qualitative. Its Telescopic Hydraulic front suspension and Swing Arm, Gas filled rear shock absorber reduces the jerks at the time of riding and improves the handling of this motorcycle.
Attractive Features of Machismo 500:
* Muscular Frame
* Shiny Spoked Wheels
* Long Wheelbase at 1370mm for Better Stability
* Large Fuel Tank(14.5 Ltrs)
* Excellent Braking(280mm front disc brake)
* Better Fuel Efficiency
* Great Acceleration
* Classical Wind-Shield
* Classical Headlamp
* Spacious Leather Bag
Available Colors of Bullet Machismo 500:
* Black
* Alberto Green
Royal Enfield decided to sell just about five hundred Machismo 500 in upcoming year. This grand bike Bullet Machismo 500 from Royal Enfield has a heavy price tag starting from Rs.1.05 Lacs.
VEHICLE SUMMARY:
Engine:
ENGINE TYPE : Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, OHV
DISPLACEMENT : 499cc
MAXIMUM POWER : 24 PS @ 5600rpm
MAXIMUM TORQUE : 40.85 Nm @ 3500rpm
CARBURETOR : BS 29, Constant Vaccum
ACCELERATION : 0-60 Kmph in 5 Seconds
TOP SPEED : 130kph
STARTING : Kick Start
IGNITION : TCI
TRANSMISSION:
CLUTCH : Multiplate Wet
GEAR BOX : 5 Speed
SUSPENSION:
FRONT : Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping
REAR : Swing Arm, Adjustable Gas Filled Shock Absorbers
BRAKES:
FRONT : 280mm Hydraulic Dia Disc Brake
REAR : Internal Expansion (Drum), 6"
WHEELS AND TYRES:
WHEEL TYPE : Spoked Wheels
TYRE SIZE(FRONT) : 19 x 3.25, 4/6 PR
TYRE SIZE(REAR) : 19 x 3.5, 4/6 PR
FUEL TANK:
TOTAL FUEL CAPACITY : 14.5 Ltrs
FUEL RESERVE : 2 Ltrs
DIMENSIONS:
LENGTH : 2120.00 mm
WIDTH : 750.00 mm
HEIGHT : 1080.00 mm
WHEELBASE : 1370.00 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE : 140 mm
KERB WEIGHT : 185 kg.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:
HEAD LAMP : 12V, 45W/40W
FUEL GUAGE : Analouge
TACHO METER : None
TRIP METER : None
SPEEDOMETER : Analogue
SELF START : None
LOW FUEL INDICATOR : None
LOW OIL INDICATOR : NONE
LOW BATTERY INDICATOR : NONE
Fuel CONSUMPTION(CITY) : Around 33 Km/Litre
Fuel CONSUMPTION(HIGHWAY) : Around 45 Km/Litre
Thunderbird Twinspark
Royal Enfield has launched its most awaited cruiser bike, Thunderbird Twinspark in 350cc segment. Royal Enfield launched this cruiser bike to target the Indian youth with its power and classical look. The new Thunderbird Twinspark is a foxy combination of the cutting edge technology, higher torque, comfort and style. Thunderbird Twinspark is the first motorcycle by the Royal Enfield which has the powerful UCE(Unit Construction Engine) engine with the integrated gearbox. The UCE engine of this bike improves the reliability & reduce the manual intervention needed for smooth functioning of the engine.
This new motorcycle has a 346cc, air-cooled, OHV, Unit Constructed Engine with a 5 speed gearbox which produces 19.8 bhp power at 5250rpm and 28 Nm torque at 4000rpm. This is the first motorcycle in the Indian motorcycle market which has the true cruiser and classical image and features. The shiny spoked wheels, a sleek muffler with heat shield silencer, gas filled rear shock absorber and electronic flasher gives this motorcycle a deadly look.
The 346cc power-plant of of this bike produces the great acceleration which make this bike able to touch the 60 Kmph speed in just 5 seconds and break the barrier of 130 Kmph. Its 19 x 3.25mm(front)and 19 x 3.5 mm(rear) wheels makes the handling capacity of this bike so qualitative. Its Telescopic Hydraulic front suspension and Swing Arm, Gas filled rear shock absorber reduces the jerks at the time of riding and improves the handling of this bike. The on road price of this grand bike, Thunderbird Twinspark is Rs. 1.06 Lacs.
Features of Thunderbird Twinspark:
* Muscular Frame
* Ergonomically Designed High Density Foam Seats
* MFR Headlamp
* Electronic Flasher
* Self Start
* Shiny Spoked Wheels
* Low Vibration at High Speed
* Long Wheelbase at 1370mm for Better Stability
* Large Fuel Tank(15.5 Ltrs)
* Excellent Braking(280mm front disc brake)
* Better Fuel Efficiency
* Great Acceleration
Available Colors of Thunderbird Twinspark:
* Red
* Black
* Silver
VEHICLE SUMMARY:
Engine:
ENGINE TYPE : Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, OHV
DISPLACEMENT : 346cc
MAXIMUM POWER : 19.8 bhp @ 5250rpm
MAXIMUM TORQUE : 28 Nm @ 4000rpm
CARBURETOR : BS 29, Constant Vaccum
ACCELERATION : 0-60 Kmph in 5 Seconds
TOP SPEED : 130kph
STARTING : Kick Start/Self Start
IGNITION : Electronic TCI
TRANSMISSION:
CLUTCH : Multiplate Wet
GEAR BOX : 5 Speed
SUSPENSION:
FRONT : Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping
REAR : Swing Arm, Gas Filled Shock Absorbers
BRAKES:
Front : 280mm Hydraulic Dia Disc Brake
Rear : Drum Brake, Single Lead(Dia 152.4mm or 6" drum brake)
WHEELS AND TYRES:
WHEEL TYPE : Spoked Wheels
TYRE SIZE(FRONT) : 19 x 3.25, 6/4 PR
TYRE SIZE(REAR) : 19 x 3.5, 6/4 PR
FUEL TANK:
TOTAL FUEL CAPACITY : 15.5 Ltrs
FUEL RESERVE : 2 Ltrs
DIMENSIONS:
LENGTH : 2120.00 mm
WIDTH : 780.00 mm
HEIGHT : 1080.00 mm
WHEELBASE : 1370.00 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE : 135 mm
KERB WEIGHT : 182 kg.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:
HEAD LAMP : 12V, 35W/35W, MFR(Multi Focal Reflector)
FUEL GUAGE : Analouge
TACHO METER : Analouge
TRIP METER : Analouge
SPEEDOMETER : Analogue
SELF START : Available
LOW FUEL INDICATOR : Available
LOW OIL INDICATOR : Available
LOW BATTERY INDICATOR : Available
FUEL CONSUMPTION(CITY) : Around 40 Km/Litre
FUEL CONSUMPTION(HIGHWAY) : Around 50 Km/Litre
Bullet Electra 5S
Bullet Electra 5S has launched by Royal Enfield to attract the Indian youth with its classical and stylish looks. The new Bullet Electra 5S is a foxy combination of the cutting edge technology, higher torque, power, comfort and style with a classical look. Bike reviewers said that Bullet Electra 5S is the Indian version of Harley Davidson and it is the only true cruiser bike available in Indian motorcycle market. Bullet Electra 5S is equipped with a 346cc, air-cooled, OHV engine with a 5 speed gearbox which produces 18 Bhp power at 5000rpm and 32 Nm torque at 3000rpm. Bullet Electra 5S is the first motorcycle in the Indian motorcycle market which has the true cruiser and classical image and features. The shiny spoked wheels, glass wool filled silencer with alluminium finish engine, gas filled rear shock absorber gives this bike a deadly looks.
The 346cc power-plant of Bullet Electra 5S produces the great acceleration which helps this bike to cross the mark of 60 Kmph speed in just 6.7 seconds and make it able to touch the barrier of 110 Kmph. Its 19 x 3.25mm(front)and 19 x 3.5 mm(rear) wheels makes the handling capacity of this bike so qualitative. The telescopic hydraulic front suspension and swing arm, gas filled rear shock absorber of this bike reduces the jerks during ride and improves the handling and provide better stability to this bike.
Attractive Features of Bullet Electra 5S:
* Glass Wool Filled Silencer
* Gas Filled Rear Shock Absorber
* Muscular Frame
* Shiny Spoked Wheels
* Long Wheelbase at 1370mm for Better Stability
* Large Fuel Tank(14.5 Ltrs)
* Excellent Braking(280mm front disc brake)
* Great Acceleration
* Classical MFR Headlamp
Available Colors of Bullet Electra 5S:
* Red
* Black
The price of Bullet Electra 5S is Rs. 74,159/- (As a Ex Showroom price new Delhi).
VEHICLE SUMMARY:
ENGINE:
ENGINE TYPE : Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, OHV
DISPLACEMENT : 346cc
MAXIMUM POWER : 18 Bhp @ 5000rpm
MAXIMUM TORQUE : 32 Nm @ 3000rpm
CARBURETOR : Micrab VM 24
ACCELERATION : 0-60 Kmph in 6.7 Seconds
TOP SPEED : 110kph
STARTING : Self Start/Kick Start
IGNITION : Digital TCI
TRANSMISSION:
CLUTCH : Multiplate Wet
GEAR BOX : 5 Speed
SUSPENSION:
FRONT : 130mm Stroke, Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping
REAR : Swing Arm, Adjustable Gas Filled Shock Absorbers
BRAKES:
FRONT : 280mm, Hydraulic Dia Disc Brake
REAR : Internal Expansion (Drum), 6"
WHEELS AND TYRES:
WHEEL TYPE : Spoked Wheels
TYRE SIZE(FRONT) : 19 x 3.25, 4/6 PR
TYRE SIZE(REAR) : 19 x 3.5, 4/6 PR
FUEL TANK:
TOTAL FUEL CAPACITY : 14.5 Ltrs
FUEL RESERVE : 2 Ltrs
DIMENSIONS:
LENGTH : 2120.00 mm
WIDTH : 750.00 mm
HEIGHT : 1080.00 mm
WHEELBASE : 1370.00 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE : 140 mm
KERB WEIGHT : 175 kg.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:
HEAD LAMP : 12V, 35W/35W
FUEL GUAGE : Analouge
TACHO METER : None
TRIP METER : None
SPEEDOMETER : Analogue
SELF START : Available
LOW FUEL INDICATOR : None
LOW OIL INDICATOR : None
LOW BATTERY INDICATOR : None
Fuel CONSUMPTION(CITY) : Around 39 Km/Litre
Fuel CONSUMPTION(HIGHWAY) : Around 48 Km/Litre
Bullet Electra 5S
Bullet Electra 5S has launched by Royal Enfield to attract the Indian youth with its classical and stylish looks. The new Bullet Electra 5S is a foxy combination of the cutting edge technology, higher torque, power, comfort and style with a classical look. Bike reviewers said that Bullet Electra 5S is the Indian version of Harley Davidson and it is the only true cruiser bike available in Indian motorcycle market. Bullet Electra 5S is equipped with a 346cc, air-cooled, OHV engine with a 5 speed gearbox which produces 18 Bhp power at 5000rpm and 32 Nm torque at 3000rpm. Bullet Electra 5S is the first motorcycle in the Indian motorcycle market which has the true cruiser and classical image and features. The shiny spoked wheels, glass wool filled silencer with alluminium finish engine, gas filled rear shock absorber gives this bike a deadly looks.
The 346cc power-plant of Bullet Electra 5S produces the great acceleration which helps this bike to cross the mark of 60 Kmph speed in just 6.7 seconds and make it able to touch the barrier of 110 Kmph. Its 19 x 3.25mm(front)and 19 x 3.5 mm(rear) wheels makes the handling capacity of this bike so qualitative. The telescopic hydraulic front suspension and swing arm, gas filled rear shock absorber of this bike reduces the jerks during ride and improves the handling and provide better stability to this bike.
Attractive Features of Bullet Electra 5S:
* Glass Wool Filled Silencer
* Gas Filled Rear Shock Absorber
* Muscular Frame
* Shiny Spoked Wheels
* Long Wheelbase at 1370mm for Better Stability
* Large Fuel Tank(14.5 Ltrs)
* Excellent Braking(280mm front disc brake)
* Great Acceleration
* Classical MFR Headlamp
Available Colors of Bullet Electra 5S:
* Red
* Black
The price of Bullet Electra 5S is Rs. 74,159/- (As a Ex Showroom price new Delhi).
VEHICLE SUMMARY:
ENGINE:
ENGINE TYPE : Air-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, OHV
DISPLACEMENT : 346cc
MAXIMUM POWER : 18 Bhp @ 5000rpm
MAXIMUM TORQUE : 32 Nm @ 3000rpm
CARBURETOR : Micrab VM 24
ACCELERATION : 0-60 Kmph in 6.7 Seconds
TOP SPEED : 110kph
STARTING : Self Start/Kick Start
IGNITION : Digital TCI
TRANSMISSION:
CLUTCH : Multiplate Wet
GEAR BOX : 5 Speed
SUSPENSION:
FRONT : 130mm Stroke, Telescopic, Hydraulic Damping
REAR : Swing Arm, Adjustable Gas Filled Shock Absorbers
BRAKES:
FRONT : 280mm, Hydraulic Dia Disc Brake
REAR : Internal Expansion (Drum), 6"
WHEELS AND TYRES:
WHEEL TYPE : Spoked Wheels
TYRE SIZE(FRONT) : 19 x 3.25, 4/6 PR
TYRE SIZE(REAR) : 19 x 3.5, 4/6 PR
FUEL TANK:
TOTAL FUEL CAPACITY : 14.5 Ltrs
FUEL RESERVE : 2 Ltrs
DIMENSIONS:
LENGTH : 2120.00 mm
WIDTH : 750.00 mm
HEIGHT : 1080.00 mm
WHEELBASE : 1370.00 mm
GROUND CLEARANCE : 140 mm
KERB WEIGHT : 175 kg.
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE:
HEAD LAMP : 12V, 35W/35W
FUEL GUAGE : Analouge
TACHO METER : None
TRIP METER : None
SPEEDOMETER : Analogue
SELF START : Available
LOW FUEL INDICATOR : None
LOW OIL INDICATOR : None
LOW BATTERY INDICATOR : None
Fuel CONSUMPTION(CITY) : Around 39 Km/Litre
Fuel CONSUMPTION(HIGHWAY) : Around 48 Km/Litre
Royal Enfield to launch new bikes in India
Today, India's leading bike manufacturer Royal Enfield announced that they are going to launch two new bikes in India by the next year. Royal Enfield which is also known as Bullet, is heavy-weight bike manufacturer and its motorbikes are well known for high performance and royal looks. The company official said that Royal Enfield plans to expand its overall manufacturing capacity by more than 35% by 2010.
Royal Enfield Divisional General Manager (Sales & Marketing), Mr. Shaji Koshy said that, "The company have plans and also it have enough engine platforms for launching new bikes in India. Royal Enfield will be launch two more models by the end of this year or by the early of next year."
Currently, Royal Enfield is evaluating the possibilities for the launch of two new bikes in India with two different engines capacity, twinspark 350cc and 500cc engine with EFI technology, he added.
The company is also working on to increase its overall manufacturing capacity to 60,000 units per annum by year 2010 from the existing 44,000 units of bikes per year at its Chennai based manufacturing plant.
Mr.Koshy, however, refused to disclose any information regarding whether the new bikes would be exclusively for the domestic market or for exports, saying the company would decide at the time of the launch.
"On an average, our bikes are on one month waiting period. To counter this problem, we are planning to increase our manufacturing capacities every year. This year, it will reach 50,000 units and we will ramp it up to 60,000 units by the end of next year," Mr.Koshy said, adding the company would invest Rs.25 crore in enhancing capacities and launching new products by 2010.
2009 Honda Odyssey – First Steer
ore power, more style and more space – who said family motoring had to be boring?
Gathering at Honda’s Melbourne HQ on a damp Friday morning a group of Australia’s motoring media was met with a garage full of fourth generation Odysseys all prep’ed, polished and ready to embark on an odyssey all of our own.
For the most part the trip saw us pass through some of Victoria’s more challenging country back roads which, mixed with a touch of suburbia, a few freeways and some open highway cruising, put the Odyssey through just about every aspect of family motoring. If only they’d thrown some kids and a dog in the back!
Honda Car Road Test in Bohol
We’ve been road-tripping around Bohol since this morning together with the team of people from Honda Cars Philippines driving four of their new entry-level cars. The sedan has several unique features that would catch the curiosity of gadget-lovers out there.
They shipped in four of the new 2009 Honda City and we took turns driving around as we stop by a number of tourist spots.
We were also asked to bring our iPods so we can test the in-car sound system, a request I was more than happy to oblige.
Will post more details about this and my impressions tomorrow evening once we finish the final leg of our test drive. This is also my first time to do some sort of review of any automotive vehicle so my focus will be more on the tech behind the whole package.
Hyundai vans win top ANCAP rating
Hyundai’s big boys, the iLoad, light commercial vehicle, and its sibling the iMax Shuttle, people mover, have joined an elite group in Australia after being awarded a four-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP).
The two van based vehicles were recently crash tested at the South Korean Government testing facility, KATRI, under ANCAP protocols and supervision.
GM Holden chief replaced
The sweeping changes in the General Motors management have filtered down to GM Holden with chairman and managing director, Mark Reuss, being replaced by his sales chief.
GM Holden announced this morning that 46-year-old Alan Batey, would take over the role from September 1.
Mr Batey, currently Holden’s executive director, sales, marketing and after sales, will succeed 45-year-old Mr Reuss, who has been appointed to a senior, as yet unnamed, product development role with General Motors based in the United States.
Mr Reuss entered the most senior revolving door at GM Holden in February last year to become the third chairman and MD in a little over six months. He was previously executive director of global vehicle integration, safety and virtual vehicle development and has a GM career spanning back to 1983.
He has since had a tough 18 months, overseeing the closure of Holden’s Melbourne engine plant, the scaling-down of production of the locally built Commodore in response to dwindling large-car sales, the loss of the Commodore export program to the US, and a $70-million loss for 2008.
Nick Reilly, GM’s recently elevated executive vice president and president of GM International Operations, Nick Reilly, who’s based in China and has responsibility for GM Holden, paid tribute to Mr Reuss’s leadership of Holden through a difficult period and said Mr Batey was an ideal appointment.
The Holden position was among changes announced by Mr Reilly, unveiling the new leadership structure for GM’s International Operations.
“Mark’s leadership during what has been a tumultuous time for the auto industry, both in Australia and globally has been outstanding.
At a time when the industry has been in crisis and where the parent company has been through a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, Mark has championed the interests of Holden at every turn,” Mr Reilly said.
“He has played a pivotal role in ensuring it is an important part of the new GM. He achieved a great deal in a relatively short time and returns to a key role in GM where he will remain a strong friend of Holden.
“Alan brings extensive leadership experience, exceptional product and commercial knowledge and a real passion for Holden.
“He has worked for GM across four continents and brings crucial continuity of leadership for Holden in what is a highly competitive marketplace.
“It is strong endorsement of the Holden leadership team that the Chairman and MD was able to be selected from within existing ranks,” Mr Reilly said.
Mr Batey was appointed to his sales and marketing role in January 2006 and is also a member of the Holden Board of Directors.
He was previously Vice President of Commercial Operations for GM Daewoo, a position he took on in 2002 when the new business was formed.
He previously held various sales and marketing assignments with Vauxhall before transferred to GM’s European Headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, and held a number of senior roles in GM’s European operations.
Mr Reilly also revealed that, Mike Arcamone would take over as president and CEO of Gm Daewoo, replacing Michael Grimaldi, who is retiring.
Mr Arcamone joined GM in 1980 and has held several important positions in manufacturing and global purchasing in North America and Europe.
Currently he is vice president of GM Powertrain Europe, and is responsible for 10 manufacturing plants and five engineering lo
Mercedes-Benz E-Class released in Australia
The all-new, ninth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and coupe have arrived in Australia.
A key fixture in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue for more than 60 years now the new model’s arrival sees a variety of innovative technologies to the segment offering customers the latest in safety, comfort, and driving performance.
The sedan is joined by a two-door sibling under the German marque’s famous E-Class badge – previously known as the CLK-Class coupé – this stunning two-door model returns to the rank of E-Class after more than ten years.
The last Mercedes-Benz coupé to wear the coveted E-Class badge was the C 124 model.
The powerful and striking exterior design of the new E-Class coupé features classic coupé proportions (long bonnet, sleek side flanks, flat roof line with downward sweeping curves, crisp ear styling).
It naturally has hallmark Mercedes-Benz design characteristics: centrally positioned star in the radiator grille (not on top of the bonnet), no B-pillars, and fully lowering front and side windows.
The coupé’s image starts with the pronounced V-shaped front end, which reinterprets the model’s famous twin headlamp face by shaping the headlights with bold and aggressive contours.
This characteristic was introduced in the C 208 model-series CLK-Class (1997-2002) and was carried over to the outgoing model, which blended the lights together.
At the rear, the new model’s powerfully contoured rear guards emphasise its width and it features a diffuser-look rear bumper. This year, readers of AUTO BILD magazine voted the new E-Class coupé the best looking car in the award category “coupé and cabriolet”.
The first models available will be the V6-powered E 350 sedan and the E 500 sedan, boasting the marque’s powerful yet efficient 5.5-litre 285kW V8 engine.
The interior of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupé has a sporty and stylish design. It has coupé-specific ergonomically designed seats with integral head restraints and has individual style full-size seats in the rear.
It has automatic belt feeders for the front occupants. As with the new E-Class sedan, the use of high grade materials and workmanship convey an impression of high quality, both in terms of look and feel.
The new E-Class sedan will be in authorised Mercedes-Benz passenger car showrooms from July 29. Pricing ranges from $97,500* for the E 250 BlueEfficiency (diesel) through to $174,500* for the E 500 V8 AMG Sports Package.
BUSTED! Ford Territory Diesel details
Our spy photographers have been at it again, this time around catching Ford testing the long awaited Ford Territory Diesel.
Although this pair of white Territorys look identical to most other Territorys on the road, it takes an eagle eye to spot the glaring differences.
If you have a look at the front end, the front-mount intercooler is visible, as is a side mounted radiator, which has had a fog light removed for extra breathing room.
In addition to the turbo-diesel engine, Ford will also be fitting out the interior of the Territory with the FG Falcon dashboard and fascia.
As you can see from the interior picture, the centre stack and tachometer/speedometer cluster are a replica of that fitted to the current Falcon.
Shortly after receiving a mouthful of vulgar language from the driver of the first pictured vehicle, our photographer spotted yet another diesel powered Territory.
Further investigation has found that Ford is currently testing 14 Territorys with the same engine, as described below.
Ford were meant to have the ‘new’ Territory ready for the Melbourne International Motor show but ran into trouble with the originally slated five-cylinder turbo-diesel unit used in the Volvo range.
Instead, CarAdvice has exclusively obtained information which confirms all 14 Territory test mules, along with the final Territory Diesel product will be powered by the outgoing 2.7-litre, turbo-diesel, V6 from Land Rover’s Discovery3 range.
While the Land Rover Discovery3 weighs a hefty 2.4-tonne, Ford’s Territory is a slimmer 1.9-tonne with diesel fitted. The loss of weight, along with the 140kW/445Nm Land Rover Discovery3 engine will mean the Territory will be one slick moving machine.
Ford is expected to use their current relationship with ZF Sachs to mesh the 6-speed automatic from the Falcon range into the diesel Territory.
The roof on the first vehicle pictured also looks to be modified, suggesting a full length glass roof could be on the way.
While it’s good to see the project coming along, it is well and truly overdue. This vehicle should have been finished over a year ago and ready to hit the market for the Melbourne International Motor Show.
When asked about the release date for the next generation Territory, Ford spokesperson Sinead McAlary told CarAdvice “We don’t comment so specifically on the timing of future model programs”.
There was speculation at the recent Territory launch that a revised model would arrive in early 2010. If that’s the case, you can expect to see the arrival of Ford’s Diesel powered Territory around the same time.
Volkswagen Golf GTI by ABT
The highly respected German Tuning house ABT has released their version of the latest and equally well-respected Golf GTI.
CarAdvice’s Full Throttle team recently sampled several ABT tuned rockets in Germany and were blown away by what these guys can do with much of the standard fare from the Volkswagen group, which means this Golf GTI is likely to seriously impress.
First off, let’s look at the numbers. The standard Golf GTI produces a respectable 154kW and 280Nm of torque, which is good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds, if you go for the quick shifting DSG transmission.
ABT have managed to extract an amazing 221kW and a whopping 400Nm from the 2.0 FSI turbocharged engine. That’s a whole lot of extra kilowatts, and enough to lower the 0-100km/h-sprint time to a fraction under six seconds.
The main ingredient is a new ABT developed turbocharger, as well as their own chassis springs, which lowers the GTI’s centre of gravity by a full 30mm.
The Chassis setting was designed by ex DTM racer Christian ABT, which means this thing should out handle anything but only the very best performance cars. I know this, as we drove their version of the Golf R32, and our BMW M5 had some difficulty trying to stay with it – on the autobahn.
But its not just about performance with the ABT GTI, it also looks the part. There is absolutely no mistaking this car for a “normal” Golf GTI.
The rear spoiler and rear apron, side mouldings, front grill and apron along with the diagonal 4-pipe exhaust system form one unit.
The front apron also houses new Daylight Running Lamps as part of the overall aero package.
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