BMW Group India has presented the 14th BMW Art Car created by renowned British artist David Hockney for the first time in India. His creation will be exhibited from 31 January – 3 February 2019 at the India Art Fair in New Delhi. David Hockney created the 14th Art Car for BMW in 1995 with the BMW 850 CSi.

BMW Art Cars or the ‘Rolling Sculptures’ are original masterpieces of art that demonstrate an individual synthesis of artistic expression and automobile design. Since 1975, 19 international artists have created Art Cars based on contemporary BMW automobiles of their times, all offering a wide range of artistic interpretations.

For over 40 years, BMW Art Car Collection has fascinated art and design enthusiasts as well as lovers of cars and technology with its unique combination of fine art and innovative automobile technology. Several cars from BMW Art Car Collection are usually on display at the BMW Museum in Munich, the home of BMW Art Cars, as part of its permanent collection. The remaining BMW Art Cars travel the globe – to art fairs as well as exhibitions.

The BMW Art Car collection was born when French race car driver and art aficionado Hervé Poulain, together with Jochen Neerpasch, then BMW Motorsport Director, asked his artist friend Alexander Calder to design an automobile. The result was a BMW 3.0 CSL, which competed in 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1975, where it quickly became the crowd’s favourite. Since then, 19 international artists have designed BMW models, among them some of the most renowned artists of our time : Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975), Frank Stella (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1976), Roy Lichtenstein (BMW 320 Group 5, 1977), Andy Warhol (BMW M1 Group 4, 1979), Ernst Fuchs (BMW 635CSi, 1982), Robert Rauschenberg (BMW 635CSi, 1986), Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3 Group A, 1989), Ken Done (BMW M3 Group A, 1989), Matazo Kayama (BMW 535i, 1990), César Manrique (BMW 730i, 1990), A. R. Penck (BMW Z1, 1991), Esther Mahlangu (BMW 525i, 1991), Sandro Chia (BMW M3 GTR, 1992), David Hockney (BMW 85  0CSi, 1995), Jenny Holzer (BMW V12 LMR, 1999), Ólafur Eliasson (BMW H2R, 2007), Jeff Koons (BMW M3 GT2, 2010), John Baldessari (BMW M6 GT3) and Cai Fei (BMW M6 GT3).

David Hockney’s art car tells a story. The imagery, flat and Matisse-like, narrates the emotional connection and singular bond between the driver and the vehicle. Hockney offers us a glimpse into the dynamics of the driver’s life: the car contains this personal story and is contained by it. The X-ray view of the interior of the car presents us a view of this connection.  He turns the inside out, putting the technology of the BMW 850 CSi on the outside and making the bodywork seem transparent. The idea of showing the inside without damaging the outer shell. On the bonnet he paints parts of the 380 hp 12 – cylinder engine: big grey cylinders and huge round intake manifolds. He stretches stylised tyre treads, painted in black on white, far beyond the wheel arches, as if you are looking down through the metal from above. On the driver’s side there is a silhouette of a human figure in black and white. Its like the shadow of the driver on a canvas screen. On the passenger side, roof and trunk Hockney depicts a landscape. We can see a short stretch of grey road and lots of green, the lush rich green of California’s trees. Behind the silhouette of the driver is a white dog in an upright position. The dog is looking over the driver’s shoulder and out of the window. The Californian sun shines a powerful yellow and orange in the background.

As part of its commitment towards ensuring a seamless customer experience for the launch of its SUV MG Hector, MG Motor India has appointed tech giant Adobe, for bringing on board an end-to-end digital solutions platform to chart out its entire customer journey from initial expression of interest to purchase.

With a focus on digital media for MG, the mandate encompasses a gamut of Adobe Experience Cloud products, making MG among the first automobile brands in India to adopt the entire suite of Adobe’s digital marketing products. The Adobe Experience Cloud platform will be responsible for delivering a differentiated customer experience – right from managing the Adobe Cloud Experience interface with customers via the revamped MG Motor India website, to managing the entire step-by-step digital interface with customers around its launch.

“With the car buying decisions of customers increasingly being influenced by digital media, it is imperative to provide a seamless yet not in-the-face customer experience at all instances during digital customer interaction. With Adobe on board, we can facilitate an experiential customer journey and map and monitor the entire digital customer journey, right from interest generation to the final purchase. This deep access to customer insights will allow us to engage prospective customers with experiences that are personalised, relevant, and compelling, starting with the current pre-launch phase,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.

As part of its digital strategy, Adobe will help MG India build and consolidate its experience onto a common platform, including its brand website, dealer websites, and digital screens. With the implementation of Adobe Analytics, MG India will leverage insights derived from digital interactions between the brand and its customers across these channels, to further deliver personalised customer experiences. Additionally, the brand’s recently revamped website has moved from WordPress to the Adobe Experience Cloud keeping in mind enhanced customer experience and personalized content as the core.

“Technology has transformed the way customers interact with the world around them and has rapidly evolved the expectations of brands. Digital, and the era of experience, are at the core of brands looking to thrive, especially in hyper-competitive sectors like the automobile industry. This industry has an array of objectives including appealing to a wide audience, establishing a deeper customer connection, and truly standing out from the pack. We are excited to partner with an iconic brand like MG and look forward to working with them as they enter the Indian market,” said Kulmeet Bawa, Managing Director, Adobe South Asia.

Shri N Chandrababu Naidu, Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh; Shin Bongkil, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India; and Han-Woo Park, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation test drive the SP2i Prototype

Kia Motors today commenced trial production at its manufacturing facility in Anantapur, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. This important step not only signifies the completed construction of the new 536-acre manufacturing facility, but also marks the arrival of Kia’s new flagship car for India, the Kia SP2i – a new SUV based on the Kia SP Concept, first showcased at India’s Auto Expo 2018.

The Kia SP2i will bring Kia’s exacting standards for quality to the Indian market, as well as the brand’s reputation for modern design and in-car technology. Trial production of the SP2i will enable Kia to synchronize and fine-tune the brand’s manufacturing equipment and technologies before series production commences later in 2019.
Kia marked the start of trial operations with a launch ceremony at the Anantapur plant, in the presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu and Shin Bongkil, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India. The ceremony was also attended by Han-Woo Park, President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation, and Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India.

Kia also consolidated its Future Mobility Partnership with the government of Andhra Pradesh by handing over an example of the new Kia Soul EV (electric vehicle). The new EV is part of Kia’s growing portfolio of advanced, eco-friendly powertrains. This partnership reinforces Kia’s commitment to supporting the Andhra Pradesh government in promoting the uptake of EVs and developing a local EV charging infrastructure.

Commenting on the brand’s latest production milestone, Han-Woo Park – President & CEO of Kia Motors Corporation said, “India will play a singularly important role in expanding Kia Motors’ global footprint, and today feels like the start of another chapter in our Indian success story. Commencing trial production is a significant moment that we have been preparing for as we take on the challenges of future mobility across the country.”

Kia’s new Anantapur manufacturing facility occupies 536 acres and is capable of an annual production capacity of up to 300,000 units, boosting Kia’s global manufacturing capability. The plant is poised to create more than 3,000 direct and 7,000 indirect jobs across the Andhra Pradesh region.

A US$2bn investment by Kia and its vendor partners ensures the availability of world-standard technologies and the development of high-quality local manufacturing skills.
An integrated automotive production facility, the new Anantapur plant employs the latest production technologies, with more than 300 robots automating the press, body and paint shops. The plant houses a five-acre training facility that offers a Basic Technical Course (BTC) in automobiles in collaboration with the Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation (APSSDC), helping develop manufacturing skills among young people. Safety performance during vehicle production is another highlight of the facility.

“Today represents a moment of pride and reflection for us as we officially commence trial production of Kia’s new Indian manufacturing plant. This is the latest important step in our entry into the Indian automobile market. We started construction of the site just a couple of months more than one year ago, and to have started manufacturing operations here so soon is testament to our bold plans and strong commitment to India.”, Kookhyun Shim – Managing Director and CEO of Kia Motors India commented.

“Globally, Kia constantly seeks out new ways to reduce consumption and minimize
waste across the entire automotive life cycle, and we believe in constantly monitoring results to ensure we remain clean and green. Here in Anantapur, we have created one of the most technically advanced, cost-effective and labor-efficient manufacturing facilities in the world. Today, we officially begin our journey to becoming one of the top five automakers in India by 2021, with a new model that will appeal to forward-looking and outgoing Indian buyers.”, he added.

The country’s leading car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki has announced the launch of the 2019 Wagon R in India with prices starting from Rs 4.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Maruti Suzuki Wagon R will be available in three variants – LXI, VXI and ZXI; it will compete with the likes of the Hyundai Santro, Tata Tiago, Renault Kwid and Datsun GO.

Now in its third generation, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has been newly built from the ground-up. The new Wagon R will be based on the same 5th generation Heartect platform, similar to the new Swift and Dzire. According to Maruti Suzuki, the new platform increases safety of occupants through effective absorption of impact and dispersion of crash energy and assures stability. Use of 40 per cent high tensile steel provides better strength, safety, rigidity and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) performance.

On the exterior, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R continues to sport a tall boy design, however, it is now lighter by 6 kilograms when compared to its predecessor. The car will get a matte black grille and lower bumper and an entirely redesigned tall headlight. The rear gets a complete re-jig as well, with a new tail-gate along with new elongated tail lamps which look good.

At 3,655 mm in length and 1,620 mm in width, the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is now both longer by 60 mm and wider by 145 mm. It also has a 35 mm longer wheelbase now at 2,435 mm, all of which translates into more cabin space. It comes with 341 litres boot space, which can further be extended to 710 litres with the rear seats folded.

The cabin of the new Wagon R too gets a major overhaul with a new dashboard and a new touchscreen infotainment system with a classy two-tone finish. It is a definite step-up over the outgoing model. The system is called as SmartPlay Studio by Maruti, and it offers smartphone connectivity, vehicle information, and cloud-based services along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The car also gets new dual tone brown and beige fabric upholstery with 60:40 split seats at the rear.

Under the hood of the 2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R is the advanced K-series engine. The New Wagon R will be available with a new 1.2-litre petrol engine option along with the tried and tested 1.0-litre motor. The 1.2-litre engine produces 83 PS of  maximum power and 113 Nm of peak torque. The 1.0-litre engine churns out 68 PS of power and 90 Nm of torque. The engine options are available with the choice of manual transmission and Auto Gear Shift (AGS).

Safety features including Driver airbag, ABS (antilock braking system) with EBD (electronic brake force distribution), front seat belts reminder, speed alert system and rear parking sensors are standard across variants.

2019 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R (ex-showroom, Delhi) are as follows:

1.0-litre

LXi – Rs 4.19 lakh

VXi – Rs 4.69 lakh

VXi (AGS) – Rs 5.16 lakh

1.2-litre

VXi – Rs 4.89 lakh

ZXi – Rs 5.22 lakh

VXi (AGS) – Rs 5.36 lakh

ZXi (AGS) -Rs 5.69 lakh

From L-R: Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai and Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India at the roll-out of the all-new BMW X4.

The all-new BMW X4 was launched in India earlier this week. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the all-new BMW X4 will be available in diesel and petrol variants.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India said, “BMW established the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) category and the latest addition to this hugely successful family is the all-new BMW X4 belonging to the Sports Activity Coupé segment. Its distinctive vehicle concept, which fuses the hallmark features of a BMW X model with the sporting elegance of a coupé, will be proven an instant hit in this class and will become a trend-setter. The all-new BMW X4 underscores its individual character with superior driving dynamics, standout exterior design accentuating the car’s sporting instincts, a refined premium ambience in the interior and leading-edge technologies.”

The all-new BMW X4 is available in two diesel variants – the BMW X4 xDrive20d M Sport X and the BMW X4 xDrive30d M Sport X and in one petrol variant – the BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport X, all of which are locally produced.

The three-litre six-cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X4 xDrive30d produces an output of 269 PS (265 hp) and a maximum torque of 620 Nm at 2,000 – 2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.0 seconds. The two-litre four cylinder diesel engine of the BMW X4 xDrive20d produces an output of 193 PS (190 hp) and produces a maximum torque of 400 Nm at 1,750-2,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 8.0 seconds. The two-litre four cylinder BS VI compliant petrol engine of BMW X4 xDrive30i produces an output of 252 PS (252 hp) and produces a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,450 –4,800 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds.

The 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission performs smooth gear shifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. For even greater driving pleasure, the 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is available with steering wheel paddle shifters.

BMW xDrive, an all-wheel-drive system monitors the driving situation constantly and is quick to respond. The compact, low-weight all-wheel-drive system distributes the engine’s power between the front and rear axle exactly to suit the driving situation and the surface. Electronically controlled ‘Automatic Differential Brakes/Locks (ADB-X)’, extended ‘Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)’, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control help to conquer every terrain.

Adaptive Suspension makes it possible to adjust the damper characteristics to suit any given driving situation, increasing comfort and driving dynamics. Performance Control intervenes by providing controlled braking when turning, so that more power is distributed to the outer wheels and less to the inner wheels. Variable Sport Steering including Servotronic continuously adjusts the steering effort required depending on the current speed.

BMW EfficientDynamics comes with features such as Auto Start-Stop, ECO PRO mode, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution and many other innovative technologies. Using the Driving Experience Control switch, driver is able to choose between different driving modes (ECOPRO, COMFORT, SPORT/ SPORT+) to suit diverse driving conditions.

The all-new BMW X4 features several safety technologies. It provides optimal support in any situation with six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

The all-new BMW X4 is equipped with a wide range of BMW ConnectedDrive systems like the Multifunctional Instrument Display which visualises driving-related cockpit information in a style that reflects the selected driving mode, BMW iDrive Touch with handwriting recognition, 26 cm (10.25-inch) BMW Navigation System Professional with touch functionality, 16 loud speakers with 600 Watts high-end Surround Sound system from Harman Kardon, BMW Apps, Wireless Apple Car Play and connectivity through Bluetooth and USB. The full-color BMW Head-Up Display with a resolution of 400 x 800 pixels reflects driving-related information onto the windscreen.

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

BMW X4 xDrive20d M Sport X : Rs. 60,60,000

BMW X4 xDrive30d M Sport X : Rs. 65,90,000

BMW X4 xDrive30i M Sport X : Rs. 63,50,000

From L-R: Pratap Bose- Head of Design, Tata Motors and S N Barman- Vice President Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors at the launch of the Tata Harrier in Kolkata. 

Tata Motors has launched its much-awaited SUV, the Harrier, which has generated curiosity among many since its concept H5X days when it was first showcased at the Auto Expo 2018. Tata Motors has pleasantly surprised everyone with their aggressive price strategy launching the Harrier with prices starting at Rs. 12.69 lakhs, ex-showroom Kolkata.

In many ways, the Tata Harrier is truly a global SUV, offering a combination of design and excellence which is outcome of the marriage between Tata Motors and JLR. This thoroughbred SUV, engineered on Optimal Modular Efficient Global Advanced (OMEGA) Architecture has been tested on varied terrains and promises to offer praiseworthy driving dynamics. The Harrier is the first vehicle to sport the IMPACT Design 2.0 design language of Tata Motors, which aspires to appeal to customers with its exteriors and interiors designs.

According to SN Barman, Vice President, Sales, Marketing & Customer Support, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors – “The launch of the Tata Harrier is a significant milestone in the journey of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle business unit. The much- awaited Harrier has created a lot of excitement in the market ever since it was unveiled at the Auto Expo as H5X concept. Customers have admired the Harrier for its stunning exteriors and the legendary pedigree of OMEGA ARC, derived from Land Rover’s D8 Platform. With a perfect combination of design and performance, this SUV is set to be a game changer in the Indian auto sector and promises to surpass all current benchmarks and pave entirely new standards for SUVs in India.”

According to Pratap Bose, Head – Design, Tata Motors – “Tata Harrier will be the first vehicle from Tata Motors to sport the Impact 2.0 design language delivering extraordinary interior and exterior design, future-ready connectivity and infotainment. Built on the OMEGA ARC, which is derived from Land Rover’s legendary D8 Platform, the Harrier encompasses the capabilities to be an SUV ‘Above All’. We are overwhelmed with the response received from the initial previews and wish to carry the momentum forward following the launch.”

A contemporary expression of Tata Motors new Impact Design 2.0 language grabs the attention of the viewer. The strong proportions and expressive surfaces provides a true SUV stance, incredible road presence and a sense of dynamism. With contemporary SUV design proportions, the Harrier flaunts a floating roof with bold chrome finisher, flared wheel arches, dual function LED DRLs accentuating its overall bold presence.

The interior design is clean, clutter free and offers a blend of a great balance of style and practicality. The use of high quality materials and colour combinations enhances the experience, lending a premium and luxurious feel to the interiors.

Harrier will be available in four variants – XE, XM, XT, XZ and five exciting colour options – Calisto Copper, Thermisto Gold, Ariel Silver, Telesto Grey & Orcus White.

The Harrier is equipped with safety features that lends greater confidence behind the wheel. An Advanced Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with 14 added functionalities ensures stability in difficult driving conditions. 6 Airbags (Driver, Co-Driver, Side Seat and Curtain Airbags) and Child Seat ISOFIX Anchor Points ensure uncompromising protection on every ride.

The Harrier is powered by the Kryotec 2.0 diesel engine, which provides an optimal balance between power and fuel economy. It is seamlessly mated to a 6-speed Manual Transmission. The Kryotec engine delivers 140 PS power and 350 Nm of torque with an Advanced Electronically Controlled Variable Geometry Turbocharger (eVGT) for excellent low-end torque and linear power delivery with low carbon footprint.

The Multi-drive Mode 2.0 – the Engine Drive Modes (Eco, City, Sport) married to the ESP Terrain Response Modes (Normal, Rough, Wet) – ensures effortless handling over every kind of terrain with a steering tuned for excellent driving dynamics.

The front and rear suspensions on the Harrier are specially tuned for Indian conditions delivering a refined ride with great handling. The front suspension and hydra bush have been carried over from the D8 Platform while the rear twist blade suspension has been specially designed by Lotus Engineering UK.

Tata Harrier takes the in-car experience to the next level with segment-leading features. A Floating Island Touchscreen Infotainment System with 8.8-inch High Resolution Display offers amazing in-car connectivity and infotainment though Android Auto & Apple Car Play, the ConnectNext App Suite (DriveNext, Tata Smart Remote, Tata Smart Manual), Video & Image Playback, Voice Recognition & SMS Readout, Voice Alerts, and a lot more. A 320W RMS JBL Audio System with 9 speakers (4 Speakers + 4 Tweeters + 1 Subwoofer) creates an acoustically-tuned audio experience. Harrier features seamless mirroring of media, phone and navigation information between the infotainment and 7-inch Coloured TFT Display Instrument Cluster.

Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations and Shilpa Nair, Dealer Principal, Chandrani Nissan at the launch of Nissan Kicks in Kolkata.

Japanese carmaker Nissan has launched their most awaited SUV – the Nissan Kicks in Kolkata at an introductory price of Rs 9,55,000 across India. The Nissan Kicks sports a wider and robust style underlined by a Dynamic Sonic Plus line, Wheel-oriented Stance and a Distinctive 3-dimensional presence. The body is designed and built with GRAPHENE (Gravity-philic Energy Absorption) body structure, which has inherent capability to absorb impact energy making the new Nissan Kicks safer and durable on Indian roads.

The Nissan Kicks offers a host of established design signatures and features like the floating roof design created by blacked out pillars with stylish roof rail and signature LED DRL, shark fin antenna, front fog lamps and door mounted ORVS with indicators. The bold V-motion grille, a signature motif in Nissan’s design language adds to new Kicks’ distinctive presence. The uniquely designed headlamps and tail lights feature iconic boomerang-shaped LED signature lamps to add character.

The wheel-oriented stance is further enhanced by R17, 5-spoke machined-alloy wheels. The bold styling with dynamic stance and glamorous fender arch bring out the solidity and elegance in the new Nissan Kicks, while substantial face and back style provide a masculine and rugged presence on the Indian roads.

With rising concerns around safety and security while driving, Nissan has offered its customers greater control over their cars. Hence, the introduction of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility features aimed at offering control, convenience, safety and security and social sharing to transform your car into a more responsive partner. The new update introduces technology to monitor vehicle status and vehicle health status remotely through app called the NissanConnect.

The Nissan Kicks is available with the choice of two powertrains – 1.5H4K petrol mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and 1.5K9K dci diesel engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. The petrol engine produces 106 PS of maximum power at 5600 rpm and 142 Nm of peak torque at 4000 rpm. While the diesel motor churns out 110 PS at 3850 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm. These are the same engines that does duty on the Renault Captur as well.

Thomas Kuehl, President, Nissan India Operations, said, “The new Nissan KICKS has generated a great amount of curiosity and excitement among customers. It is a complete vehicle package with an exceptional combination of intelligent technology, class-leading premium-ness, intelligent choice of ownership, personalization. The maintenance package is best-in-class and offers a hassle-free ownership experience. We are confident that with its progressive SUV design and advanced technology, as well as many best-in-class propositions, the new Nissan KICKS will stand out in this competitive SUV segment in India.”

From L-R: Ravinder Singh, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Planning, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd., Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies, Kazushige Aoki, Project Leader, ST Development Division, Yamaha Motor Company, Japan, Yasuo Ishihara, MD YMRI

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd. announced a new addition to the 150 cc segment by unveiling its all new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS.

The new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS is powered by an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 149 cc, SOHC, 2-valve, single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine that delivers a maximum of 13.2 PS power at 8,000 rpm and 12.8 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm.

The new FZ-FI and FZS-FI will also feature newly designed sub frame, BOSCH single channel ABS in the front wheel along with higher handle bar position, LCD instrument cluster, separate housings for LED headlight beams, rear disc brakes, FZ 25 mudguards, newly designed plastic resin tank cover, sliding engine kill switch, main switch in the front of the tank and two level seat with comfortable grab bars.

The most prominent feature of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS is the new styling proportions that group the front end, fuel tank and engine together to resemble a classic ambush pose of an urban fighter. The new FZS-FI will additionally feature a lower engine fairing, partly chrome finished air intake and exclusive colour schemes.

The introduction of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS followed the first launch of ABS enabled YZF-R15 Version 3.0 from the company in 2019. The newly launched models are introduced in India on the backdrop of The Call of the Blue, the new brand campaign launched by Yamaha in 2018. The company is looking forward to stimulate more excitement and sportiness in the Indian two wheeler market by its new initiatives like The Call of the Blue that holds the promise of energizing the passion of motorcycling in India as per the global standards.

At the launch, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India Group of companies said, “The excitement of The Call of the Blue continues with the launch of the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI with ABS in India today as a part of its offering of extraordinary motorcycling experiences from Yamaha. Following the outstanding response from YZF-R15 Version 3.0 launched in the last year, the company is confident to further create a niche in the 150 CC class segment with the new FZ-FI and FZS-FI. The new launch from Yamaha will strengthen the company’s presence in the deluxe class in India.”

Ex-showroom Delhi prices are as follows:

New FZ FI with ABS – Rs. 95,000 (available in Metric Black and Racing Blue colours)
New FZ-S FI with ABS – Rs. 97,000 (available in Matt Black, Dark Matt Blue and Gray & Cyan Blue)

BMW Motorrad has launched the all-new BMW R 1250 GS and the all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure today in India.

The all-new BMW R 1250 GS and the all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure will be available as completely built-up units (CBU) and can be booked at BMW Motorrad dealerships from today onwards.

Both models feature the powerful 2-cylinder in-line Boxer engine with a displacement of 1254 cc, producing a power output of 138 PS (136 hp) at 7,750 rpm for dynamic performance, generating a maximum torque of 143 Nm at 6,250 rpm. The presence of a new power unit is demonstrated by means of newly designed cylinder head covers bearing the inscription ‘ShiftCam’ as well as the pipe ducting of the new exhaust manifold system.

Riders of the all-new BMW R 1250 GS and the all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure have two riding modes available as standard in order to be able to adapt the motorcycle to individual rider preferences. The standard Automatic Stability Control ASC ensures a high level of riding safety due to the best possible traction. The set-off assistant Hill Start Control is likewise a standard feature in both models, enabling convenient set-off on slopes.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India, said, “BMW Motorrad GS models offer distinctive, powerful and reliable propulsion when it comes to setting off on an extended tour or a long-distance journey – or simply enjoying the satisfying pleasure of a short weekend trip. Whether in the city, on the motorway, or off-road, the all-new BMW R 1250 GS gives greater freedom and riding pleasure. The all-new BMW R 1250 GS Adventure is built for challenges. No matter whether it is tarmac roads, gravel tracks or rough terrain, the large-capacity GS Adventure gets its riders safely to their destination.”

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

BMW R 1250 GS Standard – Rs 16, 85,000

BMW R 1250 GS Pro – Rs 20, 05,000

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Standard – Rs 18, 25,000

BMW R 1250 GS Adventure Pro – Rs 21, 95,000

Ford Motor Company and Volkswagen AG has announced the first formal agreements in a broad alliance that positions the companies to boost competitiveness and better serve customers in an era of rapid change in the industry.

Ford CEO Jim Hackett and Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess confirmed that the companies intend to develop commercial vans and medium-sized pickups for global markets beginning as early as 2022. The alliance will drive significant scale and efficiencies and enable both companies to share investments in vehicle architectures that deliver distinct capabilities and technologies.

The companies estimate the commercial van and pickup cooperation will yield improved annual pre-tax operating results, starting in 2023.

In addition, Ford and Volkswagen  have signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate collaboration on autonomous vehicles, mobility services and electric vehicles and have started to explore opportunities. Both companies also said they were open to considering additional vehicle programs in the future. The teams will continue working through details in the coming months.

“Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society,” Hackett said. “It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.”

Diess added: “Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions to even better serve millions of customers around the world. At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness.”

The alliance, which does not entail cross-ownership between the two companies, will be governed by a joint committee. This committee will be led by Hackett and Diess and will include senior executives from both companies.

Ford and Volkswagen both have strong commercial van and pickup businesses around the globe, with popular nameplates such as the Ford Transit family and Ranger as well as the Volkswagen Transporter, Caddy and Amarok.

The companies’ collective light commercial vehicle volumes from 2018 totaled approximately 1.2 million units globally, which could represent the industry’s highest-volume collaboration as production scales.

Demand for both medium pickups and commercial vans is expected to grow globally in the next five years. The alliance will enable the companies to share development costs, leverage their respective manufacturing capacity, boost the capability and competitiveness of their vehicles and deliver cost efficiencies, while maintaining distinct brand characteristics.

Through the alliance, Ford will engineer and build medium-sized pickups for both companies which are expected to go to market as early as 2022. For both parties, Ford intends to engineer and build larger commercial vans for European customers, and Volkswagen intends to develop and build a city van.