(L-R) Siddhartha Varma, Director – Marketing, Ducati India with Sergi Canovas, Managing Director, Ducati India

Ducati India today appointed Siddhartha Varma as the Director of Marketing for its operations in the country. Siddhartha will spearhead Ducati’s marketing initiatives in India and lead the company’s growth and expansion strategy in the market. In his role, Siddhartha is responsible for consumer marketing initiatives that include all ATL and BTL activities for the brand.

“With racing DNA at its core, Ducati symbolizes unmatched performance, superior quality and unparalleled sophistication that truly transforms the rider experience. I am thrilled to be a part of Ducati’s legacy which inspires millions globally. In my present role, I will drive penetration of our products and services all across the country with the aim to provide authentic Ducati experience to our fast-growing community in India.” said Siddhartha Varma.

Commenting on the appointment, Sergi Canovas, MD of Ducati India said, “India remains a priority market for us and I am confident that Siddhartha’s extensive experience and market insights in the premium motorcycle sector will propel the expansion of Ducati’s network in India. Siddhartha brings with him a unique mix of sectoral expertise and consumer understanding which will certainly strengthen Ducati’s footprint in the Indian market.”

With an industry experience spanning over a decade, Siddhartha has an in-depth understanding of the automobile industry. His prior associations with premium motorcycle brands in India has enabled him with the required mix of business expansion acumen and marketing skills which will be instrumental for Ducati’s onward journey in India.

Covering a total distance of 217 km, the first leg of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm 2018 culminated in Bikaner today. Braving the scorching heat of the Thar Desert, the participants battled it out to grab the lead in their respective categories in the 16th edition of the rally.

Known as the Camel Country, the maximum temperature in Bikaner touches 53.5 °C in summers. The city is famous for its Junagarh fort, Karni Mata temple and camel festival.

In the Xtreme category, Suresh Rana from Team Maruti Suzuki Motorsport was seen leading the rally by completing the leg first along with his navigator PVS Murthy in his Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara. Following their lead was Aabhishek Mishra and his navigator V Venu Rameshkumar and Gaurav Chiripal with navigator, Srikanth Gowda who finished third.

Commenting on their lead on Day 1, Suresh Rana said, “We are thrilled to be part of the 16th edition of the Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. With new elements added to the rally such as Roadbook navigation and around 70% new tracks, the difficulty level of the rally has gone a notch higher. Our lead in the first leg will definitely act as a morale booster and we hope to replicate this in the coming legs of the rally.”

In the Moto category, CS Santosh took the lead in the first leg followed by Aaron Mare and Sanjay Kumar who came a close third.

With its new safety centre, Volkswagen is bringing together its vehicle safety expertise at a single location. Blending into the existing architecture, a new three-story building with approximately 8,000 square metres of floor space was constructed at the headquarters in Wolfsburg. The centrepiece is a new state-of-the-art crash sled facility which for the first time can simulate lateral and rotational vehicle body movements both horizontally and vertically.

“This state-of-the-art sled system allows us to reproduce the dynamic movements of a crash as well as simulate so-called ‘prebraking’ scenarios”, says Dr Gunnar Koether, Head of Vehicle Safety at Volkswagen. This is possible due to a highly sophisticated and precisely controllable hydraulic system on the sled, which can simulate both forward ‘pitching’ as well as lateral ‘yawing’ of the test vehicle immediately prior to impact. “In doing so”, continues Koether, “we can accurately demonstrate the operation of modern active safety systems such as emergency braking in our sled tests.” In such a scenario, the test vehicle is accelerated to 80 kmph and then braked shortly before impact. This type of pre-braking corresponds to a real world accident scenario.

“In this way, Volkswagen is setting new standards in accident research. In the new safety centre, we are bringing together all of our safety-related activities under a single roof. That not only allows us to make use of new testing technologies, but also it affords us shorter distances and additional synergy effects”, says Head of Technical Development Services Kai Schweingruber.

At the new sled facility, vehicle tests at speeds of up to 100 kmph with total weights of up to three tons are possible. The underfloor cable-rail system in the floor of the hall is over 140 metres in length. Thanks to a new pallet change system, the next test can be prepared as the current test is being conducted, which increases facility efficiency and throughput. Around 800 sled tests are conducted each year by Volkswagen technical development.

In addition to the new sled system, there are also multiple test benches located on the ground floor of the hall. On the first floor, the crash test vehicles are first prepared for and later thoroughly analysed after the test. In the second floor there are the workstations for the development team. The new high-tech sled was built directly adjacent to the second crash test facility, which entered operation in 1988. Both facilities are served by the same control room.

Volkswagen’s latest motorsport project has been named: I.D. R Pikes Peak. It is the title of the all-electric prototype racing car, with which Volkswagen will compete in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb on June 24, 2018 in Colorado, USA.

The four-wheel drive sports car combines its ambassadorial role for the future, electric I.D. family with the sportiest range of Volkswagen products, the R GmbH models. At the same time, it is also the first step towards an intensification of the cooperation between Volkswagen R and Volkswagen Motorsport. The Volkswagen brand plans to offer more than 20 fully-electric cars by 2025. Manufacturing of the first production model in the I.D. family is scheduled to start at the end of 2019 in Zwickau, in the Saxony region of Germany.

“We want to be at the forefront of electromobility with Volkswagen and the I.D. family,” explained Volkswagen Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Development, Dr. Frank Welsch. “Competing in the most famous hill climb in the world with the I.D. R Pikes Peak not only has symbolic meaning, but is also a valuable test for the general development of electric cars.”

Jurgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management with responsibility for Sales, Marketing and After Sales, added: “Pikes Peak is without question the most iconic hill climb in the world. For Volkswagen, it represents a fantastic opportunity to charge the topic of E mobility, both emotionally and from a sporting perspective, thanks to the I.D. R project.”

The international Pikes Peak hill climb – also known by aficionados as the “Race to the Clouds” – has been held since 1916 near Colorado Springs in the Rocky Mountains. The 19.99-kilometre route runs from the start at 2,800 metres to the summit at 4,300 metres above sea level. Volkswagen last entered the Pikes Peak hill climb in 1987 with a spectacular dual-engine Golf, which generated an impressive 652 hp. However, the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer narrowly missed out on success.

“It is about time we settled the score,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director, Sven Smeets. “The I.D. R Pikes Peak represents an extremely exciting challenge for us, to show what is possible with an electric engine in motorsport. The entire team behind our driver Romain Dumas is highly motivated to set a new record for electric cars.” The record in the electric prototype class currently stands at 8:57.118 minutes and was set in 2016 by New Zealand’s Rhys Millen (e0 PP100).

Tata Motors today announced that the Company would be increasing prices of its entire passenger vehicles range by up to Rs 60,000 (depending on the model). This increase in price is due to rising input costs and will be effective April 1, 2018.

According to Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, “The rising input costs, changing market conditions and various external economic factors, have compelled us to consider the price increase but we are optimistic on maintaining our growth trajectory in the coming year on the back of our robust product portfolio like TIAGO, HEXA, TIGOR and NEXON.”

Kalyana Sivagnanam, President, Nissan Middle East and Regional Vice President, Africa, Middle East and India Region and Jerome Saigot, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd.

With a continuing focus on making access to sales and aftersales touch points easier for its customers, Nissan India today inaugurated its new dealership ‘Sparsh Nissan’ in Delhi. The dealership inauguration ceremony was graced by Kalyana Sivagnanam, President, Nissan Middle East and Regional Vice President, Africa, Middle East and India Region and Jerome Saigot, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. along with Harsh Vashist, Dealer Principal, Sparsh Nissan.

Situated in the heart of the automobile hub of Moti Nagar, Sparsh Nissan is a new 3S facility designed and equipped to cater to the sales and aftersales requirements of Nissan and Datsun customers.

Speaking at the inauguration, Jerome Saigot, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. said “At Nissan, we put the customer at the heart of everything we do and continue to invest in evolving our local operations. Delhi is one of our most integral markets and the addition of this wonderful facility is a part of our commitment to offer connectivity, accessibility and convenience to our customers.”

The newly-opened showroom is a state-of-the-art facility is spread across 20,000 sq. ft. The uniquely designed workshop houses 12 bays equipped with modern machines and equipment, resulting in faster turnaround time adding to customer convenience.

Harsh Vashist, Dealer Principal- Sparsh Nissan said, “We are privileged to expand our association with Nissan and delighted at the launch of this new ultra-modern facility. Through this facility, we hope to leverage the substantial demand in Delhi-NCR by bringing Nissan closer to its existing and prospective customers.”

Motor Sports Association of Eastern India (MSAEI) in association with Calcutta Motor Sports Club (CMSC), India’s first ever motor sports club, will organise the Haldia Speed Fest 2018 on Sunday, April 8, 2018. This 2 Wheeler Supercross and 4 Wheeler Autocross motor sporting event will be held at Cals Ground, Tetulberia, Haldia.

Any enthusiast having a regular 2W/4W driving license and passion for riding/driving can participate in this event. A stock motorbike/car can be used for participating in this event without any hazard. But all competing motorcycles/cars must be electrically and mechanically in perfect running condition and the competitors must comply with some safety equipment requirements.

Speed and thrill is always enjoyed by people who love to ride/drive. A Supercross/Autocross opens up the opportunity for common people to taste the thrill of motor sports in a safe and controlled environment instead of risky driving behaviour on the roads. Nearly 100 participants are expected to lock horns for the top honours including former national champion Suhail Ahmed.

Much anticipated 2018 Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm was flagged off from The Great India Place Noida mall today amidst much fanfare.

In its 16th edition, the rally is set to explore new terrains, covering a total distance of 2300 kms. The rallyists will be navigating through Rajasthan’s picturesque landscape over a span of six days, traversing through Bikaner and finally concluding in Jaisalmer on March 23, to announce the champions. The highlight being the longest night leg covering a distance of 160 kms in Jaisalmer.

This year marks the highest participation of over 250 motorsport enthusiasts in the history of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm. Participating across four categories – XTreme, NDure, Xplore and Moto, the rallyists will be challenging the terrains of Thar Desert with temperatures as high as 40°C. These extreme conditions will prove to be the ultimate test of vehicles and the mental and physical capabilities of the participants.

Announcing the 16th edition of Desert Storm, Sanjeev Handa, Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “In order to connect with the youth of India, Maruti Suzuki keeps the thrill and adventure alive in participants and audience through pioneering motorsport rallies. Considered as the perfect blend of thrill, beauty and cars, Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm has been the most anticipated rally set in the dunes. Each year, we try and bring in more excitement and challenges to raise the bar higher. The longest night leg and 70% of new tracks in the overall rally route is our answer to ‘what’s new?’.”

The rally will see 6 times champion Suresh Rana representing Team Maruti Suzuki Motorsport in the Xtreme category battling for the title again with over 50 tough competitors. Vitara Brezza and S Cross is also set to make its debut in the Xtreme category, CS Santosh, R Nataraj are betting big in the Moto category, along with another 48 bikers.

A strong women contingent is also a part of Maruti Suzuki Desert Storm with over 12 women participating across categories, with presence of renowned rallyists like Aishwarya Pissay, Shuchi Thakur over others.

The journey begins tomorrow with rally moving to Bikaner for Leg 1.

Strengthening its outreach to the emerging Tier II and Tier III cities, India’s largest luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz India, announced the launch of its unique customer centric programme – ‘Mercedes-Benz Brand Tour’.

Brand Tour focuses on reaching out to regions with potential customers who have always aspired to own a Mercedes-Benz, but have not had the chance to experience the brand due to an absence of a showroom in their city. The Brand Tour aims at engaging with customers by offering a brand experience such as test-drives, off-roading, and showcasing the entire product portfolio, along with providing Mercedes-Benz Certified, Customer Service and flexible financial services.

A uniquely curated brand experience, Brand Tour acts as a brick and mortar showroom for potential customers, enabling them to witness the Three Pointed Star experience. Mercedes-Benz commenced the Brand Tour by travelling to Aurangabad, Udaipur and Allahabad and will travel to 11 more cities including Haldwani, Ranchi, Arunachal, Shimla, Thirunalveli, Vizag, Gandhinagar. Vapi, South Goa, Kannur and Shimoga.

Speaking on the occasion, Roland Folger, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-
Benz India said, “India’s growth has given a major economic boost to its Tier II and III
markets and with this growing economy, we now have an expanded customer base
and favourable wealth distribution in the country. Mercedes-Benz is known for its
customer centric approach, and Brand Tour is one such concept, which helps us,
creating a stronghold in the largely untapped Tier II and III emerging markets. With
Brand Tour we aim to unlock the market potential of smaller cities while providing
customers easy access to the unique and renowned Mercedes-Benz experience. We
are confident that the initiative will help the brand expand its footprint and penetrate
deeper into the Indian market.”

This initiative aims to enhance awareness, brand recall while connecting with
consumers at an interpersonal level. The locations of Brand Tour are selected
strategically based on demand and growing fondness for luxury brands in India’s
emerging cities. Brand Tour will have all the elements of a regular showroom such as
branding and audio-visuals, which will intrigue consumer interest at the venue. The
customers will be able to enjoy the thrill of off-roading and experience key features
and capabilities of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. They will also experience the pre-safe
features of Mercedes-Benz sedans – C-Class and E-Class. Customers can engross
themselves through special Mercedes-Benz applications, schemes, merchandise and
F&B available at the venue. Potential buyers can also test-drive cars, make enquiries
on service packages and make bookings on the spot.

McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the bespoke division of McLaren Automotive, is extending its Sports Series offering with the 570GT MSO Black Collection. Featuring new MSO Bespoke Carbon Black exterior paint, as well as an MSO Defined Titanium SuperSports Exhaust and Sport Pack dynamic handling package to further amplify its sporty character, the collection is limited to only 100 examples globally. Priced at £179,950 in the UK, the car promises to be a true collectable and offers enhanced driving thrills and a wealth of unique MSO content.

The exterior of the vehicle is finished in Carbon Black, a striking and extremely deep colour, developed specifically by McLaren Special Operations. The stealth theme extends to the MSO Defined Black Pack replacing standard-fit Dark Palladium components including front and rear splitters, side skirts and air intakes with black. Completing the look are the 5 Twin-Spoke Lightweight Forged Wheels with a new Gloss Black Diamond Wheel Finish shed with Pirelli P Zero Corsa Tyres and Black Brake Calipers with Carbon Ceramic Brakes.

The luxuriously-appointed interior of the McLaren 570GT is further enhanced with new MSO Black Collection Trim, which includes a unique combination of Jet Black Leather with Carbon Black Alcantara accents on the centre tunnel, lower instrument panel, headliner, steering wheel and speaker surrounds. The Electric and Heated Memory Sports Seats are wrapped in Semi-Aniline Leather featuring unique MSO logo embroidery on the headrests. The high attention to detail continues with an MSO Defined Ignition Key painted in Carbon Black and a bespoke Dedication Plate located under the centre console. A Panoramic Roof incorporating a UV-filtering black privacy tint glass is standard and can be upgraded at additional cost to the MSO Defined Electrochromic Panoramic Roof that was recently introduced to the MSO Defined range for the 570GT only. The electrochromic roof – a cost option at point of vehicle purchase – allows customers to select their preference from five different degrees of tint using electrochromic ‘smart glass’ technology.

The McLaren Sports Series is renowned for delivering a thrilling driving experience and the 570GT MSO Black Collection continues this tradition. The car features carbon-ceramic discs combined with the new dynamic Sport Pack, which gives customers sharper dynamic settings of the 570S Coupe and Spider. Increasing the drama even further is the MSO Defined Titanium SuperSports Exhaust with Nano Black finisher, which reduces the weight of the vehicle by five kilograms and provides a crisper exhaust tone which is 5dB louder than in the standard system. The 570GT MSO Black Collection also includes the GT Upgrade Pack comprising Vehicle Lift, Rear View Camera, Power Adjust Steering Column and the ground-breaking 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Audio System.

Rob Melville, Design Director at McLaren Automotive commented: “McLaren Special Operations allows our customers to fully express themselves through their cars; and the new 570GT MSO Black Collection is no different. Black is a colour associated with elegance, power and authority whilst also surrounded by a certain air of mystery. The end result remains true to the luxurious nature of the 570GT but we managed to further amplify its sleek, sporty character with a wealth of new MSO Defined options which I am sure will delight discerning owners.”