The exterior of Q Inspiration features clear and concise lines and avoids classical saloon forms with its elongated silhouette. It is the first manifestation of Infiniti’s new form language for an era of advanced powertrains and presents a design vision for vehicles in this segment.

Karim Habib, Infiniti Executive Design Director said “We aim to take traditional saloon architecture to its next stage of evolution. Experimenting with new proportions in an established segment with the arrival of smarter, compact powertrains, the Q Inspiration features a shorter hood and elongated body, with all the benefits to interior wellbeing, comfort and space that this layout entails.”

The Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept will be revealed in Detroit on January 15, 2018.

By the end of 2017, Volkswagen had produced more than six million vehicles, setting a new record. The largest model offensive to date in the history of the Volkswagen Group’s core brand, combined with growing demand from customers across the globe, have led to the new record. The Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Santana, Passat and Polo lead the brand’s global production rankings.

Thomas Ulbrich, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen brand responsible for Production and Logistics, sees a clear signal: “More than six million vehicles produced in 12 months – there is one thing that this shows above all: our plants and employees are continually improving their production competence. We have top teams in production which successfully master growing demand from customers.”

This development is driven by the long-standing best-sellers Jetta, Golf, Santana, Passat and Polo, growing demand for the Tiguan and recently launched products such as the new Polo, Arteon and T-Roc. Overseas models have also contributed to the production record. The Chinese Santana sedan is an especially popular model.

The Volkswagen brand produces vehicles at more than 50 plants in 14 countries. Since series production started with the original Beetle 72 years ago, more than 150 million Volkswagens have rolled off the production lines. The brand’s global product portfolio now includes over 60 models.

Within the framework of the Transform 2025+ strategy for the future, the Volkswagen Group’s core brand is stepping up its model offensive. In 2017 alone, Volkswagen launched more than 10 new models throughout the world. Over the next few years, the entire product range is to be renewed and expanded in core segments such as SUVs and e-mobility. In this first phase, especially the brand’s presence in the SUV segment is to be boosted. By 2020, the brand will offer 19 SUV models throughout the world and will increase the share of SUVs in the overall model range to 40 percent. In the second phase, from 2020 onwards, the brand is to build up a comprehensive family of full-electric vehicles on the basis of an entirely new electric architecture. The I.D. will be the automobile future of Volkswagen. The family will include the I.D., I.D. Crozz and I.D. Buzz. These three models are part of the initial formation which Volkswagen will be introducing at rapid intervals from 2020 onwards to launch its worldwide electric offensive. In 2025, one million electric Volkswagens are to reach the roads.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), registered the record sales by surpassing its Calendar Year 2017 Business Plan with highest-ever domestic sales of 5,27,320 units and cumulative sales of 6,78,221 units.

Commenting on CY 2017 performance, YK Koo, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “The Calendar Year 2017 has been an Year of Performance for Hyundai Motor India Surpassing its Business Plan of 2017 registering highest-ever domestic volume of 5,27,320 units, a growth of 5.4% on strong performance of the newly launched Super Sedan Next Gen VERNA along with GRAND i10, ELITE i20 and CRETA. The positive momentum in Urban and Rural retail sales supported with strong After-Sales Service and Low-cost of ownership has gained customer confidence to become most loved and trusted brand in India.”

“Hyundai became the most awarded Auto manufacturer by winning prestigious awards for Next Gen VERNA, Best After-Sales Customer Satisfaction, Segment-level APEAL awards and highest ranking in Initial Quality Study in 2017.  Hyundai is a lifetime partner in automobile and beyond of its customers and will continue this momentum with strong efforts towards customer delight through unique experiences and a socially responsible corporate” he added.

Calendar Year 2017:

December 2017:

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), registered monthly domestic sales of 12,642 units in December 2017 against 10,071 units in the corresponding month last year, registering a growth of 26 per cent.

The company registered a cumulative growth of 20 per cent selling 129,964 units during April – December in 2017, against 108,522 units in the corresponding period of April – December in 2016.

The company registered a cumulative growth of 15 per cent selling 178,755 units during the calendar year 2017 (Jan – December) against 156,107 units calendar year 2016.

The company’s best seller Honda City recorded cumulative sales of 62,573 units in full year 2017 becoming the highest selling mid-size sedan during calendar year 2017.

Yoichiro Ueno, President and CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “2017 has been a milestone year for Honda Cars in India, as our best seller Honda City completes 2 decades of unparalleled success in India. Honda City has emerged as the highest selling mid-size sedan during 2017. I would like to thank our customers for their strong support to the model.”

“HCIL experienced robust growth during 2017 backed by good demand for all our products across segments, especially the Honda City & WR-V. As we welcome the New Year 2018 we would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for the continued support to the Honda brand, and look forward to another fruitful year ahead,” he added.

Continuing its turnaround, Tata Motors today announced a strong sales performance for December 2017. The Commercial and Passenger Vehicles domestic sales  in December 2017 was at 54,627 units as against 35,825 units in December 2016, a growth of 52 per cent, due to the increasing demand for vehicles across segments, new product launches and strategic customer initiatives.

Tata Motors’ Commercial Vehicles domestic sales in December 2017 were at 40,447 units, a growth of 62 per cent compared to 24,998 units in December 2016. The commercial sector has shown good recovery after the headwinds and regulatory challenges of last year. The steady production ramp-up of the new range of BS4 vehicles and continued uptick in sales in consumption-driven sectors have led the growth. The cumulative sales performance of Commercial Vehicles (April-December 2017) in domestic market was at 269,536 units, a growth of 17 per cent, over last year and continues to grow month on month.

The M&HCV trucks segment continues its growth trend with robust sales at 15,828 units, higher by 83 per cent, over last year. The ever-increasing positive customer response to the superior range of Tata Motors’ BS4 vehicles complemented by the success of the company’s innovative SCR technology led to this growth. Increased demand for the new tonnage vehicles, infrastructure development led by government funding and keen focus on customer requirements has helped reviving the M&HCV performance.

The I&LCV truck segment at 5,103 units grew by 78 per cent over last year driven by consumption-led sectors like e-Commerce and the superior performance of new product introductions like the Ultra range of trucks.

The pickup segment sales was at 4,529 units, growth of 43 per cent over last year as the Xenon Yodha and the Mega range continued to make inroads gaining wider acceptance and volumes across markets. The SCV sales at 10,576 units, witnessed a growth of 60 per cent over last year at the back of strong response to Ace XL range. The commercial passenger carrier segment (including buses) sales at 4411 units also grew by 19 per cent over last year.

In December 2017, Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles sales performance was at 14,180 units as against 10,827 units, a growth of 31 per cent over last year. The company recorded the highest ever December sales for Passenger Vehicles since 2012 and the retail sales for this month was also the highest in last 6 years. Strong performance of Tiago, Tigor, Hexa and Nexon drove the growth momentum for Tata Motors. The UV segment recorded a growth of 406 per cent over last year on the back of strong demand of the newly launched Nexon and Hexa. Cumulative sales growth of Passenger Vehicles in the domestic market (April-Dec 2017) was at 129,229 units compared to 112,539 units, a growth of 15 per cent over last year.

The company’s Commercial Vehicles sales from exports in December 2017 was at 6044 units, a growth of 26 per cent over last year. This is also the highest sales achieved this year. Market share for Commercial Vehicles International Business in all the key markets continue to remain strong and have further grown during this fiscal year.

Kolkata-based Just Sportz Management, who have gained fame riding on the success of their iconic motor sporting events such as Monsoon Drive and Himalayan Drive has announced the dates for HD6. Now in its sixth year, India’s only international TSD (Time, Speed & Distance) rally will be flagged-off from Siliguri on Friday, February 23, 2018.

The Himalayan Drive 6 will cover more than 1,600 kilometres over five thrilling days of unadulterated rallying action and traverse through the dense forests of Nepal, the picturesque Bhutan and the scenic Dooars before culminating at The Queen of the Hills – Darjeeling on Tuesday, February 27, 2018. The prize distribution ceremony will be held in Darjeeling the following morning.

HD6 aims at promoting motor sports, showcasing the enormous tourism potential of North Bengal and the neighbouring Bhutan and Nepal, and boosting ‘People To People Connectivity’ and ‘Drive Tourism’ between the three friendly neighbouring countries.

The first five editions of Himalayan Drive have unlocked great prospect of adventure sports in the Eastern Himalayas.  Last year, by including Bhutan and Nepal and making the event a 5 day extravaganza had made the Rally more adventurous and tested the endurance of the man and the machines to the hilt. Next year, HD6 will be back with gutso aiming to set new standards in cross country motor rallying in Asia.

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz  has announced its line-up for the 2018 Delhi Auto Expo. According to Mercedes-Benz, the key highlight of their product offense will be based on three distinct product attributes: Luxury, Versatility and Future Mobility.

Making its much awaited India debut will be the pinnacle of exclusivity and luxury
personified – Mercedes-Maybach S 650 sedan. The Mercedes-Maybach S 650 will offer the perfection of the S-Class with the exclusivity of the Maybach and further accentuate the Maybach’s overwhelming demand in the Indian market.

The forerunner of Mercedes-Benz’s new product brand for electric mobility globally- EQ,
the ‘Concept EQ’ will be showcased to clearly manifest Mercedes-Benz’s direction
towards creating a sustainable ecosystem of services, technologies and innovations and
also delineate its long-term strategy of introducing the ‘EQ’ brand of battery electric
vehicles in India. The name EQ stands for “Electric Intelligence” and is derived from
the Mercedes-Benz brand values of “Emotion and Intelligence”.

The all new Mercedes-Benz E-Class All Terrain will also be unveiled at the
Auto Expo 2018. The New E-Class All Terrain boasts of a SUV like stance with
greater ground clearance, SUV like large wheels and 4MATIC all-wheel drive as a
standard feature, making it a versatile vehicle. In addition, the All-Terrain compares
favourably with other SUVs in terms of its aerodynamics, which is why it is in its
element on the motorway, too.

The All-Terrain also cuts a fine figure thanks to its striking look with macho
flared wheel arches and bold radiator grille. The most eye-catching feature of the
striking front is the SUV-style two-fin grille with a star integrated in the centre. The
distinctive front bumper and the paneling in underride guard-look, electroplated in
silver-chrome, also contribute to the robust appearance of the E-Class All-Terrain.

In the side view the black wheel arch covers are distinctive features that emphasise the
all-terrain character. An exclusive 19-inch light-alloy wheel gives the vehicle a
confident look with more ground clearance and enhanced comfort on rough
roads. Further features typical of an SUV include robust outer load sill protection and a
visual underride guard electroplated in silver-chrome. The E-Class All-Terrain made its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in 2016 and will have its India debut, later in 2018, creating a niche segment for itself.

Roland Folger, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented: “Auto
Expo remains the much awaited event in the Indian Automotive Industry and we are
glad to be associated with it. Mercedes-Benz’s participation in the 14th Auto Expo is a
reiteration of our commitment to our customers, to the market, and also a
manifestation of our support to the government’s vision of ‘Make in India’. Auto Expo
gives us a distinct opportunity to showcase our exciting range of new products and
technologies to our discerning customers and brand enthusiasts, whom we are
committed to fascinate. In addition to an array of fascinating global products, we also
will showcase some of the best products we make in this country, in Pune. The
Mercedes-Benz pavilion will be a perfect embodiment of modern luxury, future
technology and mobility, driving performance, innovative design and progressiveness,
all of which are synonymous with our brand promise ‘Best or Nothing’. We are
confident of leading the market as the No.1 luxury car maker in India and our Auto
Expo 2018 display will firmly underline this fact.”

“Apart from the stunning display of our AMG and Dream Cars, our luxury sedans and
SUVs; there will be specific products that underline the attributes of Luxury,
Versatility and Future Mobility, like no other product. The Mercedes-Maybach S 650,
the E-Class All-Terrain and the Concept EQ represents these attributes effortlessly, and
will present the most overwhelming product offensive from Mercedes-Benz for the
Indian market. The Mercedes-Benz S 650 will debut at the motor show and will kick-off
our product offensive towards sustained leadership in the Indian market for 2018.
Other than fascinating products, we are also glad to introduce a host of intriguing
digital assets during the Auto Expo. An industry first, we will launch an AI based
Chatbot, which uses artificial intelligence to answer customer questions on Mercedes Benz products. It will also have an Artificial Reality based function which will further enhance customer interactivity with the Bot.” Folger elaborated.

Mercedes-Benz line-up at Auto Expo 2018 comprises:
• AMG: F1 Car, AMG GT R, AMG GLC 43 Coupe and AMG SLC 43
• Show Car: Concept EQ
• Specialty Cars: E-Class All-Terrain and C-Class Cabriolet
• Sedans: Mercedes-Maybach S 650, New E 350 d, C 250 d Edition C
• SUVs: GLA 220 d 4MATIC, GLC 220 d, GLS 350 d

Honda Cars India Ltd. has kick-started its celebrations to commemorate 20 successful years of Honda City in India. Honda City started its journey in India in 1998, and now in its fourth generation avatar, has remained one of the longest running nameplates in the Indian automotive history. India is the largest and most important market for Honda City accounting for over 25 per cent of the car’s current worldwide sales. The car continues to be an aspirational brand for many and enjoys huge brand loyalty amongst its customers.

Speaking about the milestone achievement for Honda City in India, Yoichiro Ueno, President & CEO, Honda Cars India Ltd said, “We are extremely delighted and proud as we celebrate incredible two decades for Honda City in India, having created new benchmarks ever since its first launch in 1998. With a strong legacy of 4 generations, the Honda City has re-invented each time according to the needs and aspirations of customers.”

“Each generation of Honda City has offered a new design, latest automotive technology and new-age infotainment experiences. We thank all our City customers for their patronage of the brand” he added.

 Legacy of Honda City

1998      First Introduction of Honda City in India; First Honda model to be sold in India

                Two engine options – 1.3L and 1.5L in Petrol

2000       VTEC engine introduced in Honda City

2001       No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2003       Second generation of Honda City launched in India

                Engine – 1.5L i-DSI

Introduction of CVT variant – a first on an Indian car

No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2004       No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2005      Launch of City ZX with new looks and new 1.5L VTEC engine

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2006       No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2007      10th anniversary edition of City with ABS launched

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2008      Third Generation of Honda City launched in India

                Engine – 1.5L i-VTEC introduced

Safety equipment – ABS and Airbags as standard offering

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2009      Honda City bags the Indian Car of the Year Award 2009

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2010       No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2011      First in Segment Sunroof introduced in new Honda City

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2012       CNG ready version of Honda City introduced

                Touch screen AVN introduced

No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2013       World Premiere of 4^th Generation of Honda City in India

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2014      Launch of 4^th Gen City in India – Most successful Honda City ever

                Engine options – 1.5L i-VTEC petrol and 1.5L i-DTEC diesel

                First time introduction of Diesel engine in Honda City

                Introduction of new generation CVT offering more fuel economy than manual variant

2015       No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2016       Safety equipment like ISO FIX introduced in Honda City

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

2017      New Honda City launched

                Achieves cumulative sales of 7 lakh Honda City in India

                No 1 in JD Power Initial Quality Study

The festive season provides everyone with an opportunity to reflect on the previous 12 months, and it has been another glorious year for Aston Martin.

The British luxury carmaker launched the second car from its Second Century plan: the new Aston Martin Vantage, in November. Vantage is Aston Martin’s best-selling model and the new car is poised to continue the illustrious bloodline when it goes into production in early 2018.

The DB11 story continues as the family grows to include V8-powered and Volante versions. Such has been the success of this car, Aston Martin returned to profit earlier this year. This has been helped with the continued success of Aston Martin’s special editions – with the Vanquish Zagato Speedster and Shooting Brake joining the Coupe and Volante to complete the quartet – all of which are sold out.

The past met the present earlier this month when Aston Martin Works re-started production in Newport Pagnell after a 10-year absence, producing a special continuation run of 25 of the track-only DB4 G.T., an incredible car that was first launched in 1959.

The new AMR performance brand was launched in 2017, to amplify and accentuate the sporting prowess of Aston Martin’s road cars, influenced by the on-track learnings of Aston Martin Racing. Rapide AMR and Vantage AMR Pro concepts are already confirmed for production.

It has been another extraordinary year on track for the Aston Martin Vantage highlighted by an incredible class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the final year of Pro class competition for the Vantage GTE. A new Vantage GTE will take to the track in 2018.

A new, strengthened Innovation Partnership with Red Bull Racing was forged in 2017 that will bring great technological benefits to both parties and see Aston Martin as title partner to the 2018 Aston Martin Red Bull Racing F1 Team. The first product to come from this partnership, the Aston Martin Valkyrie, is on schedule to run in 2018.

Work continues apace at St Athan, where Aston Martin is on schedule to start production of the company’s new SUV, the Aston Martin DBX, in 2019.

Aston Martin President and CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “It has been another amazing year for Aston Martin. I’m incredibly proud of the whole Aston Martin team, our success in 2017 is testament to the skill and dedication of all employees of Aston Martin who work tirelessly to combine exceptional design with the latest technology. As we head into the holiday season, I want to thank everyone for their support during 2017 and we look forward to 2018 and the exciting times ahead!”

Carlos Ghosn, Renault Chairman and CEO and France’s Minister for Economy and Finance Bruno Le Maire, today inaugurated the new Alpine A110 production line at Groupe Renault’s Alpine facility in Dieppe, Normandy, the brand’s original home. Together, Ghosn and Le Maire inspected the production line dedicated to Alpine’s new sports car.

“The revival of Alpine production in Dieppe, where the original Berlinette was made almost 50 years ago, presented us with a challenge, but we rose to it together, with backing from the state, the region, the local urban district, Groupe Renault and the Alliance. Investment totalled more than €35 million, 151 people have been recruited and the factory has been refurbished. The excellence and French-style elegance that the brand stands for are more than just claims; today, in Dieppe they are an industrial reality,” declared Carlos Ghosn.

Following two years’ work and an outlay of more than €35 million, the Dieppe plant is one of a kind in Europe. It is capable of assembling the new Alpine A110’s all-aluminium body and chassis, while the paint shop’s new sanding and cleaning robots guarantee a premium quality finish. The assembly line itself has been modernised in accordance with the Alliance’s best practices.

In parallel to this transformation, the Dieppe plant has raised workforce levels by 60 per cent with the recruitment of 151 new staff over the past two years, and all 392 employees have been given four weeks’ (140 hours) training specific to production of the Alpine A110.

As Alpine’s historic home, the factory built by Jean Redele in 1969 has long specialised in the production of small sporty models. Following its conversion to Alliance manufacturing standards and, more specifically, for production of the new Alpine A110, the Dieppe plant is today perfectly qualified to produce premium vehicles.