Toyota launches new Prius 2012 in India, price starts at Rs 27.39 lakh (India)

NEW DELHI: 

According to Times of India's News Report, Japanese car maker Toyota today launched a new version of its hybrid sedan Prius in India that is priced between Rs 27.39 lakh and Rs 29.41 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The company, which is present in India through a joint venture with the Kirloskar Group, had first introduced the world's best selling hybrid car in 2010.

"The introduction of the new Prius is our sincere effort to bring in advanced hybrid technology to India to develop such market here," Toyota Kirlosakar Motor (TKM) deputy managing director (commercial) Shekar Viswanathan told reporters at the 11th Auto Expo here.

Image Credit: indiancarsbikes.in

The new Prius will have solar ventilation system in addition to the exiting battery technology, he added.

"We hope to see more Prius customers and contribute to the growth of the Indian hybrid market and thereby contribute to a greener tomorrow," Viswanathan said.

The company has so far sold 150 units of this car since its launch in India in 2010, he added.

Viswanathan, however, declined to share any sales target for the new Prius in India.

Japanese auto giant had first introduced the vehicle in 1997 and has already sold 24 lakh units across the world.

Besides the new Prius, TKM today launched a specially designed seat for Corolla Altis for passenger having leg and knee problems.

The product -- Easy Seat -- will be available as a retro-fitted accessory and is priced at Rs 29,979.

"The Easy Seat has a mechanism that enables the seat to swivel and slide. It can be slid and turned with ease, allowing easy entry and exit for those with special mobility needs," TKM general manager (marketing division) RK Ramesh said. 

source: Times of India

Auto Expo 2012: Amitabh Bachchan unveils Supercar DC Avanti (India)

New Delhi: 

According to Indian Express's News Report, automotive design firm DC Design launched its Avanti sports car at the 11th Auto Expo here today with a price tag of Rs 30 lakh (ex-showroom). 

The company said it will start producing the Avanti from 2013, with initial production of 300 units, which may increase later. 

Image Credit: desi-radio.com

Speaking on the launch, DC Design Founder and Promoter Dilip Chhabria said: "We intend to produce 300 units of the Avanti in 2013-2014 and if all goes well, we could ramp up production to go into four figures per annum."
The car was unveiled by actor and star Amitabh Bachchan. 

This is the first time Dilip Chhabria is producing his designs instead of one-offs. The car will be produced at the DC Design facility at Talegaon, near Pune. 

"We are extremely ecstatic to present the DC Avanti today... also as a calling card for our own capabilities, which have now progressed from mere styling in the early days to full prototyping and bespoke one-off manufacturing," Chhabria added.

The company said it will be using proprietary parts from various car-makers, especially in the areas of the drive train and suspension of the car, which would be powered by a Ford EcoBoost 2.0-litre four-cylinder, dohc, 16-valve engine.

The cars will be available at the firm's self-owned and managed sales and service network in five major metros in the country (Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai and Hyderabad). An additional four outlets would also be opened in the course of 2012, the company said.

Bookings for the Avanti will start after the Auto Expo and the deliveries will be from the last quarter of calendar 2013, it added.

Dilip Chhabria Design Pvt Ltd was founded by Dilip Chhabria and has an over 600-strong portfolio of unique cars/vehicles built and on the road.

source: Indian Express