RANGER MAX SHOW TRUCK DELIVERS MAXIMUM IMPACT, MAXIMUM VERSATILITY AND MAXIMUM STYLE

Renowned for its genuine toughness and strength, the Ford Ranger takes a confident step forward with the debut of the high-impact Ranger Max show truck at the Thailand Motor Expo.
Ranger Max pushes everyone's expectations of Ranger to the max. Visually bold and muscular, it takes to the stage at the Ford stand with confidence, sophistication and craftsmanship. No doubt the Ranger Max extends Ranger's reputation as the best all-around compact truck on the market.
"We know Ranger is tough and durable, and Ranger Max adds to those qualities. The concept does not follow a trend; it sets a new 'tough style' direction for compact pickups," says Paul Gibson, the chief designer of the Ranger Max concept. "Ranger Max is genuinely tough and it is a truck that gets the job done. This high-impact show truck also has the bold visual presence that looks great on the urban scene." It is not aggressive; it is 'tough style'.
Ranger Max was created by Ford truck experts in Thailand, working with Ford's Australia-based Asia Pacific and Africa design team, led by Gibson. Collectively, the Ford team creating Ranger Max also incorporated design cues that could be seen in future-generation Ranger products.
"The Ranger Max is not just about creating show excitement," Gibson said. "We have a great opportunity to test design themes that will make their way into production. Ranger Max says exciting things about what's coming for truck fans in Ranger's future."
Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 starts Nov. 28, at the Muang Thong Thani exhibition center.


"The tough style of Ranger Max is based on the capability, versatility and style that make Ford Ranger the choice of the most demanding truck owners," said Mr. Saroj Kiatfuengfoo, senior vice president, Ford Thailand. "We believe Ranger Max is going to be a real attention-getter at the show for truck enthusiasts thanks to its high-impact appeal and appealing design."
Delivering Tough Style
Genuine truck toughness comes from great design and engineering, which means the production Ford Ranger is the ideal foundation for creating Ranger Max. No under-skin modifications were needed with Ford Ranger to produce Ranger Max.
Gibson and his team of designers instead concentrated on exploring the limits of 'tough style'. "Ranger Max wasn't meant to be elegant or pretty. The robust nature of Ranger means that it is the dependable workhorse, and with Ranger Max we wanted to create a concept that is cool as hell."
They took inspiration from things many truck owners know and appreciate. The distinctive contrast between Ranger Max's hardcore orange paintwork with matte black accents is inspired by the functional design found in some modern power tools – just like those used by many Ranger owners every day. Ford designers recognize how absolute function and durability inspire these industrial tools and make them more appealing.
Industrial shapes such as the cog-like detailing in the body accents and wheel arch mouldings extend Ranger Max's theme of tough style as the ultimate power tool.
Pushing the 'power tool' inspiration a step further, the Ranger Max design team noted how power tools and similar objects incorporated words into their design to convey instructions or warnings. Ranger Max uses 'words' in this same style to accentuate its robust 'industrial feel'.
Ranger Max is full of details like this, such as the word GRAB‚ imprinted subtly on the bold, black grab handle in the side of the sportsbar linked to the cab. Every letter is precisely shaped in a 'truncated' font that complements the toughness and utility the overall truck design communicates.
Black & Decker is one of the power tool brands that inspired Ford designers. Other inspirations for Ranger Max come from active sports, like rock climbing, and the tough, technical products used by active sportsmen, such as G-Shock watches.
Just like Ford Ranger, the robustness of these products is affordable and their designs are purposeful. People buy these products because they know they can depend on them to get the job done.
"Ranger is respected," Gibson says, "and Ranger Max amplifies that identity, which gives it a modern and youthful character that's really suited to sporting and social activities, too."
Taking Ranger to the Max
With its character as the ultimate power tool, Ranger Max concept exudes confidence and purpose. It's up for the job – work or fun – and its design says so. It features full surfaces that convey the power and strength of its tough-truck backbone. The detail of its design demonstrates this show truck has been designed by people who know trucks and love them.
Like a power tool, it's ready for rough use. This means purposeful matte black plastic accent features and trim items, not fussy, fancy chrome.
It has innovative features such as a remote-controlled power tonneau cover for the cargo bed and a distinctive sportsbar that visually extends the length of the well-proportioned Ford Ranger side-access cab.
And Ranger Max is poised on distinctive, deep-dish, 18-inch alloy concept wheels and custom technical-look tyres that finish its extreme looks.
This is a Ranger and proud of its tough-truck heritage. RANGER is boldly embossed in the hood and sidestep shapes of the Ranger Max.
Dynamic Profile
Ranger Max's high impact establishes a powerful presence wherever it goes. Its profile exudes power and dominance as well as balanced proportion. The flexed 'power dome' shape of its hood communicates the pulling power and high torque of the engine. The power dome shape carries through to influence the design of the hard tonneau cover at the rear of the vehicle. These two overt muscular design elements give Ranger Max power and solidity. It's enough to scare the typical pickup into the gym for serious weight training.
Adding even more dynamism to the profile is the exclusive Ranger Max sportsbar, which attaches to the pickup bed and arches across the vehicle. This unique crossbar is shaped to create the visual impression that Ranger Max is always on the move – or ready for action.
"The sportsbar makes a big statement," explains Max Tran, a Ford designer who played a key role in developing the vehicle. "It adds a feeling of movement and dynamic character, and incorporates some great design details, including twin air scoop shapes on top."
Built into each side of the crossbar is an integral grab handle. Finished in matte black plastic, the grab handle design is all about purpose. The dark shape of the grab handle visually extends the perceived shape of the Ranger Max side window shape, accentuating the feel of functionality and space of the Ranger side-access Open Cab – a functional feature which Ranger debuted in 2002 in response to feedback from tradesmen.
The grab handle is labelled – like instructions on power tools and on aircraft – with the word GRAB‚. Similarly, the side door of the Ranger Max is distinctively yet discretely labelled AXCESS. These functional callouts also extend to the Ranger Max fuel inlet, which is designed to intersect one of the bold wheel arches, labelled FUEL.
"There's no mistaking the purpose of labels like these on power tools," Tran explained. "On Ranger Max, they fulfil the same role. It's the style of purpose."
For example, the vent on each front fender uses hexagon-shaped grillework and discrete chrome badging with the word RANGER with appealing detail. The branding MAX adjoins this Ranger badge to communicate the concept's name.
Other design details in the Ranger Max profile include incorporating the side repeater lamp into the side mirror. The lower bodyside, whose two-piece, interlocked sidestep look was inspired by rock-climbing carabineers and other outdoor gear you trust with your life.
Ranger Max's stance communicates power, purpose and athleticism. The design team has crafted unique, 18-inch alloy concept wheels for Ranger Max. These deep-dish, six-spoke wheels – with black graphic funnel shapes to their centres – are must-have sporting accessories perfectly suited to Ranger Max. Featuring large offsets, the wheels build on Ranger Max's distinctive tough style.
Big P285/60R18 tires with a chunky tread pattern give Ranger Max the footware and traction it needs to accomplish any job or adventure.
The bold wheel arches with cog-shaped detailing reinforce Range Max's stance and its purpose. Explosive, dynamic side graphics on the fenders and lower doors are inspired by the high-impact of shattering glass.
A New Face of Possibilities
Ranger Max is about confidence without aggression. It has a go-anywhere, do-anything attitude as well as great design detail. "When you look at the front design, the three-bar grille, the overt nostrils and open mouth, you're looking straight into the face of Ranger's evolution," said Gibson.
"There are design elements we are developing and Ranger Max is one possibility. We've crafted the face of the Ranger Max to explore a new look. Elements of it could become our new identity of Ford Ranger."
The three-bar grille is a Ford hallmark design element, conveying strength and quality, integrated with a proud, large badge of the famous Ford blue oval. Ranger Max adopts dynamic, modern headlamps which angle at the top to communicate energy and movement.
More robustness cues abound in the front design. Here, the power-bulge hood is a dominating shape. Its leading edge features an integral hot-air vent and reinforces that Ranger Max is a tough, powerful machine.
Self-confident Ranger branding – embossed in the top of the front grille surround – is another proud aspect of the front design.
Two major design elements link together to form the dominant frontal look of Ranger Max. The corporate three-bar grille imbeds itself into the lower enlarge air intake. A distinct line starting from the headlamps follows around the nostril and borders the lower air intake. This signature line unites the major design elements to create the defined face of Ranger Max.
Powerful Pulling Away
Ranger Max has presence on the road. Its bold rear design is the combination of proportion and details such as the pronounced contours of the tonneau cover which emulate the power bulge on the bonnet. The distinctive sportsbar integrates the cabin area with the tonneau cover. Continuing rearward, Ranger Max is neatly finished off with a tailgate cladding embossed with RANGER and a pair of unique tail lamps designed by the concept team.
"We're really excited about the Ranger Max because we've been able to define a tough style and apply it to Ranger. It is credible and very believable. Ranger Max amplifies the reputation of our truck," said Tran. "There's nothing minimal about the Ranger Max."
Star at Thailand Motor Expo
The Thailand International Motor Expo 2008, with Ranger Max as the star attraction for Ford, runs Nov. 28-Dec. 10.
"We recognise that Thailand is the home of Ranger for Asia Pacific, and from Thailand we export Ranger around the world. We know Asia is a fusion of many cultures, and we look to Thailand as a wonderful blend of tastes, styles and emerging ideas. For this very reason, we decided to create Ranger Max in Thailand and show the high-impact truck to the world at Motor Expo as a global unveil," said Mr. Kiatfuengfoo.

GM Thailand Takes Proactive and Forward-Looking Steps

GM Thailand has announced various steps to adjust inventory the Thai market as well as across ASEAN region. The automobile industry isn’t immune to the current economic crisis, but GM Thailand sees this as a temporary setback.

Speaking to GM Thailand workers at a recent staff gathering, Steve Carlisle, President of General Motors Southeast Asia Operations Ltd. explained that GM Thailand has been in the process of building a winning auto company for the long term and it is continuing to focus on building sustainable success, not short-term results.

However, as the company faces the tough challenge of a global economic crisis, the drop in sales has resulted in the necessity to reduce production to avoid an oversupply problem.

“As everyone may know, our company like many others is facing very difficult and challenging times. As communicated previously, the impacts of the global financial crisis have spread to virtually every country around the world including Thailand. This has resulted in a marked cooling in consumer sentiment and tightening of credit which has in turn reduced sales both domestically and in our export markets. As a consequence, we have to look into reducing production and granting leave to some of our colleagues in the December to January timeframe,” Steve explained.

“Less than 2,000 staffs will be granted paid leave during the period, as the plant reduces production levels to avoid oversupply. As soon as the plant resumes its normal levels of production, staff will be reporting back for duty,” he concluded.

In the meantime, “An ever increasing intensity and focus on Safety, Quality and Cost will continue, as this is what is required to secure our future and enable us to emerge a stronger company from this crisis. There is a strong commitment to our plans – not just to survive but win.” Steve explained.

GM will also continue to forge ahead and consolidate its leadership position in the area of alternative fuels, despite the crisis.

“We are committed to being a global leader in advanced propulsion technology, and we will continue to pursue this course. This crisis is yet another economic cycle, something we can pull through. There are many things that we can and must do to reduce dependency on fossil fuels for transportation. Therefore, we will continue to roll out class-leading models that feature up-to-date alternative fuel technology, while pursuing further alternatives on this front,” Steve reassured.

“The potential remains strong in the long term, both for the U.S. and global economies but for the near term, the current set of circumstances will affect results for the global industry. Hence, GM, as a global player, will is also being affected and like most manufacturers, we are doing what we must to pull through this downturn,” he ended.

Volvo will show BioFuel Chic at Motor Expo 2008 Thailand

Fresh from thrilling the German media on the infamous Nürburgring (billed as the greatest and most challenging race circuit in the world) the outrageous E85-capable Volvo S80 T6 AWD HPC (High Performance Concept) and its sibling, the luxuriously powerful Volvo S80 2.5 FT production car, plus the sexy sport coupe E85-capable C30 1.8 F will be the undisputed highlights of the Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 at the end of this month. These FlexiFuel Vehicles (FFV) set to amplify Volvo’s “green” commitment as they can run on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol and 15% benzene blend) while delivering uncompromising power and refinement.

The Volvo S80 T6 AWD HPC (High Performance Concept) is one of the world’s most desirable tuning programme based on the fundamental qualities of Volvo cars. Modified by leading Volvo specialist tuning firm, Heico Sportiv, the car screams "look at me!!" in its specially formulated 7-layer gleaming aluminium paint, blue leather and sliver carbon-fibre interior sitting ion 20" rims. Its 3.0-litre compact in-line-six cylinder engine coupled to an auto six-speed transmission through all-wheel drive (AWD) has been tuned to an amazing 350-horsepower (5,500 rpm) and 549Nm of torque between1,500 - 4,000 revs while running on E85 bioethanol fuel.

Volvo will also premiere its new Model Year 2009 Volvo S80 2.5 FT at the event. It is powered by a FlexiFuel E85 five-cylinder 2.5-litre turbocharged engine with a power output of 200 horsepower and 300Nm of torque at 1,500 - 4,000 revs. In addition to the unrivalled driving pleasure, the powerful luxury sedan also helps lower greenhouse gas pollution with its E85 capability. The model will shortly be available in Thailand.

Flanked by its race bred partner from the Swedish Touring Car Championships (STCC) and also now available to buy in Thailand, another highlight at Volvo’s booth is the Volvo C30 1.8 F. Developed from the Volvo Safety Concept Car (SCC), the C30 now comes with the 1.8 F FlexiFuel four-cylinder unit and appeals to those craving a younger, more contemporary and dynamic appearance and lifestyle. With the Volvo C30 having won numerous design awards worldwide since launch, the sporty Volvo C30 1.8 F running on bioethanol E85 underlines Volvo’s commitment to the environment and personifies the "biofuel-chic" revolution alongside its larger stable-mate S80 2.5FT.

Mr. Paul Stokes, President of Volvo Car (Thailand) Ltd, said, “From race-to-reality, what Volvo showcases here is that high-technology; high-performance, high-style and environmental care can blend together in perfect concert. Both the S80 T6 AWD HPC concept car and the S80 2.5 FT will surely bring greater excitement to the market while giving Thai motor-fans a clue of what they can expect from us in the future.”

In addition to the two highlights, a full range of Volvo cars, both model year 2008 and 2009, will be showcased and booking orders at the Thailand International Motor Expo 2008 from November 28 – December 10, 2008 at Challenger Hall, IMPACT, Muang Thong Thani.

Hyundai HED-5 "i-mode" concept

Hyundai HED-5 "i-Mode" Concept Makes North American Debut at Los Angeles Auto Show with new Eco-friendly powertrain

2.0-liter, Four-cylinder Turbo Engine with Gasoline Direct Injection Approved for U.S. Market Intro in 2010

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 19, 2008 – Hyundai unveiled the HED-5 "i-Mode" concept at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show today, featuring an all-new, eco-friendly powertrain making its first-ever appearance for Hyundai. The six-passenger family crossover, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, combines visionary styling with future technologies and advanced eco-dynamics.

For its North American debut, Hyundai added a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with state-of-the-art Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) that improves efficiency and reduces emissions. The HED-5 i-Mode concept and the new powerplant, called the Theta Turbo GDI, have been green lighted for the U.S. market. Variants of the engine will appear in various Hyundai models. Timing and specifications for a production version of a family crossover similar to HED-5 i-Mode are currently in development.

HED-5 "i-Mode" Concept Highlights

*Six-seater monocab design
*World debut of turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with Gasoline Direct Injection
*High-end materials and advanced eco-dynamics
*Unique Swivel Seat concept
*Futuristic communications and entertainment system


"The HED-5 i-Mode concept provides a glimpse into the future of travel, incorporating innovative weight-saving technologies, a modern fuel-efficient four-cylinder direct injection turbo, and a flexible interior package," said John Krafcik, vice president, Product Development and Strategic Planning, Hyundai Motor America.

All-new Theta Turbo GDI

For the U.S. market, the HED-5 i-Mode reveals a first-ever powerplant for Hyundai, the Theta Turbo GDI. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine uses gasoline direct injection technology. By injecting the fuel directly inside the cylinder in small, precise amounts, the performance and response of the engine improve thanks to the intake charge cooling. Both fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions improve due to the improved combustion. Combine GDI with turbo charging and the result is exceptional power output. The engine has capacity for up to 286 horsepower, greater than most six-cylinder engines on the market, while improving fuel economy by 15-20 percent. The Theta Turbo GDI includes Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) to further improve efficiency. This ultra-efficient, high-tech gasoline engine will be fitted in various Hyundai models in future model years.


HED-5 Cross-industry Collaboration Drives Packaging and Technology Advancements

Hyundai continues cross-industry cooperation to speed new technologies to market through such partners as Bayer MaterialScience AG, Keiper and LG Electronics. The cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience enabled the complex curvature and radical design of the HED-5 to be implemented sooner. The materials used are lighter and more adaptable than the metal and glass they replace. This, in combination with a light-weight body construction, reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. "Self-healing," water-based finishes from Bayer add another environmentally friendly twist to the vehicle and even let minor scratches appear to "magically" disappear, saving the need for costly repair.

Through the advanced multimedia and entertainment concept developed by LG Electronics, the vehicle becomes an extension of the digital home allowing passengers to stay connected, communicate, and interact in the car and beyond. Access to the Web, video games, movies or video phones are possible through the pop-down touch-screen displays and Webcams located in the overhead console. A wireless network, cable-free keyboards, game controllers, and headphones further personalize the entertainment experience.

Hyundai's engineering partner, Keiper, supported the HED-5 i-Mode project with the exclusive world premiere of its new and unique Swivel Seat concept. The first-row passenger seat flips to face second- and third-row occupants. Additionally, the second-row bench slides rearward to increase comfort and create a social space for communication.

The i-Mode Design

An innovative mechanism enables the sliding door to be free from conventional inner and outer guide rails. When the doors are opened, the lack of a B-pillar enables a feeling of space and remarkable accessibility to the generous interior.

The Hyundai design team worked extensively with new composite materials to enable unconventional and irregular shapes. The architecture of the HED-5 i-Mode is supported by an external frame protecting the space within, like a shell. In cooperation with Bayer MaterialScience, the HED-5 i-Mode is the first vehicle to feature the new "BayVision" glazing system and Collimator headlight lenses made from Makrolon®. This innovative glazing alternative enables extended transparent areas, further reducing weight.

Through the innovative door opening mechanism, the interior of the HED-5 i-Mode reveals an inviting landscape of softly sculpted shapes and advanced technology. The first step into the vehicle reveals the elegant application of natural materials. Soft, silky leather in warm and natural brown tones provides a level of comfort normally reserved for the home. Attention is immediately drawn to the seats, which offer first-class comfort combining a modern, floating look with innovative functionality, enabling the occupants to experience the lounge atmosphere without the limitations of a conventional automotive interior layout.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through almost 800 dealerships nationwide.

Honda Insight to Introduce Ecological Drive Assist System in Spring 2009

Driver feedback system designed for fun and economy

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., today announced that a new interactive, driver-focused fuel economy enhancement technology named the Ecological Drive Assist System (Eco Assist™) will debut on the new Honda Insight in spring 2009.

The Honda Insight Concept, making its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, provides a strong indication of the design and styling of the all-new gasoline-electric hybrid model from Honda.

Eco Assist combines multiple functions: the driver-activated ECON mode that optimizes control of the continuously variable transmission, engine and related powertrain components to conserve fuel; and a feedback function that uses speedometer background color to provide real-time guidance on environmentally responsible driving. An economy scoring function further provides feedback about current driving techniques, as well as feedback on cumulative, long-term driving style.

"Hybrid drivers enjoy trying to get the most fuel economy from their vehicles," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The visual nature of Eco Assist is intended to help drivers improve their efficient driving skills by making the hybrid experience more fun and rewarding."

Honda developed the powertrain control, driver guidance and driver feedback functions of Eco Assist to help enhance real-world fuel economy. In particular, the scoring function provides cumulative, long-term feedback through graphic 'leaves,' which grow over time as drivers learn and implement driving practices that increase fuel economy.

Activated by a green "ECON" button on the instrument panel, ECON mode optimizes control of the transmission, engine and other powertrain elements to conserve fuel. ECON mode also adjusts air conditioner operation, increases the potential for engaging the idle stop feature sooner and increase battery charging during regenerative braking.

The guidance function uses the speedometer background's color-changing, three-dimensional appearance to indicate fuel efficiency in real time. Fuel-saving activities like smooth acceleration and braking make the meter glow green. Somewhat less efficient driving makes the meter glow blue-green. Aggressive starts and stops that consume extra fuel make the meter glow blue. By observing the speedometer background's response to driving practices and seeking to achieve a consistently green color, drivers can receive assistance in developing driving habits that typically enhance fuel economy.

The scoring function provides feedback about current driving practices, as well as cumulative, long-term feedback tracking progress. Located in the center of the instrument panel of the all-new Insight, the Multi-Information Display offers drivers a selection of informational displays, including the scoring function, in which the number of 'leaves' displayed indicates the level of environmentally responsible driving performance. When the ignition switch is on, the display scores driving practices in real time. When the ignition switch is turned off, the 'leaves' in the top line of the display score driving in the just completed cycle (startup to shutdown), while a horizontal bar in the lower part of the display scores cumulative lifetime performance.

The Multi-Information Display also allows drivers to view fuel economy figures for the past three trips, as well as instantaneous and average fuel economy statistics. The scoring function encourages drivers to take an interest in developing fuel efficient driving habits over the long term.

Going on sale in North America next spring, the all-new, purpose-built Insight will come to market at a price significantly below that of hybrids available today. From this unique position in the marketplace, the Insight will advance the affordability and accessibility of hybrid technology to a new generation of buyers.

With its affordable price, the new hybrid vehicle will represent the best value in its segment. Along with the Civic Hybrid, the new vehicle will be produced at an expanded hybrid vehicle production line at the Suzuka factory in Japan.
The Insight is expected to have annual global sales of 200,000 units per year -approximately 100,000 in North America. Following the launch of the new Insight, Honda also plans to introduce another unique sporty hybrid vehicle based on the CR-Z, a concept car first shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

The original Honda Insight was introduced in December 1999 as North America's first gas-electric hybrid car. The original Insight was designed from the ground up to demonstrate the ultimate potential for fuel-economy in a two-seater subcompact automobile.

A leader in the development of cleaner, more fuel-efficient mobility products, Honda was the first to market low-emission gasoline vehicles, a gasoline-electric hybrid car in North America, and the world's first EPA-certified hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle, the FCX. In 2007, Honda was named "greenest automaker" by the Union of Concerned Scientists for the fourth straight time.

For more information and downloadable high-resolution images of the Insight Concept and other Honda vehicles, please visit www.hondanews.com. Consumer information is available at www.honda.com.

Maruti Suzuki all set to introduce A-Star soon

Even as the auto industry is struggling to meet its sales target, India’s largest auto-manufacturer Maruti Suzuki is all set to excite the market with its latest offering, A-Star, promising a green vehicle with fuel efficiency.
To be launched within a fortnight, the five-door hatchback, equipped with all-new KB series engine, will be rolled out of Maruti Suzuki’s Manesar (Gurgaon) plant. The new-generation 998-cc engine offers 67 BHP power and has been designed to meet even future environment norms. Claiming that the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI)’s tests reveal that A-Star delivers an impressive mileage of 19.59 km a litre, Maruti Suzuki’s Executive Officer (Marketing and Sales) Mayank Pareek said the new offering would give yet another choice to cost-conscious customers who can now select from a range of as many as seven of their products in the compact car segment.
Denying that A-Star would be pitched against Maruti Suzuki’s own small cars, thus hitting its sales, Mr. Pareek said: “In the fast-growing Indian passenger car market, sub-niche are emerging between various segments.
A-Star will be uniquely positioned that will appeal to altogether new customers. Initially, we plan to sell at least 50,000 A-Star in India every year.”
Though Mr. Pareek refused to disclose the price of the new car that will be available in three variants, A-Star is likely to be priced around Rs. 3.25-4 lakh.
The company has big export plans for A-Star which will be Suzuki’s fifth global model. A-Star will be made in 200 variants and exported to 150 nations across Europe, Asia, the Middle-East, Latin America, Africa and Australia. A-Star will fuel parent company Suzuki’s ambition of re-entering the European market stronger.
The export of A-Star is likely to begin early next year with around one lakh units; and later it will contribute half of Maruti Suzuki’s overall export target of 2-lakh units by 2010-11.
With A-Star, Maruti Suzuki is starting an all new-initiative of making all its car comply with ‘end of life vehicle’ (ELV) specifications, making it recyclable up to 95 per cent.

Hyundai in Talks Surrounding Chrysler Purchase

Though GM halted its conquest plans, Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company is reportedly talking with management at Chrysler LLC about a possible purchase.
While GM's talks were about absorbing Chrysler as a whole, it's rumored that Hyundai is interested mostly in Chrysler for the Jeep portfolio. Although it's possible that brand could be sold off to an interested party, Chrysler's overseers at Cerberus Capital Management have repeatedly said they're not looking to sell off the company in part.Hyundai, which currently sells two subcompact cars and a micro-truck as Dodges in Mexico, is said to be a better merger partner than GM was. Should a merger occur, Automotive News hypothesizes Hyundai could keep more of Chrysler's existing infrastructure and employees than GM could.That angle could be enough to sell the U.S. Government on financing the transaction, a stumbling block that helped doom the GM-Chrysler talks. If it isn't, Chrysler could have another avenue via Renault-Nissan. Though the Franco-Japanese conglomerate halted negotiations for Chrysler once the GM proposal broke, Automotive News claims Cerberus plans to restart the dialogue in the coming days.

Nissan Debuts NV2500 Concept commercial for American

Nissan North America, Inc. today announced its Nissan NV2500 Concept, which makes its public debut in early January at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. One of the largest concepts vehicle ever created by Nissan, the innovative NV2500 Concept previews the company’s entry into the North American Commercial Vehicle (CV) market in 2010 and is designed to highlight multi-purpose utility solutions in the real world.