New Launch Cars

2007 has been a great year for the car lovers so far. It has witnessed a slew of new launches across all car segments heating up the war amongst all major car manufacturers. This, however, has lead to a healthy competition and a good variety for the customers to choose from.

Car major General Motors India has been leading the way with a series of car launches across all segments. It kick-started the journey with the launch Chevrolet U-VA in January 2007. The saga continued with ‘Chevrolet Optra Platinum’ limited edition, followed by the launch of much awaited 'Chevrolet Spark' in April 2007. GM continued the momentum though the launch of Chevrolet Optra Magnum and New Chevrolet Aveo Anniversary Edition in the subsequent months.

Expanding the small car category further, Hyundai Motors is working on a hatchback — code-named Pa — positioned between Santro and Getz and aimed squarely at the new Zen Estilo.

'Mahindra Renault Logan' hit the India roads in the mid 2007. This was one of the much-awaited vehicles and came with a bang with a fiercely competitive price tag of Rs 4.5-5 lakhs.

This year also made way for the big names. BMW began its journey in India with the 3 series, assembled at its factory in Chennai. DaimlerChrysler also has brought in its M class. Amongst the other prominent launches this year were Maurti SX4, Grand Vitara and Ford Mondeo.

GM India has brought in the Optra Magnum Diesel TCDi and is slated to bring in the diesel version of Aveo by the 3rd quarter of the year. Optra Magnum was placed against the likes of Scoda Octavia, Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla, and it has already been well received by the consumers.

Car Buying Tips

Since buying a car entails a big expenditure and a major monetary decision, it is advisable to do a little bit of research work and keep some commonsensical things in mind rather than regretting later. Let’s zoom on…

Don’t go with a preconceived notion for or against a particular car and better go for buying a car with an open mind after considering all the pros and cons of the car (technical specifications, mileage etc.). With loads of reliable information available, you should first go for a virtual car shopping which help you in taking an informed buying decision
Equally important is the priority factor, whether you want great pick up or high mileage. Also keep other factors in your mind such as the size of your family and the seating capacity of the car.

If you are buying a car by availing a car loan then decide what is the maximum EMI that you can afford on your present income

Once you have zeroed on the car you want to buy, it is time to negotiate the price. Carry out a survey of different dealers to see if you can get a better price. It is quite possible that some dealers may have a special offer on the model you desire

Before finalizing the deal, always take a test drive to get the feel of the car. Make sure that you are comfortable and satisfied with the car. Check that there is enough leg space, luggage space, steering is not too heavy et al. Finalising the deal and signing the paperwork: As buyer of the car you need to ensure that all the legal forms should be filled in completely and submitted to the right authorities. You have to register the car with the Regional Transport Office. Following documents are required to be submitted to the RTO:

- Application for new car registration or Form 20
- Photocopy of the invoice, insurance policy, ration card or telephone bill as proof of address.
- Original Sale Certificate or Form No 23, Sales Tax Receipt, Octroi Receipt
- Pollution Under Control Certificate from the manufacturer or Form No 22
- Letter from the financier, in case you have taken a loan to purchase a car, addressed to the RTO asking them to endorse their lien on your car registration certificate book or Form No 34
- Your PAN number
- Imprint of your car's Chassis Number

It is always better to go for a used car if you are a greenhorn and have just learnt driving. This way you can refine your driving skills and gain the necessary confidence before investing a substantial amount on new car. Also you can afford a luxury model in relatively less price. But buying a used car has a few downsides too. Used cars have higher maintenance cost as compared to new cars So it is always advisable to go for an expertise advice and a thorough inspection by an experienced mechanic before purchasing. The engine, chasis, tyre and battery condition, air conditioning are the must to consider before buying. The most important advice is a test drive which will help you arrive at the decision whether the car is fit for you or not. Please ensure that the paperwork is in order so as to avoid any fraudulent.

New Launch Cars in India

Gone are the days when the Fiat and the Ambassador were seen in the streets in India. Now the Indian car market is flooded with world class brands and top automobile manufacturers are giving increasing stress on providing better after sales service to its customers.

The recent Auto Expo unveiled many new cars, so in case you are stepping out to drive your dream machine, there is a plethora of option in front of you.

Among new launch cars, the one which remained most popular in Auto Expo this time was 'Nano' from Tata, say it one lakh car or Laktakia, but Tata launched Nano for the people of india, thats why people came to see their Car called peoples car. But the head honchos of GMI were not perturbed. They were in a class of their own.

General Motors India (GMI), has now entered the premium SUV segment, by launching Chevloret Captiva, its new sports utility vehicle in this Auto Expo.

"Captiva has already made its mark in Europe, Australia, South America and Indonesia. And now, it is ready to capture its share of the Indian market. GMI has kicked of the year with a brilliant SUV," said Karl Slym, GM India president and managing director, at the 9th Auto Expo. Captiva could definitely score with the Indian mass since it looks more like a stylish compact SUV that has a three-seater as well as a seven-seater variant.

Chevrolet Captiva is priced to compete with Honda CR-V -which is sold at Rs 18.4 lakh, Pajero - priced at 18.8 lakh and Nissan X-Trail's - it's priced at Rs 23 lakh. The 2-litre diesel driven Captiva will be available to the customers for Rs 17.74 lakh (exshowroom ).

"We believe Captiva will be a successful vehicle on the Indian roads. We hope to sell 1,000 units in 2008," said Slym. The company estimates that the SUV segment would move up from the current 7,000 units per annum to 28,000 units by the year 2012. The company would consider manufacturing the vehicle here if it is able to get requisite volumes.

Reference : The Economic Times dated 13 Jan 2007

Chevrolet cars in 2008

Car buyers who had postponed their purchase till next year may have done justice to themselves and their pockets. The industry will see as many as 24 new launches in 2008, from 14 car makers across the country, with nearly all of them being unveiled at Auto Expo in New Delhi.

General Motors India is all set to launch the Chevrolet Captiva, a global premium sports utility vehicle (SUV), in January 2008. The attractive SUV with a seven-seat layout option will be imported in the completely built form from GMDAT (GM Daewoo Automotive Technology) Korea, where the vehicle is sold as the Daewoo Winstrom.

The Captiva is expected to be positioned to take on competitors like the existing Honda CR-V and the likes of the Hyundai Sante Fe that is rumored to be waiting in the wings to be launched here. In addition to showcasing this premium SUV’s global platform and technology, GM India hopes that the Captiva will also bolster the Chevrolet brand’s image.

New Cars in India

General Motors has been a forerunner in bringing world class cars to the Indian consumer. GM started off with the launch of Chevrolet U-VA in January 2007, followed by ‘Chevrolet Optra Platinum’ limited edition. In April, GM India came up with the much awaited Chevrolet Spark' –a refurbished version of Daewoo's 'Matiz.' Chevrolet Spark’s best in the class fuel efficiency and enhanced safety features are certain to lure the car lovers. The saga continued with the introduction of Optra Magnum and New Chevrolet Aveo Anniversary Edition in the subsequent months. It is worth mentioning here that GM India has registered its highest ever sales in August since its inception in India.

Among other prominent players, there were Mahindra Renault Logan' that hit the road in the mid 2007. BMW also began its journey in India with the 3 series, assembled at its factory in Chennai. Old war horse DaimlerChrysler also brought in its M class. Amongst other worth-mentioning here are Maurti SX4, Grand Vitara, Ford Mondeo and Mitsubishi Montero.

The carlines that are expected to hit the road in near future would be GM’s Chevrolet Captiva in the premium SUV segment; diesel version of Getz & Chevrolet Aveo; ‘Pa’ - a hatchback from Hyundai.