JOIN USDon't worry about BS-VI fuel,focus on R&D: Gadkari to auto companies
With the government firm on introducing BS-VI emission norms by 2020, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday asked automakers not to worry about availability of suitable fuel, but focus on developing engines to meet guidelines.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Auto Expo here, the minister said that pollution is a big problem and “green judges are now very active”.
He said the government has decided to introduce BS-VI emission norms from April 1, 2020. “We are going to make these norms mandatory. Don’t bother about the fuel. That will be my responsibility and (I am) following up with the petroleum ministry, and at any cost, we will see to that,” Gadkari said. Automobile manufacturers have expressed doubts on whether BS-VI compatible fuel would be available in time, as the entire country is yet to be covered by BS-IV although it was introduced in 2010.
Maurti concept
Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday, the second day of the Delhi Auto Expo 2016, unveiled the concept models of Ignis and Baleno RS. The production models of Ignis and Baleno RS will be launched in India during the festival season.
While the Ignis is positioned as a smart urban compact car, the Baleno RS is a sporty version of the company’s premium hatchback Baleno, which will be powered by a one litre Boosterjet direct injection turbo engine.
JBM’s electric bus
Delhi based JBM Auto on Thursday launched ECOLIFE, India’s first 100 per cent electric bus, under a joint venture with Poland-based Solaris Bus and Coach SA, at the Auto Expo. The company claimed that this is India’s first bus running on 100 per cent electric power. It is capable of running 10 to 15 hours out of charge, for up to 150-200 kms.
The latest offering will be deriving its power from lithium batteries, and has been designed as a city commute, said Executive Director of JBM Group, Nishant Arya. The bus is totally manufactured at its plant at Faridabad and ready for commercial production by end of this year, he said.
The bus has been touted as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV), supporting fast charging through the use of pantograph for quicker turnarounds.
Toyota’s Innova Crysta
Toyota Kirloskar Motor has unveiled its Innova Crysta at the Auto Expo. The vehicle comes with an all-new engine and for the first time an all-new 6 speed automatic transmission. It will be in the market by the end of this year.
The Innova, which started out as the Kijang, 39 years ago, has become the No.1 selling vehicle in its segment, achieving more than 1.6 million sales to date, globally, Kyoichi Tanada, CEO — Asia and the Middle East told reporters here.
Tata’s passengers vehicles
Tata Motors on Wednesday unveiled its future range of passenger vehicles, including a compact sedan, SUV Hexa and compact SUV Nexon in the Auto Expo.
The company also displayed production ready SUV ‘Hexa’; compact SUV ‘Nexon’; and a compact sedan ‘Kite 5’. Besides, it showcased a sporty hatchback developed by Tata Motors and Jayen Automotive.
JLR launches:
Tata Motors-owned JLR launched the all-new Jaguar XE sports saloon priced at Rs 39.9 lakh and Rs 46.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
The new Jaguar XE sports saloon will be assembled in India as part of the company’s move to increase localisation.
“As part of our commitment to India, we have increased localisation and on the 5th anniversary of our plant (at Pimpri). We have built five products in India, today we will add Jaguar XE to it," Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Ralph Speth said.
Jaguar XE will be available in two petrol engine options with power output of 147 kW priced at Rs 39.9 lakh, and 177 kW at Rs 46.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the company said.
Apart from Jaguar XE, JLR is also showcasing six new products in India including the Discovery Sport, Range Rover SV Autobiography, Jaguar F Type Coupe, Jaguar F Pace and Jaguar XF.