Range Rover Evoque becomes contract hire favourite

2012 Range Rover Evoque

For car makers, the contract hire and leasing market tends to be fairly stable field with mostly executive saloons and hatchbacks taking the lion’s share of the market. But UK contract hire website, ContractHireAndLeasing.com has noticed one significant new entry into its list of most popular vehicles; the new Range Rover Evoque.

Land Rover’s latest model and baby of the family has managed a staggering feat of coming from its status as a relative newcomer on the market straight into the number three position in ContractHireAndLeasing.com’s list of the most searched for models in January.

The SUV model was beaten only by two Mercs; the C-Class in first place, as the most searched for car on the website last month and the E-Class in second place. It is an impressive achievement for the car, the only non-German car in the entire top ten. Following the Range Rover Evoque is the BMW 3 Series and Audi A6 to make the top five.

January is a busy month for the contract hire and leasing market, with many businesses returning to work after the Christmas break and organising their new models. Private motorists too, tend to see the start of the year as a good time to look for a new vehicle once the seasonal distractions have gone.

The Range Rover Evoque model was launched in September 2011 and went on to quickly claim more than 50 top motoring awards from around the world including BBC TopGear Magazine’s 2011 Car of the Year prize. It is the smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced so far and is available as a five door or coupe model, with both four-wheel-drive and front-wheel-drive versions available, giving it wide appeal to a whole host of wants and desires.

Spokesperson for ContractHireAndLeasing.com, Richard Lawton explains why he believes the Range Rover Evoque has been so popular: “The demand for compact SUVs has continued to grow, and the Evoque is Land Rover’s much-awaited entry into this market. What’s more by focusing on fuel economy and lightweight design, Land Rover has appeased consumer demand for vehicles that are compact, easy to manouevre and fuel efficient. With economy as strong as 57.6mpg [EU combined cycle], the Evoque is an ideal urban vehicle that is also able to cope with the rough and tumble of rural conditions come the weekend.”

Source: Easier

Jaguar Land Rover displaying C-X16 at Toronto, Canada

The C-X16 concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.

Jaguar C-X16 Concept

Jaguar C-X16

The Jaguar C-X16 production concept, making its Canadian debut in Toronto, is designed by the same team that produced the Jaguar XJ, XF and XK, headed by Jaguar’s design director Ian Callum.

The C-X16 concept is a precursor to future Jaguar sports cars that will aim to set new class benchmarks in design, vehicle dynamics and technology.

As the concept neared completion, Callum commented: “Great Jaguar cars have always been beautiful, innovative and have looked firmly to the future. The finished C-X16 concept has the potential to do these things while retaining the ability to surprise, excite and invigorate.”

Jaguar will also showcase the 550-horsepower XKR-S Coupe. The high-performance sports car is the fastest and most powerful production vehicle Jaguar has ever created.

Land Rover

Land Rover will feature the 2012 Range Rover, the pinnacle of luxury SUVs, with its unique blend of high-performance on-road dynamics and traditional Range Rover off-road capability.

Also on display are the Range Rover Sport and Evoque, plus the Land Rover LR4 and LR2.

Source: National Post

2012 Range Rover Sport Wins ALG Award for "Best Luxury Midsize Utility Vehicle"

Range Rover Sport continues its run of top residual value awards in the luxury midsize utility vehicle category. A Residual Value award reflects value and customer demand for Land Rover SUVs.

2012 Range Rover Sport

Jaguar Land Rover Canada is proud to announce the company's latest achievement - a Residual Value Award from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The 2012 Range Rover Sport has been named the "Best Luxury Midsize Utility Vehicle".

The Range Rover Sport models enter the 2012 model year with subtle styling refinements, significant audio/infotainment technology upgrades and additional amenities.

"It is a true honor to receive this accolade," comments Jaguar Land Rover Canada President, Lindsay Duffield. "With all of our Land Rover models, we are dedicated to providing customers with value along with vehicles that combine top notch off-road capabilities and a strong sense of luxury."

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period for luxury vehicles. Awards are given in 19 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all luxury vehicles. This year's awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles.

"The Range Rover Sport represents an unrivaled blend of off-road capability, on-road manners, and opulent trimmings," said Geoff Helby, Canada Regional Director for ALG. "Equipped with its full-size sibling's impressive naturally-aspirated and supercharged V8 engines, the Sport takes home its third award in four years."

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies remain the key factors that affect ALG's residual value forecasts.

2012 Range Rover Sport

Range Rover Sport models enter the 2012 model year with subtle styling refinements, significant audio/infotainment technology upgrades and additional amenities. The Range Rover Sport is powered by a 375 hp 5.0-liter V8 or a 510 hp supercharged version, and features advanced chassis control systems, uniquely blend high-performance on-road dynamics with traditional Range Rover off-road capability, along with the brand's renowned luxury.  The new compact Smart Key fob is smaller than before yet retains all functions, including lock, unlock, tailgate release and panic alarm. Steering wheel stalks are revised for easier use and higher quality appearance.

The 2012 Range Rover Sport is available in HSE, HSE with Luxury Package, Supercharged and top-of-range Autobiography models.

Pricing:*

• Range Rover Sport HSE - $73,650
• Range Rover Sport HSE LUX - $77,750
• Range Rover Sport Supercharged - $89,450
• Range Rover Sport Autobiography - $100,650

Source: The Auto Channel

New 2013 Range Rover heading for a Geneva 2012 debut

2013 Range Rover

We’re hearing that Land Rover are planning to debut the 2013 Range Rover at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

We’ve had plenty of spy shots of the new Range Rover in the last year as Land Rover work hard to sort out the vital replacement for the now 10 year old Range Rover, and we’ve even had spy video of the new Land Rover halo car at the Nurburgring. Now we’re hearing that Land Rover are planning to debut the new Range Rover at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

The general consensus has been that the new Range Rover wouldn’t get a public debut until the Paris Motor Show in September, but we’ve heard from a normally very reliable source that Land Rover are planning to make the new Range Rover a star at Geneva in just a few weeks.

The new Range Rover will be a huge chunk lighter than the current model – as much as 500kg lighter – and is based on new aluminium underpinnings borrowed from the new Jaguar XJ. Despite the weight loss, the new Range Rover will grow in size to give passengers more room – especially in the back – be far more economical and much more dynamic.

The dynamic bit was illustrated very well back in November when one of our team fell in to conversation with a Land Rover tester who was in Spain shaking down the new Range Rover. In conversation, the Land Rover man said that the key to the new Range Rover would be handling and dynamics, and that they were aiming for Cayenne and X5 levels of on-road manners with the new Range Rover – and that aim would be fulfilled.

If true, that would put the Range Rover a country mile ahead of any competition. The Range Rover is already perhaps the most appealing car money can buy, and if you throw in decent economy, more room and dynamics and performance up there with the Cayenne and X5, Tata will have pulled off an absolute winner.

If news that the 2013 Range Rover will debut at Geneva is true, JLR should take the trophy for star of Geneva, especially as the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake will debut at Geneva too.

Source: Cars UK

Spyshots: Land Rover Freelander Facelift

Land Rover Freelander Facelift Spyshots

Judging from these spy photos, Land Rover is preparing another second facelift for the Land Rover Freelander 2 (aka LR2 in North America).

Following the Freelander 2's first facelift revealed in 2010, the second facelift will be quite mild with a new grille and new headlights as well as new taillights. We might also see a slightly updated interior and new, more fuel-efficient engines.

Expect the 2013 Freelander 2 facelift to be officially introduced at the Paris Motor Show in September this year.

More Images

Source: World Car Fans

Range Rover Sport: King of the road

If your weekday life consists of boardroom meetings hammering out mega-buck deals and the weekends are spent at your own private game farm in the Waterberg, the chances are your wheels of choice in that triple garage at your golf estate will be a Range Rover Sport.

Range Rover Sport

Since its launch in 2005 it has quickly ingrained itself as a favourite with the movers and shakers in South Africa whose pockets are lined with crisp, new R200 notes.

Why? Well not only does it draw heavily on the Land Rover pedigree for off-road adventure but also because of its sports-car like performance, handling and long list of luxury features.

No wonder its the wheels of choice for international superstars such as David "Golden Balls" Beckham, Steven Gerrard and royalty across the globe.

What is it?

The Range Rover Sport Autobiography is now the flagship for this very popular range and incorporates a number of new external and interior design elements for the 2012 version.

The name "Autobiography" - which, one must admit, is a bit unusual - is based on the opportunity it affords customers to put their own individual stamp on the vehicle when it comes to interior combinations.

A glance at its rivals in the up-market segment of SUVs shows it is right up there with the kings of the jungle.

How does it look?

Like the real deal, that's how. In the cabin you have the choice of five interior themes with a sportiness suggested by the names with which they have been christened - Estoril, Hockenheim, Le Mans, Monaco and Monza.

No fake wood panelling here; it's all genuine and tastefully used.

Its exterior stance is rather brutish and while the angles may have been rounded somewhat, it's still an imposing look. There's a new front grill and side vent while the 20-inch wheels and chrome, square tailpipes seal the deal.

Interiors of Range Rover Sport

What's it like to drive?

Press that stop/start button and the deep baritone growl making its way from the 5.0-litre supercharged engine, to those rear tailpipes, drowns out any Cape Town radio station.

Go hard with your right foot and the 2.5 tons of the RR Sport lurch forward like a startled rhino. Keep your foot flat, so the metal is touching the plush carpets, and you'll get a 0-100km/h time just over six seconds - and that's when things start to get interesting!

Once its built up a head of steam the vehicle is actually quicker between 100km/h and 160km/h than a BMW M3!

Take it off road - as we did on the 4x4 course at the Simonsig wine estate - and the vehicle channels every one of those 375kW to a different use while scrambling over boulders, through streams and down steep inclines.

Back on tar it handles surprisingly well. Through the bends you can push hard and at the slightest hint of trouble the roll stability control system kicks in by braking individual wheels if the possibility of a rollover is detected.

Any special features?

Too many to mention but what may be of interest is the permanent four-wheel drive system while the Terraine Response System offers five settings that adjust throttle response, gear changes, ride height and the like.

A dual view touch-screen is available for the first time, allowing the driver to keep an eye on the navigation system, while the passenger can enjoy a DVD. Let's not forget the ultimate Harmon Kardon Logic audio system which churns out an eye-watering 825W through 17 speakers.

Lastly, the tailgate is now powered by the push of a button while rear-seat passengers can enjoy WhiteFire wireless technology which incorporates cordless headphones.

Should you buy one?

If you have a cool R1-million-odd, to spare, why the hell not! You'll be the envy of all as you rock up at the Inanda Club on a Sunday morning for brunch.

The Specs:

Engine: 4999cc V8 Supercharged
Power: 375kW at 6000-6500rpm
Torque: 625Nm at 2500 to 5500rpm
0-100km/h: 6.2 seconds
Top speed: 225km/h
Fuel consumption: 14.9/100km (claimed combined)
CO2: 348g/km
Price: R1159300

We like:

Equally at home burning up the tar or getting dirty off road.

We don't like:

Around town, driving will be mighty expensive. Expect it to guzzle more than 20 l/100km.

Source: Times Live

Jaguar Considering Track-Focused XKR-S: Report

Jaguar XKR-S

To most, the 550-horsepower Jaguar XKR-S is about as hardcore as you’d ever want a Jaguar to be.

However, for the buyer that likes to take his car to a track, race it, and then drive home again, even the XKR-S may not be focused enough.

This has got management at Jaguar wondering if they should build something akin to say, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS or the BMW M3 GTS.

Essentially race cars converted for road-use, the special edition Porsche and BMW are stripped of any amenities that may make life more comfortable. They are then treated to some serious performance modifications, including more power, stiffer suspension, and much more aggressive aerodynamic design.

Jaguar is now considering applying that same formula to a handful of its XKR-S coupes, a car that is already a rare sight given its own limited production run of just 100 units. The information was revealed by the British automaker’s global communications chief, Frank Klaas, who spoke recently with Car and Driver.

If built, the track-focused XKR-S would likely lose its rear seats, have a full roll-cage and fire-suppression system installed, gain a pair of racing bucket seats with harnesses, and have new, easy-to-read gauges fitted.

Jaguar has a special division for building bespoke cars, the in-house Engineered To Order (ETO) group, and the team at ETO are likely to build any track-focused XKR-S should the project be given the green light. Klaas did admit that the ETO group would play a more prominent role in Jaguar’s future.

A concept version to gauge public interest is expected to be unveiled at a major international auto show sometime this year.

Note, Jaguar is planning to unveil a new special edition XK and XKR range at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show next month, though these won’t be available in the U.S. The cars get a number of upgrades including ‘Artisan’ hand-crafted interiors, a 525W Bowers & Wilkins, exclusive colors, and special badging.

Source: Motor Authority

Limited Edition Land Rover Defender unveiled by Prindiville Design

• Limited Edition Land Rover Defender celebrates model debut in the Prindiville Collection.
• Only 25 individually-numbered vehicles available worldwide.
• Hand-assembled by Prindiville’s team of highly-skilled engineers.
• Power, cooling, and suspension upgrades by Defender specialist, Alive Tuning.
• Priced at £52,000 or $81,500 (excluding import tax and shipping).

Special Edition Land Rover Defender by Prindiville Design

London-based bespoke coachbuilder, Prindiville Design, has unveiled a new Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, designed to celebrate the debut of the model in their Collection which counts some of today’s most sought-after supercars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Aventador.

Restricted to only 25 units worldwide, and designed to offer individuality coupled with a superior level of comfort and practicality, the Limited Edition Land Rover is based on the latest Defender 90 Hard Top model, and hand-assembled by a team of highly skilled engineers at Prindiville’s UK manufacturing facility close to Silverstone, in-line with the customer’s bespoke interior and exterior specification. Enhancements to the suspension, braking system, cooling, and engine are undertaken by Defender specialists, Lincolnshire-based Alive Tuning, who has become renowned in their field for their extensive experience, unrivalled quality, and attention to detail.

The Limited Edition offers a choice of four different power upgrades, which gradually increase the output of the 2.4-litre TDi powerplant from 122 to 190 bhp. Coupled with the dual-range six speed transmission, which can be further upgraded to an automatic or tiptronic gearbox, and the additions of a high flow intercooler, silicone hoses, and turbocharger, this translates into a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100km/h) sprint of just 10 seconds, and a peak torque of 460Nm. The model is specified as standard with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, complete with a high performance braking system thanks to Prindiville’s bespoke six-pot callipers and sport discs. Custom designed and manufactured performance springs also allow greater vehicle speed and stability.

Each of the 25 customers are invited to specify a bespoke paint scheme in either a matt or metallic finish from Prindviille’s very own palette, thereby complementing the beautifully-designed exterior which boasts a number of features exclusive to the latest Limited Edition. These are namely a rear Prindiville signature badge, a titanium high performance sports exhaust, chrome side protection runners, LED front and rear headlamps, ribbed undershield, in addition to front and rear parking sensors and cameras, a world first for the Land Rover Defender.

The full leather interior is trimmed with the finest Italian hides, and superior comfort comes courtesy of Cobra sport seats dressed with hand-stitched piping. This is echoed in the matching leather steering wheel, alcantara driver and passenger carpets, and bespoke centre console storage unit, all built and tailored according to the owner’s colour selection. Each of the Limited Edition Defenders by Prindiville equally receives a dashboard-mounted numbered aluminium plaque commemorating the series in the coachbuilder’s prestigious collection.

The application of internal sound proofing significantly reduces road and engine noise, allowing occupants to enjoy the unsurpassed driving experience as well as the in-car entertainment and communication system. This comes as standard with a five-inch built-in LCD television interface providing access to wireless Internet, a DVD player, satellite navigation, 360-degree external vision, surround sound from four  loudspeakers, as well as a connection to any mobile handset and MP3 device via Bluetooth.

Commenting on the launch of the new Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, Alex Prindiville, Founder and Chief Designer of Prindiville Design, explains: “The Limited Edition Land Rover Defender is a truly unique proposition in that it offers a more refined, quiet, and comfortable environment comparable to that of high-end 4x4s. This is an uncompromised solution for either urban city driving or long-distance journeys. The significant interest which we have enjoyed to date will no doubt pave the way for further Land Rover or Range Rover customisations of a similar nature.”

The Limited Edition Land Rover Defender by Prindiville Design is available to order now at a cost of £52,000 or US$81,500 (excluding import taxes and shipping).

Source: 3D Car Shows

Official: 2012 Jaguar XK and XKR Special Edition

Jaguar has released their new lineup of XK and XKR Special Edition models with their new hand-crafted ‘Artisan’ interiors.

Jaguar XK Special Edition

Available in both coupe and convertible form, the Special Edition model’s Artisan interior features the use of tactile ‘scraffito’ finished leather to the front seats, instrument binnacle, door and rear quarter casings. These options are combined with Poltrona Frau leather headlinings, two new veneer finishes – Shadow Walnut and Dark Figured Aluminium – and standard features including a 525W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, 16 by 16 way adjustable heated Performance seats, a heated steering wheel and keyless entry/start, each Special Edition model.

Jaguar XK Special Edition

To compliment the new interior trim, Jaguar’s design team specified two exclusive Artisan interior colourways for the Special Edition models; Navy with Jet headlining and Truffle with Canvas headlining. Convertible hood colours include Black, Blue, Grey and Brown. Special Edition treadplates and stainless steel pedals are additional enhancements.

An exterior paint palette of six colours includes the Special Edition colour of Celestial Black, with Crystal Blue, Lunar Grey, Polaris White, Rhodium Silver and Ultimate Black being the alternative options. Two new 20 inch alloy wheel designs complete the exterior changes; Venom wheels are diamond turned with a dark grey finish, the Orona style having a polished finish.

Jaguar XKR Convertible Special Edition

For the 2013 model year all standard XKR convertible and coupe models are now available with the optional Dynamic Pack (previously offered on the XKR coupe only). The Dynamic Pack raises top speed to 174mph, and includes the addition of side sill extensions with new rear diffuser, 10mm lower ride height, revised adaptive dynamics, spring and damper rates, plus a new front steering knuckle for optimised precision.

The Jaguar XK(R) Special Edition program will make its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2012 in March and will not be available in the North American market.

Jaguar XK Special Edition

Jaguar XKR Special Edition

Source: GT Spirit

Tata Motors January Global Sales Rise 21% To 119,799 Units

Land Rover Freelander II SUVs on an assembly line at a plant in the western Indian state of Maharashtra

Global Wholesales Vehicles (including Passenger Cars and Commercial Vehicles):

Tata Motors Group's global wholesales including Jaguar Land Rover, were 119,799 units in January 2012 which is higher by 21% over January 2011. The cumulative sales for the fiscal are 985,260 greater by 13% compared to the corresponding period in 2010-11.

Global Sales of Passenger Vehicles:

The global sales of all passenger vehicles were at 66,785 units in January 2012, higher by 26%. While cumulative sales for the fiscal are 506,921 units, higher by 10%.

Global Sales of Tata Passenger Vehicles:

The global sales of Tata passenger vehicles and the distribution offtake in India of Fiat cars were at 37,492 units, for the month, higher by 14%, over January 2011. Cumulative sales for the fiscal are at 261,216 units.

Global Sales of Jaguar Land Rover Vehicles:

The global sales of Jaguar Land Rover in January 2012 were at 29,293 units, higher by 44% over January 2011, while cumulative sales of Jaguar Land Rover for the fiscal are 245,705 units, higher by 25%.

Global Sales of Jaguar Vehicles:

Jaguar sales for the month were 4,547 units, higher by 49%, while cumulative sales of Jaguar are 44,468 units, lower by 3%.

Global Sales of Land Rover Vehicles:

Land Rover sales for the month were 24,746 units, higher by 43%, while cumulative sales of Land Rover are 201,237 units, higher by 34%.

Source: Car Wale

Exquisite Range Rover Evoque By Arden

Range Rover Evoque by Arden

Another aftermarket program has made its way out for the award-winning Range Rover Evoque.

German aftermarket specialists Arden have released their latest package for the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. The much-acclaimed SUV has received a bit more power and a new body kit sure to distinguish this baby Range Rover from the rest on the road.The most prominent change on the Evoque comes up front, with a handmade stainless-steel grille built by Arden themselves. Remote-controlled sidebar lighting has also been added.

In terms of power, the Evoque's 2.2-liter diesel engine received an updated ECU, giving the Range Rove 25 more horsepower and 37 extra lb-ft of torque. A 30mm lowered suspension helps the Evoque handle the extra power on the road.No pricing information has been released as of yet for the Arden Range Rover Evoque.

Range Rover Evoque by Arden

Source: Car Buzz

Tata Motors hopes to increase UV market share to 15%

India's largest automobile company Tata Motors, on Wednesday launched Tata Sumo Gold in Hyderabad, AP, which it claims to be the most powerful SUV in its category.

Tata Sumo Gold

With utility vehicles segment continuing to grow in spite of general economic slowdown impacting the overall volumes of the automotive business in the country, Tata Motors Ltd sees its UV market share going up to 15 per cent this fiscal, up from 13 per cent it registered last year.

“The growth has been fuelled by growing volumes from SUV Safari and Sumo, with the latter now notching up average sales of about 3,300 a month, up from about 1,100 it was registering before the launch of Sumo Gold. The Sumo Gold was rolled out in select markets in October 2011 and within 30 days we will take it pan-India,” Mr Ashesh Dhar, Head-Utility Vehicle Product Group, Tata Motors Ltd, said.

“The rollout of new models in the Sumo Gold family and Safari have created excitement among buyers. Given their value proposition and features they offer, we are seeing good volumes coming this year. Last year, we registered total sales of 41,000 vehicles in the UV business. This will go up this fiscal with growing numbers from Sumo,” he said.

Launching Sumo Gold in Andhra Pradesh, Mr Dhar said the Sumo has made big strides since its introduction in India about 18 years ago. The new Sumo Gold, with refreshed looks, more powerful CR4 engine and attractive price band, has been received well in the market, both rural and urban areas. Sumo has 15 per cent share in the segment it operates.

The BS III and BS IV variants of Sumo are priced in the range of Rs 5.38 lakh to Rs 6.99 lakh ex-showroom and come with a warranty of three years or 1,00,000 km, whichever is earlier.

Asked about the a proposal to levy higher taxes on diesel cars, Mr Dhar said any move of this nature would impact all manufacturers not just Tata Motors.

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Tata Motors Q3 net up 41% on strong JLR sales‎

CEO of Jaguar Land Rover Ralf Speth, Managing Director of India Operations for Tata Motors P.M. Telang and CFO of Tata Motors C.Ramakrishnan (Left to Right) attend a news conference to announce Tata Motors Q3 Result

Consolidated Financial Results for the Quarter and Nine months ended December 31, 2011

Tata Motors today reported consolidated revenues (net of excise) of Rs.45,260 crores for the quarter ended December 31, 2011, posting a growth of 44.0% over Rs.31,442 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year on the back of growth in volumes, improved product and market mix. The Consolidated Profit before Exceptional item and Tax was Rs.4,658 crores, posting a growth of 68.7% over Rs.2,760 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Consolidated Profit before Tax (PBT) for the quarter was Rs.4,494 crores, compared to Rs.2,728 crores for the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The Consolidated Profit (After Tax and post minority interest and profit in respect of Associate companies) for the quarter was Rs.3,406 crores, as compared to Rs.2,424 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

The consolidated revenue (net of excise) for the Nine months ended December 31, 2011, was Rs.114,747 crores posting a growth of 32.1% over Rs.86,841 crores in the corresponding period last year. The Consolidated Profit before Exceptional item and Tax was Rs 9,770 crores, posting a growth of 30.7 % over Rs.7,472 crores in the corresponding period last year. The Consolidated Profit before Tax (PBT) for the Nine months ended December 31, 2011 was Rs.9,110 crores, compared to Rs.7,526 crores for the corresponding period last year after a swing of Rs.714 crores in the period on account of Exceptional item (Exchange loss (net) including on revaluation of foreign currency borrowings, deposits and loans of Rs.660 crores in Nine months FY 2011-12 vs. gain of Rs.54 crores in Nine months FY 2010-11). The Consolidated Profit (After Tax and post minority interest and profit in respect of Associate companies) for the Nine months ended December 31, 2011 was Rs.7,283 crores, as compared to Rs.6,636 crores in the corresponding period last year.

Tata Motors Stand-alone Financial Results for the Quarter and Nine months ended December 31, 2011

Tata Motors standalone revenues (net of excise) of Rs.13,338 crores represented a growth of 18.2% over Rs.11,280 crores in the corresponding period last year. Higher marketing spends and overall cost pressures, resulted in a reduction in the operating margins to 6.7%, and an Operating Profit (EBITDA) of Rs.897 crores in the quarter, declining by 26.3% over Rs.1,217 crores in the corresponding period last year.

The PBT for the quarter is Rs.186 crores as compared to Rs.531 crores in the corresponding period last year and the PAT for the quarter is Rs.174 crores as compared to Rs.410 crores in the corresponding period last year.

The standalone revenues (net of excise) for the Nine months ended December 31, 2011, was Rs.37,916 crores posting a growth of 15.7% over Rs.32,763 crores in the corresponding period last year. During the period there was an impact of Rs.282 crores of an Exceptional item (Nine months FY 2011-12 loss of Rs.375 crores versus a loss of Rs.93 crores in Nine months FY 2010-11) as compared to the same period last year on account of exchange loss (net) including on revaluation of foreign currency borrowings, deposits and loans arising from the depreciation of Indian Rupee (INR). After the impact of Exceptional item, the Standalone Profit before Tax (PBT) for Nine months FY 2011-12 was Rs. 689 crores, compared to Rs.1,606 crores for the corresponding period last year. The Standalone Profit After Tax for Nine months FY 2011-12 was Rs.677 crores, as compared to Rs.1,239 crores in the corresponding period last year.

Tata Motors' sales (including exports) of commercial and passenger vehicles for Nine months FY 2011-12, stood at 640,334 units, representing a growth of 8.2% as compared to the corresponding period last year.

In the domestic market, the Company's commercial vehicles sales for the Quarter ended December 31, 2011, stood at 131,220 units, an increase of 15.5% over the corresponding period last year. The commercial vehicles sales for the Nine months FY 2011-12 increased by 15.5% to 374,532 units, as compared to the corresponding period last year. The Company's market share in commercial vehicles was 59.4% for Nine months FY 2011-12.

Passenger vehicles, including Fiat and Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles distributed in India, grew by 33.2% in the domestic market for the Quarter ended December 31, 2011, as compared to the corresponding period last year to 85,963 units. Sales for the Nine months FY 2011-12 declined by 2.0% to 220,574 units, as compared to the corresponding period last year. Focused network actions have positively influenced retail sales. The market share in passenger vehicles improved to 12.6% for Nine months FY 2011-12 largely driven by sales in the recent quarter. The market share in Passenger vehicles for Q3 FY 2011-12 stood at 14.6%.

Jaguar Land Rover PLC

Jaguar Land Rover sales for Nine months FY 2011-12, stood at 216,412 units, representing a growth of 21.9% as compared to the corresponding period last year supported by better product & market mix with strong growth in China & Russia. Sales for the Quarter ended December 31, 2011, grew 36.7% to 86,322 units supported by the overwhelming response to the recently launched Range Rover Evoque.

Revenues of GBP 3,746 million represented a growth of 40.9% over GBP 2,658 million in the corresponding quarter last year. Strong profit performance was supported by growth in volumes and favorable products and market mix. Operating margins for the Quarter ended December 31, 2011, stood at 20.1% and an Operating Profit (EBITDA) of GBP 752 million in the quarter, a growth of 62.8% over GBP 462 million in the corresponding quarter last year. The PBT for the quarter is GBP 559 million (GBP 300 million in the corresponding quarter last year) and the PAT for the quarter is GBP 440 million (GBP 280 million in the corresponding quarter last year).

The recently launched new products continue to receive positive response. The newly launched Range Rover Evoque, clocked approximately 32,000 wholesale units till December 2011.

Jaguar Land Rover tied up the Revolving Credit Facilty (RCF) with a consortium of banks for committed 3 -5 year credit lines of GBP 610 million which has since been upsized to GBP 710 million. This will enable Jaguar Land Rover to have access to such funding as and when required and enable optimization of cash balances, while strengthening the liquidity position.

Tata Daewoo

Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles Co. Ltd. registered net revenues of Rs.704 crores, and recorded a Net loss of Rs.1 crore in the quarter ended December 31, 2011. This is mainly due to slowing down of economy which led to lower industry sales.

Tata Motors Finance

Tata Motors Finance Ltd, the Company's captive financing subsidiary, registered net revenues of Rs.524 crores and reported a Profit After Tax of Rs.71 crores in quarter ended December 31, 2011.

Source: Tata Motors

Spyshots: 2013 Range Rover Closer to Production

Land Rover is working full throttle to complete the development of the new Range Rover, which should arrive on the market by the end of the current year, with out spy shooters encountering yet another prototype during a winter testing session.

2013 Range Rover

The prototype was wearing heavy camo, as Land Rover plans significant design changes, so all we can see is the fact that the line of the rear will be brought a bit closer to that of the current Range Rover Sport.

The vehicle will share its aluminum platform with the Jaguar XJ, Which means that it will not only be lighter (rumors indicate that it will shed around 400 kg / 882 lbs), but will also allow the designers to make the car a little bit larger.

As for what’s under the hood, the engines will be inherited from the current generation, but the carmaker will also introduce a plug-in hybrid version that will borrow the tech stuff from the Range e concept.

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Source: Auto Evolution

Jaguar XJ-L, Evoque on James Bond 007 Skyfall Set [Video]‎

Supercar spotter Shmee150 has turned into a spy video maker, since he says he accidentally spotted a long wheelbase version of the Jaguar XJ on the set of the next James Bond movie. The filming was taking place in London and there were also a few Range Rover Evoques there, which we’re inclined to believe had something to do with the making of the new 007 movie.

Oh, and the black Range Rover you see at 1:33 is supposed to be driverless. There’s a gig on top of the car where the actual driver sits, and the actors sit in the back, so when the camera is on you get to thinking there is no driver.

Skyfall will mark Daniel Craig’s third sitting as James Bond. The plot of the 23rd Bond film that’s to be released in October is still very much a secret. All we know right now is that James Bond's loyalty to M is challenged over secrets from her past. Oh, and Naomie Harris will play the bond girl, which saddens us as Gemma Arterton fans.

Source: Auto Evolution

Jaguar's C-X75 Gets One Step Closer To Production

Jaguar’s million-dollar-plus C-X75, like Porsche’s 918, is the stuff modern auto enthusiast dreams are made of. Who wouldn’t want an automobile that delivers supercar levels of performance with hybrid-like fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions?

Jaguar C-X75 Supercar

Like the Porsche 918, Jaguar’s C-X75 is being put into production. Unlike Porsche’s uber-hybrid, however, Jaguar will build two variants of C-X75, including a conventional plug-in hybrid using a Williams F1-developed four-cylinder turbocharged engine, lithium-ion batteries and a pair of electric motors.

The second version of the C-X75, however, is far more interesting. Power will come from both lithium ion batteries and a pair of gas-fired microturbines, driving an electric motor at each wheel. This C-X75 variant will sprint from 0 - 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, and it’s said to have a top speed of over 200 mph.

Compared to the gasoline-powered generator in the Chevy Volt or Fisker Karma, the microturbines have significant advantages.  First, they weigh only 77 pounds each, so the pair weighs significantly less than a conventional engine. They’ve got fewer moving parts, and they don’t require conventional water cooling or lubrication systems, either.

As Auto Express reports, these microturbines are now one step closer to reality, as Tata, Jaguar’s parent, has opened a new factory in Coventry to build microturbines for the C-X75. Called the Bladon Jets Engineering Center, the facility’s 15 employees will be responsible for the production and testing of the turbines.

If the concept proves to be both practical and cost-effective, it could potentially change the way we power automobiles in the not-too-distant future. Here’s hoping that Jaguar finds a way for the technology to trickle down to more affordable vehicles.

Source: Motor Authority

Jaguar Land Rover reports sale of 42,000 units in China in 2011

The British premium marquee Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) owned by Indian auto major Tata Motors, has reportedly announced that the manufacturer sold 42,063 vehicles in China in 2011. The sales figure represents 61 percent growth for the manufacturer.

Jaguar Land Rover

According to reports, JLR's strong Chinese sales performance last year is in no small part due to the manufacturer's increased efforts to improve product localization. The reports quoted Bob Grace, director of the manufacturer's China Operations as saying that the manufacturer was committed on making even further strides in 2012. He added that JLR will expand its Chinese product line in the new year.

It was also reported that JLR set new sales records for every quarter of last year, and its total sales amount for the first three quarters of the year was already more than the amount sold in all of 2010. Among its two brands, Jaguar sales grew 123 percent from 2010, with 945 Jaguars sold in December alone. Meanwhile, sales of Land Rovers, boasted by the introduction of the new Range Rover Evoque continued to grow steadily with a total of 36,087 units sold in 2011, according to reports. Source: Wheels Unplugged

Sumo Gold pushes Tata sales

Tata Motors is upbeat over the launch of new Tata Sumo Gold. The Mumbai-based multinational auto major further expects that the new model would boost sales — and is expecting to sell 18,000 units of it by the end of the current financial year. The company is targeting rural, semi-urban market and taxi segment in the urban market with this new SUV.

Tata Sumo Gold

Tata Motors’ head (utility vehicles, product group) Ashesh Dhar said on Friday that the company initially launched the product in four markets — Maharastra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. “We got overwhelming response from all these markets,” he told BS. Prior to the launch, the company — South Asia’s largest automobile company — was selling 1,100 units of Sumo a month. “Now we are selling 3,300 units per month. Considering the sales figure, we are hopeful about selling 18,000 units of new Sumo Gold. The sales figure (including all Sumo Model combined) is likely to touch 24,000 units by the end of this fiscal,” Dhar added.

The 1945-founded Tata Motors, with auto-manufacturing and assembly plants in Jamshedpur, Pantnagar, Lucknow, Sanand, Dharwad and Pune, is targeting rural, semi-urban market and the taxi segment in urban market, he informed, adding, “We have aggressive plans to launch across India by the end of this year.”

Meanwhile, the company — earlier called Telco (Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company) — launched all new Tata Sumo Gold, the most powerful SUV in its category in Punjab and Chandigarh market. “The Tata Sumo Gold is a result of extensive consumer studies and field tests,” Dhar said.

The new Tata Sumo Gold is being launched in 4 variants — GX, EX, LX & CX — along with a warranty of 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever is earlier. Its price will be available from Rs 5.35 lakhs onwards (ex-showroom, Chandigarh).

Source: BS Motoring

Nitol group keen on Nano assembly unit in Bangladesh

With the Nano all set to hit the Bangladesh roads this February, the distributor of the Tata cars there, now plans to open talks with the Mumbai-based auto major to set up an assembly unit of the small car.

Tata Nano 2012

“Bangladesh is a viable economy. We will grow very fast here. Therefore as soon as we introduce the vehicle, in two moths we will have an idea about the market. Then we will start negotiating with Tata for the assembly plant,” Abdul Matlub Ahmed, Chairman of Nitol Group, distributor of the Tata Motors in Bangladesh said.

The Bangladeshi company has finalised the deal with Tata Motors to import and sell the Tata Nano in the country.

“We are expecting to introduce Nano in Bangladesh sometime in February. We will import about 2,000 Nano cars in the first year for the Bangladesh market. We are importing all the models and will see the market response. Then we will finally decide on the import programme on the basis of demand. Our idea is to reach at least 10,000 a year in the next couple of years,” Ahmed said.

The vehicle was scheduled to be launched in Bangladesh in October last year, but it got delayed following some pricing issues.

As high import duty will cost the common man's car about Tk 6.5 lakh (Rs 3.8 lakh), the distributor wants the car to be assembled in Bangladesh.

“Definitely an assembly unit here will be cost effective. But we are not sure about the logistics part the and the fresh investment required to make. We will have to do a lot of study,” he said.

However, Tata's spokesman declined to comment on whether the auto major has any plan to come up with an assembly unit in Bangladesh.

Although the company did not give any timeline, Tata Motors had earlier said, it was considering the option of assembling the Nano abroad through export of completely knocked down units (CKD).

The home-grown auto major started exports of completely built units (CBU) of the Nano to Sri Lanka and Nepal last year. Between April and November 2011, Tata Motors exported 1,728 units of the small car.

Apart from Bangladesh, the company plans to export the car to other Asian countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Mayanmar. It is also working on an upgraded version of the Nano for the developed markets in the US and Europe.

The car has also reportedly evinced interest from some overseas companies like the Teco Group of Taiwan, which has expressed keenness to manufacture and sell the vehicle in the respective countries.

Source: Business Standard

The Tata Indica XL Diesel Hatchback continues doing the testing rounds!

Our roving eye in the sky, EarthFusion, is back at it again, and this time around, we have a couple of spyshots of the Tata Indica XL being tested in Pune. We’ve previously as well and have even come up with a render. Curiously, Tata Motors didn’t showcase the Indica XL at the 2012 Indian Auto Expo, which could mean that it will still be some more time before this car is launched in India. The Tata Indica XL is a super stretched version of the Tata Indica hatchback, and is expected to be mainly aimed at the cabbie market.

Tata Indica XL Hatchback Spied

The Indica XL is expected to be powered by a common rail CR4 diesel engine, the likes of which powers the current Tata Indica eV2. If launched, the Tata Indica XL will not be the first Tata car to feature an elongated wheelbase. In fact, the Tata Indigo XL is a sedan based on the Indigo platform, which comes with an extended wheelbase. The Indigo XL has found more favor with the cabbie crowd than the personal car buyer thus far and this is the same direction that the Indica XL is expected to take in the future. So far, many Tata cars have been quite successful in the taxi segment.

Tata Indica XL Rendering

The Tata Indica is already a firm favorite with Indian cabbies and with the Indica XL, Tata Motors would only be hoping to make further inroads into this lucrative sector. The Indica’s biggest pluses is its frugality and access to dirt cheap spares. This will be the same strengths that the Indica XL is expected to come with. The Indica XL is expected to have a massive cabin at the rear, with plenty of space to stretch around. Rear AC vents could make it to the Indica XL, in keeping with the overall feel of spaciousness and luxury.

Source: ICB

Tata Motors to drive into Indonesia with Ace

Tata Ace

The next international stop for automobile giant Tata Motors is Indonesia where it plans to soon start assembly of the successful Ace range of light commercial vehicles.

“We are looking at Indonesia quite seriously which, in several ways, is a replica of the Indian market,” P. M. Telang, Managing Director (India Operations), Tata Motors, told The Hindu in an interview in Mumbai last week.

Asked if it will be a full scale manufacturing venture or only an assembly plant, Mr. Telang said: “It is always step-by-step. Assembly is the first step and we do see local content ratio rising rapidly as ASEAN has good amount of component infrastructure. So, we see good possibilities of growth.”

While confirming that the plan was in the near-term horizon, Mr. Telang refused to say which of the vehicles from Tata Motors' stable will be assembled in Indonesia.

A top official of the company, however, said that the Ace will be the first model that the company would assemble in the Southeast Asian country. “This will be followed by passenger vehicles,” the official said. The knocked down kits of Ace meant for assembly in Indonesia will be supplied from India. Tata Motors launched the Ace branded as “Ace Super City Giant” in Thailand in November 2010. It has an assembly plant in Bangkok as a joint venture with the Thonburi Group which assembles pick-up trucks for the Thai market.

Diesel debate

Asked about the debate over diesel cars and the government toying with the idea of imposing an extra tax on such cars, Mr. Telang said: “Diesel cars are 25-30 per cent more fuel-efficient than petrol cars. When you are looking at the rising energy bill of the country, diesel cars make eminent sense.” He pointed to a study done by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) which showed that private diesel use is less than 1 per cent of the total consumption of diesel in the country. “I think the issue is being blown out of proportion,” he said.

Source: The Hindu

Rendering: Jaguar XF-R Sportbrake

Jaguar XF Sportbrake Rendering by Wild Speed

Jaguar is planning the release of the XF Sportbrake at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Main competition will be the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series Touring and the new upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake.

Professional artist Wild-Speed decided to render the Jaguar XF-R Sportbrake. Jaguar confirmed in July that they are working on a Jaguar XFR Sportbrake. The R version based on the 2012 Jaguar XF Sportbrake will be Jaguar’s answer to the Audi S6 Avant and Mercedes E63 AMG Estate. The XFR Estate will have the same 5.0 liter supercharged V8 engine, that is good for 510hp, as the Jaguar XFR sedan.

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Source: GT Spirit

Tata Motors hikes car prices; Nano and Aria prices unchanged!

Tata Motors Limited has hiked prices of all cars barring the Nano hatchback and the Aria Crossover on the back of rising input costs. Though a price hike was expected within the first few days of 2012, Tata had managed to hold on to hiking prices of its cars until the second week of February. Now though, the third largest car maker in India has increased prices of all its cars between INR 7,000 to INR 12,000, except the Nano and Aria, whose prices remain unchanged.

Tata Safari Storme at 2012 New Delhi Auto Expo

This price hike is effective from the 9th of February, 2012, and Tata dealers across the country, have been notified of the same. Here’s official word from Tata Motors’ spokesperson regarding the price hike,

The high input costs have been impacting us for quite some time. We have decided to pass on some burden to our customers. The quantum of the hike will vary between Rs 7,000 and Rs 12,000 depending on the model. The price hike has been effected since yesterday.

Both the Nano hatchback and the Aria Crossover haven’t performed as well as Tata Motors would have wanted to, at the hustings. This has made Tata adopt an aggressive sales promotion policy on both the cars. Sizable discounts are being offered on both the Nano and the Aria at the dealership level and this has led to an increase in sales of both these cars.

For instance, both the Nano and the Aria registered significant growth of numbers in January 2012, a month in which Tata Motors edged out South Korean automaker Hyundai to become the second largest automaker in India in terms of monthly sales. The next big launch from Tata Motors is the Safari Storme SUV, which Tata showcased at the 2012 Auto Expo, and which will compete with the best selling Mahindra XUV500 crossover.

Source: ICB

Tata launches Nano Valentines Edition in Goa

2012 Tata Nano Valentines Edition

Are you looking to gift your loved one a special and a different gift which beautiful, cute and safe? Here is a chance to gift your dear one a fun loving car.

Auto Industries, Tata Motors Goa dealer has launched a special Nano Valentines Edition in Goa. A new way of saying that one loves you and cares for you.



The Nano Valentines Edition is available only on the Nano CX with added features.

The Nano Valentines Edition will be offered in 2 colours Rouge Red and Neon Rush (green) only. Only 20 units of the special edition will be made at the offer is valid only a select period or till stocks last.

The added features include:

• Integrated Tata Audio /MP3 System with USB
• A Pen drive on which one can store your favourite songs
• A Mobile phone along with a phone holder stand
• Remote Central locking
• Fog lamps
• Air freshener
• Protective Sunfilm
• Mattings and Mudflaps
• Valentine special exterior graphics

All the above costs come at an extra cost of Rs. 20,000. The Nano Valentines Edition is priced at Rs. 205,993 ex-showroom Goa.

The new 2012 Nano is powered by a 624cc which now has a power output of 38Ps and 51 on Torque.

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Source: Goa On Wheels

After Maharashtra, the Tata Nano heads to Goa to be a police car!

Tata Motors delivered a fleet of Nanos to the Mumbai police on an experimental basis to see whether the Nano would fit in well as a police car. Coming to think of it, the Tata Nano and its diminutive dimensions makes a bunch of sense considering how crowded Mumbai is as a city. Also, the Nano’s high fuel economy would mean that the city runabout would be just at home doing patrolling duties in the city that never sleeps. The inexpensive Nano costing only twice as much as a motorcycle, would also offer the Mumbai constabulary all weather protection and respite from doing patrolling duties in crowded areas by foot, as is the case currently.

Tata Nano fleet of Mumbai Police

Now, the Tata Nano hatchback is all set to head to Goa and do duty amongst the Goan cops as a police car. While Goa might not be as crowded as Mumbai, most Goan back roads are more like alleys and it is here, where a car with a narrow track like the Nano would be right at home. As has been the case with Mumbai, the Tata Nano that has been painted with Goan police colors will be an experiment to see whether it fits the rigors of being a cop car. Details on what exactly has been modified on the Tata Nano to make it a cop car remains unknown at the moment.

Tata Nano fleet of Mumbai Police

However, we’re guessing that a mount for a walkie talkie and a siren/flasher on top would be the bare minimum of the mods that the Nano would need to do cop car duty. The only downside to the cop car Tata Nano perhaps would be when the Nano will have to chase down criminals making a fast getaway. The Nano is a s-l-o-w car and though the gear ratios are just about right to stay ahead of city traffic, it would be a task in itself to chase down a criminal intent on outrunning the law. Any which ways, Goa Police becomes the second police force after the Maharashtra cops to take to the Nano for cop car duty.

Source: ICB