M&M to speed up e-vehicles, launches CNG variant of Bolero

M&M to speed up e-vehicles, launches CNG variant of Bolero
18 Jul, 2008, 1031 hrs IST, ET Bureau

NEW DELHI: Aiming to expand its fleet of environment-friendly vehicles, homegrown utility vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra plans to introduce an array of alternative fuel variants including CNG and hybrid versions of its flagship SUV Scorpio, besides plans to introduce electric vehicles.

M&M launched a CNG variant of its one tonner pick-up vehicle Bolero on Thursday, priced at Rs 5.42 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The vehicle will offer 40% saving on operating cost compared to a similar diesel vehicle. The company has already launched CNG variants of its Champion and Alfa three-wheelers in the market.

M&M marketing vice-president Vivek Nayer said: “As an automotive company, we are exploring all options and over time new vehicles with alternative fuels should happen. We have undertaken a sustainable mobility solution programme to explore various fuel options—hybrid, hydrogen, electric and eco-fuels—in the near future.

As the availability and infrastructure improve, we will be there.” The company is also looking at the electric vehicles for its commercial and passenger vehicle range. Without confirming any timeline for the launch Mr Nayer said: “The technology is already with us and we are capable of doing it. Availability of the right infrastructure is the challenge as you will need proper facilities to charge your vehicles while running across the city and more distant destinations.”

Hyundai launches new i10 with 1.2L Kappa engine

Hyundai launches new i10 with 1.2L Kappa engine
15 Jul, 2008, 1330 hrs IST,

Hyundai i10
CHENNAI: Hyundai Motor India Ltd on Tuesday rolled out the i10 powered by the all new 1.2-litre Kappa engine at its plant in Chennai. The in-line, four-cylinder, 1.2 litre engine while adding to the power will also deliver greater operational efficiency in terms of both fuel consumption and emissions, claimed the company in a press release here.

The launch of the new Kappa engine coincides with the inauguration of the engine and transmission plant at Sriperumbudur which will produce the brand new Kappa engine to be fitted first in the i10 meant both for the domestic and the export market. The new engine and transmission plant, which cost over $250 million, has a capacity of 250,000 units per annum.

Announcing the launch, H S Lheem, managing director, HMIL, said, “Efficiencies in fuel consumption and environment are the prerogatives for any automobile manufacturer. And Hyundai, as a conscientious global corporate citizen, prioritises these with continuous innovation in technology and design. Our new Kappa engine is the best in class today, with more power, less fuel consumption and a lower CO2 and overall emissions. The current 1.1L engine has proved to be one of the very successful engines for Hyundai and it will continue to power both the Santro and the i10, but the new Kappa engine will significantly raise the bar in this segment and redefine the expectation from this class of cars.”

The aluminium block, first in its segment Double Overhead Cam Shaft (DOHC), 16 valve with 32 bit microprocessor Kappa engine delivers a class leading 80PS/5200rpm and 11.4Kgm/4000rpm torque which results in excellent driveability both in city as well as on the highway. The engine is Euro 5 ready and emits only 119g/km of CO2 which is the lowest for this class of cars, the company said.

The Kappa engine i10 will now be also with an automatic transmission. A four speed 4-speed, automatic gearbox is mated to this all new, powerful engine which will add to the convenience of city driving.

Developed over a period of 48 months at a cost of $421 million, the Kappa project harnessed all of Hyundai’s engineering know-how and will raise the bar in terms of power, performance, fuel efficiency and environment and uses some cutting edge technology like offset crank and light weight engine material to enhance performance.

The Kappa i10 will be launched in three variants the Magna, Sportz and the Asta with all top-end features like the sunroof, 2-Din audio system, a unique red pack for the Sportz interiors and some class leading safety features like anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual airbags. The new kappa i10 will be sold along with the existing Epsilon 1.1 litre engine variant and will be available in a range of 10 colours.