As we move towards the start of a new year, the developments in the industry appear to have picked up pace again. Here's part 1 of the 2-part IAB Retrospect series where we discuss in brief all that's happened in the automotive industry last week. Click on the images to read the corresponding articles.
1. Renault Lodgy
Renault India will be launching the Lodgy MPV in the Indian market in early 2015. It will share a lot of components with the Duster, and the company believes that it will "deliver best in segment performance". In terms of looks, the Indian version of the Lodgy gets a little more chrome and a different alloy wheel design.
2. Tata Bolt bookings
Tata Motors have started receiving online orders for the new Bolt hatchback against a booking amount of Rs 11,000. The vehicle goes on sale early next year and comes with many segment first features. With a January 20, 2015 launch for the Bolt, we aren't too far from hearing its prices.
3. All new Fords for 2015
Ford India is expected to launch three all new products next year. The lists includes the all new Figo, the Figo compact sedan (sub-4 meter), and the new Endeavour. While the Figo twins will be manufactured at Ford's new Sanand plant (Gujarat), the Endeavour will be imported as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) units and assembled in Chennai.
4. Tata Kite
The much awaited Indica-replacement, codenamed Kite, has made yet another appearance. An IAB reader caught it up close, managing to gather some more information about the vehicle. The platform is expected to spawn a sub-4 meter sedan, too. Powering the cars will be a range of two new engines: a 1.2-litre petrol and a 1.05-litre diesel. An automated manual transmission is likely to be available as well.
5. Renault's lineup for 2015
In 2015, Renault India plans to launch five new products in the Indian market, namely the above mentioned Lodgy MPV, Pulse and Scala facelifts, Duster facelift, and a new small car codenamed XBA. In addition to that, the car maker is planning to expand its reach to Tier II and Tier III cities, especially for the XBA-based small car.
