MT Bureau

Tata Motors has entered the premium hatchback segment with Altroz which will be available in five trim levels at an introductory price starting from INR 5.29 lakh for the petrol version and INR 6.99 lakh for the diesel. It is the first vehicle developed on the new ALFA architecture and the second one showing Impact 2.0 design language.

With its striking design, bouquet of industry-first features and the most recent achievement of Global NCAP 5-star rating, Altroz has set the GOLD Standard in Safety, Design, Driving Dynamics, Technology and Customer Delight. Altroz will come with 6 different factory-fitted customizable options to be chosen from 4 packs of Rhythm, Style, Luxe and Urban.

Tata Motors has also launched 3 fully BSVI-ready cars. Leading the line-up with the Altroz, they are Tiago, Tigor (safest in its category) and Nexon. With Altroz and Nexon, Tata Motors has BS-VI ready diesel variants in their respective segments.

Guenter Butschek, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Motors, said, “We have started writing a new chapter. We promised to kick-start the year with a product offensive and here we are. The future of efficient, green, sustainable mobility solutions needs to translate into reality and we have made a start by bringing the new generation of BS-VI solutions to the market. The new face of Tata passenger cars are not only BSVI-ready, but are designed and developed to enhance the value proposition for our aspiring customers. With Altroz, the class defining, new premium hatchback, we are expanding our market coverage further. We have lots more in store for 2020 and we have just commenced unveiling our well-defined future product portfolio.”

The new Nexon will be available in 1.2L Revotron turbocharged petrol BS-VI engine and 1.5L Revotorq turbocharged diesel BS-VI engine with a starting price of INR 6.95 lakh and INR 8.45 lakh respectively. Staying on course, Nexon 2020 has been developed to take the drive experience to NEX LEVEL with best-in-class safety features and will be the first car from Tata Motors to feature the ‘iRA Tech’ – the new connected car technology, which has been designed specifically for India and caters to its unique driving conditions. ‘iRA Tech’ consists of technologies such as What3Words, Connected Safety, Natural Voice system and the Tribes app. The Nexon 2020 will be offered in 6-speed manual and AMT options.

Tiago 2020 will be the successor to the highly successful first generation Tiago, which is currently being driven by 2.5 lakh happy customers. The Tiago 2020 sports a more confident, mature design while being young, premium and fun. The car will be available in both manual and AMT options. It will be available in a 1.2L Revotron petrol BS-VI engine at a starting price of INR 4.60 lakh.   

Tigor 2020 will be available at a starting price of INR 5.75 lakh and will come with a 1.2L Revotron petrol BS-VI engine. The new Tigor exhibits a poised, understated and executive-oriented design. It will also be offered in manual and AMT transmissions.

Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit (PVBU), Tata Motors, said, “We are elated to begin 2020 in style with our new generation of passenger cars. This is a landmark achievement for us as we set new industry benchmarks. These new models are beyond BS-VI and will redefine every segment they are meant for with class-leading design, safety, technology and driving dynamics. We are also taking a significant step and defining what the new PV range brand promise is, through a new campaign -‘Drive New Forever.’ We are all set to ride the demand trend for new launches and excite our customers with a new product portfolio.” (MT)

AstaGuru will showcase some of the world’s most coveted vintage and classic cars at its upcoming ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction, which will take place from 20 to 22 November 2024.

The auction will offer an exclusive collection of rare and meticulously curated vintage cars, providing a unique opportunity for collectors and automotive enthusiasts to acquire iconic pieces of automotive history.

The auction will feature an impressive lineup of vehicles, including a 1934 Rolls-Royce 20/25 Limousine, a 1946 Singer Nine Roadster, a 1946 Bentley Mark VI, a 1947 Lincoln Continental V12 Convertible and a 1948 Jaguar Mark IV, among others. These stunning machines, each a testament to the engineering marvels of their era, promise to transport bidders back in time, celebrating the golden age of motoring.

A Growing Market in India

AstaGuru’s Vintage and Classic Car Specialist, Muzammil Kazi, shared his insights on the evolution of the vintage car market in India. “We did our first auction in 2018, and it was a surprising success,” Kazi noted. “At the time, these cars weren’t available online or marketed in the way they are now. You’d have to go to a dealer or connect with a seller directly, which made it hard to find these rare cars. But our first auction was a hit, with all lots selling successfully.”

The vintage car market in India, according to Kazi, is far from saturated. “The market is 100 percent growing. These cars were imported to India in limited quantities, and you wouldn’t find brands like Ford or General Motors here in the same way as abroad. Cars like the Fiat, Ambassador, or old Maruti SS80 were more common, but the rare vintage gems we are showcasing today are difficult to find.”

Kazi also emphasised that the scarcity of such cars means the market still has significant potential for growth. “The cars we have on display today are curated from various collectors across India, and it’s very rare to see them come together in one auction,” he explained.

Safeguarding Online Bidders

AstaGuru’s online auction platform also ensures that bidders are fully protected throughout the process. “We have a strong set of terms and conditions for the cars we sell,” Kazi explained. “We only auction cars with up-to-date paperwork and in proper running condition. Once a car is sold, we ensure the buyer receives it only after the seller submits a No Objection Certificate (NOC), making the transaction smooth and secure.”

Record-Breaking Bids

The auction has seen some impressive bids in the past. Kazi highlighted one of the highest bids to date: a Mercedes-Benz 111 230S, which was estimated at INR 2.1 million but eventually sold for INR 6.8 million. Another standout was a Rolls-Royce, which had an estimated value of INR 7-8 million but sold for a remarkable INR 18 million.

A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

For classic car enthusiasts and connoisseurs, the ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction represents an unmissable opportunity to acquire some of the rarest and most beautifully restored vehicles in the world. With its rich history and pedigree, each car in the auction is a testament to the artistry and engineering excellence that defined its era. Whether a seasoned collector or a newcomer to the world of vintage automobiles, this event promises a truly memorable experience for all involved.

As the vintage car market continues to grow in India, AstaGuru is setting the stage for an exciting future for collectors and car lovers alike. The ‘Classics of Motoring’ auction is expected to draw attention from around the world, offering a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.

Tata Motors-owned British luxury car brand Jaguar has unveiled its new brand identity, which it says recaptures an ethos to Copy Nothing that traces its roots back to the words of its founder, Sir William Lyons. 

The new identify is based on Exuberant Modernism, a creative philosophy, which the company says underpins all aspects of the new Jaguar brand world. 

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, Jaguar, said, “Jaguar has its roots in originality. Sir William Lyons, our founder, believed that ‘A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing’. Our vision for Jaguar today is informed by this philosophy.  New Jaguar is a brand built around Exuberant Modernism. It is imaginative, bold and artistic at every touchpoint. It is unique and fearless. This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

The four symbols of change – Device Mark, Strikethrough, Exuberant Colours and Makers Marks - each representing the future design philosophy for the luxury carmaker.

Device Mark celebrates modernism through the geometric form, symmetry and simplicity.

Strikethrough sees the linear graphic generate a unique presence and an immediately recognisable visual for Jaguar.

The Exuberant use of colours marks a cornerstone of Jaguar’s new brand identity.

Makers Mark consists of the newly reimagined Jaguar ‘leaper’, which the luxury brand said is part of its mark of provenance. 

On 2 December 2024, Jaguar will present its first global public installation under its new brand philosophy at the Miami Art Week.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said, “To bring back such a globally renowned brand we had to be fearless. Jaguar was always at its best when challenging convention. That ethos is seen in our new brand identity today and will be further revealed over the coming months. This is a complete reset. Jaguar is transformed to reclaim its originality and inspire a new generation. I am excited for the world to finally see Jaguar.”

Nissan Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicles manufacturers, has started exporting the new Nissan Magnite SUV to South Africa, which is part of the company’s bigger export plans from the country.

Since the launch of the refreshed SUV in October 2024, Nissan has exported over 2,700 units of the Magnite to global customers. Till date, the SUV has gone home to over 150,000 customers globally since it was launched in December 2020.

Nissan is also looking to expand its total export footprint to more than 65 international markets now including Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets.

Frank Torres, Divisional Vice-President - AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President, Nissan India Operations, said, “Ever since the Nissan Magnite’s launch in 2020, we have seen a resounding acceptance and demand from customers in the South African market for the Made-in-India compact SUV. Our focus on the domestic and export market both are crucial parts of our strategy to deliver outcomes in line with ‘The Arc and India remains a key part of the growth strategy for the company. The export of the new Nissan Magnite will further enhance India's position as an export hub and drive Nissan's growth in the AMIEO region, exemplifying Nissan India ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy.”

Jordi Vila, President, Nissan Africa, said, “We are delighted to receive the shipment of new Nissan Magnite SUVs from India and glad that they will be available for the local customers. With its bold aesthetics, enhanced safety and advanced tech features, catering to a wide range of preferences and customer needs, our customers in South Africa and other African markets are sure to like the new Nissan Magnite B-SUV.” 

Škoda Auto India has launched the all-new Kylaq Club, a membership programme designed to engage potential Kylaq buyers throughout their journey, right from discovering to booking and purchasing the SUV. Based on the company’s MQB-A0-IN platform, the Kylaq is India’s first-ever sub-4m SUV, which was announced in February 2024 and was unveiled globally on 6 November. The SUV is slated to go on sale in January 2025.

Kylaq Club members will have the advantage of making reservations at a discounted rate compared to other clients. Additionally, members have access to priority booking, gaining a two-hour edge over standard reservations when it opens on 2 December 2024. They also benefit from extra webcast sessions, factory tours and vouchers for accessories and value-added items. Customers simply need to sign up for the Kylaq Club on the company’s website. The registrations are already open and ends on 30 November 2024.

Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said, “The Kylaq heralds a new era for Škoda Auto in India and is set to democratise European technology on Indian roads. At the world premiere of the Kylaq last week, we committed to introducing some special benefits for our prospective customers of Kylaq. And today is our first announcement – the launch of the Kylaq Club. This is our endeavour to make our customers feel extremely special and privileged and at the same time at home with the Škoda family, with numerous exclusive benefits including exclusive content, special offers and deeper insights, before the Kylaq enters their garage. Only members of the Kylaq Club will have exclusive priority booking for Kylaq, with a limited-time special offer, when it opens on 2 December 2024.”