autoX - founded autoX in 2006 with little clue of what lay ahead. Driven by a passion for anything on four wheels and a stubborn will to succeed, he moulded a team as pig-headed

After completing engineering, Divyanshu realised that no one was willing to hire an engineer who daydreams. After studying advertising, he did copywriting for four years before he turned to autoX looking for a job that allowed him to nurture his two most favourite passions - writing and riding. And he hasn't looked back since then....

Pirelli and CEAT have joined hands for better distribution of Pirelli’s premium motorcycle tyres across India through CEAT’s mammoth distribution and dealer network spread across the nation.
One of the major challenges faced by many international players in the Indian automobile industry is the reach. A wider distribution network and big penetration in the market is essential for brands which are governed by sales volumes. In a time when the premium motorcycle segment in India is booming, it is essential for a tyre manufacturer to also expand its reach in order to sell more.
In order to reach deeper and deeper in the Indian market, Pirelli has tied-up with CEAT. The main idea behind this tie-up is to make the entire line-up of Pirelli tyres available to Indian customers through CEAT dealerships spread across the country. CEAT will also offer its ever-expanding distribution network which will eventually make Pirelli reach closer to its customers.
Commenting on this new merger, Mr. Anant Goenka, Managing Director, CEAT, said, “It gives us great pleasure to partner with global tyre major Pirelli to introduce their range of motorcycle tyres in India. We at CEAT have always believed in offering world-class products to our consumers and Pirelli range of premium tyres for specialised high end motorcycles is another step in that direction.”
Adding to what Mr. Goenka said, Mr. Uberto Thun, Senior VP Pirelli Tyre, commented, “We are very glad to partner with CEAT to bring our range of products in India. CEAT’s vast experience of selling tyres in the market and their vast network make them the perfect partner to distribute and activate our products in the market. India has huge potential in premium and super sport motorcycle segment and we feel we can grow very fast with our premium products.”
Under this new venture, the entire range of tyres will be available at CEAT dealerships across India from the first week of December.

Pirelli to use CEAT’s distribution and dealer network pan India

Pirelli and CEAT have joined hands for better distribution of Pirelli’s premium motorcycle tyres across India through CEAT’s mammoth distribution

At the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo, the Chennai based two-wheeler manufacturer announced that it will soon inaugurate its first exclusive dealership in Bangkok, Thailand.

It seems that Royal Enfield is on an expansion spree. One of the most iconic motorcycle brands in the world, Royal Enfield, disclosed its expansion plans, specifically for the Thai market, at the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo. Royal Enfield will be targeting the mid-size motorcycle market in the Thai market with its current models. The existing models have engine capacities of 350, 500 and 535cc.

Commenting on the new development, Mr. Arun Gopal, International Business Head, Royal Enfield, said, “Royal Enfield designs classic styled motorcycles that are simple, evocative, tactile and fun to ride, providing riders with a “Pure Motorcycling” experience. Our motorcycles are built to be timeless, uncomplicated, engaging, and accessible bikes for the city, as well as great touring or adventure rides, for novices, as well as experienced riders. With over 50% year-on-year growth in the last five years, our ambition today is to lead and grow the underserved middle weight segment globally and this growth will largely come from markets like India such as Latin America and South East Asia, given their size and comparable commuting trends. Thailand with its already established leisure motorcycling culture and presence of several riding communities and enthusiasts, blends perfectly with Royal Enfield motorcycles that has exploration and adventure at its core.”

Royal Enfield will start its operations at Thonglor in Bangkok, Thailand in the next few months with its first exclusive dealership in Bangkok being set up in partnership with General Auto Supply (GA). Apart from selling Royal Enfield motorcycles, General Auto Supply will also be responsible for service and aftermarket duties of the brand.

Royal Enfield ready to thump into Thailand

At the ongoing Thailand International Motor Expo, the Chennai based two-wheeler manufacturer announced that it will soon inaugurate its first exclusive dealership in Bangkok, Thailand.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has joined hands with Ministry of Road Transport in order to spread awareness on road and traffic safety.
One of the largest carmakers in the Indian automotive market, Hyundai, has extended its support to the Ministry of Road Transport in order to make roads safer than before. The CSR initiative known as ‘Safe Move – Traffic Safety Campaign' was kickstarted today in the presence of Mr. Nitin Gadkari and Hyundai’s brand ambassador Mr. Shah Rukh Khan.
The campaign will be focussed around the four main pillars – Safe Move, Green Move, Happy Move and Easy Move – and will promote practices among children. Kids will be educated about traffic safety via online and offline engagement channels.
Under this program, a 26-episode series will be made and will be available in English, Hindi and Tamil and will be aired on TV. Apart from the TV series, special programs will be launched which will contact schools and RWAs in five major cities – Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
Commenting on the program, Mr. Vijay Chhibber, Secretary Department of Road Transport, Highways while complementing the Hyundai’s initiative felt, “Such a CSR activity by the Auto Industry will go a long way in meeting the Indian commitment towards achieving the United Nations goals for Road Safety, which were very recently the subject matter of discussion at the 2nd world congress at Brasília.”
Adding to what Mr. Chhibber said, Mr. Y.K Koo, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. commented, “Hyundai is a responsible car manufacturer and India’s most loved car brand. It is our responsibility to apprise children about the importance of Traffic Safety for a better future. Children are the future of a nation and ‘Traffic Safety campaign’ is an effort to reach out to the children to educate them with best practices of the Traffic Safety."
The School Contact Program will reach out into 40 schools in 5 cities, and the RWA contact program will contact over 200 residential units in 5 cities.

Hyundai launches its campaign for safer roads

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. has joined hands with Ministry of Road Transport in order to spread awareness on road and traffic safety.
One of the largest

Tata Motors has launched a more powerful version of its existing Safari Storme model which has been given a new six-speed manual gearbox.

The Safari Storme has been given more power and a new gearbox. Tata Motors today launched the Safari Storme Varicor 400, with 154.8bhp and a manual six-speed gearbox in the top-end VX trim. The 4x2 VX variant is priced at Rs. 13.25 lakh, while the 4x4 VX variant is priced at Rs. 14.60 lakh, (ex-showroom, Delhi).

This new Safari Storme will be powered by the same 2.2 litre, four cylinder, common rail, turbo diesel engine but in a higher state of tune. Maximum power output is now 7.8bhp more than the current version and the engine now develops 80Nm more torque which makes it 400Nm between 1,750rpm and 2,500rpm. Considering the new model also gets a new six-speed gearbox makes it very practical as the torque will now be easily usable in all the gears.

<img alt="gallery08" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-61289" height="336" src="/uploads/2015/11/gallery08.jpg" width="642" />

The less powerful 147bhp model of the Safari Storme will still be available in lower trims, as the new Safari Storme Varicor 400 will be available only in the top-of-the-line VX trim in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive variants.

Apart from the Varicor 400 badging, there is no visual difference in the Safari Storme Varicor 400 and the current variant on both the sides.

Tata launches the Safari Storme Varicor 400 at Rs. 13.52 lakhs

Tata Motors has launched a more powerful version of its existing Safari Storme model which has been given a new six-speed manual gearbox. Tata Motors today launched the Safari Storme Varicor 400, with 154.8bhp and a manual six-speed gearbox in the top-end VX trim.

According to the latest rumours in the international media, Yamaha will be recalling some of its 2015 R1 and R1M motorcycles as a ‘precautionary measure’.

If the rumours are to be trusted, one of the pioneers from the world of motorcycles worldwide – Yamaha – is going to announce a recall sometime very soon for some 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M motorcycles.

<img alt="2016_YAM_YZF1000R1_EU_DPBMCRB_STU_005_03" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-61281" src="/uploads/2015/11/2016_YAM_YZF1000R1_EU_DPBMCRB_STU_005_03-598x336.jpg" style="width: 598px; height: 336px;" />

As of now, there has been no such report of any complaints in any of these two models, but Yamaha might be doing so as a precautionary measure. The part in the middle of this recall is the gearbox of both these models which may not be able to withstand the ‘extreme’ usage in due course of time. It is still unknown how many markets will get affected due to this recall, or if it is limited to the American or European market or both.

<img alt="2016_YAM_YZF1000R1_EU_DPBMCRB_STU_002_05" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-61280" src="/uploads/2015/11/2016_YAM_YZF1000R1_EU_DPBMCRB_STU_002_05.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" />

The breakdown can also result due to improper shifting of the gears, which is something these motorcycles are expected to entertain with ease. The only reason for this can be the fact that the strength of certain components is not good enough to cope with the power the engine can deliver.

Usually, when such things happen, the gearbox seizes completely which can, in all likelihood, throw the biker off the motorcycle. If the speeds are more than usual, ‘being catapulted’ is the right phrase to be used. So imagine a situation where a rider is riding at speeds over 150km/h, and such a thing occurs.

This situation reconfirms the faith of many motorcyclists who swear not to buy any motorcycle from the first lot of an all-new machine. As it has happened a million times in the past, the learnings and the feedbacks the manufacturers get from the first time buyers are used the improve the product over and over again.

It’s still unclear how Yamaha plans to deal with the issue; either by changing the gearbox completely or certain parts of it. But expect it to happen sometime soon.

Yamaha expected to recall its YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M over faulty gearbox

If the rumours are to be trusted, one of the pioneers from the world of motorcycles worldwide – Yamaha – is going to announce a recall sometime very soon for some 2015 YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M motorcycles.

The 2016 Land Rover Evoque was launched today in the city of Mumbai with price starting from Rs. 47.1 lakhs and ending at Rs. 63.2 lakhs.
One of the most desirable brands in the world of SUVs – Land Rover – today launched its new Evoque today. The 2016 edition of the Land Rover Evoque has been supplemented with more design elements and technologies which will take the Evoque experience to another level.
The new Land Rover Evoque has been given slimmer LED for lamps, enlarged air intakes, and the LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) have been given new shape. Other features include an innovative Gesture Tailgate function which allows the driver to automatically open and close the tailgate by waving a foot beneath the rear bumper. Another feature is the Customer Configurable Mood Lighting with a range of ten colours and can be controlled via a touch-screen.
The new Land Rover Evoque will be powered by a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine delivering 187.74bhp of maximum power at 3,500rpm and 420Nm of torque at 1,750rpm.
Commenting on the launch, Rohit Suri, President, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd, said, “With its distinctive design, the New Range Rover Evoque is the ultimate statement of style and luxury for the young at heart. This luxury SUV has been setting benchmarks in the industry since its launch and with the introduction of the 2016 Model Year, we are confident of its continued success.”
The new Range Rover Evoque is available in the following variants:
<ul>
<li>Range Rover Evoque Pure: Rs. 47.1 Lakhs</li>
<li>Range Rover Evoque SE: Rs. 52.9 Lakhs</li>
<li>Range Rover Evoque HSE: Rs. 57.7 Lakhs</li>
<li>Range Rover Evoque HSE Dynamic: Rs. 63.2 Lakhs(All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai).</li>
</ul>

Land Rover launches the new Evoque at Rs. 47.1 lakhs

The 2016 Land Rover Evoque was launched today in the city of Mumbai with price starting from Rs. 47.1 lakhs and ending at Rs. 63.2 lakhs.
One of the

<a href="http://www.autox.com/new-bikes/honda/">Honda</a> two-wheelers unveiled its 15th product of the year in the form of the 125cc CB Shine SP – a 125cc commuter fun bike with the refinement Honda is known for, and youthful styling.

Today, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) launched its 15th two-wheeler this year. Covers were taken off the 125cc CB Shine SP in Delhi a few hours ago by Mr. Keita Muramatsu, President &amp; CEO, Honda Motorcycle &amp; Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. and Mr. Y. S. Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales &amp; Marketing, Honda Motorcycle &amp; Scooter India Pvt. Ltd.

The <a href="https://www.autox.com/news/bike-news/2018-editions-of-honda-cb-shine-sp-livo-dream-yuga-launched-103365/">Honda CB Shine SP</a> has been given features like a five-speed gearbox, digital analog meter and alloy wheels clubbed with a curvy design Honda is known for. The bike looks more stylish and youthful than the competition and has the potential to take the cult image of the CB Shine even further.

<img alt="CB Shine SP Launch" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-61187" src="/uploads/2015/11/25.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" />

Commenting on the new motorcycle, Mr. Keita Muramatsu, President &amp; CEO, Honda Motorcycle &amp; Scooter India Pvt. Ltd, said, “While India is the World’s fastest growing economy, it is also home to one of world’s youngest populations. These youngsters recognise their ‘special’ place in society. The new CB Shine SP helps them reflect the same ‘special status’ and puts them a gear ahead of their peers. CB Shine SP is an extension of the ‘new era of motorcycling’ we had ushered in at the Honda RevFest 2015. The model was showcased as a mystery model in August 2015.”

Adding to what Mr. Muramatsu said, Mr. Y. S. Guleria, Senior Vice President – Sales &amp; Marketing, Honda Motorcycle &amp; Scooter India Pvt. Ltd, said, “With over 43 Lac Happy customers, the legacy of Shine is undisputed. Though CB Shine enjoys a 46% market share, our plan is to further strengthen Honda’s leadership position in the 125 cc segment. We are extending the family with this Pride and what we are showcasing today is the next step of this legacy – loaded with additional features making it very very special!!”

The Honda CB Shine SP has been given a 124.73cc engine which delivers 10.57bhp of power at 7,500rpm and 10.3Nm of peak torque at 5,500rpm. The bike weighs just 124kgs and this light weight when supported by Honda’s HET (Honda Eco Technology) helps the CB Shine SP to have a claimed fuel efficiency of 65km/l.

The new CB Shine SP will be made available in 5 colour schemes – Geny Grey Metalic, Athletic Blue Metallic, Pearl Amazing White, Black and Rebel Red Metallic – and three variants. The Honda CB Shine SP has been priced as follows: Rs.59,900 for Self-Drum-Alloy, Rs.62,400 for Self-Disc-Alloy and Rs.64,400 for Combined Brake System (CBS) variant (all prices are ex-showroom, Delhi).

Honda launches its 125cc CB Shine SP

Honda two wheelers unveiled its 15th product of the year in the form of the 125cc CB Shine SP – a 125cc commuter fun bike with the refinement Honda is known for, and youthful styling.

The Easy Going Kid

The latest car to join our fleet at autoX is the Tata Nano GenX AMT. And after seeing the condition of Delhi traffic over the last few days, thanks to the beginning of the festive season, the Nano seemed like a good companion. Yes, I didn’t drive it much due to too much travelling, but driving it to BIC two days in a row was quite rewarding. The hassle-free ride that an automatic car provides clubbed with the small size of the Nano makes it a perfect option to take on the traffic around the festive season.

The 624cc engine fires with a roar which is impossible to miss, but pipes down to a great extent once the car gets going. The AMT of the Tata Nano GenX automatic has been tuned to shift gears quickly to ensure high fuel efficiency. According to the guys at Tata Motors, the car has a mileage of 21.9 km/l, and in real life driving conditions it seems to be somewhere close to it. The Nano GenX AMT comes preloaded with two driving modes – Eco and Sport! In Eco, the Nano comfortably negotiates city traffic, and the transmission’s main aim is to be as fuel efficient as possible. While in the Sport mode the Nano revs higher and holds the rev needle longer. Not that it turns into a Lamborghini in Sports mode, but the power surge is perceptible.

<img alt="Logbook" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-60427" src="/uploads/2015/11/living-in-nov-2015-pic7.jpg" style="width: 642px; height: 336px;" />

The latte coloured cabin features a new instrument cluster in the centre console, and now houses two trip metres, instant and average fuel economy, and a distance-to-empty reading. The steering wheel has been replaced by the one in the Bolt, and the Nano is the first car in this segment to offer an entertainment system with Bluetooth connectivity. The new Tata Nano GenX AMT looks slightly better than its predecessor with the new headlamps which have been given smoked surrounds, that do liven up the face.The boot of the Nano GenX AMT is pretty usable with 94 litres of space and is easily accessible. A 24-litre fuel tank makes it more practical than the earlier model to cover longer distances without stopping often.

The drive quality of the Tata Nano GenX AMT has been good so far, and the air conditioning works pretty decently. Another option is to use the manual mode, but I don’t see myself doing that often because that will take away the entire tension-free ride that I am looking for. There is a slight power lag between two gears when in automatic mode, but that’s something I can overlook because of the practicality it offers.

So far, the car has been a good companion to home, work and nearby places for daily chores, and I don’t see any reason why it won’t continue to do so in the future as well. Till then, I will enjoy the festive season from inside the Nano GenX AMT.

Tata Nano Long Term Report : November 2015

The latest car to join our fleet at autoX is the Tata Nano GenX AMT. And after seeing the condition of Delhi traffic over the last few days, thanks to the beginning of the festive season, the Nano seemed like a good companion.

Mahindra flagged off India’s first electric vehicle expedition, comprising three Mahindra e2o cars, in Kashmir, and the electric cars will reach the southernmost tip of India in a month.
In what is considered as the ultimate test for any machine on Indian soil, the Kashmir to Kanyakumari trip is something that everyone has, at least once, thought of doing. Pitched as a “drive for a better tomorrow,” India’s first all-electric car expedition was flagged off by Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd. The expedition has been christened ‘Mahindra Reva Goodness Drive – Kashmir to Kanyakumari' – and three fully prepared, all-electric Mahindra e2o electric cars will be driven from the northernmost tip of India to Kanyakumari crossing 52 locations in one month.
At the flag off, Arvind Mathew, Chief Executive Officer, Mahindra Reva, said, “Mahindra e2o is the Mahindra Group’s endeavour to offer its customers a clean, smart and economical personal mobility solution and thus redefine sustainable urbanization. To create awareness of the benefits of electric mobility through Mahindra e2o, we are pleased to flag off the Goodness Drive. As a pioneer of electric vehicles and integrated mobility solutions in India, it is our effort to make EVs more accessible in order to build a cleaner tomorrow. By traversing this vast distance, our e2o’s will look to effectively dispel the range anxiety amongst customers and will demonstrate the cars ability to handle difficult terrain.”.
The main aim of the expedition is to demonstrate the advantages of electric vehicles, by emphasising the need of a cleaner and greener ecosystem. This drive will also help remove the myths, like range and reliability, associated with an electric vehicle.Mahindra would also utilise this opportunity to showcase the practical aspects of the car, like its ability to accelerate instantly, short turning radius and clutch free driving.

Three Mahindra e2o electric cars will reach Kanyakumari from Kashmir

Mahindra flagged off India’s first electric vehicle expedition, comprising three Mahindra e2o cars, in Kashmir, and the electric cars will reach

One of the fastest carmakers in the world – Koenigsegg – has tweeted two videos showing the new feature on its new car – Regera.
Almost all of us have seen the Transformer series, or at least one of the movies. Well, the latest car from Koenigsegg – one of the few Swedish carmakers – known as Regera has a feature which makes it look like one of the cars coming straight from the sets of the iconic movie series.
This feature is known as Autoskin and allows the driver to open and close all doors using a remote control. This gives him/her hands-free access to all the areas of the Regera. It also features a ‘Show Mode’ which allows them to open/close all doors of the Regera at once. There is nothing too mind-numbing in these two videos, but the way it all happens so seamlessly makes it look like a piece of art.
<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en">
We call this Autoskin. We think you'll enjoy it :-) <a href="https://t.co/aeJktvUVQJ">pic.twitter.com/aeJktvUVQJ</a>
— Koenigsegg Official (@koenigsegg) <a href="https://twitter.com/koenigsegg/status/664535057181351936">November 11, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-video" lang="en">Can Autoskin close doors as well as it opens them, I hear you ask? Why, yes. <a href="https://t.co/99ADLeVUWc">pic.twitter.com/99ADLeVUWc</a> — Koenigsegg Official (@koenigsegg) <a href="https://twitter.com/koenigsegg/status/664835016124440577">November 12, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script>
Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this year, the Koenigsegg Regera is a limited production, plug-in hybrid supercar which has a five-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine which is complemented by three electric motors. These four units combined together produce power over 1,500bhp and 2,000Nm of power and torque respectively.
The car does speeds over 400km/h and takes hardly 20 seconds to reach that mark. Money? Just $1.9 million (approx) and just 80 Regeras will be made and sold worldwide.

Koenigsegg Regera is a Transformer in disguise

One of the fastest carmakers in the world – Koenigsegg – has tweeted two videos showing the new feature on its new car – Regera.
Almost all of

Divyanshu Boora

Articles By Divyanshu Boora