GLOBAL CAR MARKET STUDY BY POLK LIGHT VEHICLE SALES TO DECLINE 15 IN 2009

Global Light Vehicle Sales to Decline 15% in 2009, says Polk Study.

Study shows worldwide volumes wont return to pre-crisis levels until 2012.

R. L. Polk & Co.s latest market study released today predicts that the automotive market wont emerge from the worldwide recession until 2012, later than previously forecast, due to worsening economic conditions. The study further predicts that Global light vehicle sales will decline 14.7 percent from 2008 levels to 55.2 million units in 2009.

Key Findings:

• Emerging Markets Have Greatest Growth Potential

• Asian Automakers Gain Market Share in U.S.

• Scrappage and Tax Incentives Provide Short-Term Help for Saturated Markets

• Toyota Maintains Position as the Top Manufacturer

Long-term growth for the global automotive market will come from the "emerging" markets of Latin America; Central and Eastern Europe; Africa and the fast-growing Asia-Pacific/Middle Eastern region (excluding the developed market of Japan). Beginning in 2015, Polk expects more light vehicles will be sold in the aggregated emerging markets than in the combined "saturated" markets of the United States, Canada, Western Europe and Japan.

"We see China and India as key drivers of growth, as vehicles become attainable for an increasing percentage of these countries huge consumer populations," said Uwe Biastoch, director of global forecasting at Polk. "Like Tata Motors with the recent launch of the low-cost Nano in India,manufacturers that innovate and produce market-specific products will be successful in emerging markets," said Biastoch.

These emerging markets will come out of the current crisis three years earlier than the saturated regions. Light vehicle sales in the emerging markets will top 2007 levels in 2011; this wont happen until 2014 in the saturated regions.

The U.S. has been hard-hit by the economic crisis, and new vehicle sales have dropped from a high of almost 17.5 million in 2000 to 13.2 million in 2008, with a further decline to 10 million projected for 2009. Polk predicts that 2009 will mark the end of U.S. market share dominance for the domestic automakers: Asian manufacturers will capture 47 percent of U.S. market share, compared to 44 percent for American automakers and 9 percent for European brands.

Western Europe will fare better than the United States and Canada in the short term, in large part because of scrappage incentives introduced in countries including Germany and Italy. Light vehicle sales in Western Europe will fall 9 percent from 2008 to 2009, compared to 24 percent in the United States and Canada during the same timeframe.

"The U.S. market is currently in a state of flux, with the impact of Chryslers Chapter 11 filing yet to be realized and GMs fate uncertain. It also remains to be seen whether the Obama administration will follow the lead of some European countries and reward consumers who turn in old vehicles and purchase cleaner cars, and what the impact of such a fleet modernization initiative might be," said Ulrich Winzen, chief analyst at Polk.

Worldwide, Toyota will maintain its position as the top manufacturer, with a fairly stable market share of 12 percent through 2020. Ford and General Motors have both seen their global market share drop by nearly five percentage points from 2000 to 2008, and Polk expects both to lose more market share through 2012. Volkswagen, on the other hand, will gain almost a point of market share in the next three years. "Volkswagen is making great inroads in China, which will certainly boost its success worldwide. At some point in 2009, we expect Volkswagen to surpass GM as the number two manufacturer in the world, although the race will be close," said Biastoch. "The trend could change temporarily to GMs benefit if the proposed U.S. scrappage incentive passes."

R. L. Polk & Co. is a provider of automotive information concerned with marketing.

Source: R. L. Polk & Co.

20 Years Xedos The Short Trip To The Premium Segment

Ironically, the premium automobile class wanted the Japanese attack 20 years ago, but because class is sometimes better than just mass. After 10 years, however, was already closing for the Xedos. A review of a worthwhile effort.

Mazda Xedos 6, 1997 onwards

From initially announced sales target of 1,000 a month, the Xedos 6 Mazda dealer with a monthly average of 250 cars were always far away. The reasons for the modest success was quickly found: It lacked the newcomers still on brand prestige of established competitors and the base prices were clearly in relation to the German manufacturers too high. Nevertheless, the Xedos 6 almost 30 percent of the cars produced were registered in Germany. Given the disastrous global sales but 2003 Mazda pulled the ripcord for Xedos project.

After just ten years, the Mazda Xedos luxury sedans series disappeared as surprising as they were introduced in 1992. Mazda wanted them to position themselves against the established German brands. The swing of sympathy carrier Mazda MX5 and the successful middle class Mazda 626 series should be used in order to establish itself in higher price ranges. Worlds most important market for the 4.56 meters long and the Xedos 6 Xedos 9 was significantly greater Germany.

Mazda then set benchmark in the midsize class. The Japanese had already proved this with the Model 626, which in 1983 became the first Japanese in comparison test suggested the Mercedes 190 and in the sales immediately the head of the whole import segment conquered.
More promising start

The first was the new luxury series in June 1992, the Xedos 6th He has already brought with almost everything was vital for prestige sedans in the turf war against the German top dogs. About a novel 2.0-liter V6 petrol engine as the precursor for todays downsized engines. Its 106 kW/144 hp worked so quietly that the press in test reports noted a smoothness in the upper class. Moreover, the six-cylinder engine has been praised as a model for fuel-efficient gasoline engine. What the luxury Mazda in dealing with 190/C-Class Mercedes, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series but missing was a diesel engine.

Therefore, the Japanese laid in 1995 after having another milestone in engine design, this time in the second Xedos model, the larger Xedos 9th In the almost 4.83-meter flagship Mazda program debuted the worlds first 2.3-liter V6 Miller-cycle engine with Comprex pressure wave supercharger. Its engine design was known until then, especially in shipbuilding.

The functioning of the Miller-cycle

From the conventional four-stroke principle, the Miller cycle differed mainly by a subsequent closing of the intake valve. Characterized the compression ratio has been reduced, and the temperature is kept low in front of the ignition and during combustion. So could more air injected and higher performance can be achieved and the tendency to knock remained lower. Practical advantages of the named after the inventor Ralph Miller engine were lower NOx emissions and up to 15 percent better fuel economy than conventional engines of the same power.

In fact, the 155 kW/210 hp payable contented Xedos 9 Miller cycle V6 with 6.3 liters of fuel consumption rate at 90th Despite spontaneous response was missing, however, about the Mazda compared to the new 2.3-liter turbo engine with Saab or the recently announced 2.3-liter supercharged engine from Mercedes to strong torque at low engine speeds. Ultimately Mazdas courage to exceptional-ism therefore was not rewarded.
Sales goals not achieved

Mazda Xedos 9 from 2000.

Mazda Xedos 9

Mazda Xedos 6th

20 years ago stormed the Mazda Xedos models the midrange class.

R Madhavan drives Maruti Suzuki 2012 WagonR to fetch car sales

The higher interest rates,sluggish economy,high excise duty,moonsoon deficiency and lockout in manesar plant resulted in shar decline in the car sales in MOM of august and domestic market.Maruti Suzuki became the toll of no sales in APRIL-AUGUST 2012.

Indian automobile has been using bollywood power to fetch the car sales and to make the presence felt among the indian customers.for instance,Amir khan drove with perfection a family car of TOYOTA innova,shahrukh khan drives HYUNDAI i10 and santro,Ranbir kapoor driver NISSAN micra to attract youth to buy products of NISSAN.within few years,They could get good no of sales somehow either this or that way.

What important thing to notice here is why Maruti Suzuki needs a brand ambassador to endorse its products despite of the fact that MS is the indias largest car manufacturer.

 but this time around seasons Maruti suzuki who aims to get no of sales. however, the products of Maruti Suzuki  performed the best in sales and won million hearts except A-Star.

R.Madhavan- who is the famous bollywood actor and strong  fan base in sourth part of the india drives the new Maruti Suzuki WagonR along with Mtv roadies winner and Vjs Raghu and Ram. hence this thing interprets that Maruti Suzuki makea apainstaking efforts to have stronger southern and the rest region of india.

Maruti Suzuki tries to revive the sentiments of its customers.Soumitra Karnik, national creative director, Dentsu India said: “Some time back, I remember reading a big feature in a publication on how all car advertising is plain vanilla and they show nothing but car shots driving down long, winding roads. Cars are not just functional, they mean a lot to the people who own them and drive them. So when we got a brief to a write the next communication piece on WagonR, we started with an attempt to change this notion. The WagonR was already positioned as a car for those who make smarter choices. We found out that Wagon R is one of the largest selling cars across the length and breadth of the country. So this fact helped us crack the idea - Big like India. Smart like you."


Did you watch Maruti Suzukis New commercial  of WagonR


In tvc,They show us that Maruti Suzuki wagonR and Maruti Suzuki itself is the smart and the best.
R.Madhvan,indirectly puts the Maruti Suzuki in place of chennai.

Yamaha YZF R250 Close to Make Debut

Yamaha is one of the world famous brand for its sport bikes.In India Yamaha is the performance King.All there performance products have turned to be big hits.Now a days Yamaha lost its performance crown to its competitors.Currently Yamaha R15 is the leading performance bike.Yamaha didn’t have a 250 cc bike here.All the enthusiast are waiting for the new Yamaha Bike.

If the sources are correct we can expect the 250 CC sports bike from Yamaha soon on our roads.Yamaha 250cc project is code named as 1 WD.New Yamaha R250 will take design inspirations from the bigger R6 and also our R15.We can expect Yamaha to share components with the R15 to reduce cost.

Yamaha hasn’t given any details of the engine.We can expect the 250 cc engine to be either 1or 2 cylinder.Decision depends on the pricing.If Yamaha want more performance machine then the 2 cylinder and if value for money then 1 cylinder.Either 1 or 2 cylinder we can expect excellent performance.Handling will be top of the segment.Yamaha is all set to revive the 250 cc segment.We can expect the bike to be shown at the EICMA Motorcycle shown in Milan.We can expect the pricing to below RS 2 Lakhs.We can expect debut on 2013 in India.

Audi A3 Sedan Coming to India at the End of 2013

Audi A3 sedan is one of the most awaited models from Audi.Audi A3 sedan will be the cheapest Audi you can get in India.Audi India is much more aggressive in Launches compared to BMW or Mercedes.When we look at the numbers we can also see that that aggressive formula worked for Audi.Audi A3 sedan is based on Audi A3 hatch back.Which will not come to India.Audi A3 sedan is based on MQV platform from Volkswagen.So we can expect a cross over or even a coupe.Because the Platform is so much flexible.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDI A3 SEDAN SPY PICTURES

Design Language of A3 sedan will be similar to other Audi models.With signature LEDs in the Head Lamps.Length of Audi A3 sedan will be less than A4.But inside their will be good space for the rear and front passengers.Like the other Audi models we can expect MMI system and other cool gadgets.Audi A3 sedan has option of both diesel and petrol engines.Engines will be shared between A3 hatch back.Audi A3 sedan biggest competitor will be Mercedes CLA Which will makes its debut soon.Audi A3 sedan will arrival early.We can expect the Indian launch to be at the end of 2013.

source : Zigwheels image credit : theophiluschin

General Motors Global Vice President of Design to be Awarded Automotive Hall of Fame Distinguished Service Citation

Edward T. Welburn, GMs Vice President of Global Design, will receive the Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame, January 25, at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in New Orleans. With this prestigious Distinguished Service Citation, the Automotive Hall of Fame recognizes an individuals significant contribution to the auto industry.

"I am honored to be receiving this award for doing a job that I enjoy so much,” says Welburn. “I am proud to lead such a creative team that continues designing award-winning cars and trucks that our customers love.”

Welburn was appointed GM vice president, global design, on March 1, 2005. He had been vice president of design, GM North America, since October 1, 2003, when he became only the sixth design leader in GM history. As vice president of global design, Welburn is responsible for interior and exterior design development of all General Motors cars and trucks. He heads a team of over 1,400 men and women operating in 11 design centers in eight countries around the world.

Under his direction, GM has walked away from the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit with the coveted 2007 Car and Truck of the Year awards for the Saturn Aura and Chevrolet Silverado, the 2008 Car of the Year award for the Chevrolet Malibu, the 2008 Motor Trend Car of the Year for Cadillac CTS, and the 2008 Eyes on Design awards for both the CTS-V and CTS Coupe Concept. In addition, AutoWeek named the 2006 Chevrolet Camaro Concept Editors’ Choice Best in Show Award.

Most recently, the Cadillac Converj Concept Car, revealed on January 11, 2009 at the North American International Auto Show won the Eyes on Design Award, AutoWeek’s Best Concept Award as well as the 2009 Detroit News Readers’ Choice Award for Best Concept.

Also under Welburns leadership, GM designed and developed the revolutionary Chevy Volt, the worlds first extended-range electric vehicle whose advanced technology and aerodynamic design enable it to drive up to 40 miles without using a drop of gasoline or producing emissions. The Chevrolet Volt was awarded the North American Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year 2007 and the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year at the Automotive Hall of Fame, 2007 MY. In addition, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid won the 2008 Green Car of the Year award.

Welburn began his General Motors career in 1972 as an associate designer assigned to the Advanced Design Studios and has held several significant leadership positions within the General Motors Design organization since then.

A native of Philadelphia, Welburn was born on December 14, 1950. He received a bachelors degree in 1972 from the College of Fine Arts at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied sculpture and product design.

Today, Welburn is General Motors key executive to Howard University and serves on the board of governors at the Cranbrook Institute of Science and on the board of directors of the LeMay Museum.

Welburn has received honors and special recognition from Rainbow PUSH, African Americans on Wheels Magazine, and Black Enterprise magazine. In 2004, he was named the Howard University Alumni of the Year. In May 2008, he received the Man of Excellence Award from the Michigan Chronicle and made the list of The Ebony Power 150: The Most Influential Blacks in America as recognized by Ebony magazine.

Disappointed By The Last Race Stoner With Setup Worries To Last Home Race

For Casey Stoner it comes with some question marks to the setup of the Honda and his health after Phillip Iceland. But there are glimmers of hope.

Casey Stoner like it better when it comes to the left

For the last time before his resignation MotoGP Casey Stoner comes next weekend to Phillip Iceland and the Australian has some worried about the setup before his Honda. On the plus side, he has, however, that the characteristics of the track on the one hand should meet the machine and on the other hand also his injured right ankle.

It is definitely difficult to celebrate for him to his sixth consecutive home win, although he and the celebrations can begin on Thursday, when cornering at Phillip Iceland 3 is named after him. "We had in the previous two races, problems with the setup of the machine and I am pretty disappointed," said Stoner. "We seem to always find at Phillip Iceland our rhythm, but I do not expect that this year there just is."

However, as the course goes more to the left than to the right, which should help, because the problems with the chattering of the Honda were left turns into ever smaller. "There are not too many sharp turns, so should my right leg better cope. Im still far from being physically at 100 percent, and I need time, so Im back at full strength, so Im not sure what to expect this weekend. We will do our best and see what happens. "