Jan-11-2010
In what could be termed as one of the most nasty and embarrassing incident, the breaking news by TV5 over the death of YSR and the involvement of the Ambani family saw the entire state go into a frenzy of mob violence on the Reliance outlets and creating fear.
As expected, the reaction from the Ambani house was quite strong and they filed a case against the channel. The police also arrested the editor of the channel and this was followed by the protests from few unions of journalists as well.
In all, the state of Andhra Pradesh has become a laughing stock for the activities happening and many say that it is due to the incapability of the government. Efforts are on to ensure that the tensions subside and let us hope that happens soon.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Small is big at India
January 2010
A host of new small cars jostled for attention Tuesday at the start of the Indian auto show, a showpiece event for compact vehicles in one of the world's fastest growing markets.
AutoExpo 2010, which began Tuesday and runs till Monday, is expected to be the biggest ever, featuring global releases of new models from the most famous names in the industry.
This year's show is the 10th, but it first caught the world's attention in 2008 when Indian manufacturer Tata Motors unveiled its Nano, the world's cheapest car that has since hit the road.
The 115,000-rupee ($2,500) Nano kick-started the race to produce cheap, small vehicles, which account for 80 percent of all car sales in India.
In a sign of India's attraction for foreign manufacturers, Japan's Toyota took the wraps off its first compact model designed especially for India.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor – the Indian unit of Japan's Toyota Motor – unveiled Tuesday the concept of its small car, Etios.
"With the introduction of the Etios we will enter the mass volume segment. We are looking at a sales volume of 70,000 (cars) in the first year," the Wall Street Journal quoted Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director of Toyota Kirloskar, as saying.
"If you want to be a major player in India in the mass market, small cars are the way to go," said Jochem Heizmann, a member of Volkswagen Group's management board.
Recent months have seen foreign giants Ford, General Motors, Hyundai and Renault join a stampede to India, where each has promised a small, cheap model designed for what Ford boss Alan Mulally termed the "sweet spot" of the market.
India is Asia's third-largest car market after China and Japan, but what has excited manufacturers is the potential explosive growth in a country with a billion-plus population.
A host of new small cars jostled for attention Tuesday at the start of the Indian auto show, a showpiece event for compact vehicles in one of the world's fastest growing markets.
AutoExpo 2010, which began Tuesday and runs till Monday, is expected to be the biggest ever, featuring global releases of new models from the most famous names in the industry.
This year's show is the 10th, but it first caught the world's attention in 2008 when Indian manufacturer Tata Motors unveiled its Nano, the world's cheapest car that has since hit the road.
The 115,000-rupee ($2,500) Nano kick-started the race to produce cheap, small vehicles, which account for 80 percent of all car sales in India.
In a sign of India's attraction for foreign manufacturers, Japan's Toyota took the wraps off its first compact model designed especially for India.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor – the Indian unit of Japan's Toyota Motor – unveiled Tuesday the concept of its small car, Etios.
"With the introduction of the Etios we will enter the mass volume segment. We are looking at a sales volume of 70,000 (cars) in the first year," the Wall Street Journal quoted Hiroshi Nakagawa, managing director of Toyota Kirloskar, as saying.
"If you want to be a major player in India in the mass market, small cars are the way to go," said Jochem Heizmann, a member of Volkswagen Group's management board.
Recent months have seen foreign giants Ford, General Motors, Hyundai and Renault join a stampede to India, where each has promised a small, cheap model designed for what Ford boss Alan Mulally termed the "sweet spot" of the market.
India is Asia's third-largest car market after China and Japan, but what has excited manufacturers is the potential explosive growth in a country with a billion-plus population.
Global truck makers launch their best machines at the Auto Expo
7 Jan 2010
NEW DELHI: The world’s second-fastest automobile market has drawn global truck makers to launch their best machines in the Auto Expo, even as domestic players upped the ante to take on the competition from foreign majors. On offer were brand new global ranges from the like of Volvo, Navistar and Daimler for prices going up to a crore while Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland announced new platforms and products.
The first glimpse of the truck monsters at the 10th Auto Expo in New Delhi reveals the finesse of these machines and the changing perception of the world towards India. The largest truck maker in the world, Daimler, imports the Actros range of trucks to India which is now the backbone of the domestic coal industry. It will soon launch a new range from its Rs 4,400 crore greenfield plant at Chennai. Its closest competitor worldwide, Volvo of Sweden, has launched the country’s most powerful truck at a staggering price of Rs 1 crore.
These new generation super trucks boasts features only a few luxury cars are loaded with. Automatic transmission, air suspension systems, adjustable power steering, electronic seats and front and side air bags that are absent in many popular cars are now common in these machines. this apart, they are backed by the regular gizmos. Many of these machines are so big that they are not able to fit into the huge pavilions at the Expo and are drawing the huge attention from the crowd. Riding on the growing economy and the fast-track infrastructure development, Volvo is looking to sell a few hundred of its most powerful truck.
“We are not convinced that India doesn’t need these expensive machines. It is one of that easiest machine to drive aided by all the gizmos that you will find in a BMW. Transporters in India are changing and willing to pay a price for technology and global quality,” Volvo Truck India president Somnath Bhattacharjee said. The company is expecting good demand from the sunshine sectors like power, petroleum, wind mills, infrastructure and construction.
The truck market is all set to boom and the new comers want a slice of the action. In a recent interview to ET Now, this paper’s sister channel, Anand Mahindra, VC &MD, M&M said: “As infrastructure booms, truck demand will take off in India. It’s not a plateauing market. It has enough space for newcomers to grow.”
Mahindra’s JV with American truck major Navistar launched two new products at the Expo. The MN 49 and MN 40 are both jointly developed by M&M and Navistar and the 51:49 JV plans to get into more variants as well as buses.
“Later we will have smaller, sub 16-12 tonne products, and this will complete our offering,” said Daniel C Ustian, CEO of Navistar. “When we are done with medium and heavy segments, we will come back to light trucks to see if we can refresh the platform.” The JV has already made an investment of Rs 1,000 crore and in the next few years will pump in more money as part of the next phase.
ET Bureau
NEW DELHI: The world’s second-fastest automobile market has drawn global truck makers to launch their best machines in the Auto Expo, even as domestic players upped the ante to take on the competition from foreign majors. On offer were brand new global ranges from the like of Volvo, Navistar and Daimler for prices going up to a crore while Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland announced new platforms and products.
The first glimpse of the truck monsters at the 10th Auto Expo in New Delhi reveals the finesse of these machines and the changing perception of the world towards India. The largest truck maker in the world, Daimler, imports the Actros range of trucks to India which is now the backbone of the domestic coal industry. It will soon launch a new range from its Rs 4,400 crore greenfield plant at Chennai. Its closest competitor worldwide, Volvo of Sweden, has launched the country’s most powerful truck at a staggering price of Rs 1 crore.
These new generation super trucks boasts features only a few luxury cars are loaded with. Automatic transmission, air suspension systems, adjustable power steering, electronic seats and front and side air bags that are absent in many popular cars are now common in these machines. this apart, they are backed by the regular gizmos. Many of these machines are so big that they are not able to fit into the huge pavilions at the Expo and are drawing the huge attention from the crowd. Riding on the growing economy and the fast-track infrastructure development, Volvo is looking to sell a few hundred of its most powerful truck.
“We are not convinced that India doesn’t need these expensive machines. It is one of that easiest machine to drive aided by all the gizmos that you will find in a BMW. Transporters in India are changing and willing to pay a price for technology and global quality,” Volvo Truck India president Somnath Bhattacharjee said. The company is expecting good demand from the sunshine sectors like power, petroleum, wind mills, infrastructure and construction.
The truck market is all set to boom and the new comers want a slice of the action. In a recent interview to ET Now, this paper’s sister channel, Anand Mahindra, VC &MD, M&M said: “As infrastructure booms, truck demand will take off in India. It’s not a plateauing market. It has enough space for newcomers to grow.”
Mahindra’s JV with American truck major Navistar launched two new products at the Expo. The MN 49 and MN 40 are both jointly developed by M&M and Navistar and the 51:49 JV plans to get into more variants as well as buses.
“Later we will have smaller, sub 16-12 tonne products, and this will complete our offering,” said Daniel C Ustian, CEO of Navistar. “When we are done with medium and heavy segments, we will come back to light trucks to see if we can refresh the platform.” The JV has already made an investment of Rs 1,000 crore and in the next few years will pump in more money as part of the next phase.
ET Bureau
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Tata Motors Show case Aria, Jaguar XJ at Auto Expo
Jan 06, 2010 10:59:13 IST
TATA MOTORS chairman Ratan Tata unveiled their brand new cross over vehicle – Aria at the Auto Expo 2010 this afternoon. Aria, is a sports-utility and multi-utility crossover vehicle that was termed by the company as “four wheeler built by Indian engineers for the Indian customers”.
The Delhi Auto Expo 2010 witnessed the platform of various launches from Tata Motors. Other than Aria, the other two vehicles of Tata Motors that were also launched, are the new passenger carrier “Magic Iris” and the multi-purpose vehicle “Venture” for the Indian customers. Tata Motors also unveiled the new Jaguar XJ model for its luxury car segment in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Ratan Tata said, “The range of Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles is representative of our technology base, and the direction our brands are taking in pursuing market opportunities. The Company is focused on meeting the full range of customer needs while being conscious of the environment.”
Tata Motors displayed its 37 vehicles at the Delhi Auto Expo. In passenger vehicles, the group’s display ranges from Jaguar luxury saloons and Land Rover SUVs to Tata Indigo Manza sedans, Tata Indica Vista hatchbacks, the Tata Safari, the Sumo Grande MK II, the Xenon XT, and two specially conceived Tata Nano cars. The Tata commercial vehicles range include a brand new Starbus platform, the Prima range of world standard trucks, CNG-fuelled truck pick-up vehicles, and a Winger-based special application, at the Auto Expo 2010.
The unveiling of the all new Jaguar XJ marks its India launch. The car was premiered worldwide in London in July 2009, and deliveries across the world are beginning this year.
TATA MOTORS chairman Ratan Tata unveiled their brand new cross over vehicle – Aria at the Auto Expo 2010 this afternoon. Aria, is a sports-utility and multi-utility crossover vehicle that was termed by the company as “four wheeler built by Indian engineers for the Indian customers”.
The Delhi Auto Expo 2010 witnessed the platform of various launches from Tata Motors. Other than Aria, the other two vehicles of Tata Motors that were also launched, are the new passenger carrier “Magic Iris” and the multi-purpose vehicle “Venture” for the Indian customers. Tata Motors also unveiled the new Jaguar XJ model for its luxury car segment in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Ratan Tata said, “The range of Tata, Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles is representative of our technology base, and the direction our brands are taking in pursuing market opportunities. The Company is focused on meeting the full range of customer needs while being conscious of the environment.”
Tata Motors displayed its 37 vehicles at the Delhi Auto Expo. In passenger vehicles, the group’s display ranges from Jaguar luxury saloons and Land Rover SUVs to Tata Indigo Manza sedans, Tata Indica Vista hatchbacks, the Tata Safari, the Sumo Grande MK II, the Xenon XT, and two specially conceived Tata Nano cars. The Tata commercial vehicles range include a brand new Starbus platform, the Prima range of world standard trucks, CNG-fuelled truck pick-up vehicles, and a Winger-based special application, at the Auto Expo 2010.
The unveiling of the all new Jaguar XJ marks its India launch. The car was premiered worldwide in London in July 2009, and deliveries across the world are beginning this year.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Reliance traces pirated DVDs of '3 Idiots', files case
2 Jan 2010
NEW DELHI: Anil Ambani Group firm Reliance Big Pictures has filed a case against Galaxy Cinema in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making pirated DVDs of its just-released blockbuster "3 Idiots".
The first information report (FIR), filed Thursday, is based on technical information gleaned through the "cap code marking" anti-piracy technology on each print of the film, a statement from Reliance Big Pictures said Saturday.
It said that the company, a subsidiary of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), traced the pirated DVDs in the national capital and the activity was stopped soon after.
"Movie piracy is not a victimless crime. Not only does piracy have a financial impact on Reliance Big Pictures, it negatively impacts jobs of people in the film industry and related businesses," said Kamal Gianchandani, COO (Distribution) at Reliance Big Pictures.
"We are committed to take a strong, proactive position in protecting copyrights and are hopeful that our support of strong anti-piracy efforts will be instrumental in developing a growing and vibrant marketplace for Indian films," he added.
The movie, starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, grossed over Rs. 100 crore in the first four days after it was released.
NEW DELHI: Anil Ambani Group firm Reliance Big Pictures has filed a case against Galaxy Cinema in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh for allegedly making pirated DVDs of its just-released blockbuster "3 Idiots".
The first information report (FIR), filed Thursday, is based on technical information gleaned through the "cap code marking" anti-piracy technology on each print of the film, a statement from Reliance Big Pictures said Saturday.
It said that the company, a subsidiary of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (R-ADAG), traced the pirated DVDs in the national capital and the activity was stopped soon after.
"Movie piracy is not a victimless crime. Not only does piracy have a financial impact on Reliance Big Pictures, it negatively impacts jobs of people in the film industry and related businesses," said Kamal Gianchandani, COO (Distribution) at Reliance Big Pictures.
"We are committed to take a strong, proactive position in protecting copyrights and are hopeful that our support of strong anti-piracy efforts will be instrumental in developing a growing and vibrant marketplace for Indian films," he added.
The movie, starring Aamir Khan and Kareena Kapoor, grossed over Rs. 100 crore in the first four days after it was released.
India growth story on track
3 Jan 2010 ET Bureau
Pitch the question of sustained global recovery to a group of experts and cacophony ensues. Talk of India’s ride on the road to recovery, and the ‘yeah’s’ rings loud. This is the big Indian story for 2010.
If corporate India’s projections for this year are any indication for what is to come, Indian consumers are likely to return to shopping with a zest, returning home with products ranging from mobile handsets, slimmer TVs to ever cars.
Mind you, it isn’t that surprising given that India’s GDP is expected to grow at seven per cent and more in 2010, while most developed countries find themselves struggling to keep growth in positive zones.
While a Gartner research forecasts a 21 per cent growth in PC shipments in India for 2010 over the last year and whopping 41 per cent in mini-notebook segment, India’s continued journey of adding 10 million mobile subscribers a month for this year too, may make India an attractive destination for top telecom and technology giants.
And the growth for this year is not confined only to a few sectors. Car sales which remained positive in most part of the last year bucking the global recession, may look up further, whereas industry estimates suggest that consumer durables segment may post a smart 20 per cent growth this year, indicating that the Indian economy, primarily driven by domestic demand, may keep up the momentum of a swifter recovery compared to the rest of the world.
R Zutshi, deputy MD of Samsung India, says that the television industry will get a strong boost in 2010. “Within the television category, I expect the consumer preference for LCD/LEDs and slimmer displays to continue. The advent of HD broadcast with the Commonwealth Games too should contribute to the growth of full HD LCD/LED TVs,” he explains
Pitch the question of sustained global recovery to a group of experts and cacophony ensues. Talk of India’s ride on the road to recovery, and the ‘yeah’s’ rings loud. This is the big Indian story for 2010.
If corporate India’s projections for this year are any indication for what is to come, Indian consumers are likely to return to shopping with a zest, returning home with products ranging from mobile handsets, slimmer TVs to ever cars.
Mind you, it isn’t that surprising given that India’s GDP is expected to grow at seven per cent and more in 2010, while most developed countries find themselves struggling to keep growth in positive zones.
While a Gartner research forecasts a 21 per cent growth in PC shipments in India for 2010 over the last year and whopping 41 per cent in mini-notebook segment, India’s continued journey of adding 10 million mobile subscribers a month for this year too, may make India an attractive destination for top telecom and technology giants.
And the growth for this year is not confined only to a few sectors. Car sales which remained positive in most part of the last year bucking the global recession, may look up further, whereas industry estimates suggest that consumer durables segment may post a smart 20 per cent growth this year, indicating that the Indian economy, primarily driven by domestic demand, may keep up the momentum of a swifter recovery compared to the rest of the world.
R Zutshi, deputy MD of Samsung India, says that the television industry will get a strong boost in 2010. “Within the television category, I expect the consumer preference for LCD/LEDs and slimmer displays to continue. The advent of HD broadcast with the Commonwealth Games too should contribute to the growth of full HD LCD/LED TVs,” he explains
North India plunges into darkness as grid trips due to fog
Jan 02, 2010
Many parts of northern India, including Punjab and Haryana, plunged into darkness in the wee hours on Saturday as the northern grid collapsed due to thick fog. The northern grid tripped at around 3.02 am following a technical snag in transmission lines that reduced power to zero at many sub stations, Power Grid CMD S K Chaturvedi said, adding that Delhi and NCR were not affected as precautionary measures like cleaning of transmission lines were taken in advance.
Besides, Punjab and Haryana, parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Chandigarh were also affected due to the grid failure.
Although restoration work was on, authorities said, it would take another three to four hours for power supply to resume.
Power failure also threw train schedule out of gear in Punjab and Haryana and many trains were stranded midway, stopping abruptly due to disruption in electricity supply.
Many parts of northern India, including Punjab and Haryana, plunged into darkness in the wee hours on Saturday as the northern grid collapsed due to thick fog. The northern grid tripped at around 3.02 am following a technical snag in transmission lines that reduced power to zero at many sub stations, Power Grid CMD S K Chaturvedi said, adding that Delhi and NCR were not affected as precautionary measures like cleaning of transmission lines were taken in advance.
Besides, Punjab and Haryana, parts of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Chandigarh were also affected due to the grid failure.
Although restoration work was on, authorities said, it would take another three to four hours for power supply to resume.
Power failure also threw train schedule out of gear in Punjab and Haryana and many trains were stranded midway, stopping abruptly due to disruption in electricity supply.
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