Mercedes Benz launches the GL 350 CDI and the S 500 l in India.

• The all new S 500 with a 5.5 litre V8 packs in 388 PS and gigantic 530 Nm of torque. It comes with a gadgets galore like the active cruise control, night vision camera adaptive high beam assist, lane keeping assist and the pre safe brake system linked to the proximity regulating radar, which intervenes autonomously before an impending rear end collision. The other highlights include the attention assist driver drowsiness monitor and active body control with automatic crosswind stabllization. On the exterior the most noticeable change is the addition of daytime LED running lights fitted fitted to the outer edge of the bi xenon lamp units. The rear end is also mounted with 52 distinctively arranged LEDs in the two tail lights.

• The much awaited GL classic has also been launched. The GL 350 CDI features blue blue efficiency technology. Under the hood the GL sports a 225 PS V6 with 500 Nm torque. The 7 seater GL is set take thefight straight to the Q7 and the porsehe cayenne. Priced at Rs 64.9 lakhs ex show room, Delhi. S 500 L has made its way in CKD form at Rs 95 lakhs ex show room, Delhi.
  

Harley Davidson brand motorcycles launched in India.

• The world's most iconic motorcycle brand Harley Davidson has finally entered the Indian territory with its elite range of motorcycles. The American bike maker has launched its products in India at the Auto Expo 2010, New Delhi. The company introduced 12 bikes starting from its street based Sportster series to its premium touring model, The Ultra Classic Electra Glide.The bookings for the Harley Davidson motorcycles will start from April 2010. 
• The bikes will be imported in CBU condition and sold through select Harley Davidson outlets in New Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hydrabad and Chandigarh. The deliveries will commence from June 2010 once the dealer networks start their operations.
• The company is also planning to provide good financial options to the buyers as the aim is to introduce the Harley Davidson brand in India. 
• The bikes will be competitively priced starting from 6.95 lakhs ex showroom, New Delhi.
  

Toyota showcases concept car Etios in Auto Expo 2010.

• Toyota's concept version of the Etios is near actual version of the production of this car.
• With the introduction of Etios, Toyota is entering for the first time into the competitive campact car segment.
• Apart from the hatchback version Toyota is also planning to roll out a sedan version of the Etios.
• The hatchback Etios will sport a 1200cc petrol engine and is likely to be priced around Rs 4.5 to 5 lakhs. Toyota is planning to roll out the car to the market in a year's time. 
• The hatchback Etios will be a rival to Hyundai 120, VW Polo and Maruti Swift and the sedan version of the Etios sporting a 1500cc petrol engine  will be a challenge  to the Honda City.

General Motors launched its small car Beat.

• General Motors has launched the Beat, its third small car in the Indian market.
• The Beat is competetively priced at Rs 3.5 lakhs ex showroom, Delhi.
• The Beat will provide a  stiff competition to Maruti Swift and Ritz and Hyundai 110.
• GM will offer a 1200cc petrol engine to begin with the launch of the Beat and will also offer a 1000cc diesel engine by the end of 2010.
• GM is looking at India as a market to revive its struggling operations.
• GM is also bullish that its new Chevrolet can be a real game changer.
  

Volkswagen to launch its compact car Polo in India.

• Volkswagen showcased in the Auto Expo 2010, tts polo compact, the first product of the company in the small car segment. 
• The Polo is likely to be launched wuthin three months in India with a price tag of Rs 4.5 to 5 lakhs.
• Volkswagen will produce the Polo at its factory near Pune and it shall belaunched with 1200cc petrol and diesel options. 
• Polo is likely to give a tough competition to Maruti Swift and Hyundai 120.
  

Toyota to launch the hybrid Prius car in India.

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• Toyota the biggest car manufacturer of the world with good margins. The reason is they identify the needs of the customers well before other manufacturers do. Toyota is planning to launch the hybrid Prius car in India by January 2011. The hybrid Prius was launched in Japan somewhere around  May 2009 and is a great hit adding to the sales volume and margins of Toyota.
• The system basically involves a 1.5 litre 4 cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor to drive the front wheels. The car draws power from two sources of energy. 
• The Prius car also has another electric motor which only takes care of charging the batteries to enable long drives without worry of fuel shortage.
• The electric motor provides better torque with the same energy spent and is best suited for city slow moming traffic.
• At more criising speeds the petrol engine takes charge of the driving. The power from the engines is taken to the wheels through CVT technlogy that ensures smooth driving irrespective of the source from where power is drawn.
• The other progressive features of the Prius include keyless entry, touch screen display and steering and wheel cojtrols. The interiors of the car are sufficiently sci-fi to go with the "car of the future" appeal.
• The spce inside the car is quite different in the sense that it is designed keeping in mind the comvenience and comfort of the passengers. 
• With the rising cost of fuel in the market, no doubt fuel efficiency is of grear concern to the users. The aerodynamics used in  the Prius provides a combined fuel efficiency of 20km/litre.
• The petrol and the electric engine provide the Prius a 10bhp power to acheive the speed of 100km/hour from start in 10 seconds.
• Toyota is to commence the production of the Toyota Prius in India at its Bangalore plant from December 2010.