DRESSED TO THRILL - Bajaj Auto introduces New Look Pulsars

DRESSED TO THRILL - Bajaj Auto introduces New Look Pulsars

Pulsar 150, 180 and 220 now available in an exciting range of two tone colours

24^th April, 2014: Bajaj Auto has launched Pulsars with an exciting range of two-tone colours. The new range is all set to re-define the sporty & sought-after design of the Pulsar 150, 180 and 220. This new range will now provide Pulsar enthusiasts choice of three striking colours including Pearl Metallic White, Sapphire Blue and Cocktail Wine Red. The new two tone Pulsars will be available at no additional cost.

Commenting on the launch of new range of Pulsars with two-tone colors,
Mr.Sumeet Narang, VP (Marketing), Bajaj Auto said: "The Pulsar is India's No1 Sports bike for more than a decade now. As a market leader in the sports category it’s our endeavor to constantly offer our customers state of the art technology, best in class features & performance and of course great styling. We had earlier introduced vibrant two-tones in the Pulsar 200NS and received an overwhelming response from our customers and hence we have now extended the concept on the entire range of Pulsars. We are confident that the new avatars of Pulsar will appeal to the new age biker, who is seeking a bike that not only offers great technology, but also unparalleled aesthetics."

The success of Pulsar range is an acknowledgement of Bajaj Auto’s commitment to unparalleled design and development.

Tamil Nadu has been registering 42% market share in the sports Motorcycle category for BAJAJ.

Ashok Leyland retains share in a declining market

Ashok Leyland retains share in a declining market

“In FY’14, we retained our market share in an intensely competitive M&HCV market that declined by over 25% , second year in a row,” said Mr Vinod K Dasari, MD, presenting the annual results of Ashok Leyland, the Hinduja Group flagship. “In a very tough year, we restructured ourselves to reduce the overall fixed cost base while continuing to invest in new products, network, quality and sales processes.  We also sold non-core assets, and reduced our working capital drastically, and used the funds to reduce debt.”

The Company retained its market share in the domestic M&HCV space clocking a volume of 51,830 nos. The rapid and innovative network expansion has helped improve reach and customer satisfaction – translating to market share gains in several regions. “While the BOSS and the CAPTAIN launches have excited the ICV and Tipper segment customers, the launch of STiLE, PARTNER and MiTR in the LCV space have made us a complete range player,” added Mr Dasari. Ashok Leyland sold 28,995 vehicles in the LCV segment during FY’14, while expanding its LCV dealer network. The Company exported 8,517 vehicles, despite a drastic fall in the Sri Lankan market.  “We believe the worst is over, we used the downturn to transform the Company in many ways.   With a stable government, we now expect the market to revive, starting possibly in the next quarter itself”, he added. 

The Company registered a sales turnover of Rs 9,943 crores during FY’14 compared to Rs 12,481 crores in the previous fiscal.  EBITDA for the year FY’14 was Rs 233 Crores;  (Rs 939 Crore) excluding exceptional items. Exceptional items include disposal of certain long investments and non-core assets and yielded a net profit of Rs 505 Crs in FY’14 (Rs 290 Crs). The Company will continue to disinvest in non-core assets and investments to right size its balance sheet. Despite the lower revenues and heavy discounting in the market place, the Company has reported a Net Profit of Rs 29 Crs (Rs 434 Crs) and maintained the long history and unbroken track record of reporting profits each year.

The Company is reporting its first consolidated financial results and statements in a year which has been difficult for itself and all its associates, joint ventures and subsidiaries who are also operating in the segment and economic environment.  The first consolidated financial results of the Company, is  a loss of Rs 164 Crores for the year which is essentially from some of the start-up ventures. 

General Motors India to Start Exporting Vehicles

General Motors India to Start Exporting Vehicles

Will initially export left-hand-drive Chevrolet Beat to Chile

New Delhi: General Motors India today announced that it will begin production of export vehiclesat its Talegaon Plant in the second half of 2014, with sales commencing in Chile in the first quarter of 2015. 

Its first export model will be the left-hand-drive version of the Chevrolet Beat. The fuel-efficient smart city car is already built and sold in many markets around the world.

“The start of Beat exports underlines GM’s commitment to India and demonstrates the quality of the country’s growing supplier base,” said GM India President and Managing Director Arvind Saxena. “The exports will create more employment opportunities within GM India and the supplier community while helping improve capacity utilization at the Talegaon Plant.”  

Available with gasoline and diesel engines, the Chevrolet Beat is India’s most fuel-efficient hatchback and GM India’s best-selling model. Since its introduction in India in 2010, it has received a number of coveted honors, including the Car & Bike Design of the Year Award in 2010, NDTV Car & Bike India Green Award in 2011, NDTV Car & Bike Automotive Technology of the YearAwardfor its SMARTECH diesel engine in 2011, Bloomberg UTV Autocar Awardfor thediesel variant in 2011 andCar & Bike India Variant of the YearAward in 2011.

Nissan announces ‘Happy with Nissan’ customer service campaign in Chennai

Nissan announces ‘Happy with Nissan’ customer service campaign in Chennai

Drop-in ‘free check-up’ camps to be held across India

• Phase 1 of ‘Happy with Nissan’ service campaign from May 9-18, 2014
• Campaign to held in almost 66 authorised service outlets across 54 cities
• Customer confidence and satisfaction is a key priority for FY-14

CHENNAI, India (May 07, 2014): Nissan today announced the launch of Phase 1 of its Indian customer service campaign ‘Happy with Nissan’, to be held from May 9-18, 2014.

The initiative will see camps set up in 66 Nissan authorised service outlets across 54 Indian cities. Nissan customers will be able to drop in and have their vehicles washed and thoroughly checked for free by qualified Nissan service staff. For Chennai customers, service camps will be hosted in Avenue Nissan and Jubilant Nissan.

The customer outreach campaign will help Nissan’s after-sales service team to proactively meet customers face to face, understand their issues and find appropriate solutions.

It will also help to resolve pending and immediate service-related issues and educate customers about the benefits of authorised Nissan service centres and the use of Nissan genuine spare parts and accessories.

The camp is just one initiative in the company’s ongoing drive to improve customer confidence and satisfaction by boosting its after-sales service infrastructure.

Making the announcement, Mr Kenichiro Yomura, President – Nissan India Operations said, “We want to create a service environment that our customers can trust, be comfortable and feel proud of being associated with the Nissan brand. We are consciously working towards optimizing our after-sales service operations so that service wait time and costs can be kept to a minimum. This is one of our key priorities for this year.”

Nissan’s recently inaugurated state-of-the-art Parts Distribution Centre in Chennai and the ‘Happy with Nissan’ service campaign complement each other in emphasizing Nissan’s commitment to its customers.

Yomura added, “Nissan makes engaging and reliable products and offers a positive service experience to customers across the world and we want to give our Indian customers the same, world class experience.”

Customers visiting the service camps between May 9-18, 2014, will be entitled to a free car check-up, wash and 20% discount on labour charges. All vehicles will undergo a thorough 60-point check. Other benefits include discounts up to 20% on Nissan genuine accessories and up to 10% on Nissan Extended Warranty for vehicles in the warranty period.

Customers will also be offered various engagement activities for their families and stand a chance to win Nissan genuine car care products, movie tickets, shopping vouchers and other gifts through lucky draws.

Anticipating a healthy growth in domestic and export volumes, Nissan is committed to strengthen the capacity at its parts distribution centre as well as all service touch points across India. Innovative initiatives like a 60-minute express service at authorised service outlets will be supported by providing more convenient access to service to mobile service vans – 25 to be deployed in May, and a fresh focus on reducing periodic maintenance costs. 

Tata Motors launches the all-new Movus

Tata Motors launches the all-new Movus

Starts at INR6.99 lacs, with an Engine Warranty of 3 years or 150,000 kms

·         The all-new Movus comes with a host of flexible seating options with front facing, side-facing and Captain seats in the 7, 8 & 9-seater variants

·         Powered by the all-new VARICOR 2.2 litre engine delivering 120 PS power and 250 Nm torque with best-in-segment mileage of 15.16 kms/ litre

·         Ground clearance of 180mm(unladen condition)

·         Fuel tank capacity of 65 litres

·         Low cost of servicing&low cost ofownership

·         Optimized body weight for lesser wear & tear on parts for better Fuel efficiency & drivability

·         New 260 dia Concentric Sleeve cylinder – Self actuating Clutch – for reduced & constant clutch effort throughout its life

·         New Rack & Pinion Steering system

Chennai, May 06, 2014: Tata Motors today launched the all-new MovusUV (Utility Vehicle),a spacious and comfortable family vehicle,with optimum performance, making it a perfect companion for every journey.Big on savings too, the all-new Movus is an entry-level UV, which is fuel efficient and easy to maintain, with the lowest running cost.

Announcing the introduction of the all-new Tata Movus,Mr. Ranjit Yadav –President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said,“The all-new Movusis a great proposition for large families as it is spacious, easy to maintain, economical for both short and long distances, deliveringgreat value without compromising on comfort.As an entry-level UV, the all-new Movus, a big and reliable vehicle comes at a price point which will provide our customerswith best-in-class ride quality, making it a perfect partner for every journey. The vehicleis commercially available at dealerships located in metros and select cities.”

Theall-new Movus has been specifically designed to satisfy the needs of driveability, maneuverability and fuel efficiencyin city traveland long haul journeys.

Powered by the acclaimed high performance 2.2L VARICOR engine, the all-new Movus is engineered to deliver optimal performance in both city and highway conditions, witha power of 120 PS and torque of 250 Nm. With best-in-segment pick-up and mileage of 15.16 kms/litre, the all-new Movus has a high uptime, with lowest cost of operations and an engine warranty of 3-years or 150,000kms. Fitted with Independent Double Wishbone with coil springs in the front and Parabolic Leaf Spring-type suspension for the rear wheels, the all-new Movus can negotiate uneven surfaces with ease. The vehicle also has a large fuel tank of 65 litres and high load carrying capability.

With a ground clearance of 180mm, entry and exit of passengers in the all-new Movus is easy too.Designed with a long wheelbase of 2550 mm, the vehicleis comfortable and spaciouswith three row seating, available with flexible seating options in the 7, 8 and 9 configuration with front facing, side-facing and Captain seats.The vehicleslow-turning radius of 5.35 meters, with a tiltable power steering system, makes it easy to drive in traffic conditions.

The starting price of the all-new Movus is at INR 6.99 lacs (ex-showroom,Delhi)and comes with an enhanced 3-year or 150,000 kms engine warranty (whichever is earlier). The vehicleis available in Porcelain White, Meteor Silverin its two variants - CX &LX.

HCIL to inspect Proportioning Valve of non-ABS variants of Brio & Petrol Amaze

HCIL to inspect Proportioning Valve of
non-ABS variants of Brio & Petrol Amaze

New Delhi, May 5, 2014:   Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) today announced that it would carry out inspection of Proportioning Valve of 15,623 units of non-ABS variants of Brio and 15,603 units of non-ABS variants of Petrol Amaze manufactured from 28 February 2013 to 16 January 2014.

There is possibility that in some of these cars there is mis-assembly of Proportioning Valve. However no complaint related to this part has been reported. HCIL will voluntarily replace the Proportioning Valve after inspection, if required. The inspection and replacement would be carried out free of cost at HCIL dealerships across India, and the owners will be contacted individually in a phased manner.

Proportioning Valve is the part of Brake system which adjusts brake distribution pressure to the wheels.

Proportioning valve is not a part of braking system for ABS variants & therefore the ABS variants of Brio & Petrol Amaze and all variants of Diesel Amaze do not require any inspection.

A special microsite has been created on the company’s website (www.hondacarindia.com) which enables the customers to check whether their car will be covered under this inspection campaign by submitting their 17 character alpha-numeric Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). 

Mercedes-Benz India to intensify its qualitative network expansion, 11 new state-of-art outlets in 2014; inaugurates Punjab’s largest luxury car dealership

Mercedes-Benz India to intensify its qualitative network expansion, 11 new state-of-art outlets in 2014; inaugurates Punjab’s largest luxury car dealership

·         Total of 11 new state-of-the-art outlets in 2014: Four outlets inaugurated and another seven outlets planned for the remaining year

·         New state-of-art outlets in Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Bhopal and Mohali inaugurated

·         Increases network presence to 64 outlets across 36 cities, the densest network among all luxury car makers in India

·         Celebrate Excellence campaign: Mercedes-Benz India also commences a Grand Tour comprising a convoy of gold foiled cars celebrating the accolade of being ‘India’s Most Awarded Luxury Car Brand’. The convoy to visit 23 cities in next 45 days and celebrate with customers in each city.

Mohali–Pursuing it’s Year of Excellence strategy in creating benchmark in modern luxury, Mercedes-Benz India today inaugurated Punjab’s largest luxury car dealership in Mohali. Punjab Motors Mohali also earns the distinction of being Mohali’s first ever luxury car dealership. The new state-of-the-art 3S facility of Panjab Motors was inaugurated by Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Raj Naresh Singh, Managing Director, Panjab Motors. With the inauguration of Punjab’s largest and Mohali’s first ever luxury car dealership, Mercedes-Benz not only reiterates it’s excellence in providing luxury car experience to it’s customers in newer markets, but also underscores the Three Pointed Star’s dominance in creating the most qualitative and dense network reach by any luxury car maker in India.  

Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India commented: “2014 is Mercedes-Benz’s Year of Excellence where creating benchmark in modern luxury is our key objective. We are amidst one of the most exciting growth phase in the Indian luxury automotive market today as we are the fastest growing luxury car brand in the country. Mercedes-Benz has sold the highest numbers of cars in our history in India, last year. Brand Mercedes-Benz India also received tremendous impetus as it was ‘India’s Most Awarded Luxury Car Manufacturer’. We have an exciting year ahead as of us as we prepare to launch several fascinating new products for our discerning customers. Mercedes-Benz India also has the most qualitative network reach and we are committed to extend our brand promise of ‘Best or nothing’ to our customers. Our strategy of ‘Year of Excellence’ for the Indian market is on the right track and is paying off.”

Mr. Eberhard Kern further added, “With the inauguration of four new dealerships in four new cities, we have now moved even closer to delight our esteemed customers and to fascinate them with modern luxury. Each of them has state of the art facility, a magnificent and luxurious ambience befitting a luxury car showroom and outstanding service, ensuring that we extend the Mercedes-Benz experience to the automobile aficionados of this region. Facilities like the ones our dealerships have make us bullish in our outlook for the luxury car market in India and we are confident that each of our dealer partners with their proven track record and thorough market expertise will create new standards in luxury car retail and customer service in this key market. Emerging markets and planed developments are future growth engines for Mercedes-Benz and we continue to see more affluent customers with high aspirational level and global lifestyle in this market, prefer to own a Three Pointed Star.”

Created over a span of seven months, this sprawling Panjab Motors Mohali’s new 3S facility is spread over a massive area of 55,000+ sq. ft. including the well-structured showroom and the workshop. Located in Mohali’s key Industrial Area, the 3S facility has been established with an investment of Rs. 160 million (16 Crores). The new 3S facility has been conceived to offer an exciting ‘Mercedes-Benz experience’ to customers. These facilities are: drive-in valet service, a luxurious customer lounge, plush Cafe Mercedes along with 11 cars on display. The accessories and wheel configurator, engaging audio-visual presentation, boutique collection and special play area for children are some of the highlights of the new facility. The other facilities that can be availed by the customers are finance and insurance solutions, a dedicated boutique for accessories and lifestyle merchandise and drivers lounge.

Equipped with high quality Mercedes-Benz equipment and trained manpower, the top-notch service centre of Panjab Motors has been built at par with the brand’s global benchmark having 15 productive bays that can service up to 560 cars a month and this will allow round the clock support. The service centre of Panjab Motors Mohali is equipped to undertake general repairs, accident jobs, body paint, spares and maintenance work. Panjab Motors Mohali employs more than 50 hand-picked personnel who are well-trained and dedicated to ensure the customers have an enriched car ownership experience.

Celebrate Excellence Campaign:

Mercedes-Benz today also commenced it’s Grand Tour of the award winning vehicles comprising the A-Class, E-Class, B-Class and GL-Class. This convoy of gold foiled cars will be visiting 23 cities across India in next 45 days as part of Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘Celebrate Excellence’ campaign. This campaign marks the momentous achievement of Mercedes-Benz India being ‘India’s Most Awarded Luxury Car Brand’. The convoy will also be visiting Karnal, Chandigarh, Ludhiana and Jalandhar to celebrate the excellence of the Three Pointed Star.

With establishment of the 3S facility at Mohali, Mercedes-Benz India now enjoys a network spread across 36 cities with 64 outlets in India and retains the distinction of being the leading luxury car manufacturer with the widest and qualitative network of sales and after-sales services in India. Mercedes-Benz India is the fastest growing luxury car brand in the country with a growth of 27% in Q1 of 2014. Mercedes-Benz India also grew by 47% in fiscal year 2013-14 selling 9500+ cars in India. The company launched four new products in the first four months of 2014 and has an exciting product pipeline for the remaining 2014.

TVS Motor Company launches Stylish TVS StaR City+

TVS Motor Company launches Stylish TVS StaR City+

Chennai, May 5, 2014: TVS Motor Company today launched its all-new commuter motorcycle, TVS StaR City+ which is an ideal combination of modern styling, superior engine performance and class leading comfort. This all-new motorcycle, which comes with a host of first-time features, builds on the legacy of the TVS StaR brand, which has more than 4.5 million customers across the country. Derived from the ‘Ecothrust’ engine of TVS Phoenix, the 109.7cc power mill of TVS StaR City+ provides an ideal combination of smooth performance, power and fuel economy. This all new engine delivers better pickup and acceleration and is high in durability.

New urban styling and vibrant new graphics add to the visual appeal of TVS StaR City+. Elegant honeycomb textured side panel grills add finesse to the styling of the motorcycle while streamlining air.  A stylish crown visor and trendy rear view mirrors add flamboyance to the motorcycle. A premium Stainless steel muffler complements the bike’s silver shock absorbers and it’s sporty aluminum grab rail. Black alloy wheels, premium three dimension emblems and stylish flashy tail lamp add flair to the motorcycle. The overall chiseled and muscular ‘flow motion styling’ gives the TVS StaR City+ a distinct road presence.

The new “Ecothrust” engine delivers a solid four stroke performance, churning out
8.4 PS of power at 7,000 rpm with a torque of 8.7 Nm at 5,000 rpm. High torque ensures more power and pickup, with the motorcycle racing from zero to sixty in just 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 90kmpl. Finer engineering aspects carried out within the ‘Ecothrust’ engine of the TVS StaR City+ make it one of the smoothest performers in its category. Carburetor optimization aids better charge preparation and inlet port providing high charge motion, triggered by an intelligent ignition system which provides optimum spark based on speed and load ensures that the TVS StaR City+ delivers better torque at all engine speeds. TVS STaR City+ returns a stunning fuel economy of 86 kmpl, the highest among its peers.  The ‘Ecothrust’ engine is mated to a four speed gear box, which has the added feature of electric start in any gear.

TVS Motor Company has added several first time features in this motorcycle. The comprehensive digital dashboard has an analogue speedometer and an advanced digital information display. It also houses a service indicator which intimates the rider when the bike is due for service and an econometer which guides the rider to maximize fuel economy. A digital fuel gauge displays precise fuel level indication while a digital odometer conveys the exact number of kilometers covered on a particular ride.

Telescopic front shock absorbers and five speed adjustable rear shock absorbers ensure a comfortable ride on almost any road surface. A padded dual tone seat made of superior material with contrast stitching makes long rides easy. Soft touch premium switch gear adds to the comfort of the motorcycle. High grip, button type tyres reduce the risk of skidding by providing better road-tyre contact.

TVS StaR City+ comes across as a complete value for money motorcycle and will come in four colour combinations including Celebrity Scarlet, Oscar Black, Show Stopper Blue and Titanium Grey.

TVS StaR City+ is yet another in a slew of new launches from TVS Motor Company which effectively caters to the needs of the Indian customer. 

NISSAN GROUP YEAR-ON-YEAR SALES CONTINUE TO GROW

NISSAN GROUP YEAR-ON-YEAR SALES CONTINUE TO GROW

MUMBAI, India (May 02, 2014): Nissan Group of India’s year-on-year sales indicated a healthy growth at 328% for the month of April in spite of tough market conditions. The company sold 5,301 vehicles in April 2014 as against 1,239 vehicles in April 2013.

Datsun GO contributed over 50% to Nissan Group’s April 2014 sales with 2691 units.

Mr. Kenichiro Yomura – President, Nissan Group of India said, “We are witnessing an encouraging growth in our sales. We ended FY-13 on a high and have begun the new financial year with a healthy 328% year-on-year growth for the month of April. Our focus is to continue this trend going forward.”

2014 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: DÉBUT OF THE FIAT PANDA CROSS AND FIAT FREEMONT CROSS

2014 GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: DÉBUT OF THE FIAT PANDA CROSS AND FIAT FREEMONT CROSS

World première of the new top-of-the-range versions of the Panda and Freemont models With differing forms and characters, both ensure ultimate freedom of use, even in the most demanding conditions thanks to the all-wheel drive, without giving up on a distinctive style with great personality Panda Cross: it provides all the exclusivity offered by the SUVs of higher segments in less than 370cm 'Torque on demand' all-wheel drive and Electronic Locking Differential function as standard with Terrain Control, the selector for lovers of off-road driving Available with the boosted versions of the 80HP 1.3 MultiJet II and 90HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo, the latter with specific 6-speed transmission with shortened first gear Compared to the Panda 4x4, the Panda Cross offers oversized tyres ('All Seasons' 185/65R15) and improved off-road performance owing to the 24° approach and 33° exit angles and increased ground clearance 'City Brake Control' on request, the active safety system that brakes automatically to avoid collision which won 'Euro NCAP Advanced 2013' Freemont Cross: a tough off-road look to satisfy your urge for exclusivity and distinction New front and rear bumpers, 'platinum chrome' details, black frames for the front and rear light clusters, dedicated five-spoke 19" Hyper Black alloy wheels 8.4" Uconnect touchscreen navigator, new black leather seats with sports mesh fabric inserts and light ardesian grey top stitching, and Liquid Graphite interior finishes as standard 2 engine versions (140HP 2.0 MultiJet II and 170HP 2.0 MultiJet II), 2 gearboxes (manual or automatic 6-speed transmission) and 2 drive options (front-wheel or AWD) Fiat Panda Cross and Fiat Freemont Cross will be on sale starting from autumn 2014 Fiat has picked the Geneva stage to present the world début of the Panda Cross and Freemont Cross, both at the top of their respective ranges. The two new cars offer exclusive, comprehensive equipment for the safety of occupants and maximum well-being on board combined with a unique and unmistakable style. New Panda Cross The new Panda Cross is the agile SUV that's easy to handle in city traffic but has the spirit and equipment typical of a 4×4 SUV of a higher category, as demonstrated by the adoption as standard of both the 'Torque on demand' transmission system - it activates automatically as required, so you can tackle any situation with complete cool - and the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system complete with ELD (Electronic Locking Differential) function. This provides additional assistance while driving and setting off on slippery terrain. The Panda Cross also offers a selector for lovers of off-road driving so they can have the choice to best use several AWD features based on the driving conditions. In detail, 'Terrain Control' lets the driver select three different modes: AUTO - Automatic distribution of drive between the two axles in accordance with the grip of the road surface LOCK - The four-wheel drive is always active for optimal off-road use, with distribution of torque among the four wheels, braking the wheels that are losing grip (or slip more than the others), and thus transferring the drive to those with the most grip. HILL DESCENT - For optimum handling of particularly steep hill descents or when going down extremely bumpy routes. Every detail of the Panda Cross has been designed to make it immediately recognisable and distinctive, with a stylistic language typical of an SUV. It all starts with the front end featuring a brand-new look thanks to the new bumper, which boasts a generous skid plate in a satin titanium colour with a design of holes which reinterprets the Panda's characteristic "squircle" motif. Tow hooks with an immediately recognisable new design in a brilliant red place emphasis on its off-road character. The light clusters too are brand new, thanks to the headlights and new fog lights integrated with the logo holder bonnet trim, and to the new DRLs with LED technology, built into the skid plate. From the side, certain specific elements, such as the pronounced wheel arches, mouldings with 'Cross' badge and the new roof bars which both take up the finish of the skid plate, stand out. The 15" alloy wheels sport a 5-spoke V design and a burnished metal finish. The rear end too is characterised by a new bumper with under-body protection which takes up the design and finish of the front skid plate, a new burnished light cluster and the chrome tail pipe. Taken as a whole, these details lend it an extremely sophisticated appearance and immediately communicate dynamism and agility. The new Panda Cross guarantees extensive passenger room, the convenience of five doors and a large modular space, all contained in just 370 centimetres. Additionally, the passenger compartment offers specific fabric trim, leather-lined steering wheel and gear knob and distinctive trim for the dashboard. Of particular interest among the standard equipment are the  automatic climate control,  radio CD/MP3 with Blue&MeTM system with steering wheel controls, special 15" alloy wheels, electric door mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat and 'All Seasons' 185/65R15 tyres. And standing out among the wealth of equipment available on request, there's the innovative City Brake Control, the system that  received the 'Euro NCAP Advanced 2013' award and which recognises the presence of other vehicles or obstacles in front of the car, braking automatically if the driver fails to intervene directly to avoid collision or mitigate its consequences, active for speeds up to 30 km/h. Two engine versions are available, both with Start&Stop standard and boasting higher performance than the versions on the Panda 4x4: the 80 HP 1.3 MultiJet II turbodiesel and 90 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo petrol, the latter with specific 6-speed transmission with shortened first gear.  What's more, compared to the Panda 4×4 from which it is derived, the new car offers enhanced performance. With its 24° approach angle and 33° exit angle plus its larger special 'All Seasons' 185/65R15 tyres, the Panda Cross ensures ever surprising performance off the road and exceptional comfort on the road. The distinctive personality, compact size and agility of the Panda Cross will attract attention when travelling down city streets, and will capture the hearts of those who love adventure and life in the open air owing to its outstanding off-road performance. That's without mentioning its possession of all the dynamic and comfort characteristics that allow it to complete long and challenging routes with ease, in part thanks to the tried-and-tested suspension layout: an independent MacPherson system at the front, while a system with wheels interconnected via torsion beam specially developed for the all-wheel-drive version was considered more suitable for the rear. The new Panda Cross will be marketed starting from the autumn in the major European markets, and a three-layer orange livery of enormous impact will be offered for the occasion. New Freemont Cross The Swiss show will also be graced by the new Freemont Cross, the top-of-the-range crossover targeted at a diverse, wide-ranging public with an eye on new developments and looking for the best balance between functionality and design. Devoted to all those who love to be able to choose their own road, whatever the distance or weather to be tackled, the Cross version depicts the outdoor spirit of the Fiat crossover. The Freemont Cross is characterised by a tough, distinctive appearance thanks to the brand-new front and rear bumpers with Platinum Chrome details, the front glossy black grille, five-spoke 19" Hyper Black wheels and Platinum Chrome-coloured side skirts. The black frames of the front and rear light clusters give the Freemont Cross an even more audacious personality, stating a readiness to tackle any road. Fiat Freemont Cross also offers an exclusive interior with new leather seats complete with sports mesh inserts and light ardesian grey top stitching, interior finishes in the shade of Liquid Graphite, plus standard features like the 8.4" Uconnect touchscreen satellite navigator, rear parking camera and Premium Alpine audio system with six speakers, 368 W amplifier and subwoofer. And there's more: electric heated and folding door mirrors, six airbags, illuminated cup holders, Keyless Entry  and Keyless Go with starting button and audio and driving speed regulation controls on the steering wheel. Fiat Freemont customers can also configure the interior as they see fit, thanks to the 32 seat configurations and more than 20 storage compartments spread throughout the entire passenger compartment, reaching a total capacity of 140 litres, practically the same boot space of a city car. A load volume of roughly 1.5 cubic metres can be created by folding down the second and third rows of seats. The new top-of-the-range version is available with the 140 HP 2.0 MultiJet II engine, with 6-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, and the 170 HP 2.0 MultiJet II, both in a 4×2 version with manual gearbox and an active AWD version teamed exclusively with a 6-speed automatic transmission. In detail, the active AWD (All-Wheel Drive) is 'on demand' type, with an electronic control unit that uses sensors to measure the grip of the four wheels and decides when to transfer drive to the rear. The electronic system modulates torque transfer through the use of the ECC (Electronically Controlled Coupling) and, operating only when necessary, contributes to limiting fuel consumption. The new Freemont Cross will be available in European showrooms starting from Autumn 2014. Cross: the superior choice for two winning models These two important developments extend the Panda and Freemont ranges so that new commercial opportunities in segments experiencing growth can be seized, as well as building on the highly positive response of the European public to the two Fiat models. Specifically, the new Panda Cross enters one of the major rapid-growth segments in Europe, a particular category of top-of-the-range 4×4 mini-SUVs that the Panda itself invented in 1983 and further developed with the second generation in 2004 with the 4×4 versions and in 2006 with the Cross, another high-end Panda version. Over 30,000 Panda Cross vehicles have been registered in six years Eight years later the Panda Cross presents itself with an even stronger personality and offers more equipment, enhanced individuality and even better off-road performance. The Panda has reinforced its leadership position in the off-road segment even more with this new model that completes the innate, winning qualities of the other two city car-SUV variants launched in 2012: the Panda Trekking with Traction+ and the Panda 4x4 with all-wheel drive. The two versions have already met with success in a little bit over a year, as proven by the over 26,300 units registered and the score of awards received, like the authoritative SUV of the Year 2012 conferred by the British magazine Top Gear. The Panda 4x4 is one case of success. In its 30-year-long history, it invented a new segment and convinced more than 500,000 customers across Europe. The new Panda Cross will help to consolidate the superior results achieved by the entire Panda family: in 2013, its first full year after the range update, the new Panda was Italy's best-selling car for the second year running in addition to being second in its segment in Europe, after the Fiat 500. And together with the 500, the Panda led Fiat to a position of undisputed leadership in the A segment in 2013 with more than 27% of the share in Europe. The success of the Panda model lies in its extraordinary range, the most extensive and diverse in the category. It is the only one to boast engine versions ranging from turbodiesel to turbo petrol, from LPG to methane (the TwinAir Turbo Methane was named 'Best Green Engine of the Year 2013'); the first to offer the City Brake Control safety system which won it the prestigious 'Euro NCAP Advance award'; and the only car to combine the compactness and handling of a city car with the 4x4 performance of an authentic off-road vehicle. ;; With the same end in view, the new Freemont Cross, the exclusive top-of-the-range version of Italy's best-selling 7-seater crossover, is launched today. In Europe too, the model is among the most highly regarded in its segment thanks to a multi-faceted spirit. It is a modern crossover perfect for a contemporary and dynamic family that contains the best of a variety of product categories: MPV, SUV and station wagon, without foregoing a dynamic and captivating style. A significant contribution to the Fiat Freemont's excellent commercial performance was made by the top-of-the-range Lounge and Park Avenue trim levels, which represent more than 75% of sales, and which will be further reinforced by the recent introduction of the Black Code version and the AWD version, which represents more than 50% of sales. In total, in two and a half years on sale, the Fiat Freemont has achieved a share of more than 60,000 units registered in Europe. And today it's the turn of the new Cross version to raise the bar of exclusiveness and technology in the world of crossovers