New Delhi, May 21, 2013: Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), a subsidiary of HMC, the fastest-growing automaker by brand and the official partner for International Cricket Council (ICC) today hosted an exclusive preview of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 in Delhi at Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj. The Trophy Tour will commence from New Delhi and will be followed by Mumbai and Chennai.

With this initiative, Hyundai embarks the Trophy Tour in New Delhi from May 20- 22, Mumbai on May 23- 24 and Chennai on May 25. As a part of the trophy tour Hyundai will begin various engagement activities for the cricket fans in India.

To celebrate the spirit and the passion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, the fans can come to the malls and SMS – BBH to 5262 and 5 lucky couples from Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai will win an exclusive Champions Dinner with the Champions Trophy. With this activity Hyundai plans to bring the game closer to the cricket fans.

Speaking on the Trophy Tour Mr. Nalin Kapoor, Sr. General Manager & Group Head, HMIL said, “As the official partner of ICC Champions Trophy 2013, it gives us immense pleasure to organize the ‘Trophy Tour’ to give our cricket fans firsthand experience. We are confident that Trophy Tour will build excitement for the upcoming tournament and further strengthen Hyundai’s association with ICC in a nation where cricket is passion. We are very keen to engage with our customers through exciting activities planned for the coming months.”

ICC’s General Manager – Commercial, Mr Campbell Jamieson, said, “The initiative taken by Hyundai will provide the followers of the game and supporters of cricket in the three cities with an opportunity to get closer to and feel the thrill of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. The ICC Champions Trophy is a tournament of the elite in which the world’s best cricketers go head to head in a nation versus nation contest. I’m sure the trophy tour in India will ignite the buzz and add to the excitement as 15 matches will be played over 18 days with no team in a position to lose more than one match.”

Additionally Hyundai Fans can visit the select malls for a preview of the trophy and will also get an opportunity to click pictures with the trophy. The fans can also follow the current location of the trophy on Hyundai’s Facebook page (facebook/HyundaiIndia) and Twitter handle (@HyundaiIndia). Facebook fans will get an invite to the events of trophy tour activities.

During this season, Hyundai Motor India in association with ESPN Cricinfo has brought a lifetime opportunity to all true cricket fans with, Hyundai Cricjockey. As a part of their Blue by Heart campaign (www.bluebyheart.com), Hyundai Motor India would organise this contest which would be available online and mobile platforms. Cricket fans need to watch a cricket video and submit their commentary. Winning Hyundai Cricjockeys will get an opportunity to see the actual ESPN Cricinfo Studios in Bengaluru city, where they would learn the entire cricket reporting procedures and also get to do Live Google+ Hangouts with the Editorial Team of ESPN Cricinfo during the champion trophy matches. The grand winner will get an opportunity to write an entire cricketing blog on the main ESPN cricinfo website. Apart from these Cricjokeys would also get prizes like smart phones, tablet and music players.

The concepts of exclusive outlet where a motorcycle rider can choose riding gears at his own may be a new concept for India but in western countries you will find lot of such outlets and are very popular among the bikers. Steelbird has set up this outlet in North India, due to overwhelming demand of Steelbird products in this part of the country

Sharing the vision behind this move of Steelbird Helmets, Shailendra Jain – Head Sales & Marketing told, Uttar Pradesh has being High density Population area and there is lots of potential to pay and vehicle population is also very high. You can find super bikes and lot of trendy bikes in the possession of youngster these days. To ride these bikes one must have riding gears which we will provide through these outlets. To begin with we are selling Steelbird’s exclusive range of helmets, side boxes and other allied products. We shall keep introducing new and hi-tech biking gears in due course of time in these outlets.

Mr. Jain added “Indian two wheeler industries has maximum share of motorcycles, creating a huge market for Biking Gears. However, the riders have hardly any choice if he wishes to buy authentic branded and international quality riding gears. By opening Exclusive retail outlets, we are certainly bridging this huge gap and also educating people to go for qualitative products as every single product we are offering will help the riders to drive safely with style.”

At this outlet people will be able to feel the unique buying experience with combination of technical knowhow through the experts sitting in the showrooms to educate the people on the products and their functionalities. This exclusive outlet would enable populace to go through the whole product range of the brand as these stores are positioned as a single window solution, where customers can choose from the portfolio. At exclusive outlet they will be able to feel the product with guidance on what kind a product they must go with or what kind of accessories would meet their requirements by the experts sitting in the showrooms. This educative drive will make them choose the right product.

New Delhi: Mercedes-Benz India today launched the second generation of the all new GL-Class, reiterating its aggressive product portfolio for the Indian luxury car market. The GL-Class sets new standards in comfort, dynamics, safety, elegance and efficiency. The new GL-Class was launched in India by the legendary tennis star Boris Becker along with Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, at the brand new Mercedes-Benz Flagship Store in New Delhi.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said, “2013 is the ‘Year of Offensive’ for Mercedes-Benz India and we are excited to present the all new GL-Class to our valued customers. Exclusivity and dynamism are two of the most enigmatic features of an ultimate SUV and the GL-Class imbibes both these as it established the SUV image of Mercedes-Benz in India with its launch in 2010. We have already succeeded with the new M-Class and now the introduction of the new GL-Class will further strengthen our dominance in the Luxury Large SUV segment. The GL-Class with its proven off-roading prowess and luxurious appointments exudes the Absolute Supremacy statement during on and off-road situations and is ideal to suit the taste of the growing number of off-roading aficionados in India”.

The level of spaciousness and comfort in the new GL-Class underlines its position as the S-Class among SUVs. The New GL-Class exudes confidence, distinctive and powerful exterior design, exceptional comfort and highest handling dynamics in on and off-road situations. The new GL-Class also comes with a full 360 degree surround camera, another first, from the Mercedes-Benz portfolio.

With the most spacious interior, a benchmark in the Luxury Large SUV segment, the New GL-Class has the easiest front and rear seat access with Easy Entry system on both sides. The daytime LED running lights are integrated into the front bumper. With more enigmatic head and tail lights the GL-Class is more appealing and in line with the new design philosophy. The new sporty unique light-alloy wheels and two piece tail light with LED optic fibre cable adds to the robust appeal of this massive SUV. With its 630-1252-2300 liter boot capacity, the new GL-Class offers maximum flexibility and space. The third row offers ample space to seat full-sized adults comfortably- yet another unique feature of this SUV. The interiors are made of finest materials and a touch of elegance in the design with open pore wood trim, a first time in India makes the new GL-Class even more refreshing to drive. The legendary safety capabilities of Mercedes-Benz are fully incorporated in the new GL-Class. The new GL-Class is enhanced with state of the art technologies of the likes of DSR, ESP, 4ETS, 4MATIC, AIRMATIC, etc.

Mr. Boris Becker, tennis legend and true Mercedes-Benz aficionado elaborated, “The GL-Class is the cornerstone of achievement for anyone across the world. It is a true blue SUV and the ultimate machine for off-roading. My association with Mercedes-Benz goes back to more than two decades. I identify with the values of the Mercedes-Benz brand – fascination, perfection and responsibility. I enjoy going for off-roading with my family I believe that the GL-Class is a perfect companion on those tracks. It is my pleasure to be a part of the launch of this majestic vehicle, here in India.”

The New GL-Class is truly a class apart for the 14.8% lower fuel consumption. The ECO start-stop feature reduces fuel consumption and emissions by automatically switching off the engine in life in traffic. The V6 diesel has options like the AIRMATIC package for better ride control which helps in getting over the toughest of roads and worst terrains. With integrated PARKTRONIC the vehicle can warn difficult to detect obstacles in front of and behind the vehicle and helps the driver when searching for a suitable parking space for parallel parking, and support him through active steering when parking. Besides ruling the roads the new GL-Class also gives the best view of the sky as it comes with the panoramic sunroof including a sunroof even for the third row of passengers, creating a larger transparent area and brighter interior. The vehicle also features latest multimedia COMAND like the Bluetooth ® interface with hands-free function, 7.0 inch Color display with TFT technology as well as Internet browser and GPS.

Mercedes-Benz always gives prime importance to safety and the new GL-Class with the Pre-Safe ensures that vehicle reacts and prepares itself before any possible collision and with nine airbags it is one of the safest vehicles for the tumultuous off-roading, city and highway rides. The Attention Assist helps the driver as soon as it detects signs of drowsiness on longer trips by continuously monitoring over 72 different parameters of driving behavior while there is an additional “Crosswind assist” as further assistance to driver support.

The new GL is available with the optimized, upgraded V6 diesel engine. The powerful off-roader is unrivalled in its segment with its variety and innovations. The 2987cc engine produces 619Nm of torque @ 1600-2400 and a power 190/258 @ 3600rpm. The robust engine coupled with 7G-TRONIC Plus Automatic transmission offers high level of responsiveness wherein the car can reach 0-100kph is reached in 7.9 seconds, with the top speed at 220 km/hr making the new GL 350 CDI impressive in every aspect.

The new GL-Class is immediately recognizable as a sports utility vehicle on account of its styling, which is brimming with character. It combines expressive design and high-class appeal to create a powerful presence. It is a forward-looking interpretation of a sophisticated SUV. With the length of 5120 mm (+32 mm), width of 1934 mm (+4 mm) and height of 1840 mm (+10mm) the new GL is longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, and looks even more impressive. The self-assured muscular radiator grill with the Three Pointed Star oozes confidence and road presence to the optimum level.

The debut of the new GL will be as the “Launch Edition”. This limited edition variant will be offered as fully imported car and will have additional features like AMG body styling comprising front and rear apron painted in body colors, 21-inch AMG 5 twin-spoke light-alloy, aluminium finish running boards with LED illumination and flared wheel arches. Other specialties of the ‘Launch Edition’ will be Designo Exclusive Package, which takes the vehicle’s high-quality look and feel to a new level of exclusivity. The enrichment includes AMG sports seats and rear seats featuring upholstery in designo leather, upper and lower dashboard sections and door beltlines in design leather, heated front seats, design headlining in Dinimica black. The ‘Launch Edition’ will also have heated seats, and temperature controlled cup holders.

The GL 350 CDI 4MATIC will be available at INR 77.50 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.

“Hrithik Roshan was the obvious choice as our brand ambassador. He truly reflects the classy, hi-end charismatic persona of the brand Ground Zero. He is a true embodiment of the brand’s philosophy and we are thrilled to have him on-board”, stated, Mr. Sahil Sani, MD, Sahil International and the Indian representative for Ground Zero.

Speaking of his association with Ground Zero, Hrithik Roshan said, “Ground Zero is all about superior sound quality with focus on the customers, like no other brands. I am proud to represent Ground Zero, a brand that is futuristic and boasts of high-quality German technology. My love for music and the brand’s vision together will be a mutually rewarding collaboration.”

Sahil International has planned a 360° marketing campaign with Hrithik Roshan to expand Ground Zero’s consumer base in India.

· World class dealership built on a sprawling area of 42,000 sq. ft. with an investment of INR 150 million

· Silver Arrows employs more than 50 employees and can service up to 14 cars a day

· Widest and most extensive reach for any luxury car maker with 57 outlets across 32 cities

Noida – Continuing its offensive, Mercedes-Benz India today announced the launch of its world class facility “Silver Arrows” in the burgeoning city of Noida. Conveniently located near the DND toll bridge at Sector 8, Noida, the new facility is spread over an area of 42,000 sq. ft. The new dealership was inaugurated by Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India and Mr. Rajiv Gambhir, Director, Silver Arrow Automobiles Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India stated “Delhi & NCR is one of the fastest growing automobile markets and the demand for Mercedes-Benz cars here is very encouraging. The launch of our state-of-the-art dealership in Noida is of much significance as we aim to provide the fascinating experience of owning the prestigious Three Pointed Star to our customers. With its world class infrastructure and the promise of service akin to our brand philosophy

‘Best or Nothing’, we are certain that Silver Arrows will address the needs of our discerning customers who look up to brand Mercedes-Benz.”

Created in a span of just seven months, the Silver Arrows facility has a team of 58 handpicked, dedicated and highly trained personnel to ensure on-time and efficient sales and after-sales service for the discerning customers, so that the experience of purchasing and servicing a Mercedes-Benz remains hassle free. The facilities available at this world class dealership include a dedicated boutique for lifestyle accessories, customer lounge, a plush Café Mercedes, drivers lounge, valet service and an interactive bay apart from the standard service and spares and financial services.

Mr. Rajiv Gambhir, Director, Silver Arrow Automobiles Pvt. Ltd. commented, “We are extremely proud to partner with the legacy of the Three Pointed Star in India. Delhi NCR is now one of the fastest growing and preferred corporate hubs and residential areas in the entire country which has seen a significant development. Silver Arrows will display a full range of fascinating Mercedes-Benz cars and our service station can service up to 14 cars a day and take care of all the requirements of our discerning customers. This facility adheres to the globally benchmarked standards of Mercedes-Benz and we are delighted to offer to our patrons the delightful Mercedes- Benz vehicle ownership experience.”

The top-notch service center at Silver Arrows is spread over a 20,000 sq. ft. and employs 26 highly skilled personnel. With 14 productive bays and a capacity of servicing up to 14 cars a day this will allow round the clock support. The workshop is equipped to undertake general repairs, accident jobs, body paint, spares and maintenance work.

With the establishment of the new dealership at Noida, Mercedes-Benz India continues to have the benefit of the densest and most intensive network of sales and after-sales services by any luxury car manufacturer in India spread across 32 cities and 57 outlets. The company has aggressive plans in terms of new product launches and network expansions in 2013, making it a year of offensive for Mercedes-Benz in India.

· Domestic sales exceeded 5,000 vehicles in 5 months since December 2012 with an upward trend for four consecutive months

· Ssangyong will make utmost efforts to maintain this uptrend in sales with launch of several new models

May 14, 2013, Mumbai: Ssangyong Motor, part of the USD 15.9 billion Mahindra Group, announced that it has sold 12,607 vehicles in April 2013 – 5,115 vehicles in the South Korean market and 7,492 in exports, including CKD kits.

Ssangyong achieved its highest ever monthly sales since December 2006 and its result exceeded average monthly sales during January to March this year, when the company recorded the highest growth rate in the South Korean auto industry.

During January to March, 2013, it sold 31,265 vehicles (13,293 vehicles in the domestic market and 17,972 in exports including CKD, respectively).

Commenting on the results, Dr. Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sector said, “This performance shows that the turnaround of Ssangyong continues at a brisk pace. Our new and refreshed models are increasingly popular in the Korean and export markets.”

During April, domestic as well as export sales increased by over 20% each compared to the same month last year and came close to the monthly sales record in 2012. As a result, total sales in April rose by 25.9% year-on-year and cumulative sales grew by 20.4%, compared to the same period last year.

Ssangyong’s sales in South Korea have shown an upward trend for four consecutive months thanks to increased demand for the Korando series.

The company registered an increase of 24.7% in exports during April 2013, from a year earlier, exceeding 7,000 vehicles. This was due to a sales upswing in overseas markets such as Central and South America and increased sales of the Korando C to the Russian market despite the global recession.

Ssangyong expects a far stronger sales growth since the Korando series including the Korando C, Korando Sports and Korando Turismo have been receiving an overwhelming response from customers.

The two new facilities from Michelin & TVS TREAD will provide quality retreading solutions for radial tyres that will help reduce operational costs for transporters. Collaborating for the cause of higher tyre mileage and fuel savings, these new retread facilities will further help in differentiating performance of Michelin tyres by improving on the second and third lives of the Michelin casings. The announcement comes as a strategic move with both the companies sharing a strong focus to help the Truck/Bus fleet owners to optimize their operational costs.

Both facilities will offer the Michelin group brand Recamic tread for use on all Michelin casings besides offering TVS treads on non-Michelin casings. It is designed and certified to offer retreads for all Radial casings. Besides providing retreading on customer casings it will also produce Recamic retreads on Michelin owned casings which will be marketed exclusively through the Michelin Truck Service Network partners.

Speaking at the announcement, Mr. B Kumar, Country Manager – Channel Development, Michelin India said, “We are excited about our collaboration with TVS Tread and we expect to leverage this partnership not only to streamline the industry but also to help us expand our network in the country. The collaboration builds on our strategy to provide quality retread and repair solutions that not only last long, but prove value for money for the fleet owners.”

Sharing his thoughts on the collaboration, Mr. V N Ramamoorthy, Chief Executive Officer, TVS TREAD said, “Being the pioneer for retreading in the country it has been always our endeavor to offer cost effective solutions to our customers. We are proud that TVS TREAD has been serving the fleet operators for over 7 decades, being the single largest retread solutions provider in the country for the entire range and sizes of tyres since 1943. With the current synergy with MICHELIN, who are world no 1 in radial tyres & retreading solutions, TVS TREAD will be able to offer quality retread solutions to the growing commercial vehicle customers in Tamil Nadu”.

Coimbatore and Salem are important transport hubs in Tamil Nadu. The locations of these retreading facilities were chosen based on proximity to a large number of existing and potential users. The addition of new Retread facilities at these key locations will provide a comprehensive solution from proper recommendation of tyres to purchase of new tyres to all services including mobile services to Retread

With the launch of the two new retread facilities, Michelin has strengthened its product & service portfolio as high quality retreading and repair solutions will be offered through these centers. Further, this will provide opportunities for all customers to extract maximum value from world-class Michelin radial tyres which are known for their casing strength.

Lamborghini Egoista
Walter De Silva’s homage for Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary

Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy, 13 May 2013. An emotional moment in Sant’Agata Bolognese on Saturday 11 May at the culmination of the gala celebrating Lamborghini’s 50th anniversary: Walter De Silva’s incredible vehicle made its entry in front of a thousand invitees, the Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group’s homage to celebrating the House of the Raging Bull’s half century. “I am very attached to this Italian brand, being an Italian myself. I wanted to pay homage to and think up a vehicle to underline the fact that Lamborghinis have always been made with passion, and with the heart more than the head,” said an emotional De Silva.
Indeed the Egoista, as the vehicle has been christened, is a car forged from a passion for innovation and alternative solutions, the same passion which has always set the Lamborghini brand apart. “This is a car made for one person only, to allow them to have fun and express their personality to the maximum. It is designed purely for hyper-sophisticated people who want only the most extreme and special things in the world. It represents hedonism taken to the extreme, it is a car without compromises, in a word: egoista (selfish),” De Silva further explained.
The supercar’s debut was equally spectacular, with a cinematic entry announced by a trailer projected onto the nine big screens in the room. The stage was transformed into a landing strip, with a top model in a flight suit guiding the Egoista’s arrival with ground crew light paddles, and the roar of the V10 engine shaking the 20-meter-tall tensioned event structure: this is the spectacle the VIP guests were treated to when Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann entered at the wheel of the Egoista, before inviting its creator, Walter De Silva, to join him on stage.

Concept and technology
Powered by a 5.2-liter V10 engine supplying it with 600 horsepower, the Lamborghini Egoista is an intentionally extreme and unusual vehicle with absolutely unique characteristics, created by the Volkswagen Group design team – Alessandro Dambrosio responsible for the exterior and Stefan Sielaff for the interior, in particular. De Silva’s team chose to create a single-seater, pushing all the characteristics in Lamborghini’s make-up meaning pure driving pleasure, performance and style beyond their limits. The cockpit, designed like a tailor-made suit for the driver, is a removable section which, once combined with the rest of the vehicle, creates a perfect technical, mechanical and aerodynamic unit. Inspiration, as per Lamborghini tradition, once again comes from the world of aviation, and in particular the Apache helicopter, where the cockpit can be ejected in an emergency.
“The cockpit, made completely of carbon fiber and aluminum, represents a sort of survival cell, allowing the driver to isolate and protect themselves from external elements,” De Silva explained.“We kept an eye on the future when designing the Egoista, with the idea that its cockpit could have been taken from a jet aircraft and integrated into a road vehicle, to provide a different travel option.”

Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.

Communications and External Relations Director
Raffaello Porro
raffaello.porro@lamborghini.com

Head of Operations, India
Pavan Shetty
Pavan.shetty@lamborghini.com

Head of Marketing & PR, Asia Pacific
James Page
James.page@lamborghini.com

Marketing & PR Manager, SEA & Pacific
Michelle Yow
Michelle.yow@lamborghini.com

www.lamborghini.com/press
www.thenewsmarket.com/lamborghini

Concept and technology

The design
The exterior is characterized by two fundamental aspects: its architecture, and the materials used. The design is determined by a highly muscular structure, in which empty and solid areas fit together with strength and vigor. The bodywork is dominated, on its sides, by the stylized profile of a bull preparing to charge, its horns lowered. The bull is driving towards the front wheels, conferring a futuristic dynamism and lines which are already, in themselves, highly aggressive. Naturally, this is a homage, a bold stylistic citation which can only be a reworking of the Lamborghini brand icon, the well-known raging bull. The challenge of efficiently inserting the Lamborghini symbol as an integral part of the bodywork was met courageously and artistically. The plan view reveals a trimaran profile, where the central hull forms a unique section with the cockpit, underlined by the carbon-fiber cover on the front hood.
The upper part of the vehicle does not have aerodynamic appendages, but rather flaps integrated in the bodywork profile which act automatically depending on the driving conditions. Two rear flaps activate automatically at high speeds to increase stability, while a series of air intakes on the back of the engine hood provides the cooling air flow to the powerful V10 power plant. While the front of the vehicle has a profile intended to increase downforce, the rear is fully open with the mechanics in view, reducing weight but also with the result of creating a more aggressive look. The Lamborghini Egoista’s lights are more like an aircraft’s than a road vehicle’s. It does not have traditional headlights, rather LED clearance lights which determine its position not just on a single plane such as the road, but rather in three dimensions, as is required in airspace. Two white front lights, two red rear lights, a red flashing light in the upper part of the tail, two orange bull’s eyes as side markers, and a further two lights on the roof, red on the left and green on the right, make this four-wheeled UFO unique even in the dark. Finally, hidden behind the front air intakes at the base of the join between the central body and the two side sections, are two powerful xenon headlamps, two eagle’s eyes able to scan the darkness for great distances. As it is made from lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon-fiber, the vehicle has no-walk zones, duly marked like on airliners. The parallels with the world of aeronautics do not end here, however, as the body is made from a special antiradar material, and the glass is anti-glare with an orange gradation. The rims are also made from antiradar material, flat and rough, embellished with carbon-fiber plates to improve their aerodynamics.
Interior
The cockpit’s interior is extremely rational, its functionality taken to the extreme. There is a racing seat with a four-point seatbelt, each strip a different color, the airbags, and the bare minimum of instruments. The focal point of these is a head-up display, typical of jet fighters. To get out of the vehicle, the driver must remove the steering wheel and rest it on the dashboard, open the dome with an electronic command, stand up in their seat, sit down on a precise point of the left-hand bodywork, then swivel their legs 180 degrees from the inside of the cockpit to the outside of the vehicle. At this point they can set their feet down and stand up. Even in getting out of the vehicle, the Lamborghini Egoista requires a pilot more than a driver, a real top gun.

The philosophy
The Egoista contains, in Walter De Silva’s opinion, all the product criteria which are part of Lamborghini’s make-up. “It’s as if Ferruccio Lamborghini were saying: I’m going to put the engine in the back, I don’t want a passenger. I want it for myself, and I want it as I imagine it to be. It is a fanatical vehicle, Egoista fits it well.”
If Lamborghinis are cars for the few, this one goes further. It is a car for itself, a gift from Lamborghini to Lamborghini, resplendent in its solitude. The Egoista is pure emotion, Never Never Land, which no one can ever possess, and which will always remain a dream, for everyone.