BMW is all set to differentiate its flagship models in every segment from the other cars it makes with a new black and white logo. The new BMW logo will feature only on the class leading models like the 7 Series for the sedans and the upcoming X7 for the SUVs. The new logo will also feature on the current i8 and i8 roadster along with the upcoming BMW 8 Series, 8 Series Gran Coupe and the M8. This is the first time in the history of BMW that the German automaker will be using a two logo system on its cars other than the famous blue and white roundel that it has become synonymous with.
Volkswagen unveils the further developed zero emission new I.D. Crozz SUV concept which offers a look forward to the production model of 2020 on eve of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. The German car-makers will be investing 6 billion euros in electric mobility over the next five years.
The Frankfurt International Motor Show is the largest and most important auto show of the year for most automakers. Currently in its 67th year, the motor show (that happens every alternate year) is expected to have its share of conventional automobiles with a shifting focus towards electric and hybrid cars from every manufacturer. With globally relevant automobiles expected to make its debut at the show this year from SUVs to hatchbacks and form your family sedan to ridiculously expensive high-powered hypercars, there is something for everyone. We also take a special look at all the upcoming cars and upcoming SUVs that will make it to India soon.
The official brochure of the Tata Nexon has surfaced online revealing the variant details and features. The new sub-4 metre SUV will be available in four key variants - XE, XM, XT, and XZ+ and in both petrol and diesel engine options.
The GST council has increased the cess rate on larger and mid-sized cars in India. Smaller cars with petrol engines upto 1200 cc and diesel engines upto 1500 cc have not been changed as expected. The GST rates for small cars continues to stay at 43%(28% GST+15% Cess) while a new mid size segment for cars has been created with a new total GST rate of 45%(28% GST+17% Cess). Luxury cars that are not SUVs have also been given a separate segment with a new GST rate of 48%(28% GST+20% Cess) while the SUV segment takes the worst brunt of the new decision with GST rates now pegged at an even 50%(28% GST+22% Cess). Essentially, rates for mid-size cars are up b5 2%, luxury cars are up by 5% and SUVs are up by 7%.
Speaking on the side lines of the SIAM annual conclave in Delhi, Guenter Butschek, Managing Director of Tata Motors mentioned that after the Tata Nexon launch which will be later this month, the next big launch from the Indian car maker will be this new Tata Q501 SUV that will be built on the older but very capable Freelander 2 platform. The new Freelander 2 based SUV will be launched in India in late 2018 and will be available in two seating configurations - a 5 seater or a 7 seater.
The new SUV will be positioned as a 'midsized SUV' according to Guenter Butschek. The new SUV will also possibly be getting all-wheel-drive straight out at the time of launch and should ideally be getting a set of petrol and diesel engines in order to compete with the likes of the Jeep Compass and the Hyundai Tucson along with larger SUVS like the Toyota Fortuner and the Ford Endeavour. We have already seen Tata Motors' ability to go upmarket with the interiors of the Hexa and the Nexon and we expect the new SUV to be packed to the gills with tech and features.
Earlier this year, Tata Motors announced a plan to consolidate vehicle platforms from the current 6 to a mere 2 in the next few years. Each of these platforms would have multiple top structures and the platform will be adaptable to various lengths, widths, suspension setups and even wheelbase differences. The first platform of the two will be called AMP or Advanced Modular Platform and will be used for the next generation of hatchback and sedan applications along with new SUV applications. The first Tata Motors car based on the AMP platform will be launched in 2019 and will most likely be a larger premium hatchback.
BMW has teased the new X7 concept that will be showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The BMW X7 will be manufactured at the company's Spartanburg plant in the US and will receive styling cues from the new-gen BMW 7 Series sedan.
Bookings for the Tata Nexon SUV will commence across authorised Tata Motors dealerships in India from September 11. Customers car book the car for a token of Rs. 11,000.
