Swaraj Baggonkar In Mumbai

Stories by Swaraj Baggonkar In Mumbai

Bajaj, Hero Honda woo buyers with fuel efficiency

Bajaj, Hero Honda woo buyers with fuel efficiency

Rediff.com   10 Jul 2009

In the years that the economy boomed and consumers had more money to spend, two-wheeler makers lured buyers with performance and presence. Now, the focus is back on fuel efficiency.

Sanand shift: Nano suppliers still undecided

Sanand shift: Nano suppliers still undecided

Rediff.com   6 Jul 2009

Many vendors who had lost their investment in Singur, West Bengal, after being forced to abort production there, are yet to decide on relocating to Sanand. Most of these suppliers will address the demand for components from their existing plant locations to meet this year's Nano production needs.

Land Rover targets India's defence deals

Land Rover targets India's defence deals

Rediff.com   29 Jun 2009

The company is developing a new model in its research and development centre in the United Kingdom, which will primarily address the defence needs of most countries around the globe, including India, said a senior executive from Land Rover.

Now, Maruti takes a dig at Hyundai

Now, Maruti takes a dig at Hyundai

Rediff.com   23 Jun 2009

Shows i10 in poor light two weeks after Hyundai took swipes at Ritz.

M&M to ride on ex-Chrysler dealers

M&M to ride on ex-Chrysler dealers

Rediff.com   22 Jun 2009

This will help M&M secure a stable line of dealerships fairly quickly, which otherwise is time-consuming and painstaking. Chrysler LLC last month decided to terminate business with 789 dealers -- nearly 25 per cent of its total dealership -- as part of its restructuring process. Mahindra is moving into the US at a time when recession has forced companies to slash jobs, pushing auto sales to the lowest in three decades.

For scooters, it's yesterday once more - almost

For scooters, it's yesterday once more - almost

Rediff.com   20 Jun 2009

Scooters, which almost disappeared into the dark alleys of nostalgia, are making a grand comeback. The golden days of the early 80s, when scooters had a 64 per cent market share, are still far away. But the revival signals are strong.

Maruti's 'made-in-India' car to have Japan touch

Maruti's 'made-in-India' car to have Japan touch

Rediff.com   15 Jun 2009

The company has proposed to launch the 'made-in-India' car in the next three years. Given its nascent engineering strength, the Indian auto co is looking at existing platforms. The company will, therefore, save a fortune by not opting for a completely new car platform. Generally, the cost of developing a new platform constitutes a substantial part of the expenditure incurred on a new car's production.

Toyota: Launch sedan from small car plant in India

Toyota: Launch sedan from small car plant in India

Rediff.com   10 Jun 2009

Toyota is launching a compact car by the end of next year from its new production facility close to its existing plant in Bangalore.

Car wars: Hyundai takes potshots at Maruti

Car wars: Hyundai takes potshots at Maruti

Rediff.com   6 Jun 2009

Korean auto company Hyundai has used the findings and comments made by European auto magazines and auto experts to show Maruti's newly launched hatch-back Ritz in poor light. Hyundai, in a web advertisement for its successful hatch-back i10, has made direct comparisons between the model and Maruti Ritz, using strong negative comments given by automotive experts.

Hoteliers try to counter slump with special offers

Hoteliers try to counter slump with special offers

Rediff.com   4 Jun 2009

Monsoon time for hotels is usually the lacklustre interval in a year, when room rates head south. With the hospitality sector still grappling with the impact of a general slowdown, many top hotel operators are offering free nights, discounts and budgetary packages to maintain occupancy.

Marriott to add 24 new hotels by '12

Marriott to add 24 new hotels by '12

Rediff.com   27 May 2009

Some of these are regional players, like K Raheja Corporation (Mumbai), Salgaonkar (Goa), Viceroy Hotels (Hyderabad) and Panchshil Realty (Pune). The hospitality major currently has six properties in Mumbai, Goa, Hyderabad and Chennai and operates through five different brands, including Marriott, JW Marriott, Courtyard, Renaissance and Marriott Executive Apartments.

Bajaj to use KTM alliance to roll out bigger bikes

Bajaj to use KTM alliance to roll out bigger bikes

Rediff.com   26 May 2009

To jointly manufacture complex and powerful engines soon.

Bajaj low-cost bike pegged at Rs 20-24k

Bajaj low-cost bike pegged at Rs 20-24k

Rediff.com   23 May 2009

Production of the 125 cc motorcycle has started in an assembly plant in China, putting the country's second-largest maker a step ahead of competitor Hero Honda, which is also working on a motorcycle reportedly between the Rs 17,000 and Rs 20,000 price point.

TVS allowed to use Bajaj's patented tech

TVS allowed to use Bajaj's patented tech

Rediff.com   19 May 2009

The bench consisting of acting Chief Justice of Madras High Court S J Mukhopadhyaya and Justice Ibrahim Kalifula on Monday set aside the earlier order according to which TVS Motors was restrained from using the twin spark technology, which was patented by Pune-based, India's second largest two wheeler manufacturer Bajaj Auto.

Auto companies want cheaper loans for customers

Auto companies want cheaper loans for customers

Rediff.com   19 May 2009

Battered by the recent economic downturn, the Indian automobile industry is looking up to the newly elected government to implement some key measures to kickstart car sales. Top on their wish-list is ensuring availability of auto loans at lower rates of interest, continuation of some of the sops announced earlier in a stimulus package and a reduction in taxes.

M&M may move key models' production out of Nashik

M&M may move key models' production out of Nashik

Rediff.com   16 May 2009

The deadlock between Mahindra & Mahindra and over 4,400 workers at the company's Nashik plant hardened on Friday, with the union saying it was appointing a lawyer to appeal to the Bombay High Court against an industrial court-imposed 48-hour deadline for workers to return to work. The deadline ended today.

Kawasaki to piggyback on Bajaj

Kawasaki to piggyback on Bajaj

Rediff.com   13 May 2009

For the first time in more than 25 years, Japans Kawasaki Heavy Industries will introduce a high-powered motorcycle in the Indian market with the help of its Indian partner and long-time collaborator, Bajaj Auto.

Nashik strikes a setback for Mahindra's Xylo

Nashik strikes a setback for Mahindra's Xylo

Rediff.com   12 May 2009

The company's Nashik plant, where the Xylo is made, has been paralysed for the past five working days due to an intense labour strike. Although M&M had to ramp up Xylo's production to more than what was projected, it has been falling short of the demand.

Nano booking rush beyond official deadline

Nano booking rush beyond official deadline

Rediff.com   28 Apr 2009

Even after people rushed to various centres to book the Nano on Saturday, the last official day for doing so, dealers undertook bookings on Sunday and Monday, breaching the time-line set by Tata Motors.

TVS closes gap with Bajaj for No. 2 slot

TVS closes gap with Bajaj for No. 2 slot

Rediff.com   15 Apr 2009

Loses less to Hero Honda than Bajaj.