Honda's Hybrid car

Honda introduced Thursday the cheapest hybrid on market, starting at 1.89 million yen ($21,000) in Japan and under $20,000 in the US, hoping to turn around sluggish sales battered by the global downturn.

Even Honda Motor Co. officials acknowledged the timing was tough for the Insight gas-electric hybrid, which hits showrooms in the middle of a devastating slump, especially in the North American market that's the main target market.

Also, oil prices have tumbled from their peak last July, detracting from the appeal of gas-sipping hybrids. Insight gets as much as 30 kilometers a liter, or 43 miles a gallon, according to Honda.

"If the Insight had gone on sale a half year earlier, it would have been such a sure hot-seller," Norio Ano, who oversees auto development at Honda, told The Associated Press.

Audi A4

This model of the Audi car is well equipped with the comfort features like ergonomic seats, three spoke leather steering wheel (optional), cruise control, concert radio, flat and two-part tail lights etc. All the safety features that ensure the reliability of the car are active had restraints, front side airbags, smooth multi tronic automatic transmission, formula1 gearshift feeling of the 6-speed tiptronic, electronic stabilization program ESP8, single frame grille, flat two section rear lights etc.
It has three varieties

Saloon
S4
RS4

Saloon:
Its elegant style and high end performance include single frame grille, powerful rear end, two part tail lights, xenon plus headlights (optional), ergonomic seats, various preventive airbags, cruise control, driver information system, cruise control etc.

S4:

This sporty look car with its superior interior and unique exterior assure the reliability of its various upgraded equipments. With the quattro four-wheel drive and V8 engine, this car has power output of 253kW.

RS4:

This car with quattro 4-wheel drive and quattro GmbH gives the complete statement of technical expertise. Its 4.2 litre V8 engine provides the output of 309 kW.

Courtesy:

indiamart

Lambhorgini sets record sales in 2008

Lamborghini manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A has recorded worldwide growth in sales despite current financial and economic hard times. Global sales in 2008 increased 1% over the year 2007 from 2406 to 2430 units. Although Lamborghini's biggest world market the US saw a decline of 20.3% representing 741 units sold instead of 930 units in 2007, other markets stepped up to offset that decline.

The strongest rate of growth was recorded in the Middle Eastern and Far Eastern Asian regions. The Middle East saw a shipment of 166 new units compared to 100 units for 2007, an increase of 66%. China went from 28 in 2007 to a massive 72 units while the entire Middle Eastern and Far Asian world market share increased from 15% to 21.8%.

Lamborghini's home market Italy also had a good year which catapulted it to second in the world after the US. The Italians snatched 230 Lamborghinis which is a 10% increase. France upped their sales by 27% while Germany and the UK were relatively modest in their growth.

The one-new-model-a-year tradition that Lamborghini has recently adopted has been credited as the biggest contributor to these growth rates at this time. Other contributing factors include flexible working hours agreed to with the unions and a much improved brand image.

Lamborghini President and CEO Stephan Winkelmann said: "In the light of worldwide economic insecurities and sluggish car markets, this new record year above all proves the sustainability of our business strategy. We know that there are tough times ahead now, but we have increased the value and attractiveness of our luxury brand in so many facets that we are ready to take on whatever challenges the future might bring us".

BMW 7 SERIES NEW

BMW’s flagship 7-Series has been a much respected car since its launch in 1977. 4th generation 7-Series’ style language has evoked many heated discussions but there’s no debating its powerful appeal. It has been a second home for film stars and corporate big-wigs alike. Now BMW has raised the game here in India with the launch of the 5th generation 7-series.

The new 7-Series is an all NEW CAR that comes with a solid dose of BMW’s driving edge incorporated into its DNA. When we test drove it earlier the 7-Series amazed us with the level of agility and the driver involvement it offered. Some of that has to do with the new Integral Active Steering feature; the system partially steers even the rear wheels to improve turning diameter at low speeds and it also improves stability at high speeds. Then there’s the usual Dynamic Driving Control (Comfort, Normal, Sport & Sport Plus) to suit the 7’s character to your mood. But don’t think the 7-Series is getting fat. Use of lightweight materials has made the new 730 Ld an amazing 55 kilos lighter, without dropping out any of the expected creature comforts. Actually, BMW has also integrated brake energy regeneration to improve efficiency. Amazing stuff.

But we were just as amazed by the new 7-Series’ grille – it’s bigger and more aggressive than ever before. The biggest engine has also gone on sale first; the massive 750Li will be available for Rs 93.3 lakhs ex-showroom. The smaller petrol engined 740Li and the diesel 730d will follow in 6 months later. BMW’s crossover SUV, the X6, is also expected next month.