The Hindu Business Line : Platina from Bajaj

Bajaj Auto on Saturday launched a new entry-level bike, `Platina,' starting at Rs 34,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The new 100cc bike comes in two versions with the low-end one priced cheaper and the high-end version with alloy wheels priced at Rs 36,000 (ex-showroom Delhi). The Platina is expected to strengthen Bajaj Auto's presence in the large 100-110cc segment, which currently has the CT 100, and has seen fierce competition from newcomer TVS Star City.

Maruti's offer for April

Maruti has come out with an April sales scheme. It is offering benefits worth Rs 7,000 to Rs 52,000 on its models, in Chennai. As part of the month sales scheme, Maruti continues with the up-gradation bonus of Rs 10,000 on the Swift and an exchange bonus of Rs 5,000 on its other models. Gift cheques are being offered on the Maruti 800, the Alto, the Versa and the Baleno. Insurance schemes are also being offered on the Esteem, LPG-powered Omni 5-seater, the WagonR and the Zen. Its low offtake models, such as the Grand Vitara and the Gypsy, come with an exchange bonus. Details of offers in other cities are available on www.marutiudyog.com.

Homologation bypass

The Government on Friday, through a provision in the annual supplement of the Foreign Trade Policy, has allowed import of new vehicles by auto component manufacturers for research and development purposes without homologation. Homologation is the process of certifying that a particular car is roadworthy. Automotive Research Association of India, Pune, provides this clearance.

Toyota mulls new vehicle

Toyota, with an objective to fully utilise its capacities, plans to launch a new model based on the IMV (innovative international multipurpose vehicle) platform; the Innova is based on this platform. The new vehicle is expected to incorporate features of the Toyota Fortuner, an SUV, and the Hilux Vigoan, a pick-up truck. Toyota is expected to fine-tune the Corolla along the global level changes in the marquee model. Toyota is expected to launch the Fortuner, also based on the IMV platform; it will compete with the Ford Endeavour and the Hyundai Tucson.

Alagappan Arunachalam

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