Hyundai to roll out Santa Fe in India soon

Hyundai Motors is likely to launch its Santa Fe in India very soon. The car which was to be introduced last year in India, was ranked top 10 among vehicles for 2008 unveiled in the magazine's issue and was also given the 2008 Consumer Reports "top pick" award. Based on Hyundai Sonata platform, Hyundai Santa Fe is a mid-size crossover SUV. Santa Fe was introduced for the 2001 model year as Hyundai's first SUV, released at the same time as the Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute and Pontiac Aztek.
The rugged SUV Santa Fe, successfully running in the international markets likely to acquire its style and design from coupe and promises to quench the thirst of a buyer for sportiness as well as style.

Hyundai to introduce diesel version of i20 CRDi

Hyundai is learnt to launch the i20 CRDi diesel model in India. The model is expected to roll out 1.4L CRDi engine which develops 75PS or 90PS. However, no official statement has released so far. Experts says that the new model may be costlier by Rs 70,000 to Rs 100,000 over the existing petrol variant. The new diesel model may hit the showrooms by July 2009. Honda has recently launched its small car model Jazz in the Indian market which has been perceived as an over-priced model. On the other hand, i10 and i20 have been well-received in this segment and a new diesel model of Hyundai’s premium hatchback will lend the much needed leverage in the sales.

Hyundai i20 diesel model launch on 7 July

Hyundai India is all prepared to roll out its diesel variant of i20 on July 7. The car might be available with 1.4L common-rail diesel engine which develops 75PS or 90PS. Once launched it would be pitted against Ford Fusion, the diesel versions of Maruti Swift & Ritz, Skoda Fabia, Fiat Grande Punto etc. However, no official word so far. Experts says that the new model may be costlier by Rs 70,000 to Rs 100,000 over the existing petrol variant. The new diesel model may hit the showrooms by July 2009. Honda has recently launched its small car model Jazz in the Indian market which has been perceived as an over-priced model. On the other hand, i10 and i20 have been well-received in this segment and a new diesel model of Hyundai’s premium hatchback will lend the much needed leverage in the sales.

Hyundai's i20 diesel hits Indian roads

Much-awaited diesel version of the Hyundai i20 diesel has been launched on Tuesday with a new version of petrol operated engine. The car is rolled out in two variants—Hyundai i20 with 1.4-litre CRDI engine and a new petrol variant is a i20 Gamma 1.4 Petrol. The premimum small hatch packs diesel version is priced between at Rs 6.11 to 7.20 lakh. On the other hand new petrol version's price tags are between Rs 7.31-7.42 lakh. All the newly launched models will be available in vibrant seven colours– White, Black, Red, Grey metallic, Blue, Silky Beige.

The base model of the Hyundai i20 has seen a great success in India and abroad. The petrol version is equipped with a 1.4 Litre CRDi powertrain that develops a maximum power for 90 PS @ 4000 rpm and a maximum torque of 224 nm between 1750 - 2750 rpm. While the upgraded petrol variant incorporates a 1.4 Litre unit christened Gamma and generates a maximum power of 100 PS @ 5500 rpm and maximum torque of 139 Nm @ 4200 rpm. The revamped petrol version is provided with a 4 speed automatic transmission only.

Hyundai will shift part of i20 production from Chennai in 2010

The decision which was taken during the labour strike at Hyundai Motor India's plant near Chennai in April and May, is still alive and this is to come true may be in 2010. At that time, the company decided to shift the production of the car out of India. Now, the HMIL has come up with new place to produce i20. Nevertheless, the reason for the shifting is said to be the logistics costs and import duty that add 10-15 per cent to the price of cars exported from India. It may be Turkey, the Czech Republic or Slovakia. In spite of the decision, India will be the main production hub for the car. All the expected places, where the production will start, is more closer to its large overseas markets such as Germany, France, Italy and the UK. "We are looking at competitive pricing for the i20 and will shift some portion of its production next year. While India will remain as the main production hub for the car, the European orders will be met from the new production facility,” HMIL CEO & MD HS Lheem said.

Hyundai i20 new variant launched in Indian market

India's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) launched the new uber cool variant of Hyundai i20 in Indian market. Hyundai i20 already stormed the Indian and Internationnal small car market by its stylish sporty look and advanced features.

The new Hyundai i20 packed with the styling features, beige interiors with advanced and luxurious features, active safety feature includind airbags, ABS (Antilock Brake System) with EBD, child lock etc. Hyundai recently launched the diesel and automatic transmission variants of Hyundai i20 in Indian market.
On the launching ceremony of diesel variant of Hyundai i20, H S Lheem, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor India Limited said, “ We delight to to launch the diesel variant of Hyundai i20, especially after its huge success in Indian as well overseas market. Hyundai i20 will also be available now with automatic transmission gearbox – a first time in the premium small car segment."

HMIL Workers strike called off

Striking employees of Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) in Chennai have today called off their agitation following the intervention of the Tamil Nadu Government in the matter. HMIL management has agreed to certain demands, including the reinstating of 20 dismissed employees in consultation with the Labour Commissioner.

The strike was called off after the representative of the striking group signed the wage settlement with the management in the presenceof Tamil Nadu Labour Minister, Mr T. M. Anbarasan, and the Managing Director of HMIL, Mr. H.S. Lheem. About one-fifth of the 1,625 technicians owing allegiance to Hyundai Motors India Employee Union had resorted to the sit-down strike since last Thursday.

The demands that they have put up and that have been met include recognition of the union, taking back 81 dismissed workers and relocating nine technicians who had been transferred out of Chennai. The management of HMIL has agreed to relocate these nine technicians before the end of next year. Mr A. Soundararajan, General-Secretary, CITU, said HMIL has agreed to get the consent from the striking workers on the recent wage settlement without the concurrence of the Workers Committee, which was constituted after elections held among the technicians in August 2007.