Mercedes Benz

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Mercedes-Benz is a multinational division of the German manufacturer Daimler AG, and the brand is used for luxury automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks.
Mercedes-Benz is headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The name first appeared in 1926 under Daimler-Benz but traces its origins to Daimler's 1901 Mercedes and to Karl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, widely regarded as the first automobile.

History

Mercedes-Benz traces its origins to Karl Benz's creation of the first petrol-powered car, the Benz Patent Motorwagen, patented in January 1886 and Gottlieb Daimler and engineer Wilhelm Maybach's conversion of a stagecoach by the addition of a petrol engine later that year. The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz's and Gottlieb Daimler's companies into the Daimler-Benz company.Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that later became common in other vehicles.Mercedes-Benz is one of the most well-known and established automotive brands in the world, and is also the world's oldest automotive brand still in existence today. For information relating to the famous three-pointed star, see under the title Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft including the merger into Daimler-Benz.

Mercedes-Benz McLaren

Mercedes-Benz SLR Mclaren

Between 2003 and 2009, Mercedes-Benz produced a limited-production sports car with McLaren Cars. The resulting Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren was an extension of the collaboration by which Mercedes engines are used by the Team McLaren-Mercedes Formula One racing team, which was then part owned by Mercedes. McLaren ceased production of the SLR in 2009 and went on to develop its own car, the McLaren MP4-12C, launched in 2011.

Current Models

A-Class - Hatchback

A Class

B-Class - Multi-Activity

B Class

C-Class - Saloon, Estate & Coupé

C Class

CL-Class - Luxury Coupé

CL Class

CLS-Class - 4 Door Coupé

CLS Class

E-Class - Saloon, Estate, Coupé & Cabriolet

E Class

G-Class - Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

G Class

GL-Class - Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

GL Class

GLK-Class - Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

GLK Class

M-Class - Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV)

M Class

R-Class - Luxury Tourer Vehicle (LTV)

R Series

S-Class - Luxury Sedan

S Class

SL-Class - Roadster

SL Class

SLK-Class - Roadster

SLK Class

SLS AMG—Coupé and Roadster

SLS AMG

Viano—Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV)

Viano

AMG

Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, engineers, manufactures and customizes Mercedes-branded vehicles. Originally an independent engineering firm specializing in performance improvements for Mercedes vehicles, DaimlerChrysler took a controlling interest in 1990, then became sole owner of AMG in 2005. Mercedes-AMG GmbH is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG and is headquartered in Affalterbach, Germany.

AMG models typically have more aggressive looks, a higher level of performance, better handling and stability, and more extensive use of carbon fiber than their regular Mercedes counterparts. AMG models are typically the most expensive and highest-performance of each Mercedes class, with the exception of non-AMG V12 models found in the most expensive nameplates of the lineup.

History of AMG

AMG was founded as a racing engine forge in 1967 under the name AMG Engine Production and Development, Ltd.  by former Mercedes engineers Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher in Burgstall an der Murr, near Stuttgart. The letters "AMG" stand for Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach,(Aufrecht's birthplace)

In 1990, with AMG having become a high-profile purveyor of modified Mercedes cars, Daimler-Benz AG and AMG signed a contract of cooperation, allowing AMG to leverage Daimler-Benz's extensive dealer network and leading to commonly developed vehicles (the first one being the Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG, in 1993)

On 1 January 1999 DaimlerChrysler, as it was called between 1998 and 2007, acquired 51 percent of AMG shares, and AMG was renamed to Mercedes-AMG GmbH. On 1 January 2005 Aufrecht sold his remaining shares to DaimlerChrysler, and since then Mercedes-AMG GmbH has been a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG

The ULTIMAT3 (BMW 3 Series)

The All "new" BMW 3 series

(Now launched in India)

BMW’s brilliant new 3-series has just moved the game forward. This outstanding all-rounder sets new class benchmark.

First impressions suggest that it’s a big improvement in almost every area.

Overview:

BMW has launched its all-new 3 Series in India. Priced at Rs 28.90 lakh for the base diesel and Rs 37.90 for the petrol , ex-Mumbai, the company is offering the new 3 Series with a diesel and petrol engine. The 245PS 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine boasts of twin-scroll turbocharging and variable camshaft timing. The diesel engine meanwhile has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged motor from the outgoing model and puts out 184PS of maximum power and 380Nm of torque. Both the engines are mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission. BMW claims 14.79 kmpl for the petrol and 18.88kmpl for the diesel engines.  There are five variants, four for the diesel (320d, 320d Sport Line, 320d Luxury Line and 320d Luxury Plus) and one for the petrol (328i Sport Line).  

The 2012 3 Series gets a new face with flat headlights flanking the BMW kidney grille. It has also grown in length, width and height than its predecessor, which will translate to better space inside the cabin. The new model is also lighter than the outgoing version by 40kg. The new 3 Series is all set to heat up the battle against the new Audi A4 and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

BMW has never evolved the styling of its 3-series too much in an attempt to safeguard the success of its bread-and-butter model. However, the new 3-series now gets a stretched kidney grille and headlights, the bonnet is considerably more muscular and, with two bold swage lines running across the flanks, the new car looks much more athletic. The lower half of the chin gets vertical air intakes in the bumper that allow a curtain of air to flow around the front wheels. The rear is typically BMW, and the wider bootlid makes it easy to confuse this car with a 5-series from the rear.

BMW 328i launch by Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar

On the inside:

BMW has tilted the dash in towards the driver and a variety of textured surfaces give it a ‘layered’ 3D effect. The 328i’s 'Sport' trim also includes a bright red stripe running across from one side to the other. A widescreen infotainment display sits above the central console, the new iDrive system is even more intuitive, and you can switch from Comfort to Sport in a second by using the ‘Drive Performance Control’ switch.

The longer wheelbase offers much more legroom in the rear, backed by fantastic thigh support and an accommodating backrest. And unlike the earlier car, there’s plenty of room for your feet as well. Even more comfortable are the big front seats, which offer tremendous shoulder and lateral support.

BMW 3 series sport line interiors

BMW 3 series Modern line interiors(not available in India)

BMW 3 series luxury line interiors

Under the hood:

The diesel 320d employs BMW’s familiar 2.0-litre four-pot, which is regarded as one of the best four-cylinder diesels around. Even so, this worked-upon and more powerful motor still isn’t the most refined of units. There is a hint of buzz at start-up, it gets a bit vocal when you extend it, and it never really turns silky smooth. However, it’s always ready for action, and its willingness to rev hard is second to none. And considering its size and uprated 181bhp output (put to the rear wheels via the eight-speed auto), performance is nothing short of impressive which is further aided by the low kerb weight and a quick gearbox.

The all-new, 241bhp 328i uses a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol motor with a single, twin-scroll turbocharger. It loves to be spun hard and is torquey too, thanks to direct injection and the turbo. So, while there is a tiny bit of lag, this motor has a strong mid-range - which is now its strongest point – and it has an extremely strong top end too. Like the diesel, this motor doesn’t feel refined at idle and it emits a coarse snarl at high revs. Performance, however, is sizzling hot. 0-100kph takes 6.4 seconds, 180 comes up in 22.1 seconds, and from the way this car howls past 230kph, you can tell hitting the limited top speed of 250 is only a matter of finding the right stretch of road.

On the Road(Fuel Economy):

The new 3’s low weight, eight-speed gearbox, automatic stop-start and intelligent Eco Pro mode all contribute significantly to making this the most efficient car in its class. The 328i returned 7.5kpl in the city and 12.5kpl on our highway test. The 320d, on the other hand, managed 11.1kpl and 15.5kpl in the city and on the highway respectively.

Last Words:

The new 3 is an outstanding all-rounder, delivering the best of all worlds. It’s compact, yet spacious, fast yet frugal, incredibly fun to drive and we expect it to be competitively priced as well. It’s a car that’s going to be hard to beat and we are totally convinced it’s the new benchmark in the compact luxury class.

Tata Motors

Tata Motors Limited is an Indian multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Mumbai, India. It is the eighteenth largest motor vehicle manufacturing company in the world by volume. Part of the Tata Group, it was formerly known as TELCO (TATA Engineering and Locomotive Company). Its products include passenger cars, trucks, vans and coaches. Tata Motors is ranked #359 globally in Fortune Global 500 list in 2011.

Tata Motors is South Asia’s largest automobile company; it is the leader in commercial vehicles and among the top three in passenger vehicles. Worldwide it is the world's fourth-largest truck manufacturer and second-largest bus manufacturer. It has auto manufacturing and assembly plants in Jamshedpur, Pantnagar, Lucknow, Sanand, Dharwad and Pune, India, as well as in Argentina, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom. Tata Motors has produced and sold over 6.5 million vehicles in India since 1954.
Originally a manufacturer of locomotives, the company manufactured its first commercial vehicle in 1954 in a collaboration with Daimler-Benz AG, which ended in 1969.In 2010, Tata Motors surpassed Reliance to win the coveted title of 'India's most valuable brand' in an annual survey conducted by Brand Finance and The Economic Times.Tata Motors was ranked as India's 3rd Most Reputed Car manufacturer in the Reputation Benchmark Study - Auto (Cars) Sector, launched in April 2012.

Time Line of major Events-

1945
Tata Engineering and Locomotive Co Ltd (TELCO) set up as a locomotive maker at the end of World War Two

1954
Company shifts to making trucks in a joint venture with Germany's Daimler Benz

1977
 Commences production of commercial vehicles

1994
Enters venture with Daimler to make Mercedes Benz cars in India

1998
Launches fully indigenous passenger car, the Indica

Indica

2001
Ends joint venture with Daimler

2002 
TELCO renamed Tata Motors Ltd

2003 
Announces plan to build world's cheapest car, to sell for 100,000 rupees(Later named Tata nano)

2004 
Acquires South Korea's Daewoo Commercial Vehicle Co, and lists on the New York Stock Exchange. Launches Indigo sedan

2005
Buys 21 percent stake in Spanish bus maker Hispano Carrocera SA, launches mini-truck Ace in India

2006
 Signs manufacturing and distribution agreement with Fiat, enters venture with Brazilian bus maker Marcopolo

2008 
Unveils the Nano at Delhi Auto Expo- Buys Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford Motor Co for $2.3 billion

Tata nano

Jaguar and Land Rover

After the acquisition of the British Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) business, which also includes the Daimler, Lanchester and Rover brands,Tata Motors became a major player in the international automobile market. On 27 March 2008, Tata Motors reached an agreement with Ford to purchase their Jaguar Land Rover operations for US$2.3 billion. The sale was completed on 2 June 2008.
In addition to the brands, Tata Motors has also gained access to two design centres and two plants in UK. The key acquisition would be of the intellectual property rights related to the technologies.

Tata acquiring Jaguar & Land Rover

Tata in India-

Tata Motors Limited is India’s largest automobile company, with revenues of   356.5148 billion (US$7.11 billion) in 2007–08.It is the leader in commercial vehicles in each segment, and among the top three in passenger vehicles in India with products in the compact, midsize car and utility vehicle segments.
Tata vehicles are sold primarily in India, and over 4 million Tata vehicles have been produced domestically since the first Tata vehicle was assembled in 1954. The company’s manufacturing base in India is spread across Jamshedpur (Jharkhand), Pune (Maharashtra), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) and Dharwad (Karnataka).
Following a strategic alliance with Fiat in 2005, Tata set up an industrial joint venture with Fiat Group Automobiles at Ranjangaon (Maharashtra) to produce both Fiat and Tata cars and Fiat powertrains. The company is establishing a new plant at Sanand (Gujarat). Tata's dealership, sales, service and spare parts network comprises over 3500 touch points. Tata Motors also distributes and markets Fiat branded cars in India.


Hispano Carrocera

In 2005, sensing an opportunity in the fully built bus segment, Tata Motors acquired a 21% stake in Hispano Carrocera SA, the leading European bus and coach cabin maker. In 2009, the company picked up the remaining 79% stake in Hispano Carrocera SA for an undisclosed sum, making it a fully owned subsidiary.

Tata Hispano Carrocera

Honda & Acura

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Honda Motor Company, Ltd. is a Japanese public multinational corporation primarily known as a manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles.

Honda has been the world's largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959,as well as the world's largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year.Honda surpassed Nissan in 2001 to become the second-largest Japanese automobile manufacturer.As of August 2008, Honda surpassed Chrysler as the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the United States.Honda was the seventh largest automobile manufacturer in the world behind Toyota, General Motors, Volkswagen AG, Hyundai Motor Group, Ford, and Nissan in 2010.

March 27 1986, Honda introduces a new product line called ACURA. A high end luxury automobile that remains one of the most luxurious cars on the market.

Timeline of Events-
 

1940 

Soichiro Honda is born in Japan.

1946  
October, Soichiro Honda establishes the Honda Technical Research Institute in Hamamatsu, Japan, to develop and produce small engines.

1948  
Honda Motor Company is established in Japan.

1958 
The Honda Super Cub debuts.

1959
Honda opens its first dealership in Los Angeles selling motorcycles. The Honda 125cc motorcycle takes 6th place in its class in the Isle of Man TT race.

1960  
Honda begins motorcycle production at its Suzuka factory.

1963 
Honda releases the S500, its first sports car, in Japan.

honda S 500

1964 
Honda enters Formula One racing for the first time. Auto production begins at Honda's Saitama factory in Saitama, Japan.

1966 
Honda N360 mini-compact car with air cooled engine is introduced.

Honda N 360

1967  
Auto production begins at Honda's Suzuka factory.

1972 
The Honda introduces the first automobile to the American public. The Honda Civic.

1973  
The CVCC engine complies with Clean Air Regulations for 1975.

1977 
Honda Civic CVCC made the EPA's top spot on the Top 10 list of fuel efficient cars for the fourth consecutive year.

1977 Honda Civic CVCC

1978  
The Honda Prelude debuts.

1982
Honda of America manufacturing begins assembly of the Honda Accord.

1982 Honda Accord

1983 
Honda Civic CRX-HF was the first mass produced 4-cylinder vehicle to top the 50 MPG fuel economy mark. 

1983 Honda Civic CRX-HF

1984 
Honda returns to Formula One Racing after a 15 year hiatus. Honda research of America opens.

1986
March 27, Honda introduces a new product line called ACURA. A high end luxury automobile that remains one of the most luxurious cars on the market.

Acura LOGO

1988 
Honda developed a new standard in performance and economy by announcing the development of the VTEC (Variable Valve Timing & Lift Electronic Control) automobile engine.

1989 
Honda assembly plant in Ohio starts manufacturing Honda Accord Coupes with right side drive for export to Japan.

1990 
Acura introduced Soichiro Honda's vision of a sports car, the NSX. He wanted a car that was designed like a fighter jet airplane: open canopy, very responsive and fun to drive. The NSX is capable of extraordinary performance due to the 4 cam V6 engine mounted amidships for better weight distribution. All suspension components are made from lightweight extruded aluminum. Honda wins its fifth consecutive 1st ranking in the J.D Powers Consumer Satisfaction Index.

Acura NSX

1991
Honda commissions a race team to race the NSX engine in the GTP prototype series. The car had a Spice race chassis with a STOCK NSX engine amidships. When the car was introduced in the 1991 season, the car took all 16 race series pole position and all the races. At the Daytona 24 hour race, this car finished 45 minutes ahead of the next car!

1994
Honda enters the IndyCar World Series.

1995 
Through electronic controls and light weight, Honda Civic is the first gasoline powered vehicle to meet California 's Low-Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard, reducing smog producing hydrocarbons by 70% below federal standards. Honda's two passenger solar powered car, The Dream, breaks World Solar Challenge record. The Honda Civic HX Coupe with CVT (Constantly Variable Transmission) is the only automatic transmission vehicle to be included in the EPA's top 10 fuel efficient cars.

1995 Honda Civic CVT

1996

Honda introduces the Acura CL, developed and produced in the U.S. and globally sourced parts. Honda introduces plans to produce an electric-powered car.

Acura CL

1998 
Honda vehicles comply with California Air Resources Boards Ultra Low Emission Vehicle with the introduction of the Accord ULEV with an automatic transmission. Honda becomes an environmental leader with the introduction of the new Odyssey. The Odyssey had less than half the federal emission requirements of other similar minivans. Honda claims the distinction of "Cleanest in the World" with the introduction of the Honda Civic GX natural gas vehicle. developed with a sealed evaporative fuel system, the Civic GX is recognized by the EPA as the cleanest internal combustion engine in the world.  Honda wins the CART Engine Manufacturer's Racing Championship.

1999 

Honda is the first automobile manufacturer to sell Low Emission vehicles in all 50 states. By 1999 2/3 of all Honda's sold are equipped with low emission technology. Honda begins leasing the first 4 passenger electric vehicle with advanced battery technology. Honda develops a fuel efficient low emission Hybrid engine/Electric motor that gets 61 MPG city/70 MPG highway. Honda wins the CART Engine Manufacturer's Racing Championship for the second year in a row.

2000 

Honda breaks ground on a new auto plant in Lincoln, Alabama. Honda introduces the S2000 high performance roadster that still meets the LEV standard while producing 240 horsepower. The 2000 Accord SULEV meets California Air Resources Board standards.

Honda S 2000

2001

The Honda Insight is named "Most Fuel Efficient Car In America" for the third straight year. The Michelin Challenge Bibendum awards Honda production vehicles 29 awards for "Environmentally Innovative Vehicles". Honda becomes the best selling car in America. The Honda Odyssey earns a double five-star safety rating for the 3rd year in a row. The Honda Civic Coupe becomes one of the first cars to earn an all-around five-star safety rating from the NTHSA.

Honda Insight

2002 

Every Honda and Acura vehicle is rated LEV (Low Emission Vehicle) or cleaner by Federal Emission Standards. Honda introduces the redesigned CR-V. This vehicle is a complete turnaround for Honda. The engine is designed to run opposite or clockwise from current engines. This allows more power production from the same displacement. The Civic Hybrid becomes the first established, mainstream, gasoline hybrid engine to be sold in North America.

Honda Civic Hybrid

2003 

The 10 millionth Honda is manufactured in the United States.

2004  

Honda engineers set about creating a walking robot. After 18 years of trial and error,  Honda introduced ASIMO (Advanced Step in  Innovative Mobility) A robot that can walk independently and climb stairs.    Honda engineers felt compelled to visit the Vatican just to make sure it was OK to build a machine that was so much like a human.  (The Vatican thought it was okay.) The ASIMO is designed to help people around the house or the elderly turn on lights, open doors, carry objects and push carts. Since it is only 4 feet tall, it is not menacing. "It looks like a kid in a spacesuit". Honda wins racings IndyCar Manufacturers' Championship.

Asimo Robot

2005  

Honda wins racings IndyCar Manufacturers' Championship.  Redesigned Honda Civic wins Motor Trend Car of the Year award. Experimental HondaJet makes public debut at EAA AirVenture 2005.  Honda Ridgeline is the first ever four door truck to earn top government crash test rating.  Honda delivers the Honda FCX Fuel Cell vehicle to the world's first individual customer.  100,000 Honda Hybrid vehicles are sold in the U.S.