Mitsubishi has added a few features to the Montero for the 2012 model year. Among the changes are a revised front fascia - most prominently the chrome grille - and a redesigned rear bumper as well. Leather upholstery, and a new set of dials in the instrument cluster are what make up the changes.
Hyundai India is increasing production of diesel models. This should considerably shorten the long waiting periods for its popular diesels, the Verna and i20.
The Mahindra Bolero has achieved another sales milestone: it has clocked sales of 1 lakh units in the financial year 2011-12.
Jeep is likely to enter the Indian marketplace very soon thanks to its new ownership under Fiat. It will begin with the Grand Cherokee, its biggest, most luxurious offering.
The Porsche Cayenne has returned for the 2013 model year, and this time it has two diesel options - something that the Indian market no doubt appreciates. The V6 oil-burner will have a V8 for company. This will probably be the V8 from the Audi Q7, and will no doubt add another feather to the cap of the Cayenne: that of the quickest diesel SUV in the world.
The Audi R8 doesn't have the famed DSG gearbox but signs point to the new one getting one, thanks to the heavy tilt in favour of the automatic variant among the customer base. The automated manual in the current car is lighter and more compact, but hey, the customer is king, so redevelopment is under way.
Ferrari seems to be developing a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that incorporates a pair of electric motors in the driveline. One motor is dedicated to auxiliary systems like the AC and power steering, while the other boosts the engine's power output.
Suzuki's US operations seem to be in trouble: it closed down around 12 per cent of its dealers, and the company has refused to participate in the JD Power customer satisfaction survey. It also stayed away from the recent Detroit and New York Motor Shows.
Fiat is going to display a new saloon at the Beijing Motor Show. Called the Viaggio, it will be slightly bigger than the Linea and will first be introduced to China only.
Fiat has started production of the 500L at its plant in Serbia. It hopes to produce 3 lakh 500Ls per year.
