Airtel joins tariff war; introduces pay-per-second plan

NEW DELHI: Joining the tariff war, India's largest mobile operator

Bharti Airtel on Friday introduced a "pay per second" plan across the country

In this plan, called Freedom Plan, Airtel customers will be charged one paise per second for all Local and STD calls to Airtel numbers and 1.20 paise per second for local and STD calls to other networks.

Some of the new operators, however, are offering pay per second tariff plan across networks.

The plan will be available initially only to pre-paid subscribers of Airtel, an Airtel statement said.

This will be one of the tariff plans besides others already existing

Premier Rio launched!

Premier Automobiles has launched the Rio compact SUV, in a bid to reclaim its place as a player in the Indian automotive scene. The vehicle was launched today in Mumbai, and is expected to rival not only entry level SUVs but also some of the larger hatchbacks in the markWith its significantly higher headroom, the Rio also offers more storage space than the large hatchbacks without enlarging its exterior dimensions significantly. Premier is touting the vehicle as India's first compact diesel SUV, which in fact is true given that the similarly structured and positioned Maruti Suzuki Gypsy comes only with a petrol engine option.eThe pricing of the Rio, after taking the Premier brand into consideration, could have been a little more cut-throat. The car has been launched at a price of Rs 5.25 lakh for the base version without air-conditioning and power steering, Rs 5.50 lakh for the mid-version with A/C and power steering, and Rs 5.95 lakh for the top of the line model with alloy wheels, roofrails and ABS with EBDt..

ArcelorMittal returns to black after 3 qtrs; Net at $900 mn

LONDON: After posting losses for three consecutive quarters, the global steel giant, ArcelorMittal, today posted a net income of USD 900 million for the quarter ended September 30.

The firm's net income of the company in the third quarter of this fiscal was, however, 76 per cent lower from the year-ago period.

The company had a net income of USD 3.8 billion in the year-ago period, after which it posted three consecutive quarterly losses amid demand slump.

"As anticipated, we have seen the first signs of recovery in the third quarter," ArcelorMittal Chairman and CEO L N Mittal said in a statemen

India’s top auto brands in dealer service satisfaction

For a 10th consecutive year, Maruti Suzuki ranks highest in customer satisfaction with authorized dealer service in India, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2009 India Customer Service Index (CSI) Study released on Tuesday. Maruti Suzuki achieves an overall CSI score of 824 and performs particularly well in the service advisor and service facility factors. Following Maruti in the rankings are Honda and Mahindra.

The study finds that the proportion of customers who defected from dealership service facilities to non-authorized service centers for their vehicle service requirements has decreased to 7% in 2009 from 11% in 2008. This decrease in defection rates is attributable to brands expanding the reach and quality of their service networks, as well as to manufacturers making greater efforts to retain customers.

The study, now in its 13th year, measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visited their authorized dealership service center for maintenance or repair work during the first 12 to 24 months of ownership. Redesigned in 2009, the study measures overall satisfaction by examining five factors (listed in the order of importance): service quality; vehicle pickup; service advisor; service facility; and service initiation. Overall customer satisfaction is measured on a 1,000 point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction. The study, which is based on responses from more than 5,800 owners of nearly 50 different vehicle models, was fielded from May to August 2009 and includes customers who had purchased their vehicles between May 2007 and August 2008.

Here we take a look at India’s top auto brands in dealer service satisfaction:

Growth-inflation trade-off a challenge: RBI

MUMBAI: The economic outlook is a mix of recovery prospects and downside risks, and managing the trade-off between supporting growth and reining

What is IIP? Top 10 challenges for India Implications of a rising inflation rate

in inflation poses a complex policy challenge, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said on Monday.

The combination of weak recovery and elevated consumer price inflation has magnified the complexity of policy challenges despite low headline wholesale price index numbers.

"The overall economic outlook, thus, is conditioned by both upside prospects of recovery with downside risks and emerging inflationary pressures," the Reserve Bank of India said in its review of the second quarter for 2009/10 (April/March).

The RBI is expected to hold interest rates steady when it reviews monetary policy on Tuesday.

It said anchoring inflation expectations in the face of sustained high inflation in essential commodities would be a key challenge and cautioned that weak private consumption and investment demand continued to be a drag on faster recovery.

The RBI said delayed withdrawal of the annual monsoon augured well for winter wheat and oilseeds crops due to high moisture retention in the soil, but this year's deficient summer monsoon could hinder faster recovery.

India's headline inflation rose at a faster-than-expected pace in the year through mid-October to its highest level in 20 weeks, but government officials and analysts expect the RBI to maintain its focus on stimulating growth and leave rates unchanged at its policy review on Tuesday.

The widely watched wholesale price index rose by 1.21 percent in the 12 months to Oct 10, its highest level since May 23 when it was 1.34 percent.

Maruti to launch Alto, Wagon R with new generation engine

NEW DELHI: The country's largest car maker

Maruti Suzuki will launch two of its best selling models -- Alto and Wagon R, with a new generation

New SUVs to hit Indian roads Electric and hybrid cars Cars with Class Lexus sports car Check out the world's fastest cars

engine as it prepares to meet April 2010 deadline of stricter emission norm.

According to industry sources, the company will discontinue the old F-series engines in both Alto and Wagon R and replace them with its new K-series engine, which is Bharat Stage IV complaint.

When contacted a Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) spokesperson said, "the successful K series engines will be mounted on more models in a phased manner," without specifying details and timeline for the change in engines.

Alto is MSI's best selling model. In November last year it crossed one-million mark in domestic market, while Wagon R also accounted for a good number to its compact car sales.

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The company's newer models such A-Star, Ritz and the new Estilo are powered by K-series engines, which the company claims are more fuel efficient and have lesser emission.

With 11 cities in India scheduled to move to stricter Bharat Stage (BS) IV emission norms from the current BS III by April next year, MSI has been preparing itself for the change.

It has already upgraded its mid-sized sedan

SX4 to make it BS IV compatible and it will be shortly launched in the market. A similar upgradation for premium compact car Swift and entry-level sedan DZire is also on the cards but the company has decided not to upgrade its oldest model M800 to meet the new emission norms

Toyota to merge housing ops into one unit

TOKYO: Toyota Motor Corp said on Friday it would merge its housing production and technology development operations with its home building

unit.

The company split its housing business and formed Toyota Housing Corp in 2003 but kept some related operations separate, the firm said in a statement.

It has decided to integrate them to achieve faster decision-making, it said.

The automaker entered the home-building business in 1975

MS launches Windows 7, pre-loaded PCs to start at Rs 15k

NEW DELHI: The world's largest software maker Microsoft

launched the much-awaited 'Windows 7' operating system (OS) with a host of tools for

multimedia applications for business and retail customers.

Smarting under the failure of its earlier operating system 'Vista', Windows 7 promises significant improvement in productivity levels, enhanced security, reduced risk and manageability costs.

PC

makers HCL Infosystems, Acer and Hewlett Packard have started shipping Windows pre-loaded PCs and notebook computers from today.

HP India will retail Windows 7-preloaded PCs between Rs 27,990 and Rs 90,000, company Country Category Manager Consumer Desktops

, Personal Computers, Ketan Patel said.

While, the preloaded Windows 7 notebooks will be priced at Rs 39,990 onwards, HP India Consumer Notebooks Category Manager Diptesh Ghosh said.

At the same time, Acer PCs with Windows 7 OS will be priced between Rs 15,000 and Rs 35,000, while the notebooks will be priced at Rs 21,000-Rs 70,000, confirmed Acer Chief Sales Officer Harish Kohli.

HCL Infosystems' Executive Vice President George Paul informed that HCL will priced it between Rs 16,000 and Rs 55,000, whereas the notebooks would cost Rs 22,000-Rs 80,000,

The new version that comes in as many as six editions targeted at different segments has been priced accordingly.

"We have launched Windows 7 in six editions, targeted at specific user groups and would be available on desktops, laptops and netbooks across the varied price range," Microsoft India Chairman Ravi Venkatesan told reporters here.

Electric cars take on hybrids at Tokyo show

CHIBA, Japan: Futuristic concept cars, ultra-efficient hybrids, zero-emission electric vehicles and even a hydrogen-powered scooter jostled for

Two-seater Toyota Lexus sports car

the limelight as the Tokyo Motor Show kicked off on Wednesday.

From a super-skinny Nissan electric car that leans when going around bends, to a lightweight Toyota sports car and a Daihatsu vehicle with a design based on a basket, Japanese makers showed off their visions of the future.

While hybrids are still a big feature, electric cars are competing for attention at this year's show as technological breakthroughs in rechargeable batteries bring mass-produced zero emission cars closer to reality.

Despite the success of the hybrid, car makers are still hedging their bets on green technology, with biofuels, clean diesel and fuel cells also seen as potential alternative power sources.

With foreign makers almost entirely absent, the show is dominated by the Japanese makers, which are pinning their hopes on growing interest in fuel-efficient automobiles to rescue them from a brutal industry slump.

Toyota, the world's largest automaker, is displaying a new version of its electric concept car -- the FT-EV II -- along with a new lightweight, sporty concept car inspired by the iconic Corolla AE86 coupe of the 1980s.

With a low centre of gravity and a special two-litre boxer engine developed by partner Subaru, the rear-wheel drive FT-86 is said to handle like a race car but with less damage to the environment.

"Everyone thinks sports cars won't sell but there is a huge demand, particularly among middle-aged men who have fond memories of the Corolla 86 and who would like to drive it once again," Toyota engineer Tetsuya Tada said.

Nissan showed off an electric concept car that leans to the side when going around bends.

The "Land Glider", just 1.1 metres (3 feet 7 inches) wide, seats two people -- one in the front and one in the back. Inspired by motorbikes and glider aircraft, it has tilting wheels

that enable it to lean by up to 17 degrees.

"Although you are driving on the road, you feel as if you are flying," Nissan's Ryusuke Hayashi, who is overseeing the project, said at a preview.

Nissan will put its electric car, the Leaf, on display to the public for the first time at the show, which opens to general visitors in Makuhari Messe, east of Tokyo, on Saturday. The mid-sized car will go on sale in late 2010.

"Leaf will make waves in our industry as the world's first affordable zero-emission car," Nissan chief executive Carlos Ghosn said at the show.

"The time is now for zero emissions. Sustainable mobility is within our reach. We stand on the threshold of a new era in the automotive industry."

While Nissan lags behind its bigger rivals in hybrids, it is one step ahead in electric cars. Toyota has said it aims to launch an electric car by 2012.

From Honda comes the EV-N, a cute new electric concept car that can store a one-wheel personal mobility device inside its door.

Fuel cells, which run on hydrogen and emit only water, also make an appearance as Honda and Suzuki put on display cars powered by the technology. There is even a fuel-cell scooter and a fuel-cell wheelchair from Suzuki

Australia Tour of India 2009 Full Schedule and Fixtures

Australia will tour India for Seven match ODI Series in the late of October 2009. They will play their first match of ODI series on 25th of October 2009 in Vadodara Out of Seven matches six of the one day internationals will be day/night encounters between these two teams.
While there will be a two-day gap between most of the fixtures, there will be just a day's rest between the 3rd and 4th ODIs, to be played in New Delhi and Mohali respectively. Mumbai will host the last ODI between India and Australia on November 11th 2009.

Mumbai: BCCI has finalised the venues for the seven-match ODI series between India and Australia which is scheduled to start from October 25.
Guwahati, Mumbai, Jaipur, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Mohali and Nagpur are the selected cities for the seven ODI matches.

Oct-2009
Sun 25 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	1st ODI – India v Australia Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
Wed 28 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	2nd ODI – India v Australia Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha,Nagpur
Sat 31 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	3rd ODI – India v Australia Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi
Nov-2009
Mon 02 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	4th ODI – India v Australia Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali,Chandigarh
Thu 05 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	5th ODI – India v Australia Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium, Hyderabad
Sun 08 03:30 GMT, 09:00 local	6th ODI – India v Australia Nehru Stadium, Guwahati
Wed 11 D/N 09:00 GMT, 14:30 local	7th ODI – India v Australia Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai

OIL jumps above $79 to 2009 high before retreating

Oil prices jumped above $79 a barrel to a 2009 high on Monday before falling back as investors looked to the corporate earnings of big US

retailers this week for signs that consumers may be regaining confidence.

By mid-afternoon in Europe, benchmark crude for November delivery was down 3 cents at $78.50 in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. Earlier in the session, it rose as high as $79.05. The contract added 95 cents to settle at $78.53 on Friday.

Last week, crude broke out of a five-month trading range between $65 and $75 a barrel on a weakening US dollar and expectations that oil demand will eventually recover as the global economy grows next year. A growing economy increases demand for energy.

Despite several straight days of gains in oil prices, analysts remained cautious.

``The spectacular gains were overwhelmingly driven by financials and market optimism rather than fundamentals, said JBC Energy in Vienna. ``We see no reason why prices should not return to the $65-$75 per barrel bandwidth.''

JBC cited considerable spare output capacity at OPEC, low profit margins for refiners, a massive stock surplus of products such as diesel and heating oil and lackluster demand among industrialized nations among the ``bearish fundamentals'' weighing on the market.

``The move from $75 to $78 has been done ... without any real fundamental development,'' said Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland. ``This is a very technical market and technical markets fall as fast as they rise.''

Investors will be eyeing third quarter results from retailers this week for clues about the strength of the US consumer. Apple Inc., McDonald's Corp., appliance maker Whirlpool Corp. and toy maker Hasbro Inc. are among those reporting this week.

The euro gained Monday to $1.4926 from $1.4899 late Friday while the dollar fell to 90.74 Japanese yen from 90.85 yen.

In other Nymex trading, heating oil fell 0.35 cent to $2.0262 a gallon. Gasoline for November delivery lost 1.08 cents to $1.9685 a gallon. Natural gas for November delivery rose 2.4 cents to $4.805 per 1,000 cubic feet.

In London, Brent crude for December delivery fell 7 cents to $76.92 on the ICE Futures. exchange

Toyota Fortuner Technical Specifications, Features, Colors And Price Details Unveiled

Toyota Fortuner Engine:

· 3.0-L D-4D Diesel engine

· Turbocharger with Intercooler

· Exceptional all-terrain Capability

· Double Wishbone Front suspension

· 4-Link Rear Suspension

· Ventilated Front Disc Brake

· Full Time 4WD

· Modes

· 5 Speed Manual Transmission

Toyota Fortuner Exterior Features:

· Bonnet Scoop & Front Grille

· Headlamps & Fog Lamps

· ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirrors) & Side Steps

· Over Fender & Roof Rails

· 17-inch Aluminum Wheels

· Printed Antenna

· Rear Spoiler & Rear Window Defogger

· Rear Combination Lamps

Toyota Fortuner Interior Features:

· Automatic Air Conditioner

· Optitron Meter

· Multi-Information Display

· Audio with 6-CD changer

· Steering mounted Audio & MID control switches

· Power Window

· Assist Grip

Toyota Fortuner Safety Features:

· ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)

· Back Sonar

· High-Mount Stop Lamp

· SRS front airbags

· Seatbelt

· GOA (Global Outstanding Assessment) body

Toyota Fortuner Utilities:

· 60:40 Split, Side/Tumbles 2nd Row Seat

· 50:50 space-up 3rd Row Seat

· Ample Storage Spaces

Toyota Fortuner is rightly priced at Rs 18.45 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Toyota Fortuner is available in five different colors including super White, Silver mica, Grey mica metallic, Black mica and light Blue metallic.

Toyota Fortuner Accessories Features:

Premium Lifestyle:

· Chrome Mirror Cover with Turn Signal

· Head Lamp Chrome Garnish

· Chrome Door Housing

· Side Turn Signal Lamp Chrome Garnish

· Rear Lamp Chrome Garnish

Luxury Interiors:

· Illuminated Scuff plate

· Leg Room Lamp

· Floor Mats (Premium)

· Cargo Net

· Luggage Tray

· Trunk Mat

· Car Cushion

Active Rugged:

· Front Grill Guard

· Roof Rack

· Roof Carrier

· Side Visor

· Front Fender Mirror

· Side Cladding

· Muffler Cutter

Safety & Utility:

· Car Cover

· Front Sunshade

· Rear Bumper Step Guard

Toyota Fortuner Technical Specifications:

Engine:

· Type: D-4D Diesel with Intercooler Turbocharger, 4 Cylinders In-line

· Valve Train: 16 Valve DOHC

· Displacement: 2982 cm3 (cc)

· Fuel Supply System: Common-Rail type

· Max. Output: 126 kW @ 3600 rpm (171 PS @ 3600 rpm)

· Max. Torque: 343 Nm @ 1400-3400 rpm (34.98 kg-m @ 1400-3400 rpm)

Chassis & Tranmission:

· Suspension Front/Rear: Double Wishbone / 4-Link with Lateral Rod

· Brake Front/Rear: Ventilated Disc / Leading-Trailing Drum

· Tyres: 265/65 R17 Tubeless Radials

· Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

· Drive Type: Full Time 4WD

DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT:

· Overall L x W x H: 4695 mm x 1840 mm x 1850 mm

· Wheel Base: 2750 mm

· Tread Front / Gear: 1540 mm / 1540 mm

· Minimum Ground Clearance: 221 mm

· Minimum Turning Radius: 5.9 m

· Fuel Tank Capacity: 80 litres

· Seating Capacity: 7-Seater

· Max. Kerb Weight: 1955 kg

· Gross Weight: 2510 kg

SAFETY & SECURITY:

· GOA Body

· SRS Airbags (Driver + Passenger)

· ABS

· Back Sonar

· Seatbelts (Front: 3-point ELR x 2 with Adjustable Anchor, 2nd Row: 3-point ELR x 2 + 2-point NR x 1, 3rd Row: 3-point ELR x 2)

· Immobiliser

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE:

· Dual Auto A/c (with Rear Air Conditioner Switch & Ceiling Vents for 2nd & 3rd Rows)

· Heater (Front Only)

· Power Steering with Audio & MID Control Switches on Steering Wheel

· Power Windows with Driver Side Auto Up-Down

· Tilt Steering Column

· 2 DIN 6CD Ch. (MP3, WMA), AM/FM Audio System with 6 Speakers

· Printed Antenna

· Keyless Entry

· Back Sonar (Beep Type)

· Power Door Lock

EXTERIOR FEATURES:

· 6-Spoke 17″ Alloy Wheels

· Chrome ORVM (Outside Rear View Mirrors) with Electrical Adjust & Retract

· Projector-type Headlamps

· Chrome Door Handles

· Front Fog Lamps

· Roof Rails

· Rear Spoiler with Integrated High Mount Stop Lamp

· Front Wiper with Mist and Intermittent function (with Variable Time Adjustment)

· Rear Wiper and Defogger

· Bonnet Scoop

· Side Steps

INTERIOR FEATURES:

· MID (Multi Information Display)

· Optitron Combimeter with Illumination control

· Chrome Inside Door Handles

· Wood Finish Panels

· Rear Console Box

· Day / Night Inside Rear View Mirror

· Lockable Glove Box

· Front Map Lamp with Overhead Storage Console

· Door Ajar Warning

· Seat Belt Warning (Driver + Passenger)

· Tachometer

· Tripmeter (2 Nos.)

· Cigarette Lighter with Illumination

· Power Outlet 12V DC (2 Nos.)

· Sunvisor (Driver Side with Ticket Holder, Passenger Side with Vanity Mirror & Lid)

SEAT & INTERIOR TRIM:

· Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Gear Knob and Transfer Case Knob

· Front Sports-type Seats

· 2nd Row Bench Seat with Armrest (60:40 Slide/Tumble)

· 3rd Row Bench Seat (50:50 Space-up)

· Seat Slide on Front and 2nd row seats

· Reclining Seats (All)

· Driver Seat Height Adjustment

· Leather Seats & Trim