12 May, 2009 : The term Quattro means four in Italian language. It is used by Audi for four-wheel drive systems that come on Audi vehicles. Presently, all Audi models feature the Quattro all-wheel drive setup.

Audi’s quattro technology was first introduced in 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. Since then the word quattro is been used for all Audi 4WD vehicles. After the introduction of the Quattro technology, it posted many motor-sport victories. Drivers such as Michele Mouton, Stig Blomqvist, Hannu Mikkola and Walter Rohrl brought the Audi quattro four world championship titles in 1980s. Soon, cars with permanent all-wheel drive started making a mark in racing circuit, including an overall win in the 1988 American TransAm series. In 1996, the A4 quattro Super Touring competition car received the winner's title in all seven national touring car championships that it entered.

The quattro technology not only established itself in motor sports, but in cars that are used on roads daily. Along with better performance, quattro provides high levels of safety, dynamism and improved traction on all kinds of surfaces. On cars with longitudinally installed engines, a differential sends power and makes up for differences in wheel rotation when cornering. If the car has a transverse engine, a Haldex clutch performs these tasks.

Since 1980, over 1,800,000 cars with permanent all-wheel driveline have been developed. In 1982, Audi introduced five all-wheel-drive variants - the Audi Coupe, the Audi 80/90 and the Audi 100/200. The Audi 100/200, like its predecessor, was also available as an Avant. Conceived as a front-wheel-drive car, all these models could be easily converted to permanent all-wheel drive without much effort and expense. They reflected Audi's fundamental policy to offer a quattro variant in every model line. In the light of Audi's motorsport successes, they all were well-received by car buffs. In 2004 alone, Audi came up with 209,469 quattro vehicles.

For 1987 model year, another vital new feature was added to the quattro concept - the Torsen differential, a self-locking worm, and gear unit that replaced the manual differential lock. This device redistributes engine torque steplessly as required for traction, so that in extreme situations the axle with the better traction receives up to 75 percent of the available torque. The Torsen differential develops its locking action only under load and the vehicle's anti-lock braking system can take effect when needed. Today, advanced technologies such as electronically controlled differential locks in the axles and the ESP stabilisation program match the action of the Torsen differential.

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11 May, 2009 : Reva has received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection in the year 2001. The award was presented at an auspicious ceremony held at a function sponsored by Rotary Club of Madras East in Chennai.

The award was given by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation established in the name of Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan who is an Indian agriculture scientist, born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. This great scientist is known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution in India’ for introducing and developing high-yielding varieties of wheat in India. He is known to be an advocate for moving India to sustainable development of environment and an award by him obviously defines the true eco-friendly characteristics of the Reva.

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11 May, 2009 : Many prestigious luxury car manufacturers are expanding their footprints in India to entice car buyers. It has never been cheaper to get a luxury car than now. Tough market conditions have forced luxury car manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz India, BMW India and Audi to offer interest-free loans on their cars. Some of their best-selling luxury cars such as Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW X5 and Audi A6, come wrapped with interest-free loans. Swedish car manufacturer Volvo is offering 6% interest rate on its range of sedans and SUVs. Besides 0% interest on its E Class, Mercedes-Benz is also offering 5.25% interest rate on the new C Class.

Entry of new players in the luxury segment has intensified competition. Companies are planning new launches to boost sales and beat market slowdown. Various luxury models set for launch this year including the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 7 Series (diesel), Nissan Murano, Toyota Land Cruiser and its luxury Lexus range and Honda Acura range.

The BMW has already introduced four new models this year and another three models including petrol and diesel variants of its top-end sedan 7-Series are expected. The BMW X5 is pitted against several new entrants, such as the Mercedes-Benz New M Class SUV and the Audi Q5. German premium car manufacturer Audi has introduced the new A4, A6 and the Q7 in the country this year.

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09 May, 2009 : Election campaigning is no longer done in an Ambassador car. Politicians are now opting for well-equipped, swanky sport utility vehicles (SUV) that provide them good comfort and safety on all types of terrains during election campaigns. The month of April witnessed an increase in demand for utility vehicles in India. With national elections being held in April and May, SUVs are seen everywhere during rallies and campaigns. This has led to huge sales of SUVs in India even though the global auto market is reeling under the threat of bankruptcy. Mahindra & Mahindra, the country’s biggest SUV manufacturer, posted 36 percent sales jump during April. Sales of Tata Motors' SUVs jumped up 43 per cent in March over February. Though SUVs constitute 9% of the total car market, they are bringing in higher profit margins for auto companies, thanks to elections.

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08 May, 2009 : Fiat is one of the oldest car manufacturers which has witnessed a long history of car industry from 19th century industrialization to 21st century globalization. It’s a known fact that in the 19th century when the car industry was actually taking its frame, Fiat was among very few manufacturers which made a smashing start and revolutionized the industry.

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