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India witnessed the launch of its first hybrid car, the modified sedan Civic, launched by the Japanese car major Honda Motors Co. this Wednesday, running on a petrol engine and electric battery, priced at a high Ex-showroom price of 21.5 lakhs (for Delhi).

Its major features include:

• 1.3 litre petrol engine (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)
• 47% fuel efficient electric motor
• Integrated computer that controls consumption and helps battery charge itself up automatically

The first of its class was launched way back in the 1995, and has been introduced in 32 countries before this making India the 33rd launch country for the fuel efficient vehicle.

Honda Siel Car India president and CEO Masahiro Takedawa promised the introduction of more such new vehicles in the years to come and expressed his satisfaction over the good number of enquiries made across India explaining his aim not being the sale of a huge number but the introduction a fuel efficient and eco friendly vehicle system. He also added that he hopes that the Indian government, as like other countries, would lower its import duty for promoting eco-friendly cars among the masses and completely ruled out the possibility of the manufacture of the sedan in India or any other country outside Japan due to technical constraints. With a promise of a healthier environment, Honda sure burns a hole in the pocket. To this Mr. Masahiro blamed the India’s import duty system CBUs cars that impose 104% of import duty.

Against the huge price and keeping in mind its sale of 2,60,000 units across the world since 1995, the expectations are high, rest keeping to the selling statistics and user reviews in the months to come.

Tags: car, Eco, Environment, Honda, Hybrid Car, India, Petrol

After an increase of Rs 50 in LPG gas cylinders by the government on Wednesday, a sales tax cut of Rs 40 on the same is introduced by the Delhi government  to relief the citizens. In this way the Delhi people got the net price hike to Rs 10 only.

“The increase in LPG rate will be of Rs ten instead of Rs 50 in Delhi. The domestic cylinder which is priced at Rs 294.70 paise will now be costing rs 304.70 paise and not Rs 340.30 paise,” Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters here.

The move is in wake to relief the middle class people who are already burdened with increasing rate of inflation. The decision came after the cabinet meeting where it was decided to cut down the vat from existing 4 per cent to zero, while providing a subsidy of around Rs 26 per cylinder.

The subsidy would have a burden of Rs 165 crore on the state exchequer.

“There would be no rise in the fare of the Metro and the DTC buses, which run on electricity and CNG respectively.” she said while speaking at a press conference.

Sales tax cut is demanded by Congress president Sonia Gandhi and BJP since the increase in petroleum rates.

Tags: Delhi, DTC, Gas, LPG, Petrol, Price hike

The government finally announced on Wednesday a significant hike of Rs 5 in petrol prices and Rs 3 in diesel price to decrease the pressure on the oil companies facing losses for a long time due to increase in international fuel rate which have touched levels as high as USD 135 per barrel. LPG gas cylinder rates are also gone up by Rs 50. There is no hike in Kerosene prices.

The huge subsidy loss faced by the public sector oil companies has led the government to impose the hike. State-run Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum and Hindustan Petroleum were together projected to lose Rs 2,46,600 crore on sale of petrol, diesel, domestic LPG and PDS kerosene in 2008-09 in absence of any price hike or duty cuts. Earlier in the day, the Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs had approved the hike in fuel prices.

Petroleum Minister Murli Deora has also proposed double price for extra cooking gas cylinders. He has also proposed a new distribution scheme for LPG cylinders. Only 8 cylinders will be allowed at the current rates. All extra cylinders will cost twice the amount.

After 10 days of debate over the price increase, the cabinet also agreed to cut the import duty on crude oil to support refining and retailing firms like Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp and Hindustan Petroleum Corp.

It is the second hike in the fuel rates in this year. On February 14, 2008 the price of petrol were hiked by Rs 2 and that of diesel by Re 1 a litre.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has already warned on Monday that government is not in a position to fully insulate the consumer from the impact of rising oil prices. He will address the nation at 8:30 pm on Wednesday night to explain the reason for the hike in fuel prices.

People are very upset with the announcement. They are protesting the hike. Public came out at roads and shouts slogan against the decision.

Opposition parties which are already protesting the hike are also protesting the decision. Unhappy at the hike, Left has said the decision as ‘Suicidal Move’. CPI announced a bandh in Kolkata against the hike.

Price of Petrol, currently 45.52 a litre in Delhi, will be now Rs 50.52/Lt, while diesel, which retails at 31.76 rupees, will cost Rs 34.76/Lt.

Tags: Diesel, Fuel Crisis, Fuel Price, Increament in Prices, LPG, Petrol, Price hike

Can you think of a car that consumes only one litre of petrol for every 250 kms? But it is true. It is reported that a team of seven students of a technical institute in Punjab have invented this new miraculous car. It is expected to be unveiled in the ‘World Super Mileage Competition’ in US, next month.

The student team of sixth semester mechanical engineering student leaded by Gaurav Aggarwal has made this 65 kilogram wonder car. Other members include Rahul Kumar, Bhavuk Makkar, Mayank Tyagi, Arun Salaria, Navneet Kumar and Ramandeep Singh.

“It is a rare solo car, which can generate a mileage of up to 250 km per litre. Our team of students have not only achieved this feat, but are going to showcase it at a world super-mileage competition in the United States next month,” Gurvinder Singh Bahra, vice chairman of the Rayat and Bahra group of institutes, told media persons.

As told by the young team, the car will cost almost Rs 5 lakhs and all safety and ergonomics features are considered before its manufacturing.

“We have modified the engine as per rules supplied by the competition organizers. The frame of the 65-kg car has been developed by using special grade aluminum. It has hydraulic disc brakes and a modified carburetor and fuel supply system. The car has a lightweight outer body shell with an aerodynamic structure.”

“All safety and ergonomics features have been taken into account. The car even has a self-designed battery re-charging system,” said Aggarwal.

If successful, the invention will definitely help to combat the fuel crisis and it must be appreciated by people. Let’s wait and watch!

Tags: Automobile, car, India, Petrol, US