New wheels on Indian roads in 2009

Despite the backdrop of an economic slowdown, 2009 saw many new launches. These new vehicles, apart from stimulus measures, helped the domestic auto market to bounce back in the later part of the year. Though some of the models were officially unveiled in the previous year, they came into the market in 2009.

Tata Nano
The Nano was unveiled at the 2008 Auto Expo and in July 2009, Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Motors, handed over the keys of the Nano to its first customer.

Chevrolet Cruze
General Motors' luxury sedan Chevrolet Cruze was launched during the later half of the year.

Volkswagen's New Beetle
German car-maker Volkswagen launched its new vehicle christened the New Beetle in December this year in Mumbai. The vehicle is priced at Rs 20.45-lakh ex-showroom Delhi.

Maruti Ritz
The premium compact car Ritz rolled out of the Maruti Suzuki stable, in straight competition with the brand's other premium compact car, Swift.

Harley Davidson
Harley Davidson, the American motorcycling icon, is all set to officially enter the Indian market. The legendary US motorcycle makers are expected to start selling the products from early 2010.

Mahindra Xylo
In January 2009, Mahindra and Mahindra launched the Xylo, a multi-purpose vehicle.

Indigo Manza
Another car from the Tata Motors' stable is Indigo Manza, an entry-level sedan. The car is smooth and gearbox is quite a pleasure.

Skoda Superb
SkodaAuto India launced new Superb in March 2009 and it is aimed at the premium D segment.

Skoda Laura
Another offering from Skoda India, the new Laura, was also lauunched during the middle of the year.

Mercedes-Benz 'Special Edition E-Class'
Mercedes-Benz India launched the ‘Special Edition E-Class' customized for Indian market, in April this year. The car is priced at Rs 43.4 Lakhs ex-showroom Delhi.

Kawasaki Ninja
Bajaj launched Kawasaki Ninja 250R on October 7, 2009.

Fiat Grande Punto
Fiat launched its new small car the ‘Grande Punto' in June 2009. The car with its low slung compact body, strong muscular wheel arches, dual-tone dashboard and interiors, exudes boldness and strength.

Power Scooters—The Mahindra Rodeo and Mahindra Duro
Mahindra Two Wheelers, the two wheeler arm of the Mahindra Group unveiled two new Power Scooters—the Mahindra Rodeo and the Mahindra Duro.

TVS Jive and TVS WEGO
TVS Motor Company today unveiled two novel products - India's first auto-clutch motorcycle and an automatic scooter. Christened TVS Jive, the new motorcycle is propelled by a 110 cc engine and complementing the motorcycle is TVS WEGO, the multi-user, family-friendly and sleek metal bodied scooter.

Bajaj 135 cc Pulsar
Bajaj Auto launched a 135 cc Pulsar, priced at Rs 51,000 (ex-showroom Delhi), pushing the Pulsar brand into the mass segment.

The Jaguar XF
Jaguar Land Rover's opened of a flagship showroom facility in June. The range of premium luxury vehicles available for the Indian market will include the Jaguar XF, XFR and XKR and Land Rover Discovery 3, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover.

The Freelander 2
Land Rover in September launched the Freelander 2 in India. The Freelander 2 joins the Discovery 4, the Range Rover Sport and the Range Rover, all of which were launched earlier in India in June this year.

Toyota Fortuner
In August 2009, the Toyota management finally decided to not just bring in the Fortuner to India but also to assemble it here.

Ford Figo
In September this year, Ford unveiled its much-awaited small car for India. Based on an existing platform that supports the current Fiesta in India, the Figo is a hatch that will allow Ford an entry into the competitive and crowded small car trip.