Cars in India

Whether one is driving in one’s own city, or a new place, there usually arises this situation when one may have to stop to ask for directions to reach their particular destination. Usually, one is advised to always keep the local map in the glove compartment of the car. This way one will be able to find their way if lost. But then, if the map does not seem to clear, then one can always ask for directions.

No matter how familiar one maybe with a place, it is advised to seek proper directions before setting off for the journey. This way one will save traveling time, and in case of confusion at least they can rely on the on the map dictated to them.

Travel is not always that easy, especially in a new city or town. Ideally, before going to a new place, one should find a few friends, who can help them and guide them appropriately, as far as the means of traveling is concerned. And when touring a place, one should hire the service of a tourist guide, or maybe simply climb onto those tourist buses that take one to all the relevant spots of the place.

The following are links to maps and tourist guides:

cars in India – Listing of car related products & travel agents

http://www.indiamapstore.com/map-products/country-maps/IMS0012.html
A source for India roadmaps

cars assembly – Car product suppliers.

http://www.opelindia.com/ – Official website of Opel India

http://www.india.ford.com/ – Official website of Ford India

Today, the car industry is automated and digitalized. Every step of manufacturing and production is screened via the computers. In fact, there are limited manual tasks, as varied software have been designed and created to bring a car from design to final product. In fact, the car designing software is three-dimensional or four-dimensional, creating a near to life image of the car, with every part inside the car, and outside it.

Apart from the designing software and car testing software, there are those that are required for managing the sales and marketing of the cars. This is because cars are not sold at a single place, but in multiple destinations. This calls for all the more precision, because thousands of cars are transported and placed at showrooms. Some are already sold, while others are simply placed there.

Thereafter, logs have to be made for the cars sent back for servicing. In the first six months of hitting the road, the manufacturer has to maintain a detailed account of every car that returns to showroom with faults. This is vital to know if there is any particular fault in general. For all this the data needs to be computerized and transmitted to common source for up-to-date monitoring.

Given here are links to sources for software:

http://www.collectivedata.com/
Contains software on complete fleet management and data accumulation

When a new car is to be launched, it is done with much pomp and show. There maybe a performance, or contest, or celebrity launch or then a fashion show. Some manufacturers launch their latest brand to hit the road during auto exhibitions and auto shows. Off late, various cities such as Mumbai and Delhi have been hosting global auto exhibitions in a bid to invite more dealers and manufacturers, as well as to showcase to the consumers all that is available.

These shows are basically industry related trade shows, as well as consumer forums. Some companies permit test drives and tie up with banks and financial institutes to provide on the spot car finance to consumers. The participating companies provide discounts and various accessories in the form of freebies, which are far more attractive than making a purchase from the showroom itself.

Today, shows and car events have become commonplace in the industry as a promotional and sales platform. And it brings about healthy competitiveness amongst dealers and manufacturers, who meet and exchange notes, and take back valuable information to perform better. Some companies also announce their next of car launches at such exhibitions, with a previewing of the ready model.

Information on automobile shows and events in India:

http://www.autoexpo.in/
The official website of autoexpo India

When traveling to a new city, it is more feasible to hire a car, than to use the public transport. This is because the cab and rickshaw drivers are ever on the look out for travelers with no knowledge of the city and can be taken for a long ride to pay more. Well, like the cabbies and rickshaw drivers say: make hay while the sun shines. This is where the rental companies come in and save the day.

The companies rent out cars on either on an hourly or daily basis. Some companies sending their executives on trip for a few days hire cars for the entire duration and work out a complete package. Normally, the charges for the cars are on a kilometer basis. And they also differ on the basis on the type of vehicle – air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned; as well as the brand of car being hired.

The rental companies also provide drivers and guides, who can converse in Hindi or in English, which are amongst the universal languages of the country. The drivers are also trained in etiquettes and manners, so that the passenger is respected well and taken care of properly. In fact, these drivers are also registered, so that one can safely leave their luggage in the vehicle without having to worry about being robbed.

Information on car hiring in India:

http://web.mac.com/suresh/iWeb/Carrentalsindia/Vehicles.html
On line hiring of any type of vehicles

Vroom, vroom, vroom! This is one exciting sound, whether on the tracks, or then heard amidst the spectators on the stands, as well as those watching the car or motorcycle-racing event on television. Many feel that this sporting event is enjoyed by the male youth, or then young growing boys, but this is not so. In fact, there is an entire cross-section of people, in general who are glued to the racing track.

Even the sports page of the daily publications carries information and news about the racing sport stars. And dedicated periodic publications carry far more than the events and races. They carry all information and trivia about the sports cars and motorbikes, as well as the famous stars driving them.

Unfortunately, in India there is no dedicated racing event. There are local rallies and races, but nothing compares to the international formula one event that have international brands and drivers participate. It is huge abroad, but yet popular in India. However, there are some automobile companies that are attempting to popularize such events in India. But first and foremost a proper racing track is required. Till then enthusiasts have to watch all that they can capture on their television sets, and those who can afford it can travel abroad to enjoy the thrill and excitement of such events, live.

Given here are links to information and interactive forums on racing:

http://www.autoracingdaily.com
The official website on the field of auto racing

http://www.fropper.com/forum/message-list.php?topic_id=4236&board_id=19
Online forum for motorcycle and car racing in India

If one is travel to the state of Punjab then they would come across the maximum number of automobile spare part dealers and manufacturers. In fact, most north Indians own a spare parts business in various parts of the country. They not only take up manufacturing job work from the larger companies, but also take up dealership of branded accessories and auto parts.

Most car owners prefer to visit such dealers after completion of their car guarantee and warrantee period. This is because when sending the car to the manufacturer’s repair shop there is a waiting period of anywhere from a couple of days to three weeks, maybe even more, in case of non-availability of part. However, one will almost always get on the spot auto parts and services from the authorized dealers. Saving them money and effort. However, one needs to ensure the authenticity of the dealer and the part being fitted into the car.

Ideally, one should purchase a car after six months to a year of its launch. This is because sometimes certain models maybe discontinued within the first year of manufacturing due to various reasons, and this also leads to the non-availability of certain parts of the car.

These are links to auto spare parts dealers and manufacturers:

http://www.autosparepartsindia.com/
The official website of auto spare parts India

http://www.roopindia.com/
Manufacturers of auto spare parts

Information and knowledge are two essentials in today’s consumer-dominated world. Today, people want to know every detail with regards to their purchases and investments. And they like reading beyond that. A vast majority of people, actually do a lot of reading before purchasing a car or two-wheeler. They read various publications that circulate weekly supplements on the automobile scenario in India, as well as the various magazines and periodicals. All this contributes to their final decision to purchase a particular vehicle.

Apart from the prospective buyers, there are people, who gather information on cars and other vehicles, as leisure read or simply as a hobby, since it is their areas of interest. Some car manufacturing companies publish periodic magazines that they send to their customers, as well as others in the industry. These are basically, the trade magazines that are not available off the rack.

The media has contributed to widespread information with regards to various segments and sectors of the automobile industry, in general. With special capsule programs about the latest cars and the mechanics of the various cars on the roads, has made a lot more people interested in understanding this segment. Even those who are not directly involved with the industry enjoy watching the telecast programs of roadshows and automobile related dedicated episodes.

The following are links to popular magazines relating to cars:

http://www.autocarindia.com/
The online version of the publication – Auto Car India

http://www.asianauto.com/
Asia’s leading automobile magazine

Until the early nineties there were barely any automobile manufacturers in India. In fact, there were not too many cars on the road and pollution was not even thought of. Then suddenly as the nineties progressed international car manufacturers began to set up base in the country and the number of cars on rods was steadily increasing. Experts began to see the dangers of this, but then for those who could afford it, the car became an essential means of commuting for the entire family, a more convenient option against the public transport facilities.

But then, things began to change even more rapidly with the entry of automobile loans.  On the basis of income and residence proof people could buy a car or two-wheeler and pay affordable EMIs. This brought in a spurt in the manufacturers. They began bringing various range of car models for every segment of the market.

And this trend continues till now. In spite of the growing global danger of global warming, no one deters from purchasing the latest model they can afford. Or then bring home a new car for their eighteen-year-old, as gift for their stepping into official adulthood. No doubt, today manufacturers are enjoying a high-income time, with increasing car consumers, by the year.

The following are links to the official websites of some of India’s top car manufacturers:

cars assembly – Car product suppliers.

http://www.opelindia.com/ – Official website of Opel India

http://www.india.ford.com/ – Official website of Ford India

Owning a car and driving it around is a matter of pride and joy for many families. But then to make most of the fun-drive experience one should have complete knowledge of the legal information with regards to driving etiquette and safety of not only the driver and passenger, but also the pedestrians and other motorists.

One should be aware of the legal aspect of driving, not only of one’s city, but also other cities and towns of the country. And those who travel abroad and have an international driving license should be aware of a all the roads rules and regulations. This is because in some countries one could be fined a large sum of money, or even imprisoned for driving, breaking the rules and laws.

For the new drivers, too, it is important to be aware of the laws of driving. As breaking the rules endanger the lives of many. It is for this reason that one has to go through a driving test prior to getting a license. The test no only involves testing the ability to drive, but also awareness of all the roads signs and their meaning. It is for the safety of one and all that the information on the legal aspect of driving is circulated.

The links to legal driving information:

http://www.international-license.com/index.php
A guide to international driving license rules and acquirement

http://www.indiandrivingschools.com/traffic-rules-in-india.html
a complete guide to the driving rules and regulations in India