Drive Safely

A blonde was swerving all over the road and driving very badly, so she got pulled over by a cop. The cop walked up to her window and asked, "Miss, why are you driving so recklessly?"

The blonde said, "I'm sorry sir, but wherever I go, there's always a tree in front of me and I can't seem to get away from it!"

The cop looked at her and said, "Lady, that's your air freshener!"


Courtesy - igoogle

Toyota Slips in New Global Brand Ranking

Toyota slipped in the new ranking, not surprisingly, after a series of brand recalls :

• Toyota lost its brand value this year to rank 11th (8th) 
• Mercedes-Benz ranks number 12.
• BMW is in the 15th position.
• Audi at 63
• Hyundai at 65...we will see more action from these two brands for sure !

Ford's launch of the new Fiesta, which became a fixture on YouTube, Flickr, Twitter and Facebook, was praised as one of the best examples of "how to use social media."

Coca Cola is No.1 and IBM, No.2, followed by Microsoft, Google & GE being top 5

 

 http://www.interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/best-global-brands-2008/best-global-brands-2010.aspx

Why white cars never go out of vogue - Lifestyle - DNA

Silver used to be the most preferred color car across the world..

White seem to be gaining ground... read on

Why white cars never go out of vogue - Lifestyle - DNA

Indian car market hit a record in August

On a short vacation @ Mumbai, India... commercial capital.

Most of the leading dailies reported record sales in August 2010. (We get excited about new peaks/records)

Key numbers for Aug 10 ( Aug 09) Growth percentage:

• Cars - 160,794 units ( 120,681) - 33 %
• Commercial vehicles - 52,030 ( 40,609) - 28 %

YTD (Apr-Aug) car sales registered 34 % jump at 753K cars sold. 
Inflation has forced government to maintain higher interest rates, expected to go up further. The marginally higher interest rates does not seem to have affected the TIV, thankfully.
While the reports highlight the jump in TIV over last year, they don't mention 2009 was not best of years, after all.

Monsoon at country-level has hit over 100%. That should augur well for the next agri season...which would translate to a very positive outlook for economy, including automobile. Moreover, car sales normally peaks at Diwali... The suppliers should be able to ensure steady dispatch of components in view of the thrust in demand, a likely dampener.

Overall, interesting times ahead for India's automobile sector. 

GCC Tax Rules

An interesting, simple comparison on the taxation rules in Middle East :
Taxation norms in ME ( Middle East)

Sharing, as it has a bearing on the automobile industry, for customers as well as dealer-fraternity

Middle East Online

A write up on Dubai Metro.

While the majority have still not lapped up the same, Government is going ahead with the rest of the project ( at a huge cost). All credit to Government, for staying on course. . .

Govt needs to work on the connectivity with localities and the stations, to make it convenient for the commuter, esp during the hotter and always-humid conditions...

Of course, a push on awareness on pollution will help too.

The commuter needs to look at his carbon-footprint too...

Middle East Online

5 Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You- Yahoo! Autos Article Page

Car Dealership Tactics ( Courtesy, Yahoo Finance)

5 Things Your Car Dealer Won't Tell You- Yahoo! Autos Article Page

Toyota Prius May Lead Japan Car Sale Collapse as Subsidies End - Bloomberg

Toyota Prius May Lead Japan Car Sale Collapse as Subsidies End - Bloomberg