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Tata Pixel Three Door Small Car Concept For European Cities
Skoda Vision D Concept Car Pictures And Details From Geneva Motor Show
Skoda New Official Logo Unveiled At Geneva Motor Show 2011
Volkswagen Acquires Automobile Trading Business of Porsche Holding Salzburg

Tata Pixel Three Door Small Car Concept For European Cities

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 10:15 AM PST

Tata Motors has unveiled its little wonder small car Tata Pixel at the Geneva Motor show 2011. The small 4 seater three door concept car is a stunningly cute car with jaw-dropping interiors. The form factor is similar to the Tata Nano because Pixel is based on the Nano platform only. The concept car features stylish looks and futuristic looking interior. The car also has gullwing style doors.

Below is the official press release from Tata:

Tata Motors today presented at the 81st Geneva Motor Show the Tata Pixel, a new city car concept for Europe. Based on the Tata Nano, the Tata Pixel – at just over three meters in length – is the most package efficient four-seater in the world, comfortably accommodating four adults, unlike a typical city car which is either a two-seater or can accommodate two adults and two children only.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Carl-Peter Forster, Managing Director and Group CEO of Tata Motors, said, "Tata Motors holds true to its belief that there is an opportunity in Europe for a city car, which is optimal in space, maneuverability and environment-friendliness. The Tata Pixel is a reflection of Tata Motors' idea of what such a car should be."

The Tata Pixel's ability to maneuver and park in the tightest of spaces is made possible by its Zero Turn toroidal traction-drive Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT), which assists rotation of the outer rear wheel forwards and the inner rear wheel backwards, while the front wheels turn at acute angles. The result is a turning circle radius of just 2.6 meters. The 'scissor' doors rotate upwards from the front to allow passengers to effortlessly enter or exit the Tata Pixel, even in the tightest of spaces.

A forward sweeping roofline, with minimal front and rear overhangs, accentuates the youthful styling. The Tata Pixel is also designed to provide a high level of connectivity. Key functions are controlled by the driver's smart phone, running 'My Tata Connect' — the first integrated human-machine interface (HMI) concept from Tata Motors.

A 1.2 litre three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, positioned at the rear of the Tata Pixel, gives lively performance. The engine is a low-friction design, featuring variable coolant and oil pump and rapid warm-up technologies. With optimized aerodynamic drag, low rolling-resistance tyres, stop-start technology, and intelligent battery charging, the Tata Pixel returns European combined cycle (NEDC) fuel economy of 3.4 l/100km and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km.

Skoda Vision D Concept Car Pictures And Details From Geneva Motor Show

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:57 AM PST

Skoda is offering a glimpse of the future by unveiling a design concept car called the Skoda Vision D at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. The economic goals set by the carmaker require a new focus drawing on the inspiration of a tradition stretching back for more than 110 years. The use of modern stylistic elements and the latest technology is a logical step. The design concept gives fleshes out the contours of the growth strategy with clearly defined features, maximum care and attention to detail.

Tradition with vision: evolving towards success

The concept singles out characteristic design elements of the SKODA brand and guides them forwards towards the future. The long wheelbase and short overhangs are a prerequisite for successful automotive architecture as they both allow for above-average interior space and, coupled with the dynamic roof line, lend the car a high degree of visual majesty. The fluent integration of the tailgate underscores the entire car's sophisticated practicality. The high everyday utility value and distinctive interior modular design are traditional brand values which are freshly interpreted in a more modern form here. The grille with its unobtrusively shiny finish symbolizes the brand's aesthetic blueprint, its fine slats resembling taut harp strings.

Sending out a clear signal: a new logo and distinctive lighting elements

The newly arranged and clearly structured logo stands out in the middle of the car as the starting point for all the contours. It intersects the horizontal line of the bonnet, highlighting its special status as a symbol of quality and success.

The SKODA logo is bordered on the sides by four headlights reminiscent of a symbolic four-leaf clover. They endow with the concept with a pleasant yet pragmatic countenance expressing warmth and chemistry. The C-shaped rear lights have become a characteristic of each SKODA vehicle unmistakable both in the daytime and at night. In this design concept, this precisely rendered lighting architecture has become the rear section's defining element.

The silhouette of spirit: light and shadow play with balanced window design

The design concept's athletically sleek silhouette emphasizes the starkly defined light and shadow play created by the sharp wedge-shaped line, allowing the balanced proportions to come to the fore. The side profile is equally well rendered. For example, the rear edge of the door is complemented by the bottom front area of the side mirror, delivering an entirely new aesthetic impression.

The concept epitomizes high design value to the finest detail. Above rear bumper, small grooves connecting the rear lights to the license plate holder; the resulting triangular elements represent precision reminiscent of the cut crystal and lend the car character and individuality.

Generous interior: choice materials and crystal glass

In this concept, the exterior precision is mirrored in the interior. Values typical of the SKODA brand, such as the generous space and sophisticated practicality, have been composed very sensitively in terms of the materials and elegant shapes employed. The lighting creates a pleasant environment, friendly ambience.

The use of crystal glass is a completely new, attractive idea reflecting a special link with Czech culture, art and craftsmanship.

The design concept marks another big step into the future for SKODA. Its forms shapes are dynamic, stimulating the imagination of observers without provoking them, and offering an undistorted view of the outlook for cars made in Mladá Boleslav. It is here in this Czech town that designers and engineers have paved the way for future success. This traditional Czech brand is now best placed to achieve its ambitious goals: economic growth coupled with new design full of potential, while preserving established traditional strengths such as great performance, value and precision.

Skoda New Official Logo Unveiled At Geneva Motor Show 2011

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:43 AM PST

Skoda has finally revealed the new logo at the Geneva Motor show 2011. The new logo is based on the vision and future roadmap.

Below is the official press release from Skoda:

SKODA stands on the verge of another era of growth, with plans to at least double its global sales by 2018. This new resolution and optimism is now finding visual expression as we present a special facelift at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, where SKODA will introduce the key elements of the new corporate design it will be using in all internal and external communication from the 1^st March 2011. SKODA's winged-arrow logo now has a new, sharper design in vivid colours. Then there is the new SKODA PRO font, symbolizing fresh values. For advertising, publications, press releases and other forms of communication, all this points to the fact that SKODA is marching forward and portraying itself in a more modern and youthful form. The new look will also be phased in at SKODA dealers as the showroom architecture and exterior design of their establishments are given a makeover. The logo on SKODA cars is also set to be revamped from 2012 to match the logo in the design concept presented in Geneva.

The distinguishing features of the company's new corporate design are freshness and precision. As its established characteristics evolve, SKODA has undergone visual rejuvenation to make it an outwardly even more valued brand.

"We are keen to express the new power of our brand not only through our future products, but also in the way we present ourselves partners and customers. SKODA is synonymous with attractive cars offering exceptional value for money, countless clever solutions and precisely executed work. All this is clearly reflected by our updated corporate design. As it forges ahead, SKODA is eager to flex its newfound strength in the international arena," stressed Jürgen Stackmann, the board member responsible for marketing and sales. "SKODA is steadily evolving and it shows. Our new design and fresh outlook reflect our plans for the future."

The new logo: fresh, precise and expressive

In Geneva, SKODA is unveiling exactly what the new image created by Hamburg-settled CI/CD agency "Syndicate Brand & Corporate Design AG", will look like. The most important change affects the main part of the logo, the winged arrow, which in the new design will be much larger and more visible. The hue of the winged arrow has been changed from "natural green" to the new lush "SKODA Green". The outer area is highlighted with a chrome look.

The previously black circle around the winged arrow has been refashioned into a simple chrome design and is now positioned further from the winged arrow, giving the logo an airier, more adventurous impression. The "SKODA AUTO" legend is no longer placed within the circle; instead the word "SKODA" is clearly visible, centered above the logo. The new colours, new proportions and new arrangement have resulted in a new logo exuding precision and freshness.

New basic colours, new font

The new SKODA PRO font, developed by the producer of the Mota Italic fonts, has been reduced, radiating purity and precision, and is an important part of the company's new graphics. The colour scheme of the corporate design has been radically simplified. The new green colour used in the SKODA logo is Pantone 362, which is available as a standard colour worldwide and exudes freshness and affability. While the previous colour scheme encompassed a spectrum of roughly 400 colours, the new structure is limited to just five: SKODA Green, SKODA White, SKODA Black and two secondary colours – Pantone Cool Grey and Pantone Warm Grey.

New look for sales outlets

The appearance of all SKODA outlets is also set to change in the future. "This is not about cosmetic changes – it's about our corporate identity and the consistent visualization of our values," explains Jürgen Stackmann. The external design of buildings will also be overhauled. An important element here is to ensure that sales locations stand out day and night. In addition, the interiors will be refreshed to reflect the new brand values. The use of quality materials, greater room for interaction, and the increased floor area express generosity and greater openness in attracting customers. These were the guiding values for the architects designing the new sales CI. "Our sales outlets are the main place where customers come face to face with the SKODA brand. To enhance this strong element of communication even further, we will be making the layout of our showrooms more relaxed in the coming years," said Stackmann.

New logo on SKODA cars as of 2012

The logo on SKODA cars is set to change from 2012. The design concept presented in Geneva offers a glimpse of the future. The new logo, positioned on the shaped front edge of the bonnet and on the rear of the car, will be designed in a combination of black and chrome. The winged arrow will be rendered more precisely and will be chrome instead of green. The round emblem, in the middle of which the arrow is located, has a chrome finish. The laurel wreath and the SKODA inscription will no longer feature as part of the logo.

Volkswagen Acquires Automobile Trading Business of Porsche Holding Salzburg

Posted: 01 Mar 2011 04:38 AM PST

Volkswagen has acquired the operating business of Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) in accordance with previous announcements. The transfer of the automobile trading company takes place at a value of €3.3 billion on March 1, 2011. The registered office and corporate headquarters will remain in Salzburg. With the acquisition which was already foreseen in the comprehensive agreement,
Volkswagen is completing the next planned step towards the creation of the integrated automotive group of Volkswagen and Porsche.

"The business performance of Porsche Holding Salzburg is outstanding. It is one of the worlds most efficient and profitable automobile trading companies and will therefore significantly strengthen the Volkswagen Group's sales activities,"

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented. He added that PHS had industry-leading systems and processes and enormous experience in the retail sector.

"Where meaningful, we will be transferring this know-how to the Group, thereby further enhancing the performance of our overall sales activities,"

Winterkorn commented.

Volkswagen is acquiring all automobile operations of PHS such as the wholesale and retail business, Porsche Informatik, Porsche Bank, Porsche Immobilien and Porsche Versicherung as well as PGA Motors headquartered in Paris."Under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, PHS will retain its status as an independent organizational unit and continue with its business model unchanged," Christian Klingler, Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Board member for Sales, underscored. "All assets remain intact. That also applies to the automobile trading business relating to all non-Group brands.
The controlled growth course of PHS is to continue," Klingler added. PHS is Europe's most successful private automobile trading company and has a particularly strong presence in Austria, Western Europe and South Eastern Europe as well as China. In the 2010 calendar year, unit sales of 565,000 new and used vehicles generated sales revenue of €12.78* billion, with profitability higher than the market average. PHS employs some 20,900 people.

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