Lax safety and licensing standards and an insufficient infrastructure, combined with heavy and varied traffic (cars share the roads with trucks, rickshaws, motorcycles, mopeds, animals, pedestrians, vendors, carts and bicyclists) are largely to blame for India’s high rate of accidents. But the biggest killer is thought to be the huge numbers of new vehicles and new drivers flooding India’s roads. The already massively overcrowded thoroughfares are being pushed to the breaking point, literally. It’s a problem shared by other developing nations: The World Bank estimates that by 2020, the number of people killed by car accidents globally will increase from 1.2 to 2 million.

India plans to spend $500 billion over the next five years to repair and upgrade its transportation infrastructure, reports Business 24-7, but much of that will be spent on airports and seaports rather than on roads, and what money does reach them is largely expected to be lost to corruption and mismanagement. 90% of India’s passenger traffic and 65% of its freight travel by road.

Business 24-7 goes on to report that, “loopholes in the system put licenses in the hands of those ill equipped to drive, there is also a general apathy among consumers towards seat belts, air bags and even motorcycle helmets.”

Hormazd Sorabjee, the Editor of Autocar India says, “Safety is unfortunately not a big part of the purchase decision of Indian consumers. Our best-selling small cars are typically not the safest vehicles on the road because consumers are more worried about fuel efficiency and the cost of ownership, and would rather not pay for safety features such as air bags and anti-lock brakes."

The Tata Nano, for instance, doesn’t include airbags, antilock brakes or side-impact beams in its $2,500 price, but does claim to have passed the required frontal and side impact tests.

To counteract the increased accident and mortality rates, vehicle manufacturers are setting up their own driver training schools. "We do believe the need for training is becoming increasingly relevant due to the increase in vehicle volumes, high speed roads, enhanced performance of vehicles, and the requirement of specific skills for application on vehicles," says Debasis Ray, head of corporate communications at Tata. [Business 24-7 via Bikes In The Fast Lane]

Well, apparently Mahindra decided it would be best to do some testing of the truck, you know, to see if it's actually any good or not. They're lining up a fleet of 25 trucks to drive 3.2 million miles around the US. We're pretty sure that's the collective mileage split between the 25 trucks — otherwise cheap Indian diesel pickup aficionados might be waiting around even longer. [Automotive News; Sub. Req.]

With a new generation of Fit/Jazz on the market we're not surprised they're updating the City, though we're not exactly blown away by the looks. No word on what revised specs this latest City will get, but we're betting most of you don't know what the old specs were. Maybe someday, if they're really good, they''ll be able to get a Fit-based Honda Airwave. That would be sweet. [Team-BHP]

Well, at aroung $311,820 USD, you could buy something like 124 of the $2,500 Tatas. Actually, we'd rather go on the round trip from Mumbai to New Delhi with 124 Nanos than some Ferrari with an ugly paint job. Though, the money from the auction is supposed to go to some sort of charity, so it's for a good cause. We remember hearing our Jalopnik Bangalore branch was supposed to have a test drive of the 612, but that might have just been a day dream brought on by too much chicken makhani. (Hat Tip to Shrawan!) [ebay]

There isn't even a regular old Appalachian out here. Turns out, somewhere in the reporting of the hybrid diesel powertrain and the import of the Appalachian, the two were put together in an internet version of the phone game. From what FEV tells us, there were actually no plans for that variant of the truck and it will not be at SAE. The regular diesel truck is still intended for US import, but if you're a curry-flavored diesel electric truck lover, there is no joy in Detroit for you today.

The diesel-electric is fitted with a parallel hybrid system integrated into the transmission and provides drive power at start, additional power on command, stop/start functionality and regenerative braking capabilities. For the time being, enjoy that sweet teal train-like goodness seemingly following the GM methodology of making sure everyone knows you're driving a hybrid via large stenciled letters on the side. Also, there's a hood scoop. We're not entirely sure why that's important, but yeah, there it is. We'll be getting more details for you when things open up officially. For now, we have to work on outrunning the Detroit police.

"The Scorpio vehicle is a clear indicator of the enormous implications of globalization on the changing paradigm in vehicle development," said Rogers. "A rapid advancement of technology is occurring on a global scale, and our OEM customers are increasingly leveraging FEV's global presence to ensure around- the-clock development of new powertrain and vehicle concepts. The FEV Group has successfully expanded its capabilities and international reach to accomplish shorter development times and to support these types of global initiatives for its OEM partners."

FEV contributed its expertise in hybrid powertrain systems development and integration, as well as software development to support Mahindra in the hybridization of the vehicle, the first of its kind to be marketed in the Asian market.

"FEV has been a very receptive and experienced partner in the program and is known for their HEV work across the globe. With their support, we were able to meet our aggressive targets. They have made a valuable contribution to the development of the Scorpio Hybrid Diesel SUV," said Dr. Arun Jaura, Chief Technology officer, Mahindra Group.

The Mahindra Scorpio hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) features the following characteristics:

— Diesel-electric parallel hybrid vehicle with four major functions:
- Start-stop
- Electric launch
- Torque augmentation
- Regenerative braking
- Seamless but enhanced driving experience
— 2.2 Liter, I-4, second generation diesel common rail engine with 85 kW
and 270 Nm ratings
— 6-speed automatic transmission
— 30 kW (peak) motor with max torque of 270 Nm (peak) and a max speed
8500 rpm
— 288V, 8.4 Ah NiMH battery
— Quick cold start with e-motor assist

The Mahindra and Mahindra diesel-electric hybrid is representative of the type of advanced vehicle technologies under development by FEV. Further examples of this technology will be on display at the FEV exhibit.

The actual hard news, of course, is that GAZ is most likely trying for a piece of the commercial vehicle market in auto-ascendant India, where Tata recently made headlines by unveiling the $2500 Nano and buying a couple venerable British marques off Ford. Unfortunately, it's unclear exactly which Indian firm would partner with Gorkovsky Avtomobilny Zavod, as while their name may be fun to say, they'd be up against current native truckmaker Mahindra, among others. What we can tell you as an absolute press-release certainty, though, is that

"success of cars launched by all global players in India is driving force behind Russia to think over entering Indian auto market."

"As auto is one of the key areas of the India-Russia Forum on Trade and Investment we are looking at business partnership in future."

The company currently sells nearly a full line of BMW vehicles, including M products. Last year the company sold 1,387 units, including about 743 3-series. A feasibility report has been submitted and it'll be up to the company's management to decide whether or not the Mini will actually reach India. If it does we hope they remember to delete the Union Jack roof option. [Economic Times India]

"This is a market that nobody is going to be in for at least three of four years. We're going to be able to give small businesses a truck that can get 30 to 35 miles-per-gallon, and with a diesel engine that's durable. It's a $40,000 truck that we're going to sell in the mid-$20,000s. This is not Chinese junk."

First of all, as we made clear above it'll not only be a diesel pickup, it'll be a hybrid diesel pickup and it's coming in 2010. Secondly, it's got a name — the Mahindra Appalachian and it's based off the Mahindra mid-sized truck currently available on the sub-continent — and which we showed in heavily-modified form last month. Head on over to PickupTruck.com to get the rest of the details. [PickupTruck.com]

And if you believe the various pundits assembled by CNNMoney.com, in a recent report, that infection combined with their penchant for manufacturing eensy proletarian vehicles that your average call-center employee in Bangalore can afford means, yes, pain at the pump for the U.S.A. Gas that tops $5 a gallon for 87-octane has nothing to do with profiteering oil companies and our proud nation's anemic refineries—no, when that day comes and it costs $150 to fuel up a Tahoe, it will be the fault of the wee Tata and its ilk. Little bitty cars that sip gas and are driven by deeply impoverished people. There's your eulogy for relatively inexpensive fuel and the rumbling V8.

Goenka said Mahindra will decide "relatively soon" whether to import the pickup or build it from knockdown kits in the United States. He ruled out building it in Mexico.

Mahindra, of Mumbai, India, has selected about 200 dealers for the launch, Goenka said. The trucks are expected to be available in the next 15 months. The U.S. distributor is Global Vehicles USA Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.

The truck will have a diesel engine that meets the strictest emissions standards, Goenka said.

From: Belema West Date: Jan 23, 2008 10:17 PM Subject: Biz package (300 of ur cars for senior civil servent in the NigerDelta area in Nigeria. To: tips@jalopnik.com

good day sir,
my names are belema west sorry to distourb you. sir, for
a start, 300 of ur cars (tatanano)for senior civil servent in the
NigerDelta area in Nigeria.i want to be the mediator betwin ur company
and government.in de NigerDelta area, if ur company is interested u
have to come down to nigeria lets meet face2face and talk
biz.................. e26nbsp;

thanks

Belema West.
President:GrassRoot Peace Ambassadors Forum

And while having a Catholic priest on hand to bless new cars might make some in this country uncomfortable, the coconut breaking and swastik smearing apparently makes Indian customers happy. It may not be as classy or as entertaining as a waving inflatable ape, but those Tato Nanos aren't going to sell themselves. [Financial Express]

Photo Of Car Blessing In Texas Manjesh.blogspot.com

The only drawback is that this particular prototype might need another two years of development before it hits the street while its rival the Tata Nano will be clogging the streets of Delhi before the end of the year. [AutoInCar]

The new SUV, which looks part Borrego and part Land Cruiser, will be powered by a new generation of Tata's turbocharged 2.2 liter direct injection common rail engine (DICOR). No word on price, though we do know that it will go on sale this month. [Tata via World Car Fans]

Mohanty counters critics by saying that, though the country needs to invest in green solutions and mass transit, destroying a cheap car by taxing it to death will only rob the country of the mobility it needs until a larger solution can be met. He also makes the point that there's a large part of the car market that might move up to larger, more polluting cars if they can afford them. What do you think? Is the $2,500 car for India a good idea? Do you want to wait to actually see the car?

American Express presents Platinum Experience

American Express today announced the next experience in a series of "Ultimate Platinum Experiences" especially created for its Platinum Cardmembers. The latest experience provides a Cardmember with the opportunity to win the ultimate sports machine - the Lamborghini Gallardo. Further, five Cardmembers, including the winner of the car, will also get an opportunity to win the Ultimate Lamborghini Experience which includes a visit to the Lamborghini test drive track in Rome to experience the thrill of driving a Lamborghini!. This experience is launched to match the lifestyle of Platinum Card members and symbolizes the 'Ultimate Expression of their Status'.

The Program period is from December 1, 2007 to April 30, 2008.

Announcing the initiative Mr. Amit Dutta, Vice President- Engagement, Brand and Lending, American Express, India, said, "American Express is recognized for providing premium service and value, which resonates with the lifestyle and the aspirations of our Cardmembers. The Lamborghini Gallardo is well known as the worlds sportiest & most powerful car. From the overwhelming response that was accorded to our previous initiative with Porsche, we are confident that our existing Cardmembers and the luxury car-lovers in India will eagerly participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to win this dream machine."

American Express Platinum is more than just a card that integrates its services and offerings into the Cardmember's lifestyle in a seamless and meaningful manner. According to a study conducted by American Express, affluent consumers in India are constantly looking for products and services that reflect their status and are a symbol of their success - exclusive, premium and world class. American Express has been at the forefront of creating services and products to match these aspirations. Over the last few months American Express has developed exclusive events and experiences collectively titled "The Ultimate Platinum Experiences". Just as the Platinum Card caters to the unique financial and lifestyle needs of the Indian affluent, the Ultimate Platinum Experiences relate to their unique expectations from a premium brand.

In September this year, American Express announced the 'Gift-a-date' experience - Cardmembers received an opportunity to gift their loved ones a gala evening filled with exclusive lifestyle experiences in the company of Abhishek Bachchan. Following this, the company announced a Platinum promotion for the Porsche 911 Targa in October. The offer to receive a Lamborghini Gallardo is yet another opportunity by the brand to provide an unmatched and exclusive opportunity to Platinum Cardmembers and demonstrate value and distinction to potential members.

All Platinum Cardmembers are eligible to participate in this promotion. Every Rs. 10,000 spent by the Cardmember on the Card during the promotion period helps earn one point or one chance to enter the draw. The more entries the Cardmember has, the greater is the opportunity to win the Lamborghini Gallardo. [AmEx India via MoneyControl.com]

Responding to criticism from some that the 250,000 to 500,000 cars they plan to sell each year will clog up roads and pollute the environment, CEO Ratan Tata has said the car will be the least polluting vehicle on the road (less polluting than a bike?). There are many questions still unanswered, including how long it'll take to stick a Hayabusa mill in one.

While India's expanding middle class is now more able to afford motor vehicles beyond scooters and Renault/Nissan are looking at jumping into the $3000-car segment in India (presumably with some variant of the Logan), environmentalists and traffic gurus got worry on their hands. While public transit in New Delhi has cut carbon monoxide levels drastically, an influx of newer, cheaper cars with emissions standards behind Europe and the United States could start pushing the numbers back up. What's more, Murad Ali Baig, an Indian auto journalist, asks in the face of the impending flood, "The question is — where are all the bloody roads to cope?" – Davey G. Johnson

India's "people's cars" spur green nightmare fears [Reuters]

Related:
Toughness, Roominess, Serves The Country: The Hindustan Motors Ambassador [Internal]

Let's face it, Indians take the whole driving deal to a level most of us never dream of. First of all, a lot of them manage to blingify a car based on the Morris Oxford and somehow pull it off without looking like idiots. And, of course, there's the whole share-the-road-with-oxcarts thing. Here's an informative article aimed at the foreigner who wishes to take the wheel on the subcontinent; it includes such handy bits of info as "Official speed limits are seldom posted or, indeed, obeyed" and "Buses habitually carry passengers on the roof rack." Hey, give us an Amby with a loud horn and some sequined Ganesha murals and we're ready to roll. – Murilee Martin

Go left at the elephant [telegraph.co.uk]

Related:
Ambassador Adventure: Calcutta to Haldia [internal]

We soft Americans talk pretty big about hoonage and crazy driving in general, but how about the folks in India who drive Hindustan Motors Ambassadors (which are basically mid-50s Morris Oxfords) every day on brain-rattling roads choked with swerving buses, wrong-way drivers, herds of cows, bicyclists, etc? How many of us would be willing to pass a semi uphill on a crowded road in a tin-can Morris clone with 40 horsepower on tap? These guys are, and they don't even blink an eye while doing it. – Murilee Martin

Related:
Saalam Both Ways: Driving in India [internal]

New Delhi Court: Don't Smoke and Drive [Washington Post]

Related:
Toughness, Roominess, Serves The Country: The Hindustan Motors Ambassador [internal]

If you're a thirtysomething pistonhead like me, odds are good you once had a poster of a Lamborghini Countach on your wall. Most likely, the Countach spent the duration of your puberty sandwiched between a Ferrari Testarossa and Kathy Ireland. But you probably didn't have a picture of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. And I say picture instead of poster because they didn't print posters of the British supercar — I had to cut mine out of Car and Driver. Even freighted with pimples, hairy palms and a funny voice, I just knew the reserved British charmer was far cooler than its rival Italian extroverts. Stemming from my still lingering teenage fantasies, I nominate the original Aston Martin V8 Vantage for induction in the Jalopnik Fantasy Garage.

Some of you might balk at the appellation of "supercar" applied to anything rolling out of Newport Pagnell before 2001 (think Vanquish). However, all you Queen-haters do need to step off, as the V8 Vantage was not only Aston Martin's first supercar, but Britain's as well (and yes, I'm fully aware that AMs stopped coming from Newport Pagnell when Ford bought 'em). And hell yeah was it a supercar! When the Vantage first debuted in 1977, the V540's "375 to 380 bhp" gave it a top speed of 170 mph. And that made it the fastest car in the world.

Let us meditate on that for a moment. Star Wars had just been released, burning "the jump to light speed" into the collective consciousness. Top-end mattered. The truly radical (and equally powerful, i.e. 380 bhp) LP400S Countach could only hit 164 mph. We don't even want to speculate about how slow Ferrari's 512 BB was, what with its puny 340 horses [Actually, it was 162 mph that year — ed.]. The Porsche 911 3.0 was just barely coughing up 200 hp and the (awesome) 928 was still a year away. Even if you were to argue that 1978 model year 928s were available for sale in 1977, they could barely crest 150 mph. The Corvette? 180 hp, dude. Plus of course, the Vantage could seat four. Moving on.

Aston Martin had used the moniker "Vantage" for some time to describe cars with a more powerful engine. But the V8 Vantage was much more than just a checkbox. The Vantage was in fact a separate line. Despite what Jeremy Clarkson says about European cars, no one back in the salad days of cocaine and amyl nitrate poppers was really interested in stopping or turning, so the brakes and suspension setup remained unchanged from the standard V8. However, top speed mattered very, very much. So several aerodynamic tweaks were made to reduce lift at 170 mph. They were essential in a car with a chassis design that predates Watergate. The grill was closed up, as was the intake scoop on the hood, creating a very butch and good looking "bonnet bulge." Air was fed to the radiator and four big-ass Webers via an intake below the deep front air dam. And how can we forget the twin 5" Cibie driving lights stuck into the gaping catfish maw? Oh yeah, we can't.

The version we'd like to stick in our Fantasy Garage is the 1978 Series 2 V8 Vantage "Oscar India" (short for "October Introduction"). Featuring an integrated hood scoop and ducktail spoiler (as opposed to the bolt-ons found on the series 1), the 1978 iteration is to our eyes without question the best looking of all Vantages. The Oscar India was slick inside, too as all the vinyl on the dash was replaced with leather. And if there is one thing we love above most other things, it is leather on a dash. Seriously, sit in a Maserati some time. Also important, the Oscar Indias still had the uber-sexy 15" GKN wheels, as opposed to the wider and grippier but so-much-more garish BBS 16"s that eventually became standard. With the fatter wheels came bigger arches, which looked more screaming chicken than Q-car. Of course the eventual and inevitable 5 mph bumpers ruined the rear end. But back to the beginning, and while the Germans will never understand this, you couldn't think of a hotter name for a car than "Oscar India." We tried. Also, before you vote, please consider that the Vantage came standard with a cigar lighter and ashtray. Seriously folks, the original V8 Vantage is one of the greatest cars ever. – Jonny Lieberman

Gawker Media polls require Javascript; if you're viewing this in an RSS reader, click through to view in your Javascript-enabled web browser.

[Jonny Lieberman's Jalopnik Fantasy Garage runs every Tuesday. Submit proposals for future acquisitions to tips@jalopnik.com.]

Related:
Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT; Jalopnik Fantasy Garage: RUF RT12; Aston Martin Sold To Kuwaiti Investment Company For $925 Million [internal]

Thanks to license-building and/or bankruptcy-driven tooling sell-offs, plenty of vehicles have continued to roll off assembly lines overseas for decades after being phased out in their country of origin. You gotcher Mexican Borgwards and yer Argentinian Ramblers and so on. But how about Indian Jeeps? The Mahindra & Mahindra company got its start importing unassembled Willys Jeeps and putting them together, and by 1954 M&M had a deal with Willys Overland to license-build the CJ-3B in India. Peugeot-engined Mahindra Jeeps were still being made in India as recently as the early 90s, though models equipped with the optional Rocket Launcher Package are getting hard to find these days. – Murilee Martin

The Mahindra Jeep [Queen's University]

Related:
Italian Tatas: Fiat and Indian Automaker to Produce 100,000 Cars a Year [internal]