16 major car and bike launches in May 2015 - IAB Picks [Updated]
May of 2015 sees a host of new car and bike introductions in India, and across the world. In this story, we list out the major Indian launches, and a few international ones which are important for the Indian market.
1. 2015 Toyota Camry (facelift):
The month began with the launch of the facelifted Camry and Camry Hybrid. Toyota's international best-seller gets a host of cosmetic changes, though the engines are untouched on the Indian model.
2. Yamaha Fascino:
The Japanese two-wheeler maker launched yet another rival to the Honda Activa in the 113 cc Fascino. Available in an array of five colors, the Fascino is the lightest scooter made by Indian Yamaha Motor.
3. Maruti Celerio ZXi AMT:
The Celerio ZXi AMT has appeared on the carmaker's website, but its pricing is yet to be announced. The ZXi AMT variant offers the convenience of the AMT system with additional features like a driver airbag, 2-DIN music system, electrically-adjustable wing mirrors and so on.
4 & 5. Indian Dark Chief Horse and Indian Roadmaster:
The Polaris-owned brand launched the new Dark Horse and Roadmaster while simultaneously inaugurating its second dealership in India, located in Bangalore.
6 & 7. 2015 Hero Passion Pro (facelift) and 2015 Hero HF-Deluxe:
India's largest two-wheeler maker rolled out a facelift for the Passion Pro, while the HF-Deluxe and Deluxe Eco got a minor update for their engine.
8. 2015 BMW 3 Series (facelift):
BMW took the wraps of the facelifted 3 Series last week in Germany, but BMW India's President, Mr. Philipp von Sahr has confirmed to Indian Autos Blog that the updated sedan will launch in India by the end of this year.
9. 2015 Audi RS7 (facelift):
The facelifted RS7 launches in India today, and it will be equipped with Audi's Matrix LED headlights, the Singleframe grille, LED taillight units and redesigned bumpers. The engine, a 4.0-liter V8 TFSI, will continue unchanged.
10. 2015 Volvo XC90:
Volvo Auto India will debut the new generation XC90 SUV on May 12, 2015. Based on the SPA platform, the new XC90 would launch in India initially in two variants, and a diesel engine.
11. Tata GenX Nano AMT:
The GenX Tata Nano will go on sale in the country on May 19. Notably, it will be the first Nano to come with a functional bootlid and an automated manual transmission.
12. Renault XBA (Renault Kayou):
Perhaps the most important launch here, Renault's entry-level small car will world premiere in Chennai on May 20. The company has confirmed a sub-4 lakhs pricetag for the car.
13. Mercedes-Benz S Guard:
Mercedes-Benz India will introduce the armored S Class, the S Guard, on May 21. The luxury fortress on wheels gets VR9 level of ballistics protection.
14. Fiat Aegea (Fiat Linea successor):
Fiat will unveil its all-new compact sedan, what is reported to replace the Linea, at the Istanbul Auto Show on May 21. Fiat India is yet to confirm if the forthcoming sedan will replace the Linea, or if it has another model planned specifically for the Indian market.
Update: The Fiat Aegea world premiered yesterday at the Istanbul show.
15. 2016 Toyota Hilux:
The next generation Toyota Hilux will be unveiled in Thailand on May 21. The technologies, platform and engines of the new Hilux are expected to be carried onto the next generation Toyota Fortuner, which is anticipated in India next year.
16. Ducati Scrambler:
Dealers of Ducati India have started accepting bookings for the Scrambler, and a launch is expected to take place later this month or early next month.
17. 2015 Mahindra XUV500 (facelift):
Mahindra have confirmed the launch of the XUV500 facelift for May 25.
18. 2015 VW Vento (facelift):
VW India have revealed the Vento facelift prior to its launch expected to take place next month. The sedan gets plenty of feature and cosmetic revisions.
19. 2015 BMW 6 Series (facelift):
BMW India have confirmed the launch of the 6 Series facelift for May 29.