All over the world people wait for their doorbells to ring, excited at the thought of the DHL courier guy arriving with their parcel. Well some very special packages, the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class for instance, do need to be handled with extra care, and that's where DHL gladly decided to step in.

For its recently held world premiere at Hamburg amidst some 750 international guests, the super luxurious 2014 model year version of the S-Class was transported by the logistics experts straight from the Mercedes-Benz plant in Stuttgart to the suburb of Finkenwerder in Hamburg.

Covered entirely to avoid being spotted by prying eyes the latest version of the German car makers flagship sedan was flown in an A300-600 DHL freight aircraft to Hamburg, where it was unveiled for the first time before privileged customers, retailers and journalists.

Taking pride in having being offered this rare opportunity by the three-pointed star, Fathi Tlatli, President Global Sector Automotive, DHL Customer Solutions andamp; Innovation said, "Against the background of our long years of collaboration with Daimler, we are very proud to have transported the premier model in the Mercedes-Benz range to its official international unveiling. This very special assignment is further evidence of the trust that industry-leading companies, Mercedes among them, have in our products and people."

Commenting on the special arrangements made for bringing the S-Class to Hamburg, Jandouml;rg Howe, Head of Communications Daimler AG said, "This eagerly awaited presentation is a milestone of particular importance for Mercedes, so we have the very highest of expectations with regard to the car's safe transportation and the confidential handling of information. We are delighted that we have, for many years, had DHL as a partner which meets the same rigorous quality standards we set ourselves and in which we can have the utmost confidence."

DHL worked closely with Mercedes-Benz on shipping the new S-Class to Hamburg safely and securely. A special camouflage system for the car ensured that the operation's extremely demanding security requirements were met ().

As one would expect from a high-calibre event such as this, Mercedes-Benz opened a unique "Ten Star Restaurant" in the Airbus A380 delivery centre, where five top rated German chefs specialising in different culinary styles indulged guests with their unique gourmet creations.

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A unique camp and workshop aimed at road safety and self defence training for women was launched by Honda Motorcycles and Scooters (HMSI) in collaboration with the Delhi police. The workshops and training camps taking place from May 14-22, 2013 will be held across three venues in Delhi which are the Kirpal Bagh Ashram in Model Town, the training hall at Special Police Unit for Women and Children in Nanak Pura, and at the Sports Complex in Jamia Milia University.

Registrations for the workshop and training camp at the fourth venue which is the Sneh International School in Rajdhani Enclave near Karkari Mor start on May 17, 2013. The camp at this venue will be held from May 22 to June 5, 2013. The Road Safety workshop will aim at educating first time female riders on correct two-wheeler riding techniques, safety measures to be taken by existing two-wheeler riders such as mounting dismounting tips, basic riding posture and traffic safety.

Additionally Honda is also offering an opportunity of a free training camp for women who want to learn how to ride a two-wheeler, which will be held across various Traffic Parks in Delhi. A company like Honda has been associated with road safety initiatives all across the globe, and being a leading two-wheeler company they have contributed towards taking measures to help empower women in Delhi where safety for women has become a concern lately.

Ferrari. The name itself imbibes a plethora of emotions and the need to be associated with the brand is second to none. After all, Ferrari is the world's most powerful brand, beating the likes of Apple, Samsung, Coca Cola, and PWC. Such is the power of this brand that every minute around 95 items featuring the prancing horse logo is sold across the globe. The company has garnered over 11,425,014 facebook fans, has 32,193,116 visitors on their website and has recorded over 30,478,586 hits on YouTube. With the numbers set to grow over the coming years, the company is very clear on the fact that their strength lies in their workforce, exclusivity as well as their undeterred dedication to the world of motorsport and technology. Highlighting this fact, Luca di Montezemolo, Chairman, Ferrari, stated, "I base my plans for Ferrari on four key areas; our team spirit, our passion, our extreme technology and our exclusivity."

Based on these merits, the company is chartering a bold path ahead to ensure brand sustenance as well as capitalize on the fact that Ferrari indeed is a very special company.

Passion: Driving Brand Ferrari

By garnering the title of being the World's most powerful brand, Ferrari has obviously gained a tremendous opportunity to generate revenue. The study by Brand Finance revealed that over 55 per cent of Ferrari fans on facebook are under the age of 24 and that the brand has a very high level of recognition across the globe ranging from very young minds to older connoisseurs which points to the fact that the brand isn't just sought after by Ferrari owners but by a vast population who in some way wish to be associated with the prancing horse There is a strong commitment that people make to the brand thanks to its heritage in creating some of the most sought after road going products as well as the company's motorsport history.

For Ferrari, all this admiration and adulations can only spell good news and the company intends on capitalizing on this through every measure. With over 60 global partnerships including Shell, Lego, Puma, a number of video games, model car manufacturers and apparel manufacturers, the company intends on reaching out to capitalize on their brand worth.

Further to that, Ferrari has outlined their retail project to expand as well and has targeted at having 50 Ferrari Stores globally to market their merchandise ranging from kids wear and toys to collectors items and fashion suitable to those who either own a Ferrari or wish to be associated with that level of lifestyle. Not limiting themselves to geographic locations only, the company also offers their merchandise through their online retail venture which has witnessed a steady growth over the years; starting with just a sale of 55,000 units in 2010, the online retail venture has sold over 100,000 items in 2012 and the figure is set to dramatically rise in 2013.

]]> 0 Vikram Gour http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/ferrari-fuelling-growth-in-style/16394/ 2013-05-17 18:13:48 TNN Photography: Kunal Khadse http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/bigger-the-better-for-firsttime-car-buyers-in-india/16395/

As customer preferences change, first-time car buyers in India are increasingly opting for premium hatchbacks and compact sedans over entry-level A-segment models

India is a small car market, right? Well, actually not any more. In the past one year, the entry level A-segment - which has models like the Maruti Alto and Hyundai Eon - and the bread and butter B segment - with models like the Hyundai i10, Maruti Wagon R and Chevrolet Beat and Spark - have shown a sharp degrowth as customer preference moved up the value chain. The new growth sweet spots are the premium hatchbacks - Suzuki Swift and Ritz, Hyundai i20 - or the compact sedans like the Honda Amaze, Swift DZire and Chevrolet Sail.

Said Vikas Jain, director-sales, GM India: "The A and B1 segment sales are shrinking with more people migrating to bigger cars. The massive discounts in the small car segment should tell you the extent of suffering of manufacturers of these cars."

Currently, the discounts in the A and B1 segments range anywhere between Rs 20,000 to a lakh depending upon model and make. Industry experts say the trend is driven by a new class of first time car buyers who are joining the pool at a higher price level. Said Sumit Bali, executive vice president, Kotak Mahindra Bank: "The entry level A-segment has been soft all through last year and of late first time buyers are going straight to entry level sedans. So the A and B segments continue to be soft. The second half of this fiscal should be slightly better in terms of demand and sentiment."

Car marketers say the shift could reverse as petrol makes a come back vis-a-vis diesel. Said Maruti COO marketing and sales Mayank Pareek: "This trend has more to do with availability of diesel versions in a year that saw a rapid drive towards diesel cars. In the A2 + segment, for instance, we have Swift and Ritz in diesel version so that segment showed growth. With petrol prices becoming more supportive of late, the entry level segment has just about started looking up and diesel models are now under pressure. So there's just a hint of an improvement in Alto and WagonR now as they move into the plus zone," he explained.

Marketers say the bigger picture of decline though does not seem to have corrected itself and April was the fifth month in a row that saw a decline in car sales. "Earlier SUVs and diesels were growing but that too is getting neutralized," said Pareek. "Last month, SUVs grew 4%, this month it is lower." The only silver lining is rural growth. "We have clocked a 17% upside on rural sales last month," he said, adding, "the market should pick up in the second half of this year helping us close with 5-7% growth if we're lucky."

Auto experts also say that overall the higher priced models have fared much better in the slowdown with the super premium segment clocking decent double digit growth last year as well. Said Ashok Khanna, senior executive VP and business head-auto loans, HDFC Bank: "The segment that has proved to be quite slowdown resistant is the premium car market in the Rs 20 lakh plus category currently dominated by six brands - Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Volvo and Jaguar-Land Rover. That's why this segment is seeing compact launches including the impending A Class launch."

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While syncing your phone through Bluetooth with your car stereo system is slowly becoming the norm, the majority of systems installed in cars don't offer this feature. To answer that predicament, Jabra has introduced the Jabra TOUR in car speaker that effortlessly syncs with your phone via Bluetooth and allows you an array of features. It's convenient, easy to use, however at Rs 6490/- it is a little pricey.

The Jabra TOUR is essentially a 3 watt speaker that offers great voice quality and comes with a HD voice microphone to optimize the sound and speech quality. The speaker can also be used to playback music, podcasts and directions from GPS systems, however the sound quality while playing music isn't up to the mark as the speaker doesn't offer much bass; after all its primary purpose is voice clarity.

The speaker can connect up to two users simultaneously, which is a decent feature for families as you don't have to keep syncing your phone with the speaker. Weighing just 135 grams, it has an inbuilt battery that allows up to 20 hours of talk-time and 45 days of standby time. Charging the unit is easy thanks to the universal car charger that fits into the car lighter socket. It also comes with a micro-USB cable that allows you to charge the device through your laptop or PC in the convenience of your office or home.

With more and more manufacturers offering similar systems inbuilt in their vehicles via the in car entertainment unit, the Jabra TOUR does have stiff competition. Having said that though, it does have its merits of being a convenient and easy to use instrument. Our only major grouse with the system however is its pricing which we feel is too high for such a speaker.

A year since the launch of its first range of satellite navigation devices in India, Garmin has updated its product range in the country with four new portable navigation devices (PNDs), namely, the nuvi 42LM, nuvi 52LM, nuvi 2460 LM and nuvi 2568 LM. The four devices are priced at Rs 8,990, Rs 9,990, Rs 13,990 and Rs 16,990 respectively.

The new range of Garmin PNDs have features such as a new Guidance User Interface that makes destination search easier and photoReal Junction View that displays the actual picture of a junction when near it. Garmin PNDs can now show detailed information about historical monuments and tourist spots. There's a Lane Assist and Advanced Highway Mode that inform you about approaching exits on highways, Text-to-speech and Voice Guidance in both Hindi and English, a new house search algorithm for easier search and Go To Office/ Go Home function with a simple click.

Garmin has also tied up with Zomato.com to help customers get more information about the restaurants and recreational facilities in an area.

"With the launch of these devices, we are ensuring that people should get the world-class experience in navigation. Being a company which has reached a mark of selling more than 110 million products, we take it as our responsibility to constantly upgrade our products and this is an attempt in that direction," said Tony An, Sales and Marketing Director, Garmin Corporation.

Designed as a program to allow customers and prospective customers experience and understand the capabilities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the StarDrive program essentially works as an experiential marketing program for the brand. The program itself is divided into three categories, namely the active safety demonstration, the SUV demonstration and the final slalom test.

The safety demonstration allows the participant experience the active and passive systems on board in the event of critical road conditions or the possibility of an accident. Systems such as ABS and EBD obviously come to the fore, but it is the little things such as the sunroof and windows closing to keep the passengers cocooned in the case of an accident that really show the technological prowess of Mercedes-Benz.

The SUV drive is a mixed bag of emotions, because the demonstration showcases the sheer capabilities that these mean machines possess. The SUVs are capable of navigating 30 degree inclines, climbing over rather undulated surfaces and climb up a slope at a 45 degree angle. Along with that, the participant also gets to experience the hill-hold function as well as the hill-descend function. While this is great, the reason it gets depressing is that most owners of such an SUV will never take it anywhere near areas where these functions will come in handy, save for hill-hold which would help soccer moms from inadvertently reversing while waiting on a mall ramp to exit Regardless, the capabilities of these machines is amazing and they pack a serious amount of equipment to ensure that they can perform on surfaces and gradients that pose a serious challenge.

The final demonstration is the only one where the participant is allowed to drive the car. The handling course is a display of the vehicle's handling ability and as the participant makes their way through the track laid out with cones they get a sense of the ease of maneuvering the vehicle despite its length and weight.

Overall, the StarDrive Experience is an entertaining way to push the brand and share its virtues with prospective and existing customers. Mercedes-Benz is expecting over 8000 participants this year which is a solid improvement from the 2400 that took part in the first year. Conducted in association with Mobil 1 and Daimler Financial Services the StarDrive program travels from city to city throughout the year and is a worthy event to attend if you are considering the purchase of a three point star.

Mahindra has on and off been dropping subtle clues about its upcoming sub-4-metre offering, Vibe. Today, it finally announced that the Vibe is all set to hit the tarmac on June 5, 2013, in Mumbai. Related:

Details of the new car have been under a tight lid so far leading to speculations about what the Vibe really is. Earlier rumours suggested that it's a compact sedan based on the Verito meant to take on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire and the recently launched Honda Amaze. However, spy photos of the Vibe posted online have clearly established the car to be a hatchback.

While the Verito Vibe looks exactly the same as its sedan sibling when seen head on, the rear is where things takes a steep, rakish fall with the boot chopped off entirely and taillights mounted on to the C-Pillar. The styling does hark back to the 90s; whether that's a good thing or bad, we'll leave you to decide. On the plus side of things, the Verito is known for its spacious interior and the Vibe will likely carry forward that trait.

The engine will be the same 1.5-litre, 65PS dCi diesel unit that does duty on the Verito. And with the length kept well under 4 metres, pricing should be extremely competitive.

Commenting on the 'Verito Vibe', Pravin Shah, Chief Executive, Automotive Division, Mahindra andamp; Mahindra, said, "The Verito Vibe marks our entry into the high volume sub-4 metre segment. We are confident that this product will be successful in delighting our customers with its young and sporty looks, without compromising the benefits that our existing Verito has to offer.''

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Initially the Museo Ferrari started out as a 1500 square meter property and was later extended up to 2500 square meters in 2004. As of May 2013, with the opening of the new wing, the museum now measures 3500 square meters and houses around 46 cars from the Ferrari family including concepts, Formula 1, GT heritage models, classics and of course the latest offering from the brand.

If you happen to be in awe of the most powerful brand in the world, then a visit to the museum is a must. After all you almost feel as though you are standing on holy ground. Currently the museum has a special display dedicated to the company's Supercar heritage which includes the likes of some iconic racing cars, GTs as well as quintessential super cars. For any Ferrari fan, this exhibit is equivalent to meeting your favourite film stars for as you make your way through the exhibits you get to feast your eyes upon some of the most iconic cars in motoring history. The exhibit includes the 1951 Ferrari 166 F2 monoposto V12, the 1951 Ferrari 500 F2 monoposto, the 1962 Ferrari 250GTo V12, the 1962 Ferrari 250 Berlinetta Competizione "The Breadvan" V12, the 1963 Ferrari 250 Le Mans V12, the 1969 Dino 246 GT V6, the 1981 Ferrari F1 126CK V6 Turbo piloted by none other than Gilles Villeneuve, the 1987 F40 V8 Turbo, the 1995 F50 V12 and just about every iconic Ferrari you can remember

If that isn't enough, you can enter the 'Hall of Victories' where eight Formula 1 Ferrari cars are arranged in a semi circle facing a wall covered in trophies garnered in the epitome of motorsport racing; 31 Formula 1 titles to be exact (16 Constructors' World Titles and 15 Drivers' World Titles) To further your F1 aspirations the museum also has two simulators to test your skills behind the wheel of the latest Ferrari F1 car.

To pay homage to the man himself, the museum also houses the exact replica of Enzo Ferrari's office. Such is the nature of this museum that it is almost 'shrine-like' in its appeal and aura. You can almost feel the energy that goes behind this brand within these walls and sure enough, Ferrari does share a relevant amount of 'behind the scenes' action through the display of some of their concept vehicles, including an elaborate display of the concepts and stages of development of their latest offering, the LaFerrari.

Originally going by the name Ferrari F150, the museum showcases different elements of the developmental stages of what we now know as the LaFerrari, a masterpiece of engineering, form, function, performance and technology. On display is the 2010 Ferrari Multiposto F150 M8 Hy-Kers V12 as well as the 2010 Ferrari 599 Hy-Kers V12. While these were test beds for the Hy-Kers system that eventually debuted in the LaFerrari, it gives you an insight as to when the company actually got working on the hybrid system. In terms of design the exhibition had on display the 2011 Ferrari F 150 Modello di stiles known as the "Manta" as well as the "Tensostruttura". The LaFerrari is a design evolution based upon these two concepts and unlike the customary norm where the final model is usually a little toned down as compared to the concepts, with the LaFerrari the story is entirely the opposite

Located in the heartland of Ferrari, the Museo Ferrari is the Mecca for those who are infatuated by the prancing horse brand. You just can't get enough of Ferrari, but if you want to soak in a whole lot of Ferrari history and bathe in the aura of a very special brand a visit to the museum is definitely worth adding to your bucket list regardless of whether you are a motorsport fan, classic car expert or just a regular bloke bitten real hard by the color red

]]> 0 Vikram Gour http://www.zigwheels.com/news-features/news/museo-ferrari-gets-a-new-wing/16385/ 2013-05-16 17:29:01 Team ZigWheels http://www.zigwheels.com/gallery/slideshow/audi-s7-sportback-first-drive-pics/16384/1

On the outskirts of Munich, Germany, we got our hands on the stunning S7 a sportier version of the original A7 Sportback that was launched in India in 2011. Heres a look at the swanky sportback..