OTHER VEHICLE

Volkswagen Cross Polo is the regular polo with some exterior body kits to make it look more muscular and SUV look. Volkswagen has been testing the cross polo very aggressively around different parts of India. Now Autocar India reports that Volkswagen could launch the Cross Polo on 21st August in India. There has been no official information yet.

Volkswagen has increased the ground clearance for the Cross Polo. Volkswagen has also added black cladding around the polo and also scuff plates in the front and rear with a dull silver finish to give an SUV look for the polo. Volkswagen would also give 16 inch alloy wheels. Volkswagen Cross Polo also gets roof rails, which can hold 75 Kg of luggage.

Volkswagen Cross Polo gets the same interiors from the Polo. Volkswagen will only offer the Cross Polo at the top end trim with all the features available in the top end Polo. There won’t be any increase in the interior space. But overall length will increase thanks to the added body kit. In 2014, Volkswagen will introduce a different version of Cross Polo with spare wheel mounted on the hatch door.

Volkswagen Cross Polo is powered by the same 1.2 L TDI engine which makes 75 PS of power. This engine is mated to 5 speed manual gearbox. Volkswagen Cross Polo has already received the ARAI certificate, which indicate the launch is not far away. Volkswagen will price the Cross Polo 70.000 – 80.000 RS more than the Polo TDI top end variant.

source : ACI

It’s been one of the worst years for gold in a generation.

A flood of outflows from gold ETFs, endless tax increases on gold imports in India, and the supposedly improving economy in the U.S. have all contributed to the constant hammering gold took in 2013.

Perhaps worse has been the onslaught of negative press our favorite metal has suffered.
It’s felt overwhelming at times and has pushed even some die-hard goldbugs to question their beliefs… not a bad thing, by the way.

Last year’s winner of negative rhetoric was probably Goldman Sachs, calling gold a “slam-dunk sale” for 2014 (this, of course, after it’s already fallen by nearly a third over a period of more than two and a half years).  (more)

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Justin Moon

"The only time I really don’t feel connected is when I am driving in my car.”

You can always tell you’ve had a successful conference if you come away with a few “ah ha” or “oh no” moments. The above quote, which I cannot take credit for, was my “ah ha” moment at Automotive Megatrends 2013. The conference saw leaders and forward thinkers in the automotive industry come together and discuss (or debate) three technology streams: powertrain, safety, and the stream I participated in, connectivity.

The day began with a panel discussing the Big Picture of in-vehicle connectivity. Five panelists presented their views on business model pros and cons, where connectivity is headed, how it could change consumer expectations, and steps for ensuring success. Following the panelists’ presentations, the floor was opened for questions and dialogue with the audience. It was a great introduction and it set the stage for the rest of the day.

After a brief “networking” break, a panel discussing hardware and the effects associated with connectivity began. The format continued as before: each panelist spoke on their area of interest or expertise, then the audience joined the conversation. I was intrigued by the state of persistent storage in infotainment systems, including the problems and potential solutions for maintaining performance and reliability.

Lunch was just as engaging as the panels and discussions. I participated in a lively table-wide discussion with several analysts and industry thinkers on how the connection in my vehicle needs to become a seamless part of my lifestyle, just like my smartphone or the connected entertainment equipment in my home. This discussion was a great lead-in to the panel I had the pleasure of participating in — Software and Apps.

Clearing a path
The panel followed the same format as the others. Panelists discussed the role of the software platform and where application models fit into the future of the connected vehicle. One engaging panelist, after a rousing lunch discussion, explored how ubiquitous connectivity will clear a path for bigger possibilities with ecological initiatives, safety strategies, and making the vehicle a part of the connected lifestyle consumers already relate to and expect.

The final panel of the day was about wireless networks and had some industry big thinkers jam about infrastructure requirements, futures, and business models.

All in all, my experience at Automotive Megatrends was very positive and I look forward to doing it again next year.