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The most preferred auto brand among India's Internet-using community is Hyundai.

And more such interesting stuff from AC Nielsen's global online consumer survey on car ownership.

The one where GM gets the drift

Industry pundits and market-watchers alike have long since been critical of, and been puzzled by, GM's determined non-participation in the high-volume compact car segment in India. Save for a rather lacklustre showing in the hatchback segment in the form of the Opel Corsa Sail, the world's largest carmaker has had us believe that the lack of its presence in the entry, B and premium-B segments has been part of a well thought-out strategy.

Well, you know that bit about doing as the Romans do. With every carmaker worth its salt scrambling over the other to grab a piece of the small car pie, it probably didn't take a genius to figure out and tell GM what they were missing out on. Ergo, very soon, car buyers in India will have the Chevrolet Aveo and the Chevrolet Spark (nee the Daewoo Matiz) add to what is increasingly becoming a bewildering (in a good way, you understand) range of small and compact automobiles to choose from.

Also see:
The Fiat Palio 1.6 GTX vs. the Opel Corsa Sail
The small shape of things to come

Mark off May 27th...

...on your calendars. And in red, preferably. Because that's the date that seems to be on everyone's lips these days. As are various opinions on what the price tag on the Swift is going to be.

Update: Well, it looks like my Jamaican friend was right. This good piece on the reasons for the slow but sure emergence of the new B+ segment in India does in fact, confirm that the Swift will officially be launched on the 19th of May.

Respect for da' tip off, mon! =)