Daimler Trucks Keeps Advancing in India: Four New BharatBenz Truck Models Presented

Daimler Trucks keeps advancing its activities on the Indian market. Merely two weeks after Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) was named “CV maker of the year” in India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler presented four new truck models of its BharatBenz brand at an event in Mumbai today.

As of now, three tractor trailers (BharatBenz 4023TT, 4028TT and 4928TT) as well as a vehicle for construction and mining purposes (BharatBenz 3128CM) complement the product portfolio of the latest member in the Daimler Trucks family.

“The on-schedule market launch of the new BharatBenz models is yet another proof that our growing commercial vehicle business in India is fully on track,” says Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, member of the Daimler Board of Management responsible for trucks and buses. “Despite a strongly declining market, we have managed to establish a completely new truck brand in the country within one and a half years. The brand has met our expectations and has won a great deal of recognition in the industry already.”

Only 15 months after market launch, BharatBenz won several of the renowned “CV Apollo Awards” handed over by the leading Indian commercial vehicle magazine CV. Next to the important “CV maker of the year” award, the brand received awards for the BharatBenz 1217C tipper in the “commercial vehicle innovation” category and for the heavy-duty cargo carrier BharatBenz 3128C in the category above 25 tonnes. In addition, the brand managed to come in fourth in the country’s medium- and heavy-duty truck segment from scratch.

In September 2012, BharatBenz started its product offensive with the market launch of the first heavy-duty truck models. The product offensive grew by several variants and medium-duty trucks in the months that followed. The trucks presented today enable customers to choose from vehicles in the range from nine to 49 tonnes GVW (gross vehicle weight).

Beyond the attractive product portfolio, BharatBenz offers comprehensive consultation and excellent service with a network of 75 dealership outlets that will further increase to more than 100 sales and service points in the next months. They also offer financing and insurance services as well as customized service packages, and thus a one-stop-solution for clients. “This offer gives us a real competitive advantage. It is one of the many examples showing how we revolutionize the Indian commercial vehicle market in a sustainable way”, explains Marc Llistosella, Managing Director and CEO of DICV.

In the framework of the “Asia Business Model”, describing the close cooperation between Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) and DICV, Fuso trucks have rolled off the assembly line in Chennai since May 2013. They are determined for export in Asian and African growth markets. By the end of the year, they will be available in more than ten countries.

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From Rushlane News

U.S. FAA downgrades India aviation rating; Air India, Jet hit

U.S. authorities have downgraded India's aviation safety rating, citing a lack of safety oversight, meaning Indian carriers cannot increase flights to the United States and face extra checks for existing ones.

India's government said it expected to resolve by March all concerns raised by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, including appointing an adequate number of flight operation inspectors, and would approach the U.S. regulator for a review of its decision.

"The FAA has determined that India at this time is not in compliance with the international standards for aviation safety oversight," the U.S. regulator told India in a communication, extracts of which were released by the Indian aviation ministry.

Jet Airways (JET.NS) and state-run Air India, the only two carriers that fly from India to the United States, would be hit by the downgrade. Air India has 21 weekly flights between India and the United States, while Jet has seven.

After the news, Jet Airways shares closed 3.7 percent lower in a Mumbai market that ended 0.3 percent higher.

"It's very disappointing and also surprising," Indian Aviation Minister Ajit Singh told a news briefing on Friday after the FAA told Indian authorities that it was downgrading the country to Category 2 from Category 1.

"In our view, 95 percent of all the issues raised have been solved," Singh said, adding they would address all of the FAA's concerns by March.

India joins countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Bangladesh that have a Category 2 rating. As of November 22, the FAA kept 81 of the 96 countries reviewed in Category 1.

Amber Dubey, head of aerospace and defence at consultancy KPMG's Indian unit, said safety regulators in some other countries may follow suit after the FAA downgrade, which would then affect carriers like IndiGo and SpiceJet (SPJT.BO), which fly to Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

Source: Automobile News

From Reuters News

SpiceJet, IndiGo extend airfare discount scheme

Low-cost airlines SpiceJet Ltd and IndiGo yesterday cut fares by 30 per cent for bookings until Sunday to fill seats during the lean season, as per a Mint report. And online travel agents said Jet Airways (India) Ltd and GoAir have also joined the sale. “SpiceJet will offer 30 per cent discount on base fare and fuel surcharge on the ticket. All applicable fees and taxes, etc., are to be paid by the customer. Minimum 30 days advance purchase is required to avail of the Super Sale fares,” said SpiceJet on its website.

The sale would require customers to book at least 30 days in advance for weekday travel from Mondays to Thursdays till April 15, 2014. A Delhi-Mumbai fare that is otherwise Rs 10,098 for last-minute purchase can be purchased for as little as Rs 3,617 under this offer.

Together SpiceJet and IndiGo make up for nearly 48 per cent of the domestic aviation market. Jet Airways too is offering a 30 per cent discount on the base fare as well as fuel surcharge, travel agents said. “After the grand success of the Spring Super Sale offer and in response to a deluge of requests to repeat the offer from those who missed it the first time, we are pleased to announce the Second Chance Super Sale offer for the benefit of our customers,” said Sanjiv Kapoor, CEO, SpiceJet.

“These offers are a win-win for customers and for the airlines, since it leads to significant demand stimulation, customers get to enjoy deeply discounted fares, and airlines get to reduce wastage of seats that would otherwise fly empty in low season,” he added.

Kapoor said, “SpiceJet is also demonstrating that you do not need foreign airlines to show India the power of low fares and market stimulation; we are just as capable of doing it ourselves, and are committed to creating multiple opportunities for as many Indians as possible to fly.”

This second round of promotional fares comes at a time when SpiceJet is looking for investments to fund its expansion. Vikram Malhi, General Manager (South and Southeast Asia), Expedia Inc., said his firm had seen a surge of 150 per cent in bookings since Friday morning. “A Delhi-Mumbai fare that would cost Rs 10,098 on last-minute purchase can be purchased for Rs 3,617, including tax, under the present offer,” he said. “These offers are a win-win for customers and for the airlines, since it leads to significant demand stimulation, customers get to enjoy deeply discounted fares, and airlines get to reduce wastage of seats that would otherwise fly empty in low season,” he added.

Also, by selling some percentage of inventory at discounted prices during the lean season, airlines would be in a better position to assess their bookings and load factor to plan for the holiday season, Malhi stated.

“It is a good opportunity for customers to firm up their travel plans as these are meant to prop up sales in a weak quarter which they can take advantage of,” said Neelu Singh, COO, Ezeego1.

Kapil Kaul, CEO, South Asia, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), said his firm expected further pricing offers by airlines after the recent discounts to perk up travel demand and raise cash. “Domestic aviation continues to be an unviable business with no near-term turnaround likely. More important, industry actions reflect almost no desire to return to profitability as funds seem easily available,” Kaul added.

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From TBM News

Maruti Suzuki sales dip 10 pc in Jan

Country's largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Saturday reported 10.3 per cent decline in total sales in January at 1,02,416 units as against 1,14,205 units in the same month last year.

The company said its domestic sales declined by 6.3 per cent during the month to 96,569 units as against 1,03,026 units in January, 2013.

Sales of mini segment cars, including M800, Alto, A-Star and WagonR, declined by 17 per cent to 38,565 units as compared to 46,479 units in the year-ago month, MSI said in a statement.

The company said sales of the compact segment comprising Swift, Estilo, Ritz increased by 1.9 per cent to 24,473 units in January this year as against 24,006 units last year.

MSI said sales of its popular compact sedan Dzire rose by 12.7 per cent during the month under review at 19,232 units as against 17,060 units in January, 2013.

The company's mid-sized sedan SX4 registered a decline of 81.1 per cent to 191 units as against 1,012 units in the same month last year. There was no sale of premium sedan Kizashi during the month.

Sales of utility vehicles, including Gypsy, Grand Vitara and Ertiga, stood at 4,763 units in January this year, down 21.9 per cent from 6,095 units in the corresponding month last year.

Sales of vans--Omni and Eeco rose by 11.6 per cent to 9,345 units in January this year as compared to 8,374 units in the same period of previous year. Exports during the month declined by 47.7 per cent to 5,847 units as compared to 11,179 units in January last year, MSI said.

Source: Automobile News

From BT News

US warns China against new air defence zone

The United States warned China on Friday against any move to declare a new air defence zone over parts of the South China Sea including disputed islands.

The Asahi Shimbun daily of Japan reported that Chinese air force officials have drafted proposals for the next Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) that could place the Paracel Islands at its core.

Any such move would be seen "as a provocative and unilateral act that would raise tensions and call into serious question China's commitment to diplomatically managing territorial disputes," State Department deputy spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters.

She stressed, however, that the reports were "unconfirmed" at this time.

Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline.

Late last year, it caused a storm when it abruptly declared an ADIZ above the East China Sea, including islands at the heart of a sovereignty row with Tokyo.

"We've made very clear that parties must refrain from announcing an ADIZ or any other administrative regulation restraining activity of others in disputed territories, and we would of course urge China not to do so," Harf added.

Source: Hindi News

From CNA News

SpiceJet to issue warrants to promoters

 

India’s second largest low-fare airline SpiceJet Ltd on Friday said its board of directors has decided to issue upto 64.1 million warrants having the option to apply for and be allotted an equivalent number of equity shares of the face value of Rs.10 each to the promoters of the airline.

The move is aimed at arresting the erosion of the company’s net worth following mounting losses, experts said. SpiceJet is controlled by media baron Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV Network Ltd.

The price of these warrants would be determined later as per the capital market regulator’s guidelines, the company said in a filing to BSE.

Shares of SpiceJet closed at Rs.18.60, down 2.11%, while the benchmark BSE Sensex closed up 0.22% at 20,758.49 points.
S.L. Narayanan, group chief financial officer at Sun Group, said the proposed issue of warrants will eventually result in an increase of SpiceJet’s equity share capital by 64.17 million shares.

“The total amount of funds to be infused (including premium) with the proposed issue is estimated to be around Rs.133.34 crore. With this additional funding, the promoters will hold about 58.46% of the expanded capital after the allotment of the new shares,” said Narayanan.

According to Mint Research, the airline has a total liability of Rs.3,192.73 crore as on 30 September and a negative net worth of Rs.603.29 crore.

SpiceJet reported a record loss of Rs.559 crore in the September quarter led by a steep fall in the value of the local currency against the dollar, high aircraft maintenance costs and poor demand.

Its revenue dropped to Rs.1,257.22 crore in the second quarter from Rs.1,701.54 crore in the preceding three months.

SpiceJet has been in talks with private equity funds, Indian conglomerates and foreign airlines for an equity investment over the last one-and-a-half years but has met with little success so far.

In December, SpiceJet’s chief operating officer Sanjiv Kapoor, without disclosing details, said the airline was talking to more than two partners who are interested in an equity stake in SpiceJet.

On 7 January, Mint reported that SpiceJet is set to sign a deal to buy 40 Boeing 737 MAX planes worth a combined $4 billion at list price, according to two people familiar with the development.

The company also informed BSE on Friday that the board of SpiceJet has decided to conduct a postal ballot to seek permission to allot warrants and other business in order to empower the board to borrow in excess of the paid-up capital and free up the company’s reserves.

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From Live Mint News

SpiceJet promoter stake to rise to 58.5% on warrant swap

Promoters’ stake in low-cost carrier SpiceJet will rise to 58.5 percent if they decide to convert the 6.4 crore warrants issued recently, into equity at par.

Sun Group Chief Financial Officer told CNBC-TV18 in an interview that the warrant issue was aimed at arresting the erosion in the company’s networth. Losses at SpiceJet have been mounting, as the company grapples with high fuel price and fierce competition.

The company has reported a net loss of Rs 508 crore for the first half of this financial year, on the back of a Rs 191-crore loss for 2012-13. The company’s networth as on September 30, 2013 is negative Rs 603 crore.

Over the last year, SpiceJet shares have declined 57 percent, and those of rival Jet Airways have fallen 53 percent. Last year too, the company’s promoters had infused funds through warrants, and in December 2013, raised their stake by 2.8 percentage points to over 53 percent by converting Rs 54 crore worth of warrants into shares.

Competition in Indian skies is expected to intensify as Air Asia and Tata SIA commence operations in the coming months. There are media reports that SpiceJet is in talks with strategic investors to sell a minority stake and raise equity capital. However, Narayanan refused to comment on this aspect. Read more..

Source: Automobile News

From MC News

TN chamber plea to SpiceJet

Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry has made a request to SpiceJet not to suspend flight in the Madurai-Dubai sector from May 1. A release from the chamber said that SpiceJet was contemplating suspension of the flight due to a major upgradation work to be taken at Dubai International Airports Terminal I.

The release said that the Madurai-Dubai sector has been running with full/near full load of passengers both ways daily. Suspension would seriously impact tourism, business and industrial activities in southern Tamil Nadu.

Source: Automobile News

From BL News

Jet Airways joins SpiceJet, others, offers 'lite' airfares on Jet Konnect

The Jet Airways (India) Ltd today joined other airlines in offering low airfares on a limited basis, announcing a 30-day advance purchase scheme on domestic flights of its no-frills subsidiary Jet Konnect.

With the peak travel season coming to an end, Indian carriers, including Air India, have triggered a fare war offering limited period low-priced tickets across most sectors within the country.

As per a circular to travel agents, the Jet Konnect scheme is valid for sale today and tomorrow with travel up to April 15, like the offer of most other airlines.

Air India launched a short term 'SpringSale' of up to 50 per cent on all domestic sectors of its network, which is up for sale till tomorrow and valid for travel between February 21 and April 15.

Low-cost carrier SpiceJet was offering 50 per cent off on base fares on tickets booked on select flights at least 30 days prior to travel which can be purchased till this midnight, while its no-frill competitors - IndiGo and GoAir - launched a similar scheme slashing fares by 30-50 per cent for advance purchases on its websites.

Online travel portals have reported an upswing in bookings of air tickets soon after these schemes were announced two days ago.

The move came as the airlines attempted to mop up funds for the March quarter, which is traditionally a weak period both from demand and revenue points of view.

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From TFE News

SpiceJet cuts airfares by 30% on domestic routes

It's a race of discount in airfares and low-cost carrier SpiceJet is leading. The carrier on Friday announced a 30 per cent discount on all domestic flight tickets booked between 31 January  and 2 February.

The offer is valid only for tickets purchased 30 days prior to travel dates up to April 15, 2014.

The super sale is not valid for international flights and is valid for travel only on the following days of the week: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the carrier said on its website.

The offer is being extended following an "overwhelming" success of the private airline's "super sale" programme announced earlier, the carrier said.

Earlier this month, the budget airline had triggered a fare war by offering discounts as high as 50 per cent on domestic travel for a limited period to beat the March quarter blues.

The airline, however, did not share data related to increase in bookings following the earlier offer.

"Under this (new) offer, all customers can get a 30 per cent discount on the already discounted 30-day advance purchase base fare and fuel surcharge for SpiceJet domestic flights for travel till April 15," the release said.

The seats under this offer are, however, limited and availability depends on specific date and flight, it added.

-With PTI inputs

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From BT News

Tata Group also looking for bigger defence sector pie

Business conglomerate Tata Group is looking to strengthen its position in the lucrative defence segment with the aim of getting higher growth in revenue.

The group, which has garnered revenue of Rs 1,700 crore in FY13 from the defence sector, is aiming for about 40% growth in the ongoing fiscal with large support from entities engaged in meeting needs of the defence forces.

At a press conference ahead of the DefExpo 2014, Mukund Rajan, member, group executive council and brand custodian, Tata Sons, said: “We believe, as a group, we are ready to enter into any defence sector the government opens up.”

“The order book size is in excess of R8,000 crore and these are to be fulfilled in the next one to four years,” he added.

Of the more than 100 operating companies that the group has, 14 entities, including Tata Motors, Tata Advanced Systems and Tata Power (Strategic Engineering Division), are suppliers for Indian defence requirements.

He said some of the group companies have become exclusive suppliers to global original defence equipment makers, apart from playing strategic roles in India's missile programmes.

Responding to a question, Sukaran Singh, director, Tata Advanced Systems, said: “In response to an RfP floated by the ministry of defence, Tata Advanced Systems has been selected as supplier for mini unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) by the Northern Command of the Indian Army. We will need to have a separate unit, possibly expansion at our existing facility in Bangalore, to produce the UAV.”

The company is also offering 155/52 mm howitzer mounted on an eight-wheeled Tata truck for enhanced mobility. The gun has been developed by its defence subsidiary, Tata Power Strategic Electronics Division, pointed out company executives.

Tata Motors vice-president (defence & government business) Vernon Noronha said the company is working on a DRDO-funded project for wheel-armoured amphibious platform, which will be ready in about two years. “This is a modular vehicle with interchangeable snap-in modules, powered by a 600 horsepower engine coupled to automatic transmission,” he added.

For the first time ever, the company is going to unveil a brand new specialty vehicle, the Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP),

Source: Automobile News

From TFE News

Tata Motors managing director Karl Slym falls off Bangkok hotel, dies

Tata Motors managing director Karl Slym died on Sunday after apparently falling from a high floor of a five-star hotel in Bangkok.

Slym, who was scripting a revival strategy for the company, had gone to Thailand to attend a board meeting of the firm's unit there.

A company spokesperson said a postmortem would be carried out on Monday. Details about the accident were sketchy. Bloomberg quoted a company spokeswoman as saying that he fell from the city's Shangri-La hotel, where he was staying,

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From TOI News

Singapore Airlines-Tata Group JV to get 20 Airbus A320s

 

Tata SIA Airlines has finalised a deal to lease 20 Airbus A320 planes, as it prepares to become the newest full-service airline to enter the Indian skies with New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport as its operational hub. 

According to an application from Tata SIA seeking a no-objection certificate from the ministry of civil aviation, the airline plans to park its planes at the airport in Delhi, which will be its operational base. 

The airline needs this NoC to seek a scheduled air operator's permit. ET has seen a copy of the application. The application filed in the last week of December said the airline will use narrow-body planes, but didn't provide further details on the aircraft type. 

A company spokesman said it has finalised the leasing deal for 20 A320s.

Source: Automobile News

From ET News

EBRD working with Tata Group on potential Georgia power project

 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is in talks with the Tata Group on a potential hydro power project in the East European nation of Georgia.

The EBRD, which invests mainly in the private sector in emerging Europe and North African countries like Egypt, Jordan, Morocco and Tunisia, said the talks were at a very early stage but may culminate this year.

The bank’s president, Sir Suma Chakrabarti, will be following up on the discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos next week with Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistry. He also welcomed India’s interest in becoming a member of the multilateral bank.

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From TIE News

SIA-Tata airline | Readying for take-off

Most of the pieces seem to be in place for the joint venture between Singapore Airlines Ltd (SIA) and Tata Sons Ltd to take off in India sometime early in the business year starting on 1 April.

A key decision came this month when SIA chose Airbus SAS’s A320 planes for the full-service airline, which will take up to 20 of the aircraft worth $1.83 billion at list price. The planes will be sourced from leasing companies and not directly from Airbus, Reuters reported on 9 January, citing people it didn’t name.

The partners have already incorporated the joint venture, with an initial investment of $100 million, as Tata SIA Airlines Ltd and have begun recruitment of pilots and other airline personnel after bringing key management and operational personnel on board.

Having already received the go-ahead from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), Tata SIA Airlines has to jump through two remaining regulatory hoops.

It has to secure a no-objection certificate from the ministry of civil aviation (the application is now being scrutinized by the home ministry) and then apply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an air operating permit, which would be the greenlight for it to take off.

The launch would mark the realization of an ambition that Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines have together cherished for one-and-a-half decades, only to be thwarted twice.

In 2000, the two firms abandoned a joint attempt to buy a 40% stake in government-run Air India. An earlier attempt by the two companies to start an Indian airline with 40% equity contribution by SIA was also aborted. In both cases, political resistance and corporate rivalries were blamed.Read more..

Source: Automobile News

From Mint Live News

Mahindra's R&D head Rajan Wadhera to fire up ailing truck & bus biz, company to invest Rs 500 cr in 3 years

 

In a bid to bring more focus and turnaround its ailing truck and bus business, Mahindra and MahindraBSE 0.36 % (M&M) has drafted R&D head Rajan Wadhera to take charge of the division.

he appointment comes after Pawan Goenka took over a larger portfolio as executive director on the board of M&M, which included heading the utility vehicles and tractor businesses to two-wheelers.

The company needed someone who could oversee the truck and buses more closely, an M&M official said. Thus, Wadhera will have a dual responsibility of running the R&D function and Mahindra Trucks and Buses.

So apart from being chief executive , technology, product fevelopment and sourcing, he will also be the director and head of Mahindra Trucks and Buses. Nalin Mehta, MD of Mahindra Trucks and Buses will report into Wadhera.

An ex-Eicher Motors official, Wadhera has a fair understanding of the commercial vehicles business. "We are investing Rs 500 crore in this business for the next three years.  Read more..

Source: Automobile News

From ET News

Mahindra to showcase two new trucks at Auto Expo 2014

 

Mahindra Trucks and Buses Ltd (MTBL) will make its impact felt in Auto Expo 2014 by unveiling its two new products- TRACO 49 and TRUXO 37. These two introductions will help expand the company’s portfolio in the HCV segment. The TRACO 49 is a tractor trailer specially crafted for load applications like containerized heavy duty loads, cement, steel, over-dimensional cargo, heavy machinery etc. The products focus in keeping with the psych of the Indian customer is fuel efficiency without compromising on power and ruggedness. 

The engine choices are of 210 and 260 HP MPOWER engines. It also has a cabin which is specially designed for long trips. The second offering is a new rigid, multi-axle truck named TRUXO 37 which Mahindra claims will provide great value and better earnings to its customers by delivering better fuel economy and optimal power range for various load applications. 

Rajan Wadhera with the new Truxo 37[/caption] Despite low volume of sales in this segment MTBL has said that it will invest Rs 200 crore to strengthen its existing product lineup and will spend another Rs 300 crore to research other product lines in the LCV, ICV and MCV segments. 

Giving his thoughts, Nalin Mehta, managing director & CEO, Mahindra Trucks and Buses Limited, said, “Despite severe recessionary market conditions, MTBL is endearing itself to a large section of buyers which includes top fleet owners pan India across segments and load applications. This is a tribute to cutting edge technology with which our products are built and the ever growing service and spares network which ensures higher uptime and better earnings for our customers. 

Our exhibits at the Auto Expo will further reinforce our customer centricity in the form of new products and offerings”. Currently, MTBL has around one has lakh LCV trucks, buses and more than 9,000 HCV trucks on Indian roads, which are serviced by 1856 service centres and retail network spanning 575 outlets. 

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From MC News

Mahindra to shut factories to cope with slowdown

Utility vehicle major Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) will stop production across its automotive plants for up to three days this month to adjust output to the slowdown in the auto market.

"The company, as part of aligning its production with sales requirements, would be observing no production days at the company's automotive plants for 1-3 days during the remaining period of January 2014," M&M said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

Mahindra Vehicle Manufacturers Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary, would also be observing no production days at Chakan plant for up to three days this month, the filing said. "The management does not envisage any adverse impact on availability of vehicles in the market due to adequacy of vehicle stocks to serve the market requirements," it said.

Source: Automobile News

From TOI News

Mahindra introduces 'Yoga seats' in Quanto compact SUV

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd (M&M), India’s leading SUV manufacturer, has launched a flexible seating in Quanto, its 5+2 seater compact SUV. Christened as ‘Yoga seats’, the new seats allow 36 different seating combinations that offer flexibility and convenience.

With this new seating system, the Quanto is the only sub 4 metre vehicle to have this 5+2 Yoga seating configuration, the company said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vivek Nayer, Chief Marketing Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra, said, “With the new flexible ‘Yoga seats’, One can feel at home in the city, on highways or while driving off-road. One can also carry more bags, more weekend gears because of flexibility of storage and therefore enjoy more out of their weekend life.”

With the new seating configuration, the second row of seats in the Quanto comes with a reclining option and a centrally placed armrest. This enables passengers to adjust the seat back for better seating comfort and better leg space.

The Quanto is Mahindra’s first compact SUV. It is powered by new generation, light weight 1.5 L mCR100 diesel engine delivering 100 PS power and 240 Nm torque with fuel mileage of 17.21 Kmpl (ARAI).

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From TFE News

Tata Motors MD Karl Slym 'committed suicide' after argument with wife: Thai police

 

Managing Director, apparently committed suicide after arguing with his wife and reading a note written by her that referred to "domestic problems", Thai police said today.

In a fresh twist to Slym's death in mysterious circumstances, police said the three-page handwritten note found in the hotel room from which the 51-year-old executive plunged to his death, was written by his wife Sally.

Police said Slym could have taken the "extreme step" after reading the note by his wife of 30 years that mentioned "domestic problems".

"The note was written by Sally Slym. The couple had had an argument. It is her writing," Police Lieutenant Somyot Booyakaew told PTI, noting that it was not a suicide note by the victim. He did not give further details.

The suite has a huge sealed window overlooking the Chao Praya River and a small nearby window that can be opened.

Slym died from the impact of the fall, which fractured his skull. The British national's body was found on Sunday by the staff of the hotel on the balcony of the fourth floor after plunging from the 22nd floor.  Read more..

Source: Automobile News

From ET News

Ambulance staff to take strike action over two days

 

AMBULANCE staff in North Yorkshire are taking strike action in a row over changes in shift patterns.

Unite, the country’s largest union, said Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff have voted “overwhelmingly” for a 24 hour strike beginning at midnight on Saturday, February 1. 

This will be followed by further strike action for four hours between 3pm and 7pm on Monday, February 3.

Unite claim that shift changes could mean paramedics going more than ten hours without a meal break and staff being forced to work 12 hour shifts. 

Unite members voted by a margin of 76 per cent for strike action. 

Following the announcement of industrial action Unite regional officer Terry Cunliffe called for talks with the trust’s chief executive David Whiting on the new shift patterns and their impact on patient safety. 

Unite said that the proposals would impact on patient safety. The union wants a protected meal break of 30 minutes after six hours. 

Mr Cunliffe said: “Our members are taking action as they are very concerned about the scale of these changes and how they will impact on patient safety in Yorkshire. The shift patterns are not family friendly and will lead to an overtired workforce.” 

Unite ambulance members previously took strike action on April 2 and June 7 last year over concerns regarding patient safety. 

YAS management have refuted Unite claims that the changes would put patients at risk and insisted the changes to shift patterns had been agreed with staff and members of the Unison union. 

Ian Brandwood, Executive Director of People and Engagement at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are disappointed with the Unite the Union ballot result. Read more..

Source: Auto News in Hindi

Source: NE News

Ford workers set for strike action over job and pensions row

 

More than 5,000 Ford workers are to be balloted for strike action in a row over job security and pensions.

Members of Unite and the GMB based at sites including Halewood on Merseyside, Dagenham in Essex and Bridgend in South Wales will vote in the coming weeks on whether to launch a campaign of industrial action.

Unite said workers were demanding the same job security as counterparts in other EU countries, as well as improvements in their pension scheme.

National officer Roger Maddison said: “Ford workers in the UK always find themselves on the front line when the company wants to axe staff.”

In 2012, Ford announced it was ending Transit production at its plant in Southampton and closing its stamping and tooling facility in Dagenham with the loss of 1,500 jobs. Read more..

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From Mirror News

Isuzu Motors to make India an export hub

 

Isuzu Motors Ltd. will make India one of its hubs to export passenger utility vehicles and pickup trucks to emerging markets in West Asia, Africa and Southeast Asia, a top company official said, as the company began construction of Rs3,000 crore factory in Andhra Pradesh.

The facility is coming up in Sri City, a special economic zone in Chittoor district bordering Tamil Nadu.

The company expects to commence operations at the plant by early 2016 with an initial production capacity of 50,000 units annually. The plant will initially cater to the domestic market. Isuzu will gradually begin exports to emerging markets in the vicinity of the Indian subcontinent as the plant reaches full capacity of 120,000 units a year.

“India is a key region in Isuzu’s global strategy for its emerging markets and as an important manufacturing hub in the future,” Takashi Kikuchi, president and managing director of its Indian subsidiary Isuzu Motors India Pvt. Ltd, said in a statement. Read more..

Source: Automobile News

From Live Mint News

Isuzu Motors aims sales target of 5,000 SUVs in India in 2 years

Isuzu Motors India was targeting to sell 5,000 units of SUVs a year in India in the next two years and by 2015-16, the Japanese automobile maker was eyeing sales of 50,000 units a year,a top company official said here today.

Launching its Sports Utility Vehicle MU-7 in Kerala, Takashi Kikuchi, President and Managing Director, Isuzu Motors India told reporters the company aims to sell 5,000 units a year in India in the next two years.  Read more..

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From ET News

Exchange rate, power shortage hit margins in Chennai plant: Hind Motors

Hindustan Motors Ltd has said that its Chennai plant was adversely affected due to lower volumes caused mainly by higher petrol prices and increased interest rates. The company also said exchange rates and power shortage in Tamil Nadu are the added reasons, which affected company's margins on the products produced at its Chennai plant.

Last week the company said it needs to restructure its business by demerging its Uttarpara and Chennai plants as the product portfolio and customer segment of these two units are very different. The company is seeking potential strategic / financial investors for both the units. It is already in talks with some of them. However, the potential partners, too, have specific needs and are interested in either of the two units, not both, Uttam Bose, Managing Director and CEO, HM quoted in release.

Earlier, the company received its shareholders' approval to Scheme of Arrangement between Hindustan Motors Ltd (HML) and Hindustan Motor Finance Corporation Ltd (HMFC) and their respective shareholders for demerger of the Chennai Car Plant from HML to HMFC.

Meanwhile, company's Annual Report for 2012-13 stated that “further adverse exchange rates and shortage of power availability in Tamil Nadu has also "severely" affected the margins on the products of the Chennai car plant. Pajero Sport was rolled out from this plant last year.  Read more..

Source: Automobile News

Source: BS News

Porsche opens new dealership in Gurgaon

Porsche has opened its eighth dealership in India. The latest addition to its network is located in Gurgaon on Golf Course road and is also the only dealership in the Delhi NCR region.

Gurgaon, according to a Crisil report is the most prosperous city in India, much ahead of even the financial capital Mumbai, hence it is no surprise that Porsche has opened a dealership here. The showroom is built to global retail architectural standards set by Porsche Germany.

Spread across 10,900 square feet, the spanking new dealership has two levels and can display 15 cars. It comes equipped with a fitting lounge that has a wide range of options to pick and choose for that individual spec customized Porsche. The showroom also boasts of a Bistro, a merchandise section and a terrace for events.

Commenting on the new dealership, Anil Reddi, Director of Porsche India said, “It is with pride that we welcome enthusiasts and customers to a new Porsche destination in India. This world-class showroom is a tangible example of the commitment that Porsche has for the Indian market. Our customers in this part of our country can now look forward to a highly customer-centric approach focusing on a unique Porsche ownership experience.”

With the Gurgaon showroom, Porsche now has two showrooms in the north, the second being in Chandigarh, two in the west – Mumbai and Ahmedabad, three in the south – Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi and one in the east – Kolkata. Read more

Source: Automobile News 

From  ZW News

Tata Motors launches Vista VX Tech

Announcing the launch of the new Vista VX Tech, Avinash Roy, national sales head, South and East, passenger vehicles business unit of the Tata Motors told reporters "at Tata Motors, the core philosophy behind the launch of every new vehicle is anticipating what our customers need."

  

The company on Thursday also displayed the new Nano Twist, the smart city car which Tata Motors said allows hassle-free and relaxed driving in city traffic with the new first-in-class Electric Power assisted steering (EPAS) system.

   

The Vista range starts at Rs 4.94 lakh for Vista LS and goes up to Rs 5.99 lakh for the Vista VX Tech, ex-showroom, Delhi, he said.

(Agencies)

Source: Auto News in Hindi

Maruti brings Celerio with automatic transmission mode

With the new compact car, which is slated for launch on February 6, the company has worked on addressing three key issues associated with automatic transmission cars – high cost of acquisition, low fuel economy and maintenance hassles.

   

"We thought if we could address these issues, we will be addressing a good segment of consumers who are looking for automatic transmission in mass segment," Maruti Suzuki India Chief Operating Officer (Marketing and Sales) Mayank Pareek said.

  

He said nearly 25 per cent of consumers who come to the company's showrooms enquired about cars with automatic transmission but the conversion rate was very poor once they found those issues related with such vehicles.

   

"With Celerio, which has been developed at an investment of around Rs 570 crore, having our EZDrive technology, we have addressed those issues," Pareek said.

   

While he did not elaborate on by how much the Celerio with automatic gear shift will cost, he said, "the difference in price with a manual transmission will not be significant".

   

Currently, an automatic transmission (AT) version of a car in the market is more expensive by up to Rs 1.1 lakh than its manual transmission version, he added.

   

The company has already started taking bookings for the car, although its prices will be announced only at the time of launch.

   

In the past, the company has launched AT version of its compact cars, including the Zen and A-Star, but their prohibitive prices made it difficult to crack the market.

   

The Celerio will be pitched against the likes of Hyundai's Grandi10 and Honda's Brio, whose automatic versions are priced at Rs 6.04 lakh and Rs 6.19 lakh, respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi).

  

According to MSI, the Celerio will offer a fuel efficiency of 23.1 km per litre and will be offered in six petrol variants - four with Manual transmission and two with Auto Gear Shift.

  

Celerio Auto Gear Shift variants will have the flexibility of both manual mode and auto drive mode in the same car, with a simple shift of gear lever.

  

The car comes loaded with several features like alloy-wheels and blue-tooth connectivity across variants. Celerio which sports 1 litre K-next engine, would be available in seven colours.

   

MSI's current compact car portfolio comprises Swift, Estilo and Ritz. During December 2013, the company sold 19,171 units of compact cars, down 14.7 percent, from 22,482 units in December 2012.

(Agencies)

Source: Automobile News 

Maruti suzuki india to launch fresh product offensives for the premium car market

 

कार बनाने वाली सबसे बड़ी घरेलू कंपनी मारुति सुजुकी इंडिया (एमएसआई) प्रीमियम कारों के बाजार में पैठ बढ़ाने की आक्रामक तैयारी कर रही है। इसके लिए पांच बिलकुल नए वाहन उतारे जाएंगे।

दरअसल, देश में छोटी कारों के बाजार में एमएसआई की करीब 50 प्रतिशत हिस्सेदारी है। ऑल्टो और स्विफ्ट समेत इस श्रेणी के 7 मॉडलों की अच्छी-खासी मांग है। लेकिन प्रीमियम कारों के बिजनेस में एमएसआई अब तक खुद को स्थापित नहीं कर पाई है।

एमएसआई के महंगे वाहनों की मांग बहुत कम रही है, लिहाजा कंपनी ने इसके लिए आक्रामक रणनीति बनाई है। फाइनेंशियल एक्सप्रेस की एक रिपोर्ट के मुताबिक अगले महीने दिल्ली से सटे नोएडा में आयोजित होने वाले ऑटो एक्सपो में एमएसआई कुछ नए प्रीमियम वाहन पेश करेगी। इनमें दो एसयूवी, एक एमपीवी और एक मिड-साइज सेडान शामिल हैं।

मारुति की नई मिड-साइज सेडान सियाज साल के अंत तक लांच की जाएगी। इस श्रेणी की कारों में एमएसआई की यह चौथी कोशिश होगी। इससे पहले एस्टीम, बैलेनो और एसएक्स4 बाजार में उतारी जा चुकी हैं, लेकिन वे ज्यादा सफल नहीं हो पाईं। अनुमान लगाया जा रहा है कि पहले के दो मॉडलों की तरह एसएक्स4 का उत्पादन भी बंद कर दिया जाएगा।

उम्मीद जताई जा रही है कि सियाज में 1.4 लीटर के-सिरीज पेट्रोल इंजन होगा। इसमें 1.6 लीटर डीजल इंजन का भी विकल्प होगा, जिसकी आपूति संभवतः फिएट करेगी।

वाहन उद्योग के एक सूत्र ने कहा, 'उम्मीद है कि सियाज इस साल त्योहारों के सीजन में लांच की जाएगी। कंपनी ने शुरुआती तौर पर हर साल 50,000 सियाज बेचने का लक्ष्य रखा है, जिसमें निर्यात शामिल है।' 

Source: Auto News in Hindi

BMW 3-series GT launch at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo

 

BMW has revealed the cars it will be displaying at the 2014 Indian Auto Expo. The Bavarian carmaker is all set to launch the new 3-series GT and display the M6 Gran Coupe, new X5 and the i8 hybrid sportscar at the Expo in February.

The 3-series GT is 200mm longer, 50mm taller and 17 mm wider than the 3-series sedan and the wheelbase is also longer by 110mm. It makes the 3-series GT slot right between the 3-series and 5-series making it an ideal choice for the practical luxury car buyer who wants more than an X1 or a 3-series.


Also, what’s commendable about the 3-series GT is the proportions, which is not as bulbous and ungainly as the 5-series GT. The raised GT gets a welcome addition that compliments our bad roads – a higher set driver’s seat. You don’t have to stretch your neck from the driver’s seat of the 3-series GT making it a relaxed car to drive in our congested pothole filled cities. It is also ideal for long distance road trips as the rear seats get more legroom and headroom due to the increased wheelbase and it also gets a 520-litre boot. What’s more… the seats split and fold flat to increase boot space to 1600 litres!

The 3-series GT will most likely come with the same engine line-up as the 3-series. The 328i 248PS 4-cylinder petrol and the 320d 187 PS 4-cylinder diesel should make it to the 3-series GT and keeping in mind its touring capabilities, the car could also come with the 4-cylinder 325d 221 PS engine as the top-end version.

BMW will also display the i8 hybrid sportscar at the expo. The i8 has a combined power output of 367 PS from the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor. You will also get to see the new X5 at the BMW enclosure and the hot 568 PS M6 Gran Coupe.  Read more..

Source: Automobile News

From  ZW News