Bajaj presented a range of KTM bikes at its stall in the Auto-Expo 2008 some of which will be progressively introduced in the Indian market. These models will be retailed through Bajaj’s Probiking showrooms in key markets across the country. 

The vehicles that are being considered for the domestic market were on display at the Bajaj Presentation in Hall no 3 at the Auto-Expo. These were the rally tested 690 Supermoto, the superior street bike the 690 Duke, the powerful 990 Adventure, the light and agile 250 EXC-F and the ultra-precise performer the 990 Superduke. 

Bajaj Auto also announced the increase in its stake in “KTM Power Sports AG”, Europe’s second largest sport motorcycle manufacturer to 20.89%. Earlier Bajaj had taken a 14.5% stake in KTM through its 100% Netherlands subsidiary-Bajaj Auto International Holdings BV with Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd., being inducted on the board of KTM. Bajaj has funded the current stake increase from its internal accruals. The co-operation agreement with KTM covers product development, technology, vendor sourcing and distribution. 

Commenting on the occasion, Stefan Pierer, CEO, KTM said,” We see this as a long-term partnership with Bajaj Auto and we are very positive about it. This cooperation with Bajaj Auto is a great opportunity to strengthen the KTM Group in its sustained growth strategy in a global environment.” 

Rajiv Bajaj, MD, Bajaj Auto Ltd., added ”This partnership is also another step in our globalisation strategy. KTM’s sharp brand positioning, differentiated designs, and hyper performance have inspired us to increase our stake in this participation. We are delighted with this opportunity to co-develop a range of products for both KTM and Bajaj brands and also excited by the prospect of introducing KTM products to India and South East Asia, as also to access the European market via KTM.” 

The alliance with KTM covers joint development of street bikes for both Indian and overseas markets. The partnership will also jointly develop a high-performance, water-cooled engine platform for 125 and 250 cc bikes. Bajaj Auto will also take up distribution of KTM products in South Asia. 

Through this cooperation with Bajaj, KTM would extend its product portfolio for the future with a 125-ccm street product line, in addition to the present 1190-ccm, 990-ccm and 690-ccm platforms developed and manufactured in Austria.

ŠkodaIndia, a fully owned subsidiary of ŠkodaAuto a.s. Czech Republic (Volkswagen Group), one of the fastest growing car manufacturers in Europe, launched the country’s first super hatch – the new Škoda Fabia – a day ahead of the Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi. With this, the company also showcased the technological might of ŠkodaAuto with a grand display of several vehicles from their worldwide stable. 

The Fabia is as big and spacious as other mid-size sedans, and has won the Golden Steering Wheel 2007 award from the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag, as the best car in its class. 

Along with Thomas Kuehl, Member, Board of Directors (Sales & Marketing), ŠkodaIndia, Reinhard Jung, Chairman of the Board of Directors, ŠkodaAuto a.s., Fred Kappler, Member of the Board of Directors (Sales & Marketing) ŠkodaAuto a.s.. Horst Muehl, Member of the Board of Directors (Logistics & Production) ŠkodaAuto a.s., and Eckhard Scholz, Member of the Board of Directors (Technical Development) ŠkodaAuto a.s., were also present on the occasion. 

Addressing the media at the launch, Mr Kuehl, said “The Fabia you see here is the same new Fabia which was launched in Geneva in March 2007. We have brought this model at the shortest available opportunity in India. The overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the new Fabia worldwide continues to reaffirm the iconic place our products have in our customers’ hearts. New Fabia is much more than a car; it symbolises people spirit and their over 110 year old obsession with the automobile.” 

The new Fabia’s range is attractively priced from Rs 4.99 lakhs (Ex-showroom Maharashtra) to Rs 7.68 Lakhs (Ex-showroom Maharashtra). India’s first super hatch offers outstanding build quality, safety, space and technology. The value of the car is enhanced by features like dual front air bags, alloy wheels, parking sensors, 300 litres of boot space, intelligent storage spaces, ABS, MSR and Dual Rate Brake Assist, auxiliary audio input, electric sunroof, dual tone interiors, completely adjustable driving position, projector headlamps, power windows and mirrors and 185/60 R 14 tubeless tyres among others. 

The new Fabia will be available in 8 variants with petrol and diesel engines. The car will be introduced with 1.4 litre TDI PD diesel engine (69bhp, 155Nm) and 1.4 litre MPI petrol engine (85bhp, 132Nm). Later in 2008, a 1.2 litre MPI petrol engine (69 bhp, 108 Nm) will also be introduced. The new Fabia will be available in 6 colours like Corrida Red, Satin Grey, Brilliant Silver, Magic Black, Candy White and Cappuccino Beige.

General Motors India introduced five of GM’s newest globally acclaimed production and concept vehicles today at its floating pavilion at Auto Expo 2008. The all-new Cadillac CTS, HUMMER H3, Chevrolet T2X concept vehicle, Chevrolet Sequel concept vehicle and WTCC Ultra concept vehicle have received rave reviews around the world. All are making their India debut. 

Karl Slym, President and Managing Director of GM India, said: “General Motors has made a major commitment to India. Besides our desire to showcase some of our parent company’s most notable recent achievements, we brought these outstanding models to India to solicit local feedback on products, brands and technologies that we believe have long-term potential in the domestic market.” 

The all-new Cadillac CTS represents GM’s ultimate combination of luxury and sportiness. The CTS measures 4,860 mm in length, 1,842 mm in width and 1,464 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,880 mm, with a front/rear track of 1,569/1,575 mm. 

The HUMMER H3 was designed in response to global demand for a premium, everyday vehicle that offers HUMMER’s legendary design and unparalleled off-road performance in a smaller package. 

The Chevrolet T2X combines the body of a compact sport utility vehicle with the exciting design of a sport coupe. The concept vehicle is based on the architecture of the Chevrolet S3X show car, which itself served as the basis for GM India’s new SUV, the Chevrolet Captiva. 

The Chevrolet Sequel, the world’s most technologically advanced automobile, was introduced in 2005 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. A drivable version followed a year later. 

The compact WTCC Ultra is a fully functioning touring car concept vehicle. It has a length/width/height with spoiler of 4,324/1,906/1,569 mm, a wheelbase of 2,650 mm and is equipped with a 1,991 cc diesel engine that generates 190 bhp. 

General Motors India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation. GM India manufactures the Chevrolet Optra Magnum, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet SRV, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark and Chevrolet Tavera at its state-of-the-art-facility in Halol, Gujarat.

TKamal Nath, Minister of Commerce and Industry of Government of India, on Thursday January 10, 2008, inaugurated the 9th Auto Expo 2008 at Lal Chowk in Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. 

In his inaugural address, Mr Nath said, "Auto Expos in India have proved to be an important platform for automakers and related industries and emerged as one of the largest auto fairs in Asia. The 9th Auto Expo is even more significant as many new models are being launched and would attract the attention of the global automotive industry towards its great potential and performance.'' 

The Minister stated the Rs 1-lakh car of Tata Motors made a history at the Auto Expo, which is a reflection of India's intellectual and technological capabilities. ''The world is looking at India not only as market but also as mind,'' he added. 

Speaking at the occasion, Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, Santosh Mohan Dev said the government would take the required steps to further boost the booming domestic automotive industry and also encourage more investments in this sector. 

Organised jointly by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), the 9th Auto Expo 2008 is one of the biggest platforms of the Asian auto markets and is the largest in Asia in terms of space, covering over 1, 20,000 square meters, up by around 60 percent over the 2006 auto show in New Delhi. 

This Auto Expo witnesses over 2,000 participants against 1,200 exhibitors in the 8th Auto Expo in 2006 and is providing focused sector pavilions such as accessories and car decor, diesel city, garage equipment, robotics and automation and infrotronics pavilion. 

Besides participation from 25 countries, it also has largest ever overseas participation with country pavilions from Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Spain, Taiwan, UK and USA. 

CII President Sunil Bharti Mittal commented that the auto sector has boosted the fate of the manufacturing sector in India. Besides, the domestic auto industry is also making global indoors. 

Speaking on behalf of the industry, Ravi Kant, President of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and Managing Director of Tata Motors, stated that the industry is also facing difficult issues such as escalating input costs and the high cost of finance. He urged the Government to rationalise interest rates so that new vehicle sales can be boosted.

The suspense is over, finally. Keeping his date with destiny, Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Group, today unveiled Nano, the People’s Car at the Auto Expo 2008 in Delhi. True to the promise made by Ratan Tata, the Nano is priced at Rs one lakh (ex-dealer price), exclusive of VAT and transportation charges. Given the fact that the one-lakh price point was mentioned 4 years back and there has been considerable escalation in the costs of almost all inputs, this is no small feat. 

Now to the specifics, the Nano is 8 per cent smaller, bumper-to-bumper, than the Maruti 800, and can seat 4 persons. But it has about 21 per cent more space inside than the Maruti 800 – that is certainly a plus point. The petrol version of the Nano is fitted with a 624CC engine that generates 33 BHP. The vehicle is likely to have a CVT and also manual transmission. According to the press release, the car will meet all current safety norms and all emission criteria. The pollution it will cause will be lower than 2-wheelers. 

Ratan Tata informed the gathered media persons that commercial production of the small car would start at Singur later this year, and added that a diesel version of the Nano is also on the cards. He also thanked Girish Wagh and his team of 500 engineers who worked on the Nano project.

At first glance, Ashok Leyland's concept coach previewed at Auto Expo 2008 opening in New Delhi seems like any ordinary big bus - jumbo tyres, well-painted steps and generous seats. But a look inside changes everything. Wi-Fi connectivity, closed circuit television, a day and night parking assist system supported with infrared camera and a two-channel system that enables the driver to see if the passengers are in - these are just some of the features of what the company calls the iBUS. 

The concept iBUS, developed by Leyland's team of 25 young engineers, just made the bumpy bus ride more interesting. Some might even call it the iPhone of public transportation systems. Developed by the company's cross functional team in 10 months, Ashok Leyland's state-of-the-art intra-city bus had visitors surprised at the expo. The bus has 42 seats and can accommodate 30 standing passengers. The vehicle, according to a senior Leyland official, is fitted with a new electronically controlled common rail engine, a first for India. "The common rail engine would be fitting into our products sometime during the next fiscal," the official said. 

"The intelligent bus is really a matter of pride for us. It has got features that are way ahead of the current market with lots of electronics, passenger information system and pedestrian protection system," said R Seshasayee, managing director of Ashok Leyland.

From left: Mr.Alfredo Altavilla CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Senior Vice President Business Development of Fiat Group Automobiles and Vice-Chairman, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd with Mr. Ravi Kant, Managing Director, Tata Motors & Chairman, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd unveiling the Fiat Linea at the Auto Expo 2008 and Mr Rajeev Kapoor President CEO, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd

Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, has unveiled its proposed offerings for the Indian market, at the Auto Expo 2008, in New Delhi. The range of internationally successful models includes Linea, Grande Punto, Fiat 500 and Bravo. Linea, one of Fiat’s recent launches led the line-up of other cars with the Fiat Palio, which was introduced with the much-awaited, world-class, 1.3 multijet diesel engine. These cars will be marketed through joint Tata-Fiat dealers spread across the country. 

Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, a Joint Venture between Fiat and Tata Motors, will manufacture Linea and Grande Punto at its Ranjangaon plant in India, while the Fiat 500 (Cinquecento) and the Bravo are being considered to be imported as completely built units (CBUs). The year 2008 will see Fiat commence the build-up of the re-establishment of the brand in India. 

Linea, the C three box saloon, made its debut at the Istanbul Motor Show a little over a year ago, after which it has met with great success in all the markets where it has been introduced. An elegantly functional car, with a strong Italian imprint, it will be equipped with features found in higher segment cars. The launch of the Linea and other new cars will be supported with the augmentation of the Tata-Fiat dealership network from its current total of 65 outlets to more than 100 eventually. 

Speaking on the occasion Mr Alfredo Altavilla, CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies, Senior Vice President Business Development of Fiat Group Automobiles and Vice-Chairman, Fiat India Automobiles Pvt Ltd, said, “Fiat, as a company has undergone a transformation and revitalized itself in the past few years. The change in the logo is in line with this transformation, that is being implemented globally and now in India as well. The Joint Venture with Tata Motors and the building of a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at Ranjangaon in Maharashtra are important steps in this process. Moving forward Fiat will introduce its internationally successful cars in India constituting a product mix of cars manufactured locally in India and imported CBUs whenever feasible. Our commitment to India will continue and we would want to be a part of India’s growth story. The Indian market offers a large opportunity and we believe there is immense potential for our products. We aim to develop India into one of our leading markets in sync with Fiat’s international image- as a leading maker of premium and stylish cars.” 

The Ranjangaon plant, the Industrial Joint Venture between Fiat and Tata Motors, will see a combined investment of Rs 4000 crores (€ 650 million) from both partners. The Ranjangaon facilities are expected to exceed an overall output of 100,000 cars and 200,000 engines and transmissions. Apart from Fiat branded cars, the plant will also manufacture next generation Tata cars. Both, the Linea and the Grande Punto will be rolled out from this plant later this year, while the plant is currently producing Palio. 

Mr Rajeev Kapoor, the President and CEO, FIAPL, added while unveiling the Linea that, “Linea was recently launched in the European market and has received great response. The car is the winner of the 'AUTOBEST 2008' award, which has representatives from 15 European countries. This car will spearhead Fiat’s entry into India and will be manufactured with a high percentage of localisation. It will be launched in the third quarter of FY08-09.”

At the Auto Expo 2008 in New Delhi Volkswagen is once again setting off new fireworks. Among those at the starting line are two absolute highlights: the UP! concept car and the newly developed Tiguan SUV. Europe’s largest carmaker is paving the way for a large model offensive in India to establish its presence in the market. “Starting in 2009, Volkswagen wants to deliver 110,000 cars per year in India”, says Dr. Jochem Heizmann, board member for vehicle production at the Volkswagen Group. 

The UP! concept car is a city specialist for four persons, for the job, the university and the excursion outside of the city gates. A small car that shows a lot of size, because it offers more space than any other car of similar length (3.45 mtr) and width (1.63 mtr). It is environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient engine – conceivable here are all facets of technology that can be sensibly applied – will run in the rear. It could serve as the basis for a new entry-level car from Volkswagen and so it is also well-suited to the Indian market. 

While the UP! looks far into the world of tomorrow, the Tiguan is already a reality today. Successfully introduced everywhere in Europe – and already the clear market leader among SUVs in Germany – it is now also an India premiere at the Auto Expo in New Delhi. Not only does the versatile Volkswagen SUV – with its up to 1,510 ltr cargo volume – exhibit van qualities. Its maximum trailer load of 2,500 kg also sets a new best value, as do its comfort, safety and dynamic properties of the chassis. All engines of the multipurpose, all-wheel drive vehicle already deliver powerful forward thrust at just above idling speed and are exceptionally economical. Engine power output ranges from 103 kW/140 PS to 147 kW/200 PS. 

Another premiere, positioned one segment beneath the Passat is the Jetta. Volkswagen is bringing a world’s bestseller to India in the Jetta. It impresses with a powerful, sporty design, top quality and uncompromising safety. On the Indian market there will be two engines for the Jetta: working on the Jetta 1.6 is a fuel-efficient gasoline engine with 75 kW/102 PS. Exceptionally torque-strong and also very economical are the 77 kW/105 PS strong turbodiesel engine of the Jetta 1.9 TDI. 

For the first time in India, Volkswagen is presenting the Phaeton luxury sedan on the occasion of Auto Expo 2008 in India. The standard four-wheel air suspension, 4MOTION all-wheel drive and four-zone Climatronic, also at no extra charge, are all systems that – like the entire sedan– are among the best of their kind in the world. Volkswagen is offering the Phaeton with a V6 turbodiesel engine (171 kW/233 PS), which already meets the stringent Euro-5 emissions standard. As an alternative to the TDI, three gasoline engines are available (V6 FSI, V8 FSI and W12) at power levels of 177 kW/241 PS, 246 kW/335 PS and 331 kW/450 PS. 

Caddy Maxi Life: The extended Caddy Maxi Life merges the qualities of a delivery van with the versatility of a compact van to form a new vehicle class. Compared to a normal length Caddy – such as the Caddy EcoFuel also being shown in New Delhi – the seven-seat Maxi was extended from 4.41 meters to 4.88 mtr. 4.2 m3 cargo capacity (corresponds to about 4,200 ltr volume), 800 kg payload, 1,500 kg trailer load and up to 3.07 mtr maximum cargo length – depending on the interior configuration – are all record values for this segment. Three engines are offered with power outputs from 75 kW/102 PS to 103 kW/140 PS. 

Caddy EcoFuel: For the first time in India, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is presenting the environmentally friendly Caddy EcoFuel with a combined natural gas and gasoline engine at Auto Expo 2008. The natural gas tanks that hold 26 kg of fuel are located under the car floor and enable a range of about 450 km. 

Caravelle Comfortline: The large Caravelle represents the classic Volkswagen bus. In the Caravelle, three or even four rows of seats – depending on the wheelbase selected – create space for up to nine passengers. The gasoline and diesel engines offered on this Volkswagen are also highly advanced; they deliver between 62 kW/84 PS and 173 kW/235 PS. 

Multivan Highline and Multivan Business: These are the most exclusive models of the successful van model series. As an option, the Multivan Highline, with capacity for a maximum of seven seats, may be ordered with four individual seats in the passenger compartment. The Multivan Business even has them aboard as standard equipment. Both versions were designed for business travellers and very discerning private users. Providing for suitable propulsion are a V6 gasoline engine (173 kW/235 PS) or a five-cylinder TDI (128 kW/174 PS), with optional automatic transmission. On the Multivan Highline, a TDI with 96 kW/130 PS can also be delivered. 

The Crafter takes the T5 series commercial vans to a higher weight class. With 3.0 and 3.5 as well as 5.0 tonne gross weights, the base models Crafter 30, Crafter 35 and Crafter 50 cover a broad bandwidth. Also available: a box van version and a variant with extended overhang. Power output of the economical TDI engines ranges from 65 kW/89 PS to 120 kW/164 PS.

(From Left)  Prof. Dr. Eberhard Haller (Vice President, Plant Manager, Sindelfingen), Dr. Joachim Schmidt (President & CEO Daimler Central/Eastern Europe, Africa & Asia), Dr. Wilfried Aulbur (Managing Director and CEO, DaimlerChrysler India) and Dr. Martin Zimmermann (Vice President, Strategy, Alliances &Business Development, Daimler)

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class was launched at the Auto Expo by Dr Joachim Schmidt (President & CEO Daimler Central/Eastern Europe, Africa & Asia) and Dr Wilfried Aulbur (Managing Director and CEO, DaimlerChrysler India) in presence of Dr Martin Zimmermann (Vice President, Strategy, Alliances &Business Development, Daimler) and Prof Dr Eberhard Haller (Vice President, Plant Manager, Sindelfingen). 

Speaking on the occasion Dr Schmidt commented: “25 years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced the Model 190 and laid the foundations for what has become the bestselling model series in the history of the brand: the C-Class. To date around six million C-Class vehicles have been sold all around the globe. In fact, the C-Class is the world wide leader in its segment and has been an immensely popular vehicle since it was first launched. In India as in all parts of the globe, the C-Class has been an immensely popular vehicle. Just like the Mercedes-Benz 190 introduced 25 years ago, the new C-Class has set new trends in design and technology or driving pleasure. Ladies and gentlemen, here’s Agility at your Command: the new C-Class.” 

During his speech, Dr Aulbur underscored the presence of the Mercedes-brand in India for over 50 years. As pioneers of the luxury car segment in India, Mercedes-Benz has the widest product range and the most extensive sales and support network spread across 28 Indian cities. The company is also the first automobile manufacturer in India to have completed ISO 9001: 2000 certification. “The result of close and continuous engagement with customers is reflected through our growing sales figures as well. This year, we achieved record sales of 2491 units from Jan-Dec 2007. This marks a growth of 18% over 2007.” 

The event also witnessed the India-debut of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. This breathtaking vehicle is a sheer experience in luxury and is a coupe offering from the Mercedes-Benz stable. From its spectacular sporty look, this super luxury car is truly a dream machine. The CLK 350 version features powerful 6 cylinder V-6 engine; the torque is 350 Nm at 2400 - 5000 rpm, and delivers an output of 272 hp at 6000 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km in only 6.4 secs! 

With a length of 4596 millimetres, the new C-Class is 68 millimetres longer than its predecessor. The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 millimetres, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760 millimetres. These dimensions create the conditions for a generously sized interior, and therefore more comfort. The front shoulder room has increased by 40 millimetres, for example. The design of the new C-Class is based on the modern Mercedes idiom, which reflects the technical superiority of automobiles bearing the star with taut lines and large, tranquil surfaces. The pronounced wedge-shape of the front end serves to emphasise attributes such as agility and performance.

You simply can't beat a Bajaj – thus ran the company's catchy slogan in the late 1980s. And the company seems to have revisited it by showing its own version of the small car two days ahead of the much awaited unveiling of the Tata one-lakh car on the inaugural day of Auto Expo 2008 at Pragati Maidan. 

The company shared the “Lite” vehicle concept, which will be the foundation on which future 4-wheelers will be launched. This Lite range, in two basic forms – one as a Lite Passenger carrier and the other as Lite Commercial vehicle would provide economical and environment friendly transportation solutions for personal as well as goods movement. The Lite vehicle concept would first offer low running costs and affordable monthly outflows coupled with a reasonable cost of acquisition. This would lead to an unbeatable “total cost of operation”. 

The Lite Passenger vehicle to be displayed at the expo has been entirely conceptualised and designed by the Bajaj team at Akurdi. Bajaj Auto would be spearheading the project while Renault-Nissan will give valuable inputs for development. This vehicle will be manufactured in the new Chakan plant near Pune. 

The company will also be launching two Lite Commercial vehicles in 2009. Two base models with short and longer wheelbases were presented. These two base models could then have varying body frames for various application i.e. open bodied pick-up van, close bodied delivery van, soft drink, gas cylinder carriers etc. These vehicles will powered by a multi-cylinder diesel engine. 

According to Mr R C Maheshwari, CEO-CV, Bajaj Auto, “We have frozen the key performance parameters for the new commercial vehicles. The values that will drive the business will be those of innovation and offering the highest value for our customers. The Lite Commercial vehicles will also be rolled out from the new Chakan plant.”

Mahindra & Mahindra has reviewed its plans in connection with it teaming up with Renault and Nissan to set up a joint manufacturing facility at Chennai. The unit was to be set up at Oragadam, outside Chennai and a MoU was also signed with the Government of Tamil Nadu. While Renault and Nissan continue to be fully committed to their industrial development plans, M&M has decided to utilise capacity available at their new plant in Chakan and other existing plants to meet its medium term requirements and hence shall not participate in the joint plant at Oragadam. 

Mahindra shall continue its Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) at Chengelpet and MRV test track and tractor plant plans in Oragadam. It shall simultaneously evaluate a new automotive plant at Oragadam to further enhance its capacity. The Chakan plant owned by Mahindra will manufacture Mahindra as well as Mahindra International truck products. Renault and Nissan will maintain their development plans for the creation of a new industrial plant in Chennai. They maintain their long term commitment to India, with local development including design, engineering, component outsourcing, manufacturing, etc. 

In a statement to the media, M&M has announced that it appreciates its on-going partnership with Renault and continues to have a strong relationship through their existing joint venture Mahindra Renault Pvt. Ltd. (MRPL) that has launched the Logan in India. By capturing 11per cent of the market share in C-segment the Logan has gained the third position in the segment. The new products that will be manufactured by Renault at its Chennai plant are planned to be marketed by MRPL under the Mahindra Renault brand, and sold through the M&M sales channel.

In a surprising move, Mahindra & Mahindra has signed a binding agreement to acquire the business of G.R. Grafica Ricerca Design S.r.l (GRD), an Italian auto designing, body engineering and feasibility and styling company based out of Turin, Italy. With this acquisition, M&M intends to develop a global design centre for the Group and cater to global Auto OEMs. M&M would acquire the said business through a subsidiary to be newly incorporated and proposed to be named as Mahindra Graphic Research and Design (MGRD). 

Said Dr Pawan Goenka, president (Automotive Sector), M&M, while speaking on the occasion: “The synergies resulting from this acquisition will not only help us strengthen our existing design capabilities but will also help us emerge as a global auto design powerhouse. Complementary capabilities between Mahindra & GRD will enhance the product development capabilities, provide a solid European footprint for M&M to leverage technologies and skillsets by harnessing the talent pool of designers and engineers.” 

GRD is one of the leading companies based out of Turin, Italy, which executes designing, Body engineering and feasibility and styling work for leading Auto OEMs and designing companies based out of Europe and Asia. The company employs a team of 60 highly experienced people with high technical competence and experience across various designing segments. GRD has developed strong standards and skill sets in body and trim design areas. For the year 2007, the revenues of GRD were around Euro 6 million.

Hero Honda reported cumulative sales of 33, 09,051 units of two-wheelers for the period January–December 2007. The company’s cumulative sales for the calendar year 2006 was 32, 53,229. This achievement is significant in view of the prevailing slow down of the two wheeler industry. For the month of December 2007, the company reported sales of 240,532 units of two-wheelers. The company’s sales for the corresponding period last year were 252,462 units. 

The better-than-industry performance of Hero Honda through 2007 has been possible due to the company’s multi-focal strategy of bringing in new products across segments, supporting them with extensive 360 degrees communication, leveraging properties such as cricket and entertainment for brand building and augmenting its distribution network. As a result, Hero Honda’s share in the domestic motorcycle market has grown to upward of 50 per cent. The year 2007 saw Hero Honda launch the Hunk and the CBZ Xtreme, both of which were received very well by the market.

Setco Automotive and FTE Automotive GmbH (FTE) have announced a Joint Venture (JV) to manufacture and supply clutch actuation systems in India. The joint venture company, FTE Setco Automotive, will manufacture products such as hydraulic clutch actuation systems and components for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Manufacturers of vehicles employing hydraulic clutch actuation system are at present importing them. Maruti, for example, is importing hydraulic clutch actuation systems from FTE for its Swift and so are others. The joint venture is therefore expected to serve those manufacturers that are importing hydraulic clutch actuation systems and cater to those who are developing vehicles with such systems. Aiming to serve the passenger car, SUV and LCV markets, and eventually specialized markets like tractors, the ratio of investment by Setco and FTE is 51: 40. While the company is looking at setting up the facility in Gujarat and most probably in the vicinity of its current plant near vadodara, according to Setco sources, the strategic combination of global technical proficiency with immense domestic market presence and goodwill will definitely make the JV a dominant player in the automotive market in India. 

Speaking on the occasion, Harish Sheth, CMD, Setco Automotive, said, “Setco aims at being a full range clutch system manufacturer. This JV will further strengthen our position in the medium and heavy commercial vehicle segment and at the same time help us to penetrate the LCV, passenger car and farming equipment segment with new products”. 

Klaus Glocker, CEO, FTE Automotive, added, “Setco is a perfect company to partner with in India. It is a well-managed company, with premium quality products and having deep insight into the emerging needs of the fast evolving Indian Automotive market. The Indian market is growing at a tremendous pace with Indian companies going global and a lot of our global clients are also entering India”. According to Seth the joint venture will see an investment of a couple of crores in the few initial years.