Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the eco-friendly FuelSmart system on Scorpio M2DI and Bolero SLX BS3 variants. The system employs micro-hybrid technology and is a technological innovation developed by the Mahindra Research & Development team with the support of Bosch. 

This technology enables the vehicle's engine to be switch off automatically at a traffic light when idle and in neutral gear and the engine starts seamlessly once the driver depresses the clutch before moving forward. The system is based on the simple principle of not burning fuel when it is not required. It automatically detects moments, during the drive, when the vehicle is idle and stops the engine. This conserves fuel, leading to reduced running costs, and also leads to reduced emissions. FuelSmart technology, thus, marks another innovative first by one of India’s leading auto companies.

The Board of Directors of Sona Koyo Steering Systems Ltd. (SONA), supplier of steering systems and having a technical and financial collaboration with JTEKT Corporation of Japan (formerly Koyo Seiko Co) has announced a a modest 8.7per cent growth in sales to Rs178. 9 crores in the second quarter, ending on 30th September 2008, from Rs164.6 crores, over the corresponding period last year. 

The Profit After Tax stands at a loss of Rs 7.32 crores down from a profit after tax of Rs 8.79 crores during the corresponding period of the previous year. For the half-year ended 30th September 2008, the over all growth in sales stands at 10per cent, up to Rs. 349.3 crores from Rs. 317.2 crores during the same period last year. Overall PAT stands at a loss of Rs. 8.96 Crores down from a profit of Rs. 16.77 crores during the same period last year.

Yamaha Motor has introduced a new line-up of high-performance Yamalube engine oils. The Yamalube brand is being used in the recently launched YZF-R15 and FZ16 bikes including MotoGp World Championship Valentino's Rossi M1 machine. The all new Yamalube oils are designed, formulated, and developed by the same team of engineers who design Yamaha engines keeping in mind the engine specifications. These engineers specify the optimal ingredients to be used for the type of conditions in which the engine operates. All Yamalube performance oils undergo extensive testing in the laboratory and in the field to ensure customers get the best oil products possible.

Maruti Suzuki India has commenced operations of the new KB engine plant at Gurgaon, which is part of the 9,000 crore investment plan drawn by Maruti Suzuki and Suzuki. A modern, integrated facility inside the Gurgaon plant of Maruti, and spread over an area of 20,300 m2, the plant will manufacture the new KB series engine, which will power the forthcoming A-Star. The 998-cc engine has been carefully designed to be environment friendly and fuel efficient with its light weight construction and innovative technologies to improve combustion and minimise friction. 

The Smart Distributor Less Ignition (SDLI) system with dedicated plug top coils, High pressure semi-return fuel system and advanced injectors for superior atomization provide uniform and optimized combustion for better performance. After A-Star, the all new, light-weight, engine series will be progressively introduced on other models as well over a period of next 3-5 years. With exports of the A-Star slated for early 2009, the KB series engine meets Euro V norms. In India, the engine meets the BS III norms.

Jai Suspension System, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jamna Auto Industries, has commenced production of suspension springs at its new facility at Pant Nagar in Uttarakhand. The new plant has a capacity of 24000 MTPA and will assemble leaf and parabolic springs. These will be primarily supplied to Tata Motors (for the Ace mini truck) and Ashok Leyland who have set up a manufacturing facility at Uttarakhand. The company has received its first tranche of orders from Tata Motors which manufactures around 800-1000 units per day from their Pant Nagar facility. The company has spent around Rs 3 crore in setting up this plant and plans to augment the capacity to 24000 MTPA by end of fiscal 2008-09. It will also cater to the after market segment from here. 

Started as a partnership firm in 1955, Jamna Auto Industries is a supplier of commercial vehicle leaf and parabolic springs and commands a market share of 60per cent in domestic market. It is a leading supplier to OEMs including Eicher Motors, Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, Volvo, Swaraj Mazda, Ford India, General Motors, Suzuki and Toyota. Jamna’s current capacity is 114,000 MTP per annum and is going ahead with 60,000 MTPA greenfield plant at Jamshedpur to cater to Tata Motors.