Tata has launched the new Indica, which was first shown at the Auto Expo 2008. Called as Indica Vista, the car is completely new and does not share anything with the earlier generation model. 3.8m long, 1.7m wide and with a wheelbase of 2470mm, the Indica Vista is bigger, mature and dynamic in its looks. The longer wheelbase has the car competing with the likes of Fiesta and Verna in the areas of space. Employing higher strength steel panels and tailor welded blanks, the monocoque of the Indica Vista is stiffer. 

On the inside, the Vista is thus more spacious and comfortable. It is also better built and flaunts better fit and finish standards. A centrally arranged instrument panel and soft touch dashboard dials in an upmarket feel. Top-end models get a two-DIN music system and various other thoughtful touches like the height adjustable driver's seat and tiltable steering. Power comes from a 75bhp 1.3-litre Quadrajet common-rail diesel engine and the 65bhp, 1.2-litre continuously variable cam Safire petrol engine manufactured at the new Fiat-Tata joint venture at Ranjangaon near Pune. There's also the choice of 1.4-litre turbo-diesel (TDi) engine. Transmission is a five speed with improved shifting and feel. 

While the existing Indica continues to be sold with a choice of Tata's 1.2-litre petrol (Xeta) engine and 1.4 Dicor common-rail engine, launched in 7 variants, the Indica Vista (basic) is priced at Rs.3.49 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi for the 1.2-litre petrol Safire. The top end 1.3-litre Quadrajet is praiced at Rs.4.88 lakhs ex-showroom Delhi. The TDi version comes at nearly the same price as the outgoing existing Indica V2 version. The company will launch an ABS, airbags execution in the domestic market at the time of the car's debut in international markets.

After an absence of nearly half a decade, Concorde Motors is back. A wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Motors, the company has set up a dealership at Prabhadevi. Spread over 4900 sq ft., the Concorde dealership adheres to the Tata-Fiat car dealer identity norms and has the distinction of being the sole showroom for the Fiat 500 and any other Fiat CBU imports that will follow. 

In keeping with its mandate, the Mumbai dealership will focus on customer satisfaction and corporate sales and will strive to be the preferred destination for Tata-Fiat customers. Concorde Motors, which has a strong network in South India is working towards opening a 3S (Sales, Service & Parts) dealership in Cochin.

ContiTech AG has launched power transmission belts in India. The Hannover, Germany-based tier supplier is the world's largest specialist for rubber and plastics technology in the non-tire rubber sector. It develops and produces functional parts, components and systems for the automotive industry and other important industries. Having a workforce of around 24,000, in the year 2007 the company posted sales of around Euro 3.1 billion. 

A division of Continental Corporation, one of the top automotive suppliers worldwide, with targeted sales of more than Euro 26.4 billion in fiscal 2008, Contitech entered India in August 2008. The launch of power transmission belts, held in Delhi saw the participation of key customers from across India and was presided over by key officials from ContiTech (Germany) and India. Speaking on the occasion, Regina Arning, Head - Industrial Business Unit promised to offer the ContiTech global quality products to Indian customers from now onward. 

Ever since ContiTech acquired erstwhile Roulunds Rubber in India in May 2006 the inputs were made on specifications, raw material, process and machines, human resource training and systems to manufacture this global quality from Indian manufacturing operations located at Kundli, Sonepat in Haryana. With ContiTech entering the Indian market, customers in India will now have availability of complete product range of ContiTech power transmission products in India.

In yet another development, Continental has concluded a far reaching agreement with the Schaeffler group. The key points of the agreement include Schaeffler KG increasing the offer price to 75 Euro per share and guarantees to compensate possible disadvantages in an aggregate amount of up to 522 Mio Euro. The current strategy of Continental will be continued. Detailed investment agreement regulates future role of Schaeffler as shareholder. Schaeffler KG guarantees to limit its position to a minority shareholding until 2012.

Mahindra’s Farm Equipment Sector has signed an agreement to form a Joint Venture (JV) in China with Jiangsu Yueda Yancheng Tractor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. (Yancheng Tractor), a leading Chinese tractor manufacturer. The tractor related assets and current liabilities of Yancheng Tractors will be transferred to this JV. The value of net assets transferred to this JV will be RMB 335 million (USD 50 million approx.). 

Mahindra will hold 51 per cent (outlay approx. USD 26 million) in the JV through its subsidiary, Mahindra Overseas Investment Company (Mauritius) Ltd. (MOICML). The transaction is subject to receipt of necessary approvals. This would be the second tractor venture of Mahindra in China, in addition to Mahindra’s current tractor business namely, Mahindra China Tractor Company Ltd. (MCTCL). Yancheng Tractor’s Huanghai Jinma brand is the no. 3 tractor brand in China in terms of tractor volumes in 2007.

The Ceat Mumbai Xpress Rally 2008 concluded in Mumbai after traversing the rough terrains of South Central and Western India—from Chennai to Mumbai. With participants from 10 different countries – India, Britain, America, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Germany, Norway, Hungary and Spain, vying for the winning position, the Xpress Rally 2008 saw 18 teams and 39 participants (Autorickshaw drivers) including 7 women competing under tough climatic and road condition. 

Covering a distance of 2000 kms spanning over 14 days, the rally focused on raising money to improve the lifestyles and educational opportunities of India’s children, promote road safety, and raise the profile of the growing trend of adventure tourism.

Indian automotive manufacturer Argentum Motors announced it has signed definitive documents for acquisition of a controlling interest in French automaker, Heuliez SA. The commercial court of Bressuire approved the 'safeguard plan' proposed by Argentum and Groupe Henri Heuliez and Heuliez SA. As part of its proposal, Argentum Motors will invest up to 25 million Euros for an initial stake of 60 per cent in the French company. CDC (Caisse des D et Consignations) has also committed an investment of 5 million Euros into Heuliez. 

In a broad restructuring plan Heuliez will be spun off into three companies - Heuliez Electric, Heuliez Engineering and Design and Heuliez Manufacturing. While Heuliez Electric will build electric vehicles under the Heuliez brand for the global market, Heuliez Engineering will work closely with Argentum Engineering to integrate Heuliez expertise with Argentum delivery capability.

Bosch Electrical Drives India Pvt. Ltd., a 51: 49 joint venture between Robert Bosch Investment Nederland B.V., and Igarashi Motors India Limited, inaugurated a manufacturing facility in Chennai recently. The plant will have an annual capacity of 3 million DC motors. 

Commercial production of motors for wiper system and window lift system will commence in September. Further, manufacturing of motors for engine cooling systems for automotive applications will commence in December 2008.

The annual convention of the Society of Indian Auto Manufacturers would take place in Delhi on 4h September 2008. The convention will bring together global automotive industry leaders and other stakeholders in India to deliberate on future challenges. The theme of this year’s convention would be “India's Automotive Industry: Challenges for Leadership - 2016 and Beyond.” Focus would also be on issues influencing Indian automotive industry’s competitiveness and its integration with the global economy.

Bharat Forge, the flagship company of the USD 2.4 billion Kalyani Group and a leading global supplier of forged and machined components, has commissioned India’s largest commercial open forging press at its Mundhwa facility in Pune. The facility was inaugurated by Azeez M. Khan, Principal Secretary, Industries, Government of Maharashtra. 

The new facility, which has a large 4000T open die press, will produce ingots ranging up to 70 tons and would primarily cater to the Wind Energy, Oil & Gas, Steel, Power, Gear, Cement Ship building, Pressure Vessel, Petrochemical & Sugar Industry. Shafts for the Wind Energy & Power Generation sector, Well Heads & X-mas Tree parts for the Oil & Gas Industry and Pinion Shafts, Gear blanks etc. for the Capital Goods sector are some of the parts that will be manufactured at this new facility. 

Speaking on the occasion, B N Kalyani, Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Ltd., said, “Today is a landmark day in our company’s history. It marks a very significant step that we have taken into a new area of business – manufacture of critical components for the non-automotive sector. Bharat Forge in the last 15 years has successfully implemented a global strategy based on technology leadership and innovation, in its automotive business. We intend to replicate our successful automotive business strategy to attain a global leadership position in the non-automotive sectors”. 

“To support this goal, we have made substantial investment both in terms of capacity & capability creation as well as backward integration. We aim to provide our customers with value added service to complement their strategies and we will strive to maintain the pace of innovation.” he added.

Geometric Limited, a leader in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions and technologies, announced the signing of a contract with Ford Motor Company to provide production support and software maintenance work. Geometric will provide application management services (AMS) to Ford for production support of its engineering applications suite, which comprises of over 140 integrated applications. The management services will cover issue analysis, investigation, resolution, code fix, software vendor coordination, testing, packaging, validation and global release at various Ford Consumer Business Groups.

Commenting on the contract, Dr Ravi Gopinath, Managing Director and CEO, Geometric Ltd. said, “Ford is a strategic customer for us, and this contract represents an important milestone in our six-year relationship.” Currently, Geometric has a team of close to 100 engineers at Ford's Dearborn facility (USA) and the Ford Technology Services center in India, supporting various projects in the PLM space. 

The US-based Federal-Mogul Corp announced that it would set up a new facility near Chennai for manufacturing friction components for original equipment and after-market segments. The plant is scheduled to begin production of light vehicle brake and friction components, commercial vehicle and railway friction products by September 2009.

Federal-Mogul's Ferodo brand friction products have been manufactured in India since 1995, although the new friction facility will be the first in the Chennai region. The company will cross swords with two other Deming award-winning brake-lining manufacturers in Chennai - Rane Brake Lining and Sundaram Brakelinings. Federal-Mogul's wholly-owned subsidiary in India recently signed a memorandum of understanding with New Chennai Township Pvt Ltd to buy 10 acres on which it will build the 6,000-square meter facility. 

The plant will be built in three phases and is expected to create nearly 500 jobs. “Products manufactured at the new facility will be for both local vehicle manufacturers and for exports,” said Federal-Mogul President and CEO Jose Maria Alapont. 

Post the acquisition of Jaguar and Land Rover for approximately US$ 2.3 billion, Tata is planning a slew of launches. While the launch of the Nano later this year is expected to take centre stage, there are a range of introductions lined up, according to industry sources. 

The company, which reported a 14.4 per cent increase in revenues (net of excise) to Rs 6928.44 crores on a stand-alone basis for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 compared to Rs 6056.82 crores in the corresponding quarter last year, is expected to introduce the world truck and the Marcopolo range of buses in the commercial vehicle (CV) range. 

A small, 0.5-tonne commercial vehicle as well as a 1-tonne variant of the Ace (shown at the Auto Expo '08) is also said to be on the cards. In the passenger car and utility vehicle market, the company is expected to launch the Xenon pickup shown at the Auto Expo '08 and the new Indica. 

From the Fiat stable, with whom Tata has a strategic tie-up, the Linea and Grande Punto are expected later this year. In the current range, the recently introduced compact sedan, Indigo CS has contributed handsomely to the passenger car sales of the company. Tata's market share in the entry mid-size segment grew by 38.6 per cent during the first quarter of 2008-09. The domestic sales of passenger vehicles (including Fiat) at 52,450 units were however flat. The domestic sales of CVs increased by 15.9 per cent to 71,049 units

Ceat has appointed Sunil Sapre as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Sapre will be based at the Ceat headquarters in Mumbai and will head the overall responsibility of finance and accounts.

ElectroMech has announced plans to build a facility in Chennai. The plant will accrue an investment of Rs. 10 crores, with a capacity to manufacture 200 cranes per year which can be upgraded to 500 cranes. With India’s largest crane manufacturing facility at Pirangut (Pune), ElectroMech’s current manufacturing capacity is 2000 cranes annually and will boost up to 2500 cranes with the new state-of-the-art facility in Chennai. This facility will be built on 8000 sq.mts with built up area of around 4000 sq.m, and will manufacture various industrial cranes like single girder, double girder, stacker and goliath cranes. 

The project is scheduled to be completed in February 2009. The Chennai facility is expected to help ElectroMech to better serve its increasing count of clients in South India. A few notable installations in this part being Saint Gobain Glass in Sriperumbudur, Hansen in Coimbatore, and a whole host of Korean automobile ancillaries situated around Sriperumbudur.

Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India, with Neeraj Kumar, MD & CEO, OAIS

BMW India signed a co-operation agreement with ORIX Auto Infrastructure Services Limited (OAIS) for leasing services of BMW cars in India. The leasing services will be offered to customers through the BMW dealership network across India. Additionally, OAIS will also support BMW through its existing business network. 

Through this agreement, OAIS will offer unique services to BMW group customers. Further, the products will be customised to cater to the special requirements of BMW customers. With this agreement, BMW and OAIS aim to deliver hallmark quality of service through all BMW dealerships and BMW corporate customers across the country. 

Commenting on the development, Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said the agreement reflected BMW's commitment to set new benchmarks in service quality and customer care in India. Neeraj Kumar, MD & CEO, OAIS said “Our focus has always been value creation and through this tie up, OAIS will be able to provide a value product for the Indian market. Customers can experience superior products and avail the benefits under value added lease.

Chennai-based infrastructure development company, Consolidated Construction Consortium Ltd (CCC) has bagged a Rs 1.4 billion order to build the Renault-Nissan vehicle plant at Oragadam near Chennai. CCC has also won a project worth Rs 1 billion to build a global automotive centre for the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) at Oragadam. 

With these orders, the company's total order backlog is Rs 31.8 billion, which is to be executed over a period of 18 months. "We are consolidating our presence in the auto plant construction sector," company CEO R Sarabeswar said. CCC has earlier built buildings for Hyundai Motor India and Toyota Kirloskar, and currently is constructing the Mahindra Automobile plant at Pune as well as the automobile research plant for the Mahindra group at Chennai.

Berger Paints' acquisition of Poland-based Bolix S.A. will be completed by the third week of August, opening up markets for Berger in European countries and enabling it to sell Bolix's energy-saving paints in India, Chairman Kuldip Singh Dhingra said. "The acquisition will provide synergy benefits to Berger's presence in the region, both in terms of new business opportunities and regional markets. The growth prospects are enormous," Dhingra told reporters after the 84th annual general meeting of shareholders. 

Berger acquired Bolix in April from private equity group Advent International for $34.8 million with its internal resources. Dhingra said Berger also plans to launch Bolix's paints in India, but he refused to provide a time-frame. "The products are doing very well in countries which are conscious about saving energy and we are sure they will be well received in India as well," Dhingra said. 

Bolix, with a turnover of $45.5 million in 2007, is the largest provider of external insulation finishing systems or EIFS in the B2B segment in Poland. It exports to Ukraine, Russia and the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Bolix products have an 80 per cent penetration in the Germany market, 40 per cent in Poland and 3 per cent in Ukraine. 

Meanwhile, Managing Director Subir Bose said the automotive-paint manufacturing plant with a capacity of 24,000 tonnes per annum at Jejuri near Pune, being built at a cost of Rs 50 crores, will be operational by September 2009.

Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) has said that its Board of Directors has approved the acquisition of business assets of Pune-based Kinetic Motor Company Ltd. (KMCL). The acquisition will be done through a new company to be formed. The consideration for the acquisition is a sum of Rs. 110 crores (subject to closing due diligence) plus 20 per cent stake to KMCL in the new company. M&M will hold the balance 80 per cent of the equity. 

The deal will enable Mahindra to design and market a range of scooters, value engineered motorcycles and high-end motorcycles for the Indian and global markets, helping it establish a robust, end-to-end two-wheeler business in every segment of the industry. In yet another development, the Board of Directors of M&M and Punjab Tractors have unanimously approved a scheme of amalgamation of Punjab Tractors Limited (PTL) with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. M&M owns a majority stake in Punjab Tractors and acquired 63.33 per cent stake in PTL in July 2007. MHFL, a wholly owned subsidiary of M&M, currently holds 1.31 per cent of PTL, and is also in the process of being merged into M&M. 

Under this amalgamation scheme, pursuant to provisions of Sections 391 to 394 and other relevant provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, PTL will be merged into M&M and all its assets and liabilities will be transferred to M&M at book values. Upon the scheme becoming effective, M&M will transfer all the equity shares held by it in PTL to a Trust, of which M&M is the beneficiary. M&M will issue its shares to PTL shareholders as on record date, based on the swap ratio determined by independent valuers.

Based on its recent analysis of heavy-duty truck bearings market, Frost & Sullivan has presented GGB Bearing Technology with the 2008 North American Frost & Sullivan Award for Product Innovation of the Year in the Class 7-8 truck bearings segment. Each year, this award is presented to the company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry. 

This year's award is in recognition of GGB's development of robust, long-lasting DX(R)10 with DuraStrong technology bearings, and its focus on application-specific heavy truck bearings that perform effectively under the rigors of on-highway and vocational operation, consistently delivering superior return-on-investment and customer value. 

GGB, formerly known as Glacier Garlock Bearings, is the world's largest manufacturer of metal-polymer plain bearings. The company has cemented its position as a leader in product innovation in the heavy truck bearings market through the development of its DuraStrong technology, which it effectively leveraged to design and introduce the innovative DX(R)10 bearing.

India's leading bus and truck maker Ashok Leyland Ltd said it was developing a new range of trucks with a new engine and new cabin. “The modular platform, engine and the cabin will provide the necessary competitive edge for us and also offer good price-performance ratio for the buyers,” Ashok Leyland Managing Director R Seshasayee told reporters in Chennai. 

Asked about the cost advantage of the new product, he said: “There will certainly be advantage for the company as we will be dealing with limited number of vendors and parts. The customers will also benefit because of this. However, I am not in a position to quantify the cost advantage for the company.” 

Under the new platform named as Unitruck, Ashok Leyland will roll out 16-49 tonne trucks from 2010. The trucks will feature a range of gear boxes, with cost effective automatic and automated manual transmission as options on some models. “Unitruck models will also sport a new generation cabin initially before modular cabins replace them,” Seshasayee said. He added that the cabins in the export vehicles would have features that are entirely different from the vehicles sold in India. 

He said Ashok Leyland's 50:50 joint venture project with Finnish company Alteams to make high pressure diecasting aluminium products was progressing well. “The plant will come up in Cheyyur near Chennai. Land acquisition is in progress,” Seshasayee added.

Cinven, one of the leading international private equity firms, has announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire German truck supplier Jost Group. Subject to regulatory clearance, the purchase price is undisclosed. While the transaction will be financed from the fourth Cinven fund which with a volume of Euro 6.5 billion—one of the largest funds dedicated solely to large European buyouts, Jost is expected to present a good growth engine. 

Not only has Jost grown significantly faster than the market over the past five years and has been able to increase annual sales at double digit rates on average to around Euro 445 million in 2007, it recently closed the acquisition of Tridec, which is one of the leading manufacturers of mechanical and hydraulic steering systems. With a presence in Eastern Europe, China, Brazil and India, Jost is now a leading global manufacturer of systems, modules and components for the truck industry.

Hyundai Motor India has announced an exchange and upgrade scheme that allows customers to lower their monthly car-loan payments even as they upgrade to a bigger car. The scheme is targeted at all those users of smaller compacts who would prefer to upgrade to a bigger car but are prevented from doing this by the higher EMI’s of a bigger car. Under the new exchange and upgrade scheme, all they have to do is bring in their smaller compact to any Hyundai dealership and get an evaluation of this done at the dealership and put the value as a down payment to upgrade to a bigger Hyundai car. 

Typically, the Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) value for a 48 month loan tenure works out to be an amount which will be lower than the EMI for a smaller car. The scheme is open for all makes of car and upgrade is possible for the most popular hatchback Santro, the newly launched, award winning i10 or even the bigger cars like the Accent and the Verna.

The Volkswagen Group delivered 3.27 million vehicles worldwide (+5.8 per cent) from January to June 2008, the highest figure ever for the first six months of a year. Group worldwide deliveries in June also reached a new record: compared with the same period last year, the number of vehicles delivered rose by 2.4 per cent to 573,000. As a result, the development of deliveries by the Group both for the period January to June and for the month of June was significantly better than developments on the overall market (+1 per cent from January to June and-5.1 per cent in June). 

Volkswagen Passenger Cars, the Group’s highest volume brand, delivered 1.9 million vehicles (+5.8 per cent) worldwide in the first half of the year. Audi delivered 516,000 vehicles (+1.4 per cent) and Skoda delivered 367,000 vehicles (+17.9 per cent). Seat sold 206,000 vehicles (-7.5 per cent), Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles delivered 264,000 vehicles (+12.9 per cent). Bentley delivered 4,700 vehicles to customers, Lamborghini 1,300 and Bugatti 35.

Skoda India has hiked the price of its cars in the range of Rs10,000 to Rs25,000. The across-the-range price hike is attributed to the rise in freight and raw material costs. Commenting on the price hike, Thomas Kuehl, Member Board of Directors, Sales and Marketing, said, “The price hike has been necessitated by a variety of cost push factors like surge in freight costs and raw materials. The company has made efforts to absorb maximum costs to keep the price rise marginal so then impact to our valued customers is minimised.” The company recorded a 69per cent growth in sales in June 2008 as compared to June 2007.

The $75-billion Hyundai Motors, the world's fifth largest automaker, has decided to make India its global hub for small cars, the company's chief executive for the Indian market has said. 

“We have a very clear picture about the Indian market. We want to use India as our small car hub. India will be used for manufacturing and export of our small cars,” Heung Soo Lheem, Managing Director of Hyundai Motors India Ltd said. “Our upcoming i20 model, which will debut in the Paris Motor Show in September, will be solely manufactured in India,” Lheem, whose company is India's second largest car maker after Maruti Suzuki, told a media agency. 

The automaker, which sells its cars in as many as 193 countries, had launched the i10 - its new offering in the 'A' segment - last November. This car, too, is exclusively manufactured in India, he said. The Hyundai executive said i20 is a hatchback sedan offering in the 'B' segment. “This car will hit the Indian market in November,” he said, while rubbishing reports that the company will phase out the Santro and Getz, post i20 launch. Santro, which is sold as Atos in Hyundai's other markets, was used as the launch pad for the South Korean giant's foray into the Indian automobile market over ten years ago. 

The South Korean automobile giant sold 327,160 vehicles in India in 2007 and had doubled its assembly line at the Chennai plant to 600,000 units annually this January. Hyundai Motors India - which counts actor Shah Rukh Khan and tennis ace Sania Mirza as its brand ambassadors - is part of South Korea's Hyundai Kia Motors Automotive Group, formed after the merger between Hyundai and Kia in 1998.

Brembo, the Italian brand of brakes and known for its technology and expertise, has chosen Bangalore-based Methods Automotive as its (India) partner for sales, service and marketing. One of the leading manufacturer of performance braking systems, Brembo is also a supplier to almost every major team and manufacturers into closed circuit racing, rally, rally raid, etc., the world over. The company also makes brakes for some of the best and sought after super car and sports car brands. 

Methods Automotive will provide the channel support to those who want to fir Brembo brake systems through its channel outlets across India. Brembo adds to the other brands like K&N air filters, , NGK Iridium Spark plugs, Remus Exhaust systems, Koni shock absorbers, Eibach Lowering springs and Sparco Racing and street gear, which Methods Automotive markets in India.

Bajaj Auto has launched a sportier Discover 135 DTSi. Aimed at further strengthening the company’s dominant position in the premium segment, the new Discover features 135 cc DTS-i engine, racer breed tank mounted spoilers with integrated indicators, digital speedometer with tachometer and reserve fuel indicator, striking new dual tone graphics, new aggressive front fairing, nitrox suspension and front disc brake (sports version) and a wider rear tyre and racing wheel stripes (sports version). 

Three versions of the new Discover 135 DTS-I are available – sports, electric start and kick-start. Prices start at Rs.45,710 , ex showroom Pune.

After purchasing the first Flowmaster V7 Automotive licence in late 2007, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) has employed the software tool in its R&D. Flowmaster, which is an industry dedicated fluid and thermal system simulation software tool, was selected after rigorous evaluation as part of ARAI’s overall R&D, Testing and Certification strategy. 

Built on the Flowmaster V7 platform, V7 Automotive combines the same proven architecture and GUI with specific automotive component libraries and advanced automotive systems modelling functionality. Flowmaster’s architecture allows users to integrate with existing design and manufacturing systems and co-simulate with other leading CAE/CFD tools. 

ARAI is supported by Aetos Design & Engineering, the exclusive distributor of Flowmaster in India. Aetos’s Design and Engineering Services Division has a dedicated team of Design Engineers providing technically focused services to OEM and tier one companies, from concept design to manufacturing using best in class CAD/CAM and CAE solutions.

Tata Motors has introduced a new range of coach chassis called Super Milo. Aimed at delivering superior operating economy, the Super Milo range is available in two variants -- City and Highway -- each with customised parameters calibrated for their individual applications. 

Powered by the BS II complaint 697 TCIC 130hp engine, the Super Milo range offers 8 to 10 per cent better efficiency and a comfortable ride. Coming with an engine warranty of 2 years or 2 lakh kilometres (whichever is earlier), and a chassis warranty of 1.5 years or 1.5 lakh kilometres (whichever is earlier), the Super Milo range features radial tyres, organic clutch with booster assist, bigger air intake and a oil change period of 18,000 km for city and 36,000 km for highway.

Jost India, a group company of Jost, which is a worldwide manufacturer of components for truck and trailer, and especially fifth wheel couplings, has commissioned its new facility at Jamshedpur. Supplier to commercial vehicle manufacturers in India and prominently Tata Motors, the plant will manufacture fifth wheel couplings, a crucial component that connects the trailer with the prime mover. 

Housing state-of-the-art equipment, machining centres and a assembly line, the plant, spread over 60,000 sq. m, was built in a very short span of time and includes an E-coat line to ensure that the products are permanently and dependably protected from corrosion. The E-coat line is absolutely solvent-free and health and environmentally friendly. Interestingly, a large chunk of the fifth wheel couplings produced at Jamshedpur would be supplied to Tata, according to sources, as Jost India already has a long-term agreement for the delivery of fifth wheel couplings. 

While the Indian facility will concentrate on the Indian market, in addition to fifth wheel couplings, Jost India has been offering various other components like landing gears, safety towing hitches, etc., for some time now. Sources at Jost India anticipate the number of prime mover-trailer sales to go up several hundred per cent by 2012 or up to over 200,000 units annually.

The launch of the Logan Edge marks the beginning of special editions for Mahindra Renault. The car brings with it innovative features that elevate luxury. Attractively priced, the Logan Edge comes in petrol and diesel versions, new interesting colours, beige leather seat covers, a wood-finish centre console and a high-end Kenwood music system with remote control and USB/ iPod connectivity, reverse parking sensors, ABS and EBD.

UK-based automotive engineering major Renold Plc has acquired a 75 per cent stake in the industrial chain business of Coimbatore-based auto parts maker, LG Balakrishnan & Bros (LGB). The remaining 25 per cent stake would be retained by LGB. LGB would provide an established manufacturing base and sales distribution network. The products manufactured in India through the JV is expected to be sold in about 90 countries. Renold and its group companies are expected to outsource products from the parent company.

Ficosa International and Omron Corporation of Japan have agreed to form a joint venture dedicated to the development, production and commercialisation of ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) technology for the global automotive sector. 

The 50-50 joint venture will combine the experience of both companies in the field of ADAS functions and technology. The new company will be headquartered in Germany, with a subsidiary in Spain.

Fiat has launched the cute little Fiat 500 in India. A CBU import, the car is powered by the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine, which is also seen on the Palio and is priced at Rs. 14, 82, 500 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Bosch Security Systems formally launched Electro-Voice (EV) in India, by showcasing EV’s comprehensive range of amplifiers, loudspeakers and microphones for the Professional Audio market. This road show was held at the PHD CCI auditorium in New Delhi. 

EV was previously owned by Telex Communications Inc., USA, a leading manufacturer and supplier of professional audio, wireless, life safety and communication equipment. The company was also home to the other well-known brands Dynacord, Midas, KlarkTeknik, RTS and Telex. Their systems are installed in a wide range of applications such as stadiums, airports and major infrastructure projects where customers are increasingly asking for turnkey solutions combined with security systems. Telex Communications Inc. and its brands moved under the Bosch umbrella in 2006. 

"As a Bosch brand, EV has access to boundless resources. Bosch is a recognised leader of technology with whom EV shares a business philosophy based upon engineering excellence, quality without compromise, brand integrity and long-term growth. Bosch’s wealth of resources and expertise brings almost limitless potential to the world of EV R&D. The synergies are countless,” said Dhiraj Wali, Vice President, Bosch Security Systems, India. 

Throughout its 81-year history, EV has maintained a strong belief in customer orientation and has invested heavily in research and development. This has moulded EV’s solid reputation for producing high quality professional audio products at competitive prices. 

"EV has raised the bar with breakthrough technologies, designs and products such as the Variable-D® microphones, the hum-bucking coil, home high-fidelity loudspeaker components, constant-directivity horns, noise-canceling microphones, pro-sound loudspeakers with Ring-Mode Decoupling (RMD™) and Manifold Technology® for concert-sound loudspeaker systems with very high output ability yet relatively compact size," said Christian Glueck, Business Line Manager – ElectroVoice, USA. 

Bosch has already demonstrated a considerable financial commitment to the EV brand, cementing the common goals that brought them together. Multi-million dollar investments in EV factories in the US and Germany have set new industry standards for pro audio manufacturing, while streamlining the global supply chain and improving product quality. 

With Bosch’s resources behind it, EV continues to grow steadily and aims to further strengthen its position in the professional audio market.

Volkswagen has launched the Jetta in India. Assembled locally at Volkswagen Group’s plant in Aurangabad, the car is available in three variants and two engine versions – Jetta 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox, 1.9-litre, 105bhp pumpe duse turbo-diesel engine (also found on the Skoda Laura) and the option of 5-speed manual transmission or 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. 

Available in eye-catching colours, the Jetta is made from kits brought in from Mexico where the car is built keeping in mind the US market, where the Jetta sells the most. The launch of the Jetta in India is part of VWs top down strategy, which also involves the launch of a small car based on the Polo platform in 2010. This car would be made locally at VW's Chakan facility, which is running about a year ahead of schedule, according to Joerg Mueller, President and MD Volkswagen Group India. 

Speaking at the launch of the Jetta, Mueller said the group would be manufacturing the Skoda Fabia at Chakan from 2009. Coming back to the Jetta, the Comfortline model comes well equipped with leather seats, a multifunctional leather wrapped steering wheel, centre armrests and side airbags – including in the rear – as well as the ESP electronic stabilisation program. Also standard are high-end RCD 500 audio system with 10 loudspeakers and CD changer, an alarm system, “Coming & Leaving home” lighting function, automatically dimming inside rear view mirror and cruise control. 

The price (ex-showroom Delhi) of the Jetta 1.6 Petrol Trendline is Rs 12.97 lakh and the 1.9 Diesel Trendline is Rs 14.22 lakh. The top of the line 1.9 Diesel Comfortline with DSG Automatic transmission is priced at Rs 16.67 lakh.

The 4th Partmart & Autocare Expo is scheduled from February 23-26, 2009 at BIEC, Bangalore.2009. The Indian automotive industry has emerged as one of India’s fastest growing, specialised manufacturing sector, and truly a globally competitive one. After sales service has a significant role in this growth, as India is price sensitive market where vehicle life expectancy is much higher than developed nations. Despite a global slowdown, the Indian car market has grown by 12.2 per cent in 2007-08. 

Keeping the tremendous potential of Indian Automotive aftermarket and services industry in mind, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) jointly with Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) will be organising this event as a concurrent show with 18th International Engineering & Technology Fair (IETF-2009) from February 2009 at BIEC, Bangalore. 

A conference on issues with regard to Automotive Aftermarket; a Service Head Conclave to deliberate on the key issues related to services being provided to the end customer; and Asli-Naqli – a campaign to educate masses on the dangers of the fake parts, are part of the expo. 

The fair provides an excellent opportunity to the automotive aftermarket players in the country as well as in the Asian Region for accessing the rapidly growing Indian automotive aftermarket space. 

Exhibitor profile: companies/firms dealing in: auto electronics, accessories, alternate fuel conversion kits, audio and infotainment equipment, auto garage and service equipment, auto insurance and finance, automotive component/parts, batteries and auto electrical, car care products, fuel and lubricants, logistics, paints, tubes and tyres, upholstery, etc.

German automotive systems supplier, Continental has commissioned its new electronic manufacturing facility and R&D centre near Electronic City, Bommasandra, Bangalore. With a total investment of Rs. 220 Crores, the new facility will develop and produce electronic components for the booming auto electronic market in India. 

The development would primarily focus on three areas—chassis and safety, powertrain and interior. The plant would manufacture instrument clusters for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, immobilizers, engine management systems for diesel and gasoline engines, electronic control units for power assisted steering and body control units. 

Situated on a land space of about 18,000 sq m with about 15,000 sq m of total built up area, the plant includes a total of three surface mounting technology lines, four pre-assembly cells and sixteen back end cells. Built to accommodate 400 employees in the office area and 400 engineers in the R&D centre, the new facility, with its manufacturing facilities, technical labs and offices, has been built in line with Continental's global standards.

Hyundai Motor India has introduced the new, Kappa engine in its i10. The Kappa engine is a in-line, four-cylinder, 1.2-litre engine that has started production at Hyundai's new engine and transmission plant within the Sriperumbudur facility. The new plant has been built with an investment of over US$ 250 million and has a capacity of 250,000 units per annum. 

Speaking at the roll out, H S Lheem, managing director of Hyundai (India) said, “Efficiencies in fuel consumption and environment are the prerogatives for any automobile manufacturer. And Hyundai, as a conscientious global corporate citizen, prioritises these with continuous innovation in technology and design. Our new Kappa engine is the best in class today, with more power, less fuel consumption and a lower CO2 and overall emissions”. 

Delivering greater operational efficiency in terms of both fuel consumption and emissions, the new Kappa engine employs an aluminium block and two overhead cams that drive 16-valves. 

Governed by a 32-bit microprocessor, the Kappa engine delivers 80PS at 5200 rpm and 11.4 Kgm of maximum torque at 4000 rpm. It is is Euro 5 ready and emits only 119g/km of CO2, which according to sources at Hyundai India, is the lowest for this class of cars. 

Available with an automatic transmission, the new Kappa engine was developed over a period of 48 months and at a cost of US$ 421 million. The project harnessed all of Hyundai's engineering know-how and is expected to raise the bar in terms of power, performance, fuel efficiency and environment and uses some cutting edge technology like offset crank and light weight engine material to enhance performance. 

While the 1.1-litre Epsilon engine will continue to power the Hyundai Santro and I10, the i10 with the new Kappa engine will be launched in three variants--Magna, Sportz and the Asta. Positioned as top end variants, these would feature sunroof, 2-Din audio system, a unique red pack for the Sportz interiors and safety features like anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dual airbags. 

Porsche Cars India has appointed Rod Wallace as its new Managing Director. He will be responsible for overseeing the company's initiatives and operations in the growing Indian automobile market in his capacity as the managing director. Having worked with Porsche in the UK, Middle East and South Africa, Rod has now moved to India. His previous assignment was with Porsche South Africa where, for three and a half years, he was responsible for creating the team that quadrupled the sales and revenue of the company using his knowledge, expertise, prowess and excellent management skills.

Post the announcement by Bajaj and Renault to jointly produce a small four-wheeler at Chakan near Pune, new is out that Renault and Nissan will be inking two separate MoUs within a month for setting up two joint ventures for the car, which is slated to roll out by early 2011. While the first JV is claimed to be a 50:25:25 venture between Bajaj, Renault and Nissan, the second JV is said to between Bajaj and Renault for engine and transmission. Bajaj will own 51per cent and Renault, the rest. Interestingly, claim sources close to Bajaj that the engine and transmission venture would be supplying engines to not just the small car that the two partners plan to bring out but also to the commercial vehicle range of Bajaj, which could include a small truck. For the small car, Renault’s design centre and styling studio in Mumbai is expected to play a major role. 

The first Airbus A400M military transporter rolled out from its final assembly line in Seville, Spain today, marking a key milestone in the development for this new multi-role airlifter. In a ceremony presided by His Majesty Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, the aircraft was presented to an international audience of 1,500 invited guests, which included hundreds of Airbus employees. The A400M represents the most ambitious military procurement programme ever undertaken in Europe, and the aircraft features electronic flight controls, carbon composite structures and an automated handling system - all which were incorporated to bring new standards of operability and safety for military aircrews. It is a true multi-mission platform, designed for strategic operations, tactical missions and in-theatre aerial refuelling. 

The BMW Group and Fiat Group Automobiles are considering the possibility of co-operation in the areas of architectures and components for their Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed by Friedrich Eichiner, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Corporate and Brand Development, and Alfredo Altavilla, Senior Vice President, Business Development, Fiat Group Automobiles and CEO of Fiat Powertrain Technologies. “We are currently examining with the Fiat Group possibilities for the joint use of components and systems in Mini and Alfa Romeo vehicles in order to achieve economies of scale and thus cost reductions within the framework of our Strategy Number ONE”, Eichiner said in Munich. “The proposed co-operation with BMW is a significant cornerstone of our strategy of alliances. We are delighted to work with such an esteemed and respected partner in the automotive industry with the clear objective of improving the competitive position of both parties,” Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat Group and FGA, said in Turin. The two partners have agreed not to divulge details of the possible collaboration. The results of the cooperation discussions will probably be achieved by the end of the year. 

Hero Electric, a 100per cent subsidiary of Hero Group and India’s largest manufacturer of energy-efficient, environment-friendly electric two-wheelers has announced plans to ramp up production while welcoming the tax rebate on electric vehicles announced by the Delhi and other state governments. The Delhi government, to mitigate the rising fuel prices and promote eco-friendly, non polluting means of transport, has recently announced a 15 per cent subsidy on the base price of the electric vehicle (EV) and a 12.5 per cent exemption of VAT. This translates into a subsidy of 24.5per cent on the ex-showroom price of the Electrical Vehicles. Welcoming the Government initiatives, Naveen Munjal, managing director of hero Electric said: “Fuel costs are climbing rapidly making the running cost of Petrol driven two wheelers out of reach of many a customers. Electric two-wheelers make for easier mobility.” To expand the capacity, which involves upgrading and enhancing capacity at its Ludhiana plant, the company will be investing close to Rs 70 crores. The capex is expected to touch 440 vehicles per day and two shifts from the current 220 vehicles per day and singl shift. Hero Electric is also hiking the R&D spend and expanding the product range further. While a new R&D hub is being set up at Delhi other than a design cell, a new model in the high-speed range is scheduled for launch in August 2008. Hero Electric is targeting sales of over 70,000 vehicles this year compared to 21,000 vehicles sold last year. To push the sales the company will adding another 100 dealers to the existing 170 by the end of 2008. 

Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corp's (HSBC) India unit launched a new product, HSBC Direct, for small businesses. “This product, targeted at small businesses and micro-SMEs, will take care of their daily banking requirements with round the clock service available on the internet, telephone and self service machine,” said HSBC India CEO Naina Lal Kidwai. In Asia, India is the first country to introduce this software-based product, she said. HSBC group general manager Margaret Leung said: “We have implemented this system abroad and it has become very successful. In the UK we have more than 94,000 customers.” Customers opting for this product can benefit from zero quarterly balances. Besides, there would be no charges for demand drafts through internet banking and no charges for cash withdrawals up to Rs 20,000 from 23,000 Visa ATMS across India. HSBC India managing director and head of commercial banking Puneet Chaddha said: “There is a new generation of business customers who are tech savvy. HSBC Direct will address the need of small businesses which are the major drivers of Indian economy.” 

India's Best Group announced it would set up a joint venture with Koki Technik Transmission Systems, one of the leading manufacturers of gear shift components in Europe. The joint venture company, Best Koki Automotive Pvt Ltd, will manufacture gear transmission shifting parts. Best Group has interests in automative control cable manufacturing and engineering design services. Koki Technik and Best Group would invest Rs 400 million each in the new entity. “We will bring in the capital over the course of next three years, our products will be ready for the market by 2009,” Best Group joint managing director Nitesh Jain said. “We have confirmed orders for one upcoming model but I cannot disclose the name. We are also in talks with all major car manufacturers,” he added. Jain said the joint venture company would export 130,000 units to Koki Technik by the end of this financial year. Nico Beltrame, managing director of Koki Technik, added that the company was not using the joint venture for outsourcing its manufacturing to India. 

Banks need to fine-tune their lending processes to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and follow the Reserve Bank guidelines on the subject, a top RBI official said. Despite these guidelines being in place, many banks were observed to have not been following them, Reserve Bank's Deputy Governor, Usha Thorat, said at a seminar organised by the Indian Banks Association (IBA) in Mumbai. Giving an example, Thorat said as per the RBI guidelines, banks were not supposed to insist on collateral security from SMEs for advances to them up to a limit of Rs 5 lakh but only take into account the viability of their projects while granting loans. However, some banks were not adhering to this guideline and were asking for collateral security, Thorat said, adding in many cases banks had not even analysed their SME portfolios properly. “For SME loans up to Rs 5 lakhs, banks are not supposed to ask for collateral security...(but) a few banks are insisting on that...very few banks have analysed their own SME portfolios,” Thorat said. The Reserve Bank had last year asked leading banks such as State Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Canara Bank and Indian Bank to conduct a survey in certain districts to ensure whether banks were complying with its norms. 

GM India’s Chevrolet Spark is now available across the nation for an incredible starting price of Rs 2.66 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) as its new plant gets ready to start operations. 

With global sales of 3,961,629 units in 2007 the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has emerged as the world's fifth largest automaker moving up from sixth place in 2006, according to Automotive News' 2008 Global Market Data Book published on June 30, 2008. While quantitative growth has been an important objective in the past for the Group, the company’s efforts are now focused on qualitative growth in terms of continuous improvement in corporate social responsibility, profitability, technological innovation and brand power. Hyundai-Kia has the momentum to keep on growing. The Group has seen remarkable growth in the four decades since Hyundai Motor Co. was founded. It ranked as the world's eleventh largest automaker in 1999, the year Hyundai-Kia Chairman Chung Mong-Koo took over the helm as the CEO. Since then, under Chairman Chung's leadership, it has moved steadily up the rankings ladder, accelerating its push to globalize operations by building new manufacturing plants in the United States, China, India, Slovakia, Czech and Russia. Counting the export sales of 185,114 complete knock-down kits which are assembled by overseas partners, the Group's 2007 global sales reached 4,146,743 units. Automotive News’ methodology excludes CKD sales. 

Danfoss Industries Private Limited, a leader in mechanical and electronic components and solutions, hosted a Product Expo in Mumbai on July 1, 2008 to launch Danfoss Turbocor, the world's first totally oil-free compressor that has been specifically designed for the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC&R) industry. The Product Expo is to spanned four days from the 30th of June across New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore. 

A path-breaking innovation as the world’s first totally oil-free compressor, designed for the HVAC&R industry, the Danfoss Turbocor offers several advantages over conventional compressors. Most significantly, the compressor is 33% more energy efficiency and has totally oil-free operation. It provides outstanding energy savings from digitally controlled, frictionless, two-stage centrifugal compression. That way it achieves significant reductions in operating cost and environmental emissions associated with energy production. The convergence of aerospace and industrially proven technologies enables the Turbocor family of compressors to achieve the highest overall efficiency for middle-market, water-cooled, evaporatively cooled, and air-cooled HVACR applications. Such technologies include magnetic bearings, variable-speed centrifugal compression, and digital electronic controls. 

“We are very pleased that we can introduce this revolutionary new compressor to stalwarts in the Indian industry. The Turbocor addresses a demand in the market for energy efficient applications with oil-free operation. We feel confidant that this product will not only provide exceptional benefits to our customers, but will also revolutionise the industry,” said M Anuraaga Chandra, Vice President, Danfoss Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Division, Danfoss Industries Pvt Ltd.

With over 300 visitors attending the Product Expo, the introduction of the Danfoss Turbocor to the Indian market has been well received. (Chandra Anuraaga, VP – Sales & Marketing, Danfoss Refrigeration & Air-conditioning Danfoss Industries Pvt Ltd. E-mail: anuraag@danfoss.com)”

Bosch (India) has set up two new Bosch Car Service (BCS) outlets in Bangalore at Jayanagar (Mot Smiths) and Whitefield (OM Sai Service). The Bosch Car Service centres are a one-stop destination for customers and service stations and will provide comprehensive solutions for all makes of cars. Bosch currently has 187 BCS across the country. BCS is an initiative to provide world class service to the new generation cars that have entered the Indian market. It is equipped to service car brands across original equipment manufacturers, by offering genuine spare parts, diagnostics and repair. 

BCS outlets also provide diagnostics for new generation technologies such as the common rail systems, ABS and ESP. The BCS also offers specialist servicing for diesel powered vehicles. The type and variety of professional services provided by the BCS workshop is superior to that offered by any general workshops thus resulting in higher customer satisfaction.

Porsche AG, Stuttgart, will be continuing the successful co-operation on the production of the mid-engine models Boxster and Cayman with the Finnish manufacturing partner Valmet Automotive until the year 2012, thus fulfilling it contractual obligations. In a call for tenders, Porsche has chosen Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG, Graz, as future contract manufacturer. 

The Austrian enterprise secured the contract because it submitted the most financially attractive offer, and because it is in a position to take on development tasks for Porsche sports cars. Holger P. Härter, Deputy Chairman of Porsche SE, and as Chief Financial Officer responsible for the allocation of commissioned production, comments: “Over the last eleven years, Valmet has built more than 200,000 sports cars of outstanding quality for us. Our decision not to continue our successful cooperation is in no way a vote against Valmet. Rather, it was the high development capacity and competence of our future partner that tipped the balance in favour of our new partner.” 

Magna Steyr will make it possible for Porsche to continue the model of the “breathing factory” in the next decade. From 2012 onwards, all production volumes of the Boxster series, which, for capacity reasons, are not able to be completed in Zuffenhausen, will be taken on by Magna Steyr’s factory in Graz. Porsche will supply the engines and various components. This ensures that in future, too, production at Porsche’s main factory in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen will run at full capacity. Further synergies arise from the numerous supply relations between Porsche and the Magna Group: the enterprise already manufactures many important components for Porsche. There are intersections particularly in convertible top systems and bodywork components.

Earthmoving equipment major Caterpillar Inc, headquartered in the US, will invest $200 million to ramp up its Indian operations over the next four years, the company said. The company said it plans to increase production capacities at its diesel engine plant at Hosur, and the earthmoving equipment plant at Tiruvallur - both in Tamil Nadu - to cater to the South East Asian and Russian markets, apart from India. 

Caterpillar is also contemplating a new production line at Tiruvallur to roll out high-capacity dumpers of over 120-tonne capacity for the export market. The company manufactures off highway vehicles like dumpers, backhoe loaders, engines, engine components and generator sets in India. 

“This additional investment demonstrates Caterpillar's commitment to customers in India and the importance of emerging markets across the Asia-Pacific region,” a company release quoted Caterpillar chairman and chief executive, Jim Owens, as saying. At Hosur, the company will increase the production of Caterpillar 3508 engine targeting markets like South East Asia and Russia, apart from meeting the needs of its domestic production. 

The expansion at its Tiruvallur plant is for increasing production of backhoe loaders for the domestic market, and dumpers for South East Asian markets, a company official told a news agency. The Indian engineering design centre at Tiruvallur employs around 700 engineers and provides engineering support to over 40 Caterpillar plants worldwide.

Auto component manufacturer NK Minda Group has announced the formation of a joint venture (JV) with Japan's Tokai Rika to manufacture automotive seat belts, locks and immobilisers. In the new entity, Tokai Rika Minda India Pvt Ltd, the Japanese firm will have 70 per cent stake while the balance 30 per cent will be held by the Minda Group. The new company will invest Rs 1 billion to set up a greenfield facility at Bangalore. The company has already got a letter of intent from Toyota Kirloskar Motors Ltd for the supply of seat belts, locks and switches. 

Minda Group chairman and managing director Nirmal K Minda said: “This new JV with Tokai Rika cements an already existing relationship and marks another important milestone in our journey to become a recognised global player with emphasis on technology and development.” Tokai Rika president K Kinoshita said: “We have strong ties with NK Minda Group from the past decade. The new JV will build upon our existing relationships with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and the trust that Minda brand enjoys in India.” 

Minda Group and Tokai Rika have already set up another JV, Minda Rika Pvt Ltd (MRPL) that manufactures automotive switches for four-wheelers and mirrors.

KS Aluminium-Technologie AG, member of the Kolbenschmidt Pierburg Group (Rheinmetall Group), has entered into a licence agreement with Pune-based Jaya Hind Industries. The deal covers the development and production of cylinder heads, engine blocks, bedplates and other castings destined for national and international auto manufacturers and auto industry suppliers. A prototype aluminum engine block for Ford is the first order to be shipped out as early as the latter half of the year. The two partners will be supplying the engine block, the cylinder head, and the bedplate. Additionally, the two companies are currently working together on engine blocks for a variety of other customer projects. 

The agreement will also enable KS Aluminium-Technologie to gain a foothold in the high-growth Indian market which is showing expansion potential for lightweight aluminum components. Says Horst Binnig, CEO of KS Aluminium-Technologie AG: "As part of our globalization strategy it is our aim, alongside our existing Neckarsulm facility which will in future continue to cast and net-machine high-tech products, to supply markets from other international locations delivering mass-produced products with further cost benefits. With this in mind we will certainly extend even further cooperation with our Indian partners." 

Within this partnership KS Aluminium-Technologie is contributing its extensive expertise in the development and production of engine blocks and cast aluminum products. Jaya Hind Industries, which is part of the Firodia Group, is a supplier of cast transmission and pump housings, cylinder head covers and other power train components to manufacturers like Ford, GM, Fiat, Tata, Mahindra, and Suzuki.

Ford India has launched the new Fiesta. Exterior changes to the car include bold headlamps that eat into the bumper that has a huge air dam in the centre. Inside, the car boasts several significant design revisions with upgraded fabrics and leather – now offered in an even wider variety of colours – and detailed improvements in quality and finish. Power comes from a 1.6 Duratec petrol and 1.5 Duratorq diesel engine that does 101bhp and 68bhp respectively. 

The highlight of the range is the Fiesta 1.6 S, a sportier version of the 1.6 Duratec. The suspension of the 1.6 S has been precisely tuned to provide a higher level of driver-machine interaction. Along with the SXI, the S also offers advanced ABS along with EBD for optimal vehicle control during extreme braking in all weather and road conditions. driver and passenger airbags are standard. 

The Ford Fiesta range is priced from Rs. 6,57,804 for petrol variants and from Rs. 7,44,999 for the turbodiesel models. The Fiesta 1.6 S is priced at Rs. 7, 57,293 (Ex-showroom, Mumbai).