TVS Motor Company unveiled the new 150 CC, 5-speed motorcycle called Apache. Producing 13.5bhp, the Apache has been designed and engineered to look aggressive and sporty with class leading performance supported by Intake and Exhaust Surge and Inductive Digital Ignition (IDI) engine technology. Apache sports wide tyres in black alloy wheels of 17 inch in front and 18 inch at rear for greater road grip, a special paint to add unique look and a synchronised stiff chassis developed using the latest lessons from TVS Racing. The bike also sports Monotube Inverted Gas Shox (MIG) suspension at rear and 240mm disc brake at front.

Maruti Suzuki WagonR has bagged the top rank and is closely followed by Maruti Suzuki Alto in the compact car segment. Maruti Esteem ranks highest in the entry midsize segment. This is second year running that WagonR and Esteem have secured top ranks in their respective segments. Honda City, Skoda Octavia and Toyota Innova rank highest in their respective segments. Eight categories of vehicle styling, design and performance are measured to assess owner delight at two to six months of ownership, including: engine/transmission; ride, handling and braking; comfort/convenience; seats; cockpit/instrument panel; heating, ventilation and cooling; sound system; and styling/exterior.

Asian Honda Motor Co., Honda’s Bangkok-based Asia-Oceania regional headquarters have reported record 2005 sales of its motorcycles, automobiles and power products across the region and announced that ASEAN was emerging as one of Honda’s major global CKD component production hubs.

In the rapidly expanding Asia-Oceania motorcycle market, in the year 2005, Honda’s sales hit a record 9.17-million units, up 20per cent over 2004. Top growth markets were the Philippines (up 41per cent), Indonesia (up 33per cent) and Vietnam (up 23per cent). In automobiles, Honda achieved record automobile sales of 310,000 units in the Asia-Oceania region during 2005, up 10per cent over 2004. Sales growth was particularly strong in Pakistan (up 72per cent) and Australia (up 28per cent), the latter market’s sales growth being fuelled by highly competitive CBU automobile imports from Thailand following the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. Sales in Thailand reached 60,000 units in 2005, reflecting the generally softer market conditions in the passenger car segment.

Speaking on the eve of the year-end, Motohide Sudo, Executive Vice President, Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., said, “Honda’s range of advanced technology mobility products achieved a record response from customers in the region who were increasingly looking for outstanding fuel efficiency and excellent value-for-money throughout the products’ life-cycles”. For the motorcycle market in Thailand, A.P. Honda Co., Ltd. expects to serve 1.43 million customers. And with the total Asia-Oceania motorcycle market likely to reach 18.5 million units this year, exceed 20 million units in 2006, Honda is investing some 30 billion yen or Baht 11,100 million during 2005-2006 to increase its regional production capacity from 8 million units in 2004 to 14 million units by 2007. In 2006 Honda aims to serve some 10.3-million motorcycle customers in the region, rising to 12 million in 2007.

Honda’s production capacity in Indonesia has already been increased by one million units annually with the opening in September, 2005 of a 3rd plant, while in Pakistan and the Philippines new 500,000-unit plants will open in April, 2006. In addition, in India, Hero Honda Motors Ltd. will establish a 3rd plant, also in 2006.

Bajaj Auto introduced the new Discover. Expected to complement the existing line-up of Dicsover, the new Discover is yet another feather in Bajaj Auto’s Research & Development (R&D) department and a completely indigenous effort. Other than the 112cc single-cylinder engine and ExhausTEC silencer technology, the Discover comes with alloy wheels, SNS suspension and ride control switch. The Discover has been introduced with the objective of increasing Bajaj Auto’s market share in the ‘Executive’ segment of motorcycles and as a strategy, Bajaj Auto intends to leverage the highly successful Discover brand. Bajaj Auto sold a total of 77,000 of the existing 125 cc Discover DTS- i in the festive months of October & November 2005. According to S Sridhar, Vice President (Marketing & Sales -2 wheelers), Bajaj Auto: “We are following global norms wherein automobile companies have multiple products under each platform. The newly introduced 112 cc Discover is an addition to the existing 125 cc Discover DTS-i. Since high fuel economy is a critical requirement of a set of Executive segment customers, in addition to style and ride feel, we are introducing the new 112 cc Discover, which is designed towards giving the rider the category best mileage of 101 kmpl (under standard test conditions), while retaining the look and feel of the 125 cc DTS-I version.”

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur will take over as the CEO as DaimlerChrysler from January 2006 from Hans-Michael Huber who headed the Indian operations since April 1 2002. Outlining the strategic direction of DaimlerChrysler India for the future, Dr. Aulbur said, “We have set upon a path of strong and profitable growth for the company. Huber and our colleagues have been instrumental in setting the right direction. My key objective for the next few years is to provide added momentum to such efforts. We will go all-out to leverage upon sales opportunities, extend highest standards of service-support for our customers and further improve on our time-to-market for product introductions in India.” Dr. Aulbur was the executive assistant of the Head of Mercedes Car Group (2003 to 2005) and in this position, provided support in various strategic and operational initiatives within the global Mercedes Car Group organization. Between 2000 and 2002 Dr. Aulbur headed the Business Development and Strategy function at the DaimlerChrysler Research Center India (Bangalore). He has worked in several positions across DaimlerChrysler AG both in Germany at Airbus and DaimlerChrysler Headquarters and in the US at Chrysler Corporation.

Speaking about DaimlerCrysler India, Dr Aulbur added, “We at daimlerChrysler typically do model refreshments and periodic facelifts. The new S-Class is going to come to India”. Dr Aulbur also pointed at the launch of the new M-Clas at the beiginning of the next years whereas commercial vehicle production will be in the first quarter of 2006. “We are set to continue to prosper, and it is definitely going to be challenging”. Asked about growing competition from brands like Audi and BMW getting serious about the Indian market, Dr Aulbur said, “We will definitely have competition. We will work very very hard so that we continue to grow”.

In January 2006, DaimlerChrysler India will conduct a road show that will incude the new S-Class as well as the M-Class. The company sold 1767 vehicles in the 2005 calender year as against 1815 vehicles in the year 2004. According to Dr Aulbur: “We don’t have volume targets, e source globally for commercial vehicles, Chrysler and Mercedes. We are the second largest OEM exporter from India”.

Gujarat Setco Clutch has acquired UK based automotive clutch manufacturer, Lipe Clutch, for a sum of Rs 16 crores through its wholly owned subsidiary Setco Automotive UK. Lipe Clutch is a wholly owned subsidiary of the $10-billion Dana Corporation of US, with whom Gujarat Setco Clutch has had a technical collaboration. Part of the funding for the acquisition was supported by 14 per cent stake picked up by New Veron Private Equity Ltd, a foreign fund, in Gujarat Setco Clutch through an issue of equity shares valued at Rs 120 per share. Speaking on the occasion, Harish Seth, Managing Director, Gujarat Setco Clutch said, "The acquisition would pave way for Setco to expand its presence in more than 30 countries," Hinting at turning Lipe into a cost competitive brand using Setco expertise, Seth also announced that it would invest Rs 40 crores in a clutch plant in Pune by early 2006. With investment spread over 3 to 4 years, the proposed Pune plant will start production by the end of current financial year and aim to increase capacity by four times in the next five years, according to Seth. Seth further said, “We will also set up distribution centres across the globe and double capacity of the Vadodara plant”. He added, “The Indian market is getting saturated. We supply 75 to 80 per cent clutches to Tata, 40 per cent to Ashok Leyland and 100 per cent to Eicher. To go global we need appropriate engineering capabilities and to develop the same it would take 2 to 3 years. We therefore thought of taking the acquisition route and Lipe has a good brand presence”. While thrust is on export, according to Udit Seth, executive director of Gujarat Setco, the company will focus on increasing the production lines, R&D, use Setco Lipe effectively, globally and work towards developing actuation systems for full driveline modules. Harish Seth is quick to add. “With the acquistion we can grow to 300 product variations”. Gujarat Setco is looking at targeting US, Africa, Australia and China with the acquisition. The company, which recorded a turnover of Rs 113 crores in last fiscal and a compounded growth of 40 per cent, will be soon changing its name from Gujarat Setco to Setco Automobiles Ltd.

CII recently held the 4th Manufacturing Summit for “Innovation for Sustainable Advantage” at Mumbai recently. The Summit shade light on the importance of Innovation in terms of change, development and upgradation of technology, processes, products and managerial techniques in each and every industry to help maintain a competitive edge and carve out a niche market for its products. The sessions at the summit touched upon topics like developing winning products, achieving process excellence, harnessing people power and fostering an environment conducive to innovation and saw the participation from key figures from the manufacturing industry like Jamshyd Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co, Atul Kirloskar, Chairman and MD, Kirloskar Oil Engines as well as Chairman of CII Manufacturing Competitiveness Sub Committee. Arun Maira, Chairman, Boston Consulting Group and Surinder Kapur, Chairman & Managing Director, Sona Koyo Steering Systems Ltd. Speaking at the summit, Arun Maira said, ‘Unemployment will actually increase with expected growth of 8 per cent.” Expressing his views that the pattern of growth in India is different from that of other countries including China, Maira attracted attention towards the fact that manufacturing industry in India accounts for 17 per cent whereas service industry accounts for 52 per cent. Maira added, “More than half of the auto manufacturers are engaged in design, development, etc, which is classified as service industry. So, let us not get hung up about service industry and manufacturing industry.” Shailesh Seth, Director, Endress+ Hauser (India) Pvt Ltd, said in his speech, “Indian executives are considering that innovation is important”. Stressing on the need to grow not just organically but through acquisitions, Shailesh said that the company should outperform natural growth by innovating new products and process. Seth added, “Companies should create culture for creativity, take more risks, manage failures, globally benchmark processes and crank up R&D allocations”. C P Rangachar, Managing Director, Yuken India Ltd, in his speech expressed an opinion that Six Sigma strangles innovation. Rangachar said, “It does help manufacturing and boost supply and demand”. He added, financial services piggyback on manufacturing while manufacturing creates wealth”. Dr Surinder Kapur in his address expressed the need to go beyond the Deming mindset and develop manufacturing leadership. Kapur added, “Culture is very important to become competitive and R&D cannot be done in vacuum”. According to Dr Kapur, “It is essential to know customer preferences, language and bring about a change in mindset—from operational mindset to business strategic mindset”. Referring to Prof. Shiba Shoji of Sloan School of Management, Michigan, and winner of Deming Award for individuals (2002), Dr Kapur directed attention towards the new catch phrase in the manufacturing industry, “Beat Toyota”. “Manufacturing should not be restrictive”, said Dr Kapur, “and leadership is required for breakthrough management”. Dr Kapur added that it is the CEO’s job to do this and that “emotional ties” is important. Dr Kapur stressed on the need to develop 300-500 leaders in manufacturing through specialized institutions on lines of MIT Center for Manufacturing Excellence. According to him, let India Inc. form learning communities to train and develop 20-30 real change leaders each. On the eve of the summit, CII and Boston Consulting Group presented a report titled “Manufacturing Innovation—A Senior Executive Survey”. Supporting the central theme of the summit, the report analyses how Indian business leaders think about innovation and how their companies manage the innovation process. The findings of this survey have been compared with BCG’s 2005 Global Survey on Innovation, in which 940 executive representing 68 countries and all major industries participated.

Castrol India is aggressively marketing the BP Vanellus Multigrade Oil is an engine oil for trucks to reduce frictional losses and offers superior engine performance under tough operating conditions, besides assuring protection for the engine. All of this, say sources close to Catsrol India, can result in up to five per cent savings in fuel costs compared to ordinary monograde engine oils.

Explaining the linkage between the use of the right kind of engine oil and savings in fuel costs, Sudhanshu Vats (Vice President - Marketing, Castrol India Ltd.), said, “The primary job of a lubricant is to reduce friction between various moving parts. Most consumers use ordinary engine oil and are hence not able to take full advantage of it’s lubricating properties. A good lubricant, like BP Vanellus Multigrade Oil gives better fuel mileage by reducing friction and giving the benefit of better mileage across a range of temperatures. BP Vanellus Multigrade Oil has special “viscotrons” that reduce friction and therefore the use of BP Vanellus Multigrade Oil can ensure significant savings in fuels costs."

BP Vanellus Multigrade Oil, add sources, is recommended for use in all types of diesel engines and vehicles like trucks, LCVs, tractors, jeeps and buses running on diesel. The product is available across India in 1 litre, 5 litre, 7.5 litre, 10 litre, 20 litre, 50 litre and 210 litre packs.

Skoda Skoda Auto India has launched the Laura in the upper premium luxury-class segment. Priced at Rs 16, 49,310 (ex-Showroom Maharashtra), the Laura, which is known as new Ocatvia in Europe, is a completely new car with progressive technologies and multitude of sophisticated elements that have so far only been used in upper premium luxury-class segment.Based on a bigger A5 platform, the Laura comes with 1896cc, 105bhp "Pumpe Dause" engine that ensures direct injection system for high performance and low emission. Transmission is 6-speed DSG tiptronic. Speaking on the occasion of the launch Mr. Imran Hassen, Managing Director, ŠkodaAuto India said, “This is the world’s most beautiful automobile. Our new offering is designed specially for India and is in line with our key strategy to deliver technology packed wonders. ŠkodaLaura provides an exceptional combination of latest technology, space and futuristic comforts and safety. The car is loaded with environment friendly features and hence the green chip technology.”

H S Lheem has been appointed the managing director of Hyundai Motor India. Lheem replaces Yang who has moved to Korea and heads Incheon based company, which is South Korea's second largest steel manufacturer. Yang’s appointment comes in wake of the companies’ effort to bring the dynamic professionals at the helm of its steel and construction businesses to position the company on a global level. Before taking over the Indian operations, Lheem was managing director of Hyundai Motor’s Turkey operations as the Managing Director.

Maruti has launched the LPG version of Omni. Called the Maruti Omni LPG, the vehicle, according to Maruti sources, is the cheapest four-wheeler to run in the country. The Omni LPG follows in the footsteps Omni Cargo LPG that was introduced last year and Omni LPG (5 seater) that was launched early this year. Other than running costs, Maruti sources point at easy availability of LPG with over 100 filling and dispensing stations are currently available in 24 cities. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore have over 15 outlets each. The best part about the Omni LPG, add sources, is that the vehicle comes with an authorized LPG kit, certified for quality and safety.

Mahindra & Mahindra entered into an agreement with Plexion Technologies, Mauritius, a group company of J P Morgan to acquire 88.41per cent stake in Plexion Technologies (India) Limited (Plexion). Plexion is engaged in the business of Computer Aided Engineering Services. The Company has operations in Asia, Germany, U.K and USA. It is focused on Aerospace & Automotive Engineering Business verticals and its delivery model includes offshore and onsite services. Hemant Luthra, President Mahindra Systems and Automotive Technology (MSAT) Sector, of Mahindra & Mahindra said, "The acquisition of Plexion complements the capabilities of MES and provides additional resources that can be brought to bear to meet the increasing needs of OEM's like International Truck and others." "The partnership with M&M will facilitate the injection of capital and skills to address the growing needs of the Aerospace vertical that we have pioneered," said M.K. Padmanabhan, MD and founder of Plexion. M.K. Padmanabhan is supported by Dilip Bonde, COO, Plexion and a team of 150 engineers. Padmanabhan holds a PhD in Engineering from IIT Bombay. He has worked with ISRO, NASA, and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) over a period of 19 years and has worked on designing satellites and designing and developing light combat aircraft. Dilip Bonde holds a PhD in Engineering from IIS, Bangalore. MES and Plexion offer synergies beyond the collective customer base of Audi, Bentley, Daimler Chrysler, Honda International, Visteon and others. "With M&M's imminent investment in Mahindra Research Valley, the depth of our service offering would be unmatched," said Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director, M&M.

SkodaAuto India is hiking the price of its cars from January 2006. Commenting in this price hike, Imran Hassen, Managing Director, SkodaAuto India, said, “The planned price rise is impacted by an increase in the input costs. The last price hike on Skoda cars was undertaken in early 2005. Since then we have not passed any additional cost to the customer. We will keep the price hike competitive and consumer friendly.”

Tata launched the TL4x4 sports utility pickup. Claimed to be the first of its kind in India, the TL4x4, according to sources at Tata is a sturdy 1.2-tonne warhorse with sporty and contemporary features offering the ride and handling characteristics of a passenger car. Aims at those who are seeking a different lifestyle and a vehicle that can be loaded with a tent, wood stock, barbeque et al as well as go where very few vehicles can think of going, according to industry sources, the LT4x4 has a gradability of 72per cent, runs on tubeless tyres and has air-conditioning as a standard feature. The sports pickup is powered by the 1948cc, 92bhp/190Nm, in-direct injection engine seen on the Safari and employs almost the same drive train—G76 gearbox and a 4WD transfer case with electric shift gearbox and an electronic controller unit. The Tata TL 4x4 is equipped with an independent front suspension with torsion bars and double wishbones springs and a leaf spring rigid suspensions at the rear, thus providing good rigidity and comfort like an SUV.The Tata TL 4x4 range offers three derivatives consisting of a 4x2 double cab, 4x4 single cab and a 4x4 double cab in colours of quartz black and artic silver. It would be available in BS II and BS III variants and the ex-showroom price is in the range of Rs7.9 lacs to Rs 8.9 lacs depending on the city and variant. Speaking at the launch, Shyam Mani, Vice President (Sales & Marketing), Commercial Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, said, "A multi-faceted vehicle, the Tata TL 4x4 strikes the perfect balance between power, aesthetics and functionality. Tough, durable, hardworking yet a lifestyle vehicle, the Tata TL 4x4 is a combination of a rugged workhorse and a sports beauty mixed in one." In other news, Tata Motors, Hitachi and Telco Construction Equipment Company Limited (Telcon) signed an agreement, expanding their scope of cooperation and partnership with Hitachi Construction Machinery increasing its stake in Telcon from 20per cent to 40per cent. The agreement, signed by R.N. Tata, Chairman, Tata Motors and S Dazai, President & CEO, HCM and J K Setna, Chairman, Telcon, the agreement includes sourcing, by Hitachi, of components and machines from Telcon, introducing newer productsof construction equipment in India, setting up a product development facility in India and making Telcon a part of HCM's global network.

Kinetic Motor Company has launched a gearless scooter called the Kinetic 4s. Looking similar to the Kinetic Zoom, the 4s employs 115cc, 4-stroke engine and is metal bodied. The scooter costs Rs 38292 (ex-showroom) with all the accessories claim company sources. “It’s a matter of pride and joy for us to offer the Kinetic 4s, said Sulajja Firodia Motwain, Jt Managing Director, inetic Motor Co, “and we hope that the 4s will be appreciated.”

Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the Bolero Camper DX, an upgraded variant of Bolero Camper, in the passenger vehicle category. Equipped with attractive comfort features, Bolero Camper DX, claim company sources, offers superior fuel efficiency of around 14kpl, seats six and is priced Rs5.05 lakh (ex-showroom Ahmedabad, BS II version). The vehicle is powered by the 2.5-litre MDITC (turbo-charged) diesel engine of Bolero Camper that offers great power. It comes with added features and benefits like independent front suspension (IFS) for a smooth and comfortable ride on any road and disc brakes for better braking and longer brake life. At the launch, Rajesh Jejurikar, EVP - Marketing & Sales, Automotive Sector, M&M said, "Bolero Camper DX has been designed keeping in mind the evolving needs of our customers. It has great car-like comforts and is a smart choice for businessmen as a dual-purpose vehicle. It comes with the premium combination of power and fuel efficiency of a DI engine at an affordable price." In other news, M&M commissioned a facility at Hairidwar with an initial investment of Rs 70 crores, Uttaranchal. Inaugurated by Uttaranchal Chief Minister, N D Tiwari, the facility will produce three-wheeler range including the recently launched Champion Alfa. While the production of Champion has been shifted to this facility, the one that the Alfa will be shaifted over a period of time. Fifth full-scale (Greenfield) automotive plant setup by M&M after a span of 23years, the Haridwar facility currently has a production capacity of 30,000 three-wheelers, which will be eventually ramped up to 5,000 vehicles a month by the year end. Speaking on the ocassion, Dr Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive Sector, M&M said, "The engines are presently made at Zaheerabad and teh production will be shifted to this plant by January-Ferbruary 2007." Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman and Managing Director said, "We are looking at a three-fold strategy here. Primarily, the plant is intended to give a fillip to our three-wheeler business. Two, Uttaranchal offers attractive benefits in terms of quick clearances, efficient state machinery and skilled work force. Uttaranchal is a young but fast-growing state with a progressive Chief Minister and an forward thinking bureaucracy. This plant and our tractor operations in Rudrapur will add momentum to the industrial growth of the state. Finally, the plant is in line with our efforts to continuously update our capacities to fuel Mahindra's growth." He added, "It's 3-wheelers now, 4th wheel will also start", hinting at producing four-wheelers at this facility. Refusing to get into the details of four-wheeler production at Hardidwar, Goenka said that Uttaranchal is also one of the candidates for the M&M-ITEC venture. Furthermore, Anand announced on the occasion that M&M will produce the Bijlee here, hinting at setting up a sperate facility for the electric three-wheeler at Dehradun. According to sources close to M&M, Uttaranchal was selected as the preferred destination because of the state's impetus for growth of the industry, single window service by State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttaranchal Ltd. (SIDCUL), nearness to the thriving three-wheeler market in north India, efficient state machinery and the incentives offered by the government to industry. The government has also put Integrated Industrial Estate of Haridwar into an accelerated development mode.

Skoda India achieved sales of 909 units in November 2005, compared to 549 units sold in November last year. According to Skoda sources, the company sold 108 Superbs this month, the turbo-diesel version of which was launched recently. “We have seen a steep growth this year for all our Skoda products. By selling over 100 Skoda Superbs this month, we have established that the Indian consumers are willing to invest in products that offer latest technologies, luxury and safety. SkodaAuto India today enjoys a market share of over 25 per cent and we will achieve sales of close to 25,000 this year since our inception in November 2001, said Imran Hassen, Managing Director, SkodaAuto India.

Maruti Udyog sold 43,568 vehicles in November 2005 recording a 6.0 per cent rise compared to the 40, 948 units sold in November 2004. The company's total sale in November 2005 was 47,391 units including the export of 3,823 units. Maruti also managed to scale up the production of Swift to improve its availability. The company sold 6,278 units of Swift in November 2005.

Hero Honda, recorded a sales volume of 2,51,186 motorcycles in November 2005 compared to 2,35,836 motorcycles sold during the same month last year. This translates into an increase of 6.5 per cent while the cumulative sales of the company for the period April-November 2005 jumped by 14.7 per cent, increasing from 17,05,230 motorcycles sold during April– November 2004 to 19,56,416 motorcycles sold during the same period in 2005.

In the 2005 four-wheeler Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS) study conducted by TNS specialist division, TNS Automotive, which claims to be the largest syndicated automotive study in India, representing the responses of more than seven thousand new car buyers, the Maruti Swift and Toyota Innova have achieved top honors in upper premium compact and SUV/MPV segments. The study covers over 50 models with customer evaluations taken in the key areas of sales satisfaction, product quality, vehicle performance, design, after-sales service, brand image and cost-of-ownership. The TCS index score provides a measure of satisfaction and loyalty a given model enjoys with its customers. According to Rajeev Lochan, General Manager (Asia Pacific) of TNS Automotive, “The industry witnesses a decline on all areas of customer ownership experience compared to 2004. The decline is predominantly for older small and entry midsize car models. The ageing of these models is posing a stiffer challenge for manufacturers to sustain past performance levels at a time when customer expectations are rising sharply.” “Maruti Suzuki Swift and Toyota Innova achieve segment best ratings by performing well on areas of greater relevance, particularly on product and brand image,” added Lochan. Some of the key indicators of the study say sources at TNS, is progressive reduction in car ownership cycle-time from an average of 61 months in 2002 to 53 months in 2005. The study also records that while first time buyers is declining as a composition of total volumes, it is high in absolute terms and is fuelled by the up-gradation of two-wheeler owners (and according to TNS’ motorcycle study, 14per cent intend to upgrade to cars with a budget ranging from Rs 2.5 to 4.5 lacs).

The four-day long Castrol Autocar Performance Show was inaugurated by India's racing champion Narain Karthikeyan. Featuring 36 motor manufacturers, designers and leading accessory manufacturers, the star attraction of the show was the Castrol World Rally Championship Simulator where a driver navigates the Castrol World Rally Championship winning car one of the rally courses, whilst sitting in Mumbai! This is the first time that a simulator of this sort has been brought into India. Speaking on the occasion, Sudhanshu Vats, Vice President-Marketing, Castrol India, said, "Castrol has had a long standing association with motorsport and Formula One and our association with this show is a natural extension of Castrol's brand promise of superior performance. High performance cars and bikes demand superior lubricants and Castrol is uniquely poised to meet the grueling performance needs of automobiles in motor sport and high end cars. We are delighted that car and bike lovers will get this unique opportunity to get a close, up-front look at some of the most powerful automotive machines in the world"

Speaking at the inauguration of the first private Leyparts center at Hubli based Vijayanand Roadways Limited (VRL), which is also one of Ashok Leyland’s largest customers in India, R Seshasayee, managing director of Ashok Leyland spoke about the company’s plans to launch private sector Leyparts centers at the premises of large private transport operators throughout the country. Leyparts is the Ashok Leyland brand of original spares and nearly worth Rs 200 crores. So far, Leyparts availability has been ensured through the countrywide service network, which includes over 1000 parts outlets.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has tied up with leading financial institutions to offer innovative consumer finance schemes as part of its 2-lakh celebrations. TKM recently surpassed domestic production and sales of 2 lakh Toyota vehicles in India. In order to facilitate upgradation and reduce the gap between the two price points, Toyota is offering Innova customers three finance options of zero down payment or low interest rate of 1per cent or lower EMI of Rs 11, 999. These schemes are offered on G1 & G2 Innova models and will be valid for a period of one month only.

Honda Siel Cars has started delivering the City ZX by late November 2005. Due to the huge demand enjoyed by the City, the company sold-out all units of the car around the middle of October, much before the anticipated time. With the company’s production facility being closed for a period of three weeks before Diwali for capacity enhancement, the production of City ZX commenced only in November, delaying the supply of cars. With deliveries taking off in late November, the City ZX has already clocked more than 1750 units. The company received around 3000 bookings of the City ZX models, including the VTEC variant, in November. In other news, City, Accord and CR-V - have been ranked at the top of their respective categories in the Total Customer Satisfaction study recently announced by research agency, TNS. While Honda City was rated the best in the mid-size category, Honda Accord received the honor for the entry luxury category. Honda CRV was adjudged the best in the premium SUV category.

While speculations about Ford and Toyota launching a sports pickup have been doing the rounds, Tata Motors is taking the lead and launching India’s first Sports ‘pickup’ truck called LT4x4. The pickup aims at those who are seeking a different lifestyle and a vehicle that can be loaded with a tent, wood stock, barbeque et al as well as go where very few vehicles can think of going. The LT4x4 is equipped with 4WD, high ground clearance and borrows heavily from the 207 family, which is often referred to as Tatamobile. Tata has in fact been marketing the sports pickup version of the 207 in Europe (called as Telcoline) for quite some time and it is understood, from industry sources, that Fiat as part of its recent alliance with Tata has shown great interest in marketing this vehicle.

In other news, Tata Motors, which crossed the significant milestone of the one million sales mark this October, is celebrating this momentous occasion by rewarding its customers with a mega offer. Customers, who purchase the Tata Indica, Indigo, Indigo Marina, Sumo Victa or the Safari, can get cash benefits of up to Rs50,000 with every purchase. In addition all customers can participate in a 'Drive away a Millionaire' offer, in which they stand the chance to win up to Rs One Million in cash. This celebratory offer is supported by dealerships across the country and is open from December 5 to December 20, 2005.

Tata Motors today unveiled a formula racing and a 165 PS performance Indica prototype at the Performance Show 2005, being held at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai from December 1 to December 4.

The formula racing prototype has a Tata 486 (petrol, dual overhead camshaft) 2.1-litre 16-valve MPFI (multipoint fuel injection) engine, with a power output of 165 PS at 6000 rpm. With a torque of 205 NM at 4000 rpm, it delivers 0-100 acceleration in just 4 seconds, and can reach a top speed of 260 kmph.

The performance Indica prototype has a new development petrol engine with a power output of 165 PS at 6900 rpm. With a torque of 180 NM at 4500 rpm, it delivers 0-100 acceleration in 7.5 seconds flat, and can hit a top speed of 220 kmph.

Both the cars on display are running prototypes and indicative of the effort being put in by the company to build performance-oriented sporting cars. However, there are no immediate plans for commercial production, The company has been regularly displaying concept cars like Aria, Aria Coupe, Indiva and X-over at auto shows of Geneva and New Delhi.

Earlier this year, in October to be precise, Tata Motors crossed the one-million sales mark (including Exports) since the first passenger car - Tata Sierra - rolled out in 1991. Of the one million cars sold in the last 14 years, about 9,36,000 cars were sold in India and over 64,000 in various countries abroad. Of them, over half a million were Indicas, over 3,00,000 Sumos, close to 1,00,000 Indigos and about 40,000 Safaris. Over three million Tata vehicles, including commercial vehicles, ply on Indian roads. The company's commercial and passenger vehicles are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South East Asia, South Asia and Australia.

Hyundai Motor India’s second road show, the “World of Wheels” (WOW), begins its four-month long journey across the country on December 2, 2005, with a grand display of nine cars from the Hyundai stable. The “World of Wheels” will drive into 34 non-metro cities, beginning with Ludhiana in Punjab and then move to other cities in the Northern region. In each of the cities, covering all the four regions, the road show would be a three-day event and include all the seven Hyundai brands currently sold in India. As a special attraction, Hyundai has shipped from Korea two premium Hyundai cars, which are yet to be launched in India - the super-luxury sedan Azera and the sports coupe Tuscani. This is for the first time that the two cars would be displayed all over India. In other news, the company, which claims to be the largest exporter of cars from India, has made a foray into the highly competitive UK market with its first shipment of 820 cars. This includes the Santro Xing, which is branded as Hyundai Amica in the UK market. This consignment will be the first export of Right Hand Drive (RHD) cars to the European Union (EU). HMI has already established itself as a reliable exporter of Left Hand Drive (LHD) cars to EU countries like Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Greece and Spain.

The Castrol Autocar Performance Show 2005, held between 1-4 December 2005, will showcase some of the best and latest performance cars and motorcycles. Porsche, it is claimed, will showcase its entire India range while on display will be the BMW M5 Sports Saloon that will make its India debut at the show. On display will be a Rolls Royce Phantom, a 385bhp Range Rover Sport, a 286bhp Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX and the Polaris ATV or the Chinkara ATV. According to Sudhanshu Vats, Vice President, Marketing, Castrol India, "Castrol is all about 'high performance' lubricants and so our association with this exhibition is a perfect fit. One of the highlights of the exhibition will be the Castrol rally car simulator which is a replica of the World Rally Championship winning Ford Focus car. For the first time, people in India will get an opportunity to get a real feeling of what it is to drive a Rally Car. The simulator is a full fledged car with only the engine having been removed and replaced with the software necessary for the simulator experience. Using the steering wheel, accelerator and the brake, you can navigate the Castrol World Rally Championship winning car on several rally courses across the world, whilst sitting in Mumbai." For bikers, there will be the Suzuki Hayabusa, the Kawasaki ZX12R, the Yamaha R1, Honda CBR 600RR and a Harley-Davidson V-Rod. The performance Show 2005 will also display high-end accessories like engine additives, air filters, nitrous oxide systems, turbochargers and other hardware that up horsepower and performance.

Airbus A380 will be the highlight of the 2005 Dubai airshow. It will wear Emirates colours and fly each day. Emirates was the first airline to select the A380 and is the largest customer for it, with plans to fly 45, including two on lease. The double-deck 21st Century flagship has been chosen by 16 prestigious airlines that have already ordered an impressive 159 aircraft, including Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, with four and two, respectively. Offering passengers wider seats, even in economy, the Airbus A380 is the world's most economical aircraft, being 15-20 per cent better per seat than today's largest aircraft. It is also a good neighbour, with fewer emissions and only half the noise of very large aircraft flying today. The Airbus A380 on display at Dubai is to be one of five aircraft in a flight test programme that began in April this year and will total some 2,500 hours. Its cabin is full of heavy test-instrumentation - including recorders and barrels of water to simulate the weight of passengers and cargo. The three aircraft currently in the flight-test programme have now flown more than 520 hours in over 140 flights, and continue to make excellent progress. Milestones include an early demonstration of an automatic landing, minimum unstick-speed trials, and a thorough check of aircraft behaviour throughout a wide range of speeds and heights. Airbus is an EADS joint company with BAE Systems. 

Hyundai Motor introduced the all-new Santa Fe sports utility vehicle in Seoul. The new Santa Fe sharpens Hyundai’s competitiveness in the hotly contested segment with third row seating plus an abundance of new comfort and convenience features. Developed at cost of 162 billion won (US $155 million) over a period of 26 months under the CM project code-name, the new Santa Fe rides on a 2700cm long wheelbase, 8cm longer than its predecessor. This enabled an increase of 15cm, 5.5cm and 5cm in the overall length, width and height, respectively. As a result, the cabin offers more front and rear legroom and headroom than the outgoing model. Power options include an all-new diesel, the D-2.2, which delivers 153bhp @ 4000rpm and 35kgm of torque at 2000rpm with the help of a variable geometry turbocharger. The new diesel is coupled to an all-new five-speed transmission, with the customer being offered a selection of either manual or automatic, both fuel efficient, smooth-shifting designs. Fuel is delivered by a second generation 1600-bar common rail diesel injection system governed by a new 32-bit microprocessor (versus the predecessor’s 16-bit ECU) while a variable swirl control device and electric air control valve contribute to improved combustion efficiency and lower emissions. The cylinder head features a two-layer water jacket, which increases the strength of the head to permit higher combustion pressures. An electronically controlled water-cooled exhaust gas re-circulation valve helps minimize emissions to comply with the latest Euro IV standards. 

After the signing of the MoU to analyse teh feasibility of co-operation across markets in the area of passenger cars that would encompass development, manufacturing, sourcing and distribution of products, aggregates and components between Fiat S.p.A and Tata Motors sometime back, it is understood that Sergio Marchionne, CEO of Fiat S.p.A is visiting India and meeting Ratan Tata, Chairman of Tata Motors. Industry sources claim that the meeting will focus on the further course of action by the two companies in the above stated areas. Fiat, whose Indian operations are not doing well, and who after dissolving its troubled five-year alliance with General Motors in February this year had announced that it wasn't looking for another equity partner entered into third cooperation contract with PSA/Peugeot-Citroen for a new entry-level light commercial vehicle, approved joint development and production of a new generation of minicars with Ford of Europe and licensed Suzuki to build Fiat diesel engines in Asia. As part of the arrangement, claim industry sources, Maruti, the Indian arm of Suzuki, is setting up a facility at Manesar to build the Fiat JTD diesel engine. THis engine could give Tata a run for ist money in teh passenger car segment and at least until the company does not have a common-rail diesel engine suitable for the passenger car range. the talk between Tata and Fiat, claim sources, could therefore involve sharing and joint development of powertrain solutions and sophisticated technological solutions. Fiat could utilise Tata's supply base to get its cost structure right.

At the biennial Verona us & Bus Show, Italy, the company introduced the Divo touring coach. At the Busworld exhibition held at Belgium held a little before the Italian event, Ravi Kant, Managing Director of Tata Motors and Gerardo Múgica, CEO, Hispano Carrocera, disclosed the key advances of the strategic-alliance between Tata Motors and Hispano Carrocera. Ravi Kant stated that this 21per cent stake in Hispano is not a simple financial investment but a marriage focused on reinforcing both companies. “This alliance will benefit both the companies. Hispano will continue to build buses and coaches on chassis specified by customers. We've recently won an order for 800 Habit buses to be built on Iveco chassis”.

News is out that Tata Motors, which inked a memorandum of understanding with auto giant, Fiat of Italy, is not interested in any joint activity at the national level. Speaking to a select group of media, Ravi Kant, managing director of Tata Motors is known to have said that Fiat India’s manufacturing plant is entirely theirs; they will run and manage it. He is also known to have said that Tata has nothing to do with it and the talks on the alliance are at a higher level of the Tatas and Fiat SpA." While making it clear that through the alliance Tata is looking at sourcing better products and aggregates that will also reduce the risk involved in developing new products and help bring in products that have greater chance of success, Ravi Kant is also known to have hinted at replace its existing range of vehicles with a new generation of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in the next 3-5 years. According to Ravi Kant, a the joint team is being set up to identify areas of co-operation between Fiat SpA and Tata Motors and will submit its report in a span of 3-4 weeks.

Ford has appointed Abhishek Bachchan as the brand ambassador for its new mid-size sedan, Ford Fiesta, which it introduced in India recently. The car, which is available with a 1.4 and 16-litre “Duratec” petrol engine and a 1.4-litre common-rail “Duratorq” diesel engine, is priced at Rs 5.86 lakhs (1.4 Exi), Rs 7.22 lakhs (1.6 Sxi) and Rs 7.33 lakhs (1.4-TDCi Zxi) (ex-showroom Mumbai) respectively. Speaking on the occasion, Arvind Mathew, managing director and president of Ford India, said, “The Fiesta with a potent combination of powerful styling and a ‘raring to go’ spirit is set to excite consumers with its performance and comfort. Once behind the wheel, consumers will ‘Go Fida’ over the car”. Mathew added that the charismatic Abhishek with his strong lineage is the perfect choice to endorse the attitude of the Fiesta.

Mahindra Systems and Automotive Technologies (MSAT), the auto ancillary division of automobile maker Mahindara & Mahindra is set for up to three acquisitions. One of them is said to be an Indian company. Speaking on the occasion of the inking of JV between Mahindra & Mahindra and International Truck & Engine Corporation (ITEC), Hemant Luthra, president of MSAT said, “The company is in advanced negotiations with three mid-sized firms in the engineering services and auto component sector in Europe” “We are looking at acquiring a German foundry”, said Luthra, “and all the possible acquisitions are profitable”. Asked about participation in the foundry business, Luthra said, “We could bring foundry and rough machining operations here and expand the super (end) finishing operations there to take advantage of their expertise and retain the fact that the end product continues to roll out of the existing facility”. While looking at management, technology and outcome of synergy from the acquisitions, Luthra added, “"I will be very disappointed if we should not be able to do three acquisitions this fiscal”. According to industry sources, the European acquisitions MSAT is negotiating, are in the region of US $50million to US $70million each. While the names of the companies is not clear yet, according to Luthra, “Each of these companies will have sales of US $ 30-50 million. M&M wants to make MSAT a billion-dollar company by 2010. MSAT is US $250million company now”. Attracting attention towards commitment to the board to grow to a billion-dollar company, Luthra said, “We are looking at both organic and inorganic growth,” Luthra also touched upon Mforge, its auto component subsidiary. He said that the company was hiking Mforge’s capacity, which at present is 36,000 tonnes. Luthra also attracted attention towards the JV between M&M and International Truck & Engine Corporation, which will in addition to making trucks in India, will also involve sourcing of components. MSAT thus apart from supplying auto components to M&M, plans to supply auto ancillaries to M&M’s JV partners like ITEC and Renault. “We expect to export from India auto components worth US $100 million”, said Luthra, “and some by MSAT, some from third parties”.

His Excellency, Vaclav Klaus the President of Czech Republic announced the commissioning of Skoda Auto India’s expanded assembly line at Shendre near Aurangabad recently. This doubles the company’s production capacity from 15,000 units to 30,000 units. Work for the expansion was started in March this year and was completed ahead of schedule. The Czech president visited the facility while on a state visit, highlighting the significance of Skoda Auto as a brand and the role it has played in associating the two countries. Speaking on the occasion, Imran Hassen, Managing Director, Skoda Auto India, said, "It is a joyous moment for us at Skoda India as this expansion marks another step in our commitment of providing the latest technologies and quality products to our valued customers here in India. As we get ready to celebrate 4 years of our presence in this country later this month, I would like to express out heartfelt gratitude to the government of Maharashtra and the authorities here in Aurangabad for their continuous support through these years. With the setup of this plant we strategically placed Aurangabad on the International Map by having the only plant outside Europe and now we shall make it the manufacturing hub for the South Asian region.” According to sources at Skoda, the expansion of the plant was necessitated for the arrival of new technologies and products. The commissioning of the expanded capacity at Aurangabad also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the first car manufactured by Skoda Auto at its factory in Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic. Recently the five-millionth car came down the production line which consists of the whole range of Favorit, Felicia, Octavia, Fabia, Superb as well as new Octavia II covering many of the world markets.

Anton Weinmann, Chairman of the Board of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Group and Abhay Firodia, Chairman and Managing Director of Force Motors Ltd signed a Letter of Intent, for a Joint Venture. The Contracts, which will also include agreements about purchase, development, production and marketing, will be worked out in detail and signed during the first quarter of 2006. The start of production for the Indian market is planned for the same year. The proposed Joint Venture is about the manufacturing of 'Heavy Trucks'. The Joint Venture will produce trucks for the entire Asian area. In medium term a production of 24,000 vehicles annually is planned even if no export of vehicles to Europe is envisaged. Speaking on the occasion, Abhay Firodia said, "We have taken effective steps to establish a strong base to support this concept as we are convinced that the rapidly developing Indian transport scenario can benefit greatly from the induction of vehicles based on the most fuel efficient, safe, reliable and environment-friendly MAN Technologies”. “With Force Motors we were able to find a partner, with whom we are not only in a position to manufacture in MAN Quality, but who also is ideally integrated into a network of Indian component suppliers. That means we will make a truck, which is optimised for the Asian markets produced completely from local components and at the same time will be based on proven MAN Technology", said Anton Weinmann. At the moment, MAN Nutzfahrzeuge group has license agreements with Force Motors, for producing trucks in the range of 16 to 25 tonnes. The planned Joint Venture is an important step of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge, for opening markets outside of Europe.

At the 58^th Annual NBAA Convention, Dassault announced a new addition to the Falcon line of business jets in the form of new Falcon 2000DX. The 2000DX combines large cabin comfort and small cabin fuel economics with unsurpassed airport performance that are said to be the hallmarks of the Dassault fleet. The 3250 nm 2000DX will replace the Falcon 2000 in 2007, which has almost 230 units flying worldwide today. “The 2000DX will carry on the long tradition of high performance, superior efficiency and cabin comfort that the Falcon family is known for,” said John Rosanvallon, President and CEO of Dassault Falcon. “We expect a very warm market reception for this extraordinary aircraft given its attractive price point and operating costs.” The standard equipped aircraft will have the capability to climb directly to 41,000 feet in 17 minutes and offer a low approach speed of 112knots, which is ideal for short field landings. The 2000DX will also come standard with the advanced EASy flight deck. More than 60 EASy equipped aircraft are currently in operation and the system has received high marks for its integrated features and intuitive displays. The 3250nm range of the new 2000DX delivers the same spacious, quiet interior as its long-range sibling, the 2000EX, but was developed for customers with less extensive city pair requirements. The design makes it the only business jet in its class capable of landing with fuel tanks nearly full. The 2000DX can leave New York for Washington DC and continue to San Francisco without adding fuel. Likewise, the airplane can leave London with four passengers, pick up four more in Paris and continue to Dubai without adding fuel. The 2000DX will be powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C engines, rated at 7,000 lbs. thrust (ISA + 15°C). The PW308C recently passed 71,000 flight hours on the Falcon 2000EX and 2000EX EASy and has proven to be highly reliable and efficient. Certification and first deliveries are expected for the end of 2007.

Kinetic Motor is launching its Italian designed scooters Euro and Millenium at the Milan Fair, Italy. Millenium and Euro are two of the seven Italian designed scooters for which Kinetic has acquired complete global production and marketing rights. These are popular and established scooters with world-standard design and specifications. And at Indian manufacturing prices, it is claimed that they could very well turn the global two-wheeler market on its head. In addition, to the Euro and Millenium, Kinetic also displayed the Nova, which has already received homologation clearance for Europe, North America and Australia and is exported to several countries. In other news, Kinetic has tied-up with a business house in Pakistan to export its scooters, scooterettes and motorcycles. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, joint managing director, Kinetic Motor Company, is known to have said that the company has submitted a proposal in this regard to the Pakistan government and is awaiting clearance for the same. She is also known to have said that since the direct exports of completely built units from India is not permitted in Pakistan, the company is looking at the option of setting up an assembly unit in Pakistan or a manufacturing unit to make some key components.

Tata Motors today announced its entry into next-generation, world-class commercial vehicles with the rollout of the 300hp Tata Novus Tipper, at its newly built facility in Jamshedpur. At a ceremony, the Honourable Chief Minister of Jharkhand, Arjun Munda inaugurated the state-of-the-art facility for the manufacturing of this new class of heavy commercial vehicles in Tata Motors Jamshedpur Works. He also flagged off the first Tata Novus Tipper amidst fanfare in the presence of state dignitaries and company officials from India and Korea. With the introduction of the Tata Novus Tipper, Tata Motors becomes the first Indian manufacturer to offer the highest horsepower heavy commercial vehicle in its class. Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Kant, Managing Director said, "The new facility and the customized Tata Novus range bears testimony to the successful integration of Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles with Tata Motors. The introduction of the Tata Novus range also reinforces the versatility of the Company, as a manufacturer with the unique ability to develop and introduce on parallel basis, a product line-up straddling sub-tonne mini-trucks to high powered heavy commercial vehicles." The Novus Tipper will be the first in a range of next-generation heavy-duty commercial vehicles to be introduced in India by Tata Motors. The Tata Novus range comprising the Tipper and Tractor models, with additions to the range likely in the near future, is a collaborative effort by engineers at Tata Motors facility in Jamshedpur and Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicles (TDCV) in Gunsan, South Korea. The Tata Novus range has been optimsed for the Indian market. The new factory for manufacturing the Tata Novus range is spread over a sprawling 11,300 square meters and is built in a modular fashion permitting ample scope for further expansion. The facility offers the flexibility to adapt and accommodate manufacturing processes for a wide range of heavy commercial vehicles. Hydraulic and pneumatic machines enable greater access to equipment thereby ensuring higher productivity and lesser fatigue and physical strain for the shop-floor operators. The 300hp Tata Novus Tipper is a premium fully built ready-to-use vehicle fitted with an 8.3 litre, 6-cylinder Cummins diesel engine. Offering superior performance, enhanced economy by ensuring low operating costs and equipped with world-class safety and comfort features, the Tata Novus Tipper comes with a stylish and ergonomically designed cabin. Proven in Korea and over 15 countries, the all-terrain Tata Novus Tipper is claimed to be the ideal vehicle for mining and construction. Introduced by TDCV in 2004, the year Tata Motors acquired Daewoo Commercial Vehicles, the Novus range was the first Korean designed and manufactured Euro III compliant truck range to be launched in the Korean market. Having achieved resounding success in its domestic market and creating a significant impact in South Asia, South Africa and the Middle East, the Novus range is all set to enter India.

Mahindra & Mahindra Farm Equipment Sector (Tractor Division) recorded first ever five-digit monthly sales of 11,318 tractors in October as against 8,690 in the corresponding period last year. Claiming that tractor export sales grew significantly on monthly and cumulative basis, M&M registered a cumulative growth of 35 per cent in volumes selling 50,689 tractors in April-October (FY06) as against 37,475 units in the corresponding period last year. M&M claims to be the fifth largest tractor manufacturer in the world with a production capacity of 120,000 tractors per year. In the year 2004, the Farm Equipment Sector became the first and only Tractor Company in the world to win the Japanese Deming's award, amongst the most prestigious quality awards in the world.

Bombardier Aerospace announced the introduction at Learjet 60 XR business jet at the 58th National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Annual Meeting and Convention at Florida, US. The Learjet 60 XR business jet, according to the company, retains the unbeatable combination of value and high-speed performance of its Learjet 60 parent, while adding one of the most advanced cockpits available on the market today, together with a stand-up cabin redesigned for style, comfort and functionality. "With the introduction of the Learjet 60 XR aircraft, customers now have the best of both worlds - advanced avionics and ultramodern cabin features coupled with superior reliability and proven performance," stated Pierre Beaudoin, President and Chief Operating Officer, Bombardier Aerospace. "In the past 15 years, Bombardier has introduced eight new members to the Learjet family, and the Learjet 60 XR is another great example of how we are continually working to deliver best-in-class value and performance to our customers." The Learjet 60 XR features the Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21, an avionics suite that applies the latest flight deck design, human factors concepts and system technology to offer pilots instant, intuitive access to critical flight information. The Rockwell Collins Pro Line 21 also features an integrated flight information system in the cockpit, which enables electronic charts as standard equipment - allowing pilots to call up approach plates and airport diagrams on the flight displays. The jet's newly styled interior builds upon a stand-up cabin already well known for its superior comfort, wide aisle and generous seated head and shoulder room. Passenger space for up to nine is enhanced with redesigned seats that improve legroom, while a larger galley and vanity cabinet offer optimized work areas and additional storage space. The cabin also highlights a next-generation cabin electronic system with ergonomically positioned touch-screen featuring a simplified control design, as well as a state-of-the-art audio-video system capable of playing XM satellite radio and ports for entertainment accessories such as laptops, DVD, and MP3 players. Flight testing of the 60 XR is scheduled to begin by the first quarter of 2006 and certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is expected in the first quarter of 2007, with the first aircraft scheduled to enter service in the first quarter of 2007. The price of a typically equipped Learjet 60 XR business jet is $12.9 million U.S.

Two European tier suppliers seem to be keenly interested in picking up chunks of Delphi's ailing US operations. And the bid seems to revolve around the price and business prospects. Delphi CEO Steve Miller, according to industry sources, plans to shrink the company by 20 per cent during its Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganisation. That is about US $5 billion a year in business. Sources opine that additional assets could be sold depending on bankruptcy court proceedings and the size of potential bids.

With Ridgeline sales starting out slower than expected in the US, Honda Motor Co seems keen on cutting production of the new pickup. Honda is taking 3,000 units out of its January-March'06 production plan. The full-year target was 50,000. Honda CFO Satoshi Aoki revealed the plans to cut production during a press conference announcing Honda's earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2005. The Ridgeline marks Honda's foray into the pickup segment and is built exclusively in Alliston, Ontario.

Auto comp supplier, Metaldyne has announced that it will expand its manufacturing location in South Korea. The plant, which currently produces balance shaft modules for Hyundai, will expand to include powder metal connecting rod assemblies and front end modular assemblies. Metaldyne will also add engineering resources in the region.

"Asia is a key growth area for Metaldyne," said Tim Leuliette, Metaldyne chairman, president and CEO. "Since the formation of the company in 2001, we have grown our business in Asia from less than five per cent of our total sales to nearly 25 percent by 2010." Metaldyne is in the process of announcing that it has retained Goldman, Sachs & Co to explore a possible divestiture of its North American forging business. This business is non core to Metaldyne and represents approximately 15 per cent of the company's total sales. Metaldyne has built a business model on value added products such as connecting rod assemblies, balance shaft modules, brake corner and transmission modules. Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal based components, assemblies and modules for transportation related power train and chassis applications including engine, transmission/transfer case, wheel end and suspension, axle and driveline, and noise and vibration control products to the motor vehicle industry. Headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan, Metaldyne has annual revenues of approximately US $2.0 billion. The company has over 7,500 employees at 45 facilities across 14 countries.

French auto component supplier, Valeo SA, which celebrated its 20 year long presence in Japan at the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, says its overall business grew through the first nine months of 2005, but higher material costs cut earnings by more than 50 per cent. According to company sources, the negative impact of the extreme tension in raw materials prices is estimated to have had a gross impact of 1 margin point in the quarter. While sources add that actions undertaken enabled this negative margin impact to be reduced to 0.6 points, the supplier expanded its total operating revenue by 6.6 per cent to 7.48 billion euros, or about US $9.03 billion, for the first three quarters compared with the same period a year ago. Net income was $124 million, down 53.4 per cent from 2004. Valeo has joint venture tie-up in India with the Anand Group to produce clutch plates and assemblies. At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, the company showcased its innovative technologies like StARS (starter-alternator), Smart Valve Actuation Technology, Lane Departure Warning System, Blind Spot Detection System and Ultrasonic Park Assist System. Recognised partner for many Japanese automakers, Valeo Japan has eight production plants, four R&D centers and 5,200 employees in Japan.

News is out that General Motors is postponing public test drives of a prototype fuel cell car. While the financial troubles of General Motors is said to be the reason, Larry Burns, GM's vice president for R&D and strategic planning, is claimed to say that the company's restructuring will not derail its plans to offer commercially viable vehicles powered by hydrogen.

GM Daewoo Auto & Technology Company is said to plan to hire 400 more workers soon to help begin the production of its first SUV. The workers will be added at the Bupyong assembly plant late this year and early next year, the company said. The plant will produce a mid-sized SUV code-named S3X. GM Daewoo plans to launch the SUV in Korea in early 2006 and begin selling it in Europe with a Chevrolet badge midyear.

Visteon Cozrporation has announced the signing of definitive agreements with Ford Motor Company, outlining terms and conditions of new business arrangements. The definitive agreements are closely aligned with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced by Visteon and Ford earlier, covering significant structural changes to Visteon's North American manufacturing operations, including the transfer of 23 facilities to a Ford-managed legal entity, Automotive Components Holdings, LLC. The transaction, according to company sources, will increase Visteon's competitiveness by streamlining and improving the cost structure of its North American operations.

"This is an important step on our path to creating a more competitive North American structure, a more diversified customer portfolio and a balanced global footprint to ensure we are a profitable, globally competitive supplier," said Visteon chairman and chief executive officer Mike Johnston. "As we move closer to completing this transaction, we are progressing with plans for significant additional restructuring actions over the next several years to achieve our goal of being a winning automotive supplier. Throughout this transition, we remain focused on providing our customers with high-quality products and services." Visteon will create a new organisation focused on supporting the operations of Automotive Components Holdings in areas such as manufacturing, customer support, product development, materials management/purchasing, quality, finance, human resources, information-technology and facilities management.

When the transaction is completed, the plants and facilities that Visteon will transfer to Automotive Components Holdings include 13 facilities in Michigan; two each in Ohio and Tennessee; one each in Indiana, Missouri and Oklahoma; and three in Mexico. Visteon has about 70,000 employees and a global delivery system of more than 200 technical, manufacturing, sales and service facilities located in 24 countries. Upon completion of the Ford transaction, Visteon will transfer the following facilities:

Autovidrio Plant	-	Mexico (glass)
Chesterfield Plant	-	Chesterfield Twp, Mich. (seating foam)
El Jarudo Plant	-	Mexico (powertrain)
Indianapolis Plant	-	Indianapolis, Ind. (steering components)
Kansas City Plant	-	Kansas City, Mo. (IP/lamp final assembly & sequencing)
Lamosa Plant I & II	-	Mexico (chassis)
Milan Plant	-	Milan, Mich. (powertrain)
Monroe Plant	-	Monroe, Mich. (chassis)
Nashville Glass Plant	-	Nashville, Tenn. (glass)
Rawsonville Plant	-	Ypsilanti, Mich. (powertrain)
Saline Plant	-	Saline, Mich. (interiors)
Sandusky Plant	-	Sandusky, Ohio (lighting/air induction/fuel vapor storage)
Sheldon Road Plant	-	Plymouth, Mich. (climate)
Sterling Plant	-	Sterling Heights, Mich. (chassis)
Tulsa Glass Plant	-	Tulsa, Okla. (glass)
Utica Plant	-	Shelby Twp, Mich. (interiors, exteriors)
Ypsilanti Plant	-	Ypsilanti, Mich. (chassis)

Research, Testing and other facilities:

Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), which offers a wide range of construction, earthmoving,