Mercedes-Benz India has launched the new M-Class. Available in two versions--ML 320 CDI (featuring a 234hp, 3-litre V6 common-rail diesel engine) and ML350 (featuring a 272hp, 3.5-litre V6 gasoline engine), the new M-Class offers superlative luxury, comfort and on-road refinement combined with excellent off-road capabilities and best-in-class safety standards. 

The new M-Class sports a 7-speed (7G-TRONIC) auto transmission, a height adjustable air suspension (AIRMATIC), an exterior sports package featuring 19 inch alloy wheels and a leather interior with burr walnut accents. The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system with a start-off assist and a Downhill Speed Regulation (DSR) are also part of the list. The ML 350 is priced at: Rs. 53.77 lacs, ex-showroom Mumbai and the ML 320 CDI is priced at: Rs. 54 lacs, ex-showroom Mumbai.

Motherson Sumi Systems Limited (MSSL) has acquired Visiocorp Group through its subsidiary, Samvardhana Motherson. Interestingly, the MSSL subsidiary Samvardhana Motherson Visiocorp Solution Ltd. (SMVSL) has acquired all the subsidiaries of Visiocorp plc (in administration) for a cash consideration of approximately Euro 25 million and allotment of 5per cent consideration shares having face value of Euro 1.5 million. The acquisition from Visiocorp plc (in administration) comprises only assets in the form of shares of the operating companies and no debt is being acquired from Visiocorp plc (in administration). The acquired subsidiaries also have minimal debt. 

SMVSL is 95 per cent owned by Samvardhana Motherson Global Holdings Limited (SMGHL), a joint venture between MSSL and Samvardhana Motherson Finance Limited (SMFL) in the ratio of 51:49. In 2008, Visiocorp Group had a turnover of approx. Euro 660 million (USD 832 million) (unaudited). The various operating companies include manufacturing locations at USA, Mexico, Australia, UK, Hungary, Spain, France, China, India and Korea together with design and engineering centers at each location and at Germany. 

The diverse customer profile includes BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford/Volvo, GM, Hyundai/Kia, Mahindra & Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Porsche, PSA, Renault/Nissan, Tata JLR, Toyota, Volkswagen/Audi etc. The customers have demonstrated full support and confidence in this acquisition by MSSL and it is MSSL’s endeavor to quickly turnaround Visiocorp into a strong and competitive company and gain the status of preferred supplier with all its customers. Visiocorp is a market leader in exterior rear view mirror systems and brings with it cutting edge technology, covering the complete range of mirrors from low-end entry segments to high-end luxury segments. The product range also includes specialized unique solutions like the telescopic trailer tow mirrors and camera based blind spot detection systems.