Automotive Updates - 01/05/2014

• Leading carmaker Maruti Suzuki India has stopped production of the SX4 Sedan in April to make way for the new 'Ciaz' that is expected to be launched in the July-September quarter this year, ahead of the festive season, sources said.

• Ford Motor Co. is expected to announce this morning that CEO Alan Mulally is retiring soon and will be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Mark Fields.

• India’s largest car maker by market share, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, has stripped three chief operating officers (COOs) of their executive powers, according to three people familiar with the matter. Two of the executives were in charge during the labour strike that led to an outbreak of violence at its Manesar plant in 2012.

• Tata Zest To Be India’s Most Affordable Diesel Automatic Car.

• The loss on sale of diesel has climbed to Rs 6.80 even as state-owned oil companies for the second time skipped the monthly price increase on government diktat.

• Volkswagen has agreed the concept and design of its new budget city car, according to reports. Company officials told Reuters at the Beijing motor show last month that the car had been signed off, with project manager Hans Demant saying: "The concept and design are now in place. We will produce all components in China." Approval for the new brand has already been given by VW's higher management, with its first appearance scheduled for 2016. The marque's first model is expected to cost around £5,000 (Rs 5.09 lakh) and be built and sold almost exclusively in China.

• Skoda To Re-Launch Fabia, New 7-Seater SUV In India.

• The Trident Iceni is a 6.6-litre turbo diesel V8 sports car that promises the drive of your life, considering it does 0-60 mph run in 3.7 seconds and boasts a top speed of more than 306 kmph. These figures have also helped it earn the tag of the world’s fastest diesel sports car and now, the car is available for sale worldwide.