Automotive Updates - 18th May 2014

•  German auto giant Volkswagen Group is planning to invest about 100 million euros (over Rs 800 crore) in India to expand business, including launches of sedan and SUV in the compact segment along with a hatchback. "At present, an investment of approximately 100 million euros is in the decision process for new models and for further localisation of parts and components," Volkswagen India President and Managing Director Mahesh Kodumudi told .

•  Harnessing capabilities from its centres across the globe, India's Tata Motors is gearing up for a big leap to reclaim its position among top car makers in the domestic market while also seeking a bigger play internationally.Beyond the conventional fuel vehicles, the company's board has already given approval for a product launch programme till 2020 that will include hybrids, electric and other alternate fuel technologies.

• The Board of Directors of Apollo Tyres Ltd today approved the company’s audited financial results for the 4th quarter (January to March) and the financial year 2013-14. The Board recommended a dividend payout of 75%, to be approved by the shareholders at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, later in the year. 

• Skoda India will fit the Skoda Rapid diesel with a 7-speed DSG gearbox and launch it in October 2014. For this, it will opt for a 1.5-liter diesel engine to power the sedan. A report on the Economic Times states that the Rapid will move closer to its cousin in VW – the Vento – and offer a 1.2-liter petrol engine as well. The sedan will not get a facelift, retaining its old looks.

• JK Tyres today said the company would double its capacity at its greenfield plant at Chennai by the end of this year.

• Mahindra Group has indicated that it has a working strategy to export their new GenZe electric scooter from its new plant in the United States to other markets all over the world. The group recently launched a manufacturing facility for Mahindra GenZe electric scooter and Mahindra North American Technical Centre (MNATC) in Michigan.

• BMW India will launch the 3rd-generation BMW X5 on May 29. 

• Nissan, the Japanese car manufacturer has teased an image of its upcoming car Pulsar. The company will unveil this new car on the 20th May, 2014. The automaker used its social platform to tease its new offering. According to the Nissan's official Facebook page, the car will join the line-up of the Nissan Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail.

• National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is planning to add driving and road safety lessons in school curriculum from next academic year. This can be counted as a major and functional step towards improving road safety in India. What better way to perk up safety awareness than making blossoming school children develop road safety as habit.

• Godrej Security Solutions (GSS), one of India’s leading providers of comprehensive security solutions, today unveiled MOTORMATE. With the increase in the number of car thefts in India, a product like acar safe is the perfect option to secure valuables. This revolutionary product is specially designed to protect valuables such as cash, wallets, mobiles phones.

• Images from www.outlookbusiness.com