Automotive Updates - 22nd May 2014

• Tata Motors today launched the Ultra ICV trucks, based on the Ultra platform that has been used to develop buses. The Ultra 912 and the Ultra 812 were launched in Chennai for a price of Rs 10.94 lakh and Rs 10.53 lakh respectively (ex-Showroom, Chennai.) 

•  One of the three chief operating officers (COOs) stripped of executive power at Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has submitted his resignation from the country’s largest carmaker, three people with knowledge of the development said on Wednesday. Mr . S. Maitra, previously COO (supply chain), who was designated chief mentor early this month, put in his papers, but the company is yet to accept his resignation, one of the people said. A second person confirmed the development.

• Locally Assembled Jaguar XJ Launched, Priced From Rs. 92.1 Lakhs

• The Renault Group has begun production of the Fluence sedan in Malaysia. Yesterday, Gilles Normand, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Region for the Renault Group, and Dato Tan Heng Chew, executive deputy chairman and Group managing director of Tan Chong Motors Holdings Berhad, signed an agreement to build the sedan in Malaysia.

• Honda Cars India said an email to Indian Autos Blog this week that the Honda Mobilio will be launched in India in the next couple of months, putting the date in July.

• Suzuki Philippines will launch the Suzuki Ertiga MPV in late June, a report on Auto Industriya says. The website learns from reliable sources that the vehicle will be imported from India (Maruti Suzuki) which is the exclusive producer of the Swift-based MPV. 

• Rane Engine Valve has announced on the BSE that Kar Mobiles Ltd will be merged with Rane Engine. Rane Engine’s board today has approved a proposal for the amalgamation of Kar Mobiles with Rane Engine Valve.

•  Mahindra & Mahindra Ltdtoday announced the launch of 'UDAY', an exclusive CRM (Customer Relationship Management) program for the Mahindra small commercial vehicles portfolio. A first of its kind initiative in the small commercial vehicle segment, Uday endeavours to partner with customers on their path to progress and prosperity. 

• Tata Zest to be built in Fiat's Ranjangaon factory

•  Maruti Suzuki Indiastrengthened its dominance with five of its models figuring in the top 10 best selling carbrands in the domestic market in April. In the same month last year, the company had four models among the top 10 sellingcars in India. 

• Motherson Sumi Q4 net up 54.5% at Rs 302.53 cr.

• Dana Holding Corporation has announced the launch of production for its Victor Reinz multi-layer steel (MLS) cylinder head gaskets, exhaust gaskets, and transmission valve body separator plates at its facility in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province,China.

•  iMAGE FROM ZIGWHEELS.COM