Automotive Updates - 31st May 2014

• West Bengal labour minister Purnendu Bose today said there was a possibility of Dunlop India again opening the gates of Sahagunj factory in the state."We are getting positive feelers from the Dunlop management that they are willing to reopen the company," Bose told reporters here today.

• Bajaj auto today introduced two-tone colors in Pulsar 150, 180 and 220 models. The new range of colours would be available with no addtitonal cost and have three colour options Pearl Metallic White, Sapphire Blue and Cocktail Wine Red. 

• The Bajaj RE60 is expected to launch after October this year. In a development earlier this month, the Ministry of Roads and Transport said that quadricycles could start plying on Indian roads after October 1, 2014. Bajaj, which is ready with the RE60, will waste no time in launching the quadricycle.

• VW currently follows a seven year lifecycle for its products, while introducing refreshes every four years. This will be shortened in the future according to Michael Horn, head of VW U.S.A. Horn said in a recent interview that the German carmaker will follow a five year lifecycle, with major refreshes coming in the third year. 

• New Tata Sumo Gold, launched with a new outlook

• Sona Koyo Steering Systems on friday announced it financial results for the quarter ended 31st March, 2014, net Sales have increased by 7.2% to Rs. 281.9 Crores from Rs. 262.9 Crores during the preceding quarter ended December,2013 and Profit after Tax for the quarter is Rs. 10.6 Crores against Rs. 36.9 Crore (including exceptional item on account of sale of non current trade investment) during the preceding quarter ended December 2013.

• Hyundai 'i30' premium hatchback likely to be launched around Diwali

• Auto component maker JBM Auto plans set up a new manufacturing plant in Indore at an investment of Rs 100 crore and the new unit is expected to be operational later this year. 

• "We are investing Rs 100 crore on a new manufacturing plant in Indore. We will cater to customers like Volvo-Eicher, MAN and Mahindra & Mahindra through this facility," JBM Group Executive Director Nishant Arya told PTI. 

• JBM  today posted over two-fold rise in its net profit at Rs 22 crore for the fourth quarter ended March 31, 2014, said the new plant will cater to its commercial vehicle customers through the new plant.