Automotive Updates - 29th June 2014

•  Eastern region is set to push India's steel capacity with an investment of nearly Rs 9 lakh crore for creating an additional 160 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) capacity in the next 10-15 years.The Steel Ministry estimates that 16 new plants are set to come up in mineral-rich eastern states adding 42 mtpa new capacity in coming five years, another 45 mtpa in next five years and further 73 mtpa in about 15 years from now.

• Hyundai Motor India Ltd has introduced a special new scheme called ‘Pride of India’ for Central and State Government, PSUs & Public Sector Banks employees. This nationwide scheme provides Government employees with benefits to the tune of Rs. 30,000 on purchase of any Hyundai car.

• SasMos, a Rs 49 crore high quality wiring harness manufacturer, has established a state-of-the-art ‘Centre of Excellence’ for ISRO’s space grade harnesses. SasMos was founded and promoted by H.G. Chandrashekar in Bengaluru in 2007. Auto components player Rane Group took a 26pc equity stake in SasMos during 2011 so as to diversify into aerospace and defence industry.

• Ford’s much loved SUV, the Endeavour is all set to get replaced by the next-generation model and according to a report on Autocar, it will be launched in India by the end of 2015.

• Japanese car maker Honda Motors has launched the new avatar of its hatchback Jazz in Indonesian car market with starting price of 199 million Rupiah (INR 9.90 lakh) followed by price of 248 million Rupiah (INR 12.34 lakh). The new Jazz has been launched in five variants namely MT RS, RS AT CVT, S MT, S AT and A MT in both automatic and transmission system. In India it is speculated to hit the roads by 2015.   Datsun on-Do sedan which was unveiled in April is the first of three products to be launched in Russia. Production of on-Do will kick off on 14 July 2014, followed by sales next month. Second car, mi-Do hatchback will be unveiled there around the time of on-Do launch, in August.

•  In an effort to keep your cars in great condition this monsoon season, Ford India has announced Free Monsoon Ready Service Camp across the length and breadth of northen and western regions of the country. This service camp is scheduled from June 25-29, 2014.Commenting on the event, PK Umashankar, Vice-President, Customer Service Operations, Ford India, said, "Enhancing the ownership experience is an intensive and continuous process, and a strategic imperative for Ford India. The Monsoon Ready Service Camps is our attempt to offer customers a hassle-free ownership experience, even during the monsoons.,

• Daimler AG and Nissan Motor Co are jointly investing $1.36 billion to develop premium small cars and build a factory in Mexico, the companies said on Friday, in a step that deepens cooperation between the Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti brands.The companies said they will build a plant with an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles in Aguascalientes in central Mexico, where Nissan already has a $2 billion manufacturing complex.

• Rumour mills have been humming regarding the launch of more entry level cars from the stables of Audi in India in the upcoming months. It has been learnt from our close sources that after the launch of A3 sedan in India, Audi could bring Cabriolet version of A3 in domestic market. Launch will most likely take place next year around the same time. The German luxury auto major had shown glimpse of the vehicle at 12th edition of Delhi motor show held in the month of February earlier this year.

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