Automotive Updates- 30th June 2014

• India has made anti-lock braking system (ABS) compulsory on all new models of commercial vehicles staring April next, an endeavour aimed at making the country's notoriously accident-prone roads safer. ABS helps control vehicles during emergency braking at high speeds by unlocking the wheels and allowing traction control by electronic distribution of pressure to wheels.

• Yamaha has revealed an all-new engine technology – christened Blue Core – for the India market, introducing it in two new FZ series bikes – FZ Version 2.0 and FZ-S Version 2.0 priced at Rs 76,250 and Rs 78,250 respectively (ex-showroom Delhi). Both get the new air-cooled, 149cc, four-stroke, SOHC single-cylinder, fuel injected engine on a lightweight frame.

• Dutch lighting and healthcare company Philips said on Monday it would merge its Lumileds LED components and automotive lighting divisions into a standalone subsidiary which could potentially be spun off.The company said its lighting division would remain a key customer for the new subsidiary but that it would look for third-party investors. It did not rule out becoming a minority shareholder in the business, which could also be floated.

• Avis leasing and fleet management company in India has announced the opening of its eighth facility in NCR. With this new addition, Avis India now has 46 rental locations in 19 cities, the widest network for any car rental company in India. 

• The facelifted Nissan Sunny is slated to launch on 3rd July, 2014. 

• As opposed to Mahindra’s plans, the two-wheeler division did not pan out as the company had hoped for five years after making its entry into the Indian two-wheeler market. However in an unusual move, Mahindra shifted the 2-Wheeler division under the Automotive & Farm equipment Sector (AFS) business and is now planning to retail its two-wheelers in rural markets via the company’s pre-existing tractor dealerships. The manufacturer is optimistic that they can make this work with its huge presence in the rural market.

•  Domestic car making company Tata Motors is going to launch the all new version of its SUV safari Storme in Indian car market by the end of this year. According to reports received from company sources apart being embellishing various cosmetic changes on the exteriors and interiors, the new Safari will sport re-tuned 2.2 litre VariCOR engine developing 150bhp.

• Volkswagen dealers across the country have started accepting bookings for the 2014 Polo that is scheduled to launch on 15th July. With upgraded exteriors and most importantly a new engine on offer.

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