Automotive Updates - 25th August 2014

• Honda Cars India Ltd (HCIL) today introduced two new grades of its newly launched multi-purpose vehicle Mobilio priced between Rs 9.46 lakh and Rs 11.55 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The new new grades of Mobilio feature audio video navigation (AVN) and rear parking camera, the company said in a statement. (economicstimes.com)

• Mahindra Two Wheelers has expanded its Centuro range with the launch of the Centuro Rockstar motorcycle. Priced at Rs. 43,684 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Rockstar is aimed at the mass 100/110 cc market.The Rockstar gets new body graphics in a combination of red, black and gold. The bike also features the golden ribs that are synonymous with the Centuro, flip key, LED pilot lamps, LED brake lamp, electric starts, alloy wheels and maintenance free VRLA battery. (teambhp.com)

• Bajaj Auto Limited, the world’s third largest motorcycle manufacturer and second largest in India, plans a new motorcycle manufacturing plant in Bangladesh. A total of four Bajaj motorcycles will be produced at this plant with an annual capacity of 1.5 lakh units. (rushlane.com)

• After having parted ways with its technical partner Honda, Hero Motocorp joined hands with the US-based Erik Buell Racing (EBR). In order to further augment its product development capabilities, Hero Motocorp has appointed Dr. Markus Braunsperger as the new head of R&D, reports ET Auto.Dr. Braunsperger has held top technical positions at BMW’s motorcycle and passenger car divisions, heading the German auto giant’s motorcycle R&D for several years.(indianautoblogs.com)

• Three German car parts suppliers have been told by China they can no longer manage their Chinese units independently but need to form partnerships with local peers, the chief executive of auto parts maker ElringKlinger told a German paper."The Chinese state has told several (German car) suppliers that they are no longer allowed to operate their Chinese subsidiaries on their own but only as part of a joint venture in the future," Stefan Wolf was quoted as saying by the Stuttgarter Zeitung.(ETauto.com)

• Nissan launched Sunny facelift on 3rd June 2014, which hinted at launch of Renault Scala facelift with similar upgrades. Now it is confirmed through an insider that Scala facelift will launch in September 2014.(rushlane.com)

• Indian Autos Blog has understood that the KTM RC200 will also be launched on September 9 along with the RC390. Here is a latest set of spyshots of the KTM RC390 that were uploaded by the ‘KTM RC390 – India’ Facebook page (unofficial)..(indianautoblogs.com)

• Toyota has been taking its time to make the new Innova apt for the market. It seems that the Japanese manufacturer does want to make sure that the model is hit only in the Indian markets but also abroad like in the nations of Philippines and Thailand. Toyota has invested a huge sum of 2.76 billion INR to boost the localisation of parts of the Innova. All the procedures are taking place in Philippines. Imported parts are being brought from Thailand and being assembled for the localisation process. The localisation content of this vehicle will be somewhere around 30 per cent as fixed by the brand. Pressed parts and components would be 50 per cent of the total investment as depicted by the company.(cartrade.com)

•  Bosch has developed a new 24-volt starter motor portfolio: the HEF109-L "large" heavy-duty starter motor for commercial vehicles and off-highway applications. The new starter motor generates 18 percent more power than the tried and tested "M" (medium) type starter motor on which it is based, and thus delivers a maximum output of 9.2 kilowatts. (ETauto.com)

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