Automotive Updates - 22nd September 2014

• Lamborghini’s newest offering the Huracan LP 610-4 has been launched in India, priced at Rs. 3.43 crores (ex-showroom, Delhi). Taking the baton from the legendary Gallardo in the Italian automaker’s lineup, the Huracan gets the same quintessential Italian DNA in design coupled with state-of-the-art features and driving dynamics offering superlative levels of performance. Contesting in the rev friendly supercar space, the 2-seater Huracan competes against the Ferrari 458, Porsche 911 and the likes in the segment.(motorbeam.com)

• Taiwanese tyre major Kenda Rubber has begun making inroads into the Indian OEM tyre market. According to sources close to the development, Kenda Tires has bagged a major tyre order from Hero MotoCorp, The Taiwanese company has bagged an order for the supply 120,000 units of tyres a month to India’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer. The supply, it is understood, has commenced from May this year. (Autocarpro.in)

• Maruti Suzuki Wagon R has been a hotselling hatchback in the budget friendly segment. With the festive season just round the corner Maruti Suzuki has launched the limited edition rechristened as 'Wagon R Krest'. The company is offering 10 Smart features valued at about Rs. 32,500 at just an additional cost of about Rs. 22,500. Maruti Suzuki Limited Edition Krest brings out a sense of style, dynamism and energy from the Wagon R family.(cartrade.com)

• Maruti Suzuki  is working on a low-cost hybrid technology to make its cheap-to-own cars even more frugal.Maruti is aiming to make hybrids affordable and wants to offer the technology on cars right from the Alto, the cheapest in its product portfolio, to the Swift premium hatchback over the next three to four years, said people with knowledge of the carmaker's plans. In the process, it is taking the 'Kitna Deti Hai' (how many miles does it give) slogan to the next level. (economicstimes.com)

• Baba N Kalyani, the chairman and managing director of Bharat Forge, has been conferred with the ‘Bharatratna Sir M Visvesvaraya Memorial Award – 2014’ award by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry at a function organized in Bengaluru, on the occasion of Founder’s Day Celebrations on September 20.  (Autocarpro.in)

• Production of the RHD Dacia Duster has been shifted to the brand’s Pitesti plant in Romania since this year’s summer. While Dacia says that the production shift has been in the pipeline for a long time due to economic and logistical reasons, the numerous rust issues reported by the UK customers of the India-made Duster is also considered to be one of the reasons.It’s to be noted that earlier this year Dacia UK offered Duster customers free inspection and repair pertaining to the corrosion problem.(indianautoblogs.com)

• Suzuki Motorcycle India Ltd is planning to export at least 10% of bikes and scooters manufactured in India in three years.The company hopes to export 30,000 units this fiscal, followed by 50,000 units the next fiscal as the company targets markets in Latin America, Africa, Gulf and neighbouring markets in South Asia.(ETauto.com)

• SUVs are powering the growth of Mercedes-Benz in India as the company's expensive off-roaders take the fancy of buyers looking to add muscle to their wheels. As much as a quarter of the company's sales in India are through SUVs, prompting the German car major to drive in its contemporary and entry-level GLA model. (economicstimes.com)

• Global automotive supplier Continental presented and launched the new VDO EFB and AGM starter batteries to industry professionals for the first time at Automechanika 2014 last week. The batteries, the company says, have proven their outstanding performance in extensive tests conducted by VDE Prüf- und Zertifizierungsinstitut GmbH. Continental provides a two-year warranty for the new VDO EFB and AGM batteries. With nine different items, the portfolio optimally covers the relevant sectors of the central European vehicle market. The VDO starter batteries are listed on TecDoc and can be ordered through specialist retailers.  (Autocarpro.in)

• Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt Ltd., the Indian arm of Sweden based commercial vehicle and engine makers has handed over Scania Metrolink Coaches to Thirumal Alaghu Travels (TAT) in Thiurvananthapuram and National Travels in Karnataka.(rushlane.com)

• Audi, the German automaker has launched its new 2015 Autumn Collection that consists of sporty and sophisticated line-up of its popular cars. The impressive range of luxury cars sets the perfect background for the exclusive Audi collection presented by Varun Bahl, the renowned designer. And what made the event more exhilarating was the joining of Bollywood actress and the proud owner of Audi car, Katrina Kaif, who walked up on the ramp with Mr. Joe King, the head of Audi India.(cardekho.com)