Automotive Updates - 30th October 2014

• The country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki  India (MSI) today reported a 28.69 per cent increase in net profit at Rs 862.54 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2014-15 on the account of growth in domestic sales.It had posted net profit of Rs 670.23 crore in the same period last fiscal, MSI said in a statement. (ETauto.com)

• ACMA or the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India has inked an MoU with the Nigerian Automotive Association in Delhi that aims to enhance information exchanges between both the countries, invite African delegations to India and make it easier to assess opportunities on both sides. The MoU was signed at the first ever buyer-seller meet with seven African countries and has been supported by the ministry of commerce and industry.  About 38 key buyers from sub-Saharan countries – Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, Egypt and Botswana – were part of the visiting delegation. (Autocarpro.in)

• Slow initial demand and production issues for its “comeback” car, the Zest compact sedan, has led Tata Motors to delay the launch of its Bolt hatchback by about three months to early next year. Multiple sources close to the development told FE that the Bolt, expected to replace the Vista premium hatchback, will see start of production (SOP) from December and be launched in the market in January-February 2015, delayed from a previous SOP target of September.(financialexpress.com)

• The Harley Davidson Breakout has been launched in India at INR 16.28 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The Softail cruiser is positioned above the Fat Boy. The Harley Davidson CVO Limited high-end tourer has been launched in India at a whopping price of INR 49.23 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). The Harley Davidson Street Glide Special has been launched at INR 29.7 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi).(indianautoblogs.com)

• The Bosch Group hopes to double its sales in Asia-Pacific by 2020 after having doubled them over the last ten years, said  Dr Volkmar Denner, chairman of the Bosch board of management, during a press briefing in Bangalore. Forecasting further strong growth for India over the next few years, the company sees India as a key pillar of its growth strategy in Asia Pacific. In India, the focus is on a new engine management system for two wheelers as well as technologies for connectivity of mobile phones to two-wheelers. It is also working on a single-channel ABS for markets such as India’s. (Autocarpro.in)

• Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) announced the opening of its 800th HEAD viz. Honda Exclusive Authorized Dealer with the inauguration of its new 4S (Sales/ Service/ Spares/ Safety) facility in the state of Karnataka. With 3170 dealers already in place across India, HMSI becomes the second largest 2 wheeler dealer network .(motoroids.com)

•  India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd has signed an MoU with Little Flower Engineering Institute , for setting up a Yamaha Training School (YTS) in their campus.This initiative is to promote and encourage economically weaker youth to acquire Yamaha's technical know-how and secure employment at Yamaha dealerships.(ETauto.com)

• After sales service is one of the critical factors that affects car buying decision and with the time it is getting more important. Now-a-days, car buyers want a hassle free after sales experience; therefore manufacturers are trying hard to improve the core after-sales processes. It is also resulting in higher owner satisfaction with the vehicle service experience. The fact is also evident in the in 2014 India Customer Service Index (CSI) Study released by J.D. Power today. The study shows that Maruti Suzuki India tops the list, while Honda and Hyundai have a tie for 2nd spot.(cardekho.com)