Automotive Updates - 15th and 16th November

• Gurgaon-based auto component maker Sandhar Technologies Ltd has acquired the cabin business of Arkay Fabsteel Systems of Ambethan, Pune. Sandhar has taken over the design, manufacture and sale of operator cabins for backhoe loaders, excavators, wheel loaders, cranes, skid steers and tractors including assets, rights under contracts, intellectual property and proprietary information relating to the Arkay business along with the company’s regular employees. (autocarpro.in)

• Audi India have launched the A4 Premium Sport at a price of INR 38 lakhs, ex-Showroom, Mumbai. The Premium Sport is the new mid-variant which is positioned between the top-end Technology Pack and the entry-level Premium variant. (indianautoblogs.com)

• Ashok Leyland has bagged two large integrated transport projects in Tanzania and Zimbabwe, together worth $ 79.2 million (Rs 486 crore). Besides the supply of trucks, buses, LCVs, spares and allied support services (including training and developmental consultancy), these  projects will address a variety of mobility requirements in various tourism and economic development programs.Both projects have been financed by Exim Bank these projects under its NEIA scheme that supports project exports from India. (autocarpro.in)

• The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport AT has been launched in India at INR 23.55 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi). (indianautoblogs.com)

• Pierre Terblanche, who is hailed as one of the best motorcycle designers of the modern generation, has recently joined Royal Enfield. Originally from South Africa, Pierre had almost 10 years of experience at Cagiva, the Italian biking conglomerate. There he was under the tutelage of the legendary Massimo Tamburini, who is often termed as the person behind the renaissance of MV Augusta. (cartrade.com)

• Premium audio and infotainment solutions company, Harman today officially inaugurated its first manufacturing facility in India, based in Chakan, near Pune. The plant, which has set up one assembly line in its initial phase, can produce up to 100,000 units per annum. The products rolled out from this assembly line will cater to Tata Motors, Fiat Auto India and Volkswagen India. According to company officials, the plant, with a built-up area spread across 35,000 square feet  can house four assembly lines and can produce up to 400,000 units per annum while operating at its full capacity. The officials did not disclose the total investments made by the firm in setting up the said plant. (autocarpro.in)

• Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) is recalling 119 units of its sedan Camry, manufactured between March and July 2011 in Japan and sold in India, to rectify a defect in front suspension.The move is part of a global recall of 1.7 lakh Camry models by Japanese parent Toyota Motor Corp, the world’s biggest car manufacturer.(financialexpress.com)

• Globally renowned carmaker Ford has been known to deliver cars laden with modern high-end technology. To encourage a team of young talented and skilled professionals in India, Ford has collaborated with ITI Bangalore to launch its second Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET) centre in Bangalore. (cartrade.com)

• In order to improve its sales in the country, Renault India has announced an interesting offer on its slow selling Pulse hatchback and Scala sedan. The French automaker is now selling the diesel variants of the Pulse and Scala at the price of their respective petrol versions.As part of the limited period year-end stock clearance offer, Renault is offering Scala RxL diesel variant at a lucrative price of Rs. 8.01 lakh. Adding to it, the company is also giving a 2 years extended warranty and 4 years of free roadside assistance with the car. (cartrade.com)