Automotive Updates - 27th December 2014

• Volkswagen's flagship Audi division is to increase spending on new models, plants and technology through 2019 to push its goal of surpassing German rival BMW as the world's largest luxury-car manufacturer. Audi, which contributes 40 per cent of operating profit at Europe's biggest automotive group, said on Saturday it will push up investment in car-making operations by 2 billion euros ($2.44 billion) to a record 24 billion euros over the next five years.(ETauto.com) 

• As India’s economic growth hints at ‘achhe din’, VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV), an equal joint venture between Eicher Motors and the Volvo Group, is all set to roll out a number of medium and heavy duty commercial vehicles (M&HCVs) in CY 2015. The new trucks to be launched by the company across platforms would range from gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 5 tonnes to 49 tonnes, and would be rolled out under Eicher Trucks and Buses, a business unit of VECV. Notably, VECV has four other business units as well – Volvo Trucks India, VE Powertrain, Eicher Engineering Components and Eicher Engineering Solutions. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/exclusive-commercial-vehicles-lines-truck-launches-2015-7201#sthash.AfNwTWzT.dpuf

• Bosch is testing its new Electronic Clutch System or eClutch, which incorporates a cable-free electronic clutch pedal into the footwell which sends signal to an actuator that will use its foot to depress the clutch instead of yours. Further, it has a mind of its own to allow gear shifting without the need for driver to operate a clutch, and it enables use of first gear in congested traffic conditions without having to worry about clutching.Bosch is testing the eClutch in a Honda Brio which normally comes with a conventional automatic transmission that costs much more than manual variant and enjoys drinking more fuel.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/bosch-eclutch-automatic-honda-brio-12140190.html#tE1tCET5gYmo7jRj.99

• Constant speculations have been in the air surrounding the launch of UM Motorcycles, a US based manufacturer who showcased their range of motorcycles at the 2014 Auto Expo in Delhi.In a joint venture with Kashipur based Lohia Auto, UM Motorcycles plan to introduce its extensive range of sport bikes, scooters, dual-sport and cruisers to India. The company’s products are targeted towards to fastest growing 250-500 cc market, and with an affordable price tag, we reckon that UM products should do reasonable well in the country.Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2014/12/um-global-bookings-june-2015-162900#ixzz3N8Y7dhaJ 

• Denso Corporation has announced that it acquired a 50 percent stake in DJ COOL Corporation, a Turkish company that designs, manufactures, and sells air-conditioning systems for bus and tractors and refrigerator systems, on October 14, 2014. DJ COOL was established in Turkey by Abdul Latif Jameel Co (ALJ), a major automotive distributor in the Middle East region. Denso and ALJ had already established a joint venture, Denso Abdul Latif Jameel, to manufacture and sell car-air conditioning systems in Saudi Arabia in 2001. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/denso-takes-percent-stake-turkish-ac-refrigerator-maker-targets-europe-7197#sthash.7QTIzQpf.dpuf

• The Gujarat Police has turned the spotlights on them after the extravagant additions of Harley-Davidson bikes to their fleet of vehicles - Street 750 and SuperLow. These bikes which are priced between Rs. 4.30 - Rs. 6.10 lakhs, will be solely used to escort VIP convoys during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit-2015, to be held at Gandhinagar in January. More than practicality, these bikes will add to the oomph factor while piloting VIP guests during the Summit.(teambhp.com)

• TVS & Sons, according to a report on Economic Times, will soon try out a new dealership model without real cars. Instead of well-polished, brand new automobiles, the showroom will have internet-enabled displays for visitors to check out different brands. The only similarity will be the sales person who will remain but will perform a slightly different job. Rather than pushing sales of a particular car, they will act as product advisors and help customers narrow down their product and offer valuable advice. If the customers likes a particular car, it will be taken to their preferred address at a preferred time for test drive.Read more: http://indianautosblog.com/2014/12/tvs-new-dealership-model-162911#ixzz3N8YJXtYr 

• Nissan revived its low-cost brand- the Datsun to increase its market share in the growing nations including India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa. The company launched the Go hatchback, but it failed to generate volumes in the country. Now, Nissan is gearing up for the launch of second Datsun product- the Go+ MPV in the early, 2015. (cartrade.com)