Automotive Update - 11th February 2015

•  Maruti Suzuki has decided to go slow on launching the 800cc diesel engine powered small car and a small commercial vehicle due to a slowdown in domestic sales of mini-trucks and consumers' preference for petrol as diesel loses its price advantage, people aware of the development said.The car maker could delay these two new launches by about 3-6 months, the persons quoted earlier said, adding that the automaker has told vendors that volumes for the first year will be 70-80 per cent lower than projected.(Etauto.com)

• German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz on Wednesday launched the diesel variant of its C-Class sedan, priced up to Rs 42.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).The company has launched the C-Class diesel in two trims, the 'C 220 CDI Style' variant priced at Rs 39.9 lakh and the 'C 220 CDI Avantgarde' priced at Rs 42.9 lakh (all prices ex-showroom Delhi), Mercedes-Benz said in a statement.(businesstoday)

• Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, has introduced a refreshed version of its entry level commuter, the HF Dawn. The entry-level commuter gets few exterior changes and addition features. This bike is priced at Rs. 39,370 (ex-showroom).The Hero HF Dawn is equipped with a metal carrier fixed securely just behind the pillion seat, which further enhances the luggage carrying capability. This entry level commuter provides an upright riding position and an extended saddle for comfort. Its console also features a good side-stand engaged indicator.(cartrade.com)

• Maruti has so far been sourcing diesel engines from Fiat and have been selling them like hot cakes. The company is set to use their first indigenously produced diesel mill on the Celerio. the first pictures of the tiny 0.8 L twin cylinder diesel engine has been captured which will be gracing the heart of not just the Celerio but it will also be equipped on Maruti’s first LCV Y9T!(motorbash.com)

• Tata Group chairman Cyrus Mistrytoday launched the centenary celebrations ofTata Power and announced investments for generating a capacity for 450 MW of hydel power from this year and commissioning of 120 MW this year itself. The country's largest integrated power company began its operations on February 9, 1915, by commissioning the country's first large hydroelectric project with a capacity of 12 MW at Khopoli near Mumbai. (Etauto.com)

• India’s largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki is slowly increasing its export business. The company has started exporting the Ciaz sedan to some international markets including Mexico and Dubai. Both the markets will get petrol versions inthe LHD (left hand drive) form.The Mexican market gets the more powerful variant of the Ciaz saloon. The car is offered in two trim levels- GLS and GLX. Under the bonnet is the same 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that also powers the India-spec Ciaz and Ertiga MPV. This engine is capable of producing 100bhp of top power at 6,000rpm and 132.8Nm of peak torque at 4,000 compared to 91bhp and 130Nm of torque in India. (cartrade.com)

• After tasting success in supplying automotive grade aluminium for the popular Ford F150 pickup truck, Novelis Inc., the US business of India’s Hindalco Industries Ltd, is hoping that the auto aluminium sector will help make up for demand and margins fall in its core business of beverage cans. However, analysts say, the move may not significantly alter the contribution of the $10 billion aluminium rolled product manufacturer to Hindalco’s revenue or profit.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Industry/D2HsESDXsTd9FLmQwNSQrJ/Novelis-targets-auto-aluminium-on-poor-outlook-for-cans.html?utm_source=copy