Automotive Update - 19th February 2015

• Kalyani Group, the owners of Bharat Forge Ltd, will form a joint venture with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd to develop and manufacture high-technology systems for the defence sector. Their joint venture company will include a wide range of technologies and systems, like missile technology, remote weapon systems and advanced armour solutions. Kalyani will hold 51% of the stake in the company while Rafael will hold 49%.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Companies/nIpn3xFKjaZqTkCghkhZSM/Kalyani-Group-ties-up-with-Israels-Rafael.html?utm_source=copy

• In an attempt to deliver more eco-friendlier cars the German carmaker Volkswagen has come up with a plan to invest about $10 million towards electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure developments. The development is indeed a part of recent agreements undertaken by BMW and ChargePoint to develop DC quick charging outlets along both US coasts.(cartrade.com)

• The online shopping space is getting more versatile by the second. While electronics and clothing are among the more popular purchases, Amazon.in has launched the Car and Motorbike store with over 22,000+ automotive parts and accessories from multiple Indian and international brands including 3M, Meguiar’s, Shell, Vega, K&N, Hella and Philips among others. (teambhp.com)

• Royal Enfield sales grew at a phenomenal pace in 2014. But this is still the beginning. The company has the potential to grow miles further. In order to achieve this aim, the company has announced fresh investments for the development of two tech centres. One Royal Enfield tech centre will be setup in India, while the other will be setup in the UK. Investments to the tune of INR 500 crores are set apart for product development of these new technology centres.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/royal-enfield-tech-centres-uk-12144717.html#ORujIZAlMHqFGWAm.99

• Maruti Suzuki India will launch two all-new cars- the S-Cross SX4 crossover and YRA premium hatchback in the country this year. While the S-Cross SX4 crossover will go on sale in second quarter (April/May), the YRA premium hatchback will be introduced ahead of the festive season (September/October). If media reports are to be believed, the hatchback will be powered by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The turbocharged unit will not be an all-new engine, but it will be a turbocharged version of the popular K10B engine that powers the Celerio and the Alto K10. (cartrade.com)

•  Why shouldn't the government amend the Motor Vehicles Act to make lifetime insurance cover for vehicles mandatory, asked the Madras high court on Wednesday, posing a series of questions to Union and state governments. It said despite the law making it mandatory for vehicles to have a valid insurance policy, there were a large number of accidents involving vehicles without an insurance cover.At present the insurance cover for vehicles comes with a validity of one year, and the policy needs to be renewed every year.(ETauto.com)