Automotive Updates - 13th February 2015

• In a move which helps strengthen its electronics portfolio, Magna International Inc, a leader in cameras, driver assistance systems and related electronics components, has acquired the head-up display and electronic components business units of Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions (PLDS) in Wetzlar, Germany, as well as PLDS' ultrasonic sensor business in Hsinchu, Taiwan. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/magna-acquires-business-units-philips-lite-digital-solutions-7681#sthash.gT6EKngc.dpuf

• The details for the 2016 Auto Expo are out. The biennial event which is India’s largest auto show will take place at Greater Noida’s India Expo mart between 5th and 9th of February. Media days are scheduled for 3rd and 4th of February.In its 13th iteration, the Auto Expo will follow the new template experimented by the 2014 version. The venue was shifted from Pragati Maidan, which was getting increasingly congested for a show of this scale, and required the visitors to walk for kilometres at a stretch, tiring them out in the process, while also making it difficult for the manufacturers to plan their product launches in a streamlined manner.(Motoroids.com)

• UML, which is an equal joint venture between the renowned United Motors Motorcycles and Lohia Auto is on course of developing a cruiser range of motorcycles. It is expected that the launch of these motorcycles will be scheduled during the second quarter of 2015. The bikes are expected to have a capacity of 300 to 500 cc as against the normal 200 to 230 cc, which was announced previously. In the first phase, there will be a total of 50 dealers in the first year, which will be spread across the metropolitan cities in the country.(cartrade.com)

• Federal-Mogul Powertrain, a division of Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation, has announced that it has closed on material portions of the previously announced acquisition of TRW’s engine valve business. The acquired business, headquartered in Barsinghausen, Germany, employs nearly 4,000 people globally. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/federal-mogul-powertrain-completes-purchase-trw-engine-valve-business-7674#sthash.0iRIgHCf.dpuf

• First launched in India in October 2007, the i10 succeeded the Hyundai Atos. Soon, i10 became Hyundai’s best selling car in country. Now, the company has revealed that Hyundai i10 global sales have crossed 2 million mark. And, of the 2 million (20 lakh) i10 produced, Hyundai has produced 1.89 million (18.9 lakh) units at their plant in Chennai, India.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/hyundai-i10-global-20-lakh-12143577.html#oMFojp64Fy8JWlls.99

• Multiple reports suggested the launch of the Vios in India and now the vehicle has been spotted for the first time in the country, in Bangalore. Toyota has a plant in Bidadi which is near Bangalore so one can expect the company to launch the Vios in the country later this year. The automaker hasn’t been doing very well with sales mostly coming form its UVs, the Innova and Fortuner while the Corolla also manages good numbers. The Etios twins (or is it triplets with the Etios Cross?) have failed to live up to the company’s expectations, the Camry doesn’t sell either.Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/02/cars/toyota-vios/toyota-vios-spotted-on-test-in-india-launch-likely-in-2015/#lDz6GVakhxW7qJtm.99

• Tata Motors forecasts back-on-track growth in all segments of Commercial Vehicles, following recovery of medium and heavy CV segments over last nine months. Ravi Pisharody, Executive Director of Tata Motors, points out the resurrecting M&HCV sales pace and projects a turnaround in Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sector that has been sky-diving for the past three years. In Bus segment, Tata Motors expects significant growth, after Bus Body-building Code is enforced in April 2015. Currently customers are buying only the chassis and getting the body built to taste at their local maker’s. This saves them around 10 percent on their pockets. With the Bus Code announced, build quality, dimensions, safety and comfort features will be constrained to specifications and the cost difference will be diminished.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/bus-body-building-code-tata-motors-12143963.html#ACd28M1uW7rzUVw0.99