Automotive Updates - 16th February 2015

• Demand for Commercial Vehicle in the domestic market is expected to increase to one million units a year, mainly driven by Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicle segment (M&HCV) segment, says V.G. Ramakrishnan, Managing Director - South Asia, Frost & Sullivan.The research firm believes that lower diesel price will help improve profitability and cash flow of transporters and can kickstart fleet replacement. While the Goods & Service Tax (GST) implementation will provide a long term boost to CV sector.(Etauto.com)

• Tata Marcopolo, a 51:49 JV between Tata Motors and Brazil-based CV giant Marcopolo, is all set to launch a super deluxe fully-built bus, which is aimed at taking on the buses from Swedish commercial vehicle majors Volvo and Scania in the Indian luxury bus market. Christened Magna, the front engine, twin-axle luxury AC coach will have several options at ‘an affordable price’ for the Indian luxury coach operators who always look for cost-effective solutions to strengthen their bottomline. The prototype (concept vehicle) of the bus has been showcased at the Tata Marcopolo’s manufacturing facility in Dharwad in Karnataka. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/tata-marcopolo-volvo-scania-magna-7695#sthash.rAqpBypE.dpuf

• South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor said on Monday that it plans to enter the commercial vehicle market in the United States and Europe in expectation of stronger growth in the sector.It did not spell out the timing of the move.Hyundai Motor also said it plans to invest 400 billion won ($363.13 million) in expanding annual production capacity at its commercial vehicle factory in the southwestern city of Jeonju by 54 percent to 100,000 vehicles by 2020, from the current 65,000. (Etauto.com)

• Renault India is facing a not-so-good innings with only the Duster selling in decent numbers while the Scala, Pulse and Koleos are almost extinct in the market. To counter this, the French automaker is coming up with a new hatchback that will be positioned in the entry-level segment and it will compete with the Maruti Alto 800 and the Datsun GO. The hatchback has been codenamed XBA and a prototype of the same was spotted undergoing testing in Himachal Pradesh. The Renault XBA is based on the India-specific Common Module Family – Affordable which means that the new vehicle will be aimed to provide practicality as well as low cost.Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/02/cars/renault/renault-xba-hatchback-spied-india-launch-follow-soon/#Tf2WPVDsVacu0ib9.99

• The newest trim from Hyundai well known as Elite i20 has been a hot-selling hatchback in the country. The company has been planning on launching the new Elite i20 in the Australian market, but based on ANCAP (Australian New Car Assessment Program) crash test standards the vehicle has scored only 3/5 owing to lack of more that two airbags even in its top end trim. The European manufactured trim has however scored an all 5/5.(cartrade.com)

• GM India has announced that it will introduce the Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV in 2015 and Spin multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in 2016. The company apparently first shared this news with GM India dealers during their annual meeting in Bangkok on February 13. “GM India’s focus is on significantly expanding its presence in the Indian market by enriching its products, quality and the entire purchasing experience,” said Arvind Saxena, president and managing director, General Motors India. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/gm-india-launch-chevy-trailblazer-suv-spin-mpv-7694#sthash.hjwW6VFu.dpuf

• Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) have plans to invest a chunky 4000 crore rupees, in order to build a massive manufacturing plant in Tamil Nadu. According to Pawan Goenka, executive director of automotive division at M&M, the investment will be spread across a span of 7 years and will consist of two stages. Goenka said, “In the first phase, we will set up the test track facility. Second will be an automotive plant.” This means that setting up the new manufacturing plant isn’t on top of the company’s list of priorities.(motoroids.com)