Automotive Updates - 23rd February 2015

• Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI), the wholly owned subsidiary of Honda Motor Co of Japan, may consider locating its fifth plant in eastern India. Though the company is yet to take a call on the next facility, HMSI president & CEO Keita Muramatsu hinted at venturing next into the east having established manufacturing units in the north, west and south.(ETauto.com)

• Fresh updates from Japan's third largest carmaker Honda Motors has announced that CEO Takanobu Ito has resigned from his services and would end his term sometime by the end of June this year. Ito has served the company for about 6 years and post stepping down from his service, however he shall continue to serve the company as an advisor. 55 year old Takahiro Hachigo would is currently serving as the Managing Officer in the company shall soon take over as new President and Chief executive for the company. (cartrade.com)

• With the Indian automotive industry on the threshold of rebounding after a low-key performance over the past couple of years, auto parts maker Elofic Industries is stepping on the gas in terms of expansion plans. The company has set an ambitious target of crossing a topline of Rs 500 crore in the next couple of years from the existing level of Rs 220 crore. The strategy to drive this growth will be by entering various other segments in the filtration market where Elofic currently supplies oil, air, hydraulic and fuel filters mainly for the passenger car and commercial vehicle market. Now the supplier is spreading its wings by entering the two-wheeler market, as well as the off-highway and construction equipment segments, according to KD Sahni, joint managing director. “In two-wheelers, we have finalised orders with Suzuki for whom supplies have already started; Yamaha’s is in the final stages of negotiation besides which we are working on new projects for Royal Enfield and are in discussions with other manufacturers as well for their new models.” - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/elofic-industries-scouts-acquisitions-europe-7743#sthash.t0mdg3QX.dpuf

• Mahindra & Mahindra on Monday launched a limited edition of its sports utility vehicle XUV500, priced at Rs 14.48 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai).The 'XUV500 Xclusive Edition', comes with various features including electric sunroof, reverse camera and voice messaging system.(businesstoday)

• Airbus Helicopters said on Friday it is in talks with Mahindra and Mahindra, Reliance Industries and Tata Group to jointly make military helicopters, to comply with rules aimed at helping the nascent local defence industry.The company, a unit of Airbus Group, is offering to build its light utility AS550 Fennec and the medium lift EC725 for India's armed forces, which are heavily dependent on an ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. (Etauto.com)

• Krisaki two-wheelers will be launching its range of bikes and scooters in India in July 2015. The engine capacity will range from 125cc to 800cc.The Indian two-wheeler market has seen a variety of vehicles being launched in the past decade. Many lesser known brands have also tried venturing into the country but most failed. Some brands which started in India itself also couldn’t make a mark in the market. The reason for this is that most people in India prefer vehicles from known brands. But to prove all this wrong, Krisaki will be launching its vehicles in India soon.Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/02/bikes/krisaki/krisaki-motorcycles-launching-india-july-2015/#cXUbYsCoXaPjGOix.99

•  Germany's Volkswagen has won approval from Thai authorities to build a manufacturing plant for fuel efficient cars near Bangkok after months of delays.A VW spokesman said on Saturday that it had received the go-ahead but the carmaker would now assess the situation and that no decision has been made yet whether to build the factory, confirming a report in German weekly magazine WirtschaftsWoche.(Etauto.com)