Automotive Updates - 24th February 2015

•  Maruti Suzuki that sells every second car in the Indian mass market would start a new range of premium dealerships across India to focus on sale of new niche models as the company aims to double its volume to two million cars in the next five years.Operating under the same Maruti Suzuki brand, these would have a different 'Touch & Feel', making them distinct from the current network of dealership across the country. These would cater to its high-end cars, where Maruti has negligible presence and its earlier attempts have proved to be failures. (ETauto.com)

• Regal Motors, the United States based manufacturer, has announced that they will be launching three motorcycles in the Indian market. This will take place in the coming few weeks and the announcement was made during the Hyderabad International Auto Show 2015. This was also the place where the company showcased its current line-up of motorcycles.(cartrade.com)

• Car market leader Maruti Suzuki today launched refreshed version of its popular compact sedan Dzire with introductory prices ranging from Rs 5.07 lakh to Rs 7.81 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).Besides new styling, comfort and convenience features, the new DZire offers enhanced fuel efficiency, the company said in a statement.The diesel variant offers fuel economy of 26.59 kmpl, up by around 13 per cent (from the previous version), while the petrol version has fuel efficiency of 20.85 kmpl, an improvement of 9 per cent, it added.(financial express)

• The Tata Group is planning a mentoring programme across functions and businesses for women leaders across group companies, in the first half of financial 2015-16.Mentors will include members of the group executive council like Mukund Rajan, NS Rajan, member of the council and chief human resources officer, and Harish Bhat, besides CEOs and CXOs of group companies.(ETauto.com)

• Renault Scala sedan and Pulse hatchback though have been a great offering in the Indian market, it failed to evoke enough customer interest. Based on reports released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), in May 2014 Renault India produced about 183 units of Scala whereas in October 2014, about 59 units of Pulse were rolled off from its production line. Since then no new units have been produced and shall continue to sell the existing stock. Reports suggest that the company may launch the face-lifted trim of both the vehicles sometime soon.(cartrade.com)

• Terra Motors joint venture with Dhaka based, Runner Group, noted motorbike manufacturers in Bangladesh will cater to manufacturing and sales of electric vehicles. The deal was sealed on 27th January, 2015. Toru Tokushige, CEO of Terra Motors says the company will begin local production in Bangladesh. Operations will begin with sales of the electric tricycle R6. On full charge, R6 goes a 100 kms. R6 has been tested in India for durability, and is scheduled for launch in 2015.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/terra-motors-jv-bangladesh-runner-group-12145329.html#6qh8hWpGeJAYTgSo.99

• Volkswagen AG sold the 450th and final Bugatti Veyron, marking the end of one of the most exclusive supercars ever built. The last Veyron is an open-top Grand Sport Vitesse variant, which boasts 1,200 horsepower. The car, called La Finale, will be on display next week at the Geneva Motor Show. The 450 Veyrons were sold for an average price of about €2.3 million ($2.6 million) each, Molsheim, France-based Bugatti said on Monday.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Industry/WEyYGkT5Xma9V2WiR0o4eL/Volkswagen-bids-farewell-to-Bugatti-Veyron.html?utm_source=copy