Automotive Updates - 16th and 17th March 2015

• Japanese two wheeler maker company Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. today announced the appointment of Yasuo Ishihara as the new President of Yamaha Motor Research and Development India Pvt. Ltd. effective from March 15th, 2015. Yasuo Ishihara takes over the position from the previous Managing Director, Toshikazu Kobayashi.Speaking on his appointment, Yasuo Ishihara said, "Every role brought in the prospect to learn and contribute over the 29 years of my association with Yamaha. However, this is the most exciting and challenging role for me so far and I am overwhelmed at this opportunity.(ETauto.com)

• It’s official now. The former ZF Steering Systems GmbH is now called Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH. Following the completion of the acquisition of the 50 percent share of ZF Friedrichshafen AG in its earlier joint venture ZF Steering Systems GmbH on January 30, 2015, the corresponding name change has taken place on March 11 The subsidiaries of Robert Bosch GmbH Automotive Steering at home and abroad will be renamed in the coming weeks. The company is managed as a separate division called Automotive Steering in the Bosch Group. (autocarpro.in)

•  Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the country’s leading premium vehicle manufacturer and the largest passenger car exporter today launched the much awaited sport styled i20 Active. The launch marks the global debut of i20 Active in India. The i20 Active possesses stylish design and advanced technology to further redefine Hyundai’s automotive excellence in India. The i20 Active is developed for the aspirational, metropolitan, enthusiastic and value-seeking, young risers who have an active lifestyle.  http://autosamikshaiadu.blogspot.in/2015/03/hyundai-launches-i20-active-in-india.html

• Ranjit Yadav, the ex-Samsung honcho hired by Tata Motors in 2012 to turn around its ailing car business, is understood to have put in his papers within three years of his joining.Yadav, who had been appointed as the president of the car division in September 2012, was recently side-lined as the company brought in Maruti Suzuki veteran Mayank Pareek to head the domestic unit.When contacted, a spokesperson for the company declined to comment. (ETauto.com)

• Korean auto major Hyundai is targeting 60 lakh cumulative production milestone from its Indian operations this year, nearly two decades after it started selling cars in the country. The company, which on Tuesday launched i20 Active, a sports-styled version of its premium hatchback i20, expects domestic market to account for 40 lakh units of its overall production so far in India.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Companies/LitlA057SC1IKPZz506lUM/Hyundai-eyes-6-mn-production-milestone-from-Indian-operation.html?utm_source=copy

• Amtek Auto, one of India's largest auto component makers, is all set to acquire Scholz Edelstahl GmbH of Germany, according to multiple people close to development. Scholz is a high quality hot die forgings manufacturer for both auto and non-auto component industries with annual turnover of around Euro 175 million (or about Euro 1,200 crore).The acquisition will be done though Amtek Auto's whollyowned Singapore subsidiary Amtek Precision Engineering, said two people close to the development. John Flintham, global CEO of Amtek Group, confirmed the firm's interest in Scholz. (ETauto.com)

• The mighty MINI TwinPower Turbo engine makes the new MINI ‘fun’.The new MINI Cooper S was launched in India at a driving event held at Aamby Valley, Pune. The new MINI Cooper S boasts increased power and enhanced driving thrills with a formidable beast under its shining bonnet: the new MINI TwinPower Turbo engine, which offers an entirely new understanding of driving dynamics. The all India ex-showroom price of the new MINI Cooper S is Rs 34,65,000.(financial express)

• Tata Motors, the nation's top commercial vehicle maker, has bagged orders for more than 4,000 buses from states transport authorities under the second phase of the union government's national urban renewal mission, a top executive said. (ETauto.com)

• General Motors India, today, launched the 2015 Chevrolet Captiva in the Indian car market. The SUV is available in both 4x2 manual and 4x4 automatic variants. The updated Captiva is priced in the range of Rs. 25. 13 lakh and Rs. 27.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). THough it largely remains unchanged, it gets new features and minor changes.Under the bonnet is the same 2.2-litre diesel engine that powered the old model. It is capable of producing a top power output of 187bhp at 3,800rpm and a peak torque of 400Nm at 2000rpm. This engine is paired to either a six-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.(cartrade.com)

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