Automotive Updates - 26th March 2015

• Ford Motor Company today inaugurated its integrated manufacturing facility including a state-of-the-art vehicle manufacturing facility and a world-class engine plant in Sanand, GujaratThe Ford Figo Aspire, a new sub-four-metre compact sedan, will be the first car to roll-out from the new plant.The launch of Ford’s integrated manufacturing facility was attended by Smt. Anandiben Patel, Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat in presence of Sh. Saurabhbhai Patel, Minister of Finance and Sh. Vijaybhai Rupani, Minister of Transport along with senior officials from the government of Gujarat.(auto-samiksha)

• HMC-MM Auto, the joint venture between Hero MotoCorp Ltd (HMCL) and Magneti Marelli (MM) of Italy, has inaugurated its first autonomous ‘Production and Development Centre’ at Manesar in Haryana. Pawan Munjal, vice-chairman, MD and CEO, Hero MotoCorp and Eugenio Razelli, CEO, Magneti Marelli, inaugurated the centre.   HMC-MM Auto will build Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) systems which will offer distinct advantages to the engines used in Hero’s two-wheelers such as adaptability to different working climates, altitudes, improved performance and fuel efficiency, environmental regulations and petrol blends. Additional functionality such as immobilisers, traction and slip control, multi-map, flexi fuel and multi fuel management will also be available with EFI technology. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/hero-motocorp-magneti-marelli-india-innovation-hub-goes-stream-8046#sthash.Ku8v0Mco.dpuf

• Amtek Auto Ltd., the Indian car parts maker, is among companies in talks to acquire TRW Automotive Holdings Corp.’s suspension business, people familiar with the matter said. TRW, based in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, could get about $500 million for the unit, two of the people said. The sale has also drawn interest from other companies outside India, one person said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Companies/dVWZP5CAu8arQpyPfP2lBP/Amtek-said-in-talks-to-buy-TRW-Automotive-suspension-arm.html?utm_source=copy

• Japanese two-wheeler maker Yamaha Wednesday launched an all new range of its three scooter models, Alpha, Ray and Ray Z priced between Rs 47,805 and Rs 49,939, (ex-showroom Delhi).All three models would have 'Blue Core' engine concept, which are more fuel efficient and environment friendly as it increases combustion efficiency, Yamaha Motor India said in a statement.(ETauto.com)

• Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) has announced the pricing and availability of the 2015 Dream Neo entry-level motorcycle and Dio scooter in Delhi and Mumbai. Both the models were unveiled at an event in February this year along with the all-new Activa 3G and get new body graphics and decals for the 2015 edition. Honda India has made no changes to the powertrain and the two-wheelers continue with the existing mechanicals.Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/03/bikes/honda-dio/honda-launches-2015-dream-neo-dio-prices-start-at-rs-47851/#AAvykTj7ZkYcg40q.99

•  Fiat Group's auto component arm Magneti Marelli will hire 300 people this year to support its expansion plans in India, a top company official told ETAuto.The major part of the hiring will take place at its upcoming plants in Gujarat and Manesar near Gurgaon. The company currently has a workforce of about 2300 employees across 10 plants in India. (ETauto.com)