Automotive Updates - 21st March 2015

• Volvo Auto India (VAI) plans to sell 2,000 cars in 2015, 66 percent more than its 2014 sales of 1,200 units, said Tomas Ernberg, managing director, speaking at the opening of the company’s first dealership in Mumbai. The company sold 913 units in 2013. According to Ernberg, VAI which currently has 14 dealers hopes have 20-22 across India by end-2015 including its second dealership at a South Mumbai location. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/volvo-auto-india-targets-sales-units-2015-8004#sthash.uG7xKxcN.dpuf

• The growth momentum in domestic Passenger Vehicle industry to accelerate by 5%-7% in FY16 and 8%-10% growth thereafter, the research firm ICRA said Friday.The growth will be driven by improved customer sentiments in the backdrop of lower cost of ownership and aggressive new models launches planned by OEMs across spectrum of PV segments (small cars/sedans/UVs) over next two years, says ICRA in its latest research update on Passenger Vehicle Industry.(Etauto.com)

• Setting up an all-new entity named Ducati India and three brand-new showrooms across Delhi, Gurgaon and Mumbai, the Italian superbike maker has re-entered the Indian big bike market, an official communication said today.  It is known that the company has been working to set up its Indian operations in place for more than a year now, which primarily included hiring a new team, providing them with expert training, setting up a network of dealerships and after-sales service capabilities among other crucial areas. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/ducati-sets-indian-subsidiary-8009#sthash.I5ccMJB6.dpuf

• DSK Motowheels launched five models from Italian bike maker, Benelli Motorcycles for the Indian market on Thursday. The motorcycles will be sold in a price band ranging from Rs.2.83 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) to Rs.11.88 lakh. The motorcycles will be sold from nine outlets in metros including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Pune.Read more at: http://www.livemint.com/Industry/Rrymk2MLp348vAlPBck1QI/DSK-Motowheels-launches-five-models-from-Benelli-Motorcycles.html?utm_source=copy

• Nissan Motor Co has ambitious plans for its India operations. The Japanese automaker believes that in around three to four years, Nissan Motor India will leapfrog into its top 3 subsidiaries globally, up substantially from its current position in the top 20. Initially, the top management of Nissan Japan had talked about a 10 percent market share by 2020 but given the market conditions, the carmaker is looking at a “realistic” target of 5 percent by CY2020. As of February 2015, Nissan Motor India has a market share of 1.81 percent in the overall Indian passenger vehicle market (comprising cars, utility vehicles and vans). - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/nissan-targets-market-share-india-2020-8006#sthash.2BFoQyjE.dpuf

• Bajaj previewed the SS 400 concept at last year's Delhi auto expo. While the concept is yet to enter production, the smaller SS 200 has been spied on test for several months now. The motorcycle was seen in markets like Turkey before the company officially revealed its name as the RS 200. The fully-faired Pulsar has already entered production as Bajaj is expecting heavy demand and fresh images show the RS 200 with the AS 200 which has also entered production.While Bajaj has confirmed the launch of the RS 200, the AS 200 awaits an official launch announcement. The images indicate that while the RS 200 will begin sales soon, the AS 200's launch may not be too far away. The AS 200 features a medium sized transparent windshield that extends backwards for better wind deflection. The bike also features a projector headlamp that is offered on the semi-faired Pulsar 220.(teambhp)