Automotive Updates - 9th and 10th April 2015

• Japanese electric two and three-wheeler manufacturer, Terra Motors is building a new factory in the state of Haryana with an investment of $ 5 million (Rs. 31 crore). The factory is expected to roll out e-rickshaws.Terra Motors plans to launch the R6 r-rickshaw in India next month. The vehicle has received certification to ply the vehicle on the roads from the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). The company is targeting a market share of 30% in the e-rickshaw segment in the first year. (teambhp)

• French auto major Renault today forayed into the multi purpose vehicle (MPV) segment in India with the launch of ‘Lodgy’ at an introductory price starting at Rs 8.19 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).The vehicle will compete with the likes of Toyota’s Innova, Maruti’s Ertiga, Honda’s Mobilio and General Motors’ Enjoy, which are priced in the range of Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 15.8 lakh.(financial express)

• Anant Geete, the Union Minister of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, has launched a new scheme for the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles (FAME). This announcement was made at the Department of Heavy Industry (DHI) of the Indian Government, closely in association with the Society of Indian Automobiles (SIAM). The government has made an announcement that it will offer incentives up to Rs 29000 for two-wheelers and Rs 1.38 lakhs for cars under this scheme. Also, the government has decided to spend Rs 795 crores in the first two financial years under this scheme.(cartrade.com)

• Bajaj Auto dealerships have started displaying the upcoming Pulsar AS200 motorcycle.Based on the Pulsar 200 NS, the AS200 (AS stands for Adventure Sport) comes with an adventure touring body style. It has a semi fairing, projector headlamp, a fairly large windshield, clear lens turn-indicators, a full-sized rear mudguard, an underbelly exhaust and black alloy wheels. The bike has digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer. There is a telescopic fork suspension at the front and a monoshock at the rear.(teambhp)

• Toyota has developed a new 1.2 litre direct-injection, turbo petrol engine which has been named 8NR-FTS. The engine is very fuel-efficient, has good acceleration figures and a wider torque range. To start with, the new engine would be available as an option for the partially redesigned Auris model, which is currently available only in Japan. Toyota claims that the 8NR-FTS delivers a fuel-efficiency of 19.4 km/l along with thermal efficiency as well. The engine pairs a single-scroll turbocharger with a cylinder head that uses an integrated water-cooled exhaust manifold to optimise exhaust temperature. This basically allows adaptive intake cooling to take place and is not affected by the engine’s thermal load. As a result of this, the vehicle can achieve better acceleration figures with maximum torque available across a wide RPM range.Read more at http://www.motorbeam.com/2015/04/cars/toyota-cars/toyota-develops-new-1-2-litre-turbo-petrol-engine/#46zDoyk7Tjd5YdTd.99

• Nissan India has been working on further strengthening its presence and growth in India. As part of fresh initiatives, the company has announced that effective from 13th April, 2015. Post resuming his duties Satinder shall be reporting to Arun Malhotra – Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd.Speaking more on the occasion, Mr. Arun Malhotra – Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. said, “As we continue to make quick and firm progress in taking Nissan Group of India to its next level it is imperative that we grow and nurture a robust sales and service backbone to ensure customer satisfaction. We have found a strong professional in Satinder Singh Bajwa who brings with him vast experience that can help meet our business goals.” (cartrade.com)