Auto Updates - 28th and 29th May 2015

• Third party logistics player TVS Logistics Service (TVS LSL) has announced the acquisition of Drive India Enterprise Solution Ltd (DIESL). The deal is expected to make a combined entity of Rs 4,000 crore and one of India’s most capable and diversified companies in the logistics space. Tata Opportunities Fund, the flagship private equity fund from the Tata Group, will invest upto Rs 250 crore into TVS LSL to fund the acquisition through a minority stake, while the rest of the funding will come from internal accruals. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and valuations of the deal have not been disclosed. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/tvs-logistics-expands-local-footprint-acquires-diesl-8498#sthash.MB20Rm5s.dpuf

• Commercial vehicle maker Daimler India Commercial Vehicle, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Stuttgart-based Daimler, today inaugurated its new bus manufacturing facility set up at an investment of Rs 425 crore at Oragadam.Post inauguration of the bus unit, Dr Wolfgang Bernhard, Member of Board of Management, Daimler Trucks and Buses said, "With the opening of bus plant, DICV is expanding its business and becomes a full-fledged commercial vehicle manufacturer in Indian market". (cartrade.com)

• In its continued endeavour to get closer to its customers and expand its network in the city, Tata Motors today launched a new state-of-the-art full-range Passenger Vehicle dealership, M/s Deogiri Auto, in Jogeshwari (West), Mumbai.  This inauguration of the 9th dealership in Mumbai is a step towards Tata Motors’ commitment to increase its network by three-folds in the next 5 years across the country.Under its Horizonext strategy, Tata Motors is committed to bring world-class sales experience and technology enabled, consistent service experience to all its discerning customers. With Mumbai being one of the most significant automobile markets in the country, the company has inaugurated this dealership backed by technology in Jogeshwari to cater to the demand from the northern suburbs and other catchment areas.(Autosamiksha)

• Japanese car maker Suzuki has been in the news for the launch of its new 1.5-litre diesel powertrain in the past few months. However, according to fresh reports, the firm has backtracked on this plan and reportedly decided to take around three more years before introducing it. A report by Autocar India claims that Suzuki seems to be struggling with finding the right refinement and performance levels for the new diesel drivetrain. Thus, the development team wants to take its time before launching it in the market. (cartrade.com)

• Royal Enfield has just launched a new range of gear inspired by the Despatch Riders of the World Wars. In addition to the apparel and accessories, the collection also includes limited edition motorcycles that will be sold in India and select international markets. The collection was unveiled at Royal Enfield’s new gear store in Delhi’s Khan Market.(Team-bhp)

• By April 2017, Nissan Motor will have 10 percent of its managerial posts held by women. At present, Nissan has 8.2 percent of all managerial postions are held by women.Nissan now has 214 female managers, with one in ten female employees working in management-level positions.(Etauto.com)

• Hit by poor sales, Hinduja Group flagship company Ashok Leyland has suspended the production of its first passenger vehicle - Stile, and has written down the investments made in the joint venture with Japanese auto maker Nissan Motor Company by Rs 214 crore, a top official said. Ashok Leyland had inked a joint venture with Nissan Motor Company to produce light commercial vehicle and passenger vehicles. Under the joint venture the company rolled out 'DOST' light commercial vehicle and 'Stile' in the passenger goods segment. (cartrade.com)

• Volkswagen, Europe's leading car manufacturer, has announced the delivery of its 300,000th car in India. The milestone was achieved at the inauguration of Volkswagen's new 3S (Sales, Service and Spares) dealership in the city on Friday.This further strengthens the company's dealer network which now comprises 118 showrooms across 100 cities in India. The new dealership, Volkswagen Coimbatore, is a full-fledged 3S facility with a capacity to display up to eight cars at the shop floor and a 43-bay workshop.(Etauto.com)