Automotive Updates - 7th and 8th May 2015

• The Maruti Swift hatchback has just recorded another milestone. The car, which turns 10 years old this month, has crossed the 1.3 million sales landmark. Commenting on the landmark, RS Kalsi, executive director (M&S), said: “Over 1.3 million Swift cars have been bought in India so far. Over the years, the Swift has evolved in features, looks and technology, often defining the changes in aspiration and preferences of Indian car customers.” - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/-india-maruti-swift-crosses-million-sales-8376#sthash.ZcII1RbC.dpuf

• German auto major Volkswagen Group-owned Scania, which opened a Rs 300 crore bus plant near Bangalore last month, will more than double the capacity and investment in it over the next five years.In mid-April, Sweden-based Scania commissioned its first bus assembly line near Bangalore at an investment of Rs 300 crore. The plant has an annual installed capacity of 1,000 inter-city buses and coaches.(ETauto.com)

image from livemint

• In a bid to increase its competitiveness in the Indian market, German carmaker BMW has increased the level of localisation in its cars assembled at the Chennai plant by upto 50 percent. By doing this, the carmaker will be able to reduce costs and the final sticker price of its cars. To achieve cost optimisation, BMW has inked partnerships with seven leading Indian auto component suppliers for sourcing of components. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/bmw-india-increases-localisation-chennai-plant-8366#sthash.VF3j3SZ1.dpuf

• Indian automotive component manufacturers participating for the first time in an international automotive trade exhibition here are optimistic about securing contracts for exporting its product to the African continent. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, brought a 15-member delegation to the biennial four-day Automechanika Johannesburg 2015 which started yesterday. "This is the first time that we have brought exhibitors to one of these events which take place in 14 cities across the world," said Sanjeev Bhatia, leader of the delegation and head of the Punjab chapter of FIEO.(cartrade.com)

• Nunegundlapalle, Andhra Pradesh: Becoming the No.1 battery player across the Indian Ocean Rim countries is the future goal of Amara Raja Group, its chairman Ramachandra Naidu Galla said on Friday."Our target is Indian Ocean Rim, it is our ultimate target. We want to be the dominant player in the Indian Ocean Rim, supplying batteries for all the countries across the Indian Ocean," he said. (ETauto.com)

• Indian Motorcycles has officially opened its latest showroom in India in Bengaluru. Along with the dealership launch, the Polaris Industries subsidiary has also launched two new motorcycles i.e. the Indian Roadmaster and the Chief Dark Horse. The Chief Dark Horse is priced at Rs. 21.99 lakh, while the Roadmaster will empty your pockets by Rs. 34.95 lakh (both prices ex-showroom Delhi).(teambhp.com)

• To consolidate its position, TVS Motor Company is planning to introduce two new models this year, including relaunching its popular TVS Victor and a premium bike. "The company will introduce two new motorcycles this year, including TVS Victor and a high powered premium bike," the City-based company said in a statement.(cartrade.com)

• Indian tyre manufacturers are worried about the government's decision to increase import duty on natural rubber, which they say will make them uncompetitive and cause dumping by neighbouring nations. They see the move also going against the government's 'Make in India' initiative.The government increased the duty on natural rubber to 25% from 20%, making imports costlier than before, after India's natural rubber production fell to a 12-year low. (ETauto.com)

• Japanese two-wheeler major Yamaha, has launched the Fascino scooter in India at a price of Rs. 52,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).The Fascino measures 1,815 mm in length, 675 mm in width and 1,120 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 1,270 mm, ground clearance of 128 mm and a kerb weight of 103 kg. The scooter has a telescopic fork front suspension at the front, a unit swing suspension at the rear, drum brakes and tubeless tyres.(teambhp.com)