Automotive Updates - 23rd June 2015

• Hinduja Group’s flagship company Ashok Leyland on Tuesday said it has received orders worth $82 million (approx Rs 521 crore) from Senegal to supply 475 buses.The company in a statement said it has bagged orders worth $82 million from Senegal towards building their comprehensive and integrated transportation system.Dakar Dem Dikk, a public transport organisation under the aegis of the Ministry of Transport, Senegal, has commissioned a comprehensive logistics programme with Ashok Leyland that comprises supply of 475 buses, genuine spares, assistance in development of workshops, training and consultancy on fleet management and structuring of vehicle tracking and monitoring systems. (financial express)

• Pune-based Bajaj Auto has claimed that it has grown its market share in the super-sports motorcycle segment from 10% to 59% in the past two years in the Indian market. The company, in a press release, has also communicated that it has expanded the market size of this motorcycle segment by up to 50% in recent years. According to the company, the motorcycles in the super sports segment are classified as bikes that come with a price tag of Rs 100,000 and above. Viewing the market in this order, Bajaj Auto claims that its Pulsar brand enjoys over 40% of the market share among its competitors. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/bajaj-auto-claims-spot-super-sports-motorcycle-segment-8680#sthash.nNNgWC6b.dpuf

• Mahindra has launched its sub-Maxximo load carrier to take on the popular Tata Zip. Mahindra Jeeto LCV starting price is Rs 2.32 lakhs and claimed mileage is 37.6 kmpl. Mahindra Jeeto sub-1 tonne light commercial vehicle has been launched at a starting price of INR 2.32 lakhs (ex-showroom, Telangana). The vehicle is manufactured at newly inaugurated extended facility at the company’s Zaheerabad plant in Telangana.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/mahindra-jeeto-mini-truck-launch-price-specs-12154999.html#P3f94wojx3o33jJ6.99

•  JBM Auto, the Delhi based component maker, on Tuesday inaugurated its component plant in Sanand, Gujarat. The plant will manufacture components for Ford India.The total investment at the plant in Sanand is Rs 200 cr. where components such as C-Pillar; D-Pillar; Cowl Top; Shotgun and high level sub-assemblies etc. shall be manufactured for Ford India Pvt. Through this plant, JBM hopes to generate 500 jobs in the region.(ETauto.com)

• German auto major Volkswagen will launch five products, including the iconic Beetle and its popular SUV Tiguan, in India in next two years to strengthen its presence here.The company kicked off the programme with the launch of a new version of its mid-sized sedan Vento priced between Rs 7.85 lakh and Rs 11.87 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).“India is an important market for Volkswagen. In the next 24 months we plan to launch five products,” Volkswagen Passenger Cars Director Michael Mayer told reporters here.(financial express)

• The much awaited comeback of third-generation Honda Jazz is finally set to be launched on 8th July, 2015. The stylish hatchback has been one of the most awaited vehicle for this year and with the official date being revealed, fans may not have to wait for long after-all. Honda India has not revealed the official price yet, but based on anticipation the vehicle is likely to be offered at a price tag ranging between 5.0 Lakhs.(cartrade.com)

• ZF Friedrichshafen has announced that is has appointed Mr. Suresh K. V. as the new country head of its India operations. In this role, Mr. Suresh K. V. will be responsible for the performance and development of all lines of business for ZF in India, as well as for the operations in ZF India Pvt. Ltd.Suresh K. V. is a graduate engineer from REC Calicut (presently NIT Kozhikode) and a PGDMM from SP Jain Institute of Management Mumbai. He started his career in 1989 with Asian Paints Limited and has worked with Bajaj Auto, Visteon India and Philips. He has been working with ZF since 2007 and was appointed as the Executive Director of ZF Wind Power Coimbatore Ltd. in 2010.(team-bhp)