Automotive Updates -17th July 2015

•  Over 40 auto manufacturers will participate in the 2016 edition of the India’s flagship biennial automobile show ‘Auto Expo’.As many as 22 passenger and commercial vehicles’ manufacturers and 18 two & three wheeler makers will participate in the expo. The show that is jointly organised by SIAM and industry body CII will be held in February 2016 at India Exposition Mart, Greater Noida.The entire floor space for the event has been sold out, said the Society for Indian Automobile Manufactures (SIAM) in a statement. For this edition, total indoor exhibition area has been increased almost 20% to over 50,000 sqm from 42,000 sqm of 2014.(livemint)

• Upsetting the capacity addition plans of the world's largest two-wheeler manufacturer Hero MotoCorp to meet growing demand, the high court at Hyderabad ordered it not to proceed with construction activities over the land allotted to it in southern Andhra Pradesh.The court has ordered status quo through interim directives following the petition by Tamil Nadu based Ishwariya Orchards, which has claimed ownership and possession of the land that was recently allotted to the two- wheeler giant.(Etauto.com)       

• Magna International Inc today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire the GETRAG Group of companies, one of the world's largest suppliers of automotive transmissions.  GETRAG has an 80-year history in transmissions and is a technology leader, offering a range of transmission systems which include manual, automated-manual, dual-clutch, hybrid and other advanced systems.  Magna says the architecture of GETRAG's product line is well-positioned to support current and future automotive powertrain configurations. In particular, GETRAG is a leader in the growing market for dual-clutch transmissions (DCTs), which is expected to be one of the highest growth segments globally over the next decade.  - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/magna-international-inks-pact-acquire-getrag-8883#sthash.mdwzprcD.dpuf

• American auto major Ford plans to launch three models in India, including a sub 4 meter sedan, over the next nine months as it aims to consolidate position in the country.Besides, the company is also looking to expand its sales network in the country by adding over 100 new outlets, primarily in tier III cities, by the end of next year. "By early next year, we plan to introduce three models. First to come would be compact sedan Figo Aspire, followed by the new Figo hatchback and premium sports utility vehicle Endeavour," Ford India President and Managing Director Nigel Harris told PTI.(businesstoday)

• Toyota Kirloskar Motor has announced the expansion of U Trust, its used car business in India. The business, which was launched in 2007, will now cover 56 markets in 19 states.Under Toyota U Trust, customers can sell, purchase and exchange Toyota and non-Toyota cars. Old cars of any make can be exchanged for a brand-new Toyota car as well.(team-bhp)

• Two-wheeler major Yamaha Motor India Sales on Friday launched a new variant of its 125 cc bike Saluto with disk brake, priced at Rs 54,500 (ex-showroom Delhi).“The new Saluto is aimed to provide safer and more controlled biking experience for the city traffic conditions,” Yamaha Motor India Sales Vice President Sales and Marketing Roy Kurian said in a statement.(financial Express)