Automotive Updates - 18th and 19th july 2015

• Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is considering whether to sell its auto parts maker Magneti Marelli after receiving interest from potential buyers, according to sources familiar with the matter.At least two US private equity funds are looking to team up with industry players and submit joint bids for Magneti Marelli, which supplies all major carmakers in Europe, the Americas and Asia, three sources told Reuters.(Etauto.com)

• In its effort to enable a faster after sales supply chain, Nissan Motor India today inaugurated its new Regional Parts Distribution Center for the north India market. The new facility, located at Luhari, Gurgaon, Haryana, is spread across 9,050 square metres and will help reduce the delivery lead times of parts to Nissan customers by up to nine days. The reduced lead times will also benefit Nissan dealerships in the region by making it easier to plan and optimise space required for parts storage, as well as assisting with the management of working capital. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/nissan-motor-india-improve-delivery-india-pdc-8888#sthash.M1G9e5Gd.dpuf

• Korean auto major Hyundai on Wednesday said it has received over 10,000 pre-bookings for its upcoming mass market sports utility vehicle Creta, which is all set to debut in India next week.The company’s Indian arm, Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), has invested Rs 1,000 crore in the development of the five-seater model. It will compete with the likes of Mahindra & Mahindra, Renault, Nissan, Ford and Tata Motors in the volume segment of SUVs. (financial Express)

• Sales of utility vehicles declined for the first time in five years in the June quarter, as forthcoming models prompted novelty-seeking buyers to put off purchases and poor sentiment hit rural sales.In the three months to June, sales of utility vehicles—sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and multi-utility vehicles—dropped to 128,064 units, a decline of 0.57% from 128,796 units in the same period last year, according to data from industry body Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam).(livemint)

• Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati on Wednesday announced its re-entry into India after a gap of three years.According to the car manufacturer, the renewed focus on the Indian market is in line with its growth strategy as the market bears significant potential for the brand over the medium term."This new market entry is a significant step for our brand in its over 100 years history. We will focus on exclusivity and hence our goal in terms of annual sales in India will be in the two-digit range," said Umberto Cini, managing director of Maserati Middle East, India and Africa said in the national capital at the launch event.(businesstoday)

• The Indian Army has placed an order for 2,071 units of the Maruti Suzuki Gypsy. The order is a part of an earlier tender. However, it was placed very recently. It could help Maruti Suzuki make close to Rs. 125 crore. Deliveries are expected to start in the coming months.The off-roader falls under the GS500 (500 kg payload) category of vehicles and has been a favourite of the army. More than 35,000 units of the car have been delivered to the organisation since 1991. Last year, the army had ordered 4,000 units of the Gypsy.(team-bhp)

• Country's largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India plans to hire around 2,500 relationship managers by the end of this fiscal for its new retail outlets under Nexa brand to sell premium products, starting with its upcoming S-Cross model."Our intent is to hire around 2,500 relationship managers for 100 Nexa outlets by the end of this fiscal," MSI Executive Director, Marketing & Sales, R S Kalsi told PTI.(ETauto.com)