automotive Updates - 6th July 2015

• Diversifying from auto components to bus manufacturing, the Gurgaon-based JBM Group is now firming up plans to formally inaugurate its bus plant at Kosi, Uttar Pradesh,  in mid-August this year. At the same time, it will also begin deliveries of its premium low-floor buses. The company has already received orders for 200 buses, which are currently in the manufacturing stage. JBM Motors had launched its first low-floor bus called Citylife designed for intra-city travel in India around a year-and-a-half ago at Auto Expo 2014. By end-March 2016, JBM will have invested Rs 500 crore in the bus project that will see the Citylife manufactured in technological partnership with European bus-maker BredaMenarinibus. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/jbm-bus-plant-kosi-mid-august-8795#sthash.xucybMEe.dpuf

•  In its bid to crack the big vehicle segment, Maruti Suzuki India, known for its small cars, is establishing a new setup of retail outlets under Nexa brand to sell premium products starting with its upcoming S-Cross model.The company that has set a target of selling two million units annually by 2020 with around 25 models, expects the Nexa network to contribute a significant amount to its sales and will open 100 dealerships under it in 30 cities by the end of ongoing fiscal. (Etauto.com)

• An office bearer of Maruti Employees Union was on Monday night suspended for allegedly slapping an officer in the factory's spare part division, a company official said here.General Secretary of Maruti Employees Union Kuldeep Janghu was suspended after he allegedly slapped an officer on Monday afternoon.(business today)

• India's third-largest tyre maker JK Tyre has emerged as the front runner to purchase Birla Tyres from Kesoram Industries, flagship of the BK Birla Group, for a little more than Rs. 2,000 crore, said two persons familiar with the matter.The deal would take the company's share of the Indian market to about a fifth from 13 per cent, bringing JK Tyre on par with No 2 Apollo Tyres.(Etauto.com)

• Jubilant Performance Cars Private Limited, subsidiary of Jubilant Motor Works Private Limited, will be in-charge of all Porsche India operations in Mumbai, which includes sales and servicing of all Porsche cars. The state of the art Porsche Mumbai showroom is located in Prabhadevi, while the the Porsche Service Center in Mumbai, catering to all after sales requirements is located in Sewri.Sales will include all Porsche cars right from the two door to four door variants currently on sale in the country which include the 911 range, Boxster and Cayman mid-engine two-seaters, Panamera sports sedan, Macan and the Cayenne SUVs.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/porsche-india-jubilant-performance-mumbai-12155812.html#c7LXSP4jQl6f9LXu.99

•  Taxi-hailing app Ola has roped in former Vodafone Group CEO Arun Sarin on its Board as an Independent Director.Sarin will contribute in an advisory role to Ola's overall business strategy that will further drive growth and leadership in the market, Ola said in a statement. .(Etauto.com)

• TVS has rolled out over 1 crore XL mopeds since its launch. India’s first two seater 50 cc moped managed to build an unshakable reputation in rural India for its durability, versatility and ease of use. It eventually evolved into a 70 cc moped named Super XL with peppy performance and a heavy duty variant with removable pillion seat. Though it’s rare to see one in an urban environment nowadays, the little workhorse has been selling strongly in rural markets.Read more at http://www.rushlane.com/tvs-xl-special-edition-sales-milestone-1-crore-12155804.html#MXvDijQJBBYKfVxx.99