Automotive Updates - 15th September 2015

• Honda Cars India will have to wait for the Rs.1,577-crore expansion project at its Tapukara plant in Rajasthan as the environment ministry has sought more details before giving its final nod.“Honda Cars India’s proposal was examined in a recent meeting of the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). Based on the presentation made and discussions held, the committee desired additional information,” a senior government official said.(livemint)

•  Global economy may not be out of the woods just yet, but that is not stopping Tata Motorsfrom stepping up investments in overseas. India's largest automobile company by revenue has lined up major expansion plans for its trucks and buses business in international markets.Sources tell ET NOW that Tata Motors is planning to open three new assembly plants for it's medium and small trucks this year. Tata Motors will be opening new assembly plants in Nigeria, Mauritius, Vietnam this year.The company will be spending around Rs 120-150 crore in the process. (Etauto)

• The rising popularity of automated manual transmission is no secret and in line with this trend, Renault has unveiled the Dacia-badged 2016 Duster at the Frankfurt Motor Show with its own AMT called ‘Easy-R’. Mated to the TCe 90 engine, which is also equipped with stop-start functionality, the new five-speed transmission will make life on the road easier for drivers by providing the convenience of a gearbox without a clutch pedal, Renault claims. The Duster has been the automaker’s most sold car worldwide and Renault has made sure that the latest iteration of its ‘most affordable SUV’ gets all the creature comforts. The 2016 Duster features new upholstery trims, diamond-effect black wheels, the ‘Media-Nav Evolution’ sat-nav multimedia system and a reversing camera as well. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-international/renault-steps-amt-territory-2016-duster-9282#sthash.IdWMRJ5U.dpuf

• Maruti Suzuki's upcoming premium hatchback has been unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show today. This is the company's premium hatchback that is going to be positioned above the Maruti Swift, at par with the Hyundai Elite i20 and Honda Jazz, when launched here in India.The Baleno measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,745 mm in width and 1,470 mm in height. The car is both longer and wider than its core competitors in India, yet it is the shortest in height.(team-bhp)

• The new Ford Figo has been one of the most awaited hatchback in the country. As the festive season nears and automakers offer lucrative offers to boost car sales, Ford is likely to give the rest a run for their money with the new Figo that is due for launch on 23rd September. The new generation is expected to surpass sales numbers witnessed by the older model.(cartrade)

•  Lohia Auto Industries, automobile division of 600- cr Lohia Group, has said it aims to sell at least 10,000 vehicles in the country during the current fiscal."We have set a target to sell at least 10,000 vehicles in the current financial year. We sold about 5,000 vehicles in the last fiscal including 3,500 electric two-wheelers," Lohia Auto Industries CEO Ayush Lohiatold reporters here.(Etauto)

• The Hyundai Creta enjoyed a euphoric reception with over 15,000 orders on the launch day. The accomplished crossover has managed to sustain the strong demand so far. According to a report in Financial Express, the Creta bookings are now in the region of 40,000 units.In the first two months of sales, Hyundai India dispatched around 15,000 units of its compact crossover.(rushlane)

• Hindustan Motors, the maker of once popular Ambassador car, has announced a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS) for permanent staff at Uttarpara plant in West Bengal.The company has announced a VRS for all permanent 'grade scale staff' and 'technicians' of the company who will be on the rolls of Uttarpara plant as on October 1, 2015, Hindustan Motors (HM) today said in a regulatory filing. (Etauto)