Automotive Updates - 19th September 2015

• As part of its focus on promoting electric/hybrid mobility in India under the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, the Central government has chosen the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) as one of the Centres of Excellence (COEs). The total cost to build the requisite facilities at ARAI is Rs 80 crore. The government has granted Rs 30 crore and the balance will be given next year. The infrastructure for evaluation of EVs will be part of ARAI's new campus at Chakan, near Pune. "Electric mobility is identified as a key R&D initiative, especially lightweighting of materials which are used in buses. So not only the electric side of it but comprehensive vehicle design changes is what we are working on. So we are looking at it with a real long-term direction for the mobility solutions," Rashmi Urdhwareshe, director, ARAI, told Autocar Professional. - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/indian-government-grants-rs-80-crore-arai-ev-test-facility-9323#sthash.xYnZ8kCU.dpuf

• Figo Aspire was able to accelerate past the long timers like Hyundai Xcent, Honda Amaze, Toyota Etios and Tata Zest, which sold 3,202, 3,260, 2,652, and 2,006 respectively.Launched on August 12, Figo Aspire sold 5,176 units, which is a lion share of the total 8,331 vehicles sold by Ford in the month.The car single handedly helped the automaker turn the corner and help it post a decent growth in the month from a fall in sales in July. In fact, it was the biggest gainer during the month in terms of the percentage growth experienced.(ETauto)

• Volkswagen AG could face penalties up to $18 billion after being accused of designing software for diesel cars that deceives regulators measuring toxic emissions, the US Environmental Protection Agency said on Friday.“Put simply, these cars contained software that turns off emissions controls when driving normally and turns them on when the car is undergoing an emissions test,” Cynthia Giles, an enforcement officer at the EPA, told reporters in a teleconference.(livemint)

• Japanese automaker Nissan has been one of the fastest growing brands in the country. The company has reportedly achieved a new milestone with the inauguration of Ritu Nissan, its 200th retail outlet located at Andheri West in Mumbai. The well equipped, state-of-art showroom shall offer sales and service support to both Nissan as well as Datsun brands.Speaking more on the special occasion, Arun Malhotra, managing director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Nissan India, we are proud to reach this significant milestone in such a short period of time. Establishing 200 outlets in a span of just five years not only makes our network one of the fastest growing in India, but puts us well on track to achieve our target of setting up 300 dealerships across the country by the end of fiscal year 2016.(cartrade)

• Former world champions Red Bull have confirmed that that their relationship with Formula One engine partner Renault is over and they will have a new engine partner later this year.Bull's owner Dietrich Mateschitz revealed that the separation is done by the mutual agreement, insisting that there was no sense in working together any more, Sport24 reported. (ETauto)

• Even as festivities at the Frankfurt Motor Show continues, 2016 Honda Civic sedan has opted to make its first public appearance far away from the commotion. The 10th generation of the popular sedan which is billed by the company as the most ambitious remake in the model’s 43-year history has been unveiled at a special even in Los Angeles, USA.The new gen sedan derives its design cues from theCivic Coupe concept which was unveiled at the New York Auto Show earlier this year. As far as the appearance goes, there is absolutely nothing that associates the new car with its predecessor. The slow slung front fascia is dominated by an interesting chrome grille which merges into sleek headlamps (optional LEDs). The sporty bumper is full of sharp edges and a contoured bonnet round off the front fascia.(rushlane)