Automotive updates - 21st September 2015

•  Tata Motors plans to launch a new small commercial vehicle (SCV) 'Magic Mantra' in the country next month, thereby expanding product range under its popular public transport vehicle 'Tata Magic'.The 40 HP Magic Mantra would be the newest entrant in the Tata Magic range, which have already scaled the 3 lakh units sales milestone in the country.(Etauto)

• TVS Motor Company is the latest to have entered the high fuel efficiency two-wheeler arena. The Chennai-based manufacturer has announced the launch of the TVS Sport commuter bike with a high mileage of 95 kilometres per litre (kpl) under standard drive cycle conditions.The earlier Sport model had a fuel efficiency of 75kpl, which means TVS’ engineering team has managed to reduce friction levels sizeably in the new DuraLife engine and in turn lesser stress on the engine, leading to more efficient fuel consumption. The company says refined ignition timing complements the overall low dry mass to provide improved mileage.(autocarpro)

• ARAI has been selected by the Government of India for setting up a new test facility inside their new Chakan campus. Under FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles) scheme, the Central Government of India has selected ARAI Pune to carry out tests of EVs. For the same, the government has allotted INR 80 crores for the project.(rushlane)

• Online automobile classifieds firm CarTrade is in the final round of discussions to acquire rival CarWale Group for about $120 million, or approx. Rs 790 crore, a person in the know of the matter said."The deal is almost final; we are expecting the formal announcement to come in a few weeks," the source told ET. The deal includes CarWale and BikeWale portals. (Etauto)

• Harley-Davidson India has named Vikram Pawah as its new managing director, effective today.In his new role, Pawah will manage Harley-Davidson India’s leadership team responsible for in-country sales, dealer network management, marketing, service and operations activities to expand the company’s presence in the country.Pawah has over 24 years of experience, of which 21 were with Honda in India and Australia. His most recent role was assistant vice-president and operating head - sales with Honda Cars India, where he led the sales operations across India and the export markets for product and accessories. Prior to Honda, he worked with Jay Engineering Works, a market leader in the manufacturing of Usha brand fans, sewing machines and fuel injection equipment, as well as Fun Foods India.(autocarpro)

• A month ago, we had reported that Harley-Davidson would update some of its models (link to news article). The company has now officially revealed the updates to the Iron 883, Forty-Eight, Street 750, Road King and Heritage Softail.The updated Iron 883 gets an all-new suspension in the form of adjustable rear shocks and front cartridge forks. It also gets a new rolled leather seat and styling changes like new pipes and wheels, a chopped rear fender and a low drag-style handlebar. It is priced at Rs. 7.37 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).(teambhp)