Automotive Updates - 16th and 17th January 2016

• Tata Motors Ltd in a statement issued to the stock exchanges on Friday clarified that it continues to be a strong bidder for the government’s light infantry combat vehicles (FICV) programme.On 15 January, Business Standard reported that Tata Motors’ role in developing the FICV for the army had received a jolt, with its leadership hopes dissolved and its very participation in question.The company is one of the contenders for the Rs.50,000 crore project for the armoured vehicles.(livemint)

• Fair trade regulator CCI on Friday rejected a complaint of anti-competitive practices made against the country's largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki.  It was alleged that Maruti Suzuki abused its dominant market position by imposing unfair conditions for transporting its vehicles through car carrier trucks (CCTs). As per the complaint, the company produces half the country's cars and uses 50 per cent of CCTs in the country.(businesstoday)

• Japanese automotive manufacturer Toyota Kirloskar Motor has inaugurated its 342nd dealership in India, at Maharashtra, the company announced in a press statement. Speaking on the occasion, Takeshi Amakasu, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said "We are delighted to add another feather to our cap in terms of enhancing the convenience of our customers, with the inauguration of the state of the art dealership facility in Sangli. It has been a great association with DSK Group for above 15 years now and we strongly believe with this new addition to our family we will further strengthen our relationship to ensure highest levels of customer satisfaction in sales, service and parts".(ETauto)

• MSI Chief Engineer CV Raman is the project lead for Vitara Brezza that comes forth as the first model that has been developed by a team led by an Indian engineer. The company has stated that it will launch the model in the market a few weeks after the Auto Expo, to be held next month. Based on its theme, 'Transformotion - Transformation through Motion', MSI's displays will include "smart compact" urban concept vehicle Concept Ignis.(cartrade)

• Volvo Buses has announced an order for 51 multi-axle intercity coaches from VRL Logistics, one of India’s leading bus transport service providers. The order includes Volvo 9400XL and 9400PX multi-axle models equipped with I-Shift. At present, VRL operates Volvo buses on one of the longest routes in India – connecting Bangalore to Jodhpur, Rajasthan. While signing the order, VRV Sriprasad, managing director, Volvo Buses, said, “VRL Logistics, with whom Volvo has a longstanding partnership, has been at the forefront of redefining intercity bus travel business in India. We are grateful to the VRL team for placing their trust in Volvo to provide them with the right solutions to provide the best travel experience to their passengers. With this development we will further strengthen our association.” - See more at: http://www.autocarpro.in/news-national/volvo-buses-bags-major-vrl-logistics-10176#sthash.8y04zC7n.dpuf

• In order to boost the city's public transport system, the Delhi government has decided to run 1,000 new air-conditioned low-floor buses on public-private partnership (PPP) model in the national capital.A proposal has been prepared by the transport department in this regard and it will be tabled in the Cabinet meeting later this month.(ETauto)