AN ALL-NEW WAY TO BUY A CAR - HYUNDAI MOTOR INAUGURATES INDIA’S FIRST DIGITAL EXPERIENCE OUTLET – UNITY HYUNDAI

- India’s first digital experience outlet offers unique car buying experience

New Delhi, 25 February, 2016 –Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL), the country’s largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer, today inaugurated India’s first Digital Automotive Experience Outlet –‘Unity Hyundai, New Delhi’.

Unity Hyundai – Digital Experience Outlet is a “New Thinking, New Possibility” approach which offers an unique car buying experience to modern shoppers by adopting the digital screens and artworks as per the changing taste of customers. It will provide a customer-centric experience allowing visitors to research, test-drive, part-exchange their old car and purchase a new Hyundai car – either with cash or through various finance packages.

The outlet is staffed with highly trained and knowledgeable sales representatives expressing the Modern and New Age Hyundai Brand. It is designed to provide Hyundai Experience to customers giving them freedom of purchase. Unity Hyundai’s pioneering Digital Experience Outlet has been designed to be easy-to-use, flexible and convenient for the customers to Experience Hyundai.

Commenting on the opening of the first digital experience outlet, Mr. Y K Koo, Managing Director, HMIL commented: “Hyundai has the customers truly at its heart. This outlet expresses Hyundai’s modern premium brand identity. Unity Hyundai is India’s first Interactive, Creative and Understanding space which boosts the Hyundai brand value by creating an emotional connect with the existing and future customers. The key drivers for the success of Unity Hyundai - Digital Experience Outlet will be Evolution, Innovation and Experience. This exciting new digital outlet from Hyundai exemplifies these themes to create a unique experience.”

Scania and Ericsson join forces to improve transport efficiency

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Ericsson and Scania announced joint research efforts to accelerate the connectivity of commercial vehicles and infrastructure. Ericsson and Scania are convinced that advances in communications technologies and future deployments of 5G networks will enable improvements in the transport of people and cargo. 

"We've been speaking about introducing vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications for quite some time but now it's really taking off," says Håkan Schildt, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Scania's Connected Services and Solutions business unit. “We now see greater prospects for reliable communications through mobile networks.” 

New developments in LTE and 5G standardization have created opportunities for dedicated vehicle-to-vehicle communications using the mobile network while minimizing risks of unpredictability and latency. 

Scania has pioneered platooning concepts with truck and trailer combinations driving in close formation, thereby reducing air drag and fuel consumption. Legislation at present permits trucks to drive at a safe distance from each other using common in-vehicle features such as radar and cruise control. However, an even narrower distance between trucks – further reducing fuel consumption – requires vehicle-to-vehicle communications and interconnected control systems. Research by Ericsson and Scania has now shown that sufficiently reliable communications can be established using 4G, and future 5G, networks. 

In a wider perspective, vehicle-to-infrastructure communications is an enabler for system-wide platooning in planning and organizing the formation and dissolution of platoons according to route and schedule. Trucks can thus join and leave platoons in an optimal manner. 

"In view of the enormous benefits, we're convinced that vehicle-to-vehicle communications will be implemented by transport operators of all types," says Claes Herlitz, Head of Automotive at Ericsson. "Addressing the challenges posed by growing passenger and freight volumes, enhanced communications can contribute to greater logistics efficiency and thereby reduced environmental impact." 

Learn more about platooning from the Scania film on Youtube

Tata Motors announces the new name of its exciting, dynamic hatchback- TIAGO

Tata Motors cool new hatchback, much applauded at its first public showcase at the Auto Expo 2016, in New Delhi (Greater Noida), was today  renamed TIAGO with the culmination of a successful crowdsourcing of the name through the #Fantastico Name Hunt. The company had announced the intent to rename previously named Zica (acronym derived from Zippy Car) as the right and responsible action following the hardships caused by the virus outbreak across many countries. The Company today, also announced the winner of this campaign – Mr. Libi Thomas (Facebook handle- Thomas Notthe Train), whose entry matches the selected name.

Taking forward the spirit of innovation, the TIAGO, designed for young car buyers, exudes cutting edge design, technology and driving dynamics to address a new customer segment for Tata Motors with new benchmarks and exciting product experience.The Company will apply for regulatory registrations and is working towards the market launch by March end.

According to Mr. Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicles Business Unit, Tata Motors, "We are delighted with the response and support we have received from our well-wishers across the globe through the Fantastico Name Hunt campaign. We are proud to announce the new name – TIAGO for our next new hatchback. We have begun working towards launching this stylish car and are determined to place it in the market addressing all relevant needs of the target audience."

The #Fantastico Name Hunt commenced with a global crowd-sourcing initiative, inviting netizens, both within and outside India, to participate in the name hunt for the car. Within three days, 48 million enthusiasts engaged with the brand on social platforms with more than 37,000 car enthusiasts submitting their suggestions through social and mobile channels. TIAGO became the chosen name from the final three entries – Tiago, Civet and Adore that were opened up for the audience voting.

The TIAGO will be the first car to showcase the new IMPACT design philosophy which emphasizes on immediate IMPACT at the first sight and a lasting IMPACT overtime. With inputs from the Pune, UK and Italy design studios, the Company is all set to roll-out a series of exciting, stylish cars, with new design credos. This car reaffirms this and reinforces the company’s future design direction.

About Tata Motors

Tata Motors Limited is India’s largest automobile company, with consolidated revenues of INR 2,62,796 crores (USD 42.04 billion) in 2014-15. Through subsidiaries and associate companies, Tata Motors has operations in the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia. Among them is Jaguar Land Rover, the business comprising the two iconic British brands. It also has an industrial joint venture with Fiat in India.  With over 8 million Tata vehicles plying in India, Tata Motors is the country’s market leader in commercial vehicles and among the top in passenger vehicles. Tata cars, buses and trucks are being marketed in several countries in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, South East Asia, South America, Australia, CIS and Russia.

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno to be appointed as HCIL's new President & CEO w.e.f. 1st April 2016

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has appointed Mr Yoichiro Ueno as the new President & CEO of Honda Cars India Ltd with effect from April 1, 2016 consequent to the management changes announced by the Honda Motor Company Board of Directors today.

He will take over from Mr Katsushi Inoue, who has been elevated to the position of Operating Officer of Honda Motor Co., Ltd, becoming the Chief Operating Officer for Regional Operations (Europe region). During his tenure in India, Mr Inoue led several initiatives in the field of digitization to enhance customer experience and bring in operational efficiencies at the company and dealership level. The 3^rd Generation Honda Jazz was successfully launched in India and the company also witnessed significant expansion in its dealer network during this period. Mr Inoue will move to Europe to take over as the Chief Operating Officer, Regional Operations (Europe Region) and President & Director, Honda Motor Europe Ltd.

Mr. Yoichiro Ueno has been the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., since January 2011. Mr Ueno was previously the Assistant Vice President of Automobile Sales of American Honda Motor Co. Inc., where he was involved in the overall planning and coordination of sales and marketing in the US market. Mr Ueno has been associated with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. for over 30 years and has vast experience in the automobile industry, having served in markets outside Japan like New Zealand and Thailand, and worked with overseas division and countries such as Asia and Oceania, China and North America.

Hyundai Motor India concludes wage agreement with Union

 Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) today announced the successful completion of its long term wage settlement with their recognized union, the UUHE (United Union of Hyundai employees). The three year wage settlement will be implemented with retrospective effect from April 2015 and will remain effective until March 2018.

As per the agreement technicians will receive an average salary increase of Rs.19,000/- per monthspread over three years. Technicians will receive 50 percent of the increased salary in the first year and 25 percent each in the remaining two years. This would mean a salary raise of Rs.9500/- a month will be given in the first year and Rs. 4750/- a month in the second and third year respectively.
 

KUV 100 crosses 21,000 Bookings!

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M), India's leading SUV manufacturer, today announced that its young SUV, KUV100, has crossed 21,000 bookings in just a month post launch.

The KUV100 has received a phenomenal 1.75 lac enquiries and more than 2.7 million visits on its website since its launch in January 2016. Conceptualized and developed with the aim of creating a new category with the SUV proposition at an attractive price point, the KUV100 has appealed significantly amongst youth and first time car buyers. Mahindra's ground up petrol engine mFALCON G80 and diesel engine mFALCON, D75 have also been well received by customers, and almost half the bookings have been received for the petrol variant.

Speaking on KUV100 booking milestone, Pravin Shah, President & Chief Executive (Automotive), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. said, "We are delighted with the number of KUV100 bookings received within just a month of its launch and would like to thank our customers. The large number of enquiries and 21,000+ bookings, reaffirm the immense popularity KUV100 has garnered in such short time. With the launch of the KUV100 we have pushed the boundaries to create a new segment of SUVs as a superior alternative to compact cars and that has resonated well with our customers. What is also very encouraging is that almost half of our bookings are for the KUV100 petrol variant. Further, we are putting our efforts to serve the customers faster by increasing the capacity, as was shared during the launch."

With its dynamic design, aggressive SUV stance, the KUV100 remains true to the tough and rugged Mahindra DNA. Further, it has set new benchmarks in head turning style, premium interiors, spacious seating with flexi 6 seater & 5 seater options, world class safety, accessible technology, excellent performance, high fuel efficiency and many first in the class features.

Honda inaugurates its 4th two-wheeler plant in India

~ Honda to vroom from ‘Race Track to Road’ with its showcase of 10 exciting models at Expo ~
A state-of-the-art scooter only manufacturing facility
Honda starts the next wave of economic development in and around Vithalapur, Gujarat

Honda strengthens its ‘Make in India’ resolve by investing in Gujarat
• Honda 2Wheelers invests INR 1,100 crore directly at its 4th plant
• Honda’s 22 suppliers invest additional INR 1,100 crore as they set up ancillary plants in Gujarat

Skill India gets a boost
• Honda creates over 3,000 job opportunities at its new 4th plant
• Honda’s linked suppliers usher in another 6,000 indirect employment opportunities

New manufacturing highs
• Honda to manufacture 1.2 million units of only automatic scooters at its 4th plant
• Commercial production of initial 6 lac units starts today, 2nd line to add another 6 lac units to start operations in mid of 2016
• Honda’s total 2Wheeler production capacity in India to increase by 26% to 58 lac units by 2016 end

Powering a Green Tomorrow with its advanced manufacturing technologies
• Environment friendly Zero Liquid Discharge plan with Rain-water harvesting system
• State-of-the-art technology like 24-hour fully operational Robotic Press shop (First time in Honda’s 2wheeler operations worldwide), Vacuum Cooling technology in Die Casting etc.

Ahmedabad, February 17, 2016 – Aggressively investing to ‘Make in India’ for India and the world, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. (HMSI) today inaugurated its landmark fourth manufacturing plant at Vithalapur (Mandal taluk, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat) in India. Honda’s latest green factory has come up in a record time of 13 months!

The historic ceremony was graced by chief guest: Mrs. Anandiben Patel (Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat),Mr. Noriake Abe (Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Asia and Oceania Regional Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.), Mr. Shinji Aoyama (Operating Officer and Director, Chief Operating Officer, Motorcycle Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd.), Mr. Toshiyuki Shimabara, (Operating Officer, Executive Incharge of Motorcycle Production, Motorcycle operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd), Mr. Keita Muramatsu (President & CEO – Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd), Mr. Toshinobu Motai (Chief Production Officer, HMSI), Mr. V Sridhar (Senior Vice President & Director – Corporate Office Production, HMSI), Mr. Anupam Mohindroo (Senior Vice President & Director – Purchase Head office, HMSI) and Mr. Yadvinder Singh Guleria (Senior Vice President – Sales & Marketing, HMSI).

Elaborating how Asia Oceania region (which includes India) contributes 56% to Honda’s global sales (2Wheeler, automotive and power product) and how India leads the growth momentum, Mr. Noriaki Abe, Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer - Asia and Oceania Regional Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said,
In case of 2wheelers, ASEAN countries contribute 13.8 Million Sales which is 80 % of Honda’s global unit sales with the production facility in 9 countries. India is the fastest growing economy in the world and is one of the most important and fast growing markets for Honda. With this vision of growth, today we have achieved a new milestone for our business in India. We are inaugurating our 4th factory in Gujarat. This will make India to attain No. 1 position in all ASEAN countries.
We would expect this growth momentum to continue for Indian market as well as expect Indian operation to be export hub for ASEAN countries.
Our goal is not only to expand our operation, but to contribute to the prosperity of society in India and Gujarat. This plant would be a benchmark plant in India not only in terms of volume, but safety, quality, morale and human aspect.”

Detailing on how it is a matter of great pride that Gujarat is the home of state-of-the-art scooter only manufacturing facility and Honda’s future expectations from India, Mr. Shinji Aoyama, Operating Officer and Director, Chief Operating Officer, Motorcycle Operations, Honda Motor Co., Ltd. said,
“India plays a key role for Honda’s 2wheeler business. In 2015 Honda’s global sales of all products was 28 million units out of which global 2wheeler sales stood at 17 million units. Today, 25% of the total Honda two-wheelers sold across the world come from India. We will continue to invest in technology, for the Indian market. Through training and cross market collaborations, we want to make India Honda’s technology hub as well. Driven by the visionary growth-centric outlook of the Government, there is an increased focus on investing in roads and infrastructure. These factors imply that the best days for the scooter market in India, are yet to come!”

Elaborating on the trend of increasing demand for automatic scooters in Indian market and how bringing a scooter only plant in India makes business sense for Honda, Mr. Keita Muramatsu – President & CEO, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt. Ltd. said,
“Increasing Scooterization, a trend seen earlier in developed markets of the world, is the key driver for Indian 2Wheeler industry today. Leading this change from the front is Honda 2Wheelers - the undisputed market leader in this segment in India with a market-share of 56% and growing. Gujarat is an extremely productive market for Honda. We have a market share of 62% of the scooter segment here. As we gear up to take up this challenge of meeting the customer demand, Gujarat is an ideal home and a springboard to achieve greater heights. Now, the Honda automatic scooter you ride will not only be “Made in India” but also “Made in Gujarat.”

ANNUAL PRODUCTION CAPACITY:
Spread over 250 acres, Honda’s Fourth plant operations are scheduled in two phases. The first production line of 6 lac units’ annual production will soon be followed by the 2nd Line of additional 6 lac units’ annual production in the middle of 2016. In total, Honda will manufacture 1.2 million automatic scooters annually from its fourth plant.

The new Fourth plant will increase HMSI’s total annual production capacity to 5.8 million units, including 1.6 million units at first plant (Haryana), 1.2 million units at second plant (Rajasthan), 1.8 million units at third plant (Karnataka) and another 1.2 million units at the fourth plant (Gujarat).

EMPLOYMENT & INVESTMENT GENERATION:
With its fourth plant, Honda 2Wheelers is giving a big boost to economic development in Gujarat. Honda and its suppliers have together invested close to INR 2,200 crore and generated nearly 9,000 new employment opportunities in the State!

Directly, Honda’s fourth plant will employ close to 3,000 Associates and entails a total investment of INR 1,100 crore.
Indirectly, 22 existing and new suppliers have followed Honda in setting up their manufacturing facilities in Gujarat. In total, suppliers have made an additional investment of INR 1,100 crore and created 6,000 additional employment opportunities at their plants.

A PLANT OF MANY FIRSTS:
Honda’s fourth 2Wheeler plant has many technology firsts. This is Honda’s first 2Wheeler plant worldwide where the entire press shop will be fully automated and operated by robots 24-hours.

For the first time in its Indian 2wheeler operations, Honda has introduced vacuum cooling technology and nitrogen pressurization in die-casting, use of digital eye technology in various processes and traceability of in-house parts with QR codes in machine shop. Honda has also introduced higher automation to reduce operator fatigue through fully automated press shop, material handling robots for full frame in weld shop and automatic transfer of front fork assembly in frame assembly.

A GREEN FACTORY IN TRUE SENSE:
The new plant is as much environment friendly as it is technologically advanced.
Over 1/3rd of the total plant area is a dedicated green zone. This is the first of Honda’s 2Wheeler plant to introduce an INTEGRATED ZERO LIQUID DISCHARGE FACILITY closely aligned to Honda’s 3R principle of – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

To co-exist and harmonize with local society, the 4th factory infrastructure has been designed under Honda’s concept of “Joy to the Next Generation”. Maximum natural lighting and ventilation coupled with adoption of LED lights proactively reduces energy consumption during production. Use of intelligent automations reduce fatigue and stress levels of our associates. As a “Green Factory” concept, Honda’s fourth plant has a planned internal rain harvesting system.

POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY:
With its philosophy of ‘Being a Company that society wants to exist’; Honda has accelerated development in the Ahmedabad district with the establishment of its Fourth plant.

Investing close to INR 60 million in and around Vithalapur, Honda is empowering local population to emerge as main beneficiaries of this growth story.

As an extension of its global corporate philosophy, Honda’s CSR approach in Gujarat focuses on holistic economic progress, social enrichment, better healthcare facilities and infrastructure development with environment conservation.

Honda several CSR initiatives till date include:

Infrastructure development: Honda 2Wheelers has constructed a RCC road to cover entire Vithalapur village and installed 80 solar powered lights to lighten community areas in Vithalapur village.
Healthcare: Honda is reaching out to 24 villages in and around Mandal taluk with its Mobile Medicare Units (MMUs) in association with HelpAge India. Honda is also assisting local population with 500 financially assisted cataract operations in Gujarat by March’16. Additionally, Honda has already brought healthcare closer to doorstep of 3,000 villagers by conducting 33 essential medical tests free of cost and plans to increase the net of beneficiaries to 10,000 people by March’16.
Clean Drinking water: Taking a lead in ensuring a healthier tomorrow for local population, Honda has started establishing 15 clean drinking water projects with RO technology in and around Vithalapur expected to benefit over 35,000 people.
Contributing to Skill India: Empowering today’s youth with skills for better employability, Honda has invested INR 80 lacs in this social cause. For youth, Honda 2Wheelers has adopted an ITI at Petlad village under the PPP model of Gujarat government and aims to educate 400 youth every year at this center. Likewise, empowering nearly 300 women every year with soft skills is the livelihood center at Becharaji village near Vithalapur.
Green Tomorrow: Honda has also launched Harit Udaan- a rural livelihood support community tree plantation program. This project entails plantation of 10,000 fruit bearing trees in 7 villages of Gujarat.

HERO MOTOCORP CONFERRED WITH MANUFACTURING INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR HONOR AT THE INAUGURAL TIME INDIA AWARDS

HONOURABLE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA, SHRI NARENDRA MODI PRESENTED THE AWARD AT THE INAUGURATION OF ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ WEEK 

Marking a momentous achievement, and testimony to its persistent endeavors towards establishing an innovation-led sustainable future,Hero MotoCorp Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacture, received the coveted‘Manufacturing Innovator of the Year’ award at the inaugural TIME India Awards.Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modipresented the award to Mr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Hero MotoCorp at a glittering ceremony in Mumbai, which kicked off the 'Make in India Week'. HMCL won the ‘Manufacturing Innovator of the Year’ award for carving out a distinctive niche in building sustainable platforms for future growth.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Pawan Munjal, said, “Hero is already a global leader in developing energy-efficient mobility solutions. Be it through our Garden factory in Neemrana or the most fuel-efficient i3S technology, we have set global benchmarks in promoting environment-friendly manufacturing. The prestigious award is reflective of our commitment towards encouraging energy conservation with innovative and sustainable technologies across our products. With our robust R&D ecosystem, we will continue to innovate for our customers across the globe.” HMCL was chosen as the winner from among 3000 manufacturing companies after a rigorous evaluation process. The illustrious jury panel comprised of globally renowned personalities such as Mr. John Rice, Vice Chairman, General Electric; Mr. Carlos Ghosn, Chief Executive Officer, Nissan Renault, Mr. Kevin Sneader, McKinsey & Co. Chairman (Asia),Mr. Rana Foroohar, Assistant Managing Editor, TIME Magazine; Mr. N.R. Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus, Infosys and Ms. Chanda Kochhar, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ICICI Bank. Mr. Norman Pearlstine, Chief Content Officer of TIME Inc. was the chair of the jury.

Mahindra First Choice Wheels Inaugurates First Multi-brand Commercial Vehicle Dealership in South

Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. (MFCWL), India's No. 1 multi-brand certified used car company, today inaugurated its first commercial vehicle outlet in Shimoga. This is the company's 130th dealership in the zone and 705th in the country.

The new outlet, Tristar India Trading and Services Pvt Ltd, is spread across 9000 sq. ft and is located near New Mandli Circle, N.T.Road, Shimoga-577202. It was inaugurated by Dr. Nagendra Palle, MD & CEO Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd.

"We are delighted to expand our rapidly growing network in Karnataka with the inauguration of this new dealership in Shimoga. This is the company's first franchisee for multi-brand commercial vehicle. This is a new step for creating a space in used commercial vehicle segment along with our used car ecosystem. We are enhancing and leveraging our physical and online presence and are best positioned in the pre-owned car industry to deliver a "Brick and Click" synergy interface for a unique customer experience. South India is a strategic market for Mahindra First Choice Wheels and we look forward to creating value for all our stakeholders across the value chain through innovative and industry-first products and services. Our strong franchisee network will also play an important role in helping us fulfill this goal," said Dr. Nagendar Palle at the inauguration.

"Over the past seven years, Mahindra First Choice Wheels has not only emerged as India's leading used car company but has also contributed to the creation of a used vehicle ecosystem by bridging the wholesale and retail channels while leveraging physical and online infrastructure. Now we have entered the used multi-brand commercial vehicle for creating a better consumer experience in this space," said Tarun Nagar, Vice President-Retail business, MFCWL.

"Mahindra First Choice Wheels is already an established brand name in the country. Tristar India Trading and Services Pvt Ltd. will offer the entire range of services for customers, including purchase and sale of multi-brand used commercial vehicle, multi-brand certified used cars, car finance, insurance, fitment of car accessories and assistance with paperwork and documentation to all those wishing to purchase or sell used commercial or passenger vehicles," said Mr. Ashik Basha, MD- Tristar India Trading and services Pvt Ltd.

MFCWL has also developed a variety of industry first products which use technology to ease used vehicle operations. The company has recently launched seven innovative products which are smart, simple, standalone tools that solve many challenges for every kind of stakeholder including consumers, dealers, financiers, leasing companies and manufacturers.

From humble beginnings in 2007 when its first franchisee outlet was established, MFCWL has achieved a dominant status in retailing of multi-brand used cars across the country. The company’s footprints currently encompass 705 dealerships and it plans to expand this number to 1000 outlets in next fiscal year. The company is driven by its mission to transform the way used cars are retailed and has made several innovations along the way.

The list of innovations include developing a unique franchisee based business model, selling certified multi-brand used cars under warranty and offering the most comprehensive warranty product available on used cars in the country, in addition to a differentiated consumer experience through launch of its 'Highline' stores for selling high-end multi-brand used cars.

Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. - USPs

• India's No.1 multi-brand certified used car company, Mahindra First Choice Wheels Ltd. (MFCWL), has a network of 705 outlets spread across 325 locations in the country which includes metros, mini metros and smaller towns. The company has been growing at a rapid pace with a CAGR of 35% by volume over the last 5 years.The cumulative retail footprint under Mahindra First Choice brand is in excess of 8.5 lakh sq feet
• The company has created a unique franchisee driven business model, which is globally the first of its kind, and is on a mission to transform the way used cars are retailed in the country. It was also the winner of the prestigious “Franchisor of the year" award in the Automotive business category by Franchisee India
• MFCWL is the market leader in the online auction space, having sold in excess of 3 lakh vehicles through the 'eDiig' auction platform (www.ediig.in)
• The company has recently launched a new product called the Indian Blue Book (IBB) URL: www.indianbluebook.com which is India's first and only used car pricing guide that incorporates transaction data with an analytical engine. IBB has got immediate traction with most leading banks and NBFCs, car portals, auto magazines, auto OEMs, dealers and customers subscribing to it
• A new product for car evaluation called 'Autoinspekt' (www.autoinspekt.com) has been launched. Autoinspekt is an unbiased third party vehicle evaluation report to determine the condition, quality and value of a used vehicle. The report itself covers 53 parameters across 8 vehicle systems of the car and is prepared after physical inspection of the vehicle by a trained engineer. The company has delivered over 1 lakh inspections to date

THE MUCH AWAITED SCOOTER MAKES MARKET ENTRY FOLLOWING THE SUCCESSFUL MAESTRO EDGE

Reiterating its commitment to introduce youthful products for customers across India,            Hero MotoCorp Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, launched its new 110cc metal body scooter ‘Duet’ in Kolkata today.  

The Duet, along with the Maestro Edge, is the first of the products to have been developed on completely new platforms by Hero’s own in-house R&D team. The Duet is priced at Rs. 51,500/- (Ex-Showroom Kolkata) for the LX version and Rs. 52,500/- (Ex-showroom Kolkata) for the VX version.   

Unveiling the scooters here today, Mr. Ashok Bhasin, Head – Sales, Marketing and Customer Care, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Being the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, we are well attuned to the needs and preferences of our customers. And the exceptional response these products have received in other markets is a testament of the superior quality and performance of the scooters and faith of our customers in our brand. Since the initial launch of these scooters, our market share has gone above 20% in the scooter segment and now with launch of Duet here, we are confident of gaining further share in this segment. The Maestro Edge has been very popular since its launch here and we are confident that the Duet will also appeal to the customers.”

The sturdy and durable, metal body Duet, comes loaded with a host of convenience and utility features such as External Fuel Filling, Under-Seat Mobile Charging Port, Remote Seat Opening & Fuel-lid Opening, Boot light, Service Due indicator, Twin Parking Lamps among others.

Speaking about the product attributes, Mr. Harish Arora, Head of Scooters Project at Hero MotoCorp’s R&D, said, “We have developed these scooters keeping in mind the needs and expectations of our millions of customers. The all-new attractive 110cc Duet comes with metal body, making it sturdy and durable. Designed for a wide spectrum of customers, with its array of features like External Fuel Filling, Mobile Charging Port, Telescopic Front Suspension, Boot Light, Digital Analog Meter Console and many more, the scooter provides the rider with convenience like never before for a great riding experience.”

Hero’s existing scooters - the largest seller in its segment, Hero’s 100cc Pleasure, designed and uniquely positioned for women and the 110cc Maestro – consistently among the top three best-selling scooters in India, are well established in the scooter segment. The exciting new scooter range is an output of HMCL’s efforts to create a robust technology ecosystem for developing world-class products here in India. With the commencement of operations at the Hero Centre of Global Innovation and R&D at Jaipur in Rajasthan, the company is looking at fast-tracking the development of its innovation-led portfolio.