Top Stories 

Maruti Suzuki hikes vehicle prices across models

Maruti Suzuki India has reportedly hiked its vehicle prices by Rs. 2,400 to Rs. 5,200 across models, citing a strong yen and rising input costs.

According to reports, Maruti joins Honda Motor Co. and other major auto manufacturers in India in raising prices due to rising costs, despite a slowdown in demand.

The new prices are effective from Wednesday, said Mayank Pareek, chief operating officer for marketing & sales.

Car makers such as Honda, General Motors and Audi India have either raised the prices of their vehicles or are in the process to do so.

However, Tata Motors on Tuesday cut the prices of its compact car Indica eV2.

Mahindra to debut SsangYong Rexton in India on Oct. 17

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. (M&M Ltd.), India's leading SUV manufacturer, today announced that it would be launching its highly anticipated high-end SUV SsangYong Rexton in India on October 17th in Mumbai- This would be followed by launches in the cities of New Delhi and Bangalore and a phase wise roll out in other markets.

The Rexton is the first product from Ssangyong's product portfolio to be launched in India since Mahindra acquired the Korean company back in March 2011. The Rexton has carved out its own niche in 66 countries around the world, including markets like Korea, Europe and Russia.

This third generation Rexton, will create a strong connect with premium SUV buyers in India thanks to its sophisticated styling, luxurious interiors, superior handling and on and off-road performance. Indian buyers can also look forward to a high-performance diesel engine powering the Rexton. It will combine sophistication and refinement, luxurious passenger comfort, high quality performance and the ride and handling of a high-end SUV.

Commenting on the upcoming launch, Dr Pawan Goenka, President, Automotive and Farm Equipment Sectors, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. & Chairman, SsangYong Motor said, "The launch of the much acclaimed XUV5QQ last year helped Mahindra stamp its presence on the segment of premium SUVs.

The Rexton will be the first SUV from the SsangYong portfolio brought to the Indian market by Mahindra. With the launch of the SsangYong Rexton, we hope to further expand the Mahindra presence in the high-end SUV segment".

The Ssangyong Motor Company which was founded in 1954 is based in Pyeongtaek, South Korea and is a major player in the Korean utility vehicle market. It sells its vehicles in more than 90 countries around the world. In addition to its focus on green technology and expanding its global presence, Ssangyong is also working towards leveraging technical synergies with Mahindra,

Domestic News

Daimler starts production of BharatBenz Light-duty trucks

(DICV), the 100% Indian subsidiary of the world’s No. 1 truck manufacturer Daimler AG, today announced the start of production of its 9 tonne Rigid, 12 tonne Rigid & 12 tonne ConstructionBharatBenz LDT (Light-Duty Truck) range at its manufacturing plant in Oragadam.

Further to the market launch of three heavy duty trucks recently -- 2523R and 3123R for the haulage segment and 2523C for the construction segment – BharatBenz will soon be ready with its offering in the light duty segment that are based on the Fuso Canter Platform.

Speaking on the occasion, Marc Llistosella, Managing Director & CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are well on track with our growth strategies and will have a good product mix for the customers. With fuel prices soaring, customers will want trucks that are more fuel efficient, reliable and robust. BharatBenz LDT range will offer quicker turnaround time and the lowest total cost of ownership. In the coming months, we will strategically release our products in the market that will include LDT and HDT range.”

The Light-Duty range of BharatBenz trucks are based on FUSO Canter, a well-renowned brand of Daimler, based out of Japan. A front-runner in the Light-Duty trucks, these trucks form the backbone of the transport industry in most of Asia. The Canter is also well-known in India through its presence on Indian roads owing to its association with other brands. The BharatBenz range of Light-Duty trucks has been vigorously tested under the severest of Indian conditions and will provide the Indian trucker a reliable solution for his needs.

The Oragadam manufacturing plant has a capacity of 36,000 units (HDT & LDT together) and has already begun production of the BharatBenz Heavy-Duty range. This plant is one of the most important facilities in the Daimler Group that manufactures critical parts like Engine, Axles and Suspension in-House.  The LDT features a four-Valve per cylinder, 140 HP and 170 HP engines. The trucks offer a minimum of 10% more fuel efficiency in comparison to existing products in the market.

The state-of the-art Oragadam manufacturing plant was inaugurated on April 18, 2012. BharatBenz products are tailor-made for the Indian market and have achieved 85% localization. In the first phase, BharatBenz trucks will be sold and serviced over a network of 17 dealerships, and will cover 42 locations by end of 2012. By 2013, state-of-the-art BharatBenz dealerships will be located in 108 locations across the country.

Ssangyong Motors domestic and export sales recorded 10147 vehicles

Tata Motors full throttle trail in Lovanala

Atul Auto retains grip in 3 wheeler market

Bajaj Discover becomes world's largest selling bike

Hero MotoCorp sales down 26% in September

Tata Motors sales down 4% in September

Maruti Suzuki sales up 10% in September 2012

M&M September auto sales up 10% YoY

Ashok Leyland registers 21% sales growth in September

SKODA registers 39% growth in September

TVS Motor September sales down 22% YoY

Toyota Kirloskar Motor sells 12,115 units in Sept 2012

Affordable compact MUVs/ SUVs to fuel the growth of UV segment in India

International News

UK new car registrations up 8.2% in September

The U.K. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, or SMMT reported that the last month new car sales zoomed 8.2% to 359,612 units, and that it expects to revise its 2012 forecast, which currently stands at 1.97 million units, towards the end of October.

According to reports, new car registrations have grown every month in 2012 bar one, and September volumes were 26,112 units or 7.8% above SMMT's forecast for the month.Registrations of small and dual purpose cars saw the biggest rises in the month, but almost all segments saw growth.

The auto market is growing faster due to attractive offers and fascinating new models that offer significant fuel efficiency gains to U.K. motorists, reports added.

US Sept. auto sales mixed...Chrysler shines; Ford lags

Anti-Japanese sentiment hit China sales: reports

Toyota plans big production cut in China: reports

BMW China car sales continue to surge : reports

Fiat plans to relaunch Opel talks with GM: report

Honda recalls 600,000 Accords in North America