Mercedes Benz USA planning to reduce 2017 diesel lineup

In the wake of Volkswagen Diesel Scandal, regulatory authorities increased regulatory scrutiny and are tightening the certification processes.

This resulted in Mercedes Benz’s decision to reduce its diesel lineup in USA for the year 2017.

The decision means Mercedes-Benz will no longer seek certification to offer diesel-powered versions of the C-Class, GLC, and GLE. The C300d 4Matic will not be offered for 2017.

Mercedes-Benz is working to gain certification for the 2017 GLS350d that’s powered by a 255-hp diesel V-6. The GLS is the company’s flagship SUV.

“Numerous authorities are currently testing diesel engine vehicles for compliance with emission standards,” said Christian Bokich, a company spokesman. “Of course, this process has a considerable impact on new diesel certification projects both in terms of effort and duration. As such, we are concentrating initially on the certification of the six-cylinder diesel (GLS), however, a firm launch date has not been communicated. For reasons of product strategy, we will not offer the C300d 4MATIC for the time being.”

Light-duty diesel models must gain certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to be sold in the U.S. In California, they would also need approval from the California Air Resources Board.

 

Renault to rival Vitara Brezza with its Kwid based compact SUV; Ertiga & Dzire rivals in pipeline too

Seems like Renault is planning to become a serious competitor to Maruti Suzuki India, first they challenged Maruti with Kwid in the entry segment and are doing well. Though they didn’t yet overtake the Alto sales, they are seeing a steady increase in sales. Now they are prepping up to launch a sub compact SUV to challenge Vitara Brezza.

As per reports on various websites the SUV will arrive the market early 2018 and it is tentative as the company may rejig its product strategy at any time depending on market dynamics.

Image Source: renault.com

The SUV willl draw its design cues from Kwid and will be based on CMF-A+ (which is nothing but CMF-A platform adopted to accommodate bigger body styles and engines). The SUV is internally codenamed HBC. Rest of the details are scarce.

Renault is also working on to bring vehicles to challenge Ertiga and Dzire which are codenamed RBC and LBC respectively.

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Related reading:

Carlos Ghosn confirms Renault Kwid platform-based crossover and sedan.

Renault-Nissan CMF-A Based Sedan Under Development

Workhorse Group Signs Agreement With BMW i For Range Extender

BMW i3 REx integrated into Workhorse Range-Extended Step Van

CINCINNATI,Workhorse Group (NASDAQ:WKHS) announced that BMW i has signed a multi-year supply agreement for BMW i3 range extender (REx) units for the Workhorse E-Gen electric delivery vehicle.  The Workhorse E-Gen delivery vehicles are used by last mile delivery companies to fulfill their customers’ delivery needs.

BMW’s proven Range Extended solution is powered by a 647 cc two-cylinder gasoline engine that engages when the battery level drops to a pre-determined state-of-charge, acting purely as a generator to produce electricity to extend the range of the Workhorse E-Gen vehicle.

“The REx solution adds tremendous benefits to our E-Gen vehicle and to our customers.  Signing this supply agreement with BMW further strengthens our commitment to our customers’ fuel efficiencies, maintenance savings, and sustainability initiatives while continuing to eliminate range-anxiety often found with battery-electric vehicles,” commented Steve Burns, Founder and CEO of Workhorse Group Inc.  “We are extremely pleased to add BMW to our growing base of world class suppliers.”

About Workhorse Group Inc.

Workhorse Group Inc. is a U.S.-based original equipment manufacturer of medium-duty, EPA-approved battery-electric delivery vehicles and fully integrated truck-launched, FAA compliant unmanned aerial systems (UAS) delivery drones. The company is also a developer of a cloud-based, real-time telematics performance monitoring system that provides fleet operators ultimate energy and route efficiency.

Source: Workhorse Group Inc.

MakeMyTrip to acquire ibibo Group

Two leading travel groups in India, MakeMyTrip Limited and ibibo Group (owned by global technology group Naspers Limited, have agreed to pursue a transaction that will combine the two businesses under MMYT, creating one of the leading travel groups in India that provides a one stop shop for all Indian travelers and serves as a critical partner for travel industry suppliers.

The combination will bring together a bouquet of leading consumer travel brands, including MakeMyTrip, goibibo, redBus, Ryde and Rightstay, which together processed 34.1 mm transactions during FY2016.

The transaction is expected to unlock value for customers, supply partners and shareholders, by combining the complementary strengths of each business. MakeMyTrip brings its strong brand, robust mix of domestic and outbound hotels and packages business and strong position in the air ticketing business. ibibo Group, via its brand goibibo and redBus, comes with a strong presence in various fast growing travel segments including hotels, bus bookings and air ticketing.

Following the closing of the proposed transaction, Founder Deep Kalra will remain Group CEO and Executive Chairman of MakeMyTrip and Co­founder Rajesh Magow will continue to remain CEO India of MakeMyTrip. Founder and CEO of ibibo Group, Ashish Kashyap, will join MakeMyTrip’s executive team as a Co­founder and President of the organization.

Deep Kalra, Chairman and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, said: “Today’s announcement is a significant step forward for the rapidly growing travel industry in India. We expect this deal to create an even more scalable business with the expertise to transform the booking experience for Indian travelers. I am delighted to be leading such a strong team in our next chapter of high­growth in this dynamic industry.”

Rajesh Magow, co­founder and CEO India of MakeMyTrip added: “We welcome the ibibo team to the newly expanded MakeMyTrip family. The combination of these two enterprises, with their deep understanding of customer preferences, will help us provide an even stronger value proposition to our users and offer further career growth opportunities for all employees”

Ashish Kashyap, CEO ibibo Group, said: “Since I founded ibibo in 2007, we have innovated and grown to become one of the leading travel companies in India, providing solutions not just for travelers, but for suppliers too. Deep, Rajesh and I saw a great opportunity to join forces, and I am excited that this merger enables all of us to continue a great journey together as the leading travel group in India.”

According to Bob van Dijk, CEO Naspers: “India is a key market for Naspers, and this deal reinforces our commitment to the country. ibibo and MakeMyTrip have built leading companies through their innovative use of technology to create exceptional experiences for people traveling throughout India and, increasingly, beyond. Today’s announcement underlines the continued ambition of Deep, Rajesh and Ashish and their teams, and I look forward to seeing the future success of this new and even stronger business.”

Naspers and Tencent, through their jointly owned holding company (91% owned by Naspers and 9% owned by Tencent), are selling ibibo Group to MakeMyTrip in exchange for an issuance of new shares by MakeMyTrip. Upon closing of the transaction, MakeMyTrip will own 100% of ibibo Group. Naspers and Tencent will become the single largest shareholder in MakeMyTrip, owning a 40% stake, and will contribute proportionate working capital upon closing.

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Also read

GoIbibo to launch ‘goCars’ an inter-city ridesharing service

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Additionally, prior to closing , the US$180 million, 5­year convertible notes issued by MakeMyTrip Limited to Ctrip.com International, Ltd. (“Ctrip”) in January 2016 will also be converted into common equity, resulting in Ctrip having an approximately 10% stake in the combined entity.

The transaction is expected to close by the end of December 2016 and is subject to approval by MakeMyTrip shareholders and regulatory approvals.

Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor to MakeMyTrip and has also provided a fairness opinion to the Board of MakeMyTrip. Latham and Watkins, S&R Associates and Appleby are acting as legal advisors to MakeMyTrip. Goldman Sachs is acting as exclusive financial advisor to ibibo and Naspers, while Cravath, Swaine & Moore, Trilegal and BLC Roberts are acting as legal advisors.

Source: The Economic Times

September 2016, Two wheeler sales figures in India

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September 2016 car sales in India

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Model wise sales figures:-

Top 25:

 

 

Source: AutoPunditz

Navistar appoints three new directors

On October 14, 2016, the board of directors of Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) appointed José Maria Alapont, Stephen R. D’Arcy and Dennis A. Suskind as new directors, effective immediately.

“We are delighted that José, Stephen and Dennis have agreed to join our board as each brings a wealth of relevant experience and special expertise to the board,” said Jim Keyes, Navistar’s non-executive Chairman of the Board. “Their knowledge and expertise will be invaluable to Navistar and its management team.”

Mr. Alapont has been appointed as a member of the Board’s Finance Committee; Mr. D’Arcy was appointed as a member of the Board’s Audit Committee; and Mr. Suskind was appointed as a member of the Board’s Compensation Committee.

Mr. José Maria Alapont, age 66, retired in 2012 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Federal-Mogul Corporation, an automotive and industrial equipment supplier. Mr. Alapont served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company from 2005 to 2007 and continued to serve as a Director on the Board until 2013. He is also the former Chief Executive Officer and Director of Fiat Iveco, S.p.A. Prior to joining Fiat Iveco, Mr. Alapont held executive, Vice President and President, positions for more than 30 years at other leading global vehicle manufacturers and suppliers at Delphi Corporation, Valeo S.A., and Ford Motor Company. During 2011-2012 Mr. Alapont was a member of the Board of Directors of Mentor Graphics Corporation. He was a member of the Davos World Economic Forum and currently serves as a Director of Hinduja Automotive Limited and Manitowoc Corporation.

Mr. Stephen R. D’Arcy, age 61, has served as a Partner of Quantum Group LLC, an investment and consulting firm since 2010. Previously, he worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a multinational professional services firm, for 34 years, serving most recently as Global Automotive Leader from 2002 to 2010. He served on the Board of Vanguard Health Systems Inc., a company previously listed on the New York Stock Exchange from 2011 to 2013, and currently serves as a Director of Penske Corporation Premier, Inc. and the Hudson-Webber Foundation. He also served as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Detroit Medical Center from 2006 to 2010.

Mr. Dennis A. Suskind, age 73, joined J. Aron & Company in 1961 where he served as Executive Vice President and was responsible for the worldwide precious metal trading operations. In 1980, Mr. Suskind became a general partner of Goldman Sachs upon its acquisition of J. Aron & Company until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure in trading metals, Mr. Suskind served as Vice Chairman of NYMEX, Vice Chairman of COMEX, a member of the board of the Futures Industry Association, a member of the Board of International Precious Metals Institute, and a member of the boards of the Gold and Silver Institutes in Washington, D.C. Mr. Suskind previously served on the Board of NYMEX Holdings and currently serves as a Director of the CME Group, Inc. and Bancorp, Inc.

These appointments increase the number of Navistar board members to 12.

Source: Automotive World

Ashok Leyland unveils India’s first indigenous electric bus called Circuit

Commercial vehicle major Ashok Leyland on Monday launched ‘Circuit’ Series – first Electric Bus Made in India.

Designed and engineered in India, for India, by Indians – the 100 per cent electric bus is a zero-emission, non-polluting vehicle, created specifically for Indian roads and passenger conditions, the company  said in a statement.

India’s first indigenous electric bus, Ashok Leyland Circuit

This new Circuit range of vehicles will be offered on multiple platforms.

Vinod K Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland, said, “The Circuit series of buses is another testament to Ashok Leyland’s commitment to leverage India’s technological innovation to deliver relevant and best-in-class solutions for India and the world”.

In April 2015, at FAME Delhi workshop, the company had committed to vehicles with full electric power trains by January 2017. The first vehicle in this new Circuit series, ahead of schedule.

“The product that will enhance the environment in the cities – this is in keeping with Ashok Leyland’s philosophy of ‘Aapki Jeet, Hamari Jeet’,” said Dasari.

The Circuit series vehicles are all exclusively engineered on India-specific platforms that can tackle varied topography, gradients, and usage conditions. Integrated with a fire detection and suppression system (FDSS), this truly Indian innovation can travel 120 kilometers on a single charge.

It is built on a simple, mass-market platform that will enable the operator to cater to customers in city centres with minimal operational and maintenance costs.” said T Venkataraman, Senior Vice President Global Bus.

Ambuj Sharma, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “Today is a very significant day for us as a state and as a country. India’s first ever fully electric bus, developed for India and made in India, is a big leap in mass public transport and we are glad that Ashok Leyland has been able to deliver this.”

“This vehicle will support the Government’s initiative of reducing fuel import bill and is a promise for a brighter and cleaner future for all of us and for our future generations,” he added.

Source: Business Standard

NEONODE SIGNS SUPPLY CONTRACT WITH US-BASED AUTOMOTIVE OEM

STOCKHOLM, Sweden – October 14, 2016 – Neonode Inc., the Optical Interactive Sensing Technology Company, has signed a contract to supply its zForce AIR™ sensor modules to a US-based automotive OEM for vehicle entry systems, adding to Neonode’s list of automotive customers, who have already shipped over 1 million cars — in over 30 different car models — with zForce® technology. The value of the contract exceeds USD11M over its term starting in Q3, 2017.

zForce AIR technology, the technology that powers the AirBar™ device that brings displays to life by adding touch and gesture sensing to both new and existing PCs, can also be adapted to fit the most diverse automotive applications.

The automotive industry is currently reinventing itself, going through some of the biggest changes in its history. This increases the demand for innovative and cost effective sensor solutions and applications. zForce AIR sensors are thin, modular strips inserted along only one edge of a detection area, making integration easy for this wave of creative innovation. zForce AIR sensors bring the most advanced sensor technology to automotive OEMs with the quality and reliability that the auto industry requires, and that our customers, including Alpine, Bosch and Volvo, to name a few, have come to expect from Neonode.

The robust zForce AIR sensor is suitable for multiple deployments within one vehicle, including infotainment systems, entry systems, interactive steering wheels, as well as any surface inside or outside the vehicle to which an auto manufacturer wants to add touch or proximity sensing functionality. We expect to see multiple opportunities for deploying zForce AIR sensors in cars in the very near future, and in self-driving cars. To this end, Neonode is in the process of obtaining automotive-class certification for its zForce AIR module production facility in Sweden.

“We are extremely pleased to have our new sensors leading the way for entry systems in the automotive industry. We see this new supply contract as further evidence that Neonode will be a solid force in the automotive segment”, said Gunnar Fröjdh, VP Automotive Sales.

“The automotive industry represents large potential long term growth and stability in our global expansion plans. Neonode’s zForce technology is already installed in over 1 million cars today and its reliability and performance are proven in the industry”, concluded Thomas Eriksson, Neonode CEO.

About Neonode

Neonode Inc.develops and licenses optical interactive sensing technologies. Neonode’s patented optical interactive sensing technology is developed for a wide range of devices like automotive systems, printers, PC devices, monitors, mobile phones, tablets and e-readers. NEONODE and ZFORCE are trademarks of Neonode Inc. registered in the United States and other countries. ZFORCE AIR and AIRBAR are trademarks of Neonode Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Neonode

Latest insider information about Tata Hexa

“Tata Hexa uses a torque converter automatic transmission unit which cannot be repaired, the only option is replacement. It weighs 90 kilos and costs 7 lakh rupees”

Tata Motors is all set to launch the Hexa SUV in India. Recent media reports have revealed that the Hexa will be launched in January 2017. But before its official launch, various details about the upcoming SUV have come to light.

Tata Hexa at Auto Expo

We had earlier reported that the Hexa will be powered by the same VARICOR 400 diesel engine that does duty under the Safari Storme. This engine will be capable of generating 154 BHP @ 4,000 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm @ 1,700-2,700 rpm. The Hexa will also get four driving modes – Auto, Comfort, Dynamic and Rough Road.

Recent insider information about the upcoming Tata SUV reveals many details about its placement and feature list. Please note that these aren’t official revelations, and thus there is scope for some changes in the final feature list.

• Tata Hexa will come in 5 manual (XE 4×2, XM 4×2, XM 4×4, XT 4×2, XT 4×4) and 4 automatic variants (XMA 4×2, XMA 4×4, XTA 4×2, XTA 4×4)
• All variants will have the 154 BHP power output figure
• Entry-level XE trim will have a 5-speed transmission, while all other variants get 6-speed transmissions (manual and automatic)
• The automatic gearbox is codenamed “G6450”; G=Gear box, 6=number of gears, and 450=maximum handling torque in Nm
• The automatic transmission is a torque converter unit, and follows the P-R-N-D-(+)M/S(-) shift pattern. It weighs 90 kgs and costs Rs. 7 lakhs
• If the AT is damaged, it cannot be repaired. Replacing it is the only option
• XT and XTA variants will come with 6 airbags, while the lower XM & XE variants will have 2 airbags
• ABS is standard across the range
• XT trim will also get electronic stability programme (ESP)
• Added safety equipment on offer includes EBD (Electronic Brake-Force Distribution), VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control), ROM (Roll-Over Mitigation, with ESP), HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assistance), HHC/HDC (Hill Hold Control/Hill Descent Control) & TCS (Traction Control System)
• Hill Hold Control (HHC) stays activated for 3 seconds, after which you need to apply the brakes/handbrake
• XM and XT variants will get a 10-speaker (6 normal speakers and 4 tweeters) sound system
• The instrument cluster and infotainment system on the XM and XT trim levels will support voice-activated commands
• Instrument cluster will have different coloured zone display for fuel level – Green, Orange & Red. It will also showcase the Distance to Empty (DTE) reading
• The Hexa will get flippy, foldable keys
• Higher variants will get 19-inch alloy wheels
• 1st Free Service at 3 months/5,000 kms, whichever is earlier
  2nd Free Service at 6 months/10,000 kms, whichever is earlier
  3rd Free Service at 12 months/20,000 kms, whichever is earlier
• Subsequent paid service intervals – 12 months/20,000 kms, whichever comes earlier
•  Tata will be offering a 3 years/1,50,000 km standard warranty for the Hexa

The Hexa will be marketed under the tagline ‘Confident Luxury’. Though pricing still isn’t finalized, speculations suggest a placement in the range of Rs. 11 lakh – Rs. 18 lakh.

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Related reading:

• Tata Hexa: Expected launch date & expected price; Bookings to commence in November
• Innova Crysta’s success despite the high price spurred other automakers to bring in premium MPVs; Renault India patented for an unknown MPV
• Mahindra’s Innova Crysta rival spied on test near Chennai
• Mahindra to challenge Innova Crysta with it’s upcoming MPV

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 Source: TEAM-BHP.COM

September 2016 car sales in India

Indian auto market poised to become 4th world’s largest market after China, US and Japan, here are the sales figures of each OEM in September 2016.

Maruti is inching towards 50% market share!!!

Stay tuned for model wise sales statistics of each OEM.

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Also see:

August 2016 Car Sales: Model wise sales figures

August 2016 Car sales in India

July Car Sales: Model wise statistics

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Via: Autopunditz