Weekly News about the Automobile sector in India

The Caparo Group is setting up new facilities and expanding its existing facilities to reinforce its manufacturing base in the country. Similarly, AVTEC is setting up a new powertrain components manufacturing unit in Kharagpur, while Tata AutoComp is setting up India’s first passenger car airbag testing facility in Pune in partnership with Microsys Technologies of Canada. This week’s new launch is from Tata Motors’ stable, and it is the new Safari SUV with 2.2 VTT Dicor engine. Tata Motors has also joined hands with Fiat to launch the Grand Punto and L

- Chillibreeze Business Research Team

Eastman to foray into auto accessory business

Eastman Industries, the auto ancillary manufacturer, will launch its new auto accessory brand, Addo Glitz, in India in the last week of October 2007. This move is aimed at consolidating the company’s business in the country, besides helping it become a Rs 1,000 crore group by 2010-2011.

Further, it is also driven by Eastman’s intention to make best of the opportunities in the presently unorganized auto accessories market by offering quality products. For its new auto accessory brand, the company is seeking to have an independent retail operation in the long run. Meanwhile, to achieve its sales target, Eastman will also start manufacturing automotive batteries and tractor components for both domestic and global markets.
October 8, 2007
Source: Economic Times

Tata AutoComp to set up airbag testing facility

Tata AutoComp Systems Limited (TACO) is partnering with Canada’s Microsys Technologies to set up India’s first passenger car airbag testing facility. This will be located at TACO’s facility in Pune, and will become operational by December 2007.

The testing facility will be configured with high-speed cameras that can capture 4,000 frames per second. Such a capability will enable the analysis of airbag deployment after a collision. Airbags are safety features used in automobiles to prevent the impact of possible injuries during a collision.

The role of Microsys Technologies in this venture will be to provide ‘SureFire System’ equipment, which helps in measuring the forces generated by the airbag that can be correlated with high-speed video using the Microsys analysis software.
October 8, 2007
Source: Economic Times

Caparo Group strengthens operations in India

Caparo Group is reinforcing its auto components manufacturing base in India with a view to cater to growing demand in the domestic market besides in countries like Mexico and Thailand. The group, which consists of Caparo Maruti Limited, Caparo Engineering India Private Limited, Caparo Vehicle Products India Private Limited and Caparo India Private Limited in India, is constructing manufacturing facilities in Singur and Jamshedpur.

While the Singur facility will supply stampings, aluminium castings and coil blanking support to Tata Motors’ Rs 1 lakh car, the Jamshedpur facility will supply stampings for Tata Motors’ World Truck product. It has recently opened an aluminium foundry, an auto stampings plant and a research and development center in Chennai.

Caparo Group is also expanding its fastener manufacturing unit in Chopanki and its stampings facility at Greater Noida. Meanwhile, it also has plans for several new facilities. Among them are stamping facilities across the country, an axle and suspension systems facility in Halol, and a tailor welded blanks manufacturing plant at Bawal.
October 5, 2007
Source: Economic Times

AVTEC plans new unit in Bengal, in talks to acquire co

AVTEC, the CK Birla group company that manufactures automotive engines, transmissions and precision engineered powertrain components, is setting up a new unit in Kharagpur in West Bengal. Presently the company has manufacturing facilities in Indore, Hosur and Chennai.

Its new facility, at Kharagpur, to start operations in the first quarter of 2008, will manufacture power transmission components. It will have an annual capacity to manufacture 1,50,000 sets for cars and 35,000 sets for other vehicles. The new plant, which will involve an investment of Rs 80-100 crore in the first phase, will focus on supplying to the domestic market at the onset. Meanwhile, AVTEC is also holding talks with two overseas companies to acquire them and reinforce its global presence.
October 5, 2007
Source: Economic Times

MRF's 2006-07 turnover over Rs 5,000 cr

MRF Limited has recorded turnover of over Rs 5,000 crore during October 2006-September 2007. With this MRF has become the first Indian tyre company to register sales of more than Rs 5,000 crore. During the same period in 2005-2006, the company’s sales were Rs 4,260 crore.

In 2006-2007, MRF’s sales rise was chiefly in the commercial vehicle, car radial and two-wheeler segments. Presently, it is focusing on expansion and a new green field project.
October 5, 2007
Source: Economic Times

Tata Motors launches new Safari

Tata Motors, India’s chief automaker, has unveiled a new version of its Safari sports utility vehicle. The new Safari features the new generation 2.2 VTT Dicor engine besides other features such as express-down power windows and additional two-year warranty. Its price range starts at Rs 7.33 lakh. In 2006-2007, the old Safari had recorded sales of 16,000 units.
October 4, 2007
Source: Hindustan Times

Tata to launch Fiat cars soon

Tata Motors, India’s major carmaker, has joined hands with Fiat Auto, the Italian automobile major, to manufacture passenger cars, engines and transmissions for the Indian and worldwide markets. Under the joint venture, the two companies will launch the Fiat Grand Punto and Linea models in the country.

The Grand Punto, to be launched in early 2008, will be a premium hatchback and compete with the Swift diesel, Getz CRDi and Indica. Meanwhile, the Fiat Linea will be a sedan targeted at the premium segment. The cars will be made available through both Fiat and Tata dealer networks.
October 4, 2007
Source: Hindustan Times