India: Auto manufacturing may shift to low cost, high quality manufacturers in India, China and SE Asia – Frost & Sullivan

According to Frost and Sullivan, auto manufacturing may shift from high cost centers. The recession is taking its toll on the automobile sector even as industry bodies call for tax holidays. Companies are raising prices and trying out other ways like starting their own financing outfits in order to tide over this downturn. Auto component manufacturers are exploring opportunities in clean energy technology applications, hoping to cash on Obama’s clean energy agenda.

-Chillibreeze Business Research Team

Trends
FICCI calls for tax holiday for auto industry
Global slowdown puts brakes on Asian auto sector in 2009
Slowdown is evident across sectors
‘Small cars, not the only way forward’

Cars
Carmakers start own finance arms to drive sales
Maruti's January vehicle sales rise 5.4%
Tata Motors slips into the red with Rs 263 cr Q3 loss
Car majors see 10% rise in Jan primary sales
Toyota Camry may drive out of India
JLR welcomes UK auto package; 'small beer', says Opposition
Toyota launches new Innova in India
BMW India sells 2,908 cars in '08, to launch 5 models in '09
Maruti hikes prices, others to follow

Two Wheelers
Bajaj two-wheeler sales down 34 pc in Jan
TVS Motor Jan sales rise on back of exports
Hero Honda sees growth in tough 2009/10

Others
Ashok Leyland sees 17% growth in FY09 exports
Auto component firms eye aftermarket in India, abroad