Indonesia International Motor Show 2014: Daimler and Mitsubishi launch Fuso trucks

The Oragadam, Chennai-based commercial vehicle major, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Limited (DICV), a wholly wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG, Stuttgart, Germany along with its subsidiary Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation of  Japan (MFTBC), under Daimler Trucks Asia, commercially launched the new FUSO FJ 25T and FI 12T trucks at the 22nd Indonesia International Motor Show, one of the Southeast Asia’s largest automobile exhibitions, according to a company statement. The new FUSO trucks being produced at the manufacturing facility of DICV in India.
Dr. Albert Kirchmann, MFTBC President and CEO, while speaking on the occasion, said: “The new FUSO truck range is one successful instance of various product projects underway. As a result of our intense market research and rigorous testing, we have developed a robust premium truck which even goes beyond the expectations from our customers in Indonesia.”

Referring to the company’s overall success in the market, Dr. Kirchmann concurred: “The all-new FUSO truck range will play a key role in our product portfolio and extend our leadership in Indonesia and represents the brand’s long-term commitment to the market.”

Asia and African markets

Newly developed the for growth markets, the robust Mitsubishi FUSO truck range has now reached land in Indonesia, the auto maker’s largest export market and Southeast Asia’s largest economy. With the new range of trucks, Fuso is aiming at fuelling at more momentum in Indonesia where the Japanese arm of the German auto maker has established itself as the leading commercial vehicle brand. The new Mitsubishi FUSO trucks have already been launched in Kenya, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Brunei, besides beig introduced now in Indonesia.

Choises galore

All-new robust FUSO models is bringing out products in excess of ten markets in Asia and Africa in the initial phase. The all-new FUSO truck range comprises five new models such as the medium-heavy-duty (GVW 25-49 tons referred to as ‘FJ’, ‘FO’, and ‘FZ’) and the light-medium-duty (GVW 9-16 tons referred to as ‘FA’ and ‘FI’) thus providing more choice to customers. These trucks, models varying by markets, are exported and sold through MFTBC’s global network in Asia and Africa in the first phase, with plans for further spread its wings in markets such as the Middle East and Latin America.

Indonesian market

FUSO is the number one commercial vehicle brand in Indonesia in the overall truck and bus segments. In the light-duty truck segment (5-8 tonnes GVW) served by the Colt Diesel, Fuso continues to lead the market with a share of 53.1% (January-December 2013). Over the past five years, the German subsidiary has sold in excess of 280,000 units in south east Asian nation, including light-duty trucks, medium-heavy-duty trucks and light-duty bus chassis. Fuso has reached its one millionth sales milestone in 2013, ever since it set foot in the market back in 1970.

Mitsubishi Fuso products for Indonesia are distributed by P.T. Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors (KTB). MFTBC holds 18% of KTB shares. With a clear view on the growth potential in Asia and Africa and beyond, FUSO is in preparation to continuously add further markets to its strong market presence. Daimler Trucks Asia expects to gain additional growth momentum in the future markets on top of the current existing markets from its new Asia Business Model introduced in 2013. The new business model creates synergies by bundling the strengths of the Japan-based Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corp. (MFTBC) and Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) under the Umbrella of Daimler Trucks Asia.

Going forward

The Asia Business Model is an integral component of Daimler Trucks Global Excellence Programme, ‘DT#1 (Daimler Trucks Number One)’ designed to secure Daimler Trucks leadership position in the key growth markets in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. By leveraging its operational strengths in Kawasaki, Japan (MFTBC), and DICV, the new business model is targeted to double its sales (MFTBC and DICV) to 290,000 units by 2020. And as “Daimler Trucks in Asia producing a vital contribution to Daimler Trucks overall sales target of over 500,000 units sold in the year 2015 and more than 700,000 trucks in the year 2020.

Synergies

The new business model enables Daimler Trucks in Asia to fully leverage its product portfolio, R&D network, joint sourcing, and global manufacture footprint. Short-term joint projects are already underway in areas such as sourcing, logistics and shared IT systems and platforms.

Dr. Seshu Bhagavathula is the new CTO of Apollo Tyres

Dr Seshu Bhagavathula is absorbed as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Apollo Tyres Limited, who will take care of the global initiatives  such as on tyre technology, research and new product development, for both passenger vehicle and commercial vehicle tyres.

Bhagavathula will be assisted by the research, technology and design teams across all geographies, according to a company statement.

Said Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Apollo Tyres said: “As we focus on the two key pillars of Marketing and Technology for the next phase of our growth, Dr Seshu, with his vast experience, will bring in the much needed synergy across locations. He would also help us in providing intelligent automotive solutions to our customers. His appointment further strengthens Apollo’s Leadership Team and gives the company’s growth agenda an added impetus.” Hlast assignment was with Great Wall Motor Company in China, where he served as the Vice President, Research & Development. Prior to this, he had spent a significant part of his career with Daimler AG at multiple locations, where he was responsible for product development and integration of engineering processes. Having worked in the automotive industry, both in commercial and passenger vehicle segments, his core areas of professional expertise has been in research and development, innovation and strategic analysis. Dr Seshu will be based out of Apollo Tyre’s Global R&D Centre in Enschede, the Netherlands.

Reacting to the new role, Dr Bhagavathula said: “I am excited by this opportunity and impressed by the possibilities the future holds with Apollo Tyres. I am positive that we will be able to bring out competitive products to address the requirements of our global customers.” Furthermore, the company has also inducted Dr Seshu in its Management Board.

BharatBenz achieves milestone of selling 1,000 trucks in India

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles Private Ltd (DICV), the wholly-owned subsidiary of the world’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturer Daimler AG, yesterday said it had achieved a sale of 10,000 trucks, since its market launch.

Adding to this milestone, the Chennai-based commercial vehicle manufacturer has also sold 1,000 units in a month, for the first time in March 2014. Sale of BharatBenz trucks grew over 67% in the 1st quarter of 2014 (2,203 units) as compared to the same period in 2013 (1,316 units) with a significant market share of 5.3% in addressable markets above 9T segment, while the overall truck market >9T decreased by another 22% in the same period, clearly indicating that BharatBenz is steadily becoming the brand of aspiration for many Indian truckers.

While sharing his happiness at the turn of events, Marc Llistosella, Managing Director and CEO, Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV), said: “The year 2014 began well for us and it underlines some key developments in the company. The sale of the 10,000th truck is a remarkable achievement for us, given the fact that we have made it in just 18 months of operations in the country. Another notable aspect is that these trucks were sold with transparent pricing without any discount. This is a clear testimony of the trust we have built in our customers, dealer and supplier partners who have partnered us in this successful journey so far. The current slowdown in the industry has given us an opportunity to feed the market with highly competitive products and services, offering our customers an unbeatable value proposition for their business.”

VRV Sriprasad, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and After-sales, DICV, said: “BharatBenz rolled out into the market with a highly systematic planning that focused on a clear understanding of the Indian customer. This achievement of sales of 10,000 trucks in such a short time of 18 months clearly proves that BharatBenz has acquired this understanding. Our future focus will remain to stay close to the Indian trucker to provide him products of the highest quality and reliability matched by a highly efficient service package.”

DICV launched its Heavy-duty trucks in September 2012 and followed it by the launch of its Medium-duty range in February 2013. In January 2014, it launched its Tractor and Construction Mining models, covering the entire range of trucks in the medium and heavy duty segments. DICV has gained a substantial market share in the Southern region and has been registering a steady growth in other markets of West, North and Central.

The products have been well received by the customer and have been ably supported by a state-of-the art and customer-friendly after-sales across a robust network of 71 state-of-the-art dealer outlets in the country. Customers have also been able to experience industry-first finance and insurance packages that have made owning a BharatBenz a delightful experience.

On the exports front, DICV along with Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC) has made significant inroads into the African market with the launch of robust DICV-made FUSO trucks in Tanzania, besides Kenya and Zambia as part of Daimler’s Asia Business Model. DICV received the coveted TS16949:2009 certification for implementation and maintenance of Quality Management System in the area of Design and Development and Manufacture of commercial vehicles and has been rated ‘Stable’ by CRISIL for its long term operations in the country. DICV recently laid the foundation stone for its new Bus plant in Oragadam, with an earmarked investment of INR 425 crore that will roll out front and rear engine buses under the brand BharatBenz and Mercedes-Benz, respectively.

Audi India sells 1,404 cars in March 2014

Audi India, the domestic arm of the German luxury car major Audi AG, continued its success story by becoming the first luxury car maker in the country to sell in excess of 10000 units in a single financial year, according to a company statement.

Audi India had created history by becoming the first-ever luxury car manufacturer to achieve the same feat in calendar year 2013 as well. The brand with the four rings achieved this momentous milestone by logging a sale of 10,126 cars in the period April 2013 – March 2014, in comparision with the sale of 9,350 units sold in April 2012 – March 2013. The auto maker also clocked a sale of 2,740 units in the period January – March 2014 as against the sale of 2,616 vehicles sold in the year ago period.

Renault Gang of Dusters: Desert Odyssey flagged off in Rajasthan

The Chennai-based Renault India Private Ltd, India’s fastest growing auto maker, flagged off the second drive of its highly successful Gang of Dusters programme from, Jaipur today. The exclusive Desert Odyssey will see 30 Dusters cover around 1,500 kms of some of the most scenic parts of the country, passing through Bikaner and Khuri before culminating back in Jaipur on March 18, 2014.

The drive aims to provide an exciting, adrenaline-filled experience to Duster owners and their families as well as an opportunity to celebrate the festival of colors among the beautiful vistas of Rajasthan, according to a press statement issued by the firm.

Speaking about the drive, Sumit Sawhney- Country CEO and Managing Director for Renault in India said: “The Renault Duster has now achieved a near-iconic status among our customers, a fact that has contributed to the consistent sales success of the Duster. The first Gang of Dusters expedition was held across the West Coast last year and with the Desert Odyssey, we hope to build on the appeal of the Gang of Dusters and once again offer an opportunity for Duster owners to enjoy their vehicles during an adventurous and memorable escape in one of the most scenic parts of the country”.
During the Desert Odyssey, participants will be able to meet and share experiences with other Duster owner and driving enthusiasts, interact with Renault service personnel for maintenance tips a as well as take part in such activities as parasailing, soft roading and cultural events, among others.

The Gang of Dusters initiative will continue after the Desert Odyssey, with regular drives organized for owners across India in the coming months. For more information on the Desert Odyssey as well as to register for upcoming drives, visit renault.co.in/gangofdusters .Regular updates will also be posted on Renault India’s Facebook page (facebook.com/RenaultIndia).

Renault India is a fully owned subsidiary of Renault S.A.S., France and currently offers five models in the Indian market – the premium sedan Fluence, the luxury SUV Koleos, the premium compact car, Pulse, the SUV, Duster and the premium sedan, Scala. Renault India also exports the Duster to right-hand drive markets, with India set to become a production hub for right-hand drive cars.

Renault cars are manufactured in the manufacturing facility located in Oragadam, Chennai, with a capacity of 480,000 units per annum. Currently, Renault India also has a widespread presence of 125 dealer outlets across the country with benchmark sales and service quality. Renault’s robust product line up and services have also seen strong recognition among customers and industry experts alike, winning a record-breaking 38 titles, including 29 accolades for the Duster as well as awards for the Pulse and Scala, making Renault the most awarded automotive brand in a single year in the country.

Ford Time Machine comes calling Chennai at Express Avenue Mall

What would you give to go back in time to revisit events that you might have missed and experience that excitement? Ford India is giving auto enthusiasts an opportunity to do just that. The Ford Time Machine comes to Chennai to take you back in time and allow you a chance to take a 3D virtual reality tour of the Ford Pavilion that was a highlight at the 12th Delhi Auto Expo, according to a company statement.

The Ford Time Machine is a unique installation that will allow the user to go back in time and visit the exciting line up of Ford vehicles at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2014. Ford India is taking the Time Machine to six cities across the country. After winning hearts of consumers across Mumbai, Lucknow, Surat, Guwahati and Bangalore, it will be in Chennai at the  Express Avenue Mall on March 15-16, 2014. This one-of-its-kind initiative by Ford will elevate the customer experience and bring the excitement of Asia’s largest Auto Expo to their backyards. The users will experience a 360°, virtual walk through of the Ford Pavilion through 3D glasses. A user wearing 3D glasses can also change the perspective by changing positions.

Ford’s pavilion at the Auto Expo 2014 illustrated its award-winning and segment-leading vehicles including the All-New Figo Concept and the new 2014 Ford Fiesta which enthralled audiences leaving them spellbound. The Ford Figo Concept, aimed at redefining customer expectations in the B segment won the NDTV Car & Bike Show Award for the ‘Best Global Concept Reveal’ at the auto show. The new Ford Fiesta, with a rejuvenated, stylish and bold design, and more advanced technologies, appealed to enthusiasts across the board.
Established in 1995, Ford India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader. Ford India manufactures and distributes automobiles and engines made at its modern integrated manufacturing facilities at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chennai. The company’s models include the Figo, Fiesta, Classic, Endeavour, and the most recently launched EcoSport.
Ford’s operations in the country also include Global Business Services with offices in Chennai, Coimbatore and Gurgaon that provides support to nearly every Ford location around the world in the areas of IT, Engineering, Finance and Accounting, Automotive Financing, Marketing Sales and Service, Analytics, and Purchasing. Ford’s businesses in India employ 11,500 hard-working, dedicated men and women.

Bridgestone India opens its Exclusive Select Store ‘F1 Cars’ at Karur in Tamil Nadu

Bridgestone, the world’s numero uno tyre and rubber manufacturer has inaugurated its exclusive Select store at Karur, in Tamil Nadu. The exclusive Select showroom was formally inaugurated on March 12, 2014 by S Venkitachalam, Senior Deputy General Manager, PSR Sales – South Region, Bridgestone India Private Ltd.

The Bridgestone Select store boasts of having an exclusive Bridgestone retail ‘Identity and Sales’ in line with the global retail philosophy adopted successfully across the world.
Speaking on the occasion, Venkitachalam said: “We are back with yet another customer friendly, smart and stylized shop equipped with a wide product range and modern services to offer. Select is a unique retail channel concept of a quality shop which promises the customer a Better and Unique Buying experience”. The Select outlet, ‘F1 Cars’ is spread across 1,823 square feett showroom is located at KP Nagar, Opposite to IMA Hall, Erode Road, Karur.

At this showroom customers can see and feel the Bridgestone exclusivity, sophistication and progressiveness. It hosts several customer friendly facilities such as: Welcome and customer friendly environment, smart and stylised interiors, unparalleled customer service and wide product range, displays and designs. The other products and services available at the store include wheel alignment, wheel balancing, nitrogen filling, alloys, tyre changer and water wash. Bridgestone’s brand essence: ‘Serving society with superior quality’ is not only valid for its products but also for Bridgestone service standards which can be experienced at Select retail outlets.

Aggresive growth plan
As a part of its aggressive growth plan in the Indian Market Bridgestone has been expanding its ‘Select’ concept stores in India. Currently Bridgestone has 330 Select stores across all key cities in the country.

Indian operation

Bridgestone Indi started its operations in 1996. In March 1998 with setup of its manufacturing facility in Kheda, Madhya Pradesh, the tyre maker achieved its objective of running Indian manufactured Bridgestone tyres on Indian Roads. In a short stint of 14 years Bridgestone India is one of the leading tyre manufacturers in the country, both in the automotive original equipment manufacturers as well as the aftermarket segments.
Bridgestone Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, is the world’s largest tyre and rubber manufacturing entity. In addition to tyres for use in a wide variety of applications, it also manufactures a broad range of diversified products, which include industrial rubber and chemical products and sporting goods. Its products are sold in over 150 nations and territories around the world.

TaxiForSure.com announces Holi bonanza for its customers

Keeping in mood with the festive spirit of Holi, India’s leading cab aggregator TaxiForSure has announced an exciting offer that enables customers win mobile talk time vouchers and a bumper prize – iPhone 5C. For every cab booked in New Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai on taxiforsure.com, the customer will get Rs. 50 talk time voucher (for postpaid & prepaid) while one lucky winner will get an iPhone 5C, according to a press note.

As part of the scheme, customers will need to use special Holi color codes namely BLUE, PINK, GREEN & YELLOW while booking a cab either on taxiforsure.com  or through its mobile application (for download: http://www.tfs.my/app). One lucky customer among those booking more than twice using different colour codes on the same day stands a chance to win the iPhone 5C. The offer is valid only for rides booked on mobile application or website using the code provided. Each colour code can be used only once per user and will not be valid in conjunction with any other offer. The lucky winner will be announced on March 18, 2014.

Announcing the new offer, TaxiForSure Co-Founder and Director Aprameya R. said: “The offer will run in multiple cities there-by giving our large customer base a reason to cheer and celebrate Holi in true colorful style. We wish our customers a very happy Holi and thank them for the continued patronage. We are committed to provide reliable, safe and timely cab services”.
TaxiForSure.com is an aggregator of car rentals and taxis in India. The company works with various taxi operators and enables them with technology to ensure that customers get an easily accessible, safe, reliable taxi ride ‘for sure’.  TaxiForSure.com was founded by IIM Ahmedabad graduates Raghunandan G. and Aprameya Radhakrishna in June 2011 in Bangalore. Within a time span of two years the company launched its services in Chennai, Delhi and NCR region and is looking at a presence in 15 cities by the year 2015.
Customers can book local point to point, local packages, outstation and airport transfer taxis, across various car types by logging on taxiforsure.comor by calling 60601010 or over the mobile app. Customers can also book a taxi through Twitter. For more information, visit taxiforsure.com, Follow @taxiforsure on twitter.

Sketch of Russia bound Datsun car revealed, official launch on April 14, 2014

Datsun, the Japanese car maker and part of the Nissan Group has today revealed the sketch of its Russia bound car. The all new Datsun car will pull the covers off on April 14, 2014 in Moscow, according to a company statement. Prior to the symbolic event, Datsun is celebrating the brand’s foray into the Russian automotive market by releasing a sketch and an animated video of the exciting new model car.

Global expansion
The Datsun launch in Russia is more significant for the global expansion of the Datsun brand. Russia is a key market that offers Datsun humungous potential for growth. What is more, it is the first time in Datsun’s history that the brand has been introduced to Russia officially.
Datsun’s dedicated website for Russia, datsun.ru has gone live today with the countdown to the official launch date. Furthermore, this site allows visitors to register for the lates brand news, helping to build anticipation and customer interest in this new player in the market. Visitors will also be able to watch a live-stream of the unveiling on April 4, 2014.
The Datsun car to be unveiled on April 4 was developed specially for the Russian market, but its concept follows the brand’s common global philosophy of offering customers – known as risers – an engaging driving experience, peace of mind ownership and accessibility at the right and transparent price, with a competitive Total Cost of Ownership.
The car was styled in Japan, while development was carried out locally by an international team of talented engineers drawing on Nissan Motor Corporation’s 80 years of car manufacturing experience and technical expertise. The 21st century Datsun for Russia will deliver a rich, customer-orientated brand experience with no compromise in terms of accessibility, reliability and durability – values deeply rooted in Datsun’s heritage. Brand and product information in Russian will be available after April 4.
Nissan Motor Co Ltd announced the return of the Datsun brand, Nissan’s third global brand, alongside Nissan and Infiniti, in March 2012. Datsun will provide a sustainable motoring experience to optimistic up-and-coming customers in high-growth markets. Datsun represents 80 years of accumulated Japanese car-making expertise and is an important part of Nissan’s DNA. Datsun vehicles will start sales in India, Indonesia, Russia and South Africa from 2014.
Datsun History
Datsun originated in Japan as DAT-GO (the DAT-car) almost a century ago in 1914. The word DAT means ‘lightning-fast’ in Japanese but is also a reference to the first letters of family names of the three financiers who supported the business at the time: Den, Aoyama and Takeuchi. Using the same logic, it was promoted as Durable, Attractive and Trustworthy, or DAT for short.
In 1933, Nissan’s founding father Yoshisuke Aikawa took over the business with a vision of “mobility for all”. The introduction of a light-weight, economical yet resilient car to meet the aspirations of young Japanese people in the early 1930s was named the ‘son of DAT’ – Datson – which later changed to Datsun. Local engineering and mass-production made the founder’s dream a reality.

State Bank of Patiala to finance Mahindra vehicles

Homegrown auto major, the $ 16.7 billion Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, India’s leading SUV manufacturer, has entered into a Preferred Financier tie-up with the State Bank of Patiala, according to a company statement.

From (L-R): Pukhraj Kanther, CGM Commercial Banking, SBoP; S Vijaykumar, CGM Retail Banking, SBoP; SA Ramesh Rangan, Managing Director, SBoP; Purshottam Behera, GM Planning, NB and PS, SBoP; Arun Malhotra, Chief Sales & Customer Care Officer, Mahindra and Jyoti Malhotra, Senior GM Sales North, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Patiala on March10, 2014 will enable Mahindra customers to avail of a vehicle loan from any of the 1,175 branches of the bank. Arun Malhotra, Chief Sales and Customer Care Officer, Automotive Division, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd and  Purshottam Behera, General Manager, Planning, New Business & Priority Sector, State Bank of Patiala, signed the agreement in the presence of SA Ramesh Rangan, Managing Director, State Bank of Patiala and S Vijaykumar, Chief General Manager, Retail Banking and Pukhraj Kanther, Chief General Manager Commercial Banking, State Bank of Patiala and Jyoti Malhotra, Senior GM – Sales, North, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. The tie-up will enable both the auto maker and the lender to leverage on the inherent strengths of each other’s vast pan-India network of 1175 branches and 250 dealers, respectively.
Rangan, while speaking on the occasion said: “This is an innovative step towards providing better customer satisfaction. Both the parties have mutually agreed to pool their resources together to promote, market and make available organized finance facility at competitive interest rates to customers”.
On the alliance, Malhotra pointed out: “At Mahindra, we relentlessly look at options to provide the best finance schemes to our customers and give them the power of choice. This strategic tie-up is a step in the same direction. 80 percent of all our vehicles are financed of which PSU Banks contribute 15 percent, which makes them an important partner for us and a key sales enabler. The bank offers innovative products and services at affordable rates. With highly competitive schemes for car loans and commercial vehicle loans, we are hopeful of a good response from our dealers and customers”.
Vijaykumar added: “SBoP is expanding its operations in commercial and passenger vehicle financing.  It has been making niche offerings to its customers and this arrangement with Mahindra & Mahindra will be one such special initiative.  Customers of SBoP will benefit from this tie-up since they will have privileged access to the specialized services of M&M”.