Volvo's new city bus to cost Rs 70-80 lakh

8th AUTO EXPO 2006/ NEWS DIGEST

Volvo today unveiled its city bus in India, Volvo B7RLE, developed on the Volvo 8700 platform.

The new city bus, that is likely to be priced between Rs 70 lakh and Rs 80 lakh, will first be seen on Bangalore roads where the state transport corporation has placed order for 25 units.

Chhabria showcases 3 remodelled vehicles

Dilip Chhabria Designs today showcased three of the re-modeled vehicles built on the existing range of Toyota Innova, Bajaj Tempo Traveller and Honda Accord.

A company executive said even while customising the products, special packages were offered, with price tag depending on how much built-up space the customer demanded.

'Maruti's price lower in 2006 than in 2001'

India's largest car-maker Maruti Udyog Limited's managing director today said at the Auto Expo that prices of the company's popular models, Zen, Esteem and M800 were lower in 2006 than in 2001 if one were to take inflation into account.

Visitors resent long walks at venue

Even as the Auto Expo claims to be the largest in Asia, in terms of the area, some exhibitors are unhappy with its expanse. If one has to go from, say, Hall No 1 to Hall No 14 and has no time to wait for the shuttle, one has to walk close to a kilometre. An exhibitor was heard commenting how foreign auto shows have most things under one roof.

HM launches Lancer's Cedia

Hindustan Motors today launched Mitsubishi Lancer Cedia. "Cedia, loaded with power and aerodynamic enhancements, will be well received in the high performance compact sedan car market in India," said Hindustan Motors Chairman C K Birla at the Auto Expo.

The models, priced at Rs 9.87 lakh (for both Lancer Cedia and Lancer Cedia Sports), are being manufactured at Hindustan Motors' Chennai plant.

Tax cut or not, Khattar says he does not mind

Even as the expectation of tax cuts on small cars in the budget rises to a crescendo, Maruti, which is the market leader on the strength of its small cars, remains realistic. "We are happy even today. When you have no option, you learn to be happy,"said MUL managing director Jagdish Khattar.

Honda Motors may divest in Indian arm

J japanese auto giant Honda Motors today said it was willing to divest stake in Honda Siel Cars India Ltd to its domestic partner Siel Ltd.

"We are talking with the Siel group for a positive collaboration," HSCI president and CEO M Takedagawa told reporters at the auto expo here.

Kandaa plans a Rs 1.5-lakh car

A Maharashtra-based company, Kandaa Motors, today said it was developing a car which would be sold in the market for Rs 1.5 lakh.

"Work has started on the project for developing a 800 CC car. We expect to design a prototype within the next 12 months," Kanda Motors Chairman and Managing Director R S Kandaa said.

Timken may set up facility in India

US auto and industrial component major Timken Company today said it was looking at setting up a manufacturing facility in India for needle roller bearings to tap the growing domestic market.