plus 4, Eicher Motors targets 15% mkt share in HCVs in next 3 yrs - MoneyControl.com

Eicher Motors targets 15% mkt share in HCVs in next 3 yrs - MoneyControl.com
Downtown Christmas Family Feast welcomes everyone - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Indian auto industry in top gear despite global gloom (Flashback 2009) - New Kerala
Our Christmas Wish List, 10 Stellar EVs and PHEVs Under Our Tree - All Cars Electric
The Rise of the Cheap Compacts - Digital Chosunilbo

Eicher Motors targets 15% mkt share in HCVs in next 3 yrs - MoneyControl.com

Posted: 25 Dec 2009 10:38 PM PST

Siddhartha Lal was beaten by the biking bug when he was just 18. He chose a road that leads him to Royal Enfield, the motorcycle division of his family business. A third generation entrepreneur and a trained automotive engineer, Siddhartha rouse his way to the top in 2006 as the CEO and Managing Director of the Eicher Group.

Eicher began its business in manufacturing tractors in 1959, a business it has moved out of. Since then it has diversified and has a presence in over 40 countries across the globe. But the road hasn't been without its hurdles. The group is now betting on joint venture with Volvo to muscle its way into the commercial vehicle business.

The company is betting on growth. The commercial vehicle manufacturer hopes to capture nearly 15% of the market in the next few years. The company has laid out an aggressive expansion plan and wants to have a foothold reach in every segment of the commercial vehicle market.

In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Lal spoke about his journey so far at Eicher Motors and the road ahead.

Here is a verbatim transcript of the exclusive interview with Siddharth Lal on CNBC-TV18. Also watch the accompanying video.

Q: The last I had a sort of in-depth conversation with you, was in 2002 almost seven years ago. At that point, I remember you were struggling with putting Royal Enfield back on track and you set yourself a two year time period by when you would turn things around. What is the current battle that you are waging?

A: Battles will continue always and of course the Royal Enfield one has gone through many turns and many phases and currently we are doing exceedingly well in the Royal Enfield part. We managed to do what we were planning to do from 2002 to 2004. The motorcycle business has really come of is age. Battle currently is of course very different battle; it's the heavy-duty battle in trucks and that's what is a next big frontier is.

The Indian heavy-duty market, the commercial vehicle market in my opinion has been behind in terms of technology and other things; you have seen what's happen to the motorcycle industry with Hero Honda coming in the '80s, you have seen what happened to the car industry with Maruti Suzuki coming in but that's not happened in the commercial vehicle industry; its still very backward.

Q: So you are hoping to be the Honda and the Maruti Suzuki of the commercial vehicle space?

A: Absolutely.

Q: That's the aspiration?

A: Aspiration is that yes.

Q: How do you intend to do because you have got this joint venture now with Volvo -- 54% to you about 46% is what Volvo has in that joint venture. You have got two very large entrenched players – Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland; you know about the rule of three so how you actually expect to move ahead in this market and gain market share?

A: The market is enormous, from its revenue standpoint it's around maybe 30,000 crore in good year and going up to maybe 50,000 crore. As you said there is certainly placed for more than two players and we expect that there will be many more players in the commercial vehicle market.

The incumbents are not going to hand their share to anybody, they have been around for 50-60 years in the market. But we see a lot of gaps in the market today. We see that it's really not modern in many aspects.

The products are old fashioned, they are absolutely unsafe, they are underpowered and they are not even as reliable as they should be – that's the first thing and we have enormous product pipeline now underway which is been co-developed along with the Volvo technology and along with the incumbent, inherent strength that Eicher has.

So that's one entire side of it. But actually the more important side is the consumer side. We believe that the consumers actually are quire neglected.

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Downtown Christmas Family Feast welcomes everyone - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Posted: 25 Dec 2009 06:20 PM PST

Dec. 25, 2009 | Every year, the need grows.

It's not just a story of economic woe - it's something deeper, spiritual and personal. Here, one family gathers among others, a lonely person seeks comfort from a crowd.

And so, they came by the thousands Friday to the Midwest Airlines Center in downtown Milwaukee for the 20th annual Christmas Family Feast hosted by radio station WMCS-AM (1290) and the Salvation Army.

Outside, it was dreary, a fine mist leaking from the leaden skies, the city streets mostly empty.

But inside, there was light and joy and constant movement: volunteers carrying trays weighed down with turkey, ham and all the trimmings, people seated around banquet tables, eating and conversing. »Read Full Article

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Indian auto industry in top gear despite global gloom (Flashback 2009) - New Kerala

Posted: 25 Dec 2009 08:36 PM PST

By V. Jagannathan, Chennai, Dec 25 : Even as global auto majors went into reverse gear in 2009, the Indian industry largely bucked the trend, launching new models for the domestic market and registering significant growth in exports.

The year saw the commercial rollout of the world's cheapest car, Tata Nano, as also some expensive models like the Rs.37.5-million (about USD 750,000) Phantom and the Rs.25-million (USD 250,000) Ghost (both from Rolls Royce), apart from Volkswagen's famed Beetle, priced at Rs.2 million (USD 40,000).

During the year, the overall car market grew around 15 percent over 2008, and a similar pattern is expected in 2010, experts maintain.

According to Neeraj Garg, Volkswagen India group sales director: "Car manufacturers are betting on hatchbacks in the B+ segment. We expect the segment to constitute nearly 75 percent of volumes in the coming years."

According to Garg, the B+ segment is expected to grow 30 percent by virtue of new launches from Nissan (unnamed model), Ford (Figo), Volkswagen (Polo), and General Motors (Beat).

Spark, the compact car from General Motors, will now come in an electric version, thanks to a tie-up with Bangalore's Reva Electric Car Co.

"We expect the electric Spark to be launched next November. We will provide the battery kit and use GM's dealer network to distribute our models," said Reva co-founder and deputy chairman Chetan Maini.

Apart from Nano and the high-end Rolls Royce models, 2009 saw a slew of other launches.

Japan's Honda launched the Jazz, the homegrown Mahindra and Mahindra unveiled its multi-purpose Xylo, Italy's Fiat drove in its hatchback Grande Punto, and Tata Motors introduced Jaguar and Land Rover, the iconic British brands it acquired last year.

Similarly, Maruti Suzuki debuted its Ritz, South Korea's Hyundai launched the diesel i20, the Czech Republic's Skoda showcased the new Laura while Japan's Toyota rolled out the latest version of sports utility vehicle Land Cruiser.

Ernst and Young has predicted the Indian passenger car market to grow at 12 percent annually over the next five years to touch 3.75 million units by 2014 from 1.89 million units at present.

"The industry's turnover is estimated to touch USD 155 billion by 2016," said analysts with Ernst and Young, adding this would make the Indian auto industry the seventh largest in the world, and the third largest by 2030, behind China and the US.

The government's Automotive Mission Plan also envisages India emerging as the world's seventh largest carmaker by 2016, contributing over 10 percent to the country's USD 1.2-trillion economy from under five percent at present.

India is also expected to consolidate its position as an automobile hub, with 2.75 million units to be sold overseas and about a million units in the domestic market.

"India and China are the only markets that have remained profitable," said Pawan Goenka, president of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), an industry lobby for the auto sector in India.

With the Indian auto industry growing at 15-25 percent annually for the past five years, spurred by demand from the country's large middle class with growing disposable incomes, some companies in the country like Maruti Suzuki have even outgrown their parents.

The auto industry feels the government's initiatives -- like more funds for roads and highways with special focus on rural infrastructure -- would also go a long way in helping the industry.

The two-wheeler industry too logged good growth with motorcycles and gearless scooters leading the way.

While Mahindra and Mahindra debuted with its two-wheeler during the year after it bought the Kinetic group's business, the Pune-based Bajaj Auto announced its decision to exit the scooters business that had become a household name with the "Hamara Bajaj" campaign.

Bajaj also lost a patent case against TVS Motor, which then launched a few models to fill in gaps in product portfolio. "We would like to be present in each segment," said TVS marketing president H.S. Goindi.

Players in the commercial vehicles segment, which was severely hit by the recession, are similarly upbeat.

"With the economy reviving and growth predicted at over 7 percent, commercial vehicle segment can expect good times ahead," said Ashok Leyland chief operating officer Vinod Dasari.

Commercial vehicle manufacturers sold more buses thanks to the funds provided under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNURM). But the Hero group exited the commercial vehicle joint venture with Daimler, citing tough market conditions.

Industry insiders maintain that next year will see the entry of Daimler with its light commercial vehicle Fuso Canter. The German company is expected to commission its Indian plant in 2012. General Motors also has a pact with China's Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp to make light commercial vehicles in India by 2011.

Milestones for Indian automobile industry during 2009:

January

-Bus-making venture between Tata Motors and Brazil's Marcopolo goes on stream at Dharwad, Karnataka

-Maruti Suzuki's first consignment of A Star cars despatched to Europe

-Ashok Leyland bags order to supply 875 low-floor CNG buses from Delhi Transport Corp

-Ashok Leyland bags USD 10.5-million order from Honduran Army for supply of vehicles

February

-Maruti's Swift becomes the first model to touch 300,000 in sales in the shortest time of three years and eight months

March

-Tata Motors launches world's cheapest car Nano

April

-Mahindra and Mahindra launches two-wheelers

May

-Maruti launches premium hatchback Ritz

-Tata Motors concludes an agreement for amending bridge finance loan raised for acquiring Jaguar and Land Rover, extending the final maturity of USD 1 billion to Dec 31, 2010.

July

-First Nano delivered in Mumbai

September

-Maruti decides to transform Gurgaon plant into engine assembly and machine facility and shift production to Manesar

-Ford India announces the launch of small car Figo

-General Motors signs agreement with Reva to develop electric car

October

-Tata Motors raises USD 750 million through global depository receipts and convertible notes

-Mahindra and Mahindra launches 0.5-tonne four-wheel compact truck at Rs.165,000

November

-H.W. Park takes over as new Hyundai Motors chief executive

December

-Maruti exports 100,000 A Star units

-Mahindra and Mahindra signs joint venture agreement with Yueda, China to set up a tractor plant there

(Venkatachari Jagannathan can be contacted at v.jagannathan@ians.in)

--IANS

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Our Christmas Wish List, 10 Stellar EVs and PHEVs Under Our Tree - All Cars Electric

Posted: 25 Dec 2009 08:04 AM PST

Great Drives: Christmas at Biltmore

Enlarge Photo

Ownership of an electrically driven vehicle is certainly on the top of our Christmas Wish List this holiday season, but few production available examples exist. However, come Christmas time next year, several models are promised to be available in some capacity. We have compiled a list of desirable vehicles, some of which are expected to be released by the end of next year, other's maybe in the distant future, and some may never see production. But all of the vehicles are worthy of consideration for production and we wouldn't mind having one of each.

So here's a rundown of our wish list for Christmas next year.

1. Chevy Volt. It's not fully electric, but does offer electric drive capability. Packaged in a stylish body, with ample interior room, a lot of range, and decent performance, this vehicle is one of the most highly anticipated automotive products in a long time.

2. Nissan Leaf. Here's a full electric vehicle with 100 miles of range, a stylish, futuristic design , seating for five, and an expected price that is sure to fit into most budgets. The Leaf's mainstream appeal and buyer friendly price is sure to please.

3. Prius PHEV. With the Prius, you know you get solid reliability, strong gas mileage, and a roomy interior. Add the PHEV letters and you have a modest amount of electric only range and even better gas mileage.

4. Tesla Roadster. Yes this one is available now, but it's an amazing EV that will certainly still be on our list come next year. Blazing performance, amazing range, and great styling make the Roadster a stand out choice, though its high price tag limits it to wish list only for us.

5. BYD e6. If this vehicle can live up to its specs posted by the company, this will be one stellar EV. Its high range, average price tag, and strong performance could make it a stand out. But will BYD ever build it?

6. Fiat 500 EV. It's small, stylish and sporty in gasoline trim. An EV version could be a hit if the company decides to produce it, provided the price tag is kept low and it can still deliver great handling and an overall exemplary driving experience.

7. Any BMW Electric Drive or PHEV Model. Have you ever driven a BMW product before? That's all that really needs to be said. If the company produces an EV or PHEV it will surely offer BMW driving characteristics, best in class handling, and a fun to drive experience that will be hard to match.

8. Nissan Land Glider. Now this would be one fun to drive vehicle. It's compact size and maneuverability would make it an ideal city vehicle. Add in the vehicle's ability to lean around turns like a motorcycle, and it would be a riot on the streets.

9. BYD F3DM. This PHEV looks amazing on paper. Electric only range better than the Volt, range extender included, low price tag, adequate interior room what more could you want? Will BYD sell it here in the states?

10. Tesla Model S. This vehicle may not be ready in time, but we couldn't leave it off the list. Strong range and performance as well as ample interior space, good styling and a significantly reduced price compared to the company's Roadster make the Model S a stand out.

So there's our list for Christmas next year. Let's hope all of the models listed above are available in time for Christmas 2010. If not, surely a few will be and the availability of more and more advanced vehicles is sure to grow as each Christmas passes on by. It will be interesting to see which models make it into production by next Christmas and we will certainly look back at this list and provide a revamped one this time next year.

Feel free to comment about our list and to add, via comment, any vehicles you feel that we may have overlooked.

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The Rise of the Cheap Compacts - Digital Chosunilbo

Posted: 25 Dec 2009 03:21 PM PST

Global automakers had written off the compact car as being too thin on profit margins to warrant attention, but the global crunch has evidently made them think again. Toyota and Fiat are even considering the launch of separate brands for their compact vehicles.

The shift in perspective began in China and India. In July, Ratan Tata, chairman of Tata Motors, unveiled the US$2,500 Nano. Renault Nissan decided to develop its own $3,000 car starting in 2011 in a joint project with Indian motorcycle manufacturer Bajaj.

Toyota has teamed up with Japanese small car maker Daihatsu to come up with a $5,000 compact vehicle next year, while GM has joined hands with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) to market a subcompact or compact car in China that costs less than $4,000.

Volkswagen, meanwhile, recently acquired a 20 percent stake in Suzuki apparently due to the Japanese carmaker's expertise in small vehicles and extensive network of dealerships in India.

Compact cars are growing increasingly popular even in advanced countries due to the global slump and rising prices at the pump. According to market researcher Global Insight, the share of compact car sales to total vehicle sales in the U.S. and Europe rose five percentage points over the past year. In light of these developments, Ford announced it would transform mid-sized car production lines at its Michigan plant to make compact vehicles instead. Toyota decided to market its compact iQ in the U.S. at the end of 2010. Sales of the iQ have already begun in Japan

Compact cars have often become more popular in tough economic times, but because of their low profit margins and consumer preferences for bigger and safer cars in advanced countries, this did not last. But now things are different, experts say. The Chinese and Indian markets, as well as other developing countries with high demand for compact cars, account for a greater share of sales for global automakers, and governments are offering more tax incentives for cars in that segment to lower carbon emission levels.

Hyundai did well even during the crisis because sales of compact cars such as the Accent and Avante increased even though it sold fewer large sedans and SUVs. Some experts say that if the big three U.S. carmakers start to roll out compact cars, Hyundai could receive a blow.

"Competition will intensify in the small car market as global carmakers roll out more models amid increasing demand for such cars in developing countries," said Lee Hang-koo of the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade. "Korean carmakers must deal with that prospect by aggressively lowering production costs and improving quality."

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