Monday, October 19, 2009

Indian Auto Industry Update October 08, 2009

HEADLINES




topINDUSTRY

NANO NUMBERS TO CROSS 2 LAKH BY 2010-11

Murali Gopalan

The Hindu Business Line (Web & Print Edition)

Mumbai: Tata Motors is expected to produce around 40,000 Nanos this fiscal though numbers will increase four-fold to over 1.7 lakh units during 2010-11.

The company has been compelled to use the interim plant in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, for a large part of this year where it is difficult to ramp up volumes. This is the facility where the Ace pickup is also produced.

It is only from December 2009 that monthly production at Pantnagar will be enhanced to 5,000 units (from nearly 4,000 in October and November) and will stay at this level for the whole of 2010-11.

Sanand facility

Ancillary suppliers associated with the project told Business Line that the new plant at Sanand in Gujarat would start rolling out small numbers of the Nano in February 2010. This is expected to go up to 1,200 units in March.

Effectively, there will be nearly 40,000 cars produced from the two plants this fiscal with Pantnagar accounting for a lions share. Sanand will come into its own from 2010-11, sources said.

Hence, while numbers at Pantnagar will stay steady at 5,000 cars per month through 2010-11, output at Sanand will be gradually ramped up to 5,000 units in May and twice as much from September 2010. November, December and January will see this further increase to 12,000 cars, going up to 15,000 units in February and March 2011.

Output ramp-up

By the end of 2010-11, the annual output at Pantnagar has been targeted at 60,000 Nanos while at the Sanand plant it will be in the region of 1.1 lakh cars. Suppliers believe that the subsequent years could see Nano output go up even further though the half million unit mark could take a little time in coming.

The total number of bookings for the Nano was a little over two lakh and sources say it will be interesting to see how the demand cycle pans out as production numbers increase. Word-of-mouth is imperative to spread the message and for the moment there are just not enough cars on the roads to create that sense of hysteria, they add.

Critical year

It is clear, therefore, that 2010-11 will be a critical year for the Nano in terms of building its brand and planning bigger numbers for the coming years. By the end of March 2011, there would be over two lakh cars on the roads, which will translate into greater visibility on the roads and generate demand for the future.

There is also no question that valuable time was lost in readying a new plant when a lot of work had gone into readying the original site at Singur, West Bengal. It was also unfortunate that the global meltdown also began soon after, which put pressure on companies like Tata Motors to prioritise investments, experts say.

Diesel version

The company is also believed to be working on a 684cc diesel version of the Nano, which is expected to debut during 2010-11. This could also play a key role in boosting volumes in the coming years given that compact car customers are increasingly going in for diesel options as evident in the waiting list for cars such as the Suzuki Swift.

The top-end Nano (petrol) has an ex-showroom Mumbai price of Rs 1.85 lakh and even if its to-be-launched diesel sibling is Rs 70,000 more, it will still be the most affordable diesel car in India. Sources say this version may end up being the big growth driver for the Nano and help Tata Motors reach production levels of 3.5 lakh units in the next two years.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100850180200.htm

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JAGUAR LAND ROVER SECURES $277.7 MILLION LOAN FROM SBI

Reuters

See this story in: The Economic Times (Web & Print Edition)

London: Loss-making car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said on Wednesday it had secured a 175 million pound ($277.7 million) loan from the SBI. The company, which is owned by India's Tata Motors, said it had also recently agreed a new $90 million committed export financing facility with ABC International Bank. Both are part of 500 million pounds of new facilities the company has completed this year as part of a plan to enhance its funding.

"We are pleased our funding plans are progressing and appreciate the confidence shown by our banking partners in our business," Jaguar Land Rover Chief Financial Officer Kenneth Gregor said in a statement.

In August Tata said JLR made a pretax loss of 62 million pounds during the fiscal first quarter, and that the unit's sales had fallen about 52 percent in the quarter from a year ago.

JLR announced last month it was planning to merge two of its three auto plants in England by 2014 as part of a business plan to tackle the impact of the economic downturn, which has seen car sales slump.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/Jaguar-Land-Rover-secures-2777-million-loan-from-SBI/articleshow/5098387.cms

JLR secures Rs 1300cr Loan from SBI

Business Standard (Web & Print Edition)

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/jaguar-secures-rs-1300-cr-loansbi/372597/

JLR receives 175-m loan from SBI

The Financial Express (Web & Print Edition)

http://www.financialexpress.com/news/jlr-receives-175m-loan-from-sbi/526324/

JLR secures $277.7 mn loan

mint (Web & Print Edition)

http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/07185718/JLR-secures-2777-mn-loan.html

Jaguar secures Rs 1,300 cr loan from SBI

Rediff India (Web Edition)

http://business.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/08/jaguar-raises-1300-crores-from-sbi.htm

JLR secures $277 mn loan from SBI

The Indian Express (Delhi Print Edition)

Jaguar secures $278 m loan from State Bank of India

The Hindu (Delhi Print Edition)
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topINTERVIEWS / FEATURES

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topCARs,SUVS & MUVs

DOSHIS' PREMIER AUTO TO ROLL OUT CHEAPEST SUV

Swaraj Baggonkar

Business Standard (Web & Print Edition)

Mumbai: Nine years after it exited the business, Premier Auto is making a comeback in passenger cars. The Doshi family, promoters of one of Indias oldest car companies, known for the once-ubiquitious Premier Padmini, are set to launch a compact sports utility vehicle (SUV).

The rollout of the mini-SUV, called Rio, will also mark the entry of a Chinese four-wheeler company into India. Zotye Auto, a little-known Chinese manufacturer, will partner Premier in the venture. Zotye will supply vehicle kits to Premier to be assembled at Premiers Pune facility which has a peak annual capacity of 20,000 units.

Zotye will export completely knocked down (CKD) kits from China and Premier will provide a diesel power plant for the vehicle along with its assembly line at Chinchwad, near Pune. Zotye Auto will be paid by Premier for providing the CKD kits.

Although the vehicle won't be fully built in India, both companies are keen to make it the cheapest SUV in the country. It is understood that the base variant of Rio will be priced at Rs 5 lakh, making it 30 per cent cheaper than its nearest competitor, Mahindra Scorpio.

The top-end variant, expected to be priced at around Rs 7 lakh, will have safety features like air bags and anti-lock braking systems, said people with direct knowledge of the companys plans. The launch will take place this month after Diwali, they added.

Rio is a first-generation model from Daihatsu (a Toyota-owned brand) called Terios, which was in production from 1997 to 2005. The second generation Terios is sold with a Toyota badge in some international markets and with a Daihatsu badge in others.

Zotye had bought the tools and parts of the earlier Terios model from Daihatsu the same way that Tata Motors bought the tools and dies from French car maker Renault to produce a utility van called Traffic. Tata Motors produces and sells the vehicle as Winger in India.

Premier is expected to fit its own four-cylinder, 1.5 diesel engine, which produces peak power of 65 bhp into the Rio with a five-speed manual gearshift. The compact vehicle will be smaller than the Mahindra Scorpio in terms of length and width.

The Mumbai-based company is not keen to use its existing dealership set-up, which primarily sells a 1.4 tonne light commercial vehicle (LCV). Premier has already put in place 20 new dealers to serve the new vehicle and another 30 will be added by the end of the year.

Chinese two-wheeler manufacturers have been trying to foray into India, but all had to withdraw due to inadequate demand. For example, the Lifan Group tried to sell motorcycles and automatic scooters but failed to make much headway.

Premier Automobiles Ltd (PAL, the erstwhile name of company) manufactured the Premier Padmini from 1968 to 2000. The car ruled Indian roads for three decades before it made way for newgeneration cars led by Maruti.

The company had forged alliances with France's largest car maker, Peugeot (now Peugeot-Citroen) and then with Italy's popular car company, Fiat.

But labour unrest that forced a lock-out for three months at the Kurla plant in Mumbai and the subsequent devaluation of the rupee, increased the cost of imports from France for Peugeot. PAL-Peugeot faced mounting losses as a result and ultimately decided to terminate the joint venture in 1999.

Fiat, meanwhile, got into a technical arrangement with PAL to make the Uno from the same plant through CKD units. Subsequently, Fiat took control of the plant when its automotive division was spun off as a separate unit.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/doshis/-premier-auto-to-roll-out-cheapest-suv/372612/

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RENAULT'S ALLIANCE WITH M&M MAY BE ON ROCKS; BAJAJ HAS BRANDING WOES

Nandini Sen Gupta

The Economic Times (Web Edition)

Renaults efforts to make a dent in the Indian car market through alliances may come unstuck with simmering differences between the local partners and Europes third-largest carmaker coming to the fore in a dramatic way.

Pune-based Bajaj Auto, which is partnering Renault in the ultra-low cost car project, is likely to spurn the French firms invitation to replace Mahindra & Mahindra in Mahindra-Renault, the joint venture that sells the Logan car in India, said a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

Bajaj is already experiencing branding problems with Renault in the low-cost car venture and sees little point in joining with Renault in another struggling venture, he said, requesting anonymity.

Renault, which has several pending problems with partner M&M, had approached Bajaj with the offer some time ago. Mahindra Renault, a 51:49 joint venture between the two partners, is struggling to sustain volumes due to uncompetitive pricing.

M&M is also unhappy with the joint venture and is seeking greater control on product re-engineering. The company will not be unhappy to walk out of the JV, said a person aware of the development who asked not to be named. The Logan experience prompted M&M to seek greater product flexibility in its truck-making venture with ITEC.
Renault, meanwhile, officially maintains that it has no plan to change partners in India.

Renault denies the rumour that there is any move to ask anyone, Bajaj Auto or otherwise, to take over the M&M stake in MRPL. Renault remains committed to the Indian market, as well as to the Mahindra Renault JV and is committed to getting back on track, said a Renault India spokesman in response to an email query from ET NOW.

Mahindra-Renault failed to price its Logan sedan competitively because of the 20% excise duty on the car that measures 4,247 mm in length. Excise duty on cars measuring up to 4 metres is just 8%. Mahindras demand to reduce the cars length was turned down by Renault, which was not keen to tweak a global platform.

Logans sales have been slumping in India, a rare situation for one of Renaults best-selling products worldwide. Sales crashed 71% in September to just over 500 vehicles. Its April-September sales at 2,901 units are less than a third of the 9,217 units sold in the year-ago period.

An M&M spokeswoman also denied any knowledge of the development. Mahindra is not aware of any dialogue that Renault may have with any organisation, including Bajaj. We are currently in discussion with Renault on the way forward for the Mahindra Renault JV, she said. A Bajaj spokesman refused to comment on the matter.

The Mahindra-Renault JV was announced in 2005. Set up with an initial investment of Rs 700 crore, it planned to crank out 50,000 Logans from M&Ms Nashik plant. The JV was quickly followed by the announcement that Renault and Nissan would invest Rs 4,500 crore in a greenfield plant in Chennai. Less than a year later, Renault boss Carlos Ghosn announced the ultra low-cost car project with Bajaj.

Renaults Indian operations are not in great shape. Its investments in the Chennai plant are frozen and the ultra low-cost car project with Bajaj is stuck due to branding and other issues. In May, Bajaj Auto MD Rajiv Bajaj told reporters that the low-cost car project has issues over branding and a final joint venture agreement has still not been signed.

Bajaj and Renault-Nissan have already had disagreements over design, positioning and some technical specifications of the new car. In March, Mr Bajaj asked for major modifications in design, positioning and other details in the project.

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/automobiles/Renaults-alliance-with-MM-may-be-on-rocks-Bajaj-has-branding-woes/articleshow/5095742.cms

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SUNK COSTS KEEP RENAULT, M&M IN CLINCH

Sindhu Bhattacharya

Daily News & Analysis (Web Edition)

New Delhi: Multiple attempts by Renault India and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M) to begin work on a full revamp of the Logan sedan have come to naught over the past few months due to lack of funds.

The two companies are partners in Mahindra Renault Pvt Ltd (MRPL), which manufactures and sells Logan in India. Though this car is quite a popular Renault model in several markets across the world, it has failed to make its mark in India and both partners have been holding negotiations to rejuvenate the brand.

Sources confirmed on Wednesday that the facelift project has been in limbo for many months now, thanks to the global recession and the partners' inability to generate funds for the purpose. And since the JV has been dealing with only one car, Logan, it has been under tremendous pressure because of dismal sales.

When contacted, MRPL CEO Nalin Mehta said, "There is no such issue...we are currently in discussion with Renault on various product offerings and the way forward for MRPL."

But why hasn't Logan sold well in India? Sources point out that the car's price-value proposition is not quite right when compared to Swift Dzire, Tata Indigo and Ford Ikon sedans. Issues such as the wiper being on the wrong side for a right hand drive vehicle and pricing (which begins at Rs4.2lakh and goes all the way to Rs7lakh) may have led to a dramatic sales decline. But there appear to be no immediate issues with Logan's distribution. The car is retailed across 100 M&M dealerships along with pickups and SUVs of M&M.

So will the two partners part ways? Both have vehemently denied any such move. Industry watchers point towards significant costs involved in any partner wanting out, including the investments which have already been sunk in. According to back-of-the- envelope calculations, Renault alone has invested close to Rs200crore at the Nashik facility.

Interestingly, Renault is already a 50 per cent partner with Nissan Motor Co in a manufacturing facility coming up at Chennai for Nissan and Renault badge cars. In all, Renault has brought in close to Rs1,000crore in India spread over MRPL, a technical excellence centre and the Chennai project. So the French car maker has a lot at stake if it decides to walk away from MRPL.

Ditto for M&M, which has also made investments at Nashik and would want to see some returns if it were to call it quits.

Meanwhile, there have been talks between the partners about bringing variants on the Logan platform. The first car that could come as a consequence of these discussions is Sandero, a hatchback built on the Logan platform. Besides, the Nashik facility of MRPL could perhaps also be used by M&M to manufacture some of its own products. But whether these talks fructify remains to be seen.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_sunk-costs-keep-renault-m-and-m-in-clinch_1296081

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BAJAJ AUTO COMMITTED TO ULTRA LOW-COST CAR PROJECT

The Hindu Business Line (Web & Print Edition)

Pune: Bajaj Auto Ltd is committed to the Ultra Low-Cost (ULC) project in partnership with Renault and Nissan, but Managing Director, Mr Rajiv Bajaj, admitted that branding was a major issue that still remained to be ironed out.

We made a commitment in Paris in September 2007, and we are confident we will deliver on it, Mr Bajaj said, adding that he would rather not guess on whether it is on schedule or not.

Branding is the major issue that has still to be worked out, but development is in progress. It isnt that we have stopped work on it, he said. However, he added that the formation of the new joint venture company had still not happened.

Mr Bajaj pointed out that according to Renault chief Mr Carlos Ghosns diktat to them, the car project did not hinge around price alone.

We have learnt from bitter experience that cheapest doesnt work for us, so for the car, fuel efficiency and maintenance costs are important considerations, he asserted, adding that this was a major project and all such projects can be delayed.

BAL has broadly set the launch of the project for 2011. He ruled out any possibility of making sedans in the near future saying that the company could not afford it.

Referring to the sharp drop in sales during 2008, Mr Bajaj said, Last year the industry had no problems, but we had. It was a mistake to try and be like someone else and make sober, run-of-the-mill bikes. Now we have fixed these problems, and put a strategy of being ourselves, in place. In the second half of this fiscal, 50 per cent growth in comparison to same month last year is possible.

The first quarter of the current year has been the best-ever in the history of the company in terms of profitability, and Mr Bajaj says, adding that the June-September quarter is poised to be better still. The company is due to announce its second quarter results on October 15.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100850210200.htm

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TOYOTA TO DRIVE IN PRADO DIESEL NEXT YEAR

Neha Rishi

Daily News & Analysis (Web Edition)

Mumbai: Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM), which tasted success in the sports utility vehicle segment with Fortuner, is looking at strengthening its position in the category by introducing the diesel variant of Prado by mid next year.

The upgraded version of Prado diesel will be launched in Japan by this December and will be brought to the Indian market three to six months later.

The Indian unit is in the process of seeking permission from the parent company for bringing the vehicle to India. Sandeep Singh, deputy managing director, TKM, said, "The petrol variant could not bring us great volumes and we are selling just about 50-60 Prados a year. But now with the diesel variant coming in, we hope to spruce up volumes."

Prado diesel will cost higher than the petrol variant which is available at Rs45lakh. Singh said, "We want to first focus on our SUVs and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs), which include Innova, and our second focus will be on the passenger-car market which would also have our small car."

Hormazd Sorabjee, editor, Auto Car India, said, "Prado as a product has a good following and it will do well for Toyota, though the volumes will be marginal as it is an expensive vehicle. Toyota's SUV portfolio will primarily help enhance its brand image. However, according to me, the company's main focus will be on its small car."

A sales manager at Lakozy Toyota, a TKM dealership based in Mumbai, said for the Prado diesel to do well, pricing will play a very important role. "Earlier the Prado that you saw on the Indian roads was a diesel variant available through the grey market. So, people perceived it to be a diesel vehicle, but when it was launched in petrol version people were disappointed."

"After its launch, we still used to get enquiries for the diesel variant but that too stopped after it was established that it will not be available. But now the diesel variant will definitely boost our volumes. This year we managed to sell only about five Prados, but the diesel one will easily sell 50-60 per year from my dealership alone," he said.

Prado enjoyed a good market in Delhi and Chandigarh, but the numbers have been declining. The product could not make its mark in the western and southern market, he said.

Fortuner, which in a month's span received 7,000 bookings, and sold over 1,000 cars in less than two months, has the ball rolling for TKM.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_toyota-to-drive-in-prado-diesel-next-year_1296095

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TOYOTA KIRLOSKAR HOPES TO END THIS FISCAL WITH PROFIT

K Giriprakash, Shamik Paul

The Hindu Business Line (Web & Print Edition)

Bangalore: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has revised its earnings forecast and expects to end the fiscal year with a small profit instead of a loss it had projected earlier.

The car maker has also decided to start hiring workers on contract again, the Toyota Kirloskar Deputy Managing Director, Mr Shekhar Viswanathan, told Business Line.

If the current exchange rate continues, we will make a modest profit this fiscal, Mr Viswanthan said. Last fiscal, Toyota Kirloskar had posted a small profit and had also declared a dividend.

The car maker is also likely to display a model of its compact car at the New Delhi Auto Expo in January. The car is expected to be launched towards the end of 2010.

Mr Viswanathan said with the sales picking up, Toyota Kirloskar will start hiring workers on contract again.

The company will initially start hiring a small number of workers on contract and they will be deployed in the logistics division. Toyota Kirloskar had let go about 400 contract workers in January this year because of a slowdown in production at its Bidadi plant near Bangalore.

Currently, there are about 1,800 workers at its plant. The company also recently revised the wages of its employees by around 12 per cent.

Mr Viswanathan said with the dollar inflow being strong, rupee had stabilised to a certain extent. If the reverse happens, rupee will take a tumble, he said.

During 2008-09, Toyota Kirloskar posted revenues of Rs 3,760 crore which was 11 per cent lower than the previous year. It posted lower profits than the previous year mainly because of exchange rate fluctuations as well as recession in the auto industry.

TKMs official said Fortuner has turned out to be a runway success since its launch in September. Hence, it has decided to increase its production from November. But it will not affect the production of the car makers Innova model. It is our bread and butter and we do not want to disrupt its production, Mr Viswanathan said.

The company expects to end the calendar year with sales of about 55,000 units compared with 52,000 units in 2008.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100851190300.htm

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NISSAN SMALL CAR FOR INDIA REVEALED!
Muntaser Mirkar
The Economic Times, Zigwheels

Look at any of the major players in the Indian automotive space, and a familiar formula for nation-wide acceptance emerges. Given the traffic and first car status of most buyers, the equation is simple - you have to have a small car in your product portfolio.

Nissan, Japans third largest car maker has quite a reputation for itself internationally, but it has been at the receiving end of things as far as the Indian market is concerned. It has been selling the Teana and the X-Trail in India for a few years now and just recently even launched the freshest versions of the two cars, but here is its big plan that promises to make Nissan a serious player in the Indian car space. The plan, to be hatched in 2010 with the entry of its own small car had been rife with speculation. Many believed, justifiably based on the fact that international car makers bringing their established models to India, that Nissan's car of choice would be the Micra/March supermini which has done so well in foreign markets - albeit in its forthcoming version. Well, Nissan has just laid rest to all speculations with the release of these two sketches of their new global small car.
In all honesty it doesn't seem too dissimilar from the current Micra - and rightly so, since that car has the right mix to make a hit in India. Some might even think that it looks a bit like the Mini Cooper from the front at first glance. That being said, we think that the design direction that the sketches are portraying should make the car rest very well with Indian sensibilities and preferences.

While these are only sketches, the clear indication of the seriousness with which Nissan is pursuing the Indian market is heartening indeed. Along with the sketches, Nissan also released information pertaining to the manufacturing of the new car. Being labelled as Nissans global small car, the vehicle will be manufactured for a global market spanning over 150 countries from five manufacturing bases including Thailand, China and India.

Like many other international car makers, Nissan will be making India a production hub and production is slated to start in May 2010 at its upcoming and technologically state-ofthe-art plant at Oragadam near Chennai.
Kiminobu Tokuyama, Managing Director and CEO, Nissan Motor India Private Ltd (NMIPL) said, "It is a proud moment for us as we reveal the first sketch of our global compact car. We are confident that the car which will be manufactured locally in Chennai will delight the discerning Indian customers. We are serious and committed in our plans for India and are all excited as we gear up for the start of production in May 2010."

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

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topCOMMERCIAL VEHICLES

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topCONSTRUCTION & AGRI MACHINERY

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topTWO & THREE WHEELERS

BAJAJ LAUNCHES SPORTS BIKE KAWASAKI NINJA FOR RS 2.7 LAKH

PTI

See this story in: The Economic Times

New Delhi: Fuelling competition in the high-end bikes segment, the country's second largest two-wheeler maker Bajaj has launched its much awaited 250cc motorcycle Kawasaki Ninja, priced at Rs 2.7 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

The 4-stroke bike -- Kawasaki Ninja 250R -- would be retailed exclusively through Bajaj's Probiking showrooms.

"We conceived Bajaj Probiking four years back with the objective of making it the automatic destination for bike enthusiasts looking for bigger and sportier bikes... the launch of the Kawasaki Ninja 250R is one of many initiatives lined up in realising that objective," Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) President (New Projects) Eric Vas said in a statement.

BAL claimed that Ninja 250R is the largest selling 250cc motorcycle in the world and it will assemble the imported completely-knocked-down (CKD) units from its technology partner Kawasaki at the company's Chakan plant.

The company is aiming to sell about 1,000 units in the first 12 months of the launch.

"The Kawasaki Ninja 250R will be backed with Probiking service facilities and spare parts availability," it added.

Although it has re-entered the volume-driven 100cc segment recently, BAL's focus has always been executive and premium motorcycles.

The company is present in the 135cc segment with Discover and has its Pulsar range of bikes in 150cc, 180cc and 220cc segments. In June, it unveiled an 'affordable' version of the 220cc Pulsar without fuel injection technology.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/auto/two-wheelers/Bajaj-launches-sports-bike-Kawasaki-Ninja-for-Rs-27-lakh/articleshow/5098795.cms

Bajaj Kawasaki launches Ninja 250R

Business Standard

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/bajaj-kawasaki-launches-ninja-250r/372559/

Bajaj Auto launches Kawasaki Ninja 250R
The Pioneer

http://www.dailypioneer.com/207428/Snapshots.html

Bajaj Auto
The Statesman

http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=12&theme=&usrsess=1&id=270819

Bajaj launches high-end sports bike

The Hindu Business Line

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/19071806.htm

Bajaj launches Kawasaki Ninja

The Hindu
http://www.hindu.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100851081600.htm

Bajaj launches Kawasaki Ninja for Rs 2.7 lakh

The Indian Express
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/bajaj-launches-kawasaki-ninja-for-rs-2.7-lakh/526248/#

Bajaj rolls out Ninja

Deccan Herald

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/29258/bajaj-rolls-ninja.html

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BAJAJ AUTO EYES GLOBAL PLAY

Daily News & Analysis

Pune: Bajaj Auto on Wednesday said its alliances with Kawasaki and KTM are going strong and the company will launch products from the KTM stable within a few months in India.


Rajiv Bajaj, managing director, Bajaj Auto, said, "In a productive way, Bajaj, Kawasaki and KTM can work together in the global market, especially on the front end."

Already in Philippines, Bajaj sells its bikes which are assembled in the Kawasaki plant and retailed through Kawasaki outlets.

By doing this, Bajaj can make use of the strong distribution channel of its two partners globally and need not invest in setting up plants. From the Kawasaki portfolio, Bajaj has brought the super-sports bike--Kawasaki Ninja 250R--to the Indian market.

The bike, which is being brought in a completely knocked down (CKD) form, will cost Rs2,69,970 ex-showroom Delhi. Bajaj Auto is setting up a dedicated assembly line for Kawasaki Ninja, investments for which were not disclosed.

Eric Vas, president, new business, said the company has already assembled 60 Ninjas and plans to sell over 1,000 bikes within a year. To give Kawasaki a jumpstart in the Indian market, Bajaj said, "We will increase the number of probiking showrooms from the 24 outlets in 22 cities to 30 by the next year."

Bajaj will also bring in KTM bikes in a few months, which will be in CKD form in the case of bigger bikes (1000cc plus), and also manufacture small bikes for the mass sports-bike segment. These bikes are likely to be in the 125-250cc range.

On the company's performance, Bajaj said, "The first quarter has been the best in Bajaj's history and the second quarter will outdo it. We have been able to achieve this on the back of Discover 100cc which sold 50,000 units in August and 71,000 units in September. Of the total Discover brand, which sold 94,000 units last month, the major contribution has been from the new 100cc Discover."

Bajaj is confident that with its strategy in place, it will be able to maintain robust numbers. "We did a mistake of being trying to be like someone else and by making smaller bikes. We missed the bus last year, but now we have our strategy in place." He said, "In Q1, we achieved the Ebidta margins of 19.5% and will maintain the same in Q2 as well."

On speculation that the company would replace M&M in the latter's JV with Renault, Bajaj said, "We have not got any indication from Renault with regards to stepping in and moreover, we have no intentions of making a sedan with anyone, then be it M&M, Renault or Nissan."

"We faced enough trouble by getting into the manufacturing of XCD and Caliber and now if we want to get into manufacturing a sedan, it will definitely hit us bad." Bajaj is partnering with Renault in making the ultra low-cost car project.

Bajaj maintained that though it has branding issues with Renault, the project is progressing as per schedule to be launched in 2011.

http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_bajaj-auto-eyes-global-play_1296086

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BAJAJ FOR 3-BRAND PLAN TO UP SALES

Hindustan Times

Mumbai: Bajaj Auto Ltd (BAL) is firming up a three-brand strategy in the premium and executive motorcycle space. We will have three distinct brands to cover the entire spectrum. Bajaj will be value for money, Kawasaki would be sport and KTM will bring in off-roading, Amit Nandi, general manager, Probiking, told Hindustan Times.

All three motorcycle brands would be available at the companys Probiking chain of showrooms. Currently, the chain has 26 showrooms. BAL will expand the Probiking showroom chain to 30 at the end of this year and 34 by the end of 2010.

The company launched on Wednesday its first Kawasaki motorcycle, the 250cc Kawasaki Ninja 250R, available between Rs 2.69 and 2.70 lakh, ex showroom, Pune.

BALs decision to sell Kawasaki bikes is different from their earlier tie-up, which was essentially a technology partnership. The Ninja bikes would be imported as kits and will be assembled at the BAL plant in Chakan.

Spare parts consignments have already been sent to these locations, he added.

The company will also have to modify the existing showrooms before the KTM motorcycles are launched. All the motorcycles would be sold under their individual badges, and there will be no cross-branding, he added.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/business-news/corporatenews/Bajaj-for-3-brand-plan-to-up-sales/Article1-462421.aspx

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BABY NINJA BY BAJAJ

Adil Jal Darukhanawala

The Economic Times, Zigwheels

The wait just got over! For bikers who aspired for top notch contemporary motorcycles without having to shell out in excess of a million rupees, rejoice! The spanking new Kawasaki Ninja 250 is here and is just what the doctor ordered! Before we get down to what all is on offer, here's something for you all to salivate on before we hit the road big time:

- A twin-cylinder liquid
cooled & fuel injected
motor

- 4-valves per cylinder
actuated by twin
overhead camshafts

- 33PS at 11,000rpm

- 22Nm at 8200rpm

- A six-speed gearbox

- 172kg all up kerb weight

- Tubeless tyres

- Disc brakes front & rear

- Kawasaki patented Uni-Trak rear suspension

- 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds

- 169.1km/h top speed


What is surely of the essence is that we finally have a motorcycle which has the right bits on it, looks like Kawasaki's litreclass superbikes, goes like stink, handles like a dream and best of all doesn't blow a hole in the wallet! You can have your Yamaha R1s and Honda Fireblades (damn fine machines these, but you'll get four plus Ninjas for the price of one of these hyperbikes!) but when it comes to corner carving on our roads and also doing the high speed hustle, the Ninja 250 has the beatings of all the big bikes in our biking ecosystem. And best of all, with this attribute comes yet another trait, the Ninja 250 is an all round everyday bike with great ergonomics that allows you to play street scratcher, high speed commuter and MotoGP pilot all rolled into one with aplomb!
Ever since Bajaj Auto began considering the Ninja 250 at Auto Expo 2007, the buzz around this quarter-litre bombshell has been immense (just check out our website www.zigwheels.com). Everyone could see why because the bike was to be built in India from CKD kits shipped in from Kawasaki's Thailand facility and not being a CBU like the large 1000cc machines meant the pricing made it easier for many to consider it strongly. Until that is of course the yen-dollar-rupee equation went off into the stratosphere and the project got delayed. But it is here, launched yesterday at Bajaj Auto's corporate HQ in Pune, it is the 2010 model no less and on sale at ProBiking outlets all over the country at a super cool Rs. 2.70 lakh, ex-showroom.

The Ninja 250 is the only serious 250cc twin cylinder street bike (well there is the vee-twin air cooled Hyosung Comet 250 if one can call it a competitor) on sale in Europe, the US and Japan and it has singlehandedly rejuvenated this class and type of bike after over a decade. Not for nothing therefore is it the bike of choice of a newer younger generation in the developed world. Here in India though it will be for those who want the big bike experience, feel and performance in a smaller, lighter and more manageable package.

The overall layout and proportions of the bike make for a machine with a generous 1400mm wheelbase (aids in strong stability) but with a sharp yet easy to handle rake angle for quick, precise and safe turn-ins. The weight is well spread front to rear and with an ultra-comfy 790mm saddle height, it is just right for the average Indian physique. Factor in a fantastic riding position - well tuned for both upright seating as well as a propensity to crouch behind the fairing for high speed blasts, and you know that the Ninja 250 is what will set the benchmark for all other 250cc sports bikes from here on. In fact its nearest rival, in stance, performance, steering geometry and handling plus the desirability quotient comes in the form of the Bajaj Pulsar 220 DTSi but then the latter machine has yet to get so many tasty bits which are already on offer in the Kawasaki.
I am not mentioning the full-faired styling of the Kwacker which the biggest Pulsar has to reckon with but other bits like liquid cooling, a six-speed gearbox and a monoshock rear end which are unique to this class of motorcycle presently on sale in the country. And here as well the engine has the right bits on call - a short stroke motor which is rev happy, four-valves-per-cylinder, double overhead camshafts, fuel injection, 33PS of power (at 11,000rpm) and 22Nm of torque at 8200rpm. I don't know what will get riders shaking their heads in disbelief or whistling within their helmets, the strong acceleration and top whack or the way the power is laid out in a silky strong seam. If the Pulsar 220 DTSi is the quickest and the fastest Indian (no doubts on this count), the Kawasaki Ninja 250 has to be the quickest and the fastest Indo-Jap there is! She goes from zero to 60km/h in 3.42 seconds, does zero to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds and maxes out at 169.1km/h!
Considering the traffic conditions and the way we have errant road users cropping up in zombie mode on our roads, the Ninja 250's ability to handle and yet maintain a very quick pace makes it one of the best handling two-wheelers money can buy in the land. Rock solid through the corners and with a headstock which can take the weight of a locomotive as you hit the anchors and then turn-in, it will surprise everyone, across skill levels, as being the bike they would want to ride every day. The first batch of the baby Ninjas are now ready for the picking all across the country but I can foresee that the second and third and.. batches might already be on the high seas. ProBiking outlets sure seem destined to be the most frequented biking spots, we reckon. Roll on Ninja babe!

Specifications:

Kawasaki ninja 250r

Engine:
4-Stroke, Parallel Two Cylinders, Liquid Cooled, DOHC

Displacement:
249cc

Fuel supply:
Fuel Injection

Max power:
33PS @ 11,000rpm

Max Torque:
22Nm @ 8,200rpm

Compression Ratio:
11.6:1

Transmission:
6-speed manual

Suspension(front):
Telescopic Forks

Suspension (rear):
Uni-Trak mono suspension

Frame:
Tubular, Diamond type

Wheelbase:
1400mm

Ground Clearance:
135mm

Seat Height:
790mm

Brakes(front):
Single Disc

Brakes (rear):
Single Disc

Tyres (F/R):
110/70x17 / 130/70x17 (Tubeless tyres)

Battery:
12V 8 AH

Fuel Tank:
17 litres

Kerb Weight:
172kg

Performance:
0-100: 8.1 seconds Top speed : 169.1km/h

Price:
2.70 Lakh (ex-showroom, Pune)

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

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topAUTO COMPONENTS

AUTO PARTS FROM CHINA: GOVT NO TO SAFEGUARD DUTY

PTI

See this story in: Rediff India

The government has refused to impose safeguard duty on imports of some auto components of medium and heavy commercial vehicles from China, saying these are not affecting the domestic industry.

After conducting an investigation following a complaint filed by Bharat Forge, the Directorate General of Safeguard and Allied Duties said it did not find sufficient evidences to impose the duty.

"There is no sufficient evidence of causal link between the increased import of products and the market disruption of the domestic industry...so no safeguard duty are

recommended," an official said.

Bharat Forge, leading auto component maker, had sought imposition of safeguards duty on imports of front axle beam, steering knuckle and crankshaft of medium and heavy commercial vehicles into India from China to protect the domestic players.

Subsequently, DGS carried out the investigations and found the increase in imports were temporary in nature.

Unlike anti-dumping duty which varies from product to product and country to country, safeguard duty is levied in a uniform way. Both duties are allowed under the multilateral trade rules after investigations to stand the WTO scrutiny.

A recent WTO report said among the G-20 countries, India initiated the maximum safeguard probes during January-July, 2009.

The report said out of the total 16 investigations started to impose safeguard duties, India accounted for 14. India has started safeguard investigations mainly on imports of hot-rolled coils, sheet, strips, coated paper and paper board.

http://business.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/07/auto-parts-from-china-govt-no-to-safeguard-duty.htm

No case for safeguard duty on crankshaft from China

The Hindu Business Line

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100852331500.htm

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VW SENDS PARTS FROM INDIA TO RUSSIA

The Hindu Business Line

Chennai: The Volkswagen group is planning to source auto components for global operations from India. The first consignment is already on its way to Russia, said Mr Jorg Muller, President and Managing Director, Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd. Refusing to identify the components and to put a number to the value of the consignment, he said the company would initially source lighting systems and a host of rubber and plastic components. Even our proposed compact car, Pol o, will contain 50 per cent locally sourced components, he said. As of now, the group has 15 models under three brands Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda. Apart from Polo, which is likely to be rolled out early next year from its Pune plant, the company plans to launch Beetle and another sedan next year. With all these, the group targets 8-10 per cent share of the expanded India car market in five years. The groups market share is 1.5 per cent.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100850160200.htm

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topALLIED INDUSTRIES

CAR, TWO-WHEELER TYRE PRICES INFLATE ON LOWER SUPPLY

Chanchal Pal Chauhan
The Economic Times

New Delhi: The prices of car and two-wheeler tyres have risen by up to 7% this festival season due to unprecedented demand for vehicles and lower supply.

While the owner of a vehicle will need to shell out 5-7% more, or Rs 150-200, for a new tyre, carmakers will have to absorb an additional cost of around Rs 800 for every new car they sell. A shortage in the market has led to shrinking of inventories at tyremakers to just 5-7 days from 20-25 days, hurting production at carmakers such as Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai Motor India, Tata Motors, General Motors India and Ford India.

Two-wheeler makers such as Hero Honda Motors, Bajaj Auto, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter and TVS Motor are also facing production bottlenecks. Reduced output will lead to delayed deliveries by these auto makers. There has been an unprecedented demand for tyres from various auto makers and we are trying to meet it with all our plants operating at full capacity, said AS Mehta, director for marketing at JK Tyres & Industries.

Although carmakers refuse to disclose impact on production, analysts estimate that output may fall by 5-10% as tyre supplies are far below requirement. Also, tyre supplies were hit by a labour strike at an MRF Tyres plant in August. The output at the countrys largest tyre company is coming back to normal.

There is a demand-supply mismatch. While production has increased in the past few weeks, the supply of tyres has not kept pace, resulting into shortages. We have asked tyre companies to augment supplies but that has not happened yet, a senior executive at Tata Motors said.

Auto makers have alleged that tyre companies are charging arbitrary prices, but tyre makers say that they are trying to meet the demand despite production constraints.

Tyres is a capital-intensive industry and there has been no major capacity addition in a year due to slowdown in the market and economic recession. While sales have jumped in recent months, production has not increased to that level, leading to shortages, said a senior executive of a tyre company on condition of anonymity.

The tyre supply squeeze is expected to ease soon as auto sales are likely to drop once the festival season ends in October and tyremakers add fresh capacities in the coming months.

Tyre dealers, meanwhile, say that manufacturers have withdrawn discounts and incentives due to shortage in the market. The industry produces 12-14 lakh car tyres every month of which about 60% is picked up by carmakers to bundle them with new vehicles they sell.

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

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AMARA RAJA TO INK OEM DEALS WITH 2-WHEELER MAKERS

Business Standard

Chennai/ Hyderabad: Industrial and automotive battery manufacturer, Amara Raja Batteries Limited, is in advanced stages of negotiations with all the major two-wheeler manufacturers in the country, and the company is expected to sign original equipment manufacturer (OEM) deals with them by the end of the current financial year, according to managing director Jay Galla.

Amara Raja launched its two-wheelers batteries in May 2008 and is the first Indian company to make the valve regulated lead acid (VRLA) technology batteries for the two-wheeler segment.

We are also looking at tapping the hybrid and electric vehicles market and are currently developing products for this segment. We will enter into this space once the market emerges, Galla said, while declining to share further details.

Amara Raja, which enjoys a 25 per cent market share in the automobile battery replacement market and about 26 per cent on the four-wheeler OEM side, clocked sales revenues of Rs 1,500 crore last year. We see a 20 per cent volume growth happening this year, Galla said.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/amara-raja-to-ink-oem-deals2-wheeler-makers/372526/

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WHY IS RUBBER ENJOYING A HAPPY HOUR?

Nidhi Nath Srinivas

The Economic Times

In business, happiness is usually a zero sum game with clear winners and losers. Thats what makes the rubber industry a little hatke these days. From tyre companies to small farmers tapping rubber trees, everyone is enjoying a season in the sun. What has changed in the last few weeks? ET helps you join the dots.

Tyre companies are happy because they are finally able to stock up on some affordable natural rubber the critical raw material, and resuscitate profit margins.

Natural rubber comes from the milky sap-like fluid in rubber trees, whose yield depends on several factors including weather and age. Synthetic rubber comes from petrochemicals, and so directly linked to crude oil prices.

It was US President Obama who helped Indian tyre companies find the sun. Global rubber prices crashed mid-September when USA imposed customs duties on Chinese tyres to protect the jobs of American factory workers. China is the single biggest tyre supplier to the US, as well as the worlds top tyre producer and ergo, rubber consumer. With a likely decline in exports, traders expected Chinese rubber consumption to drop.

This was the perfect buying opportunity for Indian tyre companies, especially as most had not bought all the rubber their factories needed. Tyre companies have rapidly bought a large quantity overseas to reduce average raw material cost and improve margins.

This stroke of luck comes not a moment too soon for tyre companies, that have seen some really dark days till now in 2009. According to the International Study Group, an organisation created by rubber producing nations, in 2009 global rubber production and consumption have both hit multi-year lows.

But demand for rubber appears to have recovered faster than its supply. Tyre companies saw an eye-watering 60% jump in natural rubber prices between December 2008 and June 2009. We are paying more for the same tyres in the last one month as manufacturers are passing on this higher raw material cost.

But these imports arent bothering Indian rubber plantations. They are making good money too. The decline in demand has been matched by a decline in supply this year, keeping local prices steady. Poor rains and frost have hit rubber trees in Kerala that could lead to above 10% drop in production.

Plus, plantations know that eventually the gap between Indian and overseas prices will narrow, forcing tyre companies back into the local market. Moreover, as crude oil starts creeping up in sync with global economic recovery and makes synthetic rubber expensive, natural rubber will appear even more attractive. In short, while business is already good, plantations know there is every chance it could become better.

We are very comfortable because current prices are giving us a reasonably good margin. Obviously we would like those days of Rs 120 per kg to come back. But there is comfort from the fact that whatever happens, we will never go back to those terrible days of rubber at Rs 70 per kg, says the Kochi-based managing director of a leading plantation company.

Rubber farmers are equally satisfied. Market watchers say the marginal cost of producing a kg of rubber is not more than Rs 50, even after factoring in rising manual labour costs. So the current spot market price of Rs 105 per kg gives them no reason to complain.

Will rubber industry continue to feel this warm and fuzzy? Sure. But only at each others expense henceforth. The stash of cheaper imported rubber with tyre companies will get exhausted very soon. They will then have to buy afresh at likely higher prices.

Plantations are worried about sunny days ahead. The bad weather in Kerala, which threatened to keep production low in the current season, looks like it might suddenly improve. Better supply could be a dampner on spot prices. Only traders and consumers have no fear of vanishing good times. Volatility in this dead market has been just too dangerous for traders. As for consumers, it has never been good. There is a limit to what even President Obama can do.

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

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THE REVIVAL OF MODI GROUP

Vikram Gour

The Economic Times, Zigwheels

In August 2001 Modi Rubber Limited ran into union trouble and post that the pressure from the shareholders resulted in the company having to close the gates on their tyre plant. Prior to this, the Modi Group had an illustrious history in the rubber market. The company's tie up with Continental all the way back in 1974 is one for the history books and the fact that they rose to the high echelons of corporate leadership in their time is still talked about. Of course in 2001 the company was almost written off with statements claiming how the mighty fall, but all that is set to change.

It has been a hard eight years for the company and Mr. Vinay Kumar Modi has been a busy man during this period. Firstly he had to resurrect this company and in doing so he bought the stocks of the institutions that had invested in Modi, his brother's stocks and of course all this was combined with his own holdings, which in total now account for 83 per cent of the company's share. With the shareholder situation resolved, the objective was obviously to get back into business.
Modi Rubber Ltd floated a subsidiary by the name of Modi Tyres Company Private Limited. Mr. V.K Modi sits on this company as the Chairman and through this
wing, he intends on bringing back the company into good health. Considering the fact that the company's primary asset is a tyre factory near Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, it made sense to get back into the tyre making business. Mr. Modi approached his long time associates-Continental in Germany and discussed the possibility of reviving the technical relationship they once shared. After many visits and numerous rounds of discussion, Continental agreed to Mr. V.K Modi's proposal of giving him the option to brand his tyres as Continental products. This time there would be no co-branding (earlier the tyres were known as Modi-Continental).
To achieve this, the facility outside Meerut has undergone a Rupees 80 Crore transformation and has become a state of the art facility that churns out truck bias tyres as per the quality and standards of Continental. The entire plant is computerized and SAP implemented in order to ensure proper work ethic and standardized quality.
What is of interest though is that in this venture Continental has not had to invest in any equity in the venture. Modi has fronted the entire operation. It might sound drastic, but it makes immense business sense as Continental is a global brand name whereas Modi isn't. It was a gamble on a global brand name which right now looks as though it has paid off for Modi has been able to get 550 dealerships (mostly multi brand outlets) to take on his product. The company has already set up around 90 stocking yards across the country and is looking at taking this figure to 150 stocking yards in the next year. In the first year of operations Modi Tyres is looking at a 10 per cent market share.
The future is looking brighter for the company and Mr. V.K Modi hopes to take his association with Continental forward-maybe a tyre plant of car radials and further down the road a truck and bus radial tyre facility as well. That lies in the future, but for now the company is happy to be back on its feet supplying Truck and Bus Bias Tyres under the Continental brand name in the market.

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

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topFINANCE & INSURANCE

CAR LOANS: JUST RATES ARE NOT ENOUGH

Tinesh Bhasin

Business Standard

Mumbai: Many smart buyers wait for the year-end to buy a car. Auto makers and dealers come up with the best discounts in the month of December to clear stocks. But if you are planning to buy a car any time soon, the current festive season could be an equally attractive opportunity, thanks to the availability of cheaper finance.

Consider this: IDBI Bank has reduced the interest rate on its auto loans to 8.5 per cent this month. Tata Capital has introduced car loans at an interest rate of 10.5 per cent without any processing and foreclosure charges. This can be availed of only till the end of this month.

In the last two weeks, many other banks have revised their rates downwards as a special offering for the festive season. Bigger lenders have special loan schemes too, including State Bank of India (SBI). The bank is offering an 8 per cent interest rate for the first year and 10 per cent for the next two years. After the third year, the loan acquires a floating rate.

Canara Bank, on the other hand, is charging 8.5 per cent in the first year, 9 per cent in the second year and 10 per cent from the third to the fifth year. These rates could see an upward revision if the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) changes any policy rates. And, there is a possibility of such an event in this quarter with inflation being a cause of worry, said

a banker.

If you have already zeroed in on the car model, heres some help with the finance part:

Getting the cheapest loan: The borrower needs to work out the cheapest loan based on the tenure and loan amount. Several banks offer a combination of fixed and floating rate loans, and some also have a variable rate for each year depending on the loan tenure. An example would make this clear.

If a person is seeking a loan of Rs 4 lakh for three years, SBI would be the cheapest. The interest rate works out to an average 8.87 per cent. The equated monthly installment (EMI) will be Rs 12,535.

But if you are going in for a five-year loan, Canara Bank is the cheapest with an average interest rate of 9.2 per cent. The EMI in the first year works out to be Rs 8,207.

Very few banks give car loans for a period of over five years. If you are looking for a seven-year loan, the numbers of lenders get restricted. These include HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Axis Bank, SBI and Canara Bank.

Avoid full floating rate: The cheapest loan does not necessarily mean the best loan. Thats why experts advise customers to avoid floating rate auto loans. There are lenders offering attractive rates at a fixed price for the entire tenure. This is better than a floating rate loan which would subject the borrower to the volatility of interest rate movements.

Want more discounts? Another way to land a good deal is by approaching Direct Selling Agents (DSAs), especially those who deal with multiple banks. As an example, you have Speedways a DSA for Federal Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank. We give up to 2 per cent discount on the banks quoted rate, said Nelson D, partner, Speedways.

For instance, Federal Banks quoted rate is 10.5-11 per cent. Being DSA, Nelson claims that, for a good customer profile, the rates can be lowered to 8.5-9.5 per cent. A customer can also negotiate for a lot of other things with DSAs, such as accessories and cash discounts.

Getting the right match: Every lender has a preference for a certain customer profile. Some prefer salaried, while some self-employed. Nelson illustrates this with an example: Federal Bank prefers to offer loans to a salaried person with a monthly income of Rs 20,000 instead of dealing with a businessman with a monthly income of Rs 2 lakh.

100 per cent finance: Banks allow 100 per cent finance through their agents only. For this, the borrower needs to have an impeccable credit history. But this offer is not meant for all cars. Only select models come under this scheme.

It is meant for cars that would have a good resale value, like a Maruti or a Honda, said a banker. Bankers are also quick to point out that, while taking an auto loan, borrowers should avoid taking loans with a long tenure.

These days, people want to change cars every few years, said S V Parthasarathy, executive vice-president (consumer finance division), IndusInd Bank. Long-tenure loans can be a hindrance if you want to dispose of your car and buy a new one.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/car-loans-just-ratesnot-enough/372569/

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topOILS, LUBES & ALTERNATIVE FUELS

OMCS TO SHORE UP INDIA INC PROFIT IN Q2

BG Shirsat
Business Standard

Mumbai: India Inc is likely to post a whoping 63 per cent growth in net profit in the second quarter, thanks to four oil marketing companies which are expected to post a combined net profit of Rs 2,730 crore in the quarter ended September. If one excludes these four from the sample of 235 companies studied, net profit is expected to only increase marginally, around 1 per cent.

The sales and profit growth are expected to elude the Sensex companies, which are estimated to post a combined marginal 1-3 per cent decline in sales and a 3-16 per cent decline in net profit in the quarter. Refineries, metals, pharma and real estate are expected to be the key pressure points, while cement, auto and information technology are expected to be positive contributors to the Sensex earnings.

The growth estimates for the second quarter are based on the 235 companies previewed by equity analysts from Angel Broking, Citigroup, IDFC-SSKI, Kotak Securities, Morgan Stanley and Motilal Oswal Research. The sample size is big enough to show the trend in profits, as these companies account for 80 per cent of quarterly net profit of the corporate sector.

However, sales are likely to decline for yet another quarter, with the sample companies expected to post a 8.4 per cent decline in this, on the back of a poor show from refineries, oil marketing, metals and realty firms. The net sales, excluding those for oil companies, which have a high weightage in this measurement, are expected to grow by 4.6 per cent. With automobiles, capital goods, cement, construction and power sectors to post a double-digit growth.

The profit growth is expected to come from Bajaj Auto, Hero Honda, Maruti Suzuki and Mahindra & Mahindra, Allahabad Bank, Central Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank, ACC, Birla Corporation, JK Lakshmi Cement, Shree Cement, UltraTech Cement, Punj Lloyd, Cipla, Cadila Healthcare and Dr Reddys Labs. These firms are expected to post net profit growth of over 50-100 per cent each.

Looking at sectoral performance, automobiles and media are expected to stand out during the quarter, with net profit growth of 71 per cent and 269 per cent, respectively. A double-digit growth in net profit is expected from sectors such as cement (+45 per cent), pharmaceuticals (+25 per cent) and retail (+29 per cent).

The sector expected to show a decline in net profit are hotels (minus 62 per cent), non ferrous (-16 per cent), realty (-60 per cent) and steel (-24 per cent. The net profit growth is expected to be modest in sectors such as banks, capital goods, construction, FMCG, information technologies and power.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/omcs-to-shoreindia-inc-profit-in-q2/372610/

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SHELL LUBRICANTS TO INVEST RS469 CRORE DOUBLE ITS CAPACITY

Utpal Bhaskar

mint

New Delhi: The Indian arm of Royal Dutch Shell, Shell India Pvt. Ltd, which has a 7% share in the Indian lubricant market by volume, plans to invest about Rs469 crore to double its manufacturing capacity in the country to cater to rising demand on the back of growing automobile sales.

Shell Lubricants, or the Shell group companies in the lubricants business, has a 100,000 tonnes manufacturing facility at Taloja in Maharashtra and is planning an additional capacity of another 100,000 tonnes.

India contributes 3-4% of the global demand of 38.5 million tonnes per annum and is growing at around 6%. Though the last year has been full of volatility, we continue to grow strongly here. We have around 10% share in the Indian lubricant market by value, said Tim Ford, vice-president sales, Asia, Shell Lubricants.

The size of the Indian lubricants market is 1.7 billion litres a year, making it the fifth largest lubricants market in the world by volume after the US, China, Russia and Japan. Shell Lubricants recorded a revenue of Rs800 crore in 2008.

According to data from the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam) for August, the latest available, the worst may be over for the Indian auto sector, with sales of large trucks, cars and two-wheelers posting hefty increases spurred by more road tenders, cheaper loans and the coming festive season. Siam reports dispatches to dealers and not retailers.

We have the outline plan in place for the new manufacturing capacity and plan to operationalize it within the next 12- -24 months. It will require an investment of $100 million, said Donald Anderson, country head, lubricants, Shell India.

India occupies a unique geographical position and sits between the markets of Far East and West Asia and the manufacturing facilities can also service those markets, added Ford.

Passenger car sales, which have risen sharply in the last few months, rose by a quarter to 120,669 units in August. In the last few months, car makers have rushed to launch new models as well as to give face-lifts to old ones.

Given the demand for power generation equipment in the country, Shell is also looking at supplying speciality lubricants and oils to equipment manufacturers.

It is already supplying to manufacturers such as Wartsila India Ltd, the Indian unit of the Finnish equipment maker, Pune-based Thermax Ltd, and Chinas Dong Fang Electric Corp., which is active in the Indian power sector.

The firm expects this segment to grow, with India planning to install an additional capacity of 78,577MW by 2012, and another 100,000MW by 2017.

The lubricant market in India has largely been a oligopoly business with large share controlled by the government-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs). One needs to have lube oil base stock, which is produced by refineries, which in turn are largely owned by the OMCs. Shell will have to develop its retail presence to tap the market, said Manish Bagla, senior manager at audit and consultancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Shell is worried about spurious sales.

These are the penalties of a growing brand. We would like to see some toughening of patent and copyright law in India. The same problem is in other growing economies, said Ford.

http://www.livemint.com/2009/10/07224755/Shell-Lubricants-to-invest-Rs4.html

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OIL SPIKES TO USD 71.43 A BARREL

Agencies

See this story in: The Indian Express

Singapore: Oil rose in Asian trade on Wednesday, lifted by a weak US dollar which came under more pressure after a report that Gulf states considered dropping the greenback for oil transactions, analysts said.

New York's main contract, light sweet crude for November delivery, was 55 cents higher at USD 71.43 a barrel. Brent North Sea crude for November delivery rose 59 cents to USD 69.15. "The soft tone of the US dollar supported the oil price," analysts from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia said in a report.

A weak dollar usually boosts crude prices because the dollar-denominated commodity becomes cheaper for foreign buyers holding stronger currencies.

Britain's Independent newspaper reported that Gulf countries had held secret meetings with officials outside the region to discuss dropping the dollar for oil trade.

The countries would instead use a basket of currencies, including the yen, the paper said, citing Gulf Arab and Chinese banking sources in Hong Kong.

"The US dollar fell, partly as risk appetite led to acceleration of the carry trade, and partly on media reports that Arab oil producers may switch to pricing crude in a basket of currencies rather than the greenback," said Dariusz Kowalczyk, chief investment strategist with SJS Markets financial firm.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/oil-spikes-to-usd-71.43-a-barrel/526156/

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topINTERNATIONAL

BMW SAYS 2009 VEHICLE SALES MAY ONLY FALL 10-15 PCT

Reuters

See this story in: Yahoo India

Frankfurt: BMW posted its first year-on-year volume gain this year in September and forecast this would become a trend during the rest of 2009 thanks to new model launches and barring any unforeseeable shocks.

In a statement on Wednesday, BMW said sales volume might in fact drop by only 10-15 percent -- a key forecast since finance chief Friedrich Eichiner had said in mid-September that there was a good chance the group could post a profit in 2009 if volumes were not worse than that level.

The German carmaker said unit sales grew 0.7 percent in September to 122,354 vehicles, driven by a near 10 percent gain at its Mini brand.

"Provided there are no economic setbacks, we should continue to make gains throughout the remaining months of the year -- not least thanks to the new BMW models X1 and 5 Series Gran Turismo, which will join our model range in late October," group sales chief Ian Robertson said.

"There is a good chance that we will end this year with a moderate decrease in sales of only 10 to 15 percent from 2008 levels, despite difficult economic conditions overall," he continued.

In the first nine months, group volumes fell 15.7 percent to 939,554 vehicles following double-digit declines in both its BMW and Mini brands.

http://in.biz.yahoo.com/091007/137/bauaw8.html

BMW 09 sales may skid 15%

The Economic Times

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topECONOMY


RUPEE PARES EARLY GAINS, BUT ENDS HIGHER AT 46.66

The Hindu Business Line

Mumbai: The rupee extended its gains for the fourth consecutive trading session, appreciating by 22 paise against the dollar on Wednesday.

The domestic currency opened at 46.84 and strengthened to touch an intra-day high of 46.49. It gave up some of its gains to close at 46.66 as against the previous close of 46.88. The rupee had last touched 46.65 levels in the first week of June this year.

There was a 15-20 paise arbitrage between the one-month non-deliverable forward and the spot market i.e. market players sold dollars in the domestic market and bought in the NDF market. Panic selling by exporters also strengthened the rupee, said a dealer with a private sector bank.

However, dollar demand from oil companies and importers exerted pressure on the currency unit. The Reserve Bank of India is also rumoured to have intervened to check the rupees gains, said another dealer.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a banking seminar, the RBI Deputy Governor, Dr K.C. Chakrabarty, said that the central bank is not too concerned about the rupees appreciation. As a monetary authority we are concerned about the volatility. This has to be managed, he said. In the long term, the RBI is happy with the rupees movement, he added.

Sustainable

According to Mr Hitendra Dave, Head Global Markets, HSBC India, the rupees rally looks like a sustainable one. It is catching up with a lot of its Asian peers. It is not just about the rupees gains, but more about the dollar weakness globally.

If the gain continues we will need to watch reactions of exporters and the RBI. Our immediate target is 46, he said.

Currency futures

The sharp appreciation in the rupee has led to more market participants looking to hedge their receivables on the currency futures platform.

According to data provided by MCX Stock exchange, the currency futures market logged the highest turnover of Rs 10,798 crore since the date of its inception a year ago. The exchange clocked a turnover of Rs 8,271 crore on October 6 and Rs 6,441 crore on October 5.

If the rupee continues to appreciate, things will get difficult. As it is, we had to lower prices to be competitive in the international markets. Now with rupee also gaining, it will squeeze our margins, said Mr Aman Chadha, Chairman, Engineering Export Promotion Council.

Hedging

Whether exporters will start hedging or not will depend on the rupees movement over a longer period of time rather than just one or two trading sessions. It is difficult to hedge when there is too much volatility as one doesnt know which way the rupee will move, Mr Chadha said.

In the forward premia market, the 6-month premium closed higher at 3.19 per cent (3.15 per cent) and the one-year closed at 3.4 per cent (3.3 per cent).

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/10/08/stories/2009100851680600.htm

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SENSEX FALLS ON CONCERNS OVER RISING RUPEE

PTI

See this story in: The Hindu Business Line

Mumbai: Paring its early gains, the Bombay Stock Exchange benchmark Sensex on Wednesday declined by 152 points after heavy selling in IT shares on concerns that firming rupee will hit the revenues of software companies.

The 30-share index, which had gained 162 points during the day, closed at 16,806.66 points, a loss of 151.88 points over last close. The wide-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty lost 41.65 points at 4,985.75. It touched the day's high of 5,077 poin ts and a low of 4,972.95 points.

Brokers said the rupee which traded below 47 level against the US dollar triggered the selling in IT stocks. Software exporters earned over 50 per cent of revenue from the US market and rising rupee hit their profitability.

The IT sector index suffered the most losing 2.74 per cent to 4,421.27 as shares of TCS, Wipro and Infosys Technologies, which are scheduled to announce their results on October 9, fell sharply. Sensex-related Bharti Airtel declined after its rating was cut by Macquarie Group to under- perform from outperform.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/05071901.htm

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INFLATION WORRY MAY WEIGH HEAVY ON RATES

The Times of India

New Delhi: With some concern over the impact of continued high food prices on inflation which is back in the positive zone, a view is emerging in government that it might be time to slowly prepare the ground for changes in interest rates even as a hike is ruled out in the near future.

While the government sees the economic recovery as work-in-progress and PM Manmohan Singh stressing India is not yet out of the woods, it is also being felt that expectations needed to be managed to ensure markets did not read policy signals incorrectly. The monetary policy was subject to constant review.

Official sources saw RBI governor D Subbaraos references to food-driven inflation as an obvious point even though the central bank was unlikely to openly indicate impending rate changes. The government and RBI were totally in sync over the need to nurture growth and this would mean interest rates were not likely to be revised soon.

Though contexts are different, RBI could well be preparing for a soft landing on inflation, something former US Fed chief Alan Greenspan has referred to while describing banks response to the economy heating up in Clinton years. RBI warning that incipient inflationary pressures double digit consumer price inflation may see India having to hike rates ahead of developed economies is seen in this light.

What is complicating matters is the patchy monsoon, the effects of which on agricultural production are being compounded by late and unseasonal rain. Food prices are likely to be impacted and there is only so much that can be done by way of imports or release of stocks. At a banking seminar in Istanbul this week, Subbarao said, Imports are not an easy solution given the requirements.

Wary of being caught off guard by creeping inflation, government may not disapprove of some pre-emptive steps to control money supply even though officials are quick to agree that there is no agreement on how and when India should exit from excessively accommodative monetary and fiscal policies. There is a strong view that a gradual roll back of recession-related incentives will become increasingly inevitable and things cannot be the same.

This is going to take some time as the economy slowly recovers and confidence is still shaky. FM Pranab Mukherjee has said the stimulus packages would not be reviewed as of now but crunch time could be at hand in early 2010 when the full effects of the drought on food production become evident in terms of kharif produce being available in market.

Copyright 2009, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved"

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Inflation-worry-may-weigh-heavy-on-rates/articleshow/5099394.cms

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Last Financial closing

Sensex

16,806.66

US$ spot

Rs.46.58

US$

Y.88.7693

US$ 6 months

Rs.47.4

Yen

Rs.0.52

Euro spot

Rs.68.48

LIBOR 6 months

%

Call

%

GOI sec. 10 years

- - - -

Aluminium (per kg)

Rs.

Aluminium Ingot

Rs.

Copper (per kg)

Rs.

Gold (10gm)

Rs.15,845

Lead (per kg)

Rs.

Mild Steel Ingots (Mumbai)

Rs.

Nickel (per kg)

Rs.

Nickel Cathode

Rs.

Silver (1kg)

Rs.27000

Sponge Iron (per tonne)

Rs.14610.00

Steel Flat (per tonne )

Rs.30750.00

Steel Long GVD (per tonne)

Rs.

Steel Long BVN (per tonne)

Rs. 21640.00

Tin (per kg)

Rs.

Zinc (per kg)

Rs.

Zinc Ingot

Rs.- - - -

Crude Oil (WTI)

$- - - -

Crude Oil (Brent)

$68.71

Automobile

Scip on BSE

Face Value (Rs)

Last traded Value (Rs)

Apollo Tyres

1

45.80

Asahi Ind

1

71.30

Amara Raja B

2

136.05

Ashok Leyland

1

39.65

Bajaj Auto

10

1531.30

Bharat Forge

2

269.40

Denso

10

89.55

Eicher Ltd

10

- - - -

Eicher Motor

10

535.10

Escorts

10

104.55

Exide Ind

1

90.90

Force Motors

10

157.65

Gabriel India

1

23.60

Hero Honda

2

1640.35

Hind Motors

10

23.20

Hi-Tech Gear

10

Jay. Bh. Maruti

5

45.40

Jamna Auto

10

51

JK Tyres & Inds

10

132.70

Kinetic Motors

10

25.90

Kinetic Engg

10

87.85

KOEL

2

111.35

Kirloskar Br:

2

204.80

LML Ltd

10

10.35

L&T

2

1677.40

Lumax Ind

10

170.45

Lumax Tech

10

43.60

M&M

10

892.85

Maruti Suzuki

5

1536.55

Motherson SS

1

110.70

Minda Inds

10

211.15

MRF

10

5484.65

MICO

10

- - - -

Omax Auto

10

47.80

Perfect Circle

- - - - - -

- - - -

Rico Auto

1

25.40

Sona Koyo St

2

14.35

SKF Bearing

10

- - - -

SRF

10

186.05

Swaraj Mazda

10

211

Tata Motors

10

557.55

TVS Motor

1

55.95


Metals

Scrip on BSE

Face Value(Rs)

Last traded Value (Rs)

Bhushan Steel

10

1319.30

Essar Steel

10

- - - -

Hindalco

1

127.25

Hind Zinc

10

820.10

Ispat Inds

10

23.30

Jindal Iron

10

- - - -

Jindal Stain

2

- - - -

JSW Steel

10

882.40

Jindal Steel

5

598.05

National Aluminium

10

340.80

SAIL

10

171.35

TISCO

10

516.70

Visa Steel

1

42.15

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