GM recalls another 3.4 million cars for ignition problem

The bulk of the 2000 to 2014 model-year cars -- 3.2 million -- are in the United States, the largest US automaker said on Monday.

GM said that the ignition switch may move out of the "run" position if the key is carrying extra weight and is jarred, such as when the car hits a pothole or crosses railroad tracks.

Switching out of the "run" position affects power steering, power braking and could cause air bags not to deploy in a crash.

GM said it knows of eight crashes and six injuries related to this recall.

The company said the recall stems from its review of ignition issues following the recall in February of 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars for ignition switch problems.

The cars covered in the newest recall are Buick Lacrosses, Chevrolet Impalas, Cadillac Devilles, Cadillac DTS, Buick Lucernes, Buick Regals, and Chevy Monte Carlos, from various model years between 2000 and 2014.

GM said addressing the problem would involve replacing existing ignition keys with new ones designed differently, or retooling existing keys.

"Until the rework or replacement is completed, owners of the recalled cars are urged to remove additional weight from their key chains and drive with only the ignition key," GM said.

GM also announced US recalls for 165,770 vehicles for a variety of problems, including with automatic transmissions and power steering.

It said it would take a charge of about USD 700 million for recall repairs in the second quarter, including the USD 400 million provision it previously announced.

The automaker is under congressional and, reportedly, Justice Department investigation over why it failed to act on the Cobalt ignition switch problem until this February despite knowing about it for more than 11 years.

That problem has been tied to dozens of accidents and at least 13 deaths, according to GM. Outside analysts have said the death toll could be much higher.

The company is facing multiple lawsuits for that problem, which analysts say could ultimately cost the company billions of dollars in damages.

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From post.jagran News

Yamaha launches FZ, FZ-S and Fazer bikes in new colours

Yamaha has launched some product refreshes to pep up its lineup in 2014. Yamaha Motor India Sales has launched the variants of the bestselling Yamaha motorcycles namely FZ, FZ-S and Fazer in vibrant colour schemes and graphics to boost sales and create more excitement among customers and motorcycle aficionados.

In all, three new colours for each FZ, FZ-S and Fazer motorcycles have been introduced along with some stylish and aggressive graphics. The refreshed Fazer is priced at Rs 77,351, FZ at Rs 70,411 and FZ-S at Rs 72,385, all ex-showroom in Delhi.

The 153cc FZ series and Fazer motorcycles are two of the most popular products offered by Yamaha Motor India Sales. These bikes have gained immense traction among customers since the launch of FZ series in 2008.

"The new colours have been introduced to suit the need of customers who are always looking at upgrading to a more stylish product to match their ever changing fashion statement and personality," the company said in a statement.

FZ boasts of street friendly performance and riding experience. Similarly, the Fazer is known for its edgy, sporty look and high performance. Fazer gets its DNA from the global Fazer series known for their sports touring and looks.

"The new FZ-S is meant for the stylish and attention seeking macho man. Dubbed as 'Lord of the Streets,' FZ-S is designed and engineered with the potential for active and even aggressive enjoyment of around-town Street riding," the company statement said.

The engine specs remain unchanged with the same 153cc, air cooled-single cylinder four stroke engine doing the duty. The engine generates maximum power of 14 PS at 7500 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed gearbox.

Source: Automobile Industry News

From indiatimes News

Auto Expo 2014 preview: 69 model launches & 15 global unveilings lined up

You'd expect Vishnu Mathur's mood to reflect that of the Indian auto sector — downbeat, what with the industry in the midst of an agonizing slowdown, and sales dipping in the April-December period over a year ago.

Yet, the director general of SIAM, the apex auto industry body, has been full of beans and on the go in the past two weeks, with a schedule so frenetic that it belies the sector's downturn.

For starters, Mathur has temporarily moved office from the India Habitat Centre in the heart of Delhi to Greater Noida on the outskirts. Except for the receptionist, his 30-odd staff too has accompanied him. Their days are hectic, starting at 8.30 am and they aren't home before 10 pm. "It will get worse from next week. We may not be able to go home," Mathur says, and you wonder whether he's pleased or distressed by that thought.

As SIAM's boss, Mathur is steering India's once-in-two-years auto show, to be held from February 6-12, for the first time in Greater Noida. Appointed in 2010 summer as director general, this is Mathur's second auto show, which is the Rs144,000-crore auto industry's biggest shindig. Understandably, a lot is at stake for him — and the sector.  Read more..

Source: Automobile Industry News

From ET News

Tata Motors plans to cut staff, rejig domestic operations

Tata Motors, India's biggest automaker by revenue, plans to shed a section of its workforce as a protracted slowdown and dwindling market share has forced the company to restructure its domestic manufacturing operations.

The automaker has initiated two voluntary retirement programmes— early separation scheme (ESS) and compulsory retirement scheme—across its main commercial vehicle plants in Jamshedpur, Lucknow and Pantnagar.

"It is an industry wide phenomenon with capacities lying unutilised and so are the personnel," a top executive at Tata Motors said.

"Most of the automotive companies are reducing workforce. We have also undertaken some measures to streamline our operations, though we are supportive to our staffers and enabling them some solutions for their future."

Although the executive termed the job cuts as "very minor", people close to the development said the automaker has identified around 5,000 staffers for the retirement schemes. Read more..

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From ET News

Tata Chemicals set to expand consumer business

Tata Chemicals (TCL), the 75-years-old company from the Tata Group, plans no expansion for its core soda ash and fertiliser businesses for the next five years.

Instead, it plans to focus on growing the consumer business, now comprising salt and pulses, to bring higher return on capital and prune debt by nearly a third, to Rs 2,500 crore.   

TCL is the world’s second largest producer of soda ash, with manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America. Its product range includes ingredients to some of the world’s largest makers of glass, detergents and other industrial products.

The demand for soda ash has slowed across the globe, due to the economic slowdown. And, the fertiliser business is suffering due to subsidy payment arrears by governments. This has raised the working capital requirement, bringing down the return on capital. The rising price of gas has further increased cost for the industry, making it unattractive for investment.

“In the next five years, we have planned no further expansion in the existing core businesses. These will be run as cash cows, to help generate the new consumer products,” said P K Ghose chief financial officer, on the sidelines of an event to celebrate 75 years of operations. “We have been in salt and introduced a few new products such as pulses but in the next five to 10 years, we will see an enormous amount of this happening on the consumer front.” Read more..

Source:  Automobile Industry News

Source: BS News

Tata Motors will invest Rs 9,000 crore over next 3 years: Karl Slym

Almost a year after a major top management rejig, Tata Motors is busy reinventing itself. India’s largest automaker with consolidated revenues of $34.7 billion has seen its share of troubles with both volumes and market share slipping sharply over the past two years. In an interview with Roudra Bhattacharya, Tata Motors’ MD Karl Slym talks about the challenges faced by the domestic industry, and how overseas expansion will be a focus going forward. He explains how Tata Motors is gearing up to reclaim its position among the top three carmakers in the country.

What measures has Tata Motors taken to weather the tough times?

Last year was one of the toughest ones for the Indian automobile industry. The Indian auto sector saw a slowdown in FY13, which has further continued in FY14. The major challenges faced by the industry in FY13 have been the slowing economic and infrastructure growth, coupled with negative consumer sentiment. Contrary to expectations, the industry hasn’t picked up. The commercial vehicle (CV) industry as a whole continues to be about 30% lower than last year, which came after a similar drop over FY12. While this industry is prone to cyclicality and all those who have been in the industry long enough will have witnessed one downturn or the other, what is particularly concerning about this one is the lack of visibility of a recovery plan. In the passenger vehicle (PV) industry, growth has been flat.  Read more..

Source: Latest Automobile News

From TFE News

Mover & Shakers on D-Street: Sesa Sterlite, Wipro, Tata Motors, Suzlon

Indian markets ended with modest gains on Tuesday led by banking and automobile stocks. The BSE Sensex rose 46.07 points, or 0.22 per cent, to settle at 21,251, its highest closing level since January 16. 

The broader NSE Nifty advanced 9.85 points, or 0.16 per cent, to settle at 6,313. 

The market breadth was positive. On BSE, 1,376 shares gained, whereas 1,247 shares declined. Foreign institutional investors sold equities worth Rs 43.74 crore on Tuesday. Read more..

Source: Auto News in Hindi

From ET News

Tata Motors drives in Nano Twist, Vista VX

After a flawed branding strategy, Tata Motors has introduced a new Nano Twist as a smart city car, targeting youngsters.

The car priced at around Rs 2.46 lakh (ex-showroom Hyderabad) is no longer the cheapest car, a label that kept off a majority of people from buying it.

“We have never called it as the cheapest car. It got branded by people like that. However, it’s past now.

The new Nano Twist comes with a high-end power steering, sleekly interiors and good mileage. On the whole, it is a value-for-money car,” said Ashesh Dhar, head of utility vehicle product group, passenger car business unit at Tata Motors, on Tuesday.

Dhar was in Hyderabad to launch Nano Twist.

Despite the pre-launch hype about the Nano across the world, the entry-level car from Tata’s stable did not live up to its expectations as Indians, who consider a car to be aspirational product, shunned the vehicle because of its cheaper car tag.  Read more..

Source: Latest Automobile News

From DC News