- Hindustan Motors has launched the new 2012 Mitsubishi Cedia Select for Rs 8.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). There are no changes to the drivertrain and the exteriors of the new version, but the Cedia now gets tech savvy with MapMyIndia Android tab and other features.
- Volkswagen has rolled out 2,00,000th car from its Chakan facility near Pune. Incidentally, the landmark unit is also the first left hand drive Vento produced to in India, as VW prepares for exports to Africa and Middle East.
- Nissan has once renewed ties with Hover Automotive India as the sole distribution partner, along with handing over the responsibilities for sales and marketing activities. Both companies have been working together since 2008 and Nissan believes that the partnership will help them further localize operations in India.
- General Motors may launch the new Sail sedan and hatchback in October to replace the Aveo and U-VA twins. The company will also launch a new seven-seater MPV called ‘the Enjoy’ with its Chinese partner, SAIC, by the end of this year.
- Mahindra & Mahindra has decided to halt its plans of launching a pickup truck in US market. M&M activities in US have suffered due to legal disputes and also due to failure to get necessary certifications. The company has decided to only concentrate on selling tractors in US for now and may reconsider its decision in future if the conditions are favourable.
- The Ford Fiesta Classic (previous generation Fiesta) has been re-launched as the Ford Classic with minor changes. Ford has also reduced the prices of the sedan and the Classic now begins at a start price of Rs 5.53 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
- If you've visited either of the Fiat Caffes in India, you'll notice that the coffee is made by Lavazza. That same name is on the options list for the 500L, in which you can specify an espresso machine between the front seats! We suppose that was a logical step forward from those 'coffee break' signs that are now popping up in luxury cars to tell you that you need to take a break from driving...
- The Suzuki Grand Vitara/Escudo will get a global facelift for 2013. This means that the Indian version will receive the facelift as well. If this means that the Vitara will get diesel power as well, it might just mean slightly better sales in India.
- Hyundai Korea is facing the possibility of strikes by employees demanding better pay and reduced work hours. Globally, Hyundai sales are very strong and if the strike does happen it might just disrupt diesel engine supply to the Indian market.
- Formula 1 stars Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button are now animated characters, and the promos are now airing on the internet. The show is called "Tooned", a play on the words 'cartooned' and 'tuned', and the first episode is available on video hosting site YouTube.
- Aston Martin has made the V12 Vantage roadster official. As always, there are chassis and suspension changes but the 510bhp 6.0-litre V12 remains identical to the hardtop.
The CarWale Daily Fuel is your quick daily dose of automotive news from India and around the world. If you want to know whatever's in the news but want it short and sweet, here's your solution.
