The CarWale Daily Fuel – May 28, 2012

Good News: The Government will reduce the petrol prices by a small amount (Rs 2-3) by the end of this month owing to the stabilising international oil prices and the strengthening rupee.

Bad News: The Government will increase the diesel prices by Rs. 4 to 5 very soon in spite of the oil companies demanding a hike of Rs 12 to 13 at least.

Mahindra and Mahindra are opening the bookings of the XUV500 from June 8, 2012 in all the 19 cities where the cheetah inspired SUV was on offer. Mahindra has ramped up the XUV production to 4000 units a month to suffice the overwhelming demand for the vehicle.

Audi is expecting a 45 per cent growth in sales in India to 8000 units per year from 5500, on basis of the impending launch of the Q3 and the schemes it has offered for the Audi customers.

Jaguar and Land Rover, owned by Tata Motors, is doing a feasibilty study in India to set up a new plant near Pune or Sanand, that will manufacture the next gen Defender. The study is in its initial phase and the officials are looking to build an export hub that will export 70-80 per cent of the production. They are also planning to have the engines also built at the same location to reduce logistics and improve cost effectiveness.

Tata Motors has launched the Vista in Spain despite the downturn in the Spanish markets to replace the Indica that was on sale since 2008. The Aria and Xenon models are also expected to be on offer to the Spanish people soon.

Maruti Suzuki will launch the new Swift in Indonesia after the Ertiga success story. The Swift will be launched at the Indonesia International Motor Show in September.

The 2012 Formula One season is more and more interesting as it progresses. Mark Webber won the race after starting from the pole position, thanks to the Schumacher penalty, becoming the sixth different driver to win a race in the sixth race of this season. The podium was completed by Nico Rosberg in second and Fernando Alonso in third.

Force India drivers Paul di Resta and Nico Hulkenberg finished in 7th and 8th positions giving the Indian owned team its best finish in the 2012 season.

General Motors unveiled the face-lifted Chevrolet Cruze at the Busan Motor show. We expect the same model to hit Indian shores soon as the new Cruze.

Ferrari has made the exclusive SP12 EC car for Eric Clapton, rated as one of the all-time greatest guitarists over the globe and an avid Ferrari connoisseur. The car is based on the 458 Italia but styled based on the 70s and 80s 512 BB of which Eric Clapton owned three.

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