The CarWale Daily Fuel – May 16, 2012

• Mahindra launched the Thar AC version at its Mumbai headquarters for Rs 6.75 lakh, ex-showroom Mumbai along with the highly customised Thar Expedition that would cost more as per the customisation.

• Mahindra and Mahindra also unveiled the Adventure calender for 2012 starting this July. With single day as well as multiple day events, motorsports participation and a Mahindra off-road championship, Mahindra is going from strength to strength in its off-road arena.

• SBI is the largest financer for passenger car segment in India on basis of its 11.25% car loan offer. With an average loan amount of Rs 3.5 lakh, the bank is working towards online sanctioning of loans,

• Mercedes M-class facelift was launched yesterday in Delhi with the AMG kit CBU at Rs 66 lakh ex-showroom. Only this model will be available for the first six months after which the India assembled CKD M-class will be available for Rs 56.9 lakh ex-showroom, Delhi.

• Honda Siel's Indian partner, Usha International, is unhappy with Honda's valuation of their share for buyout. Saying that the shares are being grossly undervalued, the Siddharth Shriram led company is planning to increase its shareholding using the next rights issue.

• Tata Motors' global sales figures were flat for April as the increasing demand for Jaguar and Land Rover was dampened by the falling commercial vehicle sales.

• Karnataka Inspector General of Police has served a 31^st May ultimatum for car owners to remove the window tints on their cars. Offenders are liable to be fined and their cars seized for removal of tints. Till 31^st, the police will campaign for educating car owners about the new ruling and will suggest them to remove tints without fine.

• Volvo is planning for the long wheel base (LWB) S60 for the Chinese market after global leaders like Audi, BMW, Volkswagen have opted for LWB models for China. Volvo already has the LWB S80 on sale in China.

• A leading global car manufacturer is developing a system where the driver is induced by the car to have a power nap by using aroma-therapy and music. Initially targeted for the trucker segment, the technology may trickle down to passenger cars. A 20 minute power-nap is said to enhance concentration and reduce stress while driving long hours.

• Porsche is showing off the 918 Spyder after the final finishing touches that include the 917 inspired black and white paint scheme. The 500bhp 4.0 litre V8 hybrid combines with two electric motors is expected to do a 0-100kmph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of about 320 kmph. The approximately Rs 4.5 crore car, in spite of its performance is expected to return a whopping 33 kms per litre.

• General Motors USA has decided to stop advertising on Facebook after analysts saw a very little impact on consumers. This is contrary to what US car manufacturers in India are doing - for example, the Blue Oval is investing heavily in the web medium to reach out to a wider audience.

• Formula One plans of a French GP have become dicey after the supporting Sarkozy government lost elections. The new government is not keen on subsidising the event as proposed by its predecessors citing the need of funds to combat the economic crisis in the EU.

• Another setback to Bernie Ecclestone has come after the Singapore market, where F1 was to offer its Initial Public Offering (IPO), is not very enthusiastic after the depressed stock markets. If the IPO is not conducted by June, you have to wait to buy your stake in F1 till next year.

• Sea Lion, claimed to be the fastest amphibious car by its creator Marc Witt, is capable of clocking 200 kmph on road and around 100 kmph in water. You could own the water proof amphibian racer for about Rs 1.35 crore without taxes in US.

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.