nabanitasingharoy: 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Hyundai Motor India Limited gets Tamil Nadu Green Award 2011-12 for energy efficient manufacturing

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POSTED ON 2012-09-11

Practices taken up by the company have resulted in lowered levels of pollution and dependence on government water supplies. The HMIL plant has a reverse osmosis project which helps to harvest and recycle water. The water tanks in the factory are capable of holding about 2.75 kilo liters of water.

India's largest passenger car exporter has been awarded the prestigious Green Award 2011-12 for sustainable and efficient manufacturing processes used by the company. HMIL has taken up a number of projects that are deemed healthy for systematic growth in the market as also for the environment on the whole.

Apart from being self sufficient in terms of water needs, the factory has also employed solar power sources, LED lights and the installation of auto switch of switches for most of its appliances and equipment. The Green Award is given to those companies who make it a point to care and safeguard the environment on a daily basis through use of renewable sources of energy.

India auto news release: Govt. of Tamil Nadu awards Hyundai Motor India Limited for its initiatives on Environment

HMIL receives 'Green Award 2011-12'

Hyundai Motor India Limited, the country's largest passenger car exporter and the second largest car manufacturer, has been awarded the prestigious 'Green Award' in the large industries category (North Zone) for the year 2011-12 by the Tamil Nadu Government.

HMIL was felicitated for its sustainable water and energy efficient manufacturing practices. HMI has undertaken several initiatives which have reduced environmental pollution and dependence on government sources for water.

The HMIL factory is a zero discharge plant where the used water is recycled by two Reverse Osmosis plants installed inside the factory to facilitate water reuse. HMIL's 4 rain water harvesting ponds have a total capacity of 2.75 lakh kilo litres, thereby helping the factory to be fairly self-sufficient in its water requirements. HMIL has also adopted several energy conservation measures like solar water heater for canteens, Solar light pipe for office lighting, LED lights for streets, Automatic Switch off for many equipments including air conditioners, etc. and its target is to reduce energy consumption by 3-4 % annually.

The prestigious award, announced by the Government of Tamil Nadu, aims to recognize the initiatives taken by the industry in safeguarding the environment and encourages corporates to become more environmentally responsible.

The Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Selvi J. Jayalalithaa gave away the award to Mr. R. Sethuraman, Director-Finance & Corporate Affairs, at a function held in the State Secretariat today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. R. Sethuraman, Director-Finance & Corporate Affairs,Hyundai Motor India Limited, said, "It is indeed an honour to be recognized by the Government of Tamil Nadu for our efforts in environmental sustenance. HMIL has taken its responsibilities very seriously and encourages all stakeholders associated with it to practice environmentally sustainable practices; our initiatives have saved the company over rupees two crores in water bills".

Ford Flat Rock Assembly Plant for production of 2013 Ford Fusion and Mustang: $555 million investment and 1,200 new jobs

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POSTED ON 2012-09-11

Through this venture, Ford hopes to produce a number of vehicles at a single plant by making use of a flexible manufacturing body shop system. Ford will also be upgrading the paint job process which will make the application of 3-wet process easier and without much manual work. This process allows the application of a coat of paint one after the other even when wet which results in creation of a superb product.

With the inauguration of the Flat Rock Assembly plant Ford hopes to create opening for about 1200 hourly jobs and also form the foundation for the assembly and manufacture of the Fusion and Mustang. The inauguration of this new assembly plant radiates the success of the One Ford Plan. Ford will be investing $555 million to create a state of the art flexible and quality assured manufacturing plant.

The ford Fusion is the most preferred mid size sedan by most people as it's available in a wide range of fuel efficient variants which include two EcoBoost powered gasoline engines, a normally aspirated four cylinder engine, a plug in hybrid and a hybrid engine. Apart from these choices, Ford also offers its customers latest technologies which make driving fun, enjoyable and safe.

Auto news release: Ford Opens New Era at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, Source of 1,200 New Jobs and U.S. Production Home of All-New Fusion

Ford celebrates opening of a new era at Flat Rock Assembly Plant, new U.S. production home of the 2013 Ford Fusion as well as the iconic Mustang
Supporting its Fusion production growth plans, Ford is adding 1,200 jobs, a second production shift, and investing $555 million, taking full management control of the former AutoAlliance International plant
Upgraded Flat Rock Assembly Plant will feature a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop and an upgraded paint shop with an environmentally friendly 3-Wet paint process when production begins in 2013
On sale this fall, the 2013 Fusion offers customers the power of choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment

Ford Motor Company and its employees today are opening a new era at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant, complete with a new name, 1,200 additional hourly jobs coming next year and plans to produce the 2013 Ford Fusion midsize sedan.

"The new Flat Rock Assembly Plant symbolizes the growth driven by our One Ford plan," said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. "Ford continues investing in people, products and plants to deliver the head-turning, fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive vehicles people really want, including the all-new Fusion."

Previously known as AutoAlliance International, Flat Rock Assembly is now under the full management control of Ford. The plant continues to be owned by a joint venture that is split 50/50 between Ford and Mazda Motor Corp.

Following the end of Mazda6 production last month, the plant will continue to produce the Mustang before adding Fusion next year.

Flat Rock Assembly will be the U.S. producer of Fusion, employing 2,900 workers on both vehicle lines.

In addition to adding 1,200 new hourly jobs tied to Fusion production, Ford also is investing $555 million to build a state-of-the-art, fully flexible body shop capable of producing multiple vehicles. With each new major plant program, Ford is significantly increasing the flexibility of its equipment and facilities to build multiple vehicles at one location. By 2015, Ford will be able to produce 25 percent more derivatives per plant versus 2011 on a global basis.

Ford also is upgrading the plant's paint shop with an environmentally friendly 3-Wet paint process. The 3-Wet process, which Ford is rolling out across more than 15 assembly plants globally, allows three layers of paint to be applied one after another while still wet, with less manual intervention, resulting in a superior product created with fewer pollutants and less expense.

"By fully incorporating Flat Rock Assembly into our manufacturing system, we are able to take advantage of internal efficiencies that will streamline our ability to produce vehicles," said Jim Tetreault, Ford vice president of North America Manufacturing. "This is critical as we increase our capacity to meet growing customer demand for our products."

Introduced six years ago, Fusion is part of the fastest-growing segment in the U.S. this year – midsize sedans. Ford expects the midsize sedan segment, which totaled 2.1 million vehicles in 2011, to continue growing. Fusion's share of the segment has doubled to 12 percent since it was introduced, and the car has set sales records in five of the first seven months of this year.

On sale this fall, the 2013 Fusion offers customers the power of choice with the broadest selection of fuel-efficient powertrains in the midsize car segment – two EcoBoost-powered gasoline engines, a normally aspirated four-cylinder engine, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Fusion Hybrid's 47 city mpg beats the 2012 Camry Hybrid LE by 4 mpg in the city. The Fusion Energi's MPGe of 100 tops the 2013 Volt's by 2 MPGe.

Fusion also offers consumers seven must-have technologies, including a Lane-Keeping System, adaptive cruise control, active park assist and MyFord Touch®.

Opened in 1987 as Mazda Motor Manufacturing USA, the plant in Flat Rock first produced the Mazda MX-6. In 1992, Ford purchased a 50 percent share in the plant and it was renamed AutoAlliance International. Over the years, the plant produced the Mazda 626, Mazda6, Mercury Cougar and Ford Probe. Mustang production was shifted to the plant in 2005.

Hyundai Motor India Limited gets Tamil Nadu Green Award 2011-12 for energy efficient manufacturing

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POSTED ON 2012-09-11

India auto news release: Govt. of Tamil Nadu awards Hyundai Motor India Limited for its initiatives on Environment

HMIL receives 'Green Award 2011-12'

Dongfeng Honda Concept S Product Film wins German Design Council Automotive Brand Contest 2012 award

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POSTED ON 2012-09-11

The Dongfeng Honda S film was shortlisted for the award from over 350 entries and the jury cited it as being fashionable and appealing to tastes of the current generation. The Concept S features a sleek and aerodynamic body coupled with a sturdy design, front grill, long slit headlights and innovative rhombus shaped fog lamps.

Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co.,Ltd. has announced that the Honda Concept S film won an award at the recently concluded Automotive Brand Contest 2012. This film won the award in the concept car segment. The automotive Brand contest 2012 was organized by the German Design Council and attracts a number of automakers, suppliers and brands.

The car is also infused with many technical aspects which further accentuate the look and feel of this car. This model has been designed keeping in mind the needs and expectations of the Chinese customer. The mass production model will be displayed at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show and will be launched for the consumer markets in 2013.

Dongfeng Honda Concept S Product Film Introduced at the Beijing Motor Show Wins an Award in the Automotive Brand Contest 2012 Video

Auto news release: Dongfeng Honda Concept S Product Film Introduced at the Beijing Motor Show Wins an Award in the Automotive Brand Contest 2012

Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. announced that its product film featuring the Concept S, which was first introduced at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, won an award within the concept car category of the Automotive Brand Contest 2012 organized by the German Design Council.

Concept S

The Automotive Brand Contest includes the participation of automakers and related suppliers, and evaluates international automotive brand designs. While more than 350 entries were submitted in this year's contest, Dongfeng Honda's Concept S product film was highly evaluated as it successfully appeals to the fashionable and urban charm of the vehicle.

The film highlights the styling design of the vehicle's upper body that features a gentle streamlined curve, slim pillars and the large front glass which generates the image of a large field of vision and transparency as well as the sturdy design of the lower body. Moreover, the design of the front grill, long-slit headlights and innovative and unique rhombus-shaped fog lights strongly express the advanced technologies applied to this vehicle.

In order to offer value that exceeds the expectations of Chinese customers, Honda developed the Concept S as a global model based on the needs of Chinese customers. From the initial stage of product planning, Chinese associates worked together with Japanese development team members to study the lifestyles of younger generations in China. The mass production model based on the Concept S will be exhibited at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, and will go on sale in 2013 through Dongfeng Honda.

Chrysler Group 2013 SRT Viper and 2013 SRT Viper GTS price

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Auto news release: Chrysler Group Announces Pricing for 2013 SRT Viper Models

Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand's flagship performance machine returns with more power and performance, superior craftsmanship, new technologies and creature comforts
Two new models include SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS
All-aluminum, mid-front 8.4-liter V-10 engine delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world
Triple-digit weight reduction results in Viper best power-to-weight ratio
Dealer orders expected to open in mid-November 2012

The Chrysler Group's Street and Racing Technology (SRT) brand today announced pricing for the two models of the all-new 2013 SRT Viper.

2013 SRT Viper
Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the 2013 SRT Viper model is $97,395 (excluding $1,995 destination)
The SRT Viper offers a blend of extreme performance and deliberate preservation of what has become the iconic DNA of the Viper to deliver a supercar that continues to bring the driver as close as possible to the machine

2013 SRT Viper GTS
MSRP for the 2013 SRT Viper GTS model is $120,395 (excluding $1,995 destination)
The SRT Viper GTS builds on the DNA of the SRT Viper model with more technologically advanced solutions, like two-mode active suspension, to allow this world-class GTS to find new capabilities on the track while also opening up its envelope as a more premium and mature evolution of the classic, extreme performance formula

Under the hood of both models is the all-aluminum, mid-front 8.4-liter V-10 engine that delivers 640 horsepower and 600 lb.-ft. of torque – the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car engine in the world.

Both SRT Viper and SRT Viper GTS models offer new interior and exterior designs incorporating premium materials. New exterior surfaces with aerodynamically functional details are beautifully integrated into the high-tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin, which helps produce a triple-digit weight reduction and a Viper best power-to-weight ratio.

On the inside, designers and engineers strived to rethink all touch points; and upgrade all material appointments and technologies.

Production of the iconic supercar will begin at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit – the home for Viper since 1995 – in November 2012. Dealer orders are expected to begin in mid-November 2012.

Chrysler Group 2013 SRT Viper and 2013 SRT Viper GTS price announced: Street and Racing Technology (SRT)

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POSTED ON 2012-09-11

These features will enable this car to perform superbly as a machine which allows the driver to get a feel of the working product. The SRT Viper GTS is priced at $120,395, which excludes the 1995 dollars destination charge. The car is an embodiment of advanced technological solutions, suspensions as also premium and extreme performance formula.

SRT enthusiasts will be finally relieved as Chrysler group has announced the pricing for two new models of the new 2013 SRT Viper. The 2013 SRT Viper the basic model will be priced at $97,395 which excludes the 1995 dollars destination charge. This model has been imbued with select performance, sleek looks and deliberate preservation which are the trademarks of the Viper model.

These models are powered by the 8.4 liter V10 engine capable of delivering 640 hp or power along with 600 lb-ft of torque. The interiors and exteriors of these models have been redone and one will find a whole new package awaiting them. The exteriors have features like aerodynamic details, high tech carbon fiber and aluminum skin which transforms into a triple digit weight reduction offering a better power to weight ratio. Superior craftsmanship and new interiors are the outstanding features of the new 2013 SRT Viper models. Production of these models will begin in November 2012, at the Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit.

VW passenger cars 11.5% sales growth for January-August 2012

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Auto news release: Volkswagen Passenger Cars delivers 3.72 million vehicles in period to August / +11.5 percent

Volkswagen Passenger Cars increased deliveries to customers in the period from January to August by 11.5 percent to 3.72 (January-August 2011: 3.34) million vehicles. The brand reported a 19.7 percent increase for the month of August, handing over 466,300 (August 2011: 389,600) units. "Developments at Volkswagen Passenger Cars remain very stable and the brand enjoyed growth in August, some of it strong, particularly outside Europe. However, the ongoing difficult market environment in Western Europe continues to demand our undivided attention", Christian Klingler, Board Member for Sales and Marketing for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand, said.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars handed over 1.15 (1.13) million vehicles to customers on the overall European market in the period to August, representing an increase of 2.0 percent. The brand generated growth in particular in Central and Eastern Europe, where deliveries rose by 36.6 percent to 177,900 (130,200) units. In Russia, the region's largest single market, deliveries increased to 108,900 (66,900; +62.8 percent) units. In Western Europe (excluding Germany), on the other hand, the number of vehicles handed over to customers fell by 5.3 percent to 574,500 (606,400) as a result of the difficult situation on the overall market. On the home market of Germany, Volkswagen Passenger Cars increased deliveries by 1.6 percent to 401,200 (394,700) units.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the brand grew deliveries 15.8 percent from January to August, handing over 1.46 (1.26) million vehicles to customers, of which 1.32 (1.13; +16.3 percent) million units were delivered in China (incl. Hong Kong), the region's largest single market. The brand also performed very well on the American continent in the period from January to August, increasing deliveries in the North America region by 26.0 percent to 404,000 (320,700) units. Growth was especially strong in the USA, where customers took possession of 286,800 (208,400; +37.6 percent) new vehicles in the period to August. In South America, deliveries rose by 10.8 percent to 567,300 (511,700) units.

VW passenger cars 11.5% sales growth for January-August 2012: Volkswagen India sales decline for past 5 months

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POSTED ON 2012-09-11

In the Asia-Pacific region, the brand saw an increase of 15.8% with China leading with sales of 1.32 million units. The American markets too saw an increase in sales with the North American, USA and South American markets registering an increase of 26.0%, 37.6% and 10.8% respectively. Sales in India has been poor with Volkswagen unable to register sales increase ever since April 2012.

Volkswagen has registered a growth of 11.5% during the period from January to August due with sale of 3.72 million units. This led to an increase of 19.7% for the month of August. There were 466,300 units that were sold in the month of August as compared to the 389,600 units sold in August 2011. The European market saw an increase of 2.0 percent with the sale of 1.15 million units. Central and Eastern European saw an increase in deliveries by 36.6 percent while Russia saw an increase of 62.8%. The German market didn't fare so well and registered a drop in sale by 5.3% owing to difficult market conditions. The German home market registered an increase of 1.6% with sale of 401,200 units.

VW has been dealing with sales decline ever since April 2012. Car sales decline of 16.3% was registered for April and June 2012 with 15,539 units sold. In response, production was reduced by 30% to 17,533 units for the quarter. In June 2012, VoW sold 5,371cars as compared to 5,397 cars sold in June 2011 here. In July 2012, Volkswagen India sold 5,357 units registering 20% sales decline when compared to uly 2011. 3,498 Polo hatchback units and 1,546 Vento sedan units were sold. Current sales trends aren't conducive to Volkswagen Group's 10% share targets in the Indian market by 2018. For January to June 2012, 3.4% sales decline has beein recorded for VW India with 36,386 cars sold as compared to 37,678 units sold in Q1 and Q2 of 2011.