Ailing auto maker Chrysler is preparing to file for bankruptcy protection as early as next week, irrespective of whether the company reaches a deal with its lenders or forges an alliance with Italian entity Fiat SpA, says a media report.
While the slowdown in the domestic economy and a ban on mining has sharply impacted the demand for medium and heavy commercial vehicles, sales of LCVs rose 15.61 per cent to 378,509 units between April and December, driven by need for products for last mile transportation.
Harman, the premium global audio and infotainment group, which retails brands such as JBL, AKG and Harman-Kardon, is training Indian engineers based at its research and development centre in Bangalore to work on audio components for brands like BMW and Audi. This business contributes an estimated $600 million to the company's sales.
Fiat has revised its India strategy. The car maker, which was among the first western auto companies to enter India, is betting big on SUVs and sporty cars. It no longer wants to compete in the small car segment.
The carmaker wants to enter the fast-growing SUV segment in the country. The off-road pick-ups and luxury SUVs will be the first vehicles from the Chrysler, owned by Fiat, stable to be launched in India.
Fiat India Automobiles Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between Italy-based Fiat SpA and domestic auto major Tata Motors, plans to position the car in the premium hatchback segment along with Maruti Suzuki's Ritz, Hyundai's i20, Skoda's Fabia and to be launched Honda Siel's Jazz, the company said.
Italian car maker Fiat is in talks to acquire 35 per cent stake in ailing American auto major Chrysler, says a media report.
General Motors Corporation, the world's biggest automaker, has identified countries in the Asia-Pacific, including India, as one of its future growth markets.
The operations of Fiat India is unlikely to be affected by a massive restructuring plan announced on Thursday by its parent company in Italy, which involves cutting 12,300 jobs worldwide and closure of 12 factories.
For Hero MotoCorp, India's largest two-wheeler company, it's a calculated gambit to revive Harley-Davidson whose ride in India has been anything but easy since it got here.When automotive firms embark on alliances, it's a roll of the dice on how such marriages will play out.
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