Robust Indian car market looks set to boost the momentum in finished vehicle logistics

After recording strong figures between April and November 2009, small car sales are expected to continue to grow next year, on account of numerous planned launches in 2010. However, while the robust Indian car market will benefit the finished vehicle logistics players, a modal shift toward rail will reduce the share of road in the Indian finished vehicle logistics market over the next few years.

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Revolo joint venture has great potential for hybrid market

India-based engineering and IT development firm KPIT Cummins and automotive component manufacturer Bharat Forge have formed a joint venture for the mass production of the Revolo system, a new plug-in mild hybrid solution which can be retrofitted to vehicles. While details of the technology are limited at present, the Revolo system's potential both in India and further afield is enormous.

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Reva/GoinGreen: going for greener cities

As city centers become more congested, and conventional fuel becomes more expensive, the demand for clean and economical urban travel is increasing. Reva's electric car is already on trial with GoinGreen, and the first of a 500 strong order will be shipped out this month. As the Reva is both tiny and non-polluting, it may yet become a common sight in European cities.

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Renault: finally moving into China

Renault [RNO.PA], one of Europe's largest car manufacturers and a major global player, has reportedly signed a 50:50 joint venture with Dongfeng Motor to produce vehicles in the southern city of Shenzhen. Renault is the latest in a long list of foreign automakers to invest in the country, but overseas companies must target their products carefully to maximize returns.

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Renault: cheap and cheerful

The Logan is the first vehicle in Renault's [RNO.PA] X90 series, which is at the heart of its strategy to target emerging markets. Renault's concept of producing budget vehicles under a different brand identity should prove successful in those regions, where affordability is key. However, it runs the risk of denting its image if it compromises too much on the build quality of the vehicle.

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Renault/Nissan: moving ever closer

Having already increased their holding stakes in each other's companies, Renault and Nissan are now stepping up the collaboration in production and sales. The two will now share up to 10 vehicle platforms and eight engines in a venture that is becoming increasingly successful.<BR />

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Renault/Nissan: defensive relations

The automakers will also increase their cross-shareholdings, in a move designed to protect both companies from a hostile takeover. The merits of such defensive strategies in general are debatable, but this particular deal just seems bizarre. None of the companies large enough to buy Renault and Nissan are currently in anything like a position to do so.

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Renault/Nissan: closer together

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Renault-Nissan/VW: sharing systems or modules for profit?

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Renault Trucks: commitment to China

Renault Trucks has signed an agreement with Chinese Truck manufacturer Dong Feng Motors. This joint venture, together with another truck production deal in the country, will reinforce Volvo Group's position in the growing Chinese commercial vehicles market, as well as offering it an advantage in the component sector.

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