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India a Big Trade Mart for the Automobile sector

The automotive sector is one of the prime drivers of Indian economy. Economic liberalization policies adopted by government of India have primarily propelled India into the big league, with many global automotive players seeking to establish their operations in India. In fact in the last five years, India has turned into a big trade mart for the Automobile Industry, registering a growth rate of 15-27 percent.

And interestingly, the rise of Indian middle class and the simultaneous rise of the economy over the past few years have only charmed global auto majors to the Indian market. Moreover, India’s highly trained cheaper workforce has only added to its emerging status as a global manufacturing hub. All these plus points of the Indian markets on one hand and the recession faced by the auto sector in the developed markets like Europe, US and Japan on the other, have only resulted in increased capital flow to the Indian automobile sector.

Moreover, Indian car manufacturers are earning rare reviews in the wider world. According to Global 200: The World’s Best Corporate Reputations List, compiled by US-based Reputation Institute, India automaker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) has earned the status of being the fourth most reputed auto company in the world, even ahead of its parent company Suzuki Motor Co of Japan.

Indian a big mart for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

Tata and Mahindra & Mahindra are the leading names in the Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) segment, creating waves on the global arena too. And given the stiff competition, Indian OEMs are continually upgrading their technology and are producing superior quality vehicles.

Indian original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) like Tata and Mahindra & Mahindra are leading from the front on the global scene. And with India Inc facing increased competition from the global players, Indian OEMs have also been upgrading their technology and are manufacturing better-quality vehicles.

‘Economical Engineering’ has being the flavour of the Indian automotive industry, with Indian OEMs making the best use of its cost-efficient and highly –skilled work force. Also, the skillfulness of their suppliers has helped them in reducing costs and the manufacturing time. In fact, OEMs all across the globe are making a beeline to India to gain access to India-based design and development centers.

Production

In the recent years, India has emerged as the big mart for foreign automotive manufacturers.

• Japanese auto major, Nissan Motor Co, has chosen India among the five low-cost countries to manufacture its GenNext compact cars, including the Micra.

• Hyundai has converted India into its global hub for manufacturing small cars. By 2013, the company plans to invest US$ 1 billion in its second plant in Chennai. The company is also planning to invest US$ 40 million in its R&D facility in Hyderabad.

• General Motors till date has invested around US$ 1 billion into its Indian operations. The factory of its small car, Spark has been set up in Maharashtra, with an investment of US$ 300 million. The company also intends to make India its focal point for manufacturing of export engines, power trains as well as cars for neighbouring countries like the US and Europe.

• Mercedes-Benz plans to invest around US$ 64. 21 million in its plant near Pune. The plant will apparently have a production capacity of 2,500 trucks and buses and 10,000 cars over two shifts every year.

• Renault has entered into partnership with Nissan Motors to set up a manufacturing facility near Chennai at a cost of US$ 901.35 million to manufacture 400,000 cars annually.

• Skoda Auto is planning to make India its regional manufacturing hub. The company plans to start manufacturing cars in India by 2010 with a target of 50,000 units.

• Tata Motors plans to manufacture 80,000 units of its much awaited Nano at its Pantnagar plant in Uttarakhand in 2009-10. The mother facility at Sanand, in Gujarat, may be fully operational by 2010-11 and will have a capacity of producing 1, 50,000 cars annually.

Exports

Export figures of 2008-09 are a testimony to India’s growing status as big trade mart for the automobile industry. As per the data released by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers, the passenger car sales in the overseas markets registered a growth of 63.01 pe+r cent during April-January 2008-09.

Exports scaled up to 2, 71,999 units as against 1, 66,859 units in the corresponding period in the previous year.

The growth in exports is primarily driven by Hyundai Motor India, followed by other auto companies such as MSIL, Mahindra Renault, Fiat India Automobiles, General Motors India and Honda Siel Cars India.

During April-December 2008, Hyundai Motors registered a growth of 100 per cent in exports with 198,600 units.

At 620,880 units as of December 2008, Bajaj Auto has clocked an increase of more than 35 per cent in exports.

Mergers& Acquisitions (M&As)

M&As have emerged as the key driving force in the Indian automobile industry. Recognizing India’s potential as a big automobile trade mart, Japanese, European, Korean, French, Italian and American automobile companies have either set up their manufacturing base in India or have joined hands with Indian automotive firms to launch new products in the Indian market. The list comprises Toyota, Renault, Nissan, Fiat, Kawasaki, Honda, Cummins and many more. Even, Indian companies have gone ahead and acquired foreign automobile companies to strengthen its presence in the global market.

One of the most publicized acquisitions in 2008 has been that of Jaguar-Land Rover by Tata Motors for US$ 2.3 billion. Even Mahindra & Mahindra had taken over three Italian companies — G R Grafica Ricerca, Metalcastello and Engines Engineering, during that period.

Other significant developments in this area include:

• Tata Motors,is planning to set up a dealership network for Jaguar-Land Rover in India. • The Auto Park established in Andhra Pradesh has received a whopping investment over US$ 401.55 million from about 34 automotive ancillary units.

• Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd (TKM) will be investing an added US$ 311 and around 83 million in its second plant, thereby taking the total investment in the plant to US$ 641.74 million.

Preserving Growth

• Mercedes Benz India witnessed strong growth in 2008 with 3,625 cars (46 per cent growth), 240 trucks (53 per cent growth) and 16 bus chassis being sold.

• BMW India sold over 2,500 units in 2008. In January 2009, for the first time ever, BMW beat Mercedes Benz in terms of sales, by selling 270 cars and sports utility vehicles (SUV) while Mercedes Benz, sold 89 units in January 2009.

• Audi reported sales of 1,050 units in 2008, a three times rise over 2007.

Luxury models to be launched soon include:

• BMW India launched the new BMW 3 Series for India in January 2009.

• German sports car maker Porsche will be introducing its Panamera in September 2009, which will be priced over US$ 1, 72,344.

• Skoda Auto India will be launching its three new variants of its hatchback Fabia in 2009. The company will also introduce a sports utility vehicle Yeti, in 2010.

India a big mart for Small Cars & Hybrid Cars

Electric car Reva is very much popular in South India. Other markets are also coming under its influence with too much emphasis now on going green these days. Few other car manufacturers like Hero Electric and M&M are also planning to launch electric versions.

The euphoria that Nano car generated has also inspired other auto giants to cash in on the massive potential of the small car segment.

According to the survey carried out by Invest India Incomes
and Savings Survey 2007, by IIM Data works and another study by CRISIL Research, there is a colossal demand for entry level cars in India. And as per the survey there is a demand for 1.6 million small cars in India. So naturally, all auto giants have pulled up their socks towards capitalizing in on the prospect of this segment.

1. Fiat plans to roll out ‘Grande Punto’—plan in the new small car segment.

2. General Motors plans to launch its new mini car next year from its Talegaon plant, close to Pune.

3. Tata Motors is all set to offer new version of its Indica.

4. Honda intends to unveil ‘Jazz’, while Volkswagen plans to launch Indianised version of its popular ‘Polo compact.

5. Even Toyota and General Motors may join the bandwagon by 2010.

6. India launched its first hybrid car, Honda’s ‘Civic’, in June 2008, Indian majors like Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra are also planning to launch hybrid cars.

7. BMW also plans to launch its hybrid car to India.

Automotive Mission Plan 2006–2016 to Sustain India’s Status as Big Trade Mart for Automobiles

The idea behind Automotive Mission Plan (AMP) 2006–2016 is help India emerge as a big trade mart for design and manufacture of automobiles and auto components.

As per the AMP, India would continue to be largest tractor and three-wheeler manufacturers in the world and also world’s second largest two-wheeler manufacturer. By 2016, India will be the world’s seventh largest car producer and fourth largest truck manufacturer. Moreover, by 2016, the automotive sector would contribute 10 percent to country’s GDP from current level five per cent.

L.a. Economy Relies on Aerospace and Oil

The mere mention of Los Angeles is enough to make most of us think of the city’s wonderful climate, movie stars and the Hollywood sign. Many forget that Los Angeles is a business and manufacturing powerhouse, too. In fact, the city’s bustling economy, which is built on international trade, music, television and the movies, aerospace, technology, oil, fashion and tourism, makes the City of the Angels the biggest manufacturing center in the United States.

One of the best ways to zero in on the industrial sectors that make the Los Angeles economy so powerful is to look more closely at the five Fortune 500 corporations that make Los Angeles their home Listed in alphabetical order according to the business sector they represent, these corporations are Northrop Grumman (aerospace), Occidental Petroleum (energy), Health Net (health care), KB Home (home building) and Reliance Steel & Aluminum (metals).

Here’s a synopsis of each of these five corporations:

Founded in 1927 in Denver, Colorado, aerospace and defense contractor Northrop Grumman now calls Los Angeles its home base. With estimated annual revenues of 30 billion dollars and more than 120,000 employees worldwide, Northrop Grumman is the third biggest U.S. defense contractor and the number one maker of naval vessels for the U.S. Navy. Northrop Grumman’s Corporate Headquarters are located at 1840 Century Park East, Los Angeles, California.

Nicknamed «OXY» after its trading symbol on the New York Stock Exchange, Occidental Petroleum is America’s fourth largest oil and gas company. Headquartered at 10889 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, OXY employs about 9000 workers at locations in the United States, the Middle East, North Africa and South America. Occidental Petroleum is the biggest Texas oil producer and also California’s number one producer of natural gas.

Health Net, Inc., provides HMO, POS, PPO and other managed health care solutions to almost seven million customers in all 50 states. Health Net, which is formally based in Woodland Hills, one of many districts within the city of Los Angeles, came under national scrutiny in 2007 when a California woman sued the company, claiming it had wrongly discontinued her care during chemotherapy. As of this writing, the case is still pending in the courts.

Originally launched in 1957 as Kaufman & Broad, KB Homes is one of America’s biggest homebuilders. KB Homes erected homes for some 37,000 American families in 2005, the last year for which this kind of data was available. Based in Los Angeles, KB Homes has four main divisions within the United States: West Coast (California), Southwest (Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico), Central (Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana and Texas) and Southeast (Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia). KB Homes’ Corporate Headquarters are located at 10990 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, California.

A hometown success story, Reliance Steel & Aluminum was established in 1939 at Los Angeles, where it originally manufactured steel reinforcing bar. Today, the company sells a complete line of over 60,000 metal products at over 180 locations in the United States, Belgium, Canada, China and South Korea. Still true to its roots, Reliance directs its global operations from its Corporate Headquarters at 350 South Grand Avenue, Suite 5100, Los Angeles, California.

Contact the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce at 350 South Bixel Street, Los Angeles, California, for more information about the Los Angeles economy.

How To Choose A Toddler Travel Bed

How to Choose a Toddler Travel Bed

Though it is fairly simple to pick out a crib for your infant when they are that size, or perhaps not even born yet, it can be a lot harder to pick out a toddler bed when your infant graduates to this stage. You can’t apply the same tactics and rationale for choosing a toddler bed as you did with a crib-as this stage requires something very different. Whereas a crib needs to be sturdy and hard to get out of-and most probably, aesthetically pleasing-a toddler bed has different needs. In this article we address the most important specifications of a toddler travel bed to help you buy one that is safe and convenient for you and your toddler.

Toddler Travel Bed Assembly

If you were trying to buy a toddler bed that was just for your home, and certain not to be moved for a time-until your toddler graduated into the next stage of his/her development; than you would not need to worry about how much assembly was necessary. If, however, you will be buying a toddler travel bed, you need to make sure-for your own convenience and sanity-that it is easy to assemble and disassemble when traveling to and then bunking down for the night. As we all know, a parent who is watching a toddler doesn’t have much time before they are into something else, and this is why having a toddler travel bed that is easy to assemble is key.

Toddler Travel Bed Sturdiness

Another necessary component to a good toddler travel bed is sturdiness. Though this can often be overlooked when looking for a bed that can be transportable, it is necessary to spend more money so that your bed is not just transportable, but also, sturdy. The last thing you want is your toddler spilling out of the bed in the middle of the night and getting into something unsafe. The toddler travel bed you select should contain some built in safeguards to keep your child safely snug throughout the night.

Toddler Travel Bed Size & Depth

Another good thing to look for-though this should be secondary to the last two-is a toddler travel bed that is compact and hopefully, somewhat lightweight. If you aren’t likely to travel that much while your child is a toddler; then perhaps, it does not matter; but if you will be staying over at their grandparents’ or your friend’s houses often; it is worthwhile to spend a bit more and get a bed that is large enough for your toddler, but still compact enough to move and transport in the car.

Another key component to a travel bed for your toddler that will be safe and transportable is the depth. Just like a crib, you need to be able to have a bed that is deep enough in so that the toddler cannot get out without your help.

Toddler Travel Bed Comfort

Lastly, it is very important that your toddler be comfortable while away. It is hard enough on a toddler sleeping in a new place-as we all know-without the bed they are sleeping on feeling like cardboard. This is why you should look for a toddler travel bed that has a well rated mattress to go in it. It doesn’t have to be that thick-just thick enough to provide some cushion on a platform or floor.

How Select the Right Hotel Facilities Will Help to Make Your Trip More Pleasurable?

From youngsters to the young-at-heart, from morning to night, from active to passive — luxury hotels offer something to suit everyone: From restaurants & bars, swimming pools, sports or children’s facilities to business arrangements; everything is waiting for you!

The kind of hotel you choose depends on why you want a hotel and what facilities you need. If you are looking for official meetings or business delegate meets, then you have to choose a hotel, which has the best conference and other facilities available. For example, the Grecotel hotel in Greece is famous for its conference facilities. The hotel’s conference and banqueting facilities have played host to numerous international meetings, seminars and conferences.
The conference rooms accommodate from 12 to 350 persons and can be fully equipped with all technical requirements. All conference rooms have natural light and offer spectacular sea and garden views. The professional yet friendly service combined with superb catering, entertainment and sports facilities assure the most memorable events on the island of Crete.

If your reason of visit is personal, and you are on a vacation, then you have to choose a hotel based on the service, food and recreation activities. Most luxury hotels have gyms, swimming pools, spas, beauty salons, lounge bars and everything that you want to make your vacation perfect. The Mandarin Oriental in Washington is famous for its ambience and amenities. This grand hotel has one of the most extensive selections of accommodation — from main building rooms, bungalows and suites to Royal Pavilions with private pools.
The Mandarin Oriental offers refined luxury and superlative service, with a decor that gently combines Asian and American influences. Each of the 400 units offers district or water views. Rooms are decorated with silk Thai tapestries, offering posh elegance designed to soothe the mind, body and spirit. Amenities include an award-winning spa and fitness facility. Ample car parking is available for all guests.

Just as important as the ambience, is the attentive yet unobtrusive staff. From maids to managers their quality service with a personal touch is what makes so many guests come back year after year.

How To Use Your Blog to Market Your Business

Have you just started blogging? Or have you been blogging for a while? As you may already know, a blog is an excellent tool to let the world know about your business or your product, to connect with potential customers and promote your expertise. But how can you maximize your blog’s impact? Here are five tips to do just that:

• Blog Consistently. Many business owners get excited about blogging, post 3-6 times, and then promptly forget about the blog. I have seen many blogs that were started a year or two ago, have a grand total of five posts, and haven’t been updated since sometime last year.

To get the desired effect (search engine and human traffic), you need to update your blog on a regular basis. Search engines love new content and keep coming back to index it. Potential customers also like new content; it’s what keeps them coming back to read your blog.

• Use Your Blog For Branding. Your blog is an extension of your business, so make your blog have a look and feel that mirrors that of your business web site.

If your blog is hosted on the same domain as your web site, you should match the look and feel of your web site exactly. This will be more difficult to achieve if a third party provider hosts your blog. However, you should still aim to present the same brand image.

• Use Search Engine Optimization To Optimize Each Blog Post. The purpose of your blog is to get people who are in your target market to read your posts and enter your sphere of influence. Traffic from search engines does not cost any money, and it is a great way to get potential customers to your blog.

Treat each one of your blog posts as a separate file to be optimized for search engines. Use a keyword research tool to find phrases that are related to the main subject of the post, and weave them into the content of the post.

• Have A Special Offer On Your Blog. Do you offer a free special report? Do you offer a mini course as a bonus for new newsletter subscribers? Add the offer to your blog. This will transform people from casual surfers who just happened to find your blog to newsletter subscribers.

• Share Information About Your Events, Products and Seminars. You might think that everyone has already heard about your upcoming teleclass on life and work balance or your e-book about achieving financial success. Not so! The person reading your blog might be hearing about you for the very first time, so they have no idea about your teleseminars or products unless you specifically tell them.

Avoid overselling, as it will dramatically reduce the number of your blog readers. Do, however, let your blog readers know about your seminars and products. If you don’t tell them, nobody will.

A blog is an excellent tool to generate additional web site traffic, get new newsletter subscribers and sell more products. Use your blog to introduce potential customers to your business.