This week in Auto: Tata launches Nexon, Mahindra-Ford explore partnership

A Tata Nexon Geneva Edition car is seen during the 87th International Motor Show at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland March 8, 2017. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann - RTS11YU8

The auto industry saw an action-packed week with multiple launches and some strategically important announcements made. As the industry enters the festive season, car makers are bending their backs on sprucing production schedules to meet the rising retail demand.

Here is a list of all the important developments of the week form the automotive world:

Tata Motors launches Nexon at Rs 5.85 lakh

Tata Motors launched the most-awaited car of the year, the compact sports utility vehicle (SUV) Nexon at Rs 5.85 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The vehicle, which is actually a cross between a hatchback and a SUV, is targeted at the urban buyer and as an alternative to Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Ford Ecosport.

The company mentioned that the prices are introductory in nature which means they could be revised later. Each of the four variants sports twin airbags (driver and passenger side) which is a first in the segment. While company officials did not specify sales targets sources say that at least 6,000 per month of volumes are expected from the Nexon.

Mahindra-Ford to explore alliance for product development, electric cars

Sports utility vehicle specialist Mahindra & Mahindra and US giant Ford will explore a strategic alliance in areas of product development, future mobility, electric and connected vehicles.

Teams from both companies will collaborate and work together for a period of up to three years. Any further strategic cooperation between the two companies will be decided at the end of that period, both the companies said.

Mahindra showcases driverless tractor

Tractor market leader Mahindra & Mahindra showcased tractors which can be fully and semi-autonomous which can run on pre-defined route, tracked by GPS and aided by the internet. The launch is subject to regulatory clearance from the government.

The company said it will launch the semi-autonomous version as early as February 2018 and a fully autonomous version could follow later next year or in 2019. The fully driverless version could cost about Rs 1 lakh more than the current versions.

Mahindra set to buy companies in Turkey for Rs 800cr

Mumbai-based Mahindra & Mahindra has agreed to 100 percent equity in Erkunt Traktor Sanayii AS, the fourth biggest tractor company in Turkey as well as buy 80 percent in a foundry company Erkunt Sanayi AS for a consideration of Rs 800 crore.

This acquisition, which will be done through internal accruals, not only gives M&M a foothold in the Turkish tractor market but also gives access to Erkunt’s high power tractors which features air-conditioned cabin as compared to open-air tractors of M&M. Erkunt has the second largest dealer network in Turkey with 95 dealers.

Ducati launches SuperSport, Toyota launches Fortuner TRD Sportivo

Italian superbike maker Ducati launched two new bikes in India SuperSport priced at Rs 12.08 lakh and SuperSport S priced at Rs 13.39 lakh just as the market enters the festive season. Powered by twin cylinders both bikes have a 937cc engine that generates 110hp of peak power.

Toyota Kirloskar has launched the Fortuner TRD Sportivo, the sportier edition of the premium SUV at Rs 31.01 lakh. The vehicle is powered by a 2.8 litre diesel engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential and paddle shift.

 Renault opens bookings for Captur

French car major Renault unveiled the premium SUV Captur which could hit the markets next month. Bookings have been opened for the vehicle for Rs 25,000. The Captur, which will be positioned against the Hyundai Creta, Mahindra XUV500, Tata Hexa and Jeep Compass, is based on the successful platform of the Duster SUV.

The Captur will come with both petrol and diesel powertrains. The petrol variant it will be powered by a 4-cylinder, 1.5-litre engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, producing peak power of  106PS at 5,600rpm. The diesel version will be powered by a 1.5-litre unit mated to a six-speed manual, delivering a maximum power of 110PS at 4,000rpm.