AutoQ is our weekly round up of the top automotive stories.
1. Maruti Suzuki Slashes Prices on Select Models by Rs 5,000
The country's largest car maker Maruti Suzuki India on Wednesday, 25 September reduced the prices of select models by Rs 5,000, on the ex-showroom prices.
These models include all variants of Alto 800, Alto K10, Swift Diesel, Celerio, Baleno Diesel, Ignis, Dzire Diesel, Tour S Diesel, Vitara Brezza and S-Cross, MSI said in a statement.
These models are priced in the range of Rs 2.93 lakh and Rs 11.49 lakh. The new prices will be applicable from 25 September 2019, across the country.
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2. Won’t Allow Driverless Cars in India, Says Nitin Gadkari
Driving enthusiasts in India, you’ll probably never see or get to sit in one of those autonomous or driver-less cars in the country. Union minister for Road Transport and Highways and MSME Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said he will not allow driver-less cars in India as these could take away jobs of several lakh people in the country.
"Several big personalities from the country met me and said they want to bring driver-less vehicles to India. I clearly told them that until I am there, I shall not allow driver-less cars in India. I was asked whether I oppose new technology. I said not at all.
"There are 40 lakh drivers in the country and a shortage of 25 lakh drivers. I will not let the jobs of 1 crore people be snatched away," Gadkari said.
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3. KTM 790 Duke Launched in India, Priced At Rs 8.64 Lakh
4. Ford Lets Mahindra Take Control Of Its Operations in India
Ford India is likely to sign a new joint-venture agreement with Mahindra next week, in which the latter will own a 51 percent stake, according to a Reuters report. The report quotes sources saying that the deal “will see the US car maker end most of its independent operations in the country.”
According to the report, Ford will retain its engine plant in Sanand, Gujarat, but will transfer most of its automotive assets and employees to the new joint-venture company.
Ford also adds that it won’t be downsizing operations and won’t comment on speculative news reports. Mahindra did not offer comment on this.
Read the story here.
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