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Auto Expo: Government plans for new policy, companies launch new products (Roundup)
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) The Central government on Thursday said that it plans to frame a new “Automobile Policy” keeping in mind the industry’s concerns and growth needs and also urged companies to shift towards lower emissions on the second pre-open day of the 14th edition of the Auto Expo.
In his address at the inauguration of the Auto Expo 2018, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Public Sector Enterprises Anant Geete said that the aim will be to have a growth-oriented, industry and consumer friendly policy for the sector.
He assured the industry that the government will hold consultations with it before framing the new policy.
“The ministry has decided to draft a new automobile policy which will be industry and consumer friendly. We will consult everyone before framing the policy, especially the industry associations such as SIAM and ACMA,” Geete said.
“We also want to make some changes in the yardsticks of taxation, and all these issues will be included in the new auto policy after due consultation with all the stakeholders.”
Company-wise, 21 exhibitors unveiled over 16 products and launched 8 new offerings on the second pre-open days at the India Expo Mart located in Greater Noida.
Automobile major Maruti Suzuki launched the third generation of its iconic brand — Swift — hatchback priced at between Rs 4.99 lakh and Rs 6.96 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the petrol variant. The diesel powered version starts from Rs 5.99 lakh to Rs 7.96 lakh.
Luxury automobile manufacturer BMW launched the new M3 sedan priced at Rs 1.30 crore and new M4 Coupe at Rs 1.33 crore.
Further, the company launched Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) — X6 xDrive35i M Sport — priced at Rs 94.15 lakh on the second pre-open day of the Auto Expo 2018.
According to the company, all the three new offerings are available at its dealerships as completely built-up units.
Besides, the rush of unveilings and new product introductions, the second pre-open day of the event saw the entry of “Cleveland CycleWerks” which launched two bikes.
On the e-mobility front, Bird Group and Swedish electric carmaker Uniti announced the commencement of a joint market analysis to bring an affordable, electric city car to the Indian market by 2020 with a price tag starting from Rs 7.14 lakh.
The UM Lohia Two Wheelers unveiled Renegade Thor which is the world’s first electric cruiser with a starting price of Rs 4.9 lakh. The company also unveiled the “Renegade Duty S” and the “Renegade Duty Ace”.
Start-up firm Twenty Two Motors launched India’s first “AI-enabled, cloud-connected scooter” — FLOW — priced at Rs 74,740.
On the suppliers side, global player MAHLE showcased its new technologies for “clean air and lower emissions”.
Engineering company, Greaves Cotton launched two new powertrain solutions for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions to address both the alternate fuel and electric vehicle segments.
Tyre major Goodyear showcased its “BHO3” concept tyre which it claims can charge electric vehicles’ battery as it moves. The company also showcased a spherical-shaped concept tyre “Eagle-360” for autonomous cars.
The day’s event was attended by renowned personalities like Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, actress Sonakshi Sinha, former Indian Cricket captain Mohammed Azharudin and cricketer Gautam Gambhir.
The 14th edition of the “Auto Expo — The Motor Show” 2018 will be opened for the public from Friday, whereas February 7 and 8 were reserved for the media and exhibitors.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.