RISING DEMAND FOR COMPACT CARS

India could become a global production hub for hatchbacks as stringent emission norms come into play.

India has attracted the attention of the global automotive industry because of the impressive growth in the sector, particularly in the small car market, and its future potential in the country. Indian governments “Automotive Mission Plan 2006-16” talks about “building India as a small car hub”

2010 is going to be definitive year for Indian motoring. From Nissan to Porsche to our very own TATA Motors, all are lining up new models and variants for the Indian buyers. With new, exotic brands rolling in, the compact segment will see a close race this year.

Analyses show that hatchbacks are largely powered by petrol engines & have small carbon footprints. Hatchbacks can continue to be powered by next-generation internal combustion engine and still meet emission requirements beyond 2015. But bigger cars will need to adopt either hybrid or fully electric-propulsion system by 2015.

Considering all the features that a small car can pack, even those who can afford bigger cars are opting for the small ones. There are other benefits to smallness: less stress in driving and parking, since there is shortage of space on roads and parking areas in cities; less consumption of raw material, which means lesser fuel needed to run cars… etc… etc…

TAKE A STEP FORWARD. START A COFFEE PROCESSING UNIT.

The coffee industry of India is the 6th largest producer of coffee in the world, accounting for over 4% of world coffee production, with the bulk of all production taking place in its Southern states. India is most noted for its Monsoon variety. It is believed that coffee has been cultivated in India longer than anywhere outside of the Arabian Peninsula.

There are over 170,000 coffee farms in India, cultivating nearly 900,000 acres of coffee trees. Most coffee production in India is on small farms, with over 90% of all farms consisting of 10 acres or fewer. However, such farms account for just over half of all land used for coffee production and a minority of all coffee produced. Most coffee in India is grown in three states: Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamilnadu. These states accounted for over 92% of India's coffee production.

Demand for coffee in the country has been growing very fast. Traditionally only South Indian States were considered as the market for coffee. But in recent years, coffee has acquired a national presence & demand for coffee is growing much faster in the non-south regions. Between 2003 & 208 the coffee consumption is growing @ 45% annually while it has grown by 20.4% in the southern states. There are exciting business opportunities for coffee processing units especially in non-southern states.

Coffee Board provides 25% subsidy with a ceiling of 25lakhs per unit to individuals & firms & 40% subsidy with a ceiling of 40lakhs per unit to the self help groups & grower’s collectives or co-operatives on the total cost of the equipment.

Existing units can also avail this benefit for addition of any of the components.