New Delhi, Sept 4 : Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Kamal Nath on Thursday said that auto exports from India should reach 25 billion dollar in the next decade.

He was speaking at the “Making India a Global Automotive Export Hub” at the Annual Convention of Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), here today. He said the government will play its part by providing the “enabling policy framework” and added that the auto sector should take advantage of these and leverage their strengths for expanding to other parts of the world.

India’s top car manufacturer Maruti Suzuki India Ltd is all set to unveil its ‘A-star’ model in the local market by the next month (October 2008).

A senior company official said that the company will begin exports by December 2008.

It is also learnt that initially, the car will be exported to the European markets.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd has also decided to increase local research and development (R&D) for small cars to 90%.

A new engine plant will soon start with its process of construction in Talegaon, in the western state of Maharashtra, as General Motors today signed an agreement regarding building it. The agreement was signed in presence of the Honorable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh and host of other dignitaries, between GM India President and Managing Director Mr. Karl Slym and Mr. A.M. Khan, Principal Secretary (Industries).

Hamburg - The legendary Ford Capri is to return in a new guise with a concept study set to be unveiled at next year's Frankfurt Motor Show, Germany's auto-motor-sport magazine reports.

While the last original Capri in 1986 featured rear-wheel drive with a six cylinder engine, the new version would be built on an existing platform with front-wheel drive, the magazine reports.

Drawings published by the magazine show a fresh style with some typical Capri features, but a larger front grille with air intakes. The headlights are embedded in the fenders. Narrow side windows contrast with a large sloping windscreen.

Paris - Peugeot plans to present a four-door coupe concept study, the RC 508, with green hybrid drive at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Teaser images released by the car maker show a design with headlights integrated into the fenders and the Peugeot lion logo taking a prominent position in the centre of the front grille.

According to the French car maker, the RC concept will also showcase a hybrid drivetrain.