Kia to accelerate sales in India as new plant kicks off

Celebrating the launch of its latest overseas plant in India, Kia Motors said Thursday it will expand its portfolio of “Made-in-India” products next year and introduce fully digitalized sales and service channels for customers.In August, Kia launched the Seltos, a compact SUV strategically designed and marketed for the Indian market.In an effort to establish the brand’s reputation as a tech innovator, Kia has introduced a digital sales platform and 24-hour real-time mobile service for vehicle maintenance, including service reservation, vehicle diagnosis and payment.

Italy ‘claims FCA undervalued Chrysler

Bloomberg reported Thursday that Italian tax authorities have claimed Fiat Chrysler Automobiles underestimated the value of its American business by 5.1 billion euros ($5.6 billion) following its phased acquisition of Chrysler several years ago, presenting the carmaker with a potentially hefty bill as it prepares to merge with French rival PSA Group.Fiat Chrysler is now registered in the Netherlands with a tax residence in the U.K. – not Turin, Fiat’s home for more than a century.The move triggered the so-called exit tax that Italy collects on capital gains realized when companies move assets outside the country.

British icon MG Motor to sell electric SUV in India where few can afford them

MG Motor unveiled an electric sport utility vehicle in India, becoming just the second automaker to launch such a product in a market where clean-energy cars have yet to make a dent.The vehicle will take on South Korea’s Hyundai Motor Co., the only other brand with an electric SUV in India.Together, they control two-thirds of the market where 3.4 million passenger vehicles were sold in the year through March.

GM lays off 800 workers during switchover to electric vehicles at Detroit plant

General Motors said Tuesday that it is laying off more than 800 workers as it converts its Detroit Hamtramck plant to an electric vehicle facility.The switch to electric vehicles means the plant won’t need as many workers.FOX Business’ Jason Racki, Grady Trimble and Jonathan Garber contributed to this report.