Let's count the events of the day

1. Fiat, Tata Motors, Maruti may shut down plants temporarily

With vehicle sales continuing to dwindle due to high interest rates and petrol prices, many automobile manufacturers in India are planning to shut down their plants temporarily to reduce inventories.

While Fiat India is considering shutting down plant for a few days next month, Tata Motors will stop production of commercial vehicles at Pune for three days this week.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Auto/Fiat-Tata-Motors-Maruti-may-shut-down-plants-temporarily/Article1-875094.aspx

2. Pakistan’s Gilani Disqualified As Premier After Ruling

Pakistan’s political strains escalated after the Supreme Court disqualified Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani from the job because of a contempt conviction.

Gilani, censured by the court over failure to pursue corruption charges against President Asif Ali Zardari, was disqualified retroactive to April 26, 2012, according to an e- mailed statement from the Election Commission of Pakistan yesterday. Gilani’s party will respond after speaking with its coalition partners, Jehangir Badar, its secretary general, said at a news conference in Islamabad yesterday.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-19/pakistan-s-top-court-rules-gilani-ineligible-to-be-premier-1-.html

3. Wikileaks Founder Turns To Chavez Ally Ecuador For Asylum

Julian Assange sought asylum in Ecuador’s Embassy in London yesterday to avoid what he says are U.S. efforts to punish him for releasing diplomatic secrets through his Wikileaks website.

Ecuador is studying the request and is in contact with the U.K. government, the Andean country’s Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino told reporters in a brief statement in Quito. Assange entered the embassy in the Knightsbridge area of London after exhausting options in U.K. courts to avert extradition to Sweden, where he faces two counts of rape.

The move threatens to widen the breach between Ecuador, a member of the Venezuelan-led group of nations known as ALBA, and the U.S., just as Ecuador seeks renewal of trade benefits due to expire next year. The Andean country may grant Assange asylum to spite the U.S., prioritizing political gains over strategic interests, said Christopher Sabatini, senior policy director of the Council of the Americas.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-20/wikileaks-founder-turns-to-chavez-ally-ecuador-for-asylum.html

4. Renault to begin taking orders for Duster by June end

Duster, the heavily anticipated Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) from Renault, is all set to be launched in the Indian auto market in June 2012 and the French car maker is gearing up to commence bookings a month in advance. The model, considered as the perfect blend of space, ruggedness and stability, is expected to kick-off a new scenario of competitive pricing in the SUV segment of the Indian auto industry. After the failure of its earlier premium offerings, including Fluence, Koleos and Pulse, Renault is readying itself to try its luck in India with the launch of its big and efficient SUV, Duster.

http://www.cartrade.com/car-bike-news/renault-to-begin-taking-orders-for-duster-by-june-end-117517.html

5. Lava launches XOLO X900

Lava mobile has launched the first intel powered android smart phone, which retails at 22,000.

6. Anushka Sharma appointed brand ambassador for TVS Scooty range

TVS Motor Company has signed on Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma as brand ambassador for its TVS Scooty range. Sharma will be the face of all brand campaigns related to the range.

H S Goindi, president, marketing, TVS Motor Company, said, “Anushka Sharma was an immediate choice for the TVS Scooty brand. She is well known for being spunky with her distinctive style and is an icon for young girls in India. She is seen by young women as one who is living her goals of being vivacious, independent and successful. We are confident that this association will further enhance the popular TVS Scooty Brand. ”

Sharma had previously worked in a TVS Scooty campaign in 2005.

http://www.campaignindia.in/Article/304516,anushka-sharma-appointed-brand-ambassador-for-tvs-scooty-range.aspx