Samsung pares inventory costs: Samsung India Electronics Ltd (Siel) has reduced inventory costs by more than 50 per cent as well as cut the lead time between actual production and dealer's receipt of goods by two days, by introducing the `just in time' concept. Part of the `Challenge 2000' campaign, Siel's logistics innovation programme is part of the overall strategy to increase production capacity, specifically for colourtelevisions (CTVs). This is in line with its 37 per cent higher 1999 turnover target of Rs 900 crore from Rs 540 crore in the corresponding period last year, a senior company official said

Hero Honda hires IMRB to study market: Hero Honda Motors Ltd (HHML) has hired the Indian Market Research Bureau to study the two-wheeler market trend in the country so that it could position its two new motorcycle models in appropriate segments. The company plans to launch two new models next year between the range of 100cc and 156cc but has not yet decided about the engine powers and the segments. The IMRB report is expected in May-June.

Volvo to wait and watch on engine manufacture: Volvo India Pvt Ltd, the wholly-owned subsidiary of AB Volvo of Sweden, is in no hurry to commence local manufacture of engines and transmissions for its heavy-duty trucks in the country. Currently, the engines for its FH12 and Fl7 trucks are being imported from the parent company. "Though we feel that locally manufacturingthe engines at our Hoskote plant would help us control costs, we need volumes to actively pursue this idea," said a company official.