Happy New Year Everybody!

Lots of interesting developments in the very beginning of 2008 – the cheapest car in the world, the first probable black US president/first lady US president, biggest ever Indian IPO – RPL, ‘racism’ incidents in sports.. Suddenly News channels* are the most viewed channels at home. Personally, I want this new year to make me some good money. Praying myself a Happy & very Prosperous New Year

This post is one for the stock market freaks. 2008 is certainly going to be a very happening year for the Indian automobile industry: Over 30 new models (highest ever in India) to be launched by various players, Tata Nano at 1 lac rupees($2,500), Tata buying jaguar & Land Rover (India ki Jai!), many foreign luxury brands getting in, Bajaj’s entry…

So who stands to gain apart from us consumers? Check these guys out. Already main suppliers to the Nano, they are sure to play a big role as more vehicles are rolled out the next few years.

Lumax Industries – lighting
Sona Group – Sona Koyo Steering Systems
Rico Auto Industries – Engine housing
SEKURIT Saint-Gobain India – glass (formerly Maharashtra Glass and Agro)
Motor Industries Company (MICO) – design
Exide Industries – battery

Since the Nano’s expected to be out in the latter half of 2008, keep these company stocks in mind over a 1-2 year investment horizon. They’re sure to be winners. I hear over 100 local suppliers for the Nano – need to get that good list somehow!

*very unrelated: Smriti Rao of NDTV has captured my mornings , one very sweet and pretty newsreader!