Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Ashok Leyland
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question checks your knowledge of foreign equity participation in Indian automobile companies. Iveco, a well known commercial vehicle manufacturer belonging to the Fiat group, acquired a minority stake in an Indian truck and bus maker. Knowing which company this is helps you understand patterns of collaboration and foreign direct investment in the Indian automotive sector.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Iveco is part of the Fiat group and specialises in commercial vehicles.
- Iveco holds a 15 percent equity stake in an Indian automobile company.
- Four Indian vehicle manufacturers are listed as options.
- The company involved is active in commercial vehicles where Iveco has expertise.
Concept / Approach:
The key concept is cross border equity stakes and strategic alliances. Ashok Leyland, Hindustan Motors, Tata Motors, and Eicher Motors are all important automobile manufacturers. However, business awareness material consistently states that Iveco holds a minority stake in Ashok Leyland, reflecting a long term strategic partnership in the commercial vehicle segment.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on which of the listed companies is primarily associated with medium and heavy commercial vehicles where Iveco technology would be relevant.
Step 2: Recall that Ashok Leyland is a leading manufacturer of buses and trucks and has a known link with Iveco through equity participation.
Step 3: Tata Motors is a large automotive manufacturer but is not known for having Iveco as an equity partner at a 15 percent level.
Step 4: Hindustan Motors and Eicher Motors have their own histories and collaborations, but standard GK sources do not mention a 15 percent Iveco stake in them.
Step 5: Therefore, the correct match is Ashok Leyland.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this information in business newspapers, annual reports, and exam oriented GK books which list foreign stakes in Indian companies. They typically mention Iveco's holding in Ashok Leyland, highlighting it as an example of international collaboration in commercial vehicles.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Hindustan Motors is best known for the Ambassador car and later collaborations with other partners, not with Iveco. Tata Motors has many joint ventures and alliances but not this specific minority stake from Iveco. Eicher Motors has associations with Volvo and others rather than with the Fiat group's Iveco. Thus, none of these companies fits the description given, which makes them incorrect choices.
Common Pitfalls:
A typical pitfall is to choose Tata Motors simply because it is the largest and most visible Indian vehicle manufacturer. Another mistake is not keeping track of detailed foreign equity relationships and assuming that any international brand could be randomly linked to any Indian company. Maintaining a small list of such specific pairings, like Iveco with Ashok Leyland, can help you score reliably on such questions.
Final Answer:
Iveco holds a 15 percent stake in Ashok Leyland.
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