🎤 Interviews & Features
Hyundai Creta: In the lead
That the Hyundai Creta has been a sales phenomenon is an understatement. Since it arrived in 2015, the Creta has spearheaded the segment, registering consistent growth despite the arrival of strong rivals from both within and outside the Hyundai group. When the second-generation model was brought out four years ago, it continued with that success against all odds — including a rampant pandemic. A mid-life facelift has resulted in the Creta being thoroughly updated, but does its appeal go beyond the longer list of features? We find out.
2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport launched
Priced at ₹67.9 lakh, ex-showroom, the 2024 Land Rover Discovery Sport comes with some incremental updates. It’s the most affordable Land Rover SUV on sale, and the model year revision brings it closer to the competition. The overall appearance and mechanicals remain unchanged, but the new (ish) cabin is now better-equipped, with an 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment unit. The SUV can seat seven people and Land Rover mentions that there are 24 seating configurations, adding to the Discovery Sport’s versatility. On the outside, while the overall look is the same, it gets contrasting accents, finished in Gloss Black. The list of paint shades now includes a new shade of blue. Engine options are a 2-litre petrol and a 2-litre diesel, both of which are mild hybrids
Self-driving cars need special maps, Interview: Mike Nefkens, CEO, Here Technologies
Just three weeks into his job, Mike Nefkens feels at home at HERE Technologies. He is the former President & CEO of Resideo Technologies (a Honeywell spin-off), and long-time executive at Hewlett-Packard (served as president of HP Enterprise Services, responsible for a $20-billion P&L and 110,000 employees). An auto-tech person, HERE is just the right place for him.
📝 Breaking Barriers: Reducing Electrolysis Costs to Fast-Track Green Hydrogen Integration
📝 Tata Motors' boss on how long govt should offer incentives on EVs
📝 How battery recycling can help EVs to be truly green
Read More >>
🚗 Cars / SUVs
Kia launches Seltos diesel with 6-speed manual transmission; price starts at INR 12 lakh
Source Credit: Agencies, The Economic Times
New Delhi: Kia India, a leading premium carmaker, Friday launched 5 new Seltos 6-speed manual transmission variants in Tech line trims, featuring diesel engine options. Starting at INR 11,99,900 (Ex-showroom) across India, Seltos now comes with a total of 24 variants, offering its discerning customers the most extensive range of drive options.
Launched in July 2023, the New Seltos has achieved remarkable success, with sales reaching 65,000 units to date.
The new Seltos offers 32 safety features, including Robust 15 Hi-safety features (standard across the range) and 17 most evolved Level 2 ADAS autonomous features. The mid-SUV boasts features like a dual-screen panoramic display with a 26.04 cm Full Digital Cluster and 26.03 cm HD Touchscreen Navigation, Dual Zone Fully Automatic Air Conditioner and R17 43.66 cm Crystal Cut Alloy Wheels. Other remarkable features include a Dual-Pane Panoramic Sunroof and an Electric Parking Brake, the company said in media release..
Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales and Business Strategy Officer, Kia India, said, "We always believe in empowering consumers with choices when it comes to drive experience. A lot of customers wanted to experience the joy of shifting gears, and hence, we are introducing 6-speed manual transmission in 5 Seltos diesel variants for true enthusiasts who love to have full control on the road. This inclusion in the new Seltos will make its positioning as the smartest, safest driving experience even stronger."
Seltos, since its first launch in 2019, has sold 6 Lakh units in Domestic and International markets. The Seltos contribute more than 51% to Kia India's total domestic dispatches. Seltos is one of the biggest brands for Kia Corporation, with 1 out of every 10 Kia cars sold globally being a Seltos. The new Seltos will grow the mid-SUV segment by reinventing and revamping it with its best-in-segment features and stunning design, the release added..
Price List:
Engine
|
Variant
|
Transmission
|
Price (INR)
|
1.5l CRDi VGT Diesel
|
HTE
|
6MT
|
11,99,900
|
HTK
|
13,59,900
|
HTK+
|
14,99,900
|
HTX
|
16,67,900
|
HTX+
|
18,27,900
|
📝 Mahindra hikes prices of Scorpio-N, Thar, XUV700 by up to ₹57,000
📝 Kia Sonet vs Maruti Suzuki Brezza: Variants and prices compared
📝 2024 Hyundai Creta rivalling Kia Seltos Diesel MT launched at 12 lakh: Details
Read More >>
Electric-Cars / SUVs
📝 Mahindra XUV.e9 EV design patented ahead of 2025 launch. Check details
📝 Baojun Yep Plus with 400 km of range unveiled globally. Check details
Read More >>
🚗 Luxury Cars
Rolls-Royce drives in Spectre; dealer expects luxury car sales to grow in India
Sales of ultra luxury car brands like Rolls-Royce are set to be on the growth path only in India with the economy expected to expand further enabling a new set of customers for such models, as per Select Cars CEO Yadur Kapur. Select Cars is the principal dealer of various luxury car brands in the country, including Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini.
Rolls-Royce Spectre debuts in North India; price starts from INR 7.5 cr
New Delhi: Rolls-Royce Spectre, world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé, made its debut in North India on Friday, ushering in a new era for the company in the region. Pricing in India starts from INR 7.5 crore (ex- showroom). Rolls-Royce cars are bespoke - hand built to customer specifications.
Volvo Car India rolls out 10’000 cars from its Bengaluru facility
Volvo Car rolls out 10,000th Made-in-India vehicle
The Financial Express
Rolls-Royce Spectre launch: Iconic British carmaker brings its first EV to India
Rolls-Royce Spectre EV to debut in India on Jan 19; all details inside
How to Evaluate the TCO of EVs
Market research firm Jato Dynamics states that passenger EV sales grew 112% year-on-year to 50,284 units during April-September 2023. At Mercedes-Benz India, luxury and sustainability go together. Our decarbonisation strategy is one of the most ambitious in the industry. While there are challenges to EV adoption, with planning even the impossible becomes scalable.
📝 Mercedes-Benz GLA, AMG GLE 53 Coupe facelifts to launch on January 31: Expected price, specs, features
Read More >>
⛟ Commercial Vehicles
📝 Karnataka STUs to buy 1,225 new buses from Ashok Leyland
Read More >>
🏗 Construction & Agri Machinery
New Holland targets $75 million investment by FY2025; 8% market share in India in next 5 years
New Holland Agriculture, part of the CNH Industrial Group, sees a huge potential for growth in India for its tractor and agri-equipment business over the course of the next few years. The company is building up capacity as well as new products and technologies to meet the needs of the Indian market.
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🏍 2/3 Wheelers
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India launches NX500 adventure tourer at INR 5.9 lakh
New Delhi: Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) Friday launched the all-new NX500 adventure tourer priced at INR 5,90,000 (ex-showroom New Delhi). The new model will make its way to the Indian market through CBU(Completely Built-Up) route.
Jawa 350 vs RE Classic 350 Vs Honda CB350: Specs, features, price comparison
Classic Legends recently upgraded their standard Jawa with a few cosmetic changes and a major mechanical change. Called Jawa 350, this classic retro motorcycle now gets a larger 334cc engine from Perak, 42 Bobber, and the Yezdi lineup. However, for the Jawa classic, this motor receives a completely different mapping from its siblings.
Classic Legends plans stronger play in mid-weight category of superbike market
Chennai: Classic Legends Pvt Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra’s premium bike arm, which sells Jawa, Yezdi, and BSA brand of high-end motorcycles, seeks to emerge as a prominent player in the mid category (350cc-750cc) of superbike segment, with an expanded product portfolio comprising higher cc bikes. While the company’s current motorcycle portfolio is dominated by 300-350cc bikes, it plans to expand the portfolio with more high-end bikes in the coming months. Currently, its Jawa portfolio comprises the just-launched Jawa 350, Jawa 42, Jawa 42 Bobber, and Jawa Perak, while there are three products under the Yezdi brand — Yezdi Adventure, Yezdi Scrambler, and Yezdi Roadster. The iconic brand BSA is sold in the western markets.
Quick Gun Shotgun
You might think that modernisation has robbed new Royal Enfields of character, but you would be completely wrong. The ever-widening range of motorcycles has guaranteed that the company can still hold a claim to the domain of nonchalantly pottering around town and beyond, without letting rival motorcycle companies come anywhere close. Okay, some of the characteristic features — and idiosyncrasies — might have made way for modern ones, but these motorcycles are full of character. Despite that, given the deep love many riders have for the brand, it’s only natural to approach each and every new launch with a tiny bit of scepticism.
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🚲 Electric 2/3 Wheelers
Withdrawal of subsidy on electric vehicles may lead to stagnated growth for 2 years, Ather Energy CEO
Withdrawal of government's incentive on sale of electric two-wheelers in April would prompt industry players to work hard and this could result into one or two more years of stagnated growth, Ather Energy's CEO and co-founder Tarun Mehta said on Friday. "The industry is no longer entirely dependent on subsidies for survival but an early discontinuation of the subsidy in April would prompt industry players to tighten their belts and work hard.
Ather upcoming family electric scooter called ‘Diesel’– to launch in mid-2024
Ather Energy is planning to expand its electric scooter lineup in the near future. The Bengaluru-based startup currently offers three e-scooters namely 450S, 450X and the recently launched 450 Apex. The company is reported;y working on a new affordable family electric scooter which has been spied testing on a few occasions in recent months.
Ather introduces ExpressCare EV servicing
Ather Energy has introduced ExpressCare, which will allow customers to service their scooters in 60 minutes without compromising on the quality of service. Currently, there are 20 ExpressCare service centres across 11 cities, and the company plans to increase the number to 50 by March 2024 as part of its ongoing expansion strategy.
No FAME, no growth: Ather Energy CEO has a warning on EV subsidies
Subsidy withdrawal on EVs may lead to stagnated growth: Ather Energy CEO
📝 Ather Rizta family electric scooter teased for the first time, name confirmed
📝 River Indie electric scooter price hiked by up to ₹13,000, bookings re-open
📝 Ather Energy: new kid in the tough electric vehicle market
Read More >>
⚙ Components
📝 CE Info bags ₹400-cr deal from Hyundai AutoEver
Read More >>
🌇 Allied Industries
International Road Federation, PVR cinemas to promote and improve road safety in India
The India Chapter of the International Road Federation (IRF), a global road safety body working for better and safer roads has joined hands with PVR INOX, one of the largest cinema exhibitors in India under the ‘Forum for coalition of public-private partners in road safety’ to collaborate and co-work towards promoting and improving road safety.
Tata Tech concludes maiden edition of InnoVent Hackathon
Tata Technologies, a leading product engineering and digital services company, has announced the conclusion of the 1st edition of InnoVent hackathon, which it says serves as an innovation platform that provides young engineering students in India with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and innovate solutions to address the challenges being faced by the manufacturing industry.
GODI India gets LFP BIS Certification for indigenous Li-ion cells
New Delhi: GODI India Private Limited, a Hyderabad-headquartered lithium-ion cell R&D and manufacturer, Friday announced its achievement as the first Indian company to secure LFP BIS certification for its Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) Li-ion cells in the presence of the Chief Minister of Telangana Revanth Reddy at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland.
Tyre industry hit by supply chain disruption on Red Sea crisis
Tyre Industry in India is witnessing impact both on transit times and freight rates in view of the Red Sea disruption, hitting both tyre exports and raw material imports.
CEAT introduces premium tyres for consumers
In a bid to gain market share in the premium tyre segment, CEAT Ltd has launched a range of premium steel radial tyres which will be sold direct to consumers. The steel radial tyres that were earlier only manufactured and sold to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) will now be available for aftermarket. “Premium tyres have been a focus area for a few quarters and the category is moving well. Across categories, consumers are willing to pay more for tyres. The steel radial tyres are 3 per cent of the overall motorcycle segment but it is gaining saliency. The product is premium including the technology that it offers. The segment is margin accretive and we see a big opportunity. We would want to be market leaders in the segment,” said Arnab Banerjee, MD and CEO of CEAT Ltd to businessline.
📝 TSMC bullish on AI demand, forecasts 20% revenue growth this year
📝 CEAT forays into steel radial tyres for two-wheelers
Read More >>
🌢 Fuels, Lubricants & Charging Stations
Oil prices drift lower on China demand worries
Oil prices drifted lower on Friday after a rally the day before, as geopolitical tensions and disruptions in U.S. oil production from a cold blast were countered by concerns over slow demand growth in China.
State-run oil companies surge ahead with INR 89k cr capital spending
New Delhi: State-run oil companies made a capital spending of INR 89,000 crore in the first nine months of the current fiscal year as they enhanced new production and distribution facilities.
📝 Cheap Russian oil cuts OPEC's share of India imports to record-low 50%
Read More >>
🌍 Emissions/Environment
How vehicular filtration industry is innovating to meet evolving emission norm challenges
New Delhi: The vehicular filtration industry will have to turn to innovation to keep pace with the automotive sector as it adapts to tightening emissions norms and the shift to alternative fuels.
📝 Delhi govt sets bar higher in its pollution fight
📝 As air quality improves, Stage III of GRAP revoked in NCR with immediate effect
Read More >>
💸 Finance & Insurance
Suzuki Motorcycle India inks MoU with SMFG India Credit for 2W financing
Suzuki Motorcycle India, SMFG India Credit Co partner for vehicle finance
📝 Most common/unusual car insurance claims in India: Frontal impact, coconut falls to elephant attacks
Read More >>
📖 Magazines News
Ola S1 Pro, S1 Air get more features
Source Credit: Autocar India
Ola Electric has rolled out the MoveOS 4 software update, but it is initially available only to owners of the Ola S1 Gen 1 electric scooter, S1 Pro (2nd Generation) and S1 Air. The S1 X+ will also receive the update in the coming months. MoveOS is Ola’s software platform through which its e-scooters keep receiving periodical OTA (over the air) updates.
BMW CE 02 e-scooter India launch this year
Source Credit: Autocar India
Last year, BMW revealed its CE 02 electric scooter, which has since gone on sale in markets like the UK and USA. We later broke the news that the CE 02 platform has been developed and built right here in India, by BMW’s local partner, TVS. Now, we have learned that the CE 02 will be launched in India this year.
Kia Seltos diesel with manual gearbox launched at Rs 12 lakh
Source Credit: Autocar India
Kia India has launched the manual gearbox-equipped Seltos diesel. Priced from Rs 12 lakh (ex-showroom), this model with the 6-speed manual joins the recently refreshed Seltos line-up. With the new diesel-manual option, the Seltos is now available with a manual, iMT, torque convertor automatic, CVT automatic (IVT) and DCT automatic gearbox options, depending on the engine selected.
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 spied with digital display
Source Credit: Autocar India
It seems like the Pulsar N150 is not the only model in Bajaj’s popular Pulsar line-up that will be getting an update soon, with these images giving us a glimpse at a revamped Pulsar NS160.
Tata Motors opposes tax concessions for hybrids: Report
Source Credit: Autocar India
India's leading electric car manufacturer Tata Motors is actively lobbying against potential tax cuts on hybrid vehicles in the country, asserting that hybrids are more environmentally harmful than pure electric vehicles (EVs). This stance from Tata Motors contrasts with the push from other automakers like Toyota for reduced taxes on hybrids, Reuters reported.
Hyundai Motor completes GM’s Talegaon plant acquisition
Source Credit: Autocar India
Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) has completed the acquisition and assignment of identified assets at General Motors India’s Talegaon plant in Pune, Maharashtra. The acquisition has been completed after the fulfilment of certain conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals from relevant government authorities and stakeholders.
Honda NX500: Similarly priced alternatives
Source Credit: Autocar India
Honda has launched the NX500 at Rs 5.90 lakh, replacing the erstwhile CB500X while costing Rs 11,000 more and bringing in some improvements and updates. At this price point, there are a number of other options available, with everything ranging from sportbikes to cruisers and other ADV options as well. Here are some similarly priced alternatives:
Mercedes GLA, AMG GLE 53 Coupe facelifts India launch on January 31
Source Credit: Autocar India
Facelifts for the second-gen Mercedes-Benz GLA and the second-gen GLE Coupe will arrive in India on January 31, 2024. Mercedes has announced the launch date, along with a trickle of information on what to expect. Scheduled to take place in New Delhi, the launch of the refreshed GLA and GLE Coupe will mark the entry of the German luxury brand’s first new models for the year.
Rolls Royce Spectre launched at Rs 7.5 crore
Source Credit: Autocar India
Buying a Rolls-Royce Spectre in India will cost you Rs 7.5 crore, ex-showroom, before options, making it the most expensive four-wheeled EV (for private buyers) on sale in the country. Along with the announcement of the Spectre’s price, the British ultra-luxury marque has also revealed the battery specifications and official range of its first all-electric vehicle. Bookings will also open from today.
Ather ExpressCare allows electric scooter servicing in 1 hour
Source Credit: Autocar India
Ather Energy has introduced a new service called ExpressCare which allows customers to get their electric scooters serviced within 60 minutes without compromising on service quality.
Mahindra BE.09 SUV coupe patent images show final design
Source Credit: Autocar India
Apart from the recently updated XUV400 and the upcoming XUV300 EVs, Mahindra is also readying an army of born-EV SUVs that will go on sale starting next year. While the first of the born-EV SUVs from Mahindra will be the XUV.e8 and the XUV.e9 coupe, Mahindra will also bring three more born-EV SUVs under the BE SUV family. The BE.09 SUV coupe’s final design seems to have been patented with first patent images surfacing online. The BE.09 will be the third and biggest offering from the BE SUV line-up, which will also include the BE.05 and the BE.07 SUVs.
Volkswagen Virtus GT long term review, 12,000 km report
Source Credit: Autocar India
A lot can happen in a year. Well, 15 months, actually; I guess time actually does fly when you’re having fun. And with a car like the Virtus GT, it’s hard not to have fun every time you’re at the wheel, even if that comes with a few not-so-fun consequences. It has the ability, for better or worse, to change your driving style; it certainly did mine. To make the meekest, slowest, most efficiency-oriented driver chase every gap in traffic and visit the redline in every gear.
Honda NX500 launched at Rs 5.90 lakh
Source Credit: Autocar India
Just a day after we reported that certain dealers were accepting pre-bookings for it, Honda has launched the NX500 in India at Rs 5.90 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom, Delhi).
Read More >>
📰 International News
BYD's Thai distributor to triple EV dealerships, expand commercial offerings
The sole Thai distributor of BYD, the world's biggest electric vehicle maker, will triple its dealerships in Thailand in two years, it said, helping to cement the Chinese automaker's dominant position in its top overseas market.
Thailand discovers nearly 15 million tonnes of lithium
Thailand has discovered nearly 15 million tonnes of lithium deposits, a government spokesman said Friday, a boost for the kingdom's goal of becoming a regional hub for electric vehicle production.
Dakar Rally stage 11: Audi to take first Dakar victory
Stage 11 of the 2024 Dakar Rally saw the leaderboard change, throwing Loeb off the contention for his first Dakar win with multiple punctures and mechanical issues, losing over an hour. However, in the motorcycle category, the fight is still on between Honda and Hero, with Ross Branch taking the stage win.
Nigeria set to approve Shell's oil asset sale
Nigeria backs Shell's decision to sell its onshore oil and gas assets, its junior oil minister said on Thursday, and will give the necessary regulatory approval.
Electric cars jolt Europe sales for 2023
New car sales in Europe rebounded by 13.9% in 2023 as electric vehicles overtook diesel for the first time, an industry group said on Thursday.
Ford cuts production of F-150 Lightning pickup on weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales growth
Ford is cutting production of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup after weaker-than-expected electric vehicle sales growth. While EV sales are growing in the US, the pace is falling well short of the industry's ambitious timetable and many consumers are turning to hybrid vehicles instead.
📝 Cadillac ramps up Lyriq electric vehicle output as battery supply grows
📝 Honda to focus on selling hybrid vehicles, light trucks in US this year
📝 Frigid weather can cut electric vehicle range and make charging tough. Here's what you need to know
📝 Rich splurge on fancy cars but Bentley sales take a tumble. Here's why
📝 Bosch plans job cuts, cites higher energy, material costs
Read More >>
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