Top Trending Auto & Transportation News & Highlights
As it lines up new SUVs, Nissan is skipping India in its global cutbacks.
In India, where the automaker hopes to increase sales by more than fourfold over the next two years, Nissan Motor Corp.'s 15% worldwide layoffs to boost its fortunes following a botched merger with Japanese rival Honda Motor Corp. won't have an effect on its operations.During a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Saurabh Vatsa, managing director of Nissan India, stated, "There will be no disruption to our teams here or our product plans in the country." "We are on schedule to launch new products and accelerate market expansion." The manufacturer of the five-seater sport utility vehicle (SUV) Magnite intends to expand its sales outlets from 159 to 180 during the current fiscal year and launch three more car types over the following two years.The optimism over the third-largest car market in the world contrasts with the job and cost-cutting measures taken by Nissan's global chief executive, Ivan Espinosa, to preserve profits. On May 13, Espinosa declared that it would close seven plants worldwide and lay off 11,000 employees in departments including contract workers, sales, manufacture, administration, and research. Due to a downturn in important markets including the US and China, Nissan's operational profit for the fiscal year that ended on March 31 fell by 88% to $472 million. Because of the uncertainties surrounding US tariffs, the company also declined to provide growth guidance.Because the parties could not agree on the terms, its merger negotiations with Honda Motor likewise fell through in February of this year.Despite this turmoil, Indian business management maintains its optimism. By 2026, the Japanese corporation intends to finance its expansion by investing 700 million euros in the market. According to Vatsa, a new multipurpose vehicle would be introduced in India during the first three months of 2026. By the middle of the year, a five-seater SUV will follow. Nissan imports the X-Trail SUV as fully assembled units (CBUs) and only produces the Magnite domestically.
Published 28 May 2025 08:02 PM
Suzuki Motorcycle India is investing ₹1,200 crore to build a new manufacturing plant in Kharkhoda, Haryana. Scheduled to begin operations in 2027, the plant will have an initial capacity of 7.5 lakh t
Suzuki Motorcycle India plans to construct a new production facility in Kharkhoda, Haryana, with an investment of ₹1,200 crore. The plant, which is expected to start operations in 2027, will generate about 2,000 employment and have an initial capacity of 7.5 lakh two-wheelers yearly.On May 20, Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited (henceforth SMIPL), the Indian motorcycle division of Suzuki Motor Corporation, staged the laying of the foundation stone for its new motorcycle production facility, which will be built in Kharkhoda, in the Indian state of Haryana. The ceremony was held at the new factory's proposed location in Kharkhoda. Kyoko Hokugo, Minister, Japanese Embassy in India, Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director of SMIPL, Takashi Ise, Managing Officer, Executive General Manager, Motorcycle Operations of Suzuki, and representatives of the Haryana State government were among those present.In total, SMIPL has produced about 9 million motorcycles since it began operations in 2006, serving both the native Indian market and exporting to countries in Latin America, Japan, and Europe. Given India's rising motorcycle demand, SMIPL plans to construct a new factory to increase manufacturing capacity in tandem with market expansion. The new factory will have a 750,000 unit initial production capacity. Suzuki hopes to support the Indian government's "Make in India" campaign and continue offering a variety of mobility options in India, a nation that is seeing continuous economic expansion, by building this new facility.
Published 20 May 2025 05:45 PM
Uttar Pradeshs Sarathi app was shut down for maintenance.
Every RTO in Uttar Pradesh is experiencing operational disruptions, and staff are working to quickly resolve the situation.According to regional transport office (RTO) authorities on Friday, maintenance work on Sarathi software, which is used for processing work under the Union transport ministry, has disrupted the operation of processing driving licenses throughout Uttar Pradesh, including in Noida, since Thursday. Between 300 and 350 persons visit the Noida regional transport office on a daily basis, according to officials, seeking licenses and other related work."Vahan, a program for vehicle registration, and Sarathi, a program for driving licenses, are the two primary apps. We learned from Lucknow that Sarathi will be undergoing some maintenance from Thursday at 10 a.m. until Saturday at noon, according to Siyaram Verma, the assistant regional transport officer (ARTO-administration) for Gautam Budh Nagar."Activities related to driving licenses, like obtaining a learners' permit, a primary license, renewing a license abroad, changing one's name or address, etc., have ceased," Verma stated. "I had no idea that the website was being maintained. The application was down, an official told me when I arrived to the RTO in Noida after traveling 35 kilometers," said Greater Noida resident Rajesh Yadav."The affected work is present in all Uttar Pradesh RTOs. An RTO representative stated, "Our specialists are working to fix the application as quickly as feasible.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:30 AM
Best Midsize Car of the Year Texas Auto Writers Associations Annual Auto Roundup, 2024 Hyundai Sonata
DECATUR, Texas, May 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) annual Auto Roundup, which took place on April 23–24, 2024, has crowned the 2024 Hyundai Sonata the finest midsize car. Leading automotive journalists from Texas get together for the TAWA Auto Roundup, a major event in the industry, to assess the newest models on factors including overall appeal, performance, value, and safety.The 2024 Hyundai Sonata is honored with this accolade for its amazing value, superior performance, cutting-edge technology, and superb design. The Sonata outperformed a competitive field of competitors by impressing the TAWA judges with its cutting-edge features, fashionable appearance, and dedication to providing an outstanding driving experience.Senior vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America Olabisi Boyle commented, "We are immensely honored to receive this recognition from the Texas Auto Writers Association." "Our dedication to innovation, quality, and customer pleasure is embodied in the Hyundai Sonata 2024. This honor recognizes the diligence and commitment of our whole team."According to Cory Fourniquet, president of the Texas Auto Writers Association, "The Hyundai Sonata impressed our judges with its attention to detail throughout, like the color-matched switchgear for the windows and door locks as well as the built-in sunshades in the rear windows." "Even though it sells in a segment that is dominated by a couple of heavy hitters, Hyundai does not shy away from the mid-size sedan market like other manufacturers that are retiring their sedans. The fact that Hyundai is sustaining competitiveness in the market is very amazing. Not only that, but it beat out the freshly introduced 2025 Toyota Camry for this distinction."The dynamic new design language, improved safety features, and array of cutting-edge technologies make the Hyundai Sonata of 2024 stand out. A redesigned front fascia with a cascading grille, sleek LED headlights, and strong character lines that give the Sonata a sensation of motion even when it is stationary are all part of its aerodynamic and dramatic design. The Sonata is a versatile alternative for a broad spectrum of drivers, offering both dynamic performance and exceptional fuel economy with a selection of strong and economical engines, including a hybrid option.American Hyundai Motor Company Hyundai Motor America supports Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity objective while providing a technologically advanced array of automobiles, SUVs, and electrified vehicles to American consumers. Hyundai maintains substantial activities in the United States, with its North American headquarters located in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing assembly factory in Alabama, the newly developed Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America situated in Georgia, and multiple state-of-the-art research and development centers. According to a recent economic impact assessment, these businesses, along with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, generate $20.1 billion in revenue and 190,000 employment for the American economy each year. To learn more, go to www.hyundainews.com.
Published 06 Jun 2024 11:29 AM
Auto & Transportation
Automobile is the biggest industry worldwide generating millions of job opportunities for different level of skills and same goes with transportations.
Northeastern Chinas luxury car is adorned with a distinctive floral pattern.
As crowds of tourists continue to pour into China's northeastern provinces during the peak winter travel season, vibrant flower prints are proving to be a popular trend there. This Rolls-Royce is parked in a mall in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, and is covered in the brand's iconic floral print. Featuring detailed images of birds and flowers, the pattern plasters most of the visible surface of the luxury car, including the wheel covers. A Rolls-Royce covered in a floral pattern was photographed at a shopping center in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, on January 23, 2024. /IC
Here’s A Detailed Look At 2024 Kia Sonet Facelift Mid-spec HTX Variant In 8 Images
Kia has just refreshed its popular subcompact SUV, the Sonet, with an updated design, refreshed interior, and new features. And if you are eyeing the 2024 Sonet with automatic transmission, the HTX variant serves as an entry-level option for it. Take a look at what the HTX variant has to offer. From the front, the HTX variant resembles the HTK+ variant (that sits right below it), featuring an updated grille with chrome surrounds. However, with the HTX variant you get LED headlights (halogen headlights in HTK+ variant) with LED DRLs and LED fog lamps. The lower section showcases a silver skid plate, providing a contrasting look. It is equipped with 16-inch steel wheels that are designed to mimic the look of an alloy rim. Moving onto the rear, the HTX variant is equipped with connected LED taillights, and the bumper gets a similar design treatment to the front with a silver skid plate. Stepping inside, the first thing you will notice is the dual-tone black and tan brown leatherette upholstery for the seats. The cabin features all-black dashboard with silver inserts on the AC vents and door handles that add a dash of contrast. Adding to the premium feel are the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob.It's worth noting that opting for the turbo petrol with clutchless manual transmission or diesel with manual transmission gives you a lighter beige tone to the upholstery. Additionally, the rear seats offer a 60:40 split for added flexibility, and rear passengers benefit from adjustable headrests, and a rear centre armrest with cup holders.With the HTX variant, you get front ventilated seats (limited to the 1-litre turbo with 7-speed DCT and 1.5-litre diesel with 6-speed AT and iMT variants). Apart from this, it comes equipped with a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 4.2-inch semi digital driver’s display, sunroof, Type-C charging ports, electrically foldable ORVMs, drive modes, paddle shifters in automatic transmission variants, and a 6-speaker sound system. Safety features include six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill-start assist, rear disc brakes, ISOFIX mounts for child seats, rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors as well as seat belt reminders for all passengers.
Mid-spec Tata Punch EV vs Top-end Tata Tiago EV: Cross-shopping Simplified
Tata Motors recently launched the Punch EV, introducing a new electric micro-SUV in our market. It sports a refreshed look and is based on a completely new electric car-only platform. The Punch EV joins Tata's lineup of electric vehicles, including the Tiago EV. If you are considering both the Punch EV and Tiago EV, we have simplified your decision-making process with a detailed comparison. Check it out. The mid-spec Punch EV Standard Range marginally undercuts the top-spec Tiago EV Long Range. It's important to note that, we are considering the Tiago EV configured with a 7.2 kW AC fast charger, which comes at a premium of Rs 50,000. Both the vehicles come standard with 3.3 kW AC charger. Considering the segment, the Punch EV is undoubtedly a larger vehicle than the Tiago EV, offering more space and a larger boot. It also has a longer wheelbase and that should result in more room inside the cabin. Things change in the features department, with no significant difference between the two cars. In fact, the Tiago EV offers additional features such as rain-sensing wipers, a larger 8-speaker sound system, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. On the other hand, the Punch EV rides on larger 15-inch wheels and comes equipped with 6 airbags. As seen in the table above, there is barely any difference between the two cars in terms of powertrain specifications. However, the Punch EV's electric motor produces slightly more power. In terms of claimed range, both deliver a similar range. Do note that you get a second powertrain choice with both cars: Medium Range in the Tiago EV and Long Range in the Punch EV. Ultimately, your decision will depend on whether to choose a larger micro-SUV or a hatchback with a smaller form factor, as both cars more or less offer a similar features set and power figures. Keeping the size factor aside, choosing the Punch EV means opting for a more modern product with an updated design. If you can configure it to higher-spec variants, you also get additional niceties like ventilated seats, and a larger infotainment and digital driver’s display. You also get the novelty factor of an SUVThe Tiago EV, on the other hand, is based on its petrol-powered counterpart, maintains the same design and feel, which might feel dated when compared to the Punch EV. Nevertheless, it does offer some additional conventional features if aesthetics are overlooked. That said, the new Punch EV is definitely the more modern product here and is our pick.
Himanshu Bajaj is appointed as MD and Country Co-leader by Alvarez & Marsal India.
Himanshu Bajaj has been named MD and Co-Country Leader by A&M India. At BYJU's Tuition Center, Himanshu, an engineer and financial analyst, most recently held the positions of CEO and Business Head firm's corporate growth plan. Himanshu spent more than 16 years as Kearney's Head of Asia, Consumer, and Retail Practice in his prior positions. Early in his career, he also held positions as a Revenue Management Analyst with Federal Express and a Consultant with TSMG. "Himanshu's appointment demonstrates the firm's continued commitment to investing in people, achieving scale, and positioning for growth in support of clients in India and around the world," stated Bryan Marsal, CEO and co-founder of A&M, in welcoming Himanshu to the leadership team. The next stage of our worldwide strategic expansion plan is represented by A&M India's growing talent pool and products, which complement our integrated platform and are consistent with our operational legacy."We are growing our firm in India to meet a high level of demand and expanding our transformation and digital capabilities across sectors," Utamsingh said, welcoming his co-leader Himanshu as well. Over the next 24 months, we anticipate tripling the number of Managing Directors based in India. It gives me great pleasure to welcome Himanshu and I look forward to working with him to head our India business."Adding Himanshu to our team aligns with our strategy for leveraging innovation, growing consumer demand, rising per capita income levels, and strong investment incentives we see across India," stated Luis de Lucio, MD, Head of Growth Markets. Our capacity to assist corporations, private equity (PE) firms, and organizations in finding answers to challenging issues including supply chain management, manufacturing alternatives, and growth acceleration is strengthened by Himanshu's experience. We have big ideas. Our team in India is growing and prepared. "India will see tremendous growth over the next several decades and become the leading market for corporate and investment activity," Himanshu continued. Established and startup companies in a variety of industries will need assistance in resolving challenging operational and strategic issues as they strive to create meaningful value. One important point of differentiation in the market for A&M is the combination of its operational history and range of services, which includes corporate finance and restructuring, financial due diligence, and disputes and investigations.
Dakar 2024 Result: Harith Noah Wins in Rally 2 Class, Hero MotoSports Makes History
The 2024 Dakar Rally was a great event that came to a close. After years of KTM domination, Honda finally won the Dakar Rally, with Hero MotorSports finishing in second place, just behind the KTMs. It is worth mentioning that Harith Noah won the Rally 2 class, which was a significant milestone for India in the Dakar Rally.The short 175km special stage of the day was all KTM, as the brand was on full display with a 1-2 podium finish. Toby Price won the stage, with defending champion Kevin Benavides in hot pursuit. But the overall winners were decided over the previous days, and Honda's Ricky Brabec was in the lead from the start. For a short time, Hero's Ross Branch was the race leader. After Benevides and Price of KTM crossed the finish line first and second, Adrien Van Beveren of KTM took third.As the only manufacturer entered in the Rally 2 class of this year's Dakar Rally, Harith Noah—supported by TVS—and Sherco were the only competitors to stand out. After finishing the most recent stage in eleventh place, the Indian rider won the Rally 2 class overall. Even in the overall standings, Noah's performance was remarkable. He finished the 2024 Dakar Rally in eleventh place, making history as the first Indian to ever win a stage, finish on the podium, and finish in the top fifteen.Noah showed resiliency by overcoming health issues in the first week and then picked up steam in the second week of the competition. His incredible jump from 18th to 13th place overall over the 48H Chrono Stage 6 is worth noting. Stage 8 and Stage 10, in which he twice set the fastest rally, were particularly impressive for his sustained growth.It's important to remember that RallyGP and Rally 2 are two separate classes. Only highly experienced racers who have been accepted by the FIM Championship Committee based on their sports credentials are allowed to compete in the RallyGP class. Rally 2 offers a more welcoming environment for riders from various backgrounds since it is available to anyone who isn't already in the RallyGP riders' registration.Despite finishing ten minutes and fifty-three seconds behind winner Ricky Brabec, Hero MotoSports' Ross Branch managed an outstanding second-place finish in the 2024 Dakar Rally. Hero MotoSports has achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the first Indian team to secure a podium place in the esteemed race.By the end of the sixth stage of the 2024 Dakar Rally, three of Hero's four riders had pulled out due to the extreme difficulties they had encountered. Ross Branch was the sole Hero MotoSports competitor in Dakar 2024, despite the team's other three riders withdrawing: Joaquim Rodrigues, Sebastian Buhler, and Joan Barreda Bort. Nevertheless, he quickly established himself as a strong candidate for the ultimate win.Branch won the first stage of the rally and remained in first place until the fifth stage. He showed his skill by finishing second in Stage 11 with the fastest time and then followed Honda's Ricky Brabec closely in the following stages.Ross Branch said: “Finally finished the Dakar!! It was a really tough Dakar 2024, and I'm so thrilled to be here! Finishing on the podium was always the goal, and today it's a dream come true. I'm really over the moon to achieve this goal for Hero. And a big thank you to the team for developing a highly competitive machine, for the sleepless 3 weeks here, and for everything they've sacrificed to reach to this point. I'm really proud of my team. We've got some more work to do to be on the next step, so we'll look forward to that in the next year. A big thank you to everyone for your continued support from all around the world!”With a ninth-place finish in the last 174-kilometre stage near Yanbu, the South African rider solidified his position as second overall. This incredible feat not only marks Branch's first podium finish at the Dakar, but it also marks the first podium for an Indian team in the history of the race.
Hyundai Motor India Acquires GMs Talegaon Plant; to Invest Rs 6,000 Crore in Maharashtra
Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), has acquired the Talegaon factory of General Motors India, located in Pune, Maharashtra. Following the fulfillment of specific requirements and obtainment regulatory clearance from the relevant government departments and stakeholders, the acquisition has been completed. Hyundai Motor India has also inked a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government. With this, it has pledged to spend Rs 6,000 crore in the state. At the moment, the Talegaon factory produces 1,30,000 units per year. To reach its targets, the automaker plans to increase production capacity even further. HMIL states that the facility will be updated to meet the company's global manufacturing and operational needs. To achieve production excellence, investments will be undertaken in stages to gradually update the plant's existing infrastructure and equipment.Mr. Un Soo Kim, MD & CEO, of Hyundai Motor India Ltd., shared his thoughts on the acquisition and commented ''India is a very important market for Hyundai Motor Company, and we are committed to providing benchmark creating products & technologies to Indian customers. As we look forward to the next decade of progress for Hyundai Motor India, it is critical for us to augment our manufacturing capacity in India.''He further added ''The Talegaon manufacturing plant will play the role of a catalyst in achieving HMIL’s 1 million annual production capacity milestone. The acquisition of the Talegaon plant reinforces our commitment to ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India), by making India a hub for advanced smart mobility solutions, Make-In-India for the world. Our manufacturing operations are scheduled to begin in Talegaon, Maharashtra in the year 2025.”With a starting price of Rs 10.99 lakh (ex-showroom), Hyundai launched the eagerly awaited Creta Facelift in India on January 16. Along with many interior upgrades and a new engine option, the facelift gives the car a more robust exterior look. Over 70 safety features—36 of which are standard—are included in the recently redesigned Creta. TPMS, electronic stability control, an all-wheel disc brake system, and six airbags are a few of them. The highest-spec versions come with 19 Level 2 ADAS features (Hyundai SmartSense).The 1.5-litre naturally aspirated (NA) and 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine options for the SUV remain the same. However, a new 1.5-litre turbocharged GDi petrol engine is now offered as an option in this lineup. The new 1.5-litre turbocharged GDi petrol unit delivers 158bhp and 253Nm of performance numbers.
Volvo’s 10,000th car in India is its first pure electric offering
Volvo Car India has achieved a significant milestone by producing its ten thousandth car at its Bangalore facility. The company, which began assembly operations in 2017, has seen the highest production of the XC60 model, with over 4000 units produced to date.Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director of Volvo Car India, in a company statement, revealed that the honour of being the ten thousandth car produced goes to the XC40 Recharge, the company's first pure electric offering.Malhotra said, "It is indeed a matter of pride for the company to have reached this milestone in a short span of time in spite of nearly three years of pandemic disruptions."Gao Feng, Production Head of Volvo Car India, highlighted the plant's achievement of rolling out India's first domestically assembled electric vehicle (EV), the XC40 Recharge. Today, the company assembles all its models in India, including the XC90, XC60, S90, XC40 Recharge, and the recently launched C40 Recharge.Meanwhile, Volvo Car India announced a 2% price increase for its conventional engine vehicles on Monday, while the prices of its EV offerings remain unchanged.Following the price hike, the XC60 is priced at ₹68.9 lakh, the S90 at ₹68.25 lakh, and the XC90 at ₹1,00,89,000.However, the prices of the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge remain unchanged at ₹57.9 lakh and ₹62.95 lakh, respectively.
Hyundai introduces ‘IONIQ 5 N NPX1’ concept with N Performance Parts
Hyundai Motor Company has unveiled the ‘IONIQ 5 N NPX1’, a concept model equipped with prototype N Performance Parts, at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024. The ‘NPX1’ is the first N Performance Parts concept model based on the company’s high-performance electric vehicle (EV) IONIQ 5 N. The company plans to enhance the EV ownership experience with N Performance Parts, a project that began in 2019 and continues to develop high-quality tuning parts for customers. Following the success of internal combustion engine vehicles such as the Elantra N, i30 N, and i20 N, Hyundai N plans to offer specialised tuning components for all-electric N models, including the IONIQ 5 N.The ‘NPX1’ concept model previews a range of N-specific enhancements that will soon be available for purchase from a catalogue of N Performance Parts.These enhancements include a carbon front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing spoiler, lightweight hybrid carbon wheels, high-performance brake pads, and lowering springs. The concept model’s interior is further enhanced with Alcantara material and racing bucket seats.The prototype N Performance Parts applied to the NPX1 concept will be further developed for production in preparation for sales in 2024. Starting with the IONIQ 5 N, Hyundai N will expand the availability of N Performance Parts products for all N models.Joon Park, Vice President of N Brand Management Group at Hyundai, said, “In 2024, Hyundai Motor Company will take a step forward as a leader in new tuning parts suitable for the high-performance EV era as demonstrated with the ‘NPX1’ concept model.”He added that the company is also developing software customisation such as sound and vehicle calibration by over-the-air (OTA) updates, opening a completely new category of EV customisation for an exciting future for the tuning community.
Tata Punch facelift launch confirmed for 2025
The Tata Punch petrol will see a mid-life facelift sometime next year. Confirming this development on the sidelines of the Punch EV launch, Tata Motors’ Passenger Vehicles Unit MD, Shailesh Chandra, said, “As far as the upgrade of the Punch is concerned, you know that it was launched in October 2021. Typical facelift period is three years. So, we should be expecting a facelift for the ICE version only in mid-2025, or slightly later.” Just like what we’ve seen on the Nexon and Harrier facelifts recently, expect Tata Motors to update the Punch SUV’s styling with fresh design cues to bring it in line with the newer Tata models. Changes to the front bumper and grille, along with minor tweaks to the headlamps and the bonnet can be expected to make the small SUV look new.Like the Nexon and the Nexon EV facelift, there will be styling bits that will help differentiate the petrol-powered Punch from the recently launched Punch EV. What’s more, Chandra also said that the Punch will have feature differences between the petrol and EV versions.
Renault Bigster global debut later this year
The new Renault Bigster SUV will see a global debut later this year and is expected to go on sale internationally by early 2025. Revealed as a concept in 2021, it is essentially a three-row iteration of the all-new Duster, which made its global debut a few months ago. Sources have conveyed to our friends at Motor1 Brazil that the Bigster SUV will share its design cues largely with the new Duster and the Bigster concept. Essentially, it will be most likely an elongated version of the Duster, similar to what we see with the Creta and Alcazar in India. There will, however, be styling, tech and equipment differences on the inside and out. This new SUV from Renault will be around 4.6 metres long – nearly 0.3 metres longer than the new Duster, which measures 4.34 metres. It will get rugged looks and interior bits from the Duster, but there will be more upmarket materials and additional creature comforts to justify the SUV's higher price tag. The Duster currently has a 2,657mm wheelbase, which also could see an increment for the Bigster in order to facilitate easy ingress-egress and more cabin room. As far as the platform goes, the Bigster will share the same CMF-B modular architecture. There isn’t much known about its powertrain options, however, it will be safe to expect that the SUV will share its powertrain line-up with the latest-gen Duster, which comes with three engine options – two of which are electrified. Starting the proceedings is the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol hybrid that gets two electric motors; this engine comes with an automatic gearbox. It also comes with regenerative braking and a 1.2kWh battery, enabling purely electric driving for up to 80 percent of the time in the city.The next engine is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor. While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel option in any market right now. The next engine is the 130hp, 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol coupled with a 48V starter motor. While the Duster will also come with a 1.0-litre petrol-LPG option in some markets, there is no diesel option in any market right now.
Tata Motors aims for EVs to make up 15-17 percent of its volume in 2024
Tata Motors, which currently holds over 75 percent of electric vehicle market share, expects strong demand for its latest all-electric model – the Punch EV. The carmaker clocked its best-ever EV sales of 69,153 units in CY23, registering a robust 62 percent year-on-year (YoY) growth (CY22: 43,451 units). The electric SUV, which expands the company’s EV portfolio to four products – Tiago EV, Tigor EV, Nexon EV and Punch EV – will allow Tata Motors to tap into another vacant space in the segment. In the ongoing calendar year, it has the Curvv and Harrier EVs lined up for introduction, while next year, it will further expand its EV line-up with the Sierra EV and Altroz EV. Tata Motors currently sees EV volume contribution being pegged at around 12-15 percent (17-20 percent in terms of revenues), and expects it to reach 15-17 percent by the end of 2024. It expects EV penetration in its portfolio to touch 25 percent over the next three years, and reach 50 percent by 2030. The company anticipates waiting periods to creep in for the Punch EV, but is also geared to ramp up capacity at its newly operational plant in Sanand, Gujarat, to bring the delivery times under control, and within reasonable timeframes. “We are prepared to ramp up capacity starting the second half of this month, and we are hopeful of keeping the waiting periods within a reasonable number of months,” said Shailesh Chandra, managing director of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility (TPEM) and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles. As the company switches to Gen-2 ground-up EV architecture – Acti.ev – with the Punch EV, Tata Motors says its magnitude of investment in EVs has increased multifold. Tata Motors believes the Punch EV is uniquely positioned between the Tiago EV and Nexon EV in its portfolio, and targets the young buyer eyeing an all-rounder product.“With almost 65 percent buyers being younger than 35, tech-savvy, and having a certain price point in mind, if one offers a product with a high value, it is bound to create a new customer segment for this kind of an EV, which, with its over 400km range, does not limit the car purely for city use,” Chandra said.He further said that the Nexon and Tiago EVs have very different customer bases – the former is used as a primary car, but in a multi-car household, while the latter – a 320km-range product – is primarily used within the city with limited outdoorsy experience. “The Punch EV sits right in between the two. There is no such product below Rs 15 lakh so far, and therefore, there is not going to be significant cannibalisation within our portfolio,” he further highlighted.Last month, Tata Motors opened two of its flagship EV-only stores in Gurugram, and aims to expand the exercise with more such outlets in key markets across the country in the next 12-18 months.
Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles eyes ASEAN market for Jawa exports
The company has been exporting Jawa back to the Czech Republic-based JAWA Moto spol. S r.O. The successor to the original JAWA company using the trademark JAWA, which in turn sells the bikes mostly in Eastern Europe and the Czech Republic. Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles plans to start exports of Jawa brand of bikes in ASEAN countries in the next three to four months, a top company official said on Thursday. The company, which launched the new Jawa 350 priced at Rs 2,14,950 (ex-showroom Delhi), is also working to enhance its reach across India, especially in smaller cities targeting to open 750 outlets in the next 24 to 30 months, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles CEO Ashish Singh Joshi told reporters in an interaction here. The company has been exporting Jawa back to the Czech Republic-based JAWA Moto spol. S r.O. The successor to the original JAWA company using the trademark JAWA, which in turn sells the bikes mostly in Eastern Europe and the Czech Republic. We also sell directly in Nepal and we have already opened operations in the Philippines, which will serve as the hub to sell in other ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand," Joshi said. This is likely to start in the next three to four months, he said.On export volumes, Joshi said it is not so large considering the company's focus has been on the Indian market.After making a comeback in India in 2018, the company has sold about 2 lakh units in total, out of which nearly 5,000 units have been exported.When asked about domestic plans, Joshi said Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles plans to bring in more models to add to the existing nine products in its stable at present without specifying details. Also, he said the company is on a network expansion journey to widen and deepen its presence across India. "We are looking to increase our outlets to 750 in the next 24 to 30 months from 423 at present," he said, adding that when the company started it was mainly in the metros and major cities.It has gradually entered smaller cities and towns and will continue to do so, while also increasing the number of outlets in cities where it already has a presence to deepen its presence, Joshi added.On the outlook, he said the company is looking at "double-digit" growth this year, having overcome the COVID-19 induced disruptions and supply chain issues."2024 is going to be the year of consolidation for us," he said, adding that the premium motorcycle segment in India has recovered while the entry-level motorcycle segment is also witnessing recovery.
2024 Hyundai Creta Facelift Review: New Look, Updated Interior And Powertrains Enhance Bestseller’s Appeal
Strikingly different face with new radiator grille. All-new dashboard and interior trim with Level 2 ADAS. Dual-clutch transmission returns but with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol. This is the new Hyundai Creta. Not a generation change, but this is a facelifted version of the second-gen Creta which has been Hyundai’s best-selling model for some time now. It has been given a substantial refresh in terms of design, features and a new range-topping powertrain.The Creta remains the same size as the version it replaces. On paper, the length has increased by 30 mm due to the redesigned bumpers but overall width, height, wheelbase and front/rear tracks don’t change. Even ground clearance is the same at 190mm.The front and rear design has undergone a sea change. Two years ago, Hyundai started production of the Creta in Indonesia and it looked different than the one in India and most jumped the gun to say that this was the one that would come to India as well. However, what has arrived is quite different. It gets a rectangular radiator grille shape – surprisingly, more similar to the smaller Venue rather than the parametric grille we see in the bigger new Tucson. Horizon lights with DRLs give it a distinct identity and are reminiscent of the new flagship Santa Fe that broke cover in 2023.Hyundai has done an Apple here with the headlamps - instead of tri-beam it is now quad-beam. The SUV looks less rounded and more upright now due to the changes. The previous design of the Creta was quite polarising, just like its name when it was first launched eight years ago, but both grew on us and how. This one is less polarising than the outgoing Creta, but a tad generic. Now that is my personal opinion - looks are subjective so let us know in the comments if you think otherwise.Hyundai recently updated its engines to be BS6 Phase-2 compliant, so the Creta continues with its previous set of powertrains. There are some changes though. The engine options start with a 1.5 petrol from its Kappa family, a 1.5 turbo diesel is on offer too with the range topper being the new 1.5 turbo petrol which is also available in the all-new Verna. The previous Creta came with a 1.4-litre turbo which is now discontinued. On the transmission side there is a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission it calls ‘iVT’ for the naturally-aspirated petrol engine. Diesel gets a 6-speed torque converter or a 6-speed manual while the turbo petrol gets a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.The 1.5 diesel is slicker than ever and feels more refined than in the earlier Creta. It has oodles of torque and it appears in a wide range across the rev band. What I like is how vibrations are under check and so is the noise. The six-speed automatic isn’t as quick as the dual clutch but is fairly practical. Where the gearbox lacks in speed it compensates with finesse. Acceleration feels purposeful and confident. Steering weighs up nicely and the Creta suspension does well to balance between absorbing potholes and maintaining poise, whatever the speed.The CVT version too feels perfect for urban and less hurried highway driving. The start is smooth and through the power band it doesn’t feel stressed. It is only when you floor the throttle is when the engine sounds a bit stressed as you need to rev higher for peak torque.
Tata Punch EV Launched In India; Prices Start At Rs. 10.99 Lakh
Tata Motors has launched the all-new Punch EV in the Indian market with prices ranging from Rs. 10.99 lakh to Rs. 14.49 lakh (ex-showroom). Based on Tata’s new born EV ‘Acti.ev’ architecture, the Punch EV will become Tata’s fourth EV to go on sale in India after the electric versions of the Nexon, Tiago and Tigor. The vehicle will be available in a total of five trims- Smart, Smart +, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered +and two range options – Standard and Long Range (LR).In terms of design, the Punch.ev has a lot in common with the standard Punch but also features a few distinctive styling cues that set it apart. These include the new slim, full-width LED DRLs, a charging port situated behind the front Tata logo and new 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. The interior, however, is vastly different from the ICE model and is equipped with a 10.25-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, along with a 10.25-inch full-digital instrument console.The EV’s equipment list includes ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, cornering fog lamps, auto-folding wing mirrors, an electric sunroof, wireless phone charging and 360-degree cameras. On the safety front, the Punch EV gets six airbags and electronic stability programme (ESP) as standard, and a blind spot monitor on the top-spec variant.The EV’s equipment list includes ventilated front seats, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, cornering fog lamps, auto-folding wing mirrors, an electric sunroof, wireless phone charging and 360-degree cameras. On the safety front, the Punch EV gets six airbags and electronic stability programme (ESP) as standard, and a blind spot monitor on the top-spec variant.The Punch.ev also features bolstered ventilated leatherette seats, mood lights and an Air purifier with AQI display. Additionally, the Punch.ev comes with paddle-shifters, which enables the 4-level multi-mode regeneration and over-the-air software upgrade capabilities.On the powertrain front, the Long Range variant of the vehicle will be offered with a 90 kW motor with a torque output of 190 Nm. It will also feature a battery capacity of 35 kWh and a ARAI range of 421 km. The regular Punch.ev will have a 25 kWh battery, with a range of 315 km along with a 69 kW motor and 114 Nm of torque output.The Punch EV will be offered with a 3.3 kW wall box charger as standard while a 7.2 kW AC fast charger is also available as an option for an additional Rs 50,000.To be offered in five trims- Smart, Smart+, Adventure, Empowered and Empowered+.Gets a new infotainment system and full-digital instruments display.To be offered with two range options – Standard and Long Range (LR).
Red Bull Racing RB20 F1 Race Car Launch Date Revealed
Red Bull announces its Formula 1 2024 season launch date, set for February 15, aligning with Mercedes and Alpine's unveiling. Sergio Perez is confirmed to continue alongside Verstappen in 2024. Its predecessor, the RB19, dominated the 2023 season with all but one of the 22 Grand Prix races. Red Bull Racing has officially announced its Formula 1 2024 season launch date, aligning with its rivals Mercedes and Alpine. The unveiling is scheduled for February 15, a mere six days before the commencement of winter testing in Bahrain. While it remains uncertain whether Red Bull will present the actual RB20 car or reveal an updated colour scheme on a show car, expectations are high following the exceptional success of its predecessor, the RB19, which dominated the 2023 season, securing all but one of the 22 Grand Prix victories and propelling Max Verstappen to a more than comfortable third world championship.In response to questions about the team's prospects in the upcoming season, Christian Horner, Red Bull team boss, drew parallels with Mercedes' dominance in 2020 and emphasised the dynamic nature of Formula. Despite subtle rule changes, Horner acknowledged the evolving competition and expressed the team's commitment to adapting lessons learned from the RB19 to the development of the RB20, aiming for a competitive car to defend their titles.Sergio Perez is confirmed to continue alongside Verstappen in 2024, facing a crucial year to secure a contract extension with Red Bull. The team's launch follows announcements from Mercedes and Alpine, with Mercedes revealing its new W15 on February 14. Alpine, Renault's brand, is set to unveil its 2024 motorsport season, encompassing both F1 and the World Endurance Championship teams, on February 7. The launch dates for AlphaTauri, McLaren, and Haas are yet to be disclosed, completing the lineup of F1 teams preparing for the upcoming campaign.
Toto Wolff Extends Contract With Mercedes For 3 More Years
Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff signs a new three-year contract, extending his leadership until the end of 2026. The deal involves Wolff, INEOS owner Jim Ratcliffe, and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius.The contract excludes performance clauses.Mercedes Formula 1 team principal Toto Wolff has inked a new three-year contract, securing his leadership until at least the end of 2026, according to an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph. The deal involves Wolff, INEOS owner Jim Ratcliffe, and Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Kallenius. Remarkably, the contract excludes performance clauses, emphasising trust between the parties and Wolff's commitment to achieving success rather than relying on specific track outcomes.Wolff, who owns 33 per cent of the team, clarified, "I've never had a performance clause; you either trust each other or you don't." The new agreement arises amid speculation about Wolff's position due to Mercedes' recent struggles in comparison to Red Bull's consecutive title wins. Despite external pressures, the contract demonstrates mutual confidence and a desire to navigate challenges as a united front. The lack of performance clauses aligns with Wolff's emphasis on stability and a long-term perspective. He believes that the absence of such conditions reinforces the shared goal of achieving a strong return on investment, which, in the context of Formula 1, translates to winning races and championships. His commitment extends beyond the team principal role, encompassing responsibilities as a co-shareholder and a member of the board.Reflecting on the risks associated with his role, Wolff expressed a concern for "bore-out" rather than burnout, indicating a preference for overcoming challenges and embracing difficulties rather than stagnating in a dominant position. The Mercedes team principal remains driven by the prospect of re-establishing the team's dominance in Formula 1.Wolff's new contract is significant not only for its duration but also for the absence of conditional performance metrics. It reflects a collective decision by the stakeholders to persist in their current roles and address the challenges that come with a downturn in the team's performance. The deal positions Wolff as a key figure in Mercedes' efforts to reclaim its leading position in Formula 1 and underscores the importance of trust and collaboration among the team's principal shareholders.In the larger context, the contract signals a commitment to stability, allowing Mercedes to navigate a transitional phase in Formula 1 and work towards regaining competitiveness. While the team faces uncertainties regarding the performance of the new Mercedes W15 car, Wolff's enduring leadership provides continuity and stability during a critical period.As Wolff embarks on the next three years, the focus will be on steering Mercedes back to the summit of Formula 1, where it enjoyed a dominant position for much of the past decade.
2024 Bajaj Chetak review, first ride
Where every other electric scooter in the mainstream has aspired to carve a niche for itself in the market as a futuristic next-generation mobility solution, Bajaj has attempted to authentically replicate an experience in electric with their Chetak. The all-metal body, the rounded design and the minimal technological intervention. All of which meant that up until now the Chetak was left to an ever-diminishing demographic of people familiar with the original Chetak. For 2024, without really making too many big changes, Bajaj has upped their ante and expanded the reach of the updated bike to new demographics with a slight rejig of the equipment list.But before we jump into what's new. Let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn’t changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body make for a very premium-feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for the premium electric scooter. Switchgear, though, is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily. But before we jump into what's new. Let us talk about the design and build of the new Chetak for a second. The design hasn’t changed from the first generation of the Chetak. The rounded fascia with the round headlamp and the svelte body section set in an all-metal body make for a very premium-feeling scooter. It also gets all LED lighting as standard. However, while the build on the paint and the bodywork do feel premium, the plastics and the body mouldings do seem a little off-brand for the premium electric scooter. Switchgear, though, is a premium touch and feels solid, although we did notice a few times when buttons on the instruments would not respond momentarily.
Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift vs Kia Seltos vs Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs others: Price comparison
India Today was the first news organisation to confirm that Hyundai Motor India will launch the Hyundai Creta facelift in the country in 2024. We also maintained that the Hyundai Creta facelift price will range from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). Well, it seems that we are bang on the target so far as the price of the vehicle is concerned.Among the other rivals, the Elevate's price ranges from Rs 11.58 lakh to Rs 16.40 lakh (ex-showroom), the Urban Cruiser Hyryder's price from Rs 11.14 lakh to Rs 20.19 lakh (ex-showroom), that of the Kushaq from Rs 11.89 lakh to Rs 20.49 lakh (ex-showroom), the price of the Taigun from Rs 11.70 lakh to Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom) and the Astor from Rs 9.98 lakh to Rs 17.90 lakh (ex-showroom). In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, the SUV segment continues to witness fierce competition with manufacturers constantly upgrading their models to meet the changing preferences of consumers. In this comparison, we will focus on the recently launched Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift, the popular Kia Seltos, the established Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, and a few other noteworthy contenders. Let’s delve into the key aspects, specifications, and prices to help you make an informed decision.The Hyundai Creta 2024 facelift arrives with refreshed aesthetics and upgraded features. Packed with cutting-edge technology, the Creta continues to be a strong contender in the compact SUV segment. The price for the base variant starts at $XX,XXX, making it a competitive option in its class.The Kia Seltos, known for its stylish design and feature-packed interior, remains a top choice for SUV enthusiasts. With a starting price of $XX,XXX, the Seltos offers a compelling mix of performance and comfort. Its diverse range of engine options and trim levels allows buyers to tailor their purchase according to their preferences.
