Mahindras-svelte-electric-SUV-is-hinted-at-by-XUVe8-design-patents-What-can-we-anticipate

With the launch of the XUV.e8, an electric version of their well-liked XUV700, Mahindra & Mahindra is preparing to increase the number of electric vehicles in their lineup. The corporation is currently testing prototypes of this new model, which has already been displayed in concept form. Mahindra has submitted for multiple design patents recently, covering the XUV.e8's appearance and interior.The design patents show that the XUV.e8 is very similar to the concept version that was previously presented, according to a report by HT Auto. Notable improvements include a new set of inverted L-shaped LED projector headlamps and a large LED lightbar that runs the length of the front of the car. Due to the lack of an internal combustion engine, the front bumpers have been altered and do not include the conventional grille.According to reports, the XUV.e8's side profile has aerodynamic wheel covers designed to improve air flow efficiency. The concept's flush-fitting door handles are still on the car. There aren't many modifications at the back, only a new bumper and an LED light bar, however the tail lamps should stay the same. The XUV.e8 will likewise have copper accents, just as the XUV400.Interior design elements, most notably a new two-spoke steering wheel, are also included in Mahindra's design patents. Four toggle switches are located on this hexagonal steering wheel, which has a red stripe at the top for controlling the infotainment system and instrument cluster. The lighted Mahindra emblem on the steering wheel is a novel touch that continues a trend observed in Tata cars. The revamped dashboard, which features a three-screen arrangement evocative of high-end automobile interiors, is another noteworthy interior upgrade. This comprises a passenger-side extra screen, an infotainment display, and an instrument cluster. With these improved technology features and style cues, Mahindra's electric vehicle portfolio is expected to gain something special with the XUV.e8.  

Tomorrows Lok Sabha elections in Delhi Be aware of whats open and closed on buses, metro, traffic advisories, and liquor stores.

Phase 6 voting in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections: The sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections is scheduled for May 25 in Delhi. In the meantime, the government has closed liquor stores and implemented extra bus and metro services to encourage voters to cast ballots on election day.On Saturday, May 25, Delhi will host polling for the sixth phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. As part of the INDIA bloc, the Congress has teamed up with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to take on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is the party's closest rival. In the second-to-last round, all seven constituencies will be voted on in a single phase in the nation's capital.On election day, the state government has put in place a number of regulations, one of which is a 48-hour prohibition on alcohol sales.Also read: Full list of 58 seats up for election in Phase 6 of the Lok Sabha Election 2024 on May 25 Delhi's Lok Sabha Election Let's examine the locations that are open and closed on election day: stores that sell alcohol The excise department announced that, in accordance with directives from the Indian Election Commission, all licensed establishments, including liquor outlets, in Delhi and the surrounding districts, including Faridabad and Gurgaon, will remain closed on May 25.The closure will be in place until May 25 at 6:00 p.m. The directives went into force at 6:00 p.m. on May 23. Additionally, the national capital forbids the sale of alcohol on June 4, the day of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 results.  

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.  

In the first quarter of 2024, Kazakhstans Oil Transportation Volume Increases by 14.2%

Due to an increase in oil transit and exports from the port of Aktau, as well as increased export volumes to Europe, the amount of oil moved through Kazakhstan's main pipelines increased by 7.9% to 18,081 tons.To 3,460 tons, the volume of oil transported by sea rose by 65.2%. This rise was mostly ascribed to increasing transportation volumes in the Caspian Sea along the routes from Aktau port to Makhachkala port and Baku port, as well as Azerbaijani oil transferred via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline in the Mediterranean Sea.The production of associated and natural gas (before re-injection) climbed by 4.6% to 2.5 million cubic meters in Kazakhstan, while the production of oil and gas condensate increased by 1.7% to 6,064 tons. Nonetheless, the amount of hydrocarbons processed at refineries in Romania and Kazakhstan fell by 6.3%, from 4,936 tons to 4,626 tons.The Tengiz field saw a 2.1% increase in oil output to 1.5 million tons (or 132,000 barrels per day), and a 3.4% increase in related gas production to 839 million cubic meters. High well productivity, dependable plant operations, and comfortable surrounding temperatures were cited as the reasons for this.At the Kashagan field, KMG produced 780,000 tons of oil (68,000 barrels per day), a 1.7% decrease from the previous year due to a lack of processing and reinjection capacity for associated gas. There were 501 million cubic meters of gas produced.The Karachaganak field saw a 3.5% increase in oil and condensate output to 291,000 tons (25,000 barrels per day), and a 13% increase in gas production to 638 million cubic meters. The Orenburg Gas Processing Plant's reinstated capacity to supply raw gas contributed to this expansion. The production of oil and condensate from operating assets rose 2.2% overall to about 3.5 million tons (279,000 barrels per day). The purchase by KMG in November of a 60% interest in the Dunga field in the Mangystau Region was a major factor in this growth. With the start of commercial operations at the end of 2023, the Rozhkovskoye gas condensate field in the West Kazakhstan Region drove a 2.4% rise in gas production from these assets to 543 million cubic meters. As stated by  

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.  

There will be no Bus Theme Park at IAA Transportation in 2024 as planned.

The recently announced bus theme park at Hannover's IAA Transportation has been canceled. According to the organizing association VDA (reported by German trade media omnibus.news), "bus makers had not made sufficient bookings." However, an IAA spokeswoman said, "Despite the considerable interest and excellent comments from the industry, we have chosen to [..]The recently announced bus theme park at Hannover's IAA Transportation has been canceled. According to the organizing association VDA (quoted by German trade media omnibus.news), "bus manufacturers had not made sufficient bookings." However, an IAA spokeswoman said, "We have decided to instead offer flexible and innovative presentation opportunities to better meet the needs of our international exhibitors and visitors." Despite the industry's high interest and positive feedback.German bus displays: a crowded scene Unquestionably, the bus industry has slowed down recently in relation to the IAA (see our reporting from the 2022 edition). Instead, a lot of bus OEMs and suppliers have resorted to InnoTrans, where the Bus Display in the Summer Garden is devoted to the bus industry (although it appears that the number of bus manufacturers attending the show is not increasing).Early in 2024, the IAA unveiled a new program aimed at bus OEMs and bus customers. IAA Transportation said in a press release announcing the development that the bus theme park should depict many facets of a city and that "visitors will have the opportunity to directly test solutions for the city of the future." Test drives, bus seating, parking, and green areas are also prioritized, along with connectivity choices via mobility hubs.A central bus campus was also intended as a place for consultation. Businesses were expected to get best practice examples on a range of subjects there.  

Ahead of the holiday weekend, the Sensex and Nifty remain stable, although analysts advise caution due to selling by foreign investors.

Nifty, Sensex, and Stock Prices LIVE: Ahead of the long weekend holidays, the Indian benchmark indices, the Sensex and Nifty, traded steadily on Friday in a seesaw manner. It was anticipated that the market would continue to have little participation because it would close on Monday in order to accommodate local general election polls. As of 1.26 pm, the BSE Sensex was up 304.89 points at 73,968.61, and the NSE Nifty was up 77.55 points at 22,481.40. In Indian markets, foreign portfolio investors persisted in their selling frenzy, increasing their short holdings in index futures. Despite closing down, the Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved 40,000 for the first time. On Friday, most Asian stocks closed lower. The market appeared to be moving well, with bulls reappearing, but analysts issued a warning that important supportsStock Market Today | Share Market Live Updates - Get all the latest information on the Indian stock markets, share prices, Sensex, Nifty, BSE, and NSE for May 17, 2024, right here.  

Check Out The Best City-By-City (Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata) Gas Prices In India

In Mumbai, India, the cost of 14.2 kg of domestic LPG is ₹802.50. The price of LPG has not changed from the previous month. Since March 2024, the price of LPG has been constant at ₹802.50. The LPG price trend has been declining over the last 12 months, falling ₹300 between June 2023 and May 2024. In August 2023, the price dropped by ₹200, the most amount. Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.The state-run oil corporations in India set the price of LPG, and they update it every month. In India, practically every home has an LPG hookup, which is mostly utilized for cooking. The average person will be impacted by an increase in LPG costs since, under the current market conditions, they bear the burden of increased fuel costs. The best thing is that consumers can already purchase home LPG cylinders at a discounted price thanks to an Indian government subsidy. Following the purchase of the cylinder, the subsidy amount is instantly credited to the individual's bank account. The monthly subsidy amount is subject to fluctuations in the average international benchmark LPG prices.The state-run oil corporations in India set the price of LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas), which is updated every month. The cost of LPG is significant since it directly affects average people's kitchens. Nearly every home has an LPG connection, as do hotels and restaurants that are used for business purposes. Since they suffer the brunt of the growing fuel prices, even a slight fluctuation in price might set off a massive chain reaction across the nation. LPG is priced differently for residential and commercial use. When compared to household use LPG cylinders, commercial LPG is significantly more expensive. Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.The two main variables that determine the cost of LPG cylinders in India are the rupee's value in relation to the US dollar and the global benchmark rate. Each family is eligible for up to 12 free cylinders annually. You have to pay market price for any additional cylinders that you require. LPG prices in India are based on the global market price from the previous month. Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.Currently, domestic users are receiving the subsidy from the Indian government. The money is deposited straight into the recipient's account, which is the nicest aspect of the subsidy. The amount of the subsidy varies from month to month based on fluctuations in the foreign exchange rate and average worldwide benchmark LPG costs. The top three companies in the nation for LPG gas cylinder connections are HP Gas (owned by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited), Indane Gas (owned by Indian Oil Corporation Limited), and Bharat Gas (owned by Bharat Petroleum Gas). Visit https://www.goodreturns.in/lpg-price.html to learn more.  

The Transport Forum for Asia and the Pacific 2024

Synopsis ADB will host the Asia and Pacific Transport Forum 2024 on May 14–15 at its Manila headquarters, with training sessions for capacity-building taking place on May 16–17. The ADB as the climate bank and how the transportation sector can both secure the climate resilience of transportation infrastructure and decarbonize will be the main topics of discussion at this biennial event.With transportation firmly positioned as an enabler of development, the 2024 forum will center on ADB's support and assistance to the transport industry in areas including climate change and sustainable development. Topics relevant to the rail, urban transport, smart mobility, road safety, and road system operations will be discussed with other important business agendas on gender, social development, and digitization.Goals The main goals of the 2024 Transport Forum are for officials from developing member countries (DMCs) to learn more about emerging solutions to the transportation sector problems in the area and for the ADB to highlight its technical and financial support. In order to help the DMCs achieve their goal of "building forward better" throughout the region, ADB will also have the chance to present the ADB Transport Sector Directional Guide during the event.The forum wants to: provide the opportunity for members of the region's transport expert community to gain a deeper understanding of important transport issues in the near and long term; outline the solutions for transportation to fulfill global commitments on transport-related SDGs and on Paris Agreement commitments; Enable policy makers, thought leaders, and practitioners who are working on practical sustainable transport solutions to share their experiences; facilitate conversations about the opportunities and challenges facing the transport sector between ADB and its DMCs, clients in the private sector, and development partners. Participants who are the target important decision-makers in governmental transportation organizations and agencies. Government representatives of ADB DMCs, as well as ADB executing and implementing agencies working in the transportation and road infrastructure sectors, as well as allied fields like energy, finance, social and urban development, environment, and climate change. Transport network and system asset and infrastructure managers. operators of transportation systems. experts in the transportation sector, concentrating on policy or technical matters. Public and private sector managers, policy makers, and regulators. leaders and delegates with expertise in transportation-related technology. Development and knowledge partners addressing problems and solutions related to transportation.  

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Submission of Shipping Instructions and Requests for Amendments, Effective July 1, 2024

Maersk, we're always striving to go more digital and provide our clients more visibility. Thus, we would like to notify you that shipping instructions and revision requests must be sent using digital channels, such as Maersk.com, EDI, and Inttra, starting on Monday, July 1, 2024.We can now process your instructions more quickly and accurately thanks to this modification. Only in the following situations will we still honor email instructions: requests to construct split bills of lading following the development of the draft bill of lading. Requests to switch bills of lading. Every breakbulk freight and cargo. Clients who have paid for reservation services.Please watch this video for details on how to submit your shipping instructions if you require any additional help.In order to make sure you are prepared for this change, if you haven't already, please take a moment to register on Maersk.com. Our Live Chat team is here to assist you. We are sure that this adjustment will result in a more reliable and fruitful interaction between you and our personnel. Additionally, we would like to reaffirm that requests made through Maersk.com will be handled promptly, more effectively for you and your company, and with more visibility into your supply chain.Please get in touch with our Customer Experience team for more information about how this can benefit you. They will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.  

Due on Tuesday are new Biden duties on Chinese EVs, solar energy, and medical supplies.

May 9, Washington, D.C./San Francisco (Reuters) - As early as next week, U.S. President Joe Biden is expected to unveil further tariffs on China that would target vital industries and include a significant increase in taxes on electric vehicles (EVs), according to three sources with direct knowledge of the situation.One of the persons said that the entire statement, which is anticipated on Tuesday, will uphold the current tariffs that former President Donald Trump imposed on a variety of Chinese imports.However, one of the persons said that in addition to raising EV taxes, it will also impose new levies on semiconductors and solar equipment. Additional duties are imposed on Chinese-made medical items, such as syringes and personal protective equipment, sources told Reuters.One of the persons stated that the Biden administration has targeted specific industries in its revision of the so-called "Section 301 tariffs," citing them as areas of critical competitiveness and national security. The eagerly awaited tariff update follows some MPs' demands for steep increases in levies on Chinese automobiles. Currently, imports of light-duty automobiles manufactured in China are rather rare.According to persons familiar with the situation, the Wall Street Journal stated that under the new Biden plan, tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles would nearly treble. Sherrod Brown, the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, is worried that Chinese EVs could compromise the privacy of American citizens and wants the Biden administration to outright ban them.The office of the U.S. Trade Representative submitted suggestions to the White House some weeks ago, but internal debates have caused a delay in the official release, according to sources. Some sources stated that it might arrive after Tuesday.  

Sonalika Sikander DLX DI 60 Torque Plus tractor launched in India at Rs 8.50 lakh

Leading tractor manufacturer Sonalika today announced the launch of the Sikander DLX DI 60 Torque Plus multi-speed tractor at an all-India price of Rs 8.50 lakh (ex-showroom).The Sikander DLX DI 60 is claimed to employ the biggest engine in its category, a 4-cylinder 4,709cc HDM unit, which delivers 275Nm of torque. The tractor gets an advanced 12F+12R multi-speed transmission with shuttle-tech technology. It boasts a lift capacity of 2,200kg. With features like LED headlights and taillights, Pro+ bumper, power steering and 5G hydraulics, the Sikander DLX DI 60 is claimed to be suitable for both on and off-field operations. "We are excited to launch our newest initiative 'one nation, one tractor price' and present our game-changing industry-first innovation, the Sonalika Sikander DLX DI 60 Torque Plus multi-speed, which will offer farmers flexibility and agility to choose the best. It will revolutionise the performance standards in the Indian tractor industry as it offers the segment's biggest engine customised with 12F+12R transmission, advanced 5G hydraulics and 10 deluxe features," said Raman Mittal, Joint Managing Director, International Tractors Ltd (ITL). ITL currently has a manufacturing facility in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, with an annual capacity of 300,000 units. It recently announced an investment of Rs 1,300 crore in the state to set up two new facilities, a tractor assembly plant with an annual capacity of 100,000 units and a high-pressure foundry plant.    

Volkswagen Polo could return to India. But theres a catch…

Volkswagen Polo, once a cornerstone of the German automaker's presence in India, may soon make a comeback with a fresh twist, signaling hope for enthusiasts. Despite its discontinuation owing to dwindling demand, the Polo remains a beloved choice among fans, who have eagerly awaited its return to the Indian market. In an interview with Rushlane at the VW Annual Brand Conference 2024, Volkswagen Brand Director, Ashish Gupta, hinted at the potential revival of the iconic Polo. While confirming that there are presently no immediate plans for its relaunch, Gupta acknowledged the possibility for its return in the future, but with a transformative twist. According to Gupta, the revival of the Polo could manifest in innovative formats such as an SUV or an electric vehicle (EV). The original iteration of the Polo may not see a direct revival, as Volkswagen has realigned its strategy in India towards the dynamic India 2.0 initiative. This strategic shift aligns with Volkswagen's global focus on the premium automotive segment. Moreover, the publication added that the success of the India 2.0 project is underscored by the popularity of recent models like the Taigun compact SUV and the Virtus sedan, demonstrating Volkswagen's commitment to evolving market demands. While reverting to the original Polo model could be perceived as regressive, there remains uncertainty regarding its potential sales performance. Volkswagen has explicitly stated its disinterest in reintroducing the Non-GTi Polo to the Indian market, preferring to concentrate on the burgeoning popularity of C-SUVs. Notably, the new Polo exceeds the 4-meter mark at 4.053 meters, necessitating substantial re-engineering to meet regulatory standards, a move deemed economically unviable by the German automaker.In essence, while the revival of the Polo holds promise, Volkswagen's strategic focus on innovative automotive solutions and evolving market trends underscores the complexity of its future plans, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating further developments.  

Maruti Suzuki Baleno, WagonR recalled: Over 16,000 units impacted

Maruti Suzuki India today announced a recall of more than 16,000 units of the Baleno premium hatchback and the WagonR mid-level hatchback over a suspected faulty fuel pump motor.The company will recall 11,851 units of the Baleno and 4,190 units the WagonR manufactured between July 30, 2019, and November 1, 20l9. "It is suspected that there is a possible defect in a part of fuel pump motor, which in a rare case may lead to engine stalling or engine starting issue," Maruti said in an official statement.The country's largest carmaker will contact the affected vehicle owners via its authorised dealer workshops to replace the part.Maruti said that the affected part will be replaced free of cost. For reference, the Maruti Suzuki Baleno and the Maruti Suzuki WagonR are the two largest-selling cars in India.In the current fiscal, from April to February, Maruti has sold 180,018 units of the Baleno and 183,810 units of the WagonR.While the Baleno is now priced between Rs 6.66 lakh and Rs 9.88 lakh (ex-showroom), the WagonR sits in the price bracket of Rs 5.54 lakh to Rs 7.37 lakh (ex-showroom).  

Kia Seltos, Sonet, Carens prices to rise from April 1

Kia India will increase the prices of its mass models, including SUVs like the Seltos and the Sonet, and the Carens MPV, from April 1. Prices will rise by up to 3%.While Kia attributed the price hike to a continuous increase in commodity prices, adverse exchange rates and rising input costs, it is the first such announcement from the carmaker in 2024.At present, the Kia Seltos is priced between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 20.30 lakh (ex-showroom). The Kia Sonet sits in the price range of Rs 7.99 lakh to Rs 15.69 lakh (ex-showroom). The Kia Carens price starts at Rs 10.45 lakh and goes up to Rs 19.45 lakh (ex-showroom). Kia launched its first model in India, the Seltos, in August 2019. Till now, it has cumulatively sold nearly 1,167,000 units in India and overseas markets.The Seltos is its highest-selling model to date at 613,000 units, followed by the Sonet at 395,000 units and the Carens at 159,000 units.Kia has a manufacturing facility in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, with an installed annual production capacity of 300,000 units.  

BMW 620d M Sport Signature launched in India at Rs 78.90 lakh

BMW today launched the BMW 620d M Sport Signature in India at Rs 78.90 lakh (ex-showroom). To be locally produced at BMW Group plant in Chennai, the ar is now available for bookings at all BMW dealerships across the country.The BMW 620d M Sport Signature employs a 2-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine that develops 190hp of maximum power and 400Nm of peak torque. With an 8-speed steptronic automatic transmission, the car can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 7.9 seconds. The car has several driving modes like Comfort, Comfort+, Sport, Eco Pro and Adaptive. The kidney grille of the BMW 620d M Sport Signature is flanked by BMW laserlight-based headlight units. There is a slope-like roofline according it a coupe design. At the rear, you find LED taillight units and a couple of freeform tailpipes plated in chrome. The car is available in metallic paintworks like Mineral White, Tanzanite Blue, Skyscraper Grey and Carbon Black. Inside the cabin, you get fully electric front seats with memory function, wrapped in 'Dakota' leather with exclusive stitching and contrast piping in black. There is a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting with six dimmable designs and Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers. The rear-seat Entertainment Professional comprises two 10.25-inch touchscreen monitors with full-HD technology, a Blu-ray player, screen mirroring function and two USB ports. The car has a four-zone automatic climate control. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional with BMW Operating System 7.0 includes 3D navigation, a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch control display. The occupants can operate a number of functions simply by speaking to their BMW Virtual Assistant. There is also BMW Gesture Control that recognises six pre-defined hand movements for control of various functions. So far as safety features are concerned, the BMW 620d M Sport Signature gets six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist, dynamic stability control (DSC) including dynamic traction control (DTC) and electronic differential lock control (EDLC), cornering brake control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensors and ISOFIX child seat mounting.  

Audi to drive in over 20 new models by 2025-end, says CEO Gernot Dollner

The company also plans to electrify all core segments by 2027.German automaker Audi plans to roll out over 20 new models by the end of 2025 across markets, Audi AG CEO Gernot Dollner said on Tuesday.The automaker has also lined up a capex of EUR 41 billion for the period between 2024-2028.Audi AG will invest EUR 11.5 billion in the development of ICE (internal combustion engine), PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) and other segments and EUR 29.5 billion for BEV (battery electric vehicles) and digitisation. "The Audi Q6 e-tron is the start of an extensive product initiative that we will use to rejuvenate our portfolio over the coming years," Dollner stated.He further said: "We are planning more than 20 new models in 2024 and 2025, including the presentation of the A6 e-tron in the summer of 2024 and the new generation of the A5 and Q5 as the first models on the new Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) in the second half of the year."The group is positioning itself for the future economically, technologically and strategically, and planning to put new products on the street one by one, he stated.Dollner said that despite the recent public debate, there is no doubt about the future of electric cars. "At Audi, we will electrify all core segments by 2027 and have defined a fully electric target portfolio," he stated.In addition, the transitional period will require starting off with highly efficient combustion-engine models and plug-in hybrids, Dollner stated."The 50 per cent increase in electric vehicles delivered in 2023 confirms our path toward electric mobility," he added.Audi delivered 1.78 lakh electric vehicle units last year, a growth of 51 per cent as compared with 2022. "We are currently launching the largest model initiative in the history of Audi, while at the same time continuing the fundamental transformation of the company," Dollner said.The Audi group saw its revenue grow by 13.1 per cent year-on-year to EUR 69.9 billion in 2023.  

American Manufacturers Seek Perfection as Quality Issues Mount

Imagine a world in which every product that leaves a factory is flawless, every time.What sounds like a plant manager’s dream is the end goal of zero-defect manufacturing, an idea that is gaining traction among industry executives. Surging recalls and high-profile problems like the door plug that blew off a Boeing jet midflight in January have cast a harsh light on the quality of American manufacturing. But some companies say a combination of technology, training and focus can eliminate errors.Ford Chief Executive Jim Farley has said the automaker must reach “a zero defect destination," telling investors last year the company has used assembly-line artificial intelligence and extensive test drives to catch problems in Super Duty trucks. Stellantis, which is similarly targeting zero defects, said more than 100 new quality standards have led to a double-digit percentage drop in warranty claims. Companies in industries as varied as pharmaceuticals and snack foods have announced zero-defect goals, as has Brewer Science, a Missouri-based maker of chemicals and materials used in semiconductors that calls itself “a pioneer of perfection" in a promotional video. The company said it has reduced impurities such as aluminum ions to less than one part per billion through exhaustive measurement and testing. Chief Operating Officer Srikanth Kommu said its definition of defects is growing more stringent.“What’s good enough today is not good enough for tomorrow," Kommu said. More manufacturers say they are aiming for perfection as quality-control problems have mounted. The newsletter Warranty Week found that in 2022, vehicle makers spent record amounts on warranty claims. Recalls announced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, a federal agency, hit a six-year high in 2023.Sedgwick, a firm that assists companies with recalls, found recalls jumped last year among pharmaceutical and food manufacturers. Sedgwick Senior Vice President Chris Harvey said undertrained workers, the increasing complexity of products and more sprawling supply chains are contributing to quality problems.