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Category: Automotive

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Auto and Car news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • New Skoda Superb Scout Cross-Estate Unveiled

    New Skoda Superb Scout Cross-Estate Unveiled

    Jacked up Estate body types have found preference among car buyers. These cars are more practical than their sedan counterpart and luxury carmakers like Mercedes, Audi and Volvo have one such model in their portfolio. Volkswagen too has the Passat Alltrack and now even Skoda has added the new Superb Scout which is essentially a cross-estate version of the Skoda Superb.

    The new Skoda Superb Scout is different from the Skoda Combi Estate which was sold in Europe. It looks rugged equipped with matte black body claddings and also gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels while 19-inches are optional. The ground clearance is up by 15 mm and there are subtle body enhancements in the profiling in a bid to add to the rugged appeal. The roof rails and window frames are chrome-plated, and the wing mirror housings shine in an aluminum look and there are special SCOUT badges as well. The elongated body style and other additions have also made the Superb Scout heavier than the Superb sedan and it tips the scale at 2200 kg.

    On the inside, the Skoda Superb Scout is finished in special wood-effect decorative strips that bear the Scout logo just like on the front seats. The seat covers are finished in fabric with contrasting stitching and the Alcantara leather seats with brown contrasting stitching are optional. The front seats are heated and are available with new piping in a contrasting color. The central display is fitted with additional offroad screens and the driver is greeted by a special, Scout specific, welcome logo on the display when entering the car. The front passenger seat can be electrically adjusted from the rear and the optional Sleep package provides larger headrests and a blanket, like the ones we have seen in the Kodiaq. It goes without saying that the Scout gets a larger boot than the Superb with a capacity of 660 to 1,950 l. The tailgate can be electrically operated and it can also be opened using the foot-gesture command.

    The Skoda Superb Scout will be offered with two tried and tested engine options. First is the 2.0-litre four-cylinder, TDI diesel engine which puts out 197 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, TSI petrol motor is also on offer. In the Superb scout, this engine is tuned to churn out 268 bhp and 350 Nm of peak torque and is mated to also mated to the seven-speed DSG gearbox. These are the same engine options we have seen in a range of VW Group cars. However, highlight here is the off-road mode which activates the all-wheel-drive system. It also comes with a rough road package which is a standard fitment and provides underbody protection for the engine along with the undercarriage. The ride is further complemented with the driving modes which work in conjunction with the Dynamic Chassis Control.

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  • Honda’s EV Journey In India To Begin With Hybrid Technology

    Honda’s EV Journey In India To Begin With Hybrid Technology

    It was back in 2018 that we told you about Honda wanting to get into the EV space in India. The electric car which will be launched in India will be one of the company’s global models which will be produced after 2019 after the Japanese carmaker rolls out its electric plan for a wide set of market. The vehicle that will make its way to India could be a ‘B’ segment vehicle the development of which is under process for the Indian Market. But this EV strategy will only pan out until 2023-24. Meanwhile, however, the focus will be on a gradual shift towards EV, which is why hybrid technology will find its way into Honda Car India’s line-up of cars. Honda is also looking to localize the production of hybrid and EV solutions in India in a bid to ensure that it is accessible and affordable for the buyers.

    According to a statement made to PTI by Senior Vice President and Director Rajesh Goel, Honda Cars India, “Till such time and also till the development of suitable charging infrastructure in the country, we feel that hybrid vehicles can be considered as good intermediate technology in electrification initiatives. Accordingly, we will begin our electrification journey in two years with hybrid technology.”

    Currently, the company only has the Accord hybrid in its portfolio and it attracts 28 percent rate with a cess of 15 percent taking its price to over ₹ 43 lakh (ex-showroom). As per its Vision 2030, the company strives to electrify two-thirds of its global automobile unit sales in 2030 with its range of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEVs), battery electric vehicle (BEVs) and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs)
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  • Hyundai Kona Electric India Launch Details Out

    Hyundai Kona Electric India Launch Details Out

    After bringing in its contender for the subcompact SUV segment – the Venue, Hyundai India is all set to bring in another SUV into the country and this time around it will a product that will launch the company’s electric product offensive. Yes, the Kona Electric all set to be launched in India on July 9, 2019 and the Korean carmaker will have its widest SUV product line-up in India with the addition of two new models this year. Hyundai’s SUV line-up in India will include Venue, Creta, Kona ev, and the Tucson which is scheduled to get a facelift in the second half of this year. Hyundai has already confirmed that it will be manufacturing its upcoming Kona electric locally in India at its Chennai plant. The latest development is the upshot of the company’s plans to invest in India a part of which will go towards the development of an assembly line for the Kona Electric.

    The main purpose of producing the Kona Electric locally is to keep the pricing aggressive in a bid to make it a viable offering for the prospective customers. Hyundai had earlier shared that it wants to keep the Kona comparatively affordable for car buyers. Hyundai will channel the rest of the investment in the manufacturing of other car models and development of new technologies and machinery. Moreover, the investment will add 1500 more jobs in India.

    The Hyundai Kona electric can go up to 350 km on a single charge which takes about 30 minutes through fast charging. Globally, the Kona Electric is offered in two iterations- one which is equipped with a 100 kW motor and the other with a 150 kW motor. While the former motor produces 134 bhp, the latter churns out 201 bhp. Both the motors are mated to electronic transmission. Moreover, it is equipped with upmarket features like an 8.0-inch infotainment system which supports smartphone connectivity, auto-headlamps rain sensing wipers and more.

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  • After World Car Of The Year, Jaguar I-Pace Wins Powertrain Awards

    After World Car Of The Year, Jaguar I-Pace Wins Powertrain Awards

    Jaguar has been riding a wave of success at car award shows all across the globe with its all-electric offering the I-Pace. It was the only car that won three categories at the World Car Awards 2019 and now has won three more at The International Engine + Powertrain Of The Year Award. It has won the best electric powertrain, best new engine and the 345 bhp to 444 bhp category awards. A panel of 70 expert motoring journalists from 31 countries evaluated the powertrain on several parameters including performance, driveability, energy efficiency and refinement.

    Speaking about the achievement, Ian Hoban, Powertrain Director, Jaguar Land Rover, said, “We’ve used all the benefits of state-of-the-art battery and motor technology to create a world-class electric vehicle. As well as zero emissions, the all-electric powertrain delivers an ideal balance of performance, refinement, and range, together with outstanding responsiveness, agility and day-to-day usability. I-PACE is a true driver’s car and above all a true Jaguar. We set out to make the world’s best all-electric performance SUV: these awards reflect that, and are fitting recognition for what the engineering team has achieved.”

    The Jaguar I-Pace is powered by a 90 kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a range of 470 km (WLTP) and can charge from 0-80 percent in 40 minutes using a 100 kW DC charger. It is driven by two electric motors mounted on each axle which puts out 394 bhp and 696 Nm of peak torque. The motors are compact and light and along with the transmission weigh just 78 kg. This favors the I-Pace lightweight which in-turn helps it to clock triple digit speeds in just 4.5 seconds.

    It has won 66 global awards since it was revealed little more than a year ago, including the 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year, World Green Car, European Car of the Year, and German, Norwegian and UK Car of the Year.

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  • Ford Partners With Robots Maker Agility Robotics In Mobility Service Push

    Ford Partners With Robots Maker Agility Robotics In Mobility Service Push

    Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday it is partnering with walking robots maker Agility Robotics to assist self-driving delivery vans to drop packages at the doorsteps of people’s homes. Ford’s move into robotics comes as the No.2 U.S. automaker looks to expand into autonomous driving and mobility services. The company, which launched a self-driving pilot with delivery partners including Domino’s in Miami last year, said Agility Robotics’ two-legged robot, Digit, is capable of lifting packages that weigh up to 40 pounds.

    The robot can walk up and down stairs and through uneven terrain, while maintaining its balance after being bumped, Ford said bit.ly/2Jy47T5.

    “It’s not always convenient for people to leave their homes to retrieve deliveries,” Ken Washington, Ford’s chief technology officer, said.

    “If we can free people up to focus less on the logistics of making deliveries, they can turn their time and effort to things that really need their attention.”

    In 2017, Ford bought Argo AI, a Pittsburgh-based self-driving startup, but with spiraling development costs for autonomous cars in recent years, the company and other carmakers have sought alliances and outside investors.

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  • Mercedes-Benz’s Heated Seatbelts Encouraging Customers To Put Them On

    Mercedes-Benz’s Heated Seatbelts Encouraging Customers To Put Them On

    Seatbelt is the first safety feature in a vehicle which plays a crucial role in saving the life of the occupants in case of a collision. It keeps the body static and prevents it from coming into contact with the surface which can leave the passengers wounded. Over the time, we have seen technological developments in this area like the active pretensioners which grip the body even when you drive beyond a certain speed and obviously while sensing a collision situation.

    However, it goes without saying that all of it will come into play only when it’s hooked and the latest development aims exactly at improving the practice of putting on the seatbelt. Mercedes-Benz is testing heated seatbelts in its prototype and interestingly it looks very much like an usual seatbelt. It has heated tubes inserted in the fabric to keep it warm. It operates in conjunction at same temperature level as the heated seats and armrests we have seen in Mercedes-Benz top of the line Models.

    The Stuttgart based carmaker says that this would encourage its customers to fasten the seatbelts as they would love to be in a soothing temperature. The technology is even more relevant for cold regions where low temperature is actually an issue. Even in central, Eastern and Northern parts of India where temperature hits extreme low in winters, such technology will go in favour of adopting the practice of putting on the seatbelts. In India, where wearing seatbelt is a rarity and people in metro cities only do because of the law enforcement, such technology could actually help in making the practice more common.

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  • Prosecutors Fine Bosch 90 Million Euros For Illicit Emissions Software

    Prosecutors Fine Bosch 90 Million Euros For Illicit Emissions Software

    Automotive supplier Bosch has agreed to pay a 90 million euros ($100.21 million) fine for lapses in supervisory duties which enabled carmakers to engage in emissions cheating, German prosecutors in the city of Stuttgart said on Friday.

    Privately-held Bosch, the world’s biggest automotive supplier, delivered around 17 million technical devices equipped with engine management software, including tools that allowed carmakers to manipulate emissions tests, prosecutors said in a statement.

    Bosch has accepted the fine and will not appeal the decision, they added.

    Volkswagen used the software provided by Bosch to help the carmaker mask illegal pollution in diesel-engined vehicles.

    Volkswagen has borne the brunt of penalties and fines for emissions cheating since carmakers, rather than suppliers are responsible for certifying that cars meet clean air rules

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  • Renault Clio Based On The CMF-B Platform Bags Five-Star Ratings In Euro NCAP

    Renault Clio Based On The CMF-B Platform Bags Five-Star Ratings In Euro NCAP

    The all-new Renault Clio which is spawned by the CMF-B platform has bagged five-star ratings in the global NCAP crash test and this news stands even more crucial for the India market given the onset of the Bharat New Vehicle Safety Assessment Program  (BNVSAP) which is set to roll out next year. The CMF-B platform is an advanced and elongated version of the CMF-A platform which spawns the Renault Kwid and Datsun Go range. The CMF-B platform has been developed in alliance with Mitsubishi to underpin a slew of compact and mid-size models from both the carmakers globally.

    We know that Renault and Nissan are also in an agreement and share a range of cross badged models in India. The MO platform underpins all the compact models of both carmakers like the Duster, Terrano, Captur and Kicks among others. The platform was developed by Renault and both carmakers have been using it for long. The CMF-B platform is more rigid and lighter and can spawn next-generation models of these models other models like the next-gen Nissan Sunny which will help the brands to comply with the upcoming crash test and fuel efficiency norms. Renault is also gearing up to launch the seven-seater version based of the Kwid which has been developed on an advanced version of the CMF-A platform and is expected to meet the safety standards.

    Moreover, the CMF-B platform is also a silver lining for the India business of both carmakers. It may help them fill white spaces and introduce the next-generation of some previous models which were discontinued, like the Renault Scala. Uncertainty also hovers over the Renault Kwid which future depends on it clearing the crash test norms. The company can also use the learning to develop a high-tensile CMF-A platform which can underpin the next-generation Kwid or it can be entirely shifted to the CMF-B platform which is scalable and can be moderated for the model. However, the Kwid will likely witness a price hike in any of the cases.

  • Aston Martin Celebrates 50 Years Of James Bond Movie

    Aston Martin Celebrates 50 Years Of James Bond Movie

    The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is set to become the newest James Bond-inspired car, thanks to the most recent collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the James Bond film, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 50 ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’ DBS Superleggera special edition cars will be sold. Painted Olive Green to match the original 1969 Aston Martin DBS driven by James Bond in the movie, the new models will take bring in a brutish elegance to the DBS Superleggera. It is 50 years since filming began for the sixth James Bond film, which told the story of Bond villain ‘Blofeld’ and his ongoing attempts to hold the world to ransom. The 1969 Aston Martin DBS was James Bond’s perfect partner to save the world.

    Andy Palmer, Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “Aston Martin is synonymous with James Bond and the DBS from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service has provided great inspiration to the team tasked with creating this very special edition. This new DBS Superleggera will be an extremely distinguished ‘brute in a suit’, designed to capture the essence of the iconic DBS from the 1969 film but with a 5.2 litre twin-turbo V12, 715bhp engine!”

    The 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 on the DBS Superleggera engine is set low and as far back in the chassis as possible to optimize the center-of-gravity and weight distribution, this high-performance engine develops 725PS at 6500rpm and 900Nm from 1800-5000rpm. Detailed tuning of the V12 together with an exhausting strategy with active valves and quad tailpipes ensures that the DBS Superleggera is audible wherever it goes.

    The special edition DBS Superleggera boasts carbon fiber, splitter, aero blade and unique diamond turned and forged wheels. A bespoke metal grille featuring six bright horizontal vanes, adorns the front of the limited-edition car to replicate the distinctive feature of the DBS featured in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. The exterior paint surface is enhanced with body colored contrails and roof. Bearing commemorative side strakes and unique touches throughout, the car is every inch ‘007’.

    On the inside, the DBS Superleggera is trimmed in pure black leather, accented by grey blend Alcantara, as in the original 1969 DBS. The cockpit is accented in red, inspired by the red-trimmed glovebox in the original car, which held 007’s telescopic-sight rifle.

    The 50 owners of this James Bond Special Edition will have the option to select a bespoke designed drinks case which fits into the boot space. The black drinks case opens via the bright metal clasp to reveal the matching red felt-lined interior, with space for two bottles of champagne and four champagne flutes.

    Each of the 50 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service DBS Superleggera special editions will retail at 300,007 Euros, with first deliveries to customers commencing in Q4 2019

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  • Harley-Davidson To Enter 250-500 cc Motorcycle Segment In 2020

    Harley-Davidson To Enter 250-500 cc Motorcycle Segment In 2020

    American motorcycle maker, Harley-Davidson has an expansive plan to enter newer segments in the years to come, one of which will be the entry-level 250-500 cc space that will arrive as early as next year. While the manufacturer has already shared plans of an adventure motorcycle, electric bike and other offerings, the latest development confirms that the company is also eyeing the entry-level premium motorcycle segment, which will give it a boost in emerging markets across the globe. The announcement comes Harley’s President & CEO – Matt Levatich, who confirmed the development as part of the “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” growth plan. The new small capacity motorcycles will cater to several high emerging growth markets including India.

    Speaking at the recently held earnings call, Matt Levatich said, “More Roads progress in Q1 included steps towards a partnership for a premium small displacement offering in Asia, to expand our reach in that region. We are just over a year away from launching our first model that will help provide access to millions of customers in emerging markets in the region.”

    It was a bold move when Harley-Davidson introduced the Street 750 and Street 500 globally as its most affordable offerings in 2013. The entry-level cruisers gave the manufacturer better presence in several emerging markets where the aspirational brand was now reachable. With the 250-500 cc segment, Harley will be taking on a number of players most important of which is Royal Enfield that currently rules this space in India.

    Globally too, the Chennai-based bike maker has been expanding its presence and has been vocal of its plans to lead the middleweight motorcycle segment. The new Interceptor 650 and the Continental GT 650 come close to the Harley Street range in pricing and displacement. In addition, there are also the offerings that will be spawned under the Triumph-Bajaj partnership which reportedly includes a small capacity Street Twin. BMW, KTM, Yamaha, and Honda are already present in this space.

    Smaller capacity offerings then certainly will be an exciting space in the years to come and offer a big room for Harley-Davidson to grow. The company’s smallest motorcycle globally is the Street 500, and the new 250-300 cc motorcycle could be a smaller Street badged bike. Expect to see Harley’s trademark V-Twin layout for the motor that will be Euro 5/BS6 compliant, with the motor high on torque. Expect it to look like the quintessential Harley in design, which is a big part of the sell for the buyer.

    Speaking of which, the smaller-capacity Harleys will be targeted at young buyers looking to establish a connection with the iconic brand, without spending too much money. It will also help the brand build volumes globally, which means standardized production for better economies of scale. More details on the new Harley will be available in the coming months and we do hope to hear something official at the Intermot or EICMA motorcycle shows later in the year.

  • Tesla Reduces Prices On Model S and X Amid Stock Slump

    Tesla Reduces Prices On Model S and X Amid Stock Slump

    Faced with a slumping stock price and questions about demand for its vehicles, Tesla has lowered the U.S. base prices of its two most expensive models. The company on Monday cut $3,000 from the price of the Model S sedan and $2,000 from the Model X SUV. Tesla said in a statement that it periodically adjusts prices and available options like other car companies. The decreases offset price increases from a month ago when Tesla offered longer battery range and added a new drive system and suspension. The statement didn’t say if slowing sales influenced the decision.

    The Model S now starts at $71,250 while the X starts at $71,950. Both prices don’t include federal and state tax credits.

    The moves come as Tesla’s stock is under pressure and has at times dropped below $200 per share. Several analysts have questioned whether the company can sell enough cars to cover its expenses without dipping into cash reserves.

    Shares traded Tuesday afternoon at $205.62, up slightly from Monday’s closing price. They are down more than 38 percent so far this year, cutting the company’s market value more than $20 billion to $36.5 billion. On Monday the shares hit their lowest point since late 2016.

    Tesla said in a statement that the reductions are about 2% to 3% on the S and X. The company last week raised the price of its top-selling Model 3 by $400, pushing the base price to $35,400. “By any reasonable standard, these small changes are not newsworthy,” the company said in a statement.

    On Monday Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives wrote in a client note that he has concerns about Tesla’s growth prospects and underlying demand for the Model 3 during the coming quarters.

    Ives called Tesla a “code red” situation. “We have continued concerns around Tesla’s ability to balance this ‘perfect storm’ of softer demand and profitability concerns, which will weigh on shares until Musk & Co. prove otherwise in terms of delivering solid results over the coming quarters,” Ives wrote, referring to CEO Elon Musk.

    Palo Alto, California-based Tesla said last month it lost $702.1 million in the first quarter, among its worst quarters in two years. Sales tumbled 31% in the period. Musk predicted another loss in the second quarter but said Tesla would be profitable again by the third quarter.

    In January, the automaker cut its prices by $2,000 per vehicle, acknowledging that the pending expiration of a $7,500 federal tax credit for its electric cars will hurt sales. The credit is gradually being phased out for Tesla by the end of the year.

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  • Land Rover Discovery 2020 Sport Details Out

    Land Rover Discovery 2020 Sport Details Out

    Jaguar Land Rover has introduced the 2020 Discovery Sport compact premium SUV and it will be launched in the international markets later this year. According to the company, the new 2020 Discovery Sport strikes a balance between a bold evolution of the original design and the familiarity that comes with no-compromise capability. The trademark design, including the clamshell hood, rising beltline and tapered roof are still very much part of the SUV, but there is an evolution to the design and it certainly looks bolder than before. It gets new front and rear bumpers, grille design and LED lights, which makes it look both sporty and sophisticated.

    Built on the new Land Rover Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA), the 2020 Discovery Sport provides greater versatility and refinement with a new body that is 13 percent stiffer than its predecessor and, together with rigidly-mounted subframes, and the company says that it is now quieter thanks to reduced noise and vibration intrusion into the cabin.

    Inside, the spacious 5+2 interior has been transformed with a completely new infotainment interface and the latest connectivity, plus a more flexible seating arrangement with up to 24 combinations. A new powertrain lineup for 2020 now includes the electrified option of a 48-volt 296 horses developing mild-hybrid (MHEV) engine. The hybrid system uses an engine-mounted belt-integrated starter generator to harvest energy normally lost during deceleration and stores it in an under-floor battery. At speeds below 18 kmph, the engine is designed to shut off when the driver applies the brakes. When pulling away, the stored energy is redeployed to assist the engine under acceleration.

    Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Chief Design Officer said, “Building on the success of the original Discovery Sport, this beautifully proportioned vehicle has been refined, enhancing its characterful exterior which compliments the engaging nature of the interior space,”

    Customers can choose from 12 premium exterior paint colors and the option of a black contrast roof. All S, SE and HSE models feature silver atlas detailing on the grille, tailgate finisher, and badging scripts, while purposeful R-Dynamic vehicles feature Shadow Atlas exterior accents, contrast stitching on the steering wheel and branded treadplates inside.

    The 2020 Discovery Sport comes with the TouchPro  infotainment system as standard, while there’s wireless charging available up front

    The new center console and introduction of more premium materials throughout adds a bit of refinement. There’s a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with capacitive switches, an easy-to-read instrument cluster and a 10-inch Touch Pro infotainment system, all of which are now standard.

    New seats across each of the three rows provide improved comfort and versatility, thanks to the second row 40:20:40 split fold and slide functionality, boosting the possible number of seat combinations to 246. Massage functionality is now also offered for the first time on Discovery Sport in the front row providing improved comfort.

    The 2020 Discovery Sport now gets new cup holders and repositioned storage spaces for third-row passengers, while USB and 12-volt charge points (in total, six and three, respectively) are located throughout the cabin. Front row occupants get to use wireless charging for compatible devices. There’s also a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, an advanced and responsive Land Rover InControl Touch Pro infotainment, fitted standard, which is also available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    Alongside a new key fob design, owners can add a powered tailgate and the Land Rover Activity Key – all intended to streamline the customer experience. These are available with a series of accessory packs that offer added functionality to the vehicle practicality, connectivity, driver assistance and parking. All-new optional Pet Pack accessories are designed to improve the Discovery Sport experience for owners and pets, alike.

    A new smart rearview mirror, first debuted on the new Range Rover Evoque, called ‘ClearSight Rear View’ is also available on the Discovery Sport for the first time; transforming the rearview mirror into an HD video screen at the touch of a button to display a rear-facing camera feed onto the mirror ensuring the driver’s view remains unrestricted by passengers or large items in the back. The new system also provides a wider 50-degree field of vision using a camera positioned above the rear window and delivers clearer visibility in low light conditions. Another new technology called ‘ClearSight Ground View’ has also been introduced to help drivers navigate high city curbs or tackle rough terrain by projecting camera imagery that offers a virtual 180-degree view beneath the vehicle onto the central touchscreen. This is the realization of ‘Transparent Bonnet’ technology, first previewed by Land Rover in 2014.

    A suite of advanced driver assistance systems is offered across all models, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist, which centers the vehicle in the lane based on road markings as well as maintains a following distance from the vehicle in front. Other available advanced driver assistance technologies include Lane Keep Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Driver Condition Monitor.

    Of course, the company will launch the car in India but it won’t be this year. Land Rover will look at the second half of 2020 to bring this car into the Indian market.

  • Nissan India Extends Service Support To Cyclone-Affected Customers In Odisha

    Nissan India Extends Service Support To Cyclone-Affected Customers In Odisha

    Cyclone Fani has been devastating for people in Odisha and several vehicles have gotten damaged as well. Carmakers are running special service program for their customers in Odisha. Nissan India has also stepped forward to extend support to its customers affected by cyclone Fani. The company has sent special emergency repair teams in Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack and additional trained manpower will be deployed from its dealerships to expedite repair turnaround time. Free towing service is also being offered to customers and repairs will be carried out under the guidance of Nissan technical experts.

    Speaking about the initiative, Atul Aggarwal, General Manager – After Sales, Nissan Motor India Pvt Ltd. said, “As a responsible corporate, we are taking required measures to ensure that our customers can safely travel in this critical time. With the support of our technical experts and dealers, we have ramped up our services to be there for our customers.”

    Nissan customers can call at the 24X7 Toll-free helpdesk number – 1800-209-3456 for any assistance related to their cyclone-affected Nissan and Datsun vehicles. Other carmakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai, and Tata Motors among others have also taken special initiatives to provide easy service to cyclone-affected customers.

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  • Tata Intra Compact Truck Launched

    Tata Intra Compact Truck Launched

    Tata Intra, the all-new small commercial vehicle (SCV) from Tata Motors today officially went on sale in India. The new compact trucks will be available in two variants – V10 and V20, priced at ₹ 5.35 lakh and  ₹ 5.85 lakh (ex-showroom India) respectively. The new Tata Intra compact truck is a premium offering and will be positioned in India above the company’s existing range of Ace mini trucks, which will also continue to be on sale. Compared to the Tata Ace, the new Intra SCV comes with a host of first-in-segment features to justify the premium price tag.

    Tata says that the new Intra is targeted towards customers who are looking for a commercial vehicle that can be both, a workhorse as well as a stylish and comfortable personal vehicle. Someone who is looking to upgrade from the Tata Ace. Thus, you’ll see that the new Tata Intra comes with a bunch of passenger car-like elements both outside as well as inside. The exterior bit includes – a large front grille with a chrome slat flanked by a set of nice-looking clear glass headlamps with halogen lights and integrated turn indicators. The Intra also gets a bold and busy-looking bumper with a wide central air dam and provision to install fog lamps. The new compact truck runs on a set of 14-inch steel wheels with the option of smart-looking dual tone wheel covers, which are truly good-looking and well-designed. The vehicle also gets large manually operable ORVMs and dual wipers, which in addition to these subtle character lines, add to the style quotient of the Intra.

    The Tata Intra also comes with a well-laid-out cabin, featuring a neat dashboard that comes with contrast bezels around the center console and air-con vents. Furthermore, because the gear lever is positioned on the dashboard, resulting in a flat walk-through-floor. Other features include a charging socket, lockable glovebox, a standard music system with Radio, AUX-IN and USB connectivity, and a fully digital instrument cluster, offering read-outs for speedometer, odometer, time, fuel gauge, and a segment-first gear shift indicator, or as Tata calls it Gear Shift Advisor (GSA).

    In terms of dimensions, the new Tata Intra is at par with the larger Tata Ace on offer, the Ace Mega XL, with a total length of 4316 mm, a width of 1639 mm and a height of 1918 mm. Having said that, the Intra does come with one of the largest loading bay areas in the segment, with a 2512 mm long load deck that is 1602 mm wide and comes with a standard depth of 463 mm. In fact, the Intra also comes with a segment-best payload capacity of 1100 kg, 100 kg more than what the Ace Mega XL offers. In fact, the vehicle also offers best-in-class gradeability of 45 percent for easily negotiating steep hilly roads & flyovers, compared to the Ace’s 30 percent gradeability. Furthermore, the Intra also gets semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension setup with 6 leaves at front and 7 leaves at the rear, offering heavy duty performance.

    The new Tata Intra V20 is powered by a brand new 1.4-litre Direct Injection (DI) diesel engine. The new 1396 cc engine is tuned to churn out 69 bhp at 4000 rpm and develop a peak torque of 140 Nm at 1800-3000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox with cable shift mechanism. The Tata Intra V10 is powered by an 800 cc, two-cylinder motor which develops 39 bhp at 3750 rpm and 90 Nm at 1750 – 2500 rpm and is mated to a four-speed gearbox. In terms of rivals, the new Tata Intra has been designed to compete with both, the LCVs like the Piaggio Porter 1000 and Mahindra Supro, and the pickup trucks like the Mahindra Bolero Pickup.

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  • Daimler Plans To Cut Administration Costs By 20%

    Daimler Plans To Cut Administration Costs By 20%

    Incoming Daimler boss Ola Kaellenius is working on a cost cut program to reach profit margin targets which are threatened by global trade woes and ramp up issues at factories, Handelsblatt reported, citing company sources.

    Kaellenius, who will take over from Dieter Zetsche after the company’s annual general meeting on May 22, has been working for months on a cost cut initiative, dubbed “Move”, which is expected to be ready in the summer, the paper said.

    Central administration costs are to be cut by about 20%, the paper said, adding billions of euros in efficiency potential would be targeted.

    Daimler declined to comment.

    Kaellenius said earlier this month that Daimler will cut development costs of new Mercedes-Benz cars by a significant amount by 2025 and will intensify alliances with rivals as a way to improve margins.

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