Retail News CRM

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 Sketch Shows Hyundai Venue’s Dual-Tone Dashboard

    New Sketch Shows Hyundai Venue’s Dual-Tone Dashboard

    Hyundai Motor India is all set to introduce the Venue Subcompact SUV later this year and the company is releasing details on the new offering ahead of its global unveil on April 17, 2019. While Hyundai released sketches of the exterior and interior a few days ago, the company has now posted a new sketch of the dashboard providing more details on the upcoming offering. The new Hyundai Venue will be offered with a dual-tone dashboard, while the sketch also showcases the large 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with an automatic transmission.

    The dual-tone treatment will also extend to the seats and the door panels, while rear AC vents are also likely. The big takeaway from the upcoming Hyundai Venue will be the Blue Link connectivity features that will be a first for the automaker in India. The system will come with a dedicated smartphone app and an eSIM from service provider Vodafone-Idea for in-car internet connectivity. The new connectivity system will have 10 India-only features with a total of 33 connectivity features including geo-fencing, speed alerts, SOS, panic notifications, destination sharing, and road-side assistance and so on.

    Poweron the Hyundai Venue will come from the 1.0-litre T-GDi Turbo petrol engine along with the 1.4-litre turbo diesel on offer. Transmission options will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed torque converter automatic, while there will also be the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic available as an option.

    The new Hyundai Venue is slated for launch on May 21, 2019 and will take on a host of offerings including the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300. While the Vitara Brezza has been the sales benchmark in the segment, it will be interesting to see if the Venue will be able to attract similar volumes.

    Lees ook:

  • 2019 Porsche 911 India Launched

    2019 Porsche 911 India Launched

    The new-generation 2019 Porsche 911 went on sale in India today and we have all the highlights from the from the launch here. The eighth-generation Porsche 911 coming to India was internally codenamed 992 and retains the iconic silhouette that is distinctive to the Porsche 911 family. Furthermore, the car also comes with a heavily revised, more powerful range of six-cylinder turbo petrol engines. In India the new Porsche 911 comes in two variants as of now – Carrera S and Carrera S Cabriolet, priced at Rs. 1.82 crore and 1.99 crore respectively, very close to what we has expected.

    The eighth-generation Porsche 911 gets an extensively re-engineered platform that uses generous amounts of aluminium in its construction in its rear section, for improved weight distribution. Under the hood, the Porsche 911 Carrera S is powered by the extensively 3.0-litre flat-six, turbo petrol engine that makes an additional 30 horses. The total power output now stands at 444 bhp.

    The 0-100 kmph sprint time has been dropped under 4 seconds, with the new Porsche 911 Carrera S reaching 100 kmph from standstill in just 3.7 seconds. The 911 Carrera 4S does the same run in just 3.6 seconds and it also comes with all-wheel drive. The optional Sport Chrono Package further reduces the sprint by 0.2 seconds. The top speed on the Carrera S is rated at 308 kmph, while that on the heavier Carrera 4S is 306 kmph.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • BMW 620d Gran Turismo Launched In India

    BMW 620d Gran Turismo Launched In India

    Adding a new entry-level variant to the 6 Series GT line-up, BMW India has introduced the new 620d in the country. The new BMW 620d Gran Turismo is priced at ₹ 63.90 lakh and is available in the Luxury Line design scheme. The 6 GT is already available in the 630d GT diesel Luxury Line and M Sport trims, and the new 620d GT joins the model at the automaker’s Chennai-based production facility for local assembly. The new model is now available for bookings at the company’s dealerships and BMW says it diversifies the 6GT’s diesel portfolio. Despite being the more affordable version, the new 620d GT is loaded on all the essential electronics and creature comforts that the German models are known for.

    Speaking on the launch, BMW Group India – President, Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels said, “With the launch of the first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, we created a new segment in the Indian luxury car market. Its distinctive vehicle concept, which fuses the long distance comfort of a luxury sedan and modern functionality in an alluring coupé style, has proven to be an instant hit in this class and has become a trend-setter. The BMW 620d Gran Turismo featuring an exceptionally efficient entry level diesel engine further strengthens the portfolio of the first-ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo.

    This is for the first time that the BMW 620d Gran Turismo variant is being sold in India. The model can seat five in comfort and gets a host of features including a two-part panorama glass roof, electrically operated adjustable rear seats with electrically operated sunblinds for rear side. There is also a rear-seat Entertainment Professional system with two 10.2-inch colour screens mounted behind the front-seat backrests, a BluRay player, HDMI connection for mobiles, as well as various connections for MP3 players and gaming consoles.

    The design language on the BMW 6 Series GT line-up was updated last year and the model 620d Gran Turismo continues to come with the frameless windows, distinctive coupe roofline, and an automatic tailgate. The wide kidney grille continues to bring the imposing stance and is complemented by the wide Adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam and cornering lights. The 620d GT also comes with an Active rear spoiler, while the Luxury Line trim adds a dash of chrome to the package for a premium appeal.

    Inside, the BMW 620d Gran Turismo gets a leather-wrapped sports steering wheel, ambient lighting with exclusive colours and fine wood inserts across the cabin. The pearl chrome finish also highlights the exclusivity of the variant.

    With respect to the powertrain, the BMW 620d GT uses the 2.0-litre four-cylinder Twin Turbo diesel engine tuned for 188 bhp and 400 Nm of peak torque available between 1750-2500 rpm. The 620d Gran Turismo is fast and can propel from 0-100 kmph in 7.9 seconds. The motor is paired with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission and gets cruise control, as well as multiple driving modes – Sport, Comfort, Comfort+ , Eco Pro and Adaptive. The car comes with an adaptive 2-axle air suspension with automatic self-levelling for improved ride comfort and also sharpens the driving dynamics.

    Lees ook:

  • Tata Altroz Spotted In India Sans Camouflage

    Tata Altroz Spotted In India Sans Camouflage

    The upcoming Tata Altroz premium hatchback was recently spotted in India sans camouflage. The spy photo posted by the forum Supercharged is claimed to have been taken at Tata Motors’ plant, and thus we can also see a few Tata Harrier SUVs around it. The car appears to be production ready and comes in the same Yellowish-Gold shade that we saw on the Altroz showcased at the Geneva Motor Show. Expected to be launched around mid-2019, this photo indicates that the carmaker might soon be ready to begin full-scale production of the Tata Altroz.

    Visually, the car appears to be identical to the Tata Altroz unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, which could mean that the India-spec model will be similar to the global-spec Altroz. The model seen here appears to be the top-spec variant, and it seems to come with LED lightings like – LED projector headlamps, LED DRLs, electrically operable ORVMs with turn lights, and LED taillamps. However, the car gets a different set of alloy wheels, compared to the show cars seen at the Geneva Motor Show.

    The Tata Altroz is built on the company’s new ALFA Agile Light Flexible Advanced (ALFA) Architecture and will be the first model to get the underpinnings of this new platform. Furthermore, the design and styling are a part of the company new Impact Design 2.0 philosophy, which was also used for the Tata Harrier. While we do not get to see the cabin of the car in these images, similar to the exterior, the interior too is likely to remain identical to the car showcased in Geneva. Expected features include a floating touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a semi-digital instrument cluster, multi-functional steering wheel, and a host of other premium creature comforts.

    Under the hood, the Tata Altroz will borrow its powertrain options from the Nexon, featuring the same 1.2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines, along with the option of both, a manual and an automatic transmission. Upon its launch, the car will rival the likes of Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Honda Jazz, and Hyundai i20.

  • MG eZS Electric SUV Unveiled Globally

    MG eZS Electric SUV Unveiled Globally

    MG Motor or Morris Garages took the wraps off its new pure electric SUV, the MG eZS. MG says that the international launch will happen soon and India will be getting it too before 2019 draws to a close. The MG eZS will be one of the first ever fully electric SUVs in India when it is launched. It will subsequently be launched in some other markets like the UK, Germany, Australia, Thailand and the Middle East. The eZS will be MG’s second launch in India after the upcoming MG Hector, which should be launched in the country in the next couple of the months.

    “With a modern design and advanced technology, the MG eZS will herald a new chapter in environment-friendly solutions in India. While the petrol version of the MG ZS had already become a popular choice globally, we are confident that its zero-emissions electric equivalent will bring accessible electric motoring to the customers in India upon its launch by the end of this year,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India. The company further shared that its electric vehicles would have over-the-air (OTA) technology and would go over 250 km in a single charge.

    By the end of 2019, MG Will have a total of 120 sales and service outlets across India and the company said it will also reach out to Indian target audience and educate them about electric vehicles and look to address issues such as range anxiety and charging infrastructure. Like the MG Hector, the eZS will also feature MG’s iSmart Next-Gen connected technology.

    Connectivity will be an important part of all MG vehicles and the upcoming MG Hector will come with a new advanced connectivity system called i-Smart next-generation system, a complete integrated solution that combines software, hardware, connectivity, services and application. The system has been developed in collaboration with several technological partners like Cisco, Unlimit, and Microsoft among others. The iSmart connectivity system comes with advanced technology, smart application, built-in Apps, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Smart Features, Voice Assist, and Infotainment.

  • Benetti Launches Three Yachts in the Class Category

    Benetti Launches Three Yachts in the Class Category

    While at the Livorno shipyard the first phase of the Benetti Giga Season came to an end with the launch of a remarkable three giga yachts in just 100 days, most recently the 108-meter Benetti fleet flagship FB275, in Viareggio three Class category yachts have been launched in less than ten days: a Delfino 95, a Classic Supreme 132 and a Mediterraneo 116.

    On March 28, in Livorno, the Shipyard celebrated the christening of 108-meter giga yacht FB275, following closely on the heels of the March 21 launch in Viareggio of BD105 M/Y “Baya”, the fifth unit of the elegant and classically styled 29-meter Delfino 95. The generously spaced and welcoming interiors of the yacht are decorated with innovative combinations of marble, polished brass inserts and ash, eucalyptus and tay wood, creating an interesting alternation of textures and colour tones.

    The exteriors designed by Giorgio M. Cassetta provide a cue for interesting plays of light in the interiors through extensive glazed surfaces. The owner’s cabin on BD105 M/Y “Baya” has a bed adorned with sophisticated leather-upholstered headrests and a spacious bathroom fitted with tub, shower and mini bar. The two 1,000 hp Man V8 engines provide a range of about 2,400 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 10 knots. And when time is of the essence, the yacht has a top speed of 14.5 knots.

    April 3 then saw the launch of BS012, the twelfth unit of the 40-meter Classic Supreme 132 with exteriors by Stefano Righini. The interiors are by Benetti’s Interior Style Department, which chose the decorations and furnishings based on the owner’s instructions and requests. To give the boat more character, they feature leathers with an iridescent metallic appearance and richly veined varieties of marble: Port Laurent,Sahara Noir and Rino White.

    The juxtaposition of light-coloured smoked eucalyptus against the dark tones of matte-finish tay wood is clearly dominated by lighter colourways to give the settings a brighter atmosphere and the yacht an eclectic, modern feel. The social side of BS012’s character can be seen in the decision to put a teppan griddle in the centre of the table on the Fly Deck. In a first-of-its-kind solution for this model yacht, guests eat their food directly from the griddle on which it is cooked. Extensive outdoor spaces, particularly on the Sun and Upper Decks, are perfectly reconciled with the yacht’s streamlined contours, while the big full-height windows on both the Main and Upper Decks translate into brightly-lit interiors. Forward of the Pilot House, a Jacuzzi offers a spectacular vantage point from which to enjoy the sea view.

    Then on April 6, M/Y “Big Five” was launched, 35.5 meters long and the fifth unit of theMediterraneo 116 model. In this case too, the exteriors are by Giorgio M. Cassetta. The decor concept combines light-coloured matte-finish woods with other varieties in shades of grey and dark ash, creating a sophisticated and contemporary look. The use ofOlimpico Striato and Zebrino Apuano marble contributes to creating a sophisticated atmosphere. A huge forward section of the Main Deck is dedicated to the owner, with a private studio secluded from the areas set aside for socialising. The full-beam suite is flooded with natural light through panoramic windows, while the bathroom area, also full-beam, is split into his and hers areas, with a big shower cubicle set off by a marble-clad bench seat.

  • Fiat Chrysler Auto Expands India Footprint

    Fiat Chrysler Auto Expands India Footprint

    Fiat Chrysler Auto is in the process of expanding its India business and it recently opened its 82nd point of sale in India. At present, FCA has its presence in 70 cities and town in India which include all-brand showrooms that sell Jeep, Fiat and Abarth vehicles along with Jeep Connect showrooms, which are premium retail outlets that cater to potential customers in satellite cities and towns. The company recently inaugurated two all-brand showrooms in Bengaluru along with a new all-brand showroom in Panjim, Goa along with two new Jeep Connect showrooms in Ajmer, Rajasthan and Patiala, Punjab. Along with sales points, Jeep is also increasing its after sales touch points in India. At present, the company has 84 Mopar (mobility and parts) workshops.

    Kevin Flynn, President and Managing Director, FCA India said, “Our vision was to have a growing retail and after-sales network which could strategically complement our growing volumes in the market. With 82 retail outlets in 70 towns and cities we are covering a significant amount of landmass and customer base. We have grown over 50 per cent in our retail network since the Jeep Compass launch in August 2017. Our effort has been to maintain consistency in our network expansion and ensure excellence in customer experience along with improved service coverage.”

    The company’s last launch was the Jeep Compass Sport Plus Variant, which is priced at ₹ 15.99 lakh and is positioned above the base Sport variant, getting more features. Jeep has two new products coming up in India which are the Trailhawk variant of the Jeep Compass and the new-generation Wrangler Unlimited.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • New-Gen Volvo S60 Coming To India

    New-Gen Volvo S60 Coming To India

    Volvo Auto India has had a great 2018-19 Financial Year. The company recorded a 25% growth during this time. However, the company had grown by 30% in the last financial year, this time around the rising input costs and low buying sentiment added to the company’s worries. No matter. The company is bracing the new year with equal confidence and wants more cars to come to the country and of course the new Volvo S60 is all set to be launched in the country. Speaking to carandbike Charles Frump, Managing Director – Volvo Car India said “I think with the S60, we are all excited that it’s coming to the country. The car is currently being produced in the United states and we are looking at the possibility of bringing it to India. Chances are that now it’s going to be in 2020 rather than 2019. But certainly that car will be coming”

    Volvo India had already announced that it will be introducing 4 new electrified cars in the country in the next 3 years. In its commitment towards the environment and electrified future, Volvo Cars plans to slowly phase out conventional powertrains and focus only on electrification. This announcement places electrification at the core of Volvo’s future business. It also paves way for the complete phase-out of combustion-engine-only models. The company has already committed to a goal of featuring some form of electric propulsion in its models from 2019 onwards and now India too is part of this plan. Every new Volvo from 2019 onwards will be electrified.

    Frump said, “If we look farther out into the future then we have a line up of plug-in hybrids coming. So we’ll start with the XC90 and that will happen this year, it will be locally assembled and then we’ll locally assemble a range of plug-in hybrids. The next thing that we’re thinking about is pure electric cars and that’s clearly a direction that the Indian government and Volvo is heading towards. By 2025 we want to have a million electric vehicles on the road.”

    The decision to move to electric vehicles couldn’t have come at a better time for Volvo as it readies its EVs and PHEVs for launch in the country and the support of the Government of India is of utmost importance. “We had great news just before the budget where they took the customs duty, if its assembled in India, from 30% to 15% and that has really improved the business case for us. The moment that happened, I got on to a phone with Sweden, asking them, how can we make this happen even quicker. It’s had a big impact and it’s very much appreciated by us.”

    Lees ook:

  • Tata Motors Group’s Global Wholesales Down By 5%

    Tata Motors Group’s Global Wholesales Down By 5%

    Tata Motors has officially come out with its global wholesale numbers for the month of March 2019, and the company has reported a 5 per cent de-growth. Last month, Tata Motors’ total wholesales, including Jaguar Land Rover sales, accounted for 1,45,459 vehicles, compared to the 1,53,114+ units sold by the company during the same month in 2018.

    The company’s passenger vehicle wholesales for the month stood at 88,314 units, witnessing a decline of 9 per cent, as against the 97048 vehicles sold during the same month last year. This also includes the combined global wholesales of Jaguar Land Rover and CJLR (JV between JLR and Chery Automobiles) which sold 70,171 vehicles in March 2019. CJLR contribution to this was 4,812 units. Furthermore, Jaguar wholesales for the month were 20,985 vehicles, while Land Rover wholesales for the month were 49,186 vehicles.

    On the other hand, global wholesales of all Tata Motors’ commercial vehicles and Tata Daewoo range in March 2019 reached up to 57,163 vehicles. The company bagged a marginal growth of 1 per cent in commercial vehicle sales, compared to the 57,740 vehicles sold in March 2018. As for the company’s performance in India, Tata Motors’ CV and PV sales combined, accounted for 68,709 units, witnessing a drop of 1 per cent, against the 69,409 units sold in March 2018.

    Lees ook:

  • Ford Might End Its India Business

    Ford Might End Its India Business

    News has emerged that Ford India could end its India business as it looks to sign a new deal with Mahindra. According to a Reuters report, Ford could enter into a new joint venture in India in which it will hold 49 per cent stake, while Mahindra will own 51 per cent. The American carmaker could transfer most of its India business to the joint venture including its assets and employees.

    carandbike reached out to Ford India for a comment and the company responded by saying, “We do not comment on speculation. Ford remains committed to India. On the strategic alliance with Mahindra, teams from both companies continue to work together to develop avenues of strategic cooperation that help us achieve commercial, manufacturing and business efficiencies for the future.” Mahindra hasn’t confirmed the news either and has refrained from commenting on speculations.

    Ford and Mahindra entered into a strategic alliance in 2017 under which they will share platforms and build new models together. Mahindra Electric, a completely owned subsidiary of the Mahindra & Mahindra which expertise in electric vehicles will lead the alliance by providing the technology to develop new electric vehicles. Mahindra Electric will supply the electric powertrains, battery packs and software technology while Ford will share platforms with Mahindra.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Upcoming Hyundai Venue Subcompact SUV Sketches Released

    Upcoming Hyundai Venue Subcompact SUV Sketches Released

    Hyundai Motor India has officially released the sketches of its upcoming Venue subcompact SUV which will make its India debut on 17 April, 2019 and will be launched in India on May 21, 2019. The Hyundai Venue will be the first connected SUV in India and will slot below the Hyundai Creta, taking on established rivals such as the Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza, Ford EcoSport, Tata Nexon and the Mahindra XUV300. The sketches give considerable insight into the overall interior and exterior design of the Hyundai Venue. The front end seems to be similar to the Hyundai Kona, with a massive embellished grille and slim LED headlamps. Of course, the fenders and the wheel arches look to be a little exaggerated. We believe the actual car will have cleaner, flatter lines and smaller wheels. The front bumper too looks muscular with housings for the fog lamps.

    The sketch of the rear section reveals a thick C-pillar design along with square-ish headlamps and a sculpted tailgate. The roof-rails will add that extra bit of SUV flair to the Venue’s overall looks. Coming to the interior, the Hyundai Venue will get two-tone interior along with features such as climate control, Apple CarPlay and possibly an automatic variant right from the launch.

    Hyundai Motor India Limited has pulled out all stops to ensure that the new and upcoming Hyundai Venue subcompact SUV will be India’s first ever connected car. The Hyundai Venue will get the company’s ‘BlueLink’ connected technology and it will have 10 India-only features with a total of 33 connectivity features. Some of the features that BlueLink will offer in India are geo-fencing, speed alerts, SOS, panic notifications, destination sharing, and road-side assistance and so on.

    Hyundai said that it has tested its BlueLink technology rigorously in India, keeping the conditions in mind along with the needs of the customers. This also includes voice guidance and recognition in Indian-accented English which means that the software will be able to recognise spoken English from different regions in India. The Hyundai Venue will also have remote-control operated functions such as climate control, horn and headlamps on, vehicle status, engine start/stop and so on. The best thing is that Hyundai BlueLink can use your smartphone interface as a remote control.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • VinFast, South Korean firm to make batteries for EVs

    VinFast, South Korean firm to make batteries for EVs

    The joint venture will be located in the automaker’s factory in the southern port city of Hai Phong, where it will manufacture lithium-ion battery packs for VinFast’s electric scooters that are being made now, and for electric cars to be produced in the future, VinFast said in a statement.

    The factory, which will be built on a 2,000 square meter area, will employ Vietnamese workers who will be trained in technology provided by LG Chem.

    The automaker, a unit of Vietnam’s largest conglomerate Vingroup, rolled out its first made-in-Vietnam cars last month, the first steps in a $3.5 billion automaking venture.

    VinFast has recently sent its SUV and sedan to European and Asian countries for quality testing and is set to deliver preordered vehicles in the second and third quarter.

  • Piaggio Updates Vespa & Aprilia Scooter Range With ABS & CBS

    Piaggio Updates Vespa & Aprilia Scooter Range With ABS & CBS

    Piaggio India has updated its range of Vespa and Aprilia scooters with ABS and CBS technology. The safety features are now mandatory on all two-wheelers, both new and old. As part of an introductory offer, Piaggio is providing a lucrative offer on the ABS range of Vespa and Aprilia two-wheelers from April onwards, under which customers can enjoy benefits worth ₹ 6,000 on purchasing via PayTM. The Aprilia SR 150, Vespa SXL and VXL 150 now get single-channel ABS, while the Aprilia SR 125, and Vespa 125 range get CBS on offer. Prices for the updated models will be officially announced soon.

    Commenting on the introduction of new upgraded Vespa and Aprilia, Diego Graffi, Managing Director and CEO, Piaggio India said, “As a global brand, we are committed to the safety of our customers and delighted to comply with the changing safety norms from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This move will improve the overall safety and riding standards of the two-wheeler industry. For us, our product portfolio was already ABS compliant last year, but we are launching them across the country now to fit the general demand.”

    Ashish Yakhmi, Head of Two-wheeler business added, “Our brands, Vespa & Aprilia have always stood for technological advancements, aligning our strategy of pursuing global innovations. Road safety is an important criteria for us hence, we are happy to offer India’s first scooter with ABS and CBS technology for the best riding experience and performance. This makes our products not only stylish and sporty but also equipped with the latest safety system to provide a unique riding experiences.”

    Anti-Lock Brakes or ABS are mandated on two-wheelers above 125 cc and helps the vehicle to stop without slippage or wheel being locked in case of an emergency, thereby offering better control to the rider. Similarly, two-wheelers below the 125 cc displacement have Combined Braking System or CBS as standard fitment that provides proportional brake distribution between the front and rear wheels for added stability.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • VinFast Preparing for Russian Sales

    VinFast Preparing for Russian Sales

    VinFast’s sedan and SUV Lux images were found in the database of the Russian Federal Service for Intellectual Property (Rospatent).

    “Clearly, the Vietnamese automobile brand with BMW’s platform is approaching really close to the Russian market,” the news site said, suggesting that VinFast’s plans to sell its products in Russia might have been some time in the making.

    According to a VinFast source, the company is in the process of completing necessary procedures to start selling cars in Russia. The source did not reveal a time frame for when it would happen.

    Right from the beginning, VinFast had aimed at making cars that meet European standards, so they could be exported, apart from being sold in the domestic market. Russia was one of the first foreign markets targeted.

    The sedan and SUV Lux are both equipped with turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engines. The sedan has a 174 horsepower engine and a maximum torque of 300 Nm, while the SUV has a 228 horsepower engine with a maximum torque of 350 Nm.

    Currently, the Lux model is scheduled to reach Vietnamese customers in the third quarter of this year, following the Fadil car, which would be introduced to the domestic market in the second quarter.

    VinFast is shipping 155 of its cars to 14 countries across Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia to test them for safety and endurance against standards in those countries.

    VdinFast, the car manufacturing unit of Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate Vingroup, showed off its first two car models, a sedan and an SUV, at the Paris Motor Show in France last October just a year after the company’s incorporation, grabbing the attention of the local and international media.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • New Generation BMW Z4 Launched In India

    New Generation BMW Z4 Launched In India

    Having teased its new convertible weeks ago, BMW India has finally launched the much awaited new-generation Z4 Roadster in the country. Prices for the 2019 BMW Z4 Roadster start at ₹ 64.90 lakh for the sDrive20i variant, while the M40i is priced at ₹ 78.90 lakh (all prices, ex-showroom India). The all-new offering bring back the Z4 nameplate to India and has been developed in collaboration with Toyota. In fact, the new Z4 shares its engine with the all-new Toyota Supra that was revealed last year. The BMW convertible comes as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and bookings are open at the automaker’s dealerships pan India.

    Speaking on the launch of the new Z4 Roadster, BMW Group India President (act.), Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels said, “BMW has a rich history of roadsters that have stood out as icons of pure driving pleasure. The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is our brand-new addition to BMW’s long history of engrossing roadsters. With dynamic proportions, emotional design and thrilling sportiness, this open-top two-seater takes the classic roadster into the world of tomorrow. When the roof opens, there are no limits to driving pleasure in the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster.”

    The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster gets an evolutionary styling over the previous generation model, and is actually similar to the Z4 concept that was showcased a couple of years ago. The model gets the wide kidney grille up front that grabs all the attention, while the headlamps get the smoked finish and the LED treatment.  The bumper gets larger air intakes with the fog lamps neatly integrated in the design. The convertible rides on 18-inch or 19-inch alloys, while the rear gets wraparound LED taillights that look sharp with the gloss black finished bumper and twin exhaust tips. The new Z4 looks aggressive and certainly proper eye candy that will grab a lot of attention on the road. BMW says the new Z4 Roadster can be further spruced up visually with the Sport Line or M Sport Package on the sDrive20i that add a sportier appearance to the convertible.

    The new BMW Z4 Roadster is available in two engine variants. The Z4 sDrive20i uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol motor that churns out 194 bhp and 320 Nm of peak torque. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds. The more powerful and feature loaded Z4 M40i is powered by the 3.0-litre petrol motor tuned for 335 bhp and 500 Nm of peak torque. The M40i can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. Both engines are paired with the 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission. Like all BMW models, the Z4 Roadster too gets 50:50 weight distribution for optimum drive with power sent only to the rear wheels.

    The cabin on the new Z4 Roadster is a familiar affair sharing the design with other BMW models. The massive 10.3-inch multimedia display takes prominence in the centre, while a 12.3-inch digital display replaces the conventional instrument console. The two-door also comes with two-zone climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, ambient lighting and more. The M40i also gets a 364 watt Harman Kardon system and a Head Up Display (HUD).

    On the safety front, the Z4 Roadster is loaded with pedestrian detection, emergency braking, rear collision warning, lane departure warning and cross traffic alert. The convertible also gets an auto parking feature and adaptive cruise control.

    Lees ook: