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Tag: Auto

  • New Flagship SUV From Audi Reveiled

    New Flagship SUV From Audi Reveiled

    The new Audi SQ8 breaks cover! It is the new flagship SUV from Audi and it gets a massive 4.0-liter V8 turbo-diesel engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. The V8 pumps out a mind-boggling 900 Nm of peak torque. The SUV gets an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Audi hasn’t revealed the power figures yet. The Audi SQ8’s 48-volt mild-hybrid makes up to 10 bhp under braking lets the SQ8 coast for up to 40 seconds without the engine being active, at speeds between 55 kmph to 160 kmph. Also, the diesel engine turns of one of the two turbo-chargers at city speeds to increase the efficiency as well. The Audi SQ8 has a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 4.8 kmph and a top speed of 250 kmph which is electronically limited.

    Built on the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, the Audi SQ8 can also be specified with an optional suspension package which also includes a sport differential and an adaptive air suspension. The air suspension can adjust the ride height of the SQ8 by up to 90 mm. The other feature is the electromechanical active roll stabilization which reduces body roll when cornering hard. Audi also offers all-wheel steering as an option on the SQ8.

    As far as looks are concerned, the Audi SQ8 gets a new grille with a silver frame along with re-designed air inlets. The rear end of the car gets a new diffuser in black color and gets quad exhaust tips. The cabin gets Alcantara leather upholstery along with ‘S’ logos embossed on the seats and stainless steel pedals. The Audi SQ8 also gets two touchscreens and the Audi Virtual Cockpit with displays specific to the SQ8.

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  • Renault India To Double Sales In India By 2021

    Renault India To Double Sales In India By 2021

    Renault India found success with the Duster and even the Kwid in India and now it’s readying to bring in its compact MPV – the Triber – into India. The Triber too, like the Kwid is based on the CMF-A platform and comes with a heavy dose of local content, so prices will be competitive for sure. But Renault India has grand plans for the Triber and it’s made its intention to export the compact MPV to other markets too and with it help the company improve its sales in India too. In fact, the company is looking to double its sales in the country by 2021 and the Triber will play a big role in making this happen. Thierry Bolloré, CEO, Groupe Renault said, “It’s (The Triber) a significant contributor to the progress we want to make in order to double the sales of Renault in India for sure.”

    The Triber is actually a seven-seater tucked under the four-meter mark. At that size, the new Renault Triber is a direct rival to the Datsun GO+ and also the upcoming compact seven-seater from Maruti Suzuki. It gets a completely different design language from its rivals that help make for a roomier cabin. In fact, Renault is comparing the Triber to a number of B-segment hatchbacks, with the French model offering the additional third-row seating that is more practical. Renault also says the new offering will be 20 percent more affordable in terms of ownership than a conventional B-segment hatch.

    But it’s not just the sales in India that will help Renault achieve this target. The company is banking on exports as well, something it has been doing with the Kwid too. Bolloré said, “Export is key because this is a car made in India, for India and having the genes for a great exporter to other markets.”

    Not everything has worked for Renault in India though. Cars like the Lodgy and the Capture have failed to pick up in terms of sales and establish themselves as strong contenders in their respective categories and Renault isn’t shying away from that reality. Bolloré explains, “The mistakes we have done sometimes, well, we have learned from that. We are quite humble you know, and we know it’s necessary, step-by-step, to understand, and to be better and better for sure, Triber is one key contributor.”

    There will be some other contributors, coming fast after the Triber which will help Renault achieve its set target for 2021.

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  • BMW X7 And BMW 7 Series Facelift Launch Date Revealed

    BMW X7 And BMW 7 Series Facelift Launch Date Revealed

    BMW has announced that it will be launching the new 7 Series facelift and the all-new X7 SUV in India on July 25, 2019. Talking about the new 7 Series facelift, the most apparent of all the design changes is the massive kidney grille which is 40 percent larger than the one on the outgoing model. The headlights still look sleek and go well with the long bonnet which now looks more sculpted and has even gained muscle along with the fenders. The profile looks almost similar to the outgoing model and there have been subtle changes in the design at the rear.

    The new BMW 7 Series will also get a range of engine options including a new 6.0-liter, V12 motor which churns out 592 bhp and 850 Nm of peak torque and will make its way under the hood of the top-end M760 variant. Then there is the 4.4-liter, V8 motor which produces 516 bhp (up 78 bhp) and 750 Nm of peak torque (100 Nm up) and propels the car to 100 kmph in 3.9 seconds. Finally, the most in-demand of the lot will be the 740L which will now be a plug-in hybrid variant. It will get the same 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder engine which produces 276 bhp and 450 Nm of peak torque but will be coupled with an electric motor which will add 111 horses more taking the combined power output to 384 bhp.

    The BMW X7 is an all-new model and it will be the new flagship SUV for BMW, positioned above the X5. The BMW X7 is based on the CLAR platform which also underpins its sedan counterpart- the 7 Series and several other BMW models like the 5 Series and new generation X3. BMW is also developing the next-generation X5 on the same platform. Visually, the new X7 takes design quotient a notch higher with that massive kidney grille, slim LED headlamps and muscular bumper with wheel arches.

    Petrol engine options on the 2019 BMW X7 include the 3.0-liter, in-line six-cylinder petrol with 335 bhp and a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 petrol with 456 bhp. There will also be the 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel with 256 bhp, along with a more powerful 400 bhp version. A plug-in hybrid version is also said to be in the works, while an M badged model is the one we look forward to. All engines use the 8-speed automatic transmission and get all-wheel drive as standard. The system does come with the option to send power only to the rear wheels, while you get BMW’s Dynamic Handling Package and the Off-Road Package. Upon launch, the BMW X7 will be going up against the Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover Sport and the Audi Q7.

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  • Kia Seltos Teased Again Ahead Of India Debut

    Kia Seltos Teased Again Ahead Of India Debut

    It was February 2018 when Kia Motors showcased the SP Concept, which was supposed to be the first Kia offering in India. Needless to say, it was an SUV too. Fast forward a year and a half and Kia Motors India is all set to take the wraps off the Kia Seltos, the first model from Kia for India. The company has been releasing teasers of the Kia Seltos SUV for some time now and the latest teaser reveals certain features on the SUV along with insight into the design language as well. The latest teaser video of the Kia Seltos reveals in-cabin features such as steering mounted controls for audio and cruise control. There is climate control along with analogue tachometer and speedometer. Plus the Seltos Compact SUV also gets front parking sensors along with a sunroof, not a panoramic one, but similar to the one on the Hyundai Creta.

    Spy images of the Kia Seltos’ interior reveal piano black finish inserts on the dashboard, black leather seats and rear AC vents. The front and rear seats both get hand rests for added convenience, while there are a couple of cup holders and storage spaces. Kia Motors India has already confirmed a number of features on the upcoming Seltos SUV that will include a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 360-degree camera, wireless charging, head-up display (HUD), MID, cruise control and more. The model will also come with ambient lighting, electronic parking brake, hill assist and multiple driving modes.

    As far as exterior design is concerned, the Kia Seltos will feature Kia’s signature ‘Tiger-Nose’ grille along with LED headlamps and stylish fog lamps which are vertical. Also, we expect the top trims of the Seltos to have a dual-tone colour scheme (The roof having a different colour). The design of the 5-spoke diamond-cut alloy wheels is also different from that of the concept model. The teaser video also shows the Seltos taking on some off-road terrain but we don’t know if the SUV will get an off-road kit such as driving modes, AWD or anything on those lines.

    The Kia Seltos will get a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel and both engines will get manual and automatic gearbox options. It may be possible that Kia also offer a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine which could have a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. As far as competition is concerned, the Kia Seltos will be going up against the likes of the Tata Harrier, Nissan Kicks, Renault Captur and its sister model, the Hyundai Creta. The top-spec models of the Kia Seltos could also rival the MG Hector and the Jeep Compass.

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  • Kia Seltos India Launch Details Out

    Kia Seltos India Launch Details Out

    Kia Motors India has unveiled the Seltos compact SUV and yes, we all are waiting for the company to launch the car. The Kia Seltos will be launched in India in August 2019. We still do not have a confirmation on the date but it will be in the second half of that month. The company has invested more than $2 billion in India and the Seltos is the first of many product offerings to come to the country. The Seltos will be exported to other markets too from India including Latin America, the Middle East and other parts of Asia, which shows how important a product it is for Kia Motors globally. It is also equipped with a host of segment-first features which should give it an edge in its segment.

    The Kia Seltos enters a very crowded segment which has seen more players enter than ever before. Of course it has to deal with contenders like the Hyundai Creta, which has been the segment leader, but there are newer challengers to deal with too, the Tata Harrier and even the first connected compact SUV – the MG Hector.

    But while the Seltos too is a connected car, there are a host of segment first features that it brings to the table. To begin with, it’s the first carmaker to make a car available in a dual trim option. It also gets a first in segment 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation. Adding to the premiumness, is an 8-speaker sound system by Bose. Kia has also provided an air purifier which has been placed between the front two seats and provides for an AC vent for rear seat passengers. There’s a 360 degree surround camera added to the segment first list as well which provides for better visibility.

    So, the Seltos becomes the second connected compact SUV after the MG Hector. Kia calls it UVO and you can, just like we’ve seen in the Venue, use your phone to operate the car’s ignition, AC controls and more. There’s also Apple Carplay and Android Auto on offer. That’s not the end of the segment first features yet, the Seltos SUV also gets an 8 inch heads up display which gives you all the information you need without being distracted. There’s also a sound mood lamp, rear sunshade curtain and a 7-inch colour TFT unit for the instrument console, which add to the premiumness of the Seltos.

    With all these features expect the Seltos to be priced competitively and that’s because of the local content that it gets. The Seltos is expected to be priced between ₹ 11 lakh – ₹ 17 lakh when it’s launched, but we’ll know more about the car when we drive it and also at the launch.

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  • Bajaj Triumph Alliance To Be Finalised In A Few Months

    Bajaj Triumph Alliance To Be Finalised In A Few Months

    Bajaj Auto Limited and British motorcycle brand Triumph Motorcycles are close to finalising the alliance that will see small displacement Triumph motorcycles to be manufactured by Bajaj and sold in India, and other markets. The alliance between the two motorcycle brands was announced almost two years ago, in August 2017, but now a senior official of Bajaj Auto has confirmed that the discussions between the two brands are at an advanced stage and will be finalised in a matter of months. However, the first Triumph motorcycle to be fully manufactured by Bajaj in India is still some time away, although sources have revealed that the development has been ongoing, and in fact, at an advanced stage, with the designs coming from Triumph’s headquarters in Hinckley and the engine and chassis development handled by Bajaj.

    Bajaj Auto’s Executive Director Rakesh Sharma has now said in an interview that the talks with Triumph are at an advanced stage, and a final agreement is expected to be reached very soon, maybe even before the year is over. So, that could mean we may well see some sort of a concept at one of the motorcycle shows later this year, with possibly a production model sometime by late 2020, or early 2021.

    What remains to be seen is what type of motorcycle the new Bajaj-Triumph alliance will develop. From all indications, and Triumph’s expertise and legacy of modern classic motorcycles, the first model from the alliance could well be a small displacement modern classic – something like a Triumph Bonneville with a 300-500 cc engine. While using Bajaj Auto’s manufacturing facility and supporting supply chain infrastructure, this new model could well be priced very competitively to take on established players like Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size motorcycle space.

    In any case, Triumph has dabbled in building some small displacement prototypes in the past, targeted specifically at markets like India, which were shelved. These include a small Daytona-like sportbike, as well as a small displacement naked roadster, which never saw production. But we can’t rule such models out as well from the Bajaj-Triumph alliance, once manufacturing begins after the first product is launched.

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  • BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed

    BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe Revealed

    BMW has revealed the four-door 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe. The 8 Series Gran Coupe will be available in the rear-wheel drive 840i, all-wheel drive 840i xDrive and M850i xDrive models. The new BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe showcases a sweeping four-door body with wide flanks and sharp creased modern lines. In fact, with a rear track of 1671 mm, the 8 Series Gran Coupe stands on the widest rear track of any BMW automobile; a design criteria which required an update of the Plant Dingolfing assembly line in order to accommodate the new, wider platform.

    From the A-pillar, the 8 Series Gran Coupe design differs from that of the Coupe to both increase interior space and deliver a vehicle with strong presence and authority. The windshield features less rake than in the Coupe to allow the roofline to raise to a higher point above the front seats, providing increased headroom for both front and rear passengers. The roof then merges into the rear trunk lid with fin-like transitional lines to create the visual of a long and flowing body. The rear glass is mounted with increased rake to increase the size of the trunk opening and also acts to from a fixed part of the body’s structure to increase torsional rigidity and reduce noise entering the cabin.

    The standard panoramic glass moonroof stretches from the front windshield all the way back to the rear window and the multi-functional antenna is integrated into the rear glass, eliminating the need for the roof-mounted shark fin antenna, thus allowing for a larger glass roof. The 8 Series Gran Coupe gets Icon Adaptive LED Headlights with Laserlight flank the one piece hexagonal BMW kidney grille surround which frames active air intake slats inside. Large openings in either side of the front bumper give the low-slung front end of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe an aggressive appearance. Functional Air Breathers let air flow through the front fenders improving both aerodynamics and styling. The Hofmeister kink in the expansive c-pillar ties the flowing side profile lines of the new Gran Coupe to heavily sculptures rear fenders and trunk lid. Slim LED rear lights stand high above trapezoidal twin exhaust pipes.

    An intelligent mix of lightweight materials helps to reduce weight in the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe. Aluminium construction is used for the doors, hood, roof, front bulkhead, engine subframe and rear bumper support. The trunk lid is made from dent-resistant plastic while the cabin dashboard support is made from magnesium and parts of the center driveline tunnel are made from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic.

    The BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe seats five people and the longer wheelbase and wider rear flanks of the car have allowed for sizable increases in interior space. Front head room increases by 0.2 inches while rear headroom is up by 3.4 inches. Rear legroom increases by a substantial 7.1 inches while rear shoulder room improves by 7.7 inches. The extended centre console in the 8 Series Gran Coupe is unique to the model and continues into the rear space, dividing the individually-styled right and left seats while still allowing for the rear centre seat space to be used when needed. The rear console offers passengers individual right and left climate controls, air vents, storage tray and USB-C ports.

    The standard heated front sport seats feature integrated headrests and are designed with a thinner profile to allow for greater rear knee space. All four main seats offer generous levels of lateral support so that the performance capabilities of the 8 Series Gran Coupe can be enjoyed by all passengers. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 configuration allowing for any variation of passengers and cargo on both short and long trips.

    Under the hood the BMW 840i and 840i xDrive Gran Coupe models are powered by the latest iteration of BMW’s TwinPower 3.0 litre inline 6-cylinder Turbo engine which produces 335 horses and 499 Nm of torque allows the rear-wheel drive 840i Gran Coupe to accelerate from 0 to 98 kmph in 4.9 seconds while the added traction of BMW xDrive allows the 840i xDrive Gran Coupe to reach 98 kmph in 4.6 seconds.

    Both vehicles feature an electronically limited top speed of 209 kmph when equipped with all-season tyres and 249 kmph when equipped with performance tyres.  The new 6-cylinder engine features an exhaust manifold integrated into the cylinder head, a twin-scroll turbocharger with quicker response and direct injection technology working at an increased maximum pressure of 350 bar.

    The BMW M850i xDrive Gran Coupe is powered by the latest generation of the BMW TwinPower 4.4-liter eight-cylinder Turbo engine. Power production is rated at 523 horsepower while torque figures stand at 750 Nm between 1,800 – 4,600 rpm which allow this model to accelerate from 0 to 98 kmph in 3.7 seconds.

    Both engines transfer power to the driveline through the latest improved version of the Steptronic Sport automatic transmission featuring a weight-reducing design, a newly developed controller and a wider gear ratio spread. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe combines the latest-generation of the iDrive, featuring a high-resolution digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster display behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch centre display diagonally across.

    The system offers many hardware upgrades including new haptic controls on the iDrive controller, an advanced tablet-like touch interface, and stunning visualizations. The multi-modal approach of the iDrive touch controller, large touchscreen center display, cloud-based voice control, and gesture control allow users to interact in the way of their choosing.  Elements of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional are the Navigation Professional system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system with 32 GB of memory and two USB ports, plus Bluetooth interfaces. The driver can be automatically detected and personal settings activated either using the traditional vehicle key or by downloading the driver’s personal settings to the BMW Cloud.

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  • Rezvani Tank Teased

    Rezvani Tank Teased

    In just a few weeks Rezvani Motors will debut the all-new 2020 Tank. Designed to be an antidote to the current dull SUV segment, the Tank is a military-inspired, purpose-built, extreme utility vehicle loaded with a ton of features. The 2020 Tank is all new and shares no parts with its predecessor, but it sure has the DNA. Thanks to a body on steel frame design, massive off-road tyres, and sports suspension, the Rezvani Tank will be able to tackle some serious off-roading trails.

    The optional TANK X will offer a 6.2-litre Supercharged V8 sourced from the Dodge Demon and further tuned to produce over 1000 horsepower. In addition to the list of standard features in the previous generation, Tank Military Edition will feature standard military grade EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) protection covering E1, E2 and E3 electromagnetic pulses to protect critical electronic systems.

    Ferris Rezvani, CEO Rezvani Motors said, “The vision was to offer a fresh design for a purpose-built, rugged, off-road capable vehicle that was muscular, well proportioned, and brand new; as exciting to the eyes as it is to drive. The design was inspired by extreme off-road concepts typcially never seen on the road, but is completely street legal and ready for production to be able to be driven and enjoyed as a daily driver.”

    The 2020 Rezvani Tank gets a 6.2-litre Supercharged V8 sourced from the Dodge Demon and further tuned to produce over 1000 horsepower.

    The new 2020 Rezvani Tank will make its debut in the next few months in international markets with deliveries beginning by the end of 2019

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  • Niti Aayog Recommends Sale Of Only Electric Cars From 2030

    Niti Aayog Recommends Sale Of Only Electric Cars From 2030

    In another ambitious move, Niti Aayog has proposed that only electric vehicles should be sold in the country after 2030. Government’s think tank had earlier suggested banning all conventional three-wheelers and two-wheelers which are equipped with engines of up to 150 cc. According to Times Of India report, the committee has forward a cabinet note asking to assign roles to different ministries. Ministry of Road Transport And Highways (MoRTH) has been asked to work on a new framework to phase out the sale of diesel and petrol vehicles by 2030.

    That said, the proposal penned down by Niti Aayog is not only limited to vehicles and also talks about the infrastructure to push their sales. It suggests starting an e-Highway program with an overhead electricity network to facilitate operation for long distance trucks and busses. However, it has suggested piloting the project with selected National Highways which is likely to begin with the upcoming Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. Along with the electrification of national highways, Niti Aayaog has also proposed local manufacturing of 50 GWh batteries by 2030.

    In a bid to meet the target, Niti Aayog has also proposed extending financial incentives like cash subsidy on the basis of overall domestic value addition per kilowatt hour (KWh) which will be around Rs 8000 crore. If domestic manufacturing of batteries can be made possible, the maximum cash subsidy will go up to ₹ 2000 crore for up to 20 GWh per firm which will be for just one KWh for total value capture. The think tank is also planning to procure 10 lakh direct and indirect job opportunities if the proposal is implemented.

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  • Porsche Macan Facelift Bookings Open In India

    Porsche Macan Facelift Bookings Open In India

    Porsche India has opened bookings for the Macan facelift in India and it’s all set to be launched in the country in July this year. First launched in 2014, the SUV was long overdue for an update and it’s finally here. The 2018 Porsche Macan facelift comes with updated styling that has been inspired by the new-generation Cayenne, which is also set to go on sale in India later this year. In addition to cosmetic changes, the facelifted Macan also comes with a host new and updated features, which Porsche claims, offers enhanced comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics.

    Visually, the 2018 Macan retains the signature Porsche DNA and is equipped with a host of premium features, both on the outside as well as inside. The front section of the SUV has been redesigned, giving it wider facial features and LED headlights that come as standard, while the rear section is a bit sleeker now and features a three-dimensional LED tail light strip, also a standard fitment. However, if you want something even more high-tech, then the company also offers its ‘Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus’ (PDLS) with adaptive light distribution, as an optional extra. The SUV now also comes in four new exterior colour options – Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, and Crayon. It also comes with new 20- and 21-inch wheels with an array of customisation option.

    The cabin has also been updated, which now gets new interior packages with more with customisation option. The revised dashboard now features an 11-inch touchscreen display for the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), the air vents have also been redesigned and also repositioned, and the SUV now also gets the GT sports steering wheel similar to the 911. The mode switch plus Sport Response Button have been integrated into the steering wheel, and are offered as part of the optional Sports Chrono Package. The Macan is equipped with a Connect Plus module, making every vehicle fully networked as standard, while the new Offroad Precision App can record and analyse off-road driving experiences in the model.

    The existing 3.0-litre engines in both petrol and diesel versions of the Macan will make its way on the car, possibly power boost across the entire range. The base model will be uprated to about 300 bhp, the Macan S is expected to offer up to 355 bhp, while the top-end Macan Turbo is likely to offers 434 bhp in the facelifted model.

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  • Ford Launches Testing Of New Self-Driving Fleet In Detroit

    Ford Launches Testing Of New Self-Driving Fleet In Detroit

    Ford Motor Co’s majority-owned autonomous vehicle subsidiary, Argo AI, launched its new fleet of self-driving test vehicles – Ford Fusion Hybrid – in Detroit on Wednesday, expanding its presence to five U.S. cities. The new cars are equipped with upgraded sensors, including radars and cameras with higher resolution and range, the company said.

    The No. 2 U.S. automaker is in talks with German carmaker Volkswagen AG to develop self-driving vehicles as its autonomous vehicles unit competes for investment and engineering talent with peers as well as technology companies.

    General Motors’ majority-owned Cruise robotaxi business, Aurora, recently announced a partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, while Alphabet and Uber are also investing in their self-driving projects.

    Argo already operates vehicles in Pittsburgh, Palo Alto, Miami and Washington D.C.

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  • Hyundai And Kia To Invest In Self-Driving Start-Up Aurora

    Hyundai And Kia To Invest In Self-Driving Start-Up Aurora

    Hyundai Motor Co said on Thursday it would invest in self-driving car software startup Aurora along with Kia Motors Corp to speed up development of autonomous vehicle technologies.

    “With the new investment, the companies have agreed to expand research to a wide range of models and to build an optimal platform for Hyundai and Kia’s autonomous vehicles,” Hyundai said

    Aurora said in a blog post that Hyundai and Kia’s investment is part of a series B financing round, which has now raised more than $600 million.

    Aurora, which just announced a partnership with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, competes with Alphabet’s Waymo and General Motors’ majority-owned Cruise, among others.

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  • Hyundai To Bring N Performance Brand To India

    Hyundai To Bring N Performance Brand To India

    In a bid to create excitement around its brand, Hyundai Motor is set to bring the N brand to India. N is the performance division of Hyundai worldwide, and works with Hyundai motorsport too. All N badged cars are the higher performance versions of the production models they use as their base. The plan for India is two-pronged though, given that India remains a price sensitive market – and also the limited demand for hard core performance cars. And so while some N cars will be brought in to create a flutter and build image, they may not be sold through the regular retail channel. Those cars will help build aspiration and instead Hyundai will eye volumes from what it calls the N-Line range of products. It is likely we shall see some N products at the 2020 Delhi Auto Expo, with an official announcement for the brand’s India launch as well.

    Hyundai has already carried out some customer clinics for the N and N-Line cars in India. While it is still early days, the initial feedback for the N-Line range is very positive. Sources within the company have exclusively told carandbike that there is a move to see how the N brand could be used to further penetrate the Indian market. The target would be younger buyers and hence the two-pronged approach to justify the investments needed to bring N to India.

    The N-Line feature stock cars with some minor tweaking to enhance performance, but much visual embellishment – like spoilers, side skirts, aggressive bumpers and of course the requisite stickers, and badges. These are more variants than standalone different models. A full fledged N car would also sport a proprietary N engine that’s specially developed for use only by the N range. N-Line cars feature the same engines as the regular model but with some extra power or torque on offer, as also the most powerful engine that model like has to offer.

    The first N production model was the Hyundai i30 N and now the range also includes the i30 Fastback N and the Veloster N. The latter has especially impressed with its performance credentials. The N-Line range includes the i30 N Line, i30 Fastback N Line, and Tucson N Line. There are unconfirmed plans afoot to also look at an N version of the i20 (likely with the next generation only) as well as adding N-Line variants for cars like the Kona, and Creta. It is these models that would hold interest for the Indian market.

    Maruti Suzuki has attempted to bring a performance range to India with its RS range – albeit halfheartedly. The Baleno RS simply sports the company’s 1.0 boosterjet engine – which is sold as the stock Baleno engine in most other markets. The car also does not have many obvious visual or styling cues to separate it. Volkswagen has also launched the Polo GTrange and subsequently the truly high performance GTI – but both have met with limited success. Hyundai N and N-line cars are offered in specific paint schemes and with more styling elements – which may be the advantage for them when they launch.

  • Car Sales Down By 20.55 Per Cent In May

    Car Sales Down By 20.55 Per Cent In May

    De-stocking is a common phenomenon in the auto market when the demand is not adequate. Also, the industry is on the verge of a big upgrade and automakers have also started to keep a check on inventories at the onset of Bharat Stage 6 (BS6) and BNVSAP (crash test norms) which will require them to introduce updated models which will adhere to all the upcoming regulations. Mahindra has already announced to shut down their production plant for up to 13 days and other carmakers as well are keeping a check on production.

    In May 2019, the passenger vehicle (PV) segment witnessed a decline of 20.55 per cent selling 239,347 units as against 301,238 units which were sold in the same month last year. However, retail sales which is the real reflector of market demand is down by just 1.46 per cent in the same month selling 270,048 units as compared to 274,037 units which were sold last year. The difference between the wholesale and retail figures itself speaks about the stock correction measures taken by the industry. Moreover, the production figures are down by 12.23 per cent as well which also substantiates the fact that carmakers are avoiding accumulation. The industry manufactured 315,168 units in May 2019 as against 359,078 units which were manufactured in the same month last year.

    Other than de-stocking, sales were also down due to general elections and low credit availability. Speaking on the industry outlook, SIAM has requested the government to reduce the GST on cars to 18 per cent which will help the industry to absorb the cost of BS6 transition. “Cars are set to become expensive post BS6. Hence, we have asked the government to bring down the GST rates which will help to keep a check on the prices to a certain extent,” said Vishnu Mathur, Director General, SIAM.

    SIAM is also requesting the government to reduce the corporate tax as government has withdrawn incentives on R&D. Lower corporate tax will also help the industry to use the saved money on development of new technologies. That said, the only thing that can work in favour of the industry at this point is the new launches which are expected to bring in some excitement among car buyers.

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  • Jeep Compass Trailhawk Bookings Start In India

    Jeep Compass Trailhawk Bookings Start In India

    FCA India today announced that it has opened bookings for the Jeep Compass Trailhawk. Customers can now book the Trailhawk at a fully refundable ₹ 50,000 at any of the 82 FCA all-brand showrooms across 70 Indian towns and cities. The Trailhawk is the first Made-in-India Jeep to have earned the coveted Trail Rated badge, a global benchmark that is given to Jeep 4×4 SUVs which are developed to have much superior off-roading capabilities compared to regular 4×4 Jeep models

    The Trailhawk gets an anti-glare decal on the hood which ensures the sun does not hamper the driver’s visibility; the front bumpers are redesigned and are now devoid of the aerodynamic overhang. The air dam has been provided at the bottom of the front bumper for enhanced air intake. The Trailhawk also comes with the comfortable frequency damped suspension, albeit has ground clearance much higher than the regular Compass to aid extreme on- and off-road conditions. The Compass Trailhawk monograms on the front and rear are now matte, neutral grey and the 7-slots in the grille also gets matte, neutral grey frames. The Trailhawk is given a tow hook at the rear which makes it capable of pulling out a stuck vehicle

    Announcing bookings open, Kevin Flynn – President and Managing Director, FCA India said, “The Trailhawk is a product which is developed for customers looking for a hugely capable and exclusive SUV in the compact category. It is the first compact SUV to be offered the BS VI turbodiesel engine, nearly a year before the new emission norms come into effect and, it is the only compact SUV which comes with a 9-speed automatic transmission.”

    Under the hood, the Trailhawk gets a 2-litre turbodiesel engine is re-engineered with additional technology to make it fully compliant with the BS 6 norms which come into play on April 1, 2020. As the engine will be available in all Trailhawks nearly one year before the norms become effective, it uses urea technology that will ensure peace of mind for customers. This means that the BS VI engine is capable of running on BS IV diesel until BS VI diesel is widely available in the country.

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