The ninth edition of Royal Enfield’s global marquee ride – One Ride will be held across 35 countries on Sunday, April 28, 2019. This flagship event of Royal Enfield encourages enthusiasts from around the world to ride as ‘One’. The aim of this ride is to celebrate the passion that riders have for motorcycling and Royal Enfield motorcycles and ride together.

From newbies to experienced riders, One Ride will see motorcycling enthusiasts of all ages from diverse regions and social identities come together on this day for a ride that is inclusive and fiercely unique. The camaraderie of thousands of Royal Enfield enthusiasts will be enlivened over the world as they gear up to participate in One Ride, along with their fellow riders participating on this day.

This year, rides are being organised in more than 300 cities in India and 35 countries (Bogota, Medellin, Milan, Rome,Paris, London, Bangkok, Shah Alam, Jakarta, Kathmandu, Dubai, Kuwait) globally. Enthusiasts can either join a ride or host a ride by visiting the official website. (royalenfield.com/oneride)

The theme for this year’s One Ride is ‘Ride as One’ and is in line with Royal Enfield’s philosophy of promoting exploration and camaraderie among the leisure motorcycling community across the world.

Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director MG Motor India at the unveil of the MG eZS

MG (Morris Garages) recently unveiled its global pure electric SUV – the MG eZS, scheduled for launch across international markets soon. To be introduced in India by December this year, MG eZS will be one of the first global pure electric SUVs in the country.

The MG eZS EV is the perfect car for people who want to go electric considering the environment and desire the latest modern vehicle with connected mobility features. The MG eZS will be launched in India by the end of this year and subsequently be launched in some other markets like the UK, Germany, Australia, Thailand and Middle East coinciding with the Indian launch.

“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.

“We hope by the time we launch the vehicle; the government would have announced the much-needed subsidies and incentives for the EVs under the recently announced FAME II scheme so that the people are encouraged to by the environmentally friendly mobility solutions. More details about the specifications and features of the eZS will be announced at a later stage,” added Chaba.

With a country-wide network of 120 sales and service outlets across India, MG aims to ensure a seamless ownership experience for its Indian customers. In addition, the carmaker will take appropriate measures to educate the Indian audiences around EV driving range anxiety and charging infrastructure. The eZS will also house the carmaker’s iSMART Next-Gen, which will debut in India starting with the MG Hector SUV which will go on sale in June this year.

It may be recalled that MG India had already announced the launch of the Hector, with inbuilt internet connectivity. Scheduled to go on sale in June this year, the MG Hector will come with several industry-first features housed in a 10.4-inch Head Unit. The Hector’s touch screen is designed with a vertical interface that allows the driver to control the entire car system with just a touch or voice command and comes pre-loaded with entertainment content. The iSMART Next Gen featured in the Hector comes with an industry first embedded M2M with Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) ready for 5G.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India with the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster was launched in India with prices starting at Rs 64.90 lakhs (ex-showroom). With powerful driving dynamics and a progressive design, the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster offers the versatility of everyday commute and track driving. The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is available at all BMW dealerships across India as a Completely Built-Up Unit (CBU) model from today onwards.

Dr. Hans-Christian Baertels, President (act.), BMW Group India 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 is available with a choice of two engine variants – the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and the BMW M Performance model, the BMW Z4 M40i. The all-new BMW Z4 M40i is the sportiest model combining the elegance of a roadster and the athleticism of an M automobile.

The two-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine of the all-new BMW Z4 sDrive20i produces an output of 200 PS (197 hp) and a maximum torque of 320 Nm at 1,450 – 4,200 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds.

The BMW Z4 M40i conjures the power from a three-litre six-cylinder in-line engine, whose inherently instantaneous response, hearty appetite for revs and smoothness combine with improved efficiency. The three-litre engine of the BMW Z4 M40i produces an output of 345 PS (340 hp) and a maximum torque of 500 Nm at 1,600 – 4,500 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. The engines are mated to a 8-speed Steptronic Sport Transmission that performs smooth and flawless gear shifts.

The exterior of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features the long bonnet, the classic soft top and the short overhangs define the characteristic roadster silhouette of the car. At the push of a button, the classic soft-top opens and closes electrically in ten seconds. The newly designed BMW kidney grille sporting a new mesh design and vertically aligned headlights conveys pure dynamism. The standard LED headlights or optional BMW Adaptive LED Headlights ensure a prominent stance on any road.

With large air breathers on the front wheel arches and aerodynamic air vents, the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster looks and moves like a true driver’s machine. The distinctive rear spoiler stands out elegantly from the surface while the lateral design lines flowing in at the shoulders frame the slim LED rear lights. The rear apron that combines with the diffusor and exhaust tailpipes, radiates a special presence and sporting flair.

The design of the interior also focus on the sportiness of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster. Inside there is a clearly structured arrangement of control elements, complemented by the driver-orientated cockpit design that enhances the focus on the driving experience. The light package lends an elegant ambience that invites passengers to relax.

The electric seat adjustment is easy to use and the memory function allows the driver to save preferred settings. The through-loading system can utilize greater storage space when transporting larger items. The practicality of the all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features an increased storage space behind the seats with a retaining net, large cupholders under the centre armrest cover and roomy door pockets.

The roadster’s model line-up is spearheaded by a BMW M Performance version. The BMW Z4 M40i combines the performance of a sports car with the freedom of a two-seater convertible. Numerous details inspired by BMW M motorsport set powerful accents and provide an exceptional measure of dynamics and agility. Some standard features like 19-inch M light alloy wheels, cerium grey finish in the BMW kidney grille, exterior mirror caps and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes advertise a particularly sporty character.

In the interior, standard specification for the BMW Z4 M40i includes a leather and Alcantara interior with blue contrast stitching and blue piping. As an alternative to the standard Quartz Silver, the trim finishers can also be specified in High-Gloss Black, Aluminium Mesh Effect or Aluminium Tetragon. Further, M sports seats with additional adjustment options along with an M leather steering wheel form a part of the high quality cabin space.

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features cutting-edge safety technologies. It provides optimal support in any situation with airbags front and side airbags for the driver and passenger,  Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist , Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor and an emergency spare wheel.

The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster features a new radically revised and modernized cockpit. The BMW ConnectedDrivefeatures the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional that comes with BMW Operating System 7.0. The layout features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in a hexagonal frame and a high-resolution (1920 x 720 pixels) touchscreen information display. Together, the two displays provide a large amount of information – all in the driver’s direct field of vision. Customizable and personalized displays in the instrument cluster and the menu display in the central information screen can also be configured.

The BMW Live Cockpit Professional also features an adaptive Navigation system (integrated Global Positioning System –GPS) with 3D maps, the next generation BMW iDrive with touch controller, Wireless Apple Car Play and connectivity through Bluetooth and 2 USB ports. Also, available now are many driver assistance features like Active Park Distance Control (PDC), rear view camera assisted optional Parking Assistant function and Driving Assistant function. Other optional features include a high-end Surround Sound system from Harman Kardon with 12 loudspeakers and 408 Watts of output, a first ever full-color BMW Head-Up Display screen with a resolution of 400 x 800 pixels and Wireless Charging function.

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), today unveiled the first design sketch of its newest and India’s First Connected SUV – Hyundai Venue. There will be a special preview of the Hyundai Venue on April 17 in India followed by a global unveil at the New York Motor Show.

The concept behind the Venue embodies the characteristics of ‘the place to be’, en route to the final destination, wherever that may be. From everyday workplace activities to weekend fun, Venue aims to be a great fit in accommodating busy lifestyles with an abundance of playful and practical features including seamless safety, versatility and connectivity.

The Volkswagen Brand celebrates the world premiere of the ID. ROOMZZ at Auto Shanghai, one of China’s biggest car shows. The multi-variable all-round model is the next member of the ID. family and gives you a taste of what is to come in the upcoming series version of the zero-emission SUV that will hit the Chinese market first in 2021. Auto Shanghai will have its doors open from April 16 to April 24, 2019.

Just like the compact ID., the ID. CROZZ, the ID. BUZZ, the ID. VIZZION and the ID. BUGGY before it, the sixth member of the fully electric family is based on the modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

The ID. ROOMZZ has a number of innovations on board: as its name suggests, the concept car sets trendsetting impulses when it comes to variability of the vehicle interior, boasting completely new seat configurations, high-quality materials and customizable light. What is more, the IQ.DRIVE systems are brought together in the ID. ROOMZZ: in ID. Pilot mode, the vehicle can be driven autonomously without an active driver (level 4).

“The I.D. ROOMZZ shows us what we can expect from full-size electric SUVs in the future. The puristic look emphasizes the clear function and the user experience is intuitive and natural,” says Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer at the Volkswagen brand.

Volvo Car India registered another successful FY 2018-19 with a growth of 25% in retail deliveries as compared to the previous FY.

The company retailed 2687 cars in FY18-19 compared to 2157 units in FY17-18. This growth was largely driven by new product launches including ‘ICOTY Premium Car Award’ winner XC40.

Growth was further fuelled by opening 5 new showrooms across the country including Calicut, Raipur, Kolkata, Indore and South Mumbai.

Charles Frump, Managing Director – Volvo Car India shared, “We had a strong performance in the last Financial year because of greater customer demand for our award winning products and new dealer openings. We continue to be optimistic about the future, but are somewhat  cautious about the year ahead owing to external factors and predictions of an impending downtrend.”

L-R: Linda Jackson, Roland Bouchara, Emmanuel Delay, and Carlos Tavares

Groupe PSA has announced the launch of the Citroen brand in India. During the presentation of FY2018 financial results of Groupe PSA and the second phase of its strategic plan Push to Pass for the period 2019-2021, Citroen brand was announced for the Indian market.

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board, Groupe PSA, Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Citroen Brand, Groupe PSA and Emmanuel Delay, Executive Vice President & Head of India-Pacific, Groupe PSA, Roland Bouchara, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Citroen India, were present at the event.

The flagship vehicle, Citroen C5 Aircross SUV, was also showcased at the event, which will be the first product from the Citroen brand for the Indian customers, being launched before the end of 2020. It was also announced that Citroen plans to bring in a range of products after the Citroen C5 Aircross SUV that will be made and launched in India before being introduced in other parts of the world. With one new launch every year from 2021 after the New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV the new range of products will be launched in India before the rest of the world.

This new programme to be launched in India will come under the name of C Cubed, standing for Cool, Comfort and Clever. Cool to illustrate Citroen’s unique and bold designs, Comfort to highlight our approach of a global well-being to make all Citroen easy to use working on ergonomics and connectivity and Clever to be at the heart of the market, developing international highly localised cars to meet customer expectations. This would be backed by launch of a disruptive and seamless digital customer experience and a phygital distribution network.

Present at the brand launch, Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board, Groupe PSA, said, “India is an important next step for Groupe PSA, as part of the Push to Pass plan to increase our international footprint and revenues. With the introduction of Citroën, our aim is to ‘be Indian in India’ and our association with the CK Birla Group, will be important to become a major player in the Indian automotive market. Globally, we have been successful in Europe and in other parts of the world because of our unique automotive experiences and delivering mobility solutions to meet our customer expectations. We really believe that India is a strong opportunity for growth and our commitment, professionalism and agility of our teams, combined with the pursuit of operational excellence, will sustainably drive our performance and increase the satisfaction of our future customers in the country.”

Speaking about the brand, Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Citroen Brand, Groupe PSA, said, “We are celebrating Citroen’s Centenary, 100 years of a brand which has constantly looked to the future of the automotive industry, by offering innovative solutions in line with the needs of each era. Globally, Citron’s success is based on unique design, and benchmark comfort. The India automotive market is very dynamic with a high potential. We believe we have the right positioning to meet the expectations of the Indian customers. I am confident that the new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV will set a benchmark in style, comfort and innovation in its segment in India.”

Sharing his thoughts on the brand and region, Emmanuel Delay, Executive Vice President & Head of India-Pacific, Groupe PSA, said, “New technologies, modern production techniques and innovative designs have played a crucial role in developing the brand for which Citroën is known. As a new player in the Indian automotive market, we will stick to remaining committed to our philosophy of constantly looking to the future and setting high standards of innovation while continuing to build on the brand attributes. Our India story will play a crucial role in making the Citroën brand more international. We are on track to meet our objective of introducing our innovative range, starting from the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, which will be the first of many differentiating products from the brand from our vehicle manufacturing JV between the PSA Groupe & the CK Birla Group located at Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. Production of Powertrains from our PSA – AVTEC Powertrain JV at Hosur, Tamil Nadu is also on track and will support our local and global requirements.”

Sharing his views on building the brand in India, Roland Bouchara, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Citroën India, said, “Citroen brand in India is here and here to make a difference. India is important to Citroen and this is evident as we plan to bring in a new range of products, after the new Citroen C5 Aircross SUV that will be made and launched in India first before being rolled out globally.”

He also added, “India is a unique market and Indians are adopting new technologies at a very rapid pace. To support our range of unique new products and our in-depth study of the Indian market, we have planned for a unique customer experience, which will enable us to be the new digital reference for a seamless customer experience in the Indian automotive market. We are planning to introduce a unique digitally disruptive, omni-channel customer journey to deliver ATAWADAC ((AnyTime AnyWhere AnyDevice AnyContent) experience to customers. Our Network focus will be to develop lean & phygital (physical + digital) formats with a ‘brick to click’ orientation. This seamless experience will be brought alive by personalized digital sales and service processes for our customers.” He also announced, “We are pleased to go live with our India website http://www.citroen.in which marks the beginning of our partnership with potential dealers in India leading to the Citroen Dealer Partner Live Tour in India from 1st of July, 2019.”

Marquee British Automaker MG Motor (Morris Garages) showcased advanced in-car technologies with the launch of the iSMART Next Gen, developed in partnership with global technology players. To be available for sales by June this year, MG Hector with iSMART Next Gen aims to set new standards for connected mobility.

Along with its strong consortium of global tech partners that includes Microsoft, Adobe, Unlimit, SAP, Cisco, Gaana, TomTom and Nuance, the car maker unveiled several industry-first features of internet-enabled cars that will be available in the MG Hector.
The brain of the iSMART Next Gen will be housed in a 10.4-inch Head Unit. The screen is designed with a vertical interface that allows the driver to control the entire car system with just a touch or voice command. The Head Unit is built to withstand extreme climatic conditions of India. It comes pre-loaded with entertainment content.

MG Hector iSMART Next Gen comes with an industry first embedded M2M sim that ensures that the car remains connected. The customised solution has been developed by Unlimit in partnership with Cisco and Airtel who have collaborated with their Jasper platform and telecommunication network respectively. The connected mobility solution on the MG Hector is Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) ready for 5G.

This seamless connectivity enables the users to receive real-time software, entertainment content and application updates. Customers will be able to download the software updates immediately or schedule them for later, as in smartphones. This makes MG the first few among the global leaders and the first in India to bring the revolutionary Over The Air (OTA) technology to cars. The OTA feature would be standard in all MG cars enabled with iSMART Next Gen for connected mobility, starting with MG Hector SUV.

“The integration of internet with cars opens up a gamut of features that can ensure a seamless and updated ownership experience for MG customers in India. With an embedded SIM card and OTA, the MG Hector promises to do a lot more over time with constantly-expanding capabilities, to create a seamless driving experience, throughout the life of the car,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.

“Furthermore, with the advent of 5G connectivity in India, MG cars will have the potential to add new, breakthrough features to further enrich the car driving experience,” Chaba added.

The most stunning feature of the MG Hector is Voice Assist. It is a powerful voice application that works on the cloud and head unit. Developed by Nuance for MG India, it has been specifically designed for India for Indian accent learning. As a result of built in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, the system will learn and get better every day with usage. Activated with ‘Hello MG’, the voice assist allows over 100 commands, including opening and closing of windows and sun roof, ac control, navigation etc. and works even under poor connectivity.

To add to customer experience, iSMART comes with pre-embedded and very relevant web applications. It will house the world leader TomTom’s real time navigation application. A leading player in automobile navigation around the world, TomTom has over 600 million vehicles under their platform. This navigation system would regularly update maps, routes and locations through their IQ Maps feature. Pre-loaded Gaana app with Premium Account and Accuweather will further help the customers to access music and weather forecasts. All apps have been specially customized for MG Hector’s large Head Unit.

The iSMART Next Gen is supported by the iSMART mobile App. MG iSMART App is feature-rich like none other in the Indian market. The car gets scanned each time the App is opened, and information includes location of car, tyre pressure, or if the doors are locked or not. Owner can use the remote app to directly lock or unlock doors, turn on ignition and switch on the air-conditioner. This is very useful in extreme weather conditions of India. It would also allow owners to schedule a service and keep track of service history.

MG with iSMART ensures that its customers remain protected against advanced threats while enjoying the benefits of technology. MG car owners can locate their cars remotely and geo fence it, so the car cannot be taken out of a predefined zone, thus enhancing the safety of the passengers. The App uses driver analytics data to help people drive smarter. The iSMART is hosted on Microsoft Azure Cloud providing impregnable cyber security for all data.

MG has set up a first of its kind customer management service centre called the Pulse Hub. This will enable eCall emergency response in all MG cars. If a car’s airbags are deployed under an emergency condition, automatic messages are sent to the Pulse Hub and the registered phones along with a series of emergency response actions that get activated instantly. MG hector also offers an industry first iCall. With just a touch on the Screen, driver is connected to Pulse Hub for a host of information services.

Adobe and Cognizant have partnered MG to develop the first ever Adobe Experience Cloud to make the customer journey a delight for MG customers. Likewise, SAP with iTelligence has built one of its kind Dealer Management System – ‘Magnet’, and connected apps. This system would host all information from company, dealers, service centres and customers at one place. This would make sure the customer can seamlessly be recognised and offered services at pre-sales, sales and post sales phases.

2019 marks an important milestone for the Italian brand with the scorpion badge which continues to fuel the dreams of fans worldwide even after 70 years. Abarth & C was founded by Carlo Abarth and racing driver Guido Scagliarini on 31 March 1949 in Bologna, Northern Italy. Carlo’s astrological sign, Scorpio, was chosen as the new company logo and the legend of the scorpion was born. Celebrating this anniversary means remembering the designers and engineers, sporting and technical achievements and the generations of customers who have all made Abarth what it is today.

“Telling the key stages of Abarth is an opportunity to rediscover the record-breaking cars, the revolutionary tuning kits and legendary races that marked the technological progress and motorsport accomplishments of the brand”, explained Luca Napolitano, Head of EMEA Fiat and Abarth brands. “All this belongs to the past and to the present of Abarth, together with the commitment and pride of the people who over time have worked in the factories and offices and on the race tracks, with a little extra something. Besides sporting satisfaction, for the engineers and technicians of the brand with the Scorpion badge races are the tough proving grounds where the most innovative technological solutions can be tested in the most adverse conditions before carrying them across to the street-legal Abarth models. In this way, we can achieve the very best in terms of performance, safety and reliability and offer it to our customers”.

70th Anniversary range
To acknowledge this incredible milestone, all Abarth 595’s produced from April 2019 will be identified by a “70th Anniversary” special badge. The 595 Competizione standard seats will also be embroidered with a ‘70th Anniversary’ logo, making this specification one for Abarth fans to own (from 10 April). Making its return in 2019 is the Abarth 595 esseesse which made its debut at the recent Geneva Motor Show and will shortly be on sale around the world.

The history of Abarth: 1949-1979
Carlo Abarth’s career started with motorcycles, at the age of twenty, he racked up his first wins as a rider on a Motor Thun, the following year he built his first customised motorbike under the Abarth brand. Unfortunately, during a competition at Linz, an accident forced him to abandon motorbikes. He continued competing with sidecars, a vehicle that he made famous in exploits endeavours such as the race against the Orient Express – that he won, of course. A second accident in 1939 forced him to abandon racing completely which marked a new beginning. In 1949, the first vehicle produced was the 204 A Roadster, based on the Fiat 1100, which won the 1100 Sport Italian championship and the Formula 2 racing title.

Carlo decided he needed to supplement his racing activities with the production of his now famous tuning kits for mass-production cars to increase power, speed and acceleration. Exhaust parts were built and supplied to a number of manufacturers including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, BMW, Ford, Volvo and Jaguar.

Noteworthy components of the Abarth kits include the exhausts which, over the years, became a true icon of the “Abarth style”. In just a few years, Abarth & C. reached global levels: in 1962 with a staff of 375, it produced 257,000 exhausts, 65 per cent of which are destined for export markets.

With the Fiat Abarth 750 designed by Bertone in 1956, the brand broke the endurance and speed record: on 18 June, on the Monza racetrack, it broke the 24-hour record covering 3,743 km at an average speed of 155 kmph. Following this, from 27 to 29 June on the same circuit it racked up a number of records: the 5,000 and 10,000 km, the 5,000 miles and also the 48 and 72 hours. The same vehicle was designed by Zagato in two different versions: the Fiat Abarth 750 Zagato (1956) and the Fiat Abarth 750 GT Zagato (1956).

In 1958, Abarth completed a true work of art on the new Fiat 500, completely transforming the small utility car and enhancing its potentials to the maximum. In the same year, the brand intensified its partnership with Fiat which committed itself to reward Abarth financially based on the number of victories and records that the team managed to achieve. An event that formed the basis of the impressive winning streak: 10 world records, 133 international records, more than 10,000 victories on track.

The 1960’s were the golden decade for Abarth. In Italy “Abarth” becomes the byword for speed, courage, performance and development. The list of cars which displayed the name of Abarth in the history of motor racing is a long one: from the 850 TC, which was victorious on international circuits including the Nurburgring, to the Fiat Abarth “1000 Berlina” and the 2300 S that racked up an extraordinary series of records on the Monza track despite the harsh weather conditions.

In 1971, Fiat Auto became the sole owners of Abarth, and the last vehicle in which the founder actively participated in designing was the A112 Abarth. During the 1980s, the story continued with famous cars, such as the Fiat 131 Abarth, world rally champion, and the Ritmo Abarth.

Sadly, Carlo Abarth died on 24 October, 1979, under the sign of Scorpio, the same as his birth that had inspired the badge sported on his cars. At the time of his death, Carlo had overseen the production of 219 models all of which carried the Scorpion badge.

Abarth Racing
In the late 1970’s Abarth became Fiat’s racing department which lead to such rally classics as the 124 and 131. The iconic Fiat Abarth 124 rally won the 1972 and 1975 (group 4) World Rally Championship with driver Raffaelle Pinto and co-driver Gino Macaluso. The 124 rally was successful over a number of years until it was replaced by the 131. The Fiat 131 Abarth was a successful group 4 rally car which won the manufacturers world championship three times in 1977, 78 and 80, instantly recognisable to rally fans worldwide in its distinctive shape and livery. The racing department then turned their focus to Lancia which set the rallying world alight with their commanding performance of the sport, winning a total of 11 championships over the years.

The Abarth 124 rally returned in 2016, when it was unveiled as a surprise at the Geneva Motorshow as part of the dual announcement of the Abarth 124 spider. Only in its second season in the R-GT Championship, the Abarth established itself as the king of the R-GT class for 2018, recording more than 40 class victories in 12 national championships. Using the experience gained in the first two racing seasons, the 124 rally has been further refined with one goal in mind, make the Abarth the car to beat in the R-GT class.

A brand reborn
The Abarth badge appeared on a small number of Fiat special editions in the 1980’s and 1990’s including the Strada and Stilo. In 2008 the brand was relaunched with a new line-up created for motorsports enthusiasts with the Abarth Grande Punto (2007), Abarth 500 (2008) and tuning kits for each car, as well as racing versions of the Abarth Grande Punto Rally Super 2000 and the Abarth 500 Assetto Corse. Since then, new editions have been launched: the Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari (2010), the Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing (2015), the Abarth 695 Biposto Record (2015) and the Abarth 695 Rivale (2017). In 2016 the Abarth 124 spider and the Abarth 124 rally joined the model line-up, followed by the Abarth 124 GT (2018) with its carbon fibre hard top.

The annual WIAA Women’s Rally to the Valley Presented by JK Tyre will take place on April 7, with over 600 ladies expected to compete for top prizes and glory.

The organisers, the Western India Automobile Association, announced this at a press conference held earlier this week, promising a much bigger and grander event.

The highly popular TSD Rally, entering its fifth year, will be flagged off from Omkar 1973, Worli and cross important landmarks in the city, including Century Bazaar, Siddhi Vinayak, Shivaji Park, Shivsena Bhavan, Dadar Plaza, Dadar T.T, Five Garden, Sion, Eastern Express Highway, Vashi, Belapur before culminating at Aamby Valley City near Pune.

A team of celebrities and safety volunteers will be present at key points throughout the route to encourage the participants and to ensure a smooth ride for them.

“The goal of the annual women’s rally is to advocate legislation and policies for women’s empowerment and for their working rights. We push for girl child education and fight against sexual harassment,” Nitin Dossa, Executive Chairman of WIAA, said.

“Today’s woman is no longer a dependent soul. She is independent and self-reliant in every respect and is capable of doing everything. Our experience shows that such events have become extremely successful and popular and a matter of keen interest for all automobile owners,” he added.

The FMSCI-approved Rally to the Valley has become an important milestone in Mumbai’s motorsports calendar, endeavouring to celebrate the empowerment of women. At the same time, it promotes awareness about road safety, with the WIAA training and educating them about the various precautions they need to take while driving.

“As a major stakeholder in motorsports in the country, we are really proud of being part of this event. We have been at the forefront of fighting for women’s empowerment,” Sanjay Sharma, Head of JK Motorsports, said. “Our goal is to attract more and more women to our sport and this a perfect platform for it,” he added.

“Over the last few years, we have been actively supporting motorsports events for women, right from the YFLO Power Drive in Delhi to the Women’s Drive to Chandigarh. We even introduced an all-women’s racing team in the LGB National Championship for the very first time in India,” Sharma added.

Viveck Goenka, President of Western India Automobile Association, pointed out that “as the WIAA was entering its centenary year it would organize the 1st International expedition for women drivers in October from Guwahati. This will also support the cause of women’s safety and create awareness amongst people to build a protective society for women.”

After lunch and entertainment, the rallyists will return to Mumbai in the evening. The winners will receive their prizes during the Awards Distribution ceremony on Wednesday, April 10, 2019.