Jaguar Land Rover has a new mission with James Bond – a three-year partnership at the state-of-the-art interactive experience, 007 Elements in Solden, Austria.

Fittingly Jaguar Land Rover, whose cars have featured in Bond films since 1983, is now official partner to 007 Elements located at the top of the 3,050m Gaislachkogl peak.

007 Elements offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the iconic secret agent in a new mountain-top location next to the ice Q restaurant used as the Hoffler Klinik in Spectre. Interactive displays featuring Jaguar Land Rover technical content along with the Land Rover Defender and Range Rover Sport SVR used for filming Spectre will form part of the experience.

Visitors will also see the latest Jaguar Land Rover technology, with the artificial intelligence systems and 90kWh lithium-ion battery from an electric Jaguar I-PACE performance SUV used to power a wireframe model of the C-X75 concept car that starred in a spectacular car chase through Rome in Spectre.

Jaguar Land Rover vehicles have appeared in nine Bond films since Octopussy in 1983, when Roger Moore made a dramatic escape in a Range Rover Classic driven by Bianca (Tina Hudson).

Mark Cameron, Jaguar Land Rover Experiential Marketing Director, said: “From one British icon to another, Jaguar Land Rover is proud to be part of 007 ELEMENTS, the new James Bond experience. We have collaborated with EON Productions and Cable Car Companies Sölden to showcase our Bond vehicles and latest technologies in this unique installation overlooking the Otztal Alps.”

The industrial township of Haldia witnessed an adrenaline pumping Supercross and Autocross action as the best riders and drivers from across the state locked horns in the battle for supremacy in the Haldia Speed Fest 2018.

Organised by Motor Sports Association of Eastern India (MSAEI) in association with Calcutta Motor Sports Club (CMSC), the Haldia Speed Fest was held on Sunday, April 8, 2018 at Cals Ground, Tetulberia, Haldia. Several hundreds of people had gathered to cheer the competitors and were spellbound to watch the bikes and cars zip, zap and zoom on a pre-designed competition course.

This thrilling events saw participation from 34 riders in the 2 Wheeler Supercross and 23 drivers in the 4 Wheeler Autocross events which was split into multiple categories based on engine specification and vehicle modification.

National champion Suhail Ali lived up to the crowd’s expectation by winning the 2 Wheeler Supercross, while local boy Sk Saddam Ali dominated in the 4 Wheeler Autocross event.

There was a time when Bengal was the cradle of motor sporting action with the Calcutta Motor Sports Club leading the charge. The likes of Kinny Lall, Mike Satow, Dicky Richards and Dr. Rossi have triumphed in innumerable races in Barrackpore and Sholavaram bringing glory to Calcutta and Bengal at large. Over the past decades, the sheen was lost with lack of quality events, and southern and northern India took the mantle of being front runner in organizing motor sport events. But with milestone events like the Haldia Speed Fest, I’m confident that Bengal will soon get to where it belonged – right at the top.

 All photographs by Ranadip Mandal 

In a bid to further strengthen its core team, Volkswagen today announced the appointment of Bishwajeet Samal as Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Passenger Cars in India.

Bishwajeet Samal is currently responsible for Regional Marketing, International Communications at Volkswagen AG, Germany. He joined Volkswagen India in 2008 and returns to the homeland with over a decade of experience within the brand Volkswagen. Samal’s appointment will be effective 1st June 2018.

Commenting on the appointment, Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Volkswagen Group Sales India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Volkswagen, nurturing in-house talent and offering a diverse platform of enhanced learning is at the core of our brand philosophy. We are confident that Bishwajeet’s extensive experience in Marketing shall contribute to our growth in India.”

Speaking on his appointment, Bishwajeet Samal, Head of Marketing, Volkswagen Passenger Cars said, “I am extremely overwhelmed to have returned to India and working in this dynamic market. I look forward towards further strengthening the brands’ presence in India.”

Samal will be reporting to Steffen Knapp, Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India.

Gurpratap Boparai takes charge as the Managing Director of Skoda Auto India Private Ltd. (SAIPL). Boparai brings in his extensive experience in the international and Indian automobile industry. In his new role, he will be reporting directly to Skoda Auto CEO Bernhard Maier. Relying on his expertise in managing large manufacturing operations, he will be responsible for Skoda’s development in the domestic market.

“Mr Boparai’s appointment comes at an opportune moment when ŠKODA is set to strengthen its position in the Indian market. He brings with him vast knowledge of the Indian automotive landscape, which will enable the company to implement a comprehensive expansion plan. With him on board, we will continue to vigorously press ahead with the growth of our brand in India,” says Bernhard Maier, CEO Skoda Auto.

Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director, Skoda Auto India Private Ltd further added, “I am excited about my new role at ŠKODA AUTO India Private Ltd. and look forward to working with the young and dynamic team. I am confident that ŠKODA’s strong engineering tradition, emotional designs, superior technology, attractive model range, renewed after-sales impetus combined with the strategic initiatives to build new models will take ŠKODA India to a strong leadership position in the next years.”

Maserati reveals the Levante Trofeo – first Levante built around a V8 engine at the New York International Auto Show. The Levante Trofeo is the ultimate Maserati of SUVs, capable of accelerating in style from 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-100 kmph in 3.9 seconds) and reaching a top speed of over 187 mph (>300 kmph).

The Levante Trofeo is equipped with one of the most powerful engines ever fitted in a Maserati. A 3.8-litre Twin Turbo V8 engine that has been engineered to perfectly mate with the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System and delivers an astounding 590 hp at 6,250 rpm and 730 Nm of peak torque at 2,250 – 5,000 rpm. The engine boasts the highest output per litre (156 hp/litre) of any Maserati powerplant ever produced and, like all Maserati petrol engines, is assembled by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy.

The chassis of the fastest Levante ever has been tuned to handle the higher power output and provides an exhilarating driving experience with no compromise in terms of comfort. This tuning ensures the Levante Trofeo continues to embody the essence of the Maserati GranTurismo philosophy with supercar performance.

“It’s proof that when you play with the elements you end up in a storm”, says Maserati CEO Tim Kuniskis. “In the case of Trofeo, the engineers and designers in Modena knew that the driveline parameters were more than able to cope with additional power and they also knew that Maserati had access to the finest engines on earth. So, they were up to the challenge of making the finest luxury SUV also one of the fastest.”

The Levante design exudes sportiness in this top of the line Trofeo. The restyling was mainly focused on the lower front fascia and the rear bumper and is underlined by the 22-inch forged aluminium ‘Orione’ wheels – the largest ever fitted on a Maserati – available in both polished and matte finishes.

The side air intakes in the lower fascia feature a new, more aggressive design, defined by two aerodynamic wings that give a sense of further stability, visually pushing the weight of the car’s nose towards the massive front wheels. And to help improve the airflow distribution, Trofeo is outfitted with carbon fibre side bezel blades and a carbon fibre splitter. The rear end also looks wider and more muscular with a sharper carbon fibre horizontal element and body-colour lower extractor that embrace the oval quad exhaust tips.

In front, the Levante Trofeo has Full Matrix LED headlights, a front grille with double vertical bars in a piano black finish and lower honeycomb mesh fascia, as well as body colour door handles, oval exhaust tips in a dark finish and performance painted brake calipers in red, blue, black, silver or yellow. And to cap it off, specific ‘Saetta’ Trofeo logos adorn the iconic c-pillars of the coupe styled SUV.

Specific details, like the lower splitter, the blade side bezels in the front air intakes, the side skirt inserts and the rear extractor are made of ultralight, high-gloss carbon fibre, giving the Levante Trofeo a polished racing look. Even the bonnet is new, featuring two aggressive vents for better cylinder head cooling. And under the bonnet, the engine cover is also made of high-gloss carbon fibre featuring a V8 inscription and the iconic Trident logo, while cylinder heads and intake manifolds are painted red.

Interior designers have come up with elegant ways to create a distinctive environment within the Levante Trofeo cabin. The sculpted sport seats feature a premium full-grain ‘Pieno Fiore’ natural leather available in black, red and tan, all with contrast stitching and ‘Trofeo’ logo stitched on the headrests. ‘Pieno Fiore’ is like no other leather used in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel and for the unique character it develops throughout the years.

A new matte carbon fibre trim and paddle shifters, specific instrument cluster graphics, floor mats with metal Trofeo badges and a Maserati clock with a unique dial elegantly underline the exclusive sporty character of this extraordinary Levante, which is outfitted with a standard 1,280-watt, 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound audio system for exceptional listening enjoyment.

The production of the Levante Trofeo starts this summer at the refurbished Maserati plant in Mirafiori (Turin), Italy. The fastest Levante in Maserati history is initially intended for overseas export markets, including the U.S. and Canada.

Honda UK has launched a concept roadster version of the CR-V. Available in showrooms from 1st April, this unique version of the SUV is based on the current platform and is currently only available with a petrol engine.

As pictured, the launch version of the car will not actually feature a roof whatsoever, making it a no-top rather than a drop-top. This innovative design makes it a vehicle purely for sunnier climates and therefore completely useless for the two-day British summer which traditionally occurs in May.

The CR-V roadster concept has been created by removing both the B and C pillars of the car to create a sleek flow from front to rear of jagged metal. And while this innovative prototype will definitely turn heads; the designers, namely the PR team and an angle grinder, estimate the structural rigidity of the car has been reduced overall by approximately 100 per cent, currently rendering it completely undriveable.

Despite this minor detail, Eipurirufuru, Future Opportunity Occupational Lead, commented: “This is a bold new direction for the CR-V and opens up an entirely new non-existent market. Our sales target is somewhat conservative to start with, at zero cars, but we are confident that once the minor glitches are ironed out, such as the lack of roof and the fact it is totally structurally unsound, the car will fly out of showrooms.”

Prices are expected to start from half the current price of the CR-V as customers are only getting half the car.

BMW Group Plant Chennai celebrated its 11th anniversary yesterday at a memorable event. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and students from the College of Engineering of Anna University, launched ‘SKILL NEXT»’, a technical skilling initiative. Together, they assembled a BMW engine and transmission at the main assembly line of BMW Group Plant Chennai to commemorate the beginning of the project.

Aiming to act as a major catalyst in developing automotive talent in the country, Skill Next will reach educational institutes and students in every state and union territory in India. Through the initiative, 365 BMW engine and transmission units will be provided for learning purposes to engineering and technical institutes at no cost. Skill Next will present an opportunity for engineering and technical students to get hands-on training on advanced technologies of BMW engine and transmission. BMW Group India will also deliver the engine and transmission units to campuses of engineering colleges, industrial training institutes and polytechnics at no cost by end of 2018.

The handover of demonstration units will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis after due undertakings are submitted by the institutes. The undertakings will ensure that the engine and transmission units are used inside the laboratories on campuses of the institutes for learning purposes only.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The luxury automotive segment in India has witnessed tremendous growth in the last decade and with the growing number of cars on road, there is a high requirement of good technical talent in the industry. ‘SKILL NEXT»’, will strongly promote the development of technical competencies in students across the country by enhancing their practical knowledge of advanced automotive technology. This initiative will also contribute in increasing the availability of skilled technical staff required at automotive dealerships in India.”

The state-of-the-art engineering unit, including the BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine and the BMW eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission, will serve as a valuable learning tool for students. Since 2007, this engine has proved its mark in India by powering close to 50,000 units delivered to customers.

The engine presently powers six cars locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai – BMW 3 Series (320d), BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (320d GT), BMW 5 Series (520d), BMW X1 (xDrive 20d), BMW X3 (xDrive 20d) and the upcoming MINI Countryman Cooper D. The BMW eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission is presently featured in five cars locally-produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai – BMW 3 Series, BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, BMW 5 Series, BMW X1 and BMW X3.

Post-handover, a ‘Train the Trainer’ module will be devised for institutes where 40 Aftersales Master Technicians will conduct extensive workshops at BMW dealerships in more than 20 cities. The module has been devised by professional trainers from BMW Group India Training Centre and BMW Group Plant Chennai. The workshops will be a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on practical sessions using detailed training materials.

Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai said, “For BMW Group Plant Chennai, skilled workforce is the foundation to make finest cars of outstanding quality. The know-how of advanced technology and the confidence to work with state-of-the-art machinery and complex processes is a great asset in engineering field. ‘SKILL NEXT»’ initiative will facilitate development of talent in the future generation of engineers. These skills will open up new doors for a workforce that wants to make a successful career in automotive industry in India.”

During extreme rain and weather conditions in Chennai in the past, a considerable number of engine and transmissions were water affected. As per BMW quality standards, these parts could not be used in the vehicles. The parts were insured and Bharti AXA General Insurance honored the claims. BMW India proposed providing the engines and transmissions to educational institutes at no cost as they could be used as a learning resource to impart theoretical and practical knowledge to students. Bharti AXA General Insurance played a vital role by giving special approval to allow realisation of the project.

Sanjeev Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Bharti AXA General Insurance said, “When BMW Group India approached us with the innovative idea of ‘SKILL NEXT»’, we were excited to be part of it. We at Bharti AXA General Insurance are always willing to explore ways that allow us to contribute towards the betterment of the society we live in. The contribution of engine and transmission units for educational purposes was a marvelous opportunity to do so. Vehicle insurance premiums amount to nearly 45% of Gross Written Premium (GWP) recorded by the General Insurance industry and is considered to be a growth generator for the category. We strongly believe that as leading players in our arenas, we have both the responsibility and the means to bring about change for good and upskill our future leaders to deliver efficiently. It is a pleasure to initiate this rare opportunity that can make a meaningful difference to the society.”

The students from College of Engineering, Anna University and Sachin Tendulkar assembled the BMW TwinPower Turbo in-line 4-cylinder diesel engine with the eight-speed steptronic automatic transmission for a BMW X3 being locally-produced at the main assembly line of BMW Group Plant Chennai.

Dr. T V Geetha, Dean – College of Engineering, Anna University, who was present at the event said, “In engineering, clarity of concepts is fundamental for creation and innovation. In a fast moving world where technology is constantly progressing, experiential learning plays a very important role. Reading about refined technology in books and getting a chance to experience it first-hand are completely different. With ‘SKILL NEXT»’, students will be able to use the BMW engine and transmission units to observe, practice, absorb knowledge and use it effectively in actual scenarios. This initiative will go a long way in motivating students and making them passionate about real and practical engineering aspects.”

Speaking on the occasion, Sachin Tendulkar said, “I strongly feel that initiatives like SKILL NEXT» will promote development of automotive engineering skills in our country. It is an opportunity for technical students in every state and union territory to get directly trained on BMW engine and transmission. I could have never played cricket by just reading about it, I had to be hands-on with the game. Similarly, SKILL NEXT» will make it easier for the students to understand automotive technology through first-hand experience.”

Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo have announced a long-term strategic partnership. Together, the two companies will develop the world’s first premium self-driving electric vehicle for Waymo’s driverless transportation service.

Jaguar Land Rover and Waymo (formerly Google self-driving car project) will work together to design and engineer self-driving Jaguar I-PACE vehicles. This long-term strategic collaboration will further Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover’s shared goals: to make cars safer, free up people’s valuable time and improve mobility for everyone.

Waymo Jaguar I-PACEs, equipped with Waymo’s self-driving technology, will start testing later this year. On-road testing and capturing real-world data will allow Waymo and Jaguar Land Rover engineers to refine technology and deliver optimum safety and reliability. Up to 20,000 I-PACEs will be built in the first two years of production and be available for riders of Waymo’s driverless service, serving a potential one million trips per day.

The Jaguar I-PACE was launched earlier this month and is the company’s first full-electric SUV. It is all-new from the ground up and is a no compromise, desirable and practical electric performance car. Jaguar Land Rover is committed to investing heavily, becoming automotive leaders in autonomous, connected and future electrified technologies.

To date, Waymo is the only company with a fleet of fully self-driving cars — with no one in the front seat — on public roads. Later this year Waymo will launch the world’s first self-driving transportation service allowing members of the public to use Waymo’s app to request a vehicle.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer said: “With the Jaguar I-PACE we have a world-beating car that’s captured the imagination of customers around the world. Our passion for further advancing smart mobility needs expert long-term partners. In joining forces with Waymo we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology. Together we will deliver the self-driving Waymo Jaguar I-PACE with the grace, space and eco-pace that customers expect.”

John Krafcik, Waymo Chief Executive Officer said: “While we’ve been focused at Waymo on building the world’s most experienced driver, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery-electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design and capability. We’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium and delightful experience that the self-driving I-PACE will provide.”

The Waymo Jaguar I-PACE is being shown at the New York International Auto Show.

Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai with the all-new BMW X3 

BMW Group Plant Chennai has started the production of the all-new BMW X3 that will be launched next month in India.

Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The all-new BMW X3 is now set to continue the success story, with even more striking and dynamic styling and a luxurious interior. Like all members of the successful X family, it combines outstanding ride quality on all terrains with unlimited everyday practicality. I would like to congratulate BMW Group Plant Chennai team for achieving this important milestone and we are extremely proud for the smooth start of production of the all-new BMW X3.”

Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, Managing Director, BMW Group Plant Chennai said, “We are excited to start local production of the much-awaited third generation BMW X3. The all-new BMW X3 offers advanced design language, innovative technologies and top-of-the-line equipment. BMW Group Plant Chennai is proud to locally-produce the latest and one of the most diverse product portfolios that has the highest standards of quality, distinguished workmanship and uncompromising engineering. We are confident that the all-new BMW X3 produced in Chennai will further increase our momentum in the Indian luxury car segment.”

BMW Group Plant Chennai locally produces the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, the BMW 7 Series, the BMW X1, the BMW X3 and the BMW X5. BMW Plant Chennai will start the local production of MINI Countryman in 2018.

Hyundai Motor Company began sales of its Hyundai Nexo fuel cell electric vehicle today in Korea following very successful pre-orders.

Prior to retail sales commencing, the Hyundai Nexo had been met with wide public interest, with a total of 1,061 vehicles being ordered throughout the pre-order period between March 19-26, 2018. Just on the first day of pre-order availability, Hyundai Nexo recorded order of 733 vehicles.

“We are witnessing a historic day as fuel cell technology is being commercialized in large quantities. With this positive beginning, we will continue our efforts in overseas markets to support fostering the newly developing fuel cell vehicle market”, said Byung Kwon Rhim, Executive Vice President of Hyundai Motor Company in charge of Global Operations Division.

On the same day, Hyundai delivered the vehicles to both local governments of the city of Ulsan and Gwangju in Korea. The ceremony in Ulsan took place at the hydrogen house, created through joint efforts from Hyundai and Ulsan city, while in Gwangju the ceremony took place at the newly built DongGok hydrogen multi energy station. Both local governments expressed their intention to expand hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Hyundai Motor also introduced new measures to encourage the further spread of fuel cell electric vehicles. Hyundai announced a 10-year, 160,000km warranty for fuel cell components to reassure customers of the durability and reliability of fuel cell electric vehicles sold in Korea. Furthermore, Hyundai announced it has secured personnel and equipment to service Hyundai Nexo vehicles in all of its 22 service networks in Korea.

The pricing of the fuel cell electric vehicle is set at 68,900,000 KRW for the Modern trim and 72,200,000 KRW for the Premium trim in Korea. The Government subsidy could reach a maximum of 35,000,000 KRW, with a central government’s subsidy for fuel cell electric vehicle of 22,500,000 KRW and a regional government’s subsidy ranging from 10,000,000~12,500,000 KRW. The final purchase price could be as low as 33,900,000 KRW for the Modern trim and 37,200,000 KRW for the Premium trim.

Pricing of Hyundai Nexo for overseas market will be disclosed at later date close to their market launches.