Jaguar Classic is re-starting production of the iconic D-type race car in Coventry, 62 years after the last example was built in 1956. The first Jaguar D-type to be assembled by Jaguar Classic, an engineering prototype, will make its world debut at the Salon Retromobile show in Paris this week.

Just 25 new examples of the D-type will be meticulously hand-built at Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Warwickshire. In 1955 Jaguar planned to build 100 D-types. With only 75 completed, Jaguar Classic is now fulfilling the company’s original ambition by creating 25 all-new, period-correct sports cars.

The D-type, which won the Le Mans 24 Hours race three times between 1955 and 1957, was powered by the six-cylinder XK engine. Every aspect of the D-types built for clients from 2018 will be created to authentic, original specification.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “The Jaguar D-type is one of the most iconic and beautiful competition cars of all time, with an outstanding record in the world’s toughest motor races. And it’s just as spectacular today.

“The opportunity to continue the D-type’s success story, by completing its planned production run in Coventry, is one of those once-in-a-lifetime projects that our world-class experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic are proud to fulfil.”

The D-type is the third continuation vehicle from Jaguar Classic, complementing the six missing Lightweight E-types completed in 2014-15 and nine XKSSs built in 2017-18.

Jaguar Classic experts’ painstaking research, with exclusive access to original Jaguar engineering drawings and records, ensures each new D-type will be built to the authentic specifications laid down by competitions manager Lofty England and his engineers in the 1950s. D-type clients can choose either 1955-specification Shortnose or 1956-spec Longnose bodywork.

The engineering prototype is the 1956 Longnose specification, identifiable by its extended bonnet, characteristic tail fin behind the driver’s head, wide-angle cylinder head and quick-change brake calipers.

Kev Riches, Jaguar Classic Engineering Manager, said: “Recreating the nine D-type-derived XKSSs was hugely satisfying, and an even bigger technical challenge than the six missing Lightweight E-types, but lessons learned from the XKSS project have given us a head start on the final 25 D-types. Each one will be absolutely correct, down to the very last detail, just as Jaguar’s Competitions Department intended.”

Kia today unveiled the striking new SP Concept, which made its public world premiere at Auto Expo 2018, alongside a showcase of 16 global models.

The SP Concept provides a glimpse of what’s in store for motoring enthusiasts once Kia kicks off retail sales in India, in the second half of 2019. Inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology, the SP Concept is proof of the company’s plans to introduce cars that cater to the changing paradigm of the Indian market in the near future.

The futuristic SUV, with its bold style and Kia’s unique design DNA, is geared to satisfy young Indian consumers who seek the perfect combination of sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology and high functionality. The combination of its wide and stable stance, sporty and long hood profile and futuristic details will no doubt set new standards for compact SUVs in India.

The SP Concept’s robust front mask combines a bold formative design with Kia’s unique and hallmark ‘Tiger nose’ grille and many more futuristic details. Be it, the lamp design that meets slim graphics and functionality through a top and bottom headlamp connected to a wide front grille, the Daytime Running Lamp in high-tech graphics and positioning lamps leading to the inside of the ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, helps produce differentiated images during the day / night.

The sleek interior design of the SP Concept marries an advanced sensual style and dynamic sensibility at its core with a differentiated layout that enhances convenience. Eye-catching, high-tech elements and modern and trendy cabin design make the interior of the SP Concept an oasis for young trendsetters.

Peter Schreyer, Chief Design Officer of Kia Motors Corporation, commented, “Over the last few years, SUVs have become the vehicle-of-choice among Indian buyers. Combining the comfort and space of a sedan with the ability to tackle all kinds of terrain, we intend to storm the market with an SUV that will set new parameters in motoring. It’s still a concept – so it’s a little bit exaggerated – but the actual production car will be very close to what you see here at Auto Expo 2018.”

Kookhyun Shim, Managing Director & CEO, Kia Motors India (KMI), said, “Kia Motors is delighted to enter India, which is all set to catapult into the world’s fifth largest economy this year*. We at KMI are thrilled to start operations at such a favorable time, and additional forecasts predict that India will be amongst the world’s largest car markets in a few years. We are here in India to be part of that success story, which has been put into motion by progressive government policies and decision making. And we are here to win trust and hearts of the people, while providing the country with stylish and differentiated motoring options. Kia’s long-term objective being to replicate the success we have come to be associated with the world over and, as we say at Kia, ensure that, ‘The Power to Surprise’ is reflected in everything that we do in India.”

Reducing the carbon footprint on the environment has been one of the key focus areas of research for TVS Motor Company. Over the years, the company has actively undertaken development of new technologies for reduction of emission and CO2 levels. The focus has been to create products, which will meet future emission norms – a crucial measure to protect the environment and ensure sustainability. Today, TVS Motor Company has showcased its revolutionary ethanol powered motorcycle, TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi Ethanol.

Ethanol is domestically produced from renewable plant sources. It is non-toxic, biodegradable and, safe to handle, store and transport. An oxygenated fuel that contains 35 per cent oxygen, Ethanol reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from combustion. Apart from this, Ethanol as a fuel also helps reduce carbon monoxide emissions, particulate matter and sulphur-di-oxide. Use of Ethanol as a fuel will also reduce dependence on the import of petroleum and increase energy security.

The TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi Ethanol is equipped with technical improvements to make the motorcycle reliable with Ethanol as fuel. It sports vibrant green graphics on the tank with a sticker to indicate ‘Ethanol’ thus lending it a stylish look.

TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi Ethanol is also equipped with a Twin-Spray-Twin-Port EFI technology. This ensures better drivability, faster throttle response and further guarantees reduction in emission levels. With these factors in place, the engine operation becomes linear leading to better usable power under varied ambient conditions thereby increasing the performance.

The E85 version motorcycle boasts of an impressive peak power of 21 PS at 8500 rpm with a torque of 18.1 Nm at 7000 rpm and has an ascending top speed of 129 kmph.

Promising superior performance coupled with a sustainable green solution, the TVS Apache RTR 200 Fi Ethanol is a through and through winner for the rider and the environment.

In the age of wanderlust filled ride goals, TVS Motor Company has unveiled the TVS Zeppelin, a futuristic motorcycle cruiser concept.

TVS Zeppelin is a performance cruiser motorcycle, sporting a raw metal look and feel. At the heart is a 220cc engine coupled with a one-of-its kind, TVS patented – Integrated Starter Generator (ISG). ISG comes with an e-boost option, which starts the motorcycle faster by giving it an augmented boost. This empowers the motorcycle with unmatched performance and best-in-class fuel efficiency. A 1200W regenerative assist motor with 48V Li-ION battery further adds to the powerful performance.

Targeted at the new-age long distance rider, TVS Zeppelin is a sleek metal-bodied cruiser in a striking matte black finish with shades of rustic brown. The sleek ochre front forks, together with a compact head-lamp, make a distinct statement. The riding posture of TVS Zeppelin is aggressive yet comfortable, having two-up seat, lowered bars and feet forward highway pegs.

The handling of the motorcycle is aided by lightweight tubeless spoked alloys, 41 mm USD forks, dual-channel Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and monoshocks. It’s silent belt drive provides an engaging ride with a dynamic cornering capability added to a superior braking performance.

Complete with state-of-the-art features such as LED lighting system, first-in-class smart Bio-key, electronic speedometer, online connectivity, the TVS Zeppelin also hosts an integrated HD Action camera to capture your riding adventures on the go.

TVS Zeppelin looks to be the new milestone in the world of cruising, where the power cruising and minimalist design blend seamlessly with cutting-edge technology.

Showcasing its vision of the future mobility solutions for the evolving two-wheeler rider, TVS Motor Company has presented the TVS Creon.

TVS Creon is a performance oriented, electric scooter concept, designed keeping in mind the global dream for a green future and uncompromised performance. This scooter concept is a testament to the fact that electric scooters can be both – exciting as well as environment friendly.

The TVS CREON features a next-generation electric motor that propels this scooter from 0 – 60 kmph in under 5.1 seconds and boasts of a range of 80 km. A rapid charging time of 60 minutes for 80 per cent of full charge is on par with current generation smartphones, leaving little idle time while charging.

The heart of the TVS Creon is powered by 3 state-of-the-art Li-ion batteries capable of delivering 12 kw of instantaneous power. The batteries have been specially designed to ensure high charge per volume of battery. This helps to keep the overall dimensions of the TVS Creon compact and maintain everyday practicality of usage.

TVS Creon also gets futuristic smart connected technologies on board, which have been developed in collaboration with Intel. The scooter concept is equipped with a state-of-the-art TFT Screen which displays the speedometer, battery charge and, health status, tachometer, trip meter and odometer. The vehicle is app-enabled and offers a host of features including cloud connectivity, 3 custom riding modes, regenerative braking, park assist, safety, anti-theft, GPS & navigation, and geo-fencing.

Commenting on the connected technology platform on board the TVS Creon, Vinay Harne, President – New Product Development, TVS Motor Company said, “Two-wheelers are the lifeline of modern Indian cities. In the drive towards smart and sustainable transportation solutions, two-wheelers have a key role to play. TVS Motor Company and Intel have worked together to transform urban mobility with a product line of smart-connected gadgets on energy efficient two-wheelers. This collaboration is aimed at creating a unique positioning for Hybrid and Electric scooter series from TVS Motor Company as both Green-energy champions and smart-connected gadgets.”

Nivruti Rai, Country Head – Intel India, Vice President, Data Center Group said, “Smart, connected and sustainable transportation solutions are the need of the hour and Intel is committed to accelerating this transformation globally. Two-wheelers are critical to urban mobility and a smart connected scooter is designed keeping in mind tech-savvy, next-generation riders. It is an excellent example of innovation ‘designed in India’ for the world, creating more convenient, intelligent and personalized riding experiences. We are very happy about our collaboration with TVS Motor Company in this exciting innovation endeavor.”

The TVS Creon also features an Aluminum lightweight perimeter frame, which provides the chassis stiffness and helps in improving the handling of the scooter. Diamond cut alloy wheels with wide section TVS Remora tubeless tires provide significant grip during cornering. The front and rear discs with single channel ABS in the front ensure safe and precise braking for all road conditions. The superior performance and sporty handling of the vehicle is achieved with advanced light-weight platform and optimized Centre of Gravity (CG) distribution. In terms of utility features, the scooter can secure a full-face helmet under the seat and is also equipped with a smart phone charger.

French automaker Renault showcased its global prowess led by Trezor – an all-electric Grand Tourer concept car, at the Auto Expo 2018. Trezor blends Renault’s dynamic design, latest innovations in interior experience, all-electric powertrain and autonomous driving. Trezor  has been Renault’s showstopper at leading global auto shows and its presence at the Auto Expo 2018 underscores the importance of India in Renault’s global growth plans.

Fabrice Cambolive, Senior Vice President, Chairman, Africa-Middle-East-India (AMI) region, shared, “2017 was a record year for Groupe Renault with sales of nearly 3.8 million vehicles globally. Over the last 5 years, we have consistently increased our global sales volumes. There is an increasing contribution from markets outside Europe, which is testament that our global growth ambitions are taking shape. India forms an important part of this growth strategy and we have invested heavily to ensure that we have a strong foundation in this challenging and dynamic market. We have successfully established the Renault brand in India in a short span of time. We will continue to work towards increasing our sales volume and market share here, aided by our strategy of range renewal and quick network expansion.”

Together with Trezor, Renault demonstrated its expertise in the electric vehicle space with the showcase of Zoe e-Sport Concept. Renault India stands to gain significantly from the company’s progress in electric vehicles, as India is gradually moving towards adopting newer automotive technologies.

Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations, said, “The transformation to electric cars is inevitable in India, which poses a great opportunity to the automotive industry. It is time for the government to put in place a clear policy, time-frame and the necessary infrastructure to enable automobile OEMs to be adequately prepared and take strategic long-term decisions. Renault is the EV leader in Europe, with comprehensive knowledge about advanced and affordable EV technology, which we can harness through our technology centre in India. We have already made our presence strong in the focal segments of India’s automotive market and are future-ready to build our range, in keeping with evolving market needs and conditions.”

Another highlight at the Renault pavilion in Auto Expo 2018 is the design corner, which has five cars exemplifying Renault’s focus on design. These cars were the result of an innovative recruitment programme initiated in India.

Sharing details, Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design, Groupe Renault, said, “India is one of our biggest international markets. Since Renault is synonymous with design, we have opened two design centres in India. Early last year, we launched an exciting initiative – ‘Design Academy India’, basis which we selected four talented candidates from more than 400 online applications. We are very proud to be presenting their projects here today on our stand. You will see four 1:5 scale models and one full-scale model. And we are also very proud to announce that we have hired three of the four trainees at our design centre in India!”

Apart from Trezor, Zoe e-Sport Concept and the design corner, the Renault pavilion at Auto Expo 2018 presented the Formula One racing car, R.S.17 and the complete India range led by the newly launched Captur and Kwid Super Hero Edition, together with Duster and Lodgy.

With an aim to further strengthen its position in the scooter market, India Yamaha Motor Pvt. Ltd has inaugurated its first Scooter Boutique in West Bengal at Madhyamgram on Jessore Road, Kolkata under the banner of its dealership ‘Tanushka Automobiles’. On a pan India basis, this is the fourth Scooter Boutique after successful launches in Chennai, Vizag and Jamshedpur.

A first of its kind initiative in India, Yamaha has conceptualised scooter boutiques to drive the interests of scooter customers towards innovation, style and sportiness. The boutique also aims to amplify the global excitement of Yamaha and connect scooter customers in India with their passion to the worldwide trend of scootering.

The new Scooter Boutique in Madhyamgram covers an area of 7000 square feet area for both sales and service and also provides a complete range of scooters from Yamaha available in India. This scooter boutique will be a one stop solution for customers for buying scooters and fashion accessories. Through unique buying experience, the boutique will engage customers to canonise their individualistic sense of fashion and comfort. Yamaha’s highest level of customer service along with the product DNA of style, sportiness and innovation opens out in a fitting scale through the scooter boutique.

Speaking on the occasion, Roy Kurian, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd. said, “Since its first opening, Yamaha’s scooter boutiques have seen tremendous footfall and positive feedback from customers. In order to meet the burgeoning demand of scooters in West Bengal, Yamaha is excited to launch its first scooter boutique in the state. With the current scooter market share of 16% in West Bengal, Yamaha aims to further strengthen its position by offering world class products to the customers.” “Yamaha’s scooter boutique will host exciting experiences of buying and servicing that draws value from Company’s DNA. The customers in the region could now match their need for personal mobility with their lifestyle and personality,” Mr. Kurian added.

Over the past decade, the scooter segment in India has been growing fast with the demand coming mostly from families and female customers, who need the product for their personal mobility and lifestyle requirements. The trend is flourishing in the growing non-metro markets with increase in disposable incomes.

Yamaha started with scooters in India in 2012 with its vision to grow as a personal mobility brand. Over the years, Yamaha has built an attractive line-up in the segment including the fashion scooter Fascino, new Alpha disc brake version for family riding, unisex scooter Cygnus Ray Z and Cygnus Ray – ZR for boys. The company has received rave reviews for its impressive range of products and has revved countless hearts.

After the successful launch of the Art of Performance tour in Aamby Valley, followed by various parts of India, Jaguar brings its exhilarating drive experience – The Art of Performance Tour to Kolkata. This dynamic tour will give customers and select media the opportunity to experience what it is like to get behind the wheel of a Jaguar under the guidance of expert instructors.

The entire range of Jaguar vehicles, the XE, XF, XJ, F-PACE and F-TYPE, will be available for the guests to experience. The event entails a series of specially designed track exercises on an open tarmac.

The event is scheduled on 3rd and 4th February 2018 at Behala Flying Club in Kolkata.

Jaguar’s all-electric I-PACE promises to deliver both rapid charging and rapid performance when it goes on sale on 1 March. Capable of charging in 45 minutes and with sports car performance and SUV practicality, the I-PACE will be the perfect every day car – whether on the school run, daily commute or even coping with sub-zero temperatures.

Rigorously tested across extremes of terrain and temperature, the I-PACE has tamed the Arctic at Jaguar Land Rover’s cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, Sweden, at temperatures as low as -40°C.

Ian Hoban, Jaguar Vehicle Line Director said: “Not only will the I-PACE charge quickly enough for our customers to carry out their everyday lives, it will offer powerful and precise performance in a variety of conditions and climactic extremes. Allied with the versatile credentials of our celebrated PACE family, this will be an electric performance SUV like no other.”

Customers will be able to use mains power to prepare the car’s battery and cabin temperature ahead of a journey. Pre-conditioning the car ensures maximum range, performance and comfort whether temperatures are freezing cold or extremely hot. Setting up preferred charging times and pre-conditioning schedules can be done from either the on-board InControl system, or the Remote smartphone APP, and is as easy as setting an alarm.

Back in 1954, Suzuki Motor Company Limited was formed and Michio Suzuki designed and developed his first automobile together with son-in-law Shunzo who headed the young engineering team, many of whom were in their twenties.

Using Suzuki’s ‘Yaramaika’ principal (translated as ‘Let’s do it’) and his determination to drive forward, Shunzo quickly began researching vehicles produced overseas, gaining a wealth of knowledge to build the first Suzuki car, known as the Suzulight.

Shunzo Suzuki used several European models for benchmarking as well as an Austin 7 from the UK, a popular car of the era and available at a very reasonable cost. The Suzulight was a compact and light vehicle weighing less than 500kg, it was designed to be easy to drive and maintain as well as inexpensive to buy. Powered by a 360cc, 16PS two cylinder, two-stroke engine it was way ahead of its time with independent coil spring suspension and rack and pinion steering.

Measuring just 2,990mm long, 1,295mm wide and 1,400mm high the Suzulight easily met the Japanese ‘Keijidosha’ or Kei light car legislation and Shunzo Suzuki and his team quickly began their first development road testing of it.

As a prototype car, its most memorable early drive was a long trip across the Hakone mountainous region between Hamamatsu and Tokyo which proved to be a real challenge as no paved roads existed at the time. Although arriving in Tokyo very late in the evening, the team arrived to present the car to the President of ‘Yanase’ or Government Automotive office. The President stayed on late to personally greet the team and made his way out to thoroughly test the car.

He returned very impressed some time later and immediately gave Shunzo and his team full approval to put the car into production. This commenced in October 1955 and Shunzo made his first two deliveries to doctors who used the small and lightweight car on their daily rounds. Initial production was 3-4 cars per month but by early 1956 monthly volume had climbed to 30 units. The Suzuki success story had begun and in 1957, Shunzo Suzuki became the 2nd President of Suzuki Motor Company Limited.

It’s rumoured that only one or two of the original Suzulight cars exist now, one of which is in the Suzuki Plaza Museum in Hamamatsu City, Japan.

64 years later, Suzuki remains globally renowned as the ‘small car experts’ and produces over three million cars per year. Shunzo Suzuki’s original strategy of the design and production of lightweight vehicles lives on with the latest platforms introduced for Ignis, Swift and Baleno. The next light new model to arrive from Suzuki will be the Swift Sport in June 2018, weighing in at just 970kg.