Kia Motors India (KMI) will make its Indian market debut at the Auto Expo 2018 in New Delhi with a new concept car exclusive to India. Kia will unveil the SP Concept at the New Delhi Motor Show on 7 February, 2018, alongside a showcase of 16 of the brand’s global models.

Inspired by Indian heritage and driven by advanced technology, the Kia SP Concept hints at the company’s plans to introduce a new SUV to the Indian market in future. Bold and stylish, the SP Concept combines sophisticated beauty, breakthrough technology, and high functionality in a small SUV form.

Alongside the world debut for the SP Concept, Kia will showcase a range of electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and other cars in its global product line up – including the exciting All-New Stinger gran turismo. Kia Motors is looking to replicate its international success in India, the world’s fastest growing car market.

Han-Woo Park, President of Kia Motors Corporation, commented: “All of us at Kia Motors are extremely proud to take our first steps into one of world’s largest automotive markets. And we are here to build more than just great cars. We aim to set a new standard in the Indian auto industry by providing consumers with world-class products and services, while engaging with and giving back to the local community.”

Hyundai Motor has unveiled its first rendering of the upcoming New Generation Santa Fe, showcasing a striking design based on its robust, stylish and voluminous composition, which reflects Hyundai’s new SUV design identity.

The exterior rendering highlights the new frontal section of the New Generation Santa Fe. Introducing a large Cascading Grille complimented by a separate headlight system featuring divided daytime running lights (DRLs) and main lamps. Combined they create a unique, futuristic look.

The side rendering showcases the vehicle’s dynamic characteristics. A simple yet sleek roof line and the side character line running from the headlights to the taillights merge to form a harmonious look and feel.

The rear section features both a confident and stable stance with unique taillights, dual mufflers, and a voluminous bumper design.

Although initial product quality of two-wheelers in India has steadily improved over the years, young vehicle owners, who account for the majority of buyers, continue to experience higher instances of initial quality problems, according to the
J.D. Power 2018 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality StudySM (2WIQS), released today.

The study finds that younger owners—30 years and younger (58%)—experience higher levels of initial quality problems than owners who are 31 years or older (144 PP100 vs. 113 PP100, respectively). This difference (31 PP100) in problems experienced can be primarily attributed to younger buyers experiencing a higher number of manufacturing defects/ malfunctions problems in three categories measured in the study: ride and handling; fit and finish; and engine. All problems are summarized as the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower PP100 score indicating a lower rate of problem incidence and therefore higher initial quality.

“While the industry has made significant strides in improving product quality over the years, the challenge lies in aligning vehicle design and execution with requirements from a very diverse set of customers who not only purchase differently but also have contrasting after-sales behavior,” said Kaustav Roy, Director at J.D. Power, Singapore. “With a vast young population being labelled as the driving force behind the Indian economy in years to come, OEMs that are able to better understand and incorporate the requirements of customers in this age bracket are likely to gain a competitive advantage.”

The study also measures key aspects surrounding the purchase process, and findings indicate notable differences between these two groups. While more younger buyers indicate using the internet to shop for a new two-wheeler than older buyers (19% vs. 11%, respectively), purchase reasons also differ between the two groups—19% of younger buyers say looks and styling is the main purchase reason compared with 12% of older buyers.

Following are some of the key findings of the study:

Overall two-wheeler quality influences loyalty: Owners who experience fewer problems than expected are over two times more likely to recommend their two-wheeler model to family and friends compared with those owners who experience more problems than expected (53% vs. 7%, respectively).

Initial quality improves in both scooter and motorcycle segments: Overall initial quality averages 121 PP100 for scooters and 136 PP100 for motorcycles, an improvement of 8 PP100 and 14 PP100, respectively, from last year. Among vehicle systems, the greatest year-over-year improvement is in the brake category.

Salesperson explanations during vehicle delivery influences problem instances: More than three-fourths (77%) of owners were advised by the salesperson about the vehicle do’s and don’ts during vehicle delivery. These owners experienced significantly fewer instances of initial quality problems than those who were not advised of the same (101 PP100 vs. 229 PP100, respectively).

First-time buyers cite fewer initial quality problems: More than three-fourths (82%) of two-wheeler owners are first-time buyers, and they cite fewer problems than those with previous ownership experience (121 PP100 vs. 175 PP100, respectively). The difference is largely influenced by problems experienced in the engine category.

Award recipient segments include scooters (executive) and motorcycles (economy, executive, upper executive and premium).

In the scooter segment, Honda Activa 125 (90 PP100) ranks highest among executive models.

In the motorcycle segment, Honda Dream Yuga and TVS Star City Plus (114 PP100) rank highest in a tie among economy models, and Hero Super Splendor (121 PP100) ranks highest among executive models. Suzuki Gixxer/ Gixxer SF (93 PP100) ranks highest among upper executive models, and Bajaj Avenger 220 (100 PP100) ranks highest among premium models.

The 2018 India Two-Wheeler Initial Quality Study (2WIQS) is based on evaluations from 10,102 owners who purchased a new two-wheeler vehicle between March 2017 and October 2017. The study includes 88 two-wheeler models from 10 makes. The study was fielded from September 2017 to December 2017 in 45 cities across India.

The study measures problems owners experienced with their new two-wheeler during the first two to six months of ownership. It examines 138 problem symptoms covering seven categories (listed in order of frequency of reported problems): engine; brakes; gauges and controls; fit and finish; lights/ electricals; ride and handling; and transmission.

Kia Motors challenged Spanish tennis superstar Rafael Nadal – currently ranked number one in the world tennis rankings – to match his peak match-day heart rate during a spirited drive of the Stinger. While at the wheel, Nadal’s heart rate soared to 175 bpm – almost three times a second, and only 11 bpm short of his on-court peak.

Commenting on his drive, Rafael Nadal compared his emotions at the wheel with those he experiences during a tennis match, “The Stinger is a totally different car compared to previous Kia vehicles. You feel the emotion of driving such a powerful car. You feel the power and, when you accelerate, you perceive the energy the car has. It’s a spectacular vehicle.”

Rafael Nadal has been a brand ambassador for Kia Motors since 2004, and recently took delivery of his very own Kia Stinger. Powered by a 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, the Stinger is the fastest-accelerating and most powerful production Kia ever.

As part of its commitment to India, British carmaker MG Motor (Morris Garages) today announced the launch of its initiative to reconnect with MG classic car owners in India, which the brand believes are its true and first ambassadors.

The brand is looking forward to welcoming the passionate MG owners who have not only owned but also taken care of the classic cars from the British marquee.

The carmaker plans to welcome these owners to the India family and host them for various experiential events being planned as part of the brand’s journey in India. A significant number of MG owners have already reached out to the company from across India and are sharing their excitement about the brand’s launch.

With the presentation of the BMW Concept 8 Series, BMW already offered a close-to-series glimpse at the design of their new luxury segment sports car. The dynamic qualities of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe are now also clearly manifesting themselves. A close-to-series prototype is currently undergoing intensive testing on a high-speed proving ground in Aprilia, Italy. The tests serve in particular to optimise the vehicle’s driving dynamics on surfaces with a high friction coefficient and mark yet a further decisive stage on the way to the launch of the new BMW 8 Coupe during 2018.

The test drives are being carried out with a heavily camouflaged prototype, which nevertheless gives strong indication of the new BMW 8 Series Coupe’s typical sports car proportions. As in the case of the BMW Concept 8 Series, the dynamically stretched lines, the flat silhouette and the powerful front and rear ends give a foretaste of the fascinatingly sporty driving experience.

This impression is confirmed with each lap completed on the proving ground in Italy. With its around 4 kilometres long oval circuit, including steep bends, the area situated in the proximity of Rome offers above all the perfect conditions for high-speed and high friction coefficient tests. Moreover, the acceleration, braking and steering behaviour of the new sports car are analysed on circuits, slalom courses and different road surfaces. The highly demanding test programme facilitates the targeted harmonisation of all drive and suspension systems. The new BMW 8 Series Coupe has shown that it offers maximum agility and precision in highly dynamics situations. Likewise, the car is also able to meet the highest demands in terms of supremacy and comfort.

“The test drives under the most severe conditions show that we are right on target with our concept for the new BMW 8 Series Coupe. The vehicle dynamics values already achieved are absolutely impressive. Our customers and fans can look forward to a genuine sports car,” says Klaus Frohlich, member of the board of the BMW AG, Development and Research, who oversees the test programme in Italy.

The high vehicle dynamics potential results from an extraordinary close connection between motorsports and series production. The new BMW 8 Series Coupe is being developed parallel to and in close coordination with the BMW M8 and the BMW M8 GTE racing car. Whilst the prototype of the production model is undergoing endurance tests, the teams, which are supported by BMW Motorsport, are currently preparing in Daytona (USA) for the initial racetrack use of the BMW M8 GTE. On 27/28 January, the BMW M8 GTE will make its racing debut at the Daytona 24-hour race. In June 2018, it will then participate in the 24-hour race at Le Mans. The knowledge gained there and at numerous other racing events in the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IWSC) in North America will directly benefit series development of the BMW 8 Series Coupe.

Likewise, the know-how gained during training and on the racetrack will advance development of the new BMW M8. In June 2017, a prototype of this new model from the BMW M GmbH was already presented during the 24-hour race on the Nurburgring. The Nordschleife of the legendary racing circuit is also the main proving ground for testing and further enhancing the new BMW M8.

Datsun India has announced the start of sales of Datsun redi-GO Smart Drive Auto at an introductory price of Rs 3,80,600 with deliveries to new customers starting immediately across India. The new Datsun redi-GO Smart Drive Auto comes with new Dual-Driving Mode and Rush Hour Mode.

Dual-Driving Mode: Customers can enjoy complete flexibility of switching between automated and manual mode during up-hill / down-hill and city traffic conditions.

Rush Hour Mode: Povides the optimum cruising speed of 5-6 kmph which helps customers cruise effortlessly in bumper to bumper traffic conditions.

With the new Datsun redi-GO Smart Drive, Datsun also introduces new Bluetooth Audio System (with hands-free calling and Audio Streaming) across its range of redi-GO model in T (O) and S grades.

Jerome Saigot, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. said, “Datsun redi-GO Smart Drive Auto combines the convenience and flexibility of dual-driving mode with best-in-class ground clearance, cabin space, boot space and head room. In line with our commitment towards our customers, we are launching the new redi-GO Smart Drive Auto at an attractive introductory price and rich features in its segment.”

Datsun redi-GO Smart Drive Auto is powered by Intelligent Spark Automated Technology (iSAT), 1.0L three-cylinder fuel efficient engine, all black interiors, central locking system with remote key for convenience. The car is available in five colours – Ruby Red, Lime Green, White, Grey and Silver.

Nitin Seth, President – Light Commercial Vehicles, Ashok Leyland at the launch of the Dost+ in Kolkata.

Ashok Leyland has launched the Dost+ – the new Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) in Kolkata. Ashok Leyland had entered the Light Commercial Vehicle space with the launch of the commercially successful Dost. With the launch of the Dost+, Ashok Leyland has further strengthened the Dost brand.

Dost+ will address the needs of the upper end of Small Commercial Vehicle (SCV) segment in the 2T to 3.5T Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) segment and has a payload capacity of 1.475T. The Dost+ manual steering version price would start at Rs 5.45 lakhs (ex–showroom, Kolkata).

The Dost+ and Dost would co-exist, helping Ashok Leyland grab a bigger pie in the LCV segment, which is poised to grow with the economy booming, focus on hub and spoke transportation model, GST implementation and growth in organised retail, ecommerce and related industries.

Speaking about the launch, Vinod K. Dasari, Managing Director, Ashok Leyland Ltd. said, “With the latest addition of ‘DOST+’ in our product family, the LCV business is poised to be an important game changer for us. We have consistently delivered on our promise of ‘Aapki Jeet. Hamari Jeet’. The DOST brand is a perfect example of our promise and has already made a mark in its segment with its growing market share.”

Speaking at the launch, Nitin Seth, President – Light Commercial Vehicles, Ashok Leyland, said, “With more than 1.7 lakh DOSTs already serving in the markets today, this brand is already a runaway success for Ashok Leyland. With ‘DOST+’ joining the family, we are extending the trust and reliability of this brand to the upper segment of LCVs. The ‘DOST+’ with its superior mileage, excellent pickup, 18% higher payload, 7% more loading space and bigger, 15 inch tyres add more value to every trip made, ensuring higher earnings. With the launch of ‘DOST+’, we have stayed true to our LCV mission – to deliver to the Indian customer, contemporary products that deliver best-in-class user experience, coupled with exceptional fuel efficiency. Moreover, we have doubled the warranty on the ‘DOST+’, a reflection of our confidence in this product. With all this and more we are confident that we will delight our customers and continue the successful, winning streak with ‘DOST+’, like that of the DOST.”

Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2018 is being organised by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), jointly with Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The automotive extravaganza will be held in the second week of February 2018 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from 9-14 February 2018. The inauguration ceremony is planned to be held on 8 February 2018.

Keeping in mind the vision to go green and adapt to a future of green mobility, this time Auto Expo is set to witness over 100 product unveiling with several global product and concept showcase. As a step to show its growing concern towards the environment, AETMS 2018 strongly focuses on launching newer greener technology and products to reduce the pollution levels further, hence promoting green mobility like ever before.

Besides, this year’s Expo has come up with several unique Digital India initiatives, wherein Auto Expo 2018 will feature a branded custom ‘Twitter Emoji’, which has been created for the first time ever for any motor show in the world. The exclusive Emoji will be available to all users across the globe using the Auto Expo hashtag in their tweets. The Expo has also initiated an integrated ‘Auto Expo 2018 Mobile App’ with new features, for better communication between visitors, exhibitors and Auto Expo organisers.

Arun Malhotra, Chairman, SIAM Trade Fair Group, said “Mobility’s future evolution is just beginning, and Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2018 will be a platform to showcase the best in mobility and technology for the consumers. Over the years, the Auto Expo has emerged as a global platform for auto manufacturers to showcase their best of product, technology and futuristic visions. We are confident that this edition of AETMS will set new benchmarks globally for the Indian mobility system solutions.”

He further added, “The upcoming Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2018 will witness much more about the entire Mobility Ecosystem, showcasing the future of mobility in India”.

Sugato Sen, Deputy Director General, SIAM, said “This edition of the Auto Expo – The Motor Show 2018 is one of the biggest motor shows of this region and we have moved away from just the static displays of automobiles to a more dynamic showcase of total mobility solutions. Auto Expo which has been tuned to the theme of ‘co-create, co-exist and celebrate’, will have multiple zones for different activities more focused towards new technologies and innovation in the auto industry.”

L-R : Sugato Sen, Deputy Director General, SIAM and Arun Malhotra, Chairman, SIAM Trade Fair Group

Keeping this in mind, Special Zones are being introduced to provide the visitors with a holistic experience of the industry, namely:

Motorsports – History of the sport from 1947 in the form of a timeline a unique display of certain landmark vehicles by motorsport bodies

Auto Gaming Arena – This zone caters to the world of gaming and aims to bring it alive at the Auto Expo by organizing the first All-India Auto Gaming Championship

#Future Decoded (VR Zone) – This zone provides the visitors a 360 degrees experience of driving an autonomous vehicle. This one of a kind experience will be not only engage young enthusiasts but also give a hint of what future automobile technology has to offer to them

70 Years of Indian Automobility – A special zone on 70 years of the automobile industry in India, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of our independence

Exotica – This zone will see display of heritage cars and super cars and will be curated by their associations

Application Vehicles – The intention is to showcase how Automobile Industry is directly/ indirectly connected to their lives on a daily basis. Various applications of vehicles, such as Milk Van, Army Trucks, School Bus, Postal Vehicle, Fire Tender, Refrigerated Vans, etc will be displayed.

2018 Delhi Auto Expo will witness participation of Vehicle manufacturers such as Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mercedes Benz, Mahindra & Mahindra, Honda Cars, SML Isuzu, Renault, Hyundai, Toyota Kirloskar, Hero MotoCorp, Ashok Leyland, TVS Motor, HMSI, Piaggio, BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI, Honda Motorcycles and Scooter, India Yamaha, JBM Auto, Suzuki Motorcycles, and many more major players in the Indian & International market. Apart from the above vehicle brands, there will be some new entrants in this edition like Kia Motors, India Kawasaki and Cleveland Cyclewerks etc.

The venue is scheduled to offer a multitude of cuisines through renowned food vendors catering to the varied taste of the attendees. Adding to the delight and quintessential savoury would be major quick-service restaurants and fast food chains ranging from international majors like KFC, Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Subway to other giants like Pizza Hut, Punjab Grill, Haldiram’s, Domino’s Pizza and many more. The food court area has been ramped up by 2,000 square meters, sprawling and encapsulating multifaceted flavours to titillate the palate of the visitors.

Online booking of entry tickets have commenced and are exclusively available on BookMyShow.com. The tickets for the expo are priced between Rs 750 to Rs 350. Due to an increasing demand and footfall of visitors in the previous edition, the organisers have decided to extend the motor show with one additional day. The ticket price for the additional day (February 14th) will be Rs 450.

Volvo Cars’ engine factory in Skovde, Sweden, has become the company’s first climate-neutral manufacturing plant, having switched to renewable heating as of January 1, 2018.

Skovde is the first plant in Volvo Cars’ global manufacturing network to reach this status, which marks a significant step towards the company’s vision of having climate-neutral global manufacturing operations by 2025. Skovde also becomes one of only a few climate-neutral automotive plants in Europe.

“Improving energy efficiency is our first priority and then, for the energy we need to use, we aim for supplies generated from renewable sources,” said Javier Varela, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing and Logistics at Volvo Cars. “The Skovde plant achievement is an important addition to our broader efforts in minimising our environmental footprint. We are pleased to be a leader within the automotive industry in the move towards climate-neutral manufacturing.”

A new agreement between Volvo Cars and the local provider ensures that all heating supplied to the Skovde plant is generated from waste incineration, biomass and recycled bio-fuels. Since 2008, along with the company’s other European plants, its Skovde site’s electricity supply already comes from renewable sources.

“This is a proud moment both for the Skovde plant and for Volvo Cars,” said Stuart Templar, Director for Sustainability. “Environmental care is one of our core values. Along with our plan to electrify all new Volvo cars launched from 2019, climate-neutral manufacturing operations will significantly reduce our overall carbon footprint, supporting global efforts to tackle climate change.”

Volvo Cars is constantly looking at innovative ways to move towards its 2025 vision. For example, in 2016, the production plant in Ghent, Belgium, introduced a district heating system that reduced carbon emissions by 40 per cent, saving 15,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

“We will continue to work actively with our energy suppliers in all regions to secure further access to renewable energy for our manufacturing plants,” said Javier Varela.