Author: Joydip Sur

I'm a journalist with over a decade of experience and an all consuming passion for automobile and motorsports.

Maserati GT2 Stradale Debuts On The Road

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After its world premiere on August 16 at “The Quail” during California’s Monterey Car Week, the Maserati GT2 Stradale is finally on the road and ready to hit the market, starting in Europe in April.

The debut of the road-legal version of the GT2 that took the House of the Trident back to the track in the closed-wheel championships was christened in Andalusia with a driving experience dedicated to the main stakeholders and customers worldwide. They had the opportunity to test its mettle both on roads out of town and on the track, to emphasise both the souls of the super sports car: racing DNA and the comfort typical of the House of the Trident.

From the charming city of Marbella, the test drive route wound its way through the panoramic curves of the Parque Nacional Sierra de las Nieves to arrive at the private Ascari circuit near Ronda, the pearl of Andalusia. The 5,425 metres of the track named after the Italian Formula 1 world champion driver – who also raced with Maserati – recall the brand’s iconic heritage.

Indeed, Maserati boasts a long and glorious sporting history. When the brand started work on the MC20 project, the halo car that marked the beginning of a new era for the House of the Trident, it had already decided to return to the track. This philosophy and the brand’s racing DNA resulted in the Maserati GT2, which took the Modena-based manufacturer back to racing victory in the Fanatec GT2 European Series championship.

The GT2 category is the ideal platform for Maserati’s sporting legacy to meet the desires of racing customer enthusiasts – private teams and gentleman drivers – in a project that forms an integral part of the brand’s motorsport strategy to take it back to the podium in competitions.

GT2 Stradale is a car rooted on the track and type-approved for use on the road, with the ability to combine the extreme, refined performance of the racing world with the option of uncompromising driving in the utmost comfort.
A car that can bring together the best of the MC20 and GT2: top speed of 324 km/h; the maximum output of the extraordinary V6 Nettuno engine has been increased to 640 CV (471 kW), 10 CV more than the MC20; acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, making it the most agile rear-wheel drive (RWD) in its category.

For the exclusive driving experience, the GT2 Stradale was kitted out in various liveries, created as part of the Fuoriserie customisation programme. One of the elegant pit lanes at the Ascari circuit was dedicated to the world of customisation, with the adjacent one telling the story of Maserati Corse with the GT2 forerunner on display.

Santo Ficili, Maserati CEO noted: “From the road to the track and back again: moving from the racing GT2 to its road version was a natural step, to epitomise our brand’s performance. With the road debut of what is the pinnacle of our super sports cars, we have created a perfect platform for the customers of this car, which has also been lauded by the media. GT2 Stradale is 100% made in Modena, a mix of Maserati’s two iconic worlds, those of elegance and racing. It is the upshot of the passion, dedication and pride of all the women and men at the House of the Trident”.

Production began last December at the historic plant on Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena. Maserati GT2 Stradale is available in only 914 units, as mentioned on the specific badge positioned on the central tunnel. The lettering “1 of 914” is an explicit reference to 1914, the year Maserati was founded.

Hyundai Promise Sells Over 1.57 Lakh Pre-Owned Cars In CY 2024

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Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) through its pre-owned car program – Hyundai Promise, has achieved its highest-ever yearly sales in CY 2024, retailing 1,57,503 pre-owned cars with 5.8% YoY growth. Strengthening customer trust and value, Hyundai Promise recorded 35,553 certified pre-owned car sales, contributing 23% to its total volume, registering 8% YoY growth.

Hyundai Promise set a new benchmark in customer engagement, achieving its highest-ever exchange outreach of 20.4% in CY 2024. Among Hyundai Promise certified pre-owned car sales in CY 2024, the Hyundai i20, CRETA and GRAND i10 dominated sales, registering 55% of the total volumes. SUVs accounted for 21% of certified pre-owned car sales, with the CRETA being the highest contributor at 13% and VENUE at 8%, of total Hyundai Promise sales.

Commenting on Hyundai Promise sales, Mr. Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director and Chief Operating Officer, HMIL said, “The pre-owned car market in India has ample room for improvement in parameters like transparency, trust, and reliability – challenges that Hyundai Promise, as an OEM-owned network, directly addresses by using new-age technology and the trust of brand Hyundai. With over 1 million pre-owned car sales since inception, Hyundai Promise has redefined the experience of buying and selling used cars, making it more reliable, transparent, and hassle-free. The Hyundai CRETA stands as the most sought-after SUV with 13% contribution in the certified pre-owned segment, mirroring its unmatched popularity in the new car segment. SUV models such as the VENUE and CRETA fetch over 70% of its original price even after third year.”

Certified pre-owned cars retailed through Hyundai Promise go through a rigorous 161-point checklist before being listed on the platform. To ensure absolute reliability and a new-car like ownership experience, certified pre-owned cars by Hyundai Promise are offered with added benefits including a 1-year comprehensive warranty for cars aged under 7 years, and 6 months engine and transmission warranty on cars aged between 7-10 years. All certified pre-owned cars are also offered with road-side-assistance and upto two free services at no extra cost.

Hyundai’s innovative ‘Click-to-Buy’ platform on hyundai.co.in, offers a seamless digital buying and selling experience for pre-owned cars. Buyers can virtually explore certified pre-owned cars available at Hyundai dealerships, request test-drives and place a booking from the comfort of their homes. Sellers have the option of requesting for an evaluation, uploading all relevant documents and viewing the offer price – all through a hassle-free phygital process. Additionally, the H-Smart App for dealers enables seamless and transparent evaluation process, offering best price for used cars to the sellers.

Hyundai Promise makes the pre-owned car buying and selling process reliable, transparent and convenient through a network of 600+ dealers pan India.

Kia To Present Global EV Leadership Strategy And Key Models At 2025 Kia EV Day

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Kia Corporation’s 2025 Kia EV Day will take place later this month at Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain. The event follows the first Kia EV Day in Korea in 2023 and will showcase the brand’s latest electric models, concepts, and technologies to advance Kia’s global EV leadership in sustainable mobility.

The second Kia EV day will also underscore Kia’s role as a Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) first mover. It presents a vision of a new paradigm in EV usability with vehicles that offer users exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.

Kia’s 2025 EV Day will mark the global debut of the Kia EV4, unveiled in concept form at the brand’s first EV Day, and the Kia PV5, the first of Kia’s dedicated PBV model, displayed as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia will also present the Concept EV2, a compact EV and the newest member of its dedicated EV model family.

Teaser images and video footage that hint at the concept’s styling, along with close-ups of the new models, offer a preview of Kia’s innovative design approach. Each vehicle showcases aesthetics inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, with the visual assets offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of the Kia EV4, PV5, and Concept EV2.

These three models represent Kia’s bold new electric vehicle strategy. The Kia EV4, Kia PV5, and Kia Concept EV2 feature the brand’s cutting-edge electric platform technology and demonstrate Kia’s clear determination to lead global sustainable mobility in the passenger and business sectors to satisfy customers’ diverse needs everywhere.

Kia will share its overall PBV strategy, providing full details of the business, vision, product line-up, and launch to support the roll-out of the PV5. In addition, the company will also display its game-changing PBV platform. This dedicated battery electric skateboard architecture underpins the brand’s new PBV business by enabling the flexible combination of various types of vehicle bodies.

Key members of Kia’s senior leadership team will take to the stage throughout Kia EV Day. In addition to presenting the EV4, PV5 and Concept EV2, the leadership team will also reveal Kia’s expanded electrification strategy, which is set to transform the global EV market. The event video will be released on the Kia Worldwide YouTube channel in March.

Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

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From its foundation in 1904, Rolls-Royce built rolling chassis, upon which clients commissioned coachwork from an independent coachbuilder. The marque produced its first complete monocoque cars in the 1960s, but continued to offer rolling chassis until the 1980s.

Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce to be made available in this form. In line with standard Rolls-Royce practice, established by Sir Henry Royce himself, Phantom VI was born out of the upgrades and enhancements to its predecessor, Phantom V. The accumulated improvements reached the point where Rolls-Royce engineers judged it sufficiently evolved to be worthy of a new designation.

Even so, Phantom VI already felt like something of an anachronism. Phantom V clients had been able to choose coachwork from four great names: H. J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Hoopers and James Young. By 1961, the latter two had closed their doors, while Rolls-Royce had acquired and amalgamated the other two to create its own in-house coachbuilder, known as H. J. Mulliner Park Ward, which would provide the bodies for virtually all Phantom VI motor cars.

Like all Rolls-Royce models, Phantom VI underwent various changes during its lifecycle, including a more powerful 6.75-litre V8 engine and a modern three-speed automatic gearbox to replace the original four-speed version inherited from the Silver Cloud era. It also had specially engineered brakes, which used the Silver Shadow-style high-pressure hydraulics to operate rams connected to twin master cylinders; the brake drums were designed for improved heat dissipation and more efficient linings.

Changes in safety legislation required front-hinged doors with burst-proof locks, flush interior door handles and a steering column that would collapse upon impact. New crash-testing protocols also meant the prototype Phantom VI chassis, PRH1500, suffered the indignity of being driven into a 100-tonne concrete block at 30mph (48km/h) – a test it passed so effortlessly it was subsequently rebuilt and is still in service as a courtesy car at a Swiss hotel to this day.

Although coachbuilding was by now a niche offer even for Rolls-Royce, Phantom VI provided a fitting ‘last hurrah’ for this longstanding traditional craft. The seven ‘Special Limousines’, codenamed ‘Alpha’, for example, were superficially similar to other Phantom VIs; but close examination revealed wider, chrome-plated window trims and 16” wheels with tyres inflated to 90psi. These modifications were required to accommodate the 5mm thick glass and 7mm of armour plating that rendered the rear passenger compartment both bullet and bomb-proof. No such provision was made for the luckless chauffeur, however.

Phantom VI was also the last truly coachbuilt Rolls-Royce to offer both Sedanca de Ville and Landaulette coachwork. The Landaulette was available opening either to the B-pillar or over the rear seat, the latter variant being the choice of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Her daughter, HM Queen Elizabeth II, owned two Phantom VIs. The first, codenamed ‘Oil Barrel’, had its roof height raised by 13cm (5″) and a Perspex rear cupola that could be quickly covered by a two-piece, black-painted aluminium dome when the occupants required privacy. The second, delivered for the Royal fleet in July 1987, was codenamed ‘Lady Norfolk’ and had a standard roof height. Both remain in service at the Royal Mews today.

Increasing difficulty in obtaining minor chassis and coachwork components manufactured in the Silver Cloud era finally put paid to Phantom VI production. The last iteration commissioned by a client was delivered in May 1991; its 117 bespoke features included a solid silver fruit bowl to sit atop the cabinet behind the division, kept in place by concealed magnets.

In its 23-year lifecycle, just 374 Phantom VIs were built. The very last example to be completed was a Landaulette finished in black over red, with red leather in the front and red velvet in the rear compartment. Rolls-Royce had originally intended to retain the car itself, but recessionary pressures finally persuaded the company to part with it in 1993.

Phantom VI was the last Rolls-Royce model with traditional coachbuilt bodywork. It represented both the pinnacle and the swansong of the traditional coachbuilder’s art, with a purity of line and finesse of detail unequalled until Rolls-Royce embarked on its contemporary coachbuilding renaissance at Goodwood, with ‘Sweptail’, more than two decades later.

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations and Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “The launch of Phantom VI marked a significant chapter in the Rolls-Royce story; it would go on to become the marque’s final model offered as a rolling chassis, ending a line unbroken since 1904. However, the coachbuilding era ended in suitably magnificent style with Phantom VI. Launched in 1968, just 374 were built in a production cycle that extended over two decades; however, the 1980s can be regarded as its true heyday – only six examples were completed after 1990. The last fully coachbuilt Rolls-Royce, Phantom VI had coachwork by H. J. Mulliner Park Ward, then a wholly in-house operation; the best-known commissions were likely those built for the Royal fleet, which remain in service today. It would be more than 20 years before coachbuilt motor cars of comparable quality and detail would become available, when Rolls-Royce began its modern-day coachbuilding operation at Goodwood with ‘Sweptail’ in 2017. This was followed by the announcement of a dedicated department within Rolls-Royce named Coachbuild, and the unveiling of Boat Tail in 2021, then Droptail in 2023. Phantom VI is thus an important marker in the Rolls-Royce story, as both the swansong of traditional coachbuilding, and a model for the new generation that would follow.”

Goodwood Revival To Celebrate Alfa Romeo

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The Goodwood Revival will bring together a collection of cars from Alfa Romeo’s competitive history to celebrate the centenary of the marque’s victory in the inaugural Manufacturer’s World Championship.

Taking place across the weekend, the demonstration will feature Grand Prix cars, sports cars, touring cars and prototypes, including the machines that became renowned for competing at races including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. Visitors can expect to see the likes of the first Formula 1 Championship-winning car, the 158 ‘Alfetta’, Tipo 308C, TZ2 and Tipo 33 prototypes – each telling a story of bold innovation and mechanical artistry from 1925 through to 1975.

The celebration will reflect on Alfa Romeo’s domination of motorsport – including celebrating the 50th anniversary of the marque’s victory at the 1975 World Sportscar Championship. The Revival will remember the legendary drivers who piloted these machines, including four-time Grand Prix winner Antonio Ascari; five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio; five-time Grand Prix winner and first World Drivers’ Champion Giuseppe Farina; and Alfa Romeo’s most famous and celebrated pre-war driver Tazio Nuvolari.

Earlier in the year, the Festival of Speed will also recognise the centenary of the Manufacturers’ World Championship. The Prologue class, which forms part of the F1 75 celebrations at the event, will showcase the cars that predate the World Championship, with examples from Alfa Romeo.

The New Volvo EX30 Cross Country

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Volvo EX30 Cross Country with Swedish winter cabin

Sweden is home to deep lakes, endless forests, great mountain ranges, some of the harshest winters on the planet – and some of the best and most enjoyable cars ever made. So today Volvo unveils not only the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country, but a whole new experience to go with it.

Revealed today as part of a literal fireside chat including outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven at a secluded winter cabin in the north of Sweden, the EX30 Cross Country is designed for people who want big experiences from their small, fully electric SUV.

It takes the successful recipe of the EX30 and adds rugged ingredients, making it perfect for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond their crowded cities – come rain, come shine, or when everything is covered in snow and ice.

We think that ‘Cross Country’ should be an experience, not just a car, so alongside the EX30 Cross Country we’re also launching a new experience package for customers who buy the car, with access to accessories, gear and information aimed at giving you the full potential to explore the great outdoors.

“We launched our first Cross Country car more than 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”

From city to trail
As a small SUV, the EX30 Cross Country is perfect for the city. It is fully electric, with a range of up to 427 kilometres and zero tailpipe emissions, and can be charged from 10-80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes. But it also has several extra features that enable a seamless switch from one natural EX30 habitat to another.

For example, we’ve raised the car higher off the ground compared with the standard EX30, to help you navigate rough terrain more easily. It also has special, bigger wheels, with the option of an 18-inch all-terrain accessory tyre to make those regular countryside outings even easier.

Naturally, the EX30 Cross Country also comes with all-wheel drive, making it more than capable of handling the tough and slippery conditions that are part and parcel of life outside the city.

A style to match ability
The first model in our Cross Country range was introduced in 1997. Designed to cope with the demanding Scandinavian climate, Volvo’s Cross Country cars perform in a wide variety of road conditions – from muddy tracks and ankle-deep snow to highway driving – with the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect.

While its real-world capabilities come first, the EX30 Cross Country is also designed to excel in more diverse conditions – and to look good while doing so.

The front shield of the car and the boot lid get a special dark colour, with the front featuring a unique piece of artwork showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden – an inspiration for many of our designers. Chunky front and rear skidplates as well as wheelarch extensions complete the more rugged look and underline that this car is ready to get out into the wild.

Functional and as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car
Inside, the EX30 Cross Country is highly functional and contains all the clever tech, storage and design that made the original EX30 such a hit from the moment Volvo revealed it. The doors contain large storage compartments, because the company removed the speakers and incorporated them into the soundbar on the dashboard.

A versatile central storage tunnel between driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder for your morning coffee or your travel mug, or back if you need to store more things. There’s also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the centre console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.

Rear passengers get a neat storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel. This box is also removable and washable, so can double up as a waste bin. At the rear, on the boot lid, we included a handy ‘Will it fit?’ guide, so you know exactly how much of your gear you can get in.

Like every new Volvo car, the EX30 Cross Country has Google built in. That means you get a variety of Google products as standard – including Google Maps, one of the best mapping systems in the world. Finding your way to the most remote nature locations was never easier. To make sure you can get straight into a nice warm car, the Volvo EX30 app allows you to precondition your car while you’re still exploring nature.

And naturally, the EX30 Cross Country is as safe as you’d expect a Volvo car to be. Volvo have applied their high standards of protective safety should you need it, but aim to help prevent you getting into a collision in the first place with some clever tech. Braking and steering support will help you avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while a driver-monitoring sensor will give you a nudge if it seems like you are distracted or tired.

Embrace the experience
To further bring the Cross Country concept to life, Volvo is also launching a Cross Country Experience, to create concrete, tangible benefits that will help you to embrace your inner explorer even more. This means that EX30 Cross Country owners will benefit from an array of bespoke offers. Think of a dedicated, discounted ‘Cross Country Experience’ package of accessories for your car, which includes a load carrier, a roof basket, 18-inch all-terrain tyres and mudflaps.

“We know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to nature,” says Jim Rowan. “This is why with our new Cross Country Experience, we aim to create an entire ecosystem around those models, supporting our customers as they embrace adventure.”

In short, the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country is an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring.

A Very Special Bentley Speed Six

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Many a Bentley owner’s love of the marque begins in childhood, and the owner of the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series is no exception. In his case, it was a ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model Blower Bentley, given to him by his uncle, that sparked a lifelong fascination with the pre-war Bentley racing cars.

The owner and his wife enjoy a stable of Crewe-built Bentleys, including a first-generation Continental GT, a motorsports-inspired Continental GT3R, second-generation Continental Supersports and First Edition Bentayga. Pride of place however goes to his Continuation Series ‘Blower’ 4½ Litre Supercharged and the latest addition, a Continuation Series Speed Six. Not only has he kept that cherished scale model ‘Blower’ to this day, but it also provided the visual inspiration for his two Bentley Continuation Series cars.    

At the workshops of Mulliner Classic, realising a customer’s dreams is both their calling and their pride. Continuation Speed Six #3 (of 12) is a case in point; created with meticulous attention to detail to be identical in every respect to the original 1930s works racer, it also features several personal touches in its specification that make it truly individual, from the one-off paint finish to the racing number 3 that it carries on its flank and radiator.

Personal memories and family associations
Both the Continuation Series Speed Six and the Continuation Series Blower are the third of twelve in their series, and the Speed Six also carries the racing number 3. The number that has fond associations for the owner, who played rugby to semi-pro standard as a tighthead prop, wearing the number 3 jersey, for many years.

Both the Blower and the Speed Six are finished in the same specially blended shade of green, chosen after careful consideration to be mid-way between the light green of the owner’s scale model and traditional British Racing Green. The shade was christened ‘Embelo Green’, taking the first letters of the couple’s three daughters. Like the owner’s scale model Bentley, his Speed Six Continuation Series’ interior is upholstered in red, though the couple chose a more muted shade than that of the toy.

As with all this owner’s Bentleys, the Speed Six will be regularly and enthusiastically driven. Accordingly, another special request was for the Mulliner team to provide two exhaust systems with the Speed Six: one unsilenced as the original Speed Six specification, and the other with a silencer for circuits where noise restrictions are required.  Bentley Mulliner engineering developed this silencer specifically for the Speed Six Continuation series. Finishing touches include a white patch on the leading edge of the nearside front fender for easier identification when coming into the pits and a hand-painted Union Flag on the driver’s side of the car. 

A hands-on experience
Commissioning a Continuation Series Bentley is a highly personal process and, like many Mulliner Classic customers, the owner of the #3 Speed Six became a familiar figure in the Crewe workshops. A highly capable craftsman in his own right, he even spent a day working as part of the Mulliner team to fit the period-correct Rexine fabric of his Blower’s Weymann-style bodywork. While work commitments meant he was unable to do the same for his Speed Six, he fully intends to use it as W.O. Bentley intended – fast, reliable and capable of impressive performance.

The legendary Speed Six
The Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6½ Litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft.

182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930. Two wins at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, in 1929 and 1930, cemented the Speed Six’s pre-eminent place in Bentley racing history.

For the Continuation Series Speed Six, Mulliner Classic took two original Speed Sixes as its template: the company’s own Speed Six, GU409, and ‘Old Number 3’, a works Speed Six driven in the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour race by Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee. The latter was generously loaned by its owner and gave the Mulliner team invaluable data on dimensions, materials, and components. The Mulliner Classic team is also indebted to the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation, which provided 80% of the original drawings and notes used by the team.  

Maserati At The I.C.E. St. Moritz

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At the traditional and exclusive “The I.C.E.” event, to be held in St. Moritz, Switzerland on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, Maserati is ready to “break the ice” and play a leading role with its range and two exclusive world premieres, in the spirit of the “Italian grand touring” and the Trident’s performance.

Maserati is synonymous with Italian luxury all over the world: its iconic heritage and its cars’ performance will be standing out at one of the most glamorous events in the winter season, a showcase amidst the magnificent scenery of the famous frozen lake in the Swiss region of the Engadin, where collectors and enthusiasts come together from all over the world.

The I.C.E. St. Moritz is not only a competition, it is a unique event of its kind, combining culture, entertainment and driving in extreme conditions, serving as an unmissable opportunity for car enthusiasts, collectors and mere fans of the automotive world.

Maserati will be there at the 2025 event, accompanied by the Fuoriserie customisation programme, with two world premieres. All the spotlights will be on the GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges, available with both an internal combustion engine and a 100% electric motor, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard and air suspension, to ensure the utmost performance without sacrificing comfort in full “granturismo” spirit, even in the open air.

The all-wheel drive will excel in driving activities on snowy and icy roads, demonstrating the technological excellence, great dynamic qualities and uncompromising driving pleasure typical of the House of the Trident, even in difficult conditions.

The Grecale range will also be invading the Swiss town, whereas the MCXtrema and the new Maserati GT2 Stradale will emphasise the brand’s racing and competitive DNA to complete Maserati’s inclusion in the event.

In terms of participation in the Concours d’Élégance, some of the brand’s iconic models – sporty and luxurious classics – will go down onto the frozen lake: a Maserati 6CM and Maserati 200 SI will bring out their iconic design amidst the reflections in the snow and ice.

The abbreviation “I.C.E.” indeed refers to the winter magic and the surface of the snow-covered lake where the event takes place, but is also an acronym for “International Concours of Elegance”, where classic Maserati cars will tell the Trident’s story.

TVS Motor Company Appoints Gaurav Gupta As President – India, Two Wheeler Business

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced the appointment of Gaurav Gupta as President – India Two Wheeler Business. He will be based out of Bengaluru and report to K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company. Gaurav will head the India Two Wheeler Business, both ICE and EV. He has over three decades of experience and has worked in multiple geographies including India, China, Dubai, Indonesia, Vietnam, and ASEAN markets.

Announcing the appointment, K. N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company said, “Gaurav has rich experience and expertise that will add significant value to the company. The company has been on a steady growth trajectory, delivering results well ahead of the industry. We are confident that under his leadership, we will further strengthen our market position and continue to set benchmarks. We wish him the very best and welcome him to the TVSM family.”

Prior to joining TVSM, Gaurav served at JSW MG Motor India (until recently as MG Motor India) in assignments as an Executive Committee member, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Growth Officer. During his tenure of 6.5 years, he played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the commercial operations for MG Motor India from the ground up, significantly impacting the Indian automotive industry.

In his previous role as Managing Director of Bridgestone Tire Indonesia, Gaurav led the company’s operations including both domestic and exports. Earlier, for two decades, he worked for General Motors in various roles across Asia Pacific operations including as Managing Director of General Motors Indonesia, General Motors Vietnam. Gaurav has also served the American Chamber of Commerce in the roles of Chair and board member. 

Gaurav is a Physics graduate and an MBA. His interests include travelling, technology, philanthropy and an occasional round of golf.

Nissan Motor India Commences Exports Of Over 10,000 Units Of The Left-Hand Drive (LHD) New Nissan Magnite

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The New Nissan Magnite, launched in October 2024, is now making its way to customers in global Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. Nissan Motor India flagged off the first shipment of close to 2,900 units of the LHD variant of the New Nissan Magnite from Chennai from the Kamarajar Port (KPL – Ennore), India in late January 2025 to select markets in the LATAM region. This underscores Nissan’s ‘One Car One World’ strategy and highlights the Nissan Motor India’s commitment towards expanding its global footprint and transforming India into a global hub for exports.

In February 2025, Nissan Motor India will export over 7,100 units of the New Nissan Magnite in the second wave in February 2025 to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, select markets in LATAM & Asia Pacific region. By end of February, the company will have exported a total of over 10,000 units of the LHD version of the New Nissan Magnite.

Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President of AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of Nissan India Operations, commented on the milestone, saying, “Nissan Motor India has been diligently working towards expanding its operations and reach, not just within the domestic market but also focusing on exports. In line with our export plans announced last year, we are delighted to begin exports of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. This is a significant achievement, and we look forward to serving new customers in these regions. The Nissan Magnite has been the cornerstone of our success in both India and global markets, and we are confident that this India-made vehicle will drive our export growth further.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The commencement of exports of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite is a proud moment for us, as it aligns with our ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy. The Magnite showcases the best of Japanese engineering combined with local expertise. It reinforces our ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, delivering world-class innovation, safety, and value to customers globally. This also highlights India’s increasing importance as a key manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. Nissan remains committed to its operations in India, as well as to our dealers, partners, and customers. We are on track with the plans we laid out during the launches of the 4th Generation Nissan X-TRAIL and New Nissan Magnite last year.”

Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., said: “The successful production and export of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive markets is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our team and the world-class manufacturing standards at our Chennai plant. This achievement underscores India’s significant role in driving Nissan’s global success and further elevates the reputation of the New Nissan Magnite as a truly global vehicle.”

Manufactured at Nissan’s Alliance JV plant (RNAIPL) in Chennai, the roll-out of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite to global markets underscores India’s crucial role as a global manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. The New Nissan Magnite will now be available in over 65+ global markets, including most LHD markets.

This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products tailored to meet global customer needs. With a growing demand for the ‘Made in India’ New Nissan Magnite, Nissan has showcased its technological innovation and manufacturing prowess to the world once again.

Recently, Nissan Motor India began exporting its recently launched New Nissan Magnite (RHD), to South Africa. In line with the announcement made during the New Nissan Magnite launch, the company rolled out this latest offering from Nissan’s Alliance JV plant in Chennai to global markets, with South Africa becoming the first country to receive the popular SUV from Nissan.

Over 2,700 units of the RHD New Nissan Magnite were shipped from the Chennai port to South Africa market within a month after its global launch in India last year. The New Nissan Magnite remains a testament to Nissan’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, surpassing cumulative sales of 1,70,000 units till date, making a powerful impact in both Indian and global markets since its December 2020 debut.