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.

Land Rover today announces a limited-edition high-performance version of the iconic Defender, with up to 150 V8-powered examples re-engineered to celebrate the Land Rover marque’s 70th anniversary in 2018.

The Defender Works V8 pays homage to the early high-powered engines in both the Series III Stage 1 V8 from 1979 and subsequent Defenders including the 50th Anniversary Edition, which are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors today.

Defender Works V8 is the most powerful and fastest version that Land Rover has ever created. The 5.0-litre naturally-aspirated petrol V8 powertrain produces 405PS and 515 Nm of torque (the standard Defender delivered 122PS and 360 Nm). The Defender Works V8 will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is increased to 106 mph.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “It’s fitting that we’ve been able to release the full potential of the iconic Defender, whose much-loved shape remains synonymous with Land Rover, 70 years since it was seen in public for the first time.

“The idea of reintroducing a V8 Defender was something we were discussing as far back as 2014, when we were still building the Defender in Solihull. We knew the demand was there for a powerful and fast Defender; the Land Rover authenticity is the ultimate finishing touch for discerning clients purchasing these collector’s edition Defenders.”

The V8 powertrain will be fitted to 150 specially-selected and re-engineered Defenders for the 70th Edition, complemented by an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with sport mode, uprated brakes and handling kit (springs, dampers and anti-roll bars), plus exclusive 18-inch diamond-turned Sawtooth alloy wheels and 265/65 R18 all-terrain tyres.

Eight standard body colours include two satin finishes – contrasting with a Santorini Black roof, wheel arches and front grille – finished with machined aluminium door handles, fuel filler cap and Defender bonnet lettering. A comprehensive lighting upgrade includes bi-LED headlamps.

Full Windsor Leather interior trim covers the dashboard, door panels, headlining and Recaro sports seats. Land Rover Classic’s own Classic Infotainment System is also fitted.

Both 90 and 110 wheelbase Defender Works V8 derivatives will be available to purchase direct from Land Rover Classic. A select number of high-performance upgrades inspired by Defender Works V8 will also be available to purchase soon from Land Rover Classic, including power upgrades for the TDCi diesel engine, fast-road suspension and braking kits.

A key milestone was marked today at the Yorkshire manufacturing centre that from 2019 will start producing carbon fibre tubs for McLaren Automotive.

As darkness descended at the £50million McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) nearing completion in the Sheffield region, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive Mike Flewitt was on-hand to illuminate the famous marque’s sign.

A spectacular indoor light show then greeted guests, culminating in the recently unveiled McLaren Senna road car performing a series of expertly choreographed ‘doughnuts’ to leave a trail of fresh Pirelli tyre rubber on the new centre’s floor to ‘christen’ it – McLaren style.

Named after the famous Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, who won all three of his World Championships at the wheel of a McLaren, the McLaren Senna – whose design was led by Harrogate- born Rob Melville – was accompanied by Ayrton’s original Grand Prix winning McLaren MP4/5 race car from 1989.

The event provided the first glimpse inside the new composites technology centre which, when open, will be home to McLaren’s second production facility and the first ever outside of its native Woking. Over 40 McLaren employees are already based in Sheffield, housed at the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, where they are advancing the process for creating the lightweight carbon fibre Monocage structures at the heart of McLaren cars.

When fully operational, around 200 people will work at the MCTC, which will supply carbon fibre tubs to the McLaren Production Centre in Surrey where the company’s sportcars and supercars are hand- assembled.

Carbon fibre has long been a part of McLaren’s DNA, the company having introduced the very first carbon fibre chassis into Formula 1 in 1981. Carbon fibre’s innate strength and lightweight properties mean that the company has never made a race car, sportscar or supercar without it since.

McLaren is continuing to develop its expertise in both hybrid –it delivered the world’s first hybrid hypercar the P1TM over five years ago – and lightweight materials. Combined, the two are fundamental in the development of future automotive technologies, capable of driving increased performance while meeting ever stricter environmental legislation. Under the company’s ambitious Track22 business plan, at least half of the brand’s range will feature hybrid technology by 2022.

McLaren Automotive announced earlier this month that it had recorded another record year of growth, selling a total of 3,340 cars in 2017.

It follows the introduction last year of new models in each of the three established McLaren product families; the 570S Spider was added to the Sports Series, the 720S replaced the 650S in the Super Series and the track-concentrated McLaren Senna joined the Ultimate Series.

Mike Flewitt, McLaren Automotive Chief Executive said: “Today is an important and exciting milestone for everyone at McLaren Automotive, as well as a personal honour, to officially turn on the McLaren sign at what will be our McLaren Composites Technology Centre when it opens later this year.

“It marks the continued development of the current 2,100 strong company, and will bring new jobs to the Sheffield region which has a proud association with advanced materials; first with steel and now a future to look forward to with carbon fibre innovation and production for McLaren.”

Land Rover has introduced the Model Year 2018 Range Rover Evoque Landmark Edition in India to commemorate six successful years of the  Range Rover Evoque SUV. The most decorated Range Rover, with over 200 awards to its name, the Landmark Edition is priced at Rs 50.20 Lakh. It is powered by the 2.0 l Ingenium diesel powertrain delivering 180PS of maximum power.

New to the Landmark Edition are a host of features that distinguish it from the standard Model Year 2018 Range Rover Evoque. These include a body style kit, body coloured lower door cladding, Graphite Atlas grille, bonnet, fender vent and tailgate lettering, Gloss Black 18-inch alloy wheels, a Carpathian Grey contrast roof and a choice of three exterior colours, including a luminescent Moraine Blue, inspired by the turquoise lakes of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The interior is fitted with Dark Satin Brushed Aluminium centre console trim finishers surrounded by grained Ebony Leather seats with contrasting Light Lunar stitching and perforated mid-section. Keyless entry and Powered Gesture Tailgate are also standard on the Landmark Edition.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd. (JLRIL), said: “The Range Rover Evoque has brought Range Rover luxury and refinement to new customers around the world and in India. Its critically acclaimed design, desirability and all-terrain capability has been further enhanced with the Model Year 2018 Range Rover Landmark Edition and we are happy to offer it to our discerning customers. With its striking looks and updated feature set, we are confident that the Range Rover Evoque fan base will grow even further.”

TVS Motor Company has introduced a new Matte Series for the TVS Victor Premium Edition including two new colours and additional features. The two new colours – Matte Blue (with white) and Matte Silver (with red) are complemented by chrome detailing on the visor and a dual tone beige seat.

In addition to these new colours, the Premium Edition of the motorcycle is available with a Disc brake and a variant in black colour with yellow graphics and red with gold graphics. The TVS Victor Matte series with these new features and colours has been priced at Rs 55,890 (Ex-Showroom Delhi).

Royal Enfield has launched a new version of its Himalayan – the all new Himalayan Sleet. The motorcycle will sport a new colour scheme and pattern in shades of grey, taking inspiration from the mountains. To further strengthen it’s adventure touring proposition, 500 exclusive Himalayan Sleets will come pre-fitted with the Explorer Kit, an assortment of Royal Enfield Genuine Motorcycle Accessories, making it a competent, adventure-ready motorcycle. The 500 pre-fitted Himalayan Sleets + Explorer Kit will be available at a special introductory price of Rs 2,12,666 (on-road Chennai) exclusively on royalenfield.com/himalayansleet.

In keeping with the Himalayan’s proposition of versatility, long distance travel capability and comfort, the new Himalayan Sleet + Explorer Kit motorcycle will come pre-fitted with aluminium panniers, pannier mounting rails, aluminium handlebar with cross brace and large engine guard. Backed by a 2-year warranty, only 500 of these fully-kitted motorcycles will be exclusively available online for a limited period. Beginning January 12th till January 30th, enthusiasts can go online and register themselves, thereby expressing interest to purchase. The sale will go ‘live’ on January 30th 2018, on a ‘first-come-first-serve’ basis.

Commenting on the launch of Himalayan Sleet and the Explorer Kit, Rudratej (Rudy) Singh, President, Royal Enfield, said, “The new Himalayan Sleet is inspired by the terrain of Royal Enfield’s spiritual home – the Himalayas, its craggy land, the gorges, edgy peaks all brought together in the colours of the sleet . Additionally, the first 500 owners will get pre-fitted Explorer Kits to help kick-start their personal expeditions on the Himalayan Sleet”

Genuine Motorcycle Accessories that will form part of the Himalayan Sleet Explorer Kit are two 26 litres water resistant aluminium panniers, off-road style aluminium handlebar with cross brace for added strength, handlebar end weights for additional protection, and a powder-coated finish engine guard.

The Himalayan Sleet Grey aims to combine versatility and all-day comfort for all rides. Long-travel suspension, natural upright riding position, dual purpose tyres combined with agile handling and a durable engine,  all add up to a comfortable ride, whether it’s on the highway, city streets, or remote mountain roads.

Nissan has announced that the company has sold its 300,000th Nissan Leaf globally since the model first went on sale in 2010.

The 100 per cent electric Leaf is the world’s first mass-produced – and also the world’s best-selling – electric car.

Nissan launched a fully redesigned version of the Leaf in September 2017. Drivers will feel more confident, excited and connected thanks to the car’s ProPILOT (ProPILOT Assist in the U.S.) technology, ProPILOT Park technology, e-Pedal,increased power and range, and improved refinement, comfort and convenience.

“These numbers prove that the Nissan LEAF remains the most advanced car in the world, with the widest reach and the greatest availability,” said Nissan Executive Vice President Daniele Schillaci. “The new Nissan LEAF is the icon of Nissan Intelligent Mobility because it delivers an even more exciting drive and enhanced ownership experience and contributes to a better world. It will take Nissan’s EV leadership even further.”

The new Nissan Leaf is slated for deliveries in January in the U.S., Canada and Europe and will be sold in more than 60 markets worldwide.