CARS24 released its highly anticipated DriveTime Quarterly Report, providing valuable insights into the second quarter of 2023. The April-June quarter witnessed a remarkable surge in demand for pre-owned vehicles across the country. CARS24, in particular, achieved a substantial sales increase during this period, with an impressive 87 per cent leap compared to the same period in 2022. The report also highlights a significant milestone with individuals selling INR 1,800 crores worth of cars to CARS24, reflecting the paradigm shift in Indian buyers trusting innovative car-buying and selling avenues.

The growing preference for affordability and value among customers, alongside the availability of flexible financing options and extended warranties, has established used cars as a practical alternative. Moreover, the convenience of online marketplaces and digital platforms for buying and selling pre-owned vehicles has significantly improved the overall experience. With the ease of purchasing a car online, complete with financing and delivery options, the process has become more convenient than ever before. Highlighting key trends and parameters of buying a car, the DriveTime Quarterly report navigates through the country’s car-purchasing behaviour.

Gajendra Jangid, Co-Founder of CARS24, expressed his enthusiasm about the burgeoning customer preference for used cars in the current quarter. He stated, “It is truly exciting to witness such a remarkable surge in transactions within the used car market. In fact, during this quarter alone, people sold 30 cars every 60 minutes on our platform. This remarkable upward trend is far from being a mere coincidence; rather, it is an integral part of a larger market movement that is reshaping the automotive landscape. Several key factors have contributed to this rapid growth, including evolving consumer preferences, the implementation of favorable government initiatives, the increasing necessity for personal mobility, the availability of expanded inventory levels, the desire to upgrade to new-generation vehicles, the inclusion of comprehensive warranty options, and the focus on customer-centric digitalization. It is the culmination of these combined factors that has propelled the second-hand car market to new heights throughout India. As more customers recognize the immense value and advantages of embracing the pre-owned car market, we are truly honored to lead the way in this transformative revolution.”

Love at First Drive: Unleashing Passion with around 2,00,000 Exhilarating Test Drives in a Car Buying Frenzy!

The second quarter witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon at CARS24 as car enthusiasts across India booked around 2 lakh test drives. In the pursuit of finding their perfect match, 80 per cent of buyers flocked to CARS24 yards, allowing them to test drive cars from different manufacturers without having to hop from showroom to showroom. The remaining 20 per cent chose to test drive their shortlisted cars from the comfort of their homes. This surge in test drives signifies a growing interest in car ownership and the eagerness to explore a wide range of options.

This record-breaking quarter showcases the strong connection between buyers and the physical touch points of car buying. While online car shopping has gained popularity, the allure of a test drive continues to captivate enthusiasts, reaffirming the importance of experiencing a vehicle first hand.

Indians Swipe Right on AutoTech: Selling Cars Worth INR 1800+ Crores Sparks a Perfect Match

CARS24’s DriveTime Quarterly Report has unveiled a truly astounding revelation for the second quarter, showcasing the remarkable surge in Indians embracing innovative approaches to sell their used cars. CARS24 facilitated sales of cars surpassing an astonishing value of over INR 1,800 crores. This monumental figure not only demonstrates the open-mindedness of Indian buyers but also solidifies the unwavering trust they place in CARS24’s services.

The current trend of replacing cars within a few years has significantly contributed to this exponential growth. This could be due to various factors such as changing preferences, the desire to own newer models with advanced features, or the availability of attractive financing options. As a result, more people are choosing to sell their used cars, creating a vibrant market for platforms like CARS24 that offer convenience, trust, and a streamlined selling process.

Maruti Magic Reigns Supreme: Swift, WagonR, and Baleno Drive the Used Car Craze

In the second quarter of 2023, Maruti Suzuki continued to assert its dominance in the used car market, reaffirming its position as the leading brand on the CARS24 platform. With a notable presence in both car searches and sales, Maruti hatchbacks, including the Swift, WagonR, and Baleno, emerged as the most coveted choices among buyers. Maruti’s remarkable performance accounted for an impressive 38 per cent of total cars sold in Q2, with a noteworthy concentration of buyers coming from non-metro cities. Following Maruti’s lead, Hyundai, Honda, and Renault showcased commendable performances in the market. In the realm of emerging brands, Toyota experienced a significant surge in market share in Q2 2023. The brand’s commitment to engineering excellence, safety innovations, and fuel efficiency resonates with buyers who prioritise long-term value and peace of mind.

Hatchbacks the Undisputed Champs, but Sedans Stage a Classy Comeback in Q2 Auto Sales Showdown!

In the ever-shifting automotive landscape, hatchbacks continue to assert their unyielding dominance on the roads. In a testament to their enduring appeal, hatchbacks captured an astounding 62 per cent of total sales in the second quarter of the year, solidifying their position as the unrivalled choice for drivers from all walks of life. Their versatility, fuel efficiency, compact yet spacious design, and ability to effortlessly navigate through congested cities make them the go-to option for urban dwellers, families, and adventure enthusiasts alike.

While hatchbacks continue to reign supreme, sedans have been quietly plotting their resurgence in the market. In the second quarter, sedans experienced a notable uptick in sales, accounting for 19 per cent of total sales on the platform. This resurgence can be attributed to the timeless allure of sedans, which exude an air of sophistication, elegance, and refined style. With their sleek profiles, luxurious interiors, and cutting-edge features, sedans have been captivating discerning drivers who seek a balance of comfort, performance, and prestige.

Non-Metro Cities Challenge Metros in Pre-Owned Car Market, Pune and Ahmedabad Take the Lead

Non-metro cities challenged the dominance of metros in car purchases, as Pune and Ahmedabad experienced a surge in pre-owned car sales. These cities are witnessing a notable increase in car deliveries, with the Maruti Swift and Hyundai Grand i10 emerging as top choices among Indian car buyers. Pune and Ahmedabad’s impressive performance demonstrates the equal prowess and contribution of non-metro cities to the automotive market. Cities including Kochi, Chandigarh, Patna, Lucknow, Jaipur and Surat also contributed to the increasing car sales in the used car market. In terms of metro cities, New Delhi emerged as the top purchaser of cars in Q2, followed by Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kolkata.

FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens, or international federation of historic vehicles) has revealed the names of nine leading car designers, engineers, drivers and collectors who will this year have their names added to its Heritage Hall of Fame.

Now in its third year, the scheme celebrates the men and women who have made an historically significant impact on the world of motoring. Those being honoured this year range from the man who designed the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2 to a woman who took on – and beat – the best rally drivers in the world.

Around two dozen individuals were nominated by FIVA clubs around the world and an international judging panel whittled that number down to nine.

FIVA President, Tiddo Bresters, says: “The FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame is there to celebrate the innovators who have taken forward the development and popularity of all aspects of motoring, and also those who work so hard to preserve and protect our automotive heritage for future generations. Every one of these additions to the Heritage Hall of Fame is deeply deserving of their place and we would thank them for what they’ve done for the world of motoring.”

Those being celebrated this year are:

From the USA: Jay Leno (born 1950)
The popular television talk-show host and comedian is famous for his collection of historic vehicles and is described by many as America’s greatest ambassador for classic cars and motorcycles. His television motoring show Jay Leno’s Garage is internationally popular.

From Switzerland: Robert Lutz (born 1932)
Swiss American Bob Lutz has been an influential senior executive with General Motors, BMW, Ford and Chrysler. He helped lead the creation and development of some of the most familiar and iconic cars of the past half-century, including the Ford Sierra, Dodge Viper and Cadillac CTS.

From France: Michèle Mouton (born 1951)
Michèle was a dominant rally driver for over a decade through the 1970s and 80s, winning many times against the best in the world. In 1982, she was the second-placed driver in the World Rally Championship. She chaired the Women in Motorsport Commission at the FIA for 12 years.

From Italy: Ercole Spada (born 1938)
One of Italy’s most important designers, Ercole was chief stylist at the Zagato design studio in the 1960s where he shaped sports cars for Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo, among others. He created the BMW look of the 1980s, and went on to design cars for many manufacturers, including Ferrari.

From Italy: Giampaolo Dallara (born 1936)
Engineer and founder of the the world’s largest manufacturer of racing cars, Giampaolo has collaborated with major car manufacturers and contributed to sporting success in all motorsport categories. He is committed to performance and safety and works with motorsport-orientated training courses in schools and universities.

From Mexico: Carlos L. Dorantes del Rosal (born 1945)
A businessman who has founded several educational institutes and a hospital, Carlos has also set up two significant motor museums; the Brownsville Car Collection in Texas with 56 classic cars, and the Museo del Automóvil y el Transporte de Tampico in Mexico with 114 historic vehicles and a remit to spread knowledge about their importance to new generations.

From Italy: Nuccio Bertone (1914 to 1997)
A name instantly recognised as one of the most important coachbuilders ever, Bertone is associated with experimentation, freedom of expression and a great sense of beauty. His design house worked with Lamborghini, Lancia, Alfa Romeo and Fiat, among others, and helped bring on other young designers who would go on to achieve greatness.

From India: Pranlal Bhogilal (1937 to 2011)
The man who established the Vintage and Classic Car Club of India also built one of the most important collections of historic vehicles in his home country. The Auto World Vintage Car Museum near Ahmedabad is India’s most important car museum and is still run by his family.

From Sweden: Per Gillbrand (1934 to 2016)
An award-winning innovator, inventor and influential engineer, Per worked first with Volvo and then with Saab on some of their most famous power plants. Known to many as “The Man Who Tamed the Turbo”, he was in charge of the Saab-Scania engine laboratory when the company was the first to introduce small turbochargers to petrol engines.

Judges 2023
Navaz Bhathena Sandhu (India)
McKeel Hagerty (USA)
Alberto Lenz (Mexico)
Nick Mason (UK)
Shiro Nakamura (Japan)
Gaby von Oppenheim (Germany)
Patrick Rollet (France)
Eli Solomon (Singapore)
Tiddo Bresters (The Netherlands) – as FIVA’s acting president

TVS Motor Company and Apollo Tyres Ltd set a new Indian National Speed Endurance Record on TVS Apache RR 310 motorcycle shod with Apollo Alpha H1 tyres. As part of the 24-hour speed endurance challenge, a milestone of 3,657.92 kms was achieved at NATRAX, Indore – Asia’s longest high speed track, as certified by FMSCI.

TVS Apache RR 310, the ultimate track weapon engineered by TVS racing is renowned for its exceptional power and agility. With a top speed of 173 kmph, and an astounding average speed of 152 kmph the TVS Apache RR 310 fitted with Apollo Alpha H1 tyres, proved its dominance on the racetrack, solidifying its position as a force to be reckoned with.

Fostering the company’s ‘Track to Road’ philosophy, the TVS Apache series recently achieved a significant milestone of five million global sales, solidifying its reputation as the fastest-growing premium motorcycle and earning the trust and loyalty of customers worldwide.

Commenting on this milestone, Mr. Vimal Sumbly, Head Business – Premium at TVS Motor Company, said, “Setting a new benchmark in speed and endurance, the TVS Apache RR 310 and Apollo Tyres have defied all limits during the 24-hour speed endurance race that put the motorcycle through such a rigorous challenge. This remarkable achievement is a testament to our commitment to innovation and performance. The TVS Apache RR 310’s exceptional performance on the track showcases its cutting-edge technology and unwavering reliability. We couldn’t be prouder of the entire team and the motorcycle’s capabilities, as it continues to push the boundaries of speed and endurance. This record-breaking accomplishment solidifies the TVS Apache’s position as a true champion in the world of motorcycling.”

Apollo Alpha, ‘zero degree’ steel belted motorcycle radials have been designed and developed with the primary focus on grip and safety. It has high silica reinforced compound for best grip during cornering and other forms of manoeuvring. With this product Apollo Tyres is also making efforts to radialise the two-wheeler market in India.

Speaking on the achievement, Vikram Garga, Group Head, Marketing, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (APMEA), Apollo Tyres Ltd, said “We always believed that we had a winning product in Apollo Alpha, which had been widely tested and accepted by biking experts and enthusiasts, not only in India, but also in Europe. This 24-hour record that has been created at NATRAX, with Apollo Alpha H1 tyres shod on TVS Apache RR 310 bikes, validates our confidence in our two-wheeler radials. It is a matter of great pride for the entire team of Riders, the support staff and the Teams from TVS and Apollo Tyres, for achieving this feat on speed endurance challenge. With this great product shod on their motorcycles, the biking enthusiasts can go out and enjoy their passion will full confidence.”

Key highlights from the 24 hours Speed Endurance Challenge –

· The team consisted of 18 riders who relayed on 3 TVS Apache RR 310 motorcycles, shod with Apollo Alpha H1 tyres, starting off the 24-hours speed endurance challenge at 10:00 AM IST on July 2, 2023

· As part of the challenge, the riders covered a total of 322 laps, at an average speed 152 kmph

· The top speed recorded during the challenge was 173 kmph

· The challenge has made its way into the India Book of Records for covering 3657.92 kms in 24-hours

· The key factors contributing to TVS Apache RR 310’s exceptional performance have been its advanced aerodynamic design, crafted in wind tunnel. This has yielded the best-in-class coefficient of drag, to achieve maximum downforce and minimum wind blast, and a higher top speed

· The race derived power plant makes 34bhp, built to endure & perform at extreme conditions

Bentley will celebrate twenty years of its mighty W12 engine at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside a showcase of bespoke and coachbuilt Bentleys by Mulliner. The new Speed Six Continuation Series will make its global debut at the internationally famous event, while the Batur makes its dynamic UK debut.

The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 is the engine that has powered Bentley to record success for the last 20 years. Powerful, reliable, refined, compact and extremely efficient for an engine of its class, the W12 has been the performance backbone of the brand since the launch of the Continental GT in 2003. Now, as Bentley continues on its Beyond100 journey to full electrification, the W12 is entering the final phase of production, with the last engine due to be built in April 2024.

Six Dynamic Bentleys for the Hill
Bentley is celebrating this remarkable engine – designed, engineered, developed and built by hand in Crewe – with an astonishing array of cars taking to the famous Goodwood Hillclimb. The most powerful example of the engine ever created will drive the new Batur by Mulliner up the hill, in the car’s UK dynamic debut, with 750 PS and 1,000 Nm promising stunning performance. The Batur is the latest entirely coachbuilt project by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke division, with just 18 examples set to be produced and all already sold – each entirely bespoke to its owner. The car that will run on the hill is Car Zero-Zero, an engineering durability prototype finished in Marina Teal and one of only two Baturs currently in existence.

The new Continental GT Le Mans Collection represents the pinnacle of W12 performance in Bentley’s mainstream model family, with 650 PS. An example of this limited edition car will take to the hill, ahead of a production run of just 48 units. The car will be joined by a bespoke Continental GTC Speed, Bentley’s fastest convertible, featuring details from Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide including stone veneer and Cyber Yellow accents.

To mark the life of the W12, Bentley has created a special series of cars across the Speed models in the range. The Edition 12 family of cars includes a suite of W12-inspired details, with 120 examples each of Continental GT, Continental GTC, Flying Spur and Bentayga Speed being produced. A Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 will showcase these features, including new Opalite paintwork, at Goodwood.

The final W12-powered car to make daily appearances on the hillclimb will be the Continental GT Pikes Peak – the very car that set a new outright Production Class record at Pikes Peak in 2019. Conquering the 12.42-mile, 156 turn course that climbs almost 5,000 ft from start to finish, the Pikes Peak special set a new record of 10:18.488 at the hands of former ‘King of the Mountain’, Rhys Millen. This will be the car’s first appearance at the Festival of Speed.

Joining the five W12 Bentleys on the hill will be Bentley’s original supercar – a 4½ Litre Supercharged, more commonly known as a Bentley Blower. The example that will run is Car Zero from the Blower Continuation Series, the world’s first pre-war continuation project that saw Mulliner create 12 new Blowers from scratch, using Bentley’s own 1929 Team Car #2 as the master.

Speed Six Car Zero
As the Blower Continuation Series production comes to an end, Mulliner is turning its focus to their second continuation project – the Speed Six Continuation Series. This new run of 12 cars – again all sold – will be handcrafted in Mulliner’s workshop in Crewe, each a faithful continuation of the Speed Six specification that raced at Le Mans in 1930. Preceding the 12 customer cars will be two development vehicles – known as Car Zero and Factory Works. Speed Six Car Zero will make its global debut at this year’s Festival of Speed, on display on the new two-storey Bentley stand next to the Supercar Paddock from Thursday, July 13.

Joining Speed Six Car Zero on the stand will be the only other Batur in the world, and a heavily personalised Flying Spur Mulliner that includes a range of bespoke features from Mulliner’s Personal Commissioning Guide. A Mulliner designer will also run a configuration suite on the stand, guiding customers through the highly detailed and individual process of specifying their perfect bespoke Bentley.

W12 Heritage Parade
To mark the 20th anniversary of the W12 in style, a parade of 12 W12-powered cars will parade through the event on Thursday. Joining the five supercars on the hillclimb will be seven additional cars from Bentley’s rejuvenated and expanded Heritage Collection, including:

• First generation Continental GT W12 and Continental Flying Spur
• The Continental Supersports ISR, which set a new Ice Speed Record in 2011 in the hands of Juha Kankkunen
• The very first production Bentayga W12
• A second generation Flying Spur W12S
• The Pikes Peak Bentayga, which set a new Production SUV record at Pikes Peak in 2018
• A second generation Continental Supersports

At the 24 Hours of Spa – one of the most anticipated racing events in the international motorsport season – Maserati unveiled to the world its latest track creation, the Maserati GT2.

After the announcement of the shakedown in early March, which was followed by an intensive series of tests to tune up the car, the House of the Trident officially unveiled its new gem of technology and performance, developed to bring the Maserati brand back to GT competitions. It had previously carved its name there with the winning MC12, which completely dominated the track from 2005 to 2010.

The Maserati GT2 is an exceptional synthesis between Maserati’s past, present and future: it draws on the living legacy of the MC12; it expresses the best potential, in the racing version, of the MC20 super sports car – taking the already exceptional 463-kW/621-hp Nettuno V6 engine to the extreme, and is preparing to chart a new course in the future of the Trident, which is determined to write exciting new chapters in the history of motorsport.

Maserati has designed and built a racing car dedicated to private teams and gentleman drivers. A masterpiece of performance that combines history, innovation and sporting attitude, features that have always characterised the Trident’s track and road cars. Conceived and designed to take part in championships or individual events reserved for the GT2 class, the Maserati GT2 will debut on the track in the final stages of the 2023 Fanatec GT European Series, and is due to participate in the entire 2024 season.

Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO, commented: “Our DNA and our spirit have always lain in racing. Our story began and developed from the track to the road. The decision to return to track racing forms part of a thorough strategic framework, inaugurated this year with the debut in Formula E, to which we have now added our return to the world of GT competitions. Now more than ever we want to rekindle and nourish that competitive passion that has always characterised and motivated us to achieve major milestones”.

The Trident thus celebrates its return to the world of exciting GT competitions with a cutting-edge product, the result of a creative and design partnership between the Maserati Innovation Lab, the Centro Stile Maserati and the technological excellence of the Maserati dynamic simulator.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd, commenced production of the Hyundai Exter from HMIL’s plant in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, on June 23, 2023. Hyundai Exter will elevate customer aspirations and provide unique and exciting experiences for new-age customers, inspiring customers to Think Outside.

Commenting on start of production of the Hyundai Exter, Mr. Unsoo Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd. said, “At Hyundai we have always been driven to establish industry best manufacturing processes, achieving product excellence, thus inducing an elevated sense of delights amongst our beloved customers. With optimum utilization of Industry 4.0 automation, HMIL’s state-of-the art production facility harmoniously integrates over 700 – 4th generation robots and highly skilled HMIL workforce to create superior mobility experiences for our customers. With the Hyundai EXTER we are venturing into a new segment that further enhances HMIL’s position as a full range SUV manufacturer.”

The Hyundai Exter embodies the true outdoors with a contemporary and unique take on SUV design. The parametric front grill and H-Signature LED DRLs highlights the SUV’s bespoke appeal. Hyundai Exter creates a benchmark for customer safety by being equipped with 6 airbags (driver, passenger, curtain & side) as standard across all trims and offering 26 safety features across all variants and as an option on entry trims (E&S).

The Hyundai Exter will feature a smart electric sunroof and an inbuilt dashcam with dual camera. Hyundai Motor India’s first micro-SUV will also feature 60+ connected features via Hyundai BLUELINK making it the segment’s most connected SUV.

The all-new Hyundai Exter is scheduled for a launch on July 10, 2023.

With a significant shift in the preference for home deliveries, Spinny, a comprehensive used car retailing platform, has reported considerable growth in the demand for used cars in the vibrant city of Kolkata. According to the latest report from Spinny, customers are increasingly inclined towards taking home test drives, with almost 94% choosing home delivery as their preferred car-buying process. Additionally, 70% of customers are booking cars online, while the remaining opt for offline purchases.

Spinny’s findings also highlight some intriguing trends that will continue to set a standard in the used car market and deliver the best-in-class customer experience. According to the research, working professionals between the ages of 23 and 35 are leading the charge in buying pre-owned vehicles, with hatchback cars being the most popular among buyers in Kolkata. Maruti, Hyundai, and Renault are the preferred car brands, with the Wagon R 1.0, Kwid, and Alto 800 models dominating the charts.

Interestingly, blue, grey, and red have emerged as the most preferred colours among car buyers in Kolkata, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness to their vehicles.

Commenting on the growth, Mr. Aarko Adhya, City Head of Kolkata, stated, “The used car market in Kolkata has proven to be highly promising. The people of the city have come to recognize Spinny as a platform that places great emphasis on transparency. We will continue to offer a superlative experience to our customers in the city and adjacent areas through product innovations, service delivery, and a dedicated team committed to providing a simple and delightful car ownership experience.”

In recent years, Spinny has witnessed a substantial rise in its customer base, with a growing reputation for its exceptional services. With a wide range of product innovations and a dedicated team, Spinny aims to continue providing an unparalleled car buying experience to its customers in Kolkata and neighbouring areas.

Bentley’s ultimate grand tourer, the coachbuilt Batur by Mulliner, has completed its whole vehicle development programme, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of performance and durability. Work now commences on the build of customer cars, each of which will feature an exceptional level of bespoke craftsmanship and take around four months to handcraft – with the last one to be completed at the end of 2024.

Following on from the creation of two development vehicles (known as Car Zero and Car Zero-Zero), just 18 Batur customer cars will be produced by hand in the Mulliner workshops. However, no concession has been made in Bentley’s rigorous testing regime, which includes durability tests on handling tracks, real-world road conditions, high speed testing beyond 200 mph, and rough surfaces. Other tests included 600 hours of solar loading, equivalent to five years in an Arizona desert, to ensure that the sustainable materials used in the Batur’s construction will be robust enough to endure a lifetime’s use.

The original development Batur – Car Zero
Car Zero is no ordinary development mule. It was built to the same levels of craftsmanship as each of the 18 customer cars to come. Its bespoke exterior finish, Purple Sector, is complemented by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in a high gloss natural fibre finish. The main matrix grille in Gloss Dark Titanium is accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Purple Sector in the centre, gradually darkening to Black Crystal at the periphery. The ‘endless bonnet’ line is finished in Satin Titanium, as are the 22-inch wheels which feature spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Crystal.

A second development Batur, Engineering Car Zero-Zero, is finished in the equally striking Marina Teal finish. These bespoke finishes, and new components such as the one-off LED headlamp units, faced a series of tough durability tests, which included a 2,500 km European tour, high speed testing at closed circuits, and extended exposure to the harshest environments. In total, over 800 unique and one-off components have been tested and proved in 160 simultaneous weeks of intensive development work.

The most powerful Bentley to date
The W12 engine that powers Batur can trace its origins back to the Continental GT of 2003. The W12 has both literally and figuratively powered Bentley’s ascent to the pinnacle of automotive luxury brands. It has continued to evolve, becoming more powerful, refined and efficient with each successive generation. Now, as Bentley begins its journey to full electrification, the Batur’s W12 represents a celebration of this remarkable engine as well as its swansong. Its 750PS peak output makes it the most powerful W12 and therefore the most powerful Bentley powertrain ever built. Its new air intake system, modified turbochargers, revised intercoolers and new calibrations for engine, transmission and electronic stability control were tested to the limit in over 100 weeks of powertrain development. The engine’s breath-taking performance is matched to the most advanced Bentley chassis specification ever. Highlights include Speed-tuned air suspension, electric active anti-roll control, eLSD, four-wheel steering and torque vectoring.

A new coachbuilding era
The advanced technologies used to create Batur make it possible for Mulliner to offer customers a level of individuality unheard of in the modern era. New sustainable materials such as natural fibres and technologies such as Additive Manufactured Gold give Mulliner’s designers a near-infinite palette of choice, enabling customers to realise their unique vision of the ultimate grand tourer. Every detail has also had to pass development scrutiny, including the 18ct yellow gold options for the Charisma Dial and the Organ Stop air vent control. Made from recycled, 3D printed gold, these parts have been subjected to tests as wide-ranging as thermal loading to resistance to sun cream.

The first customer cars
Having passed every test with flying colours, Batur is now ready for the next stage of its journey. All 18 examples of Batur have already been reserved, and each customer can now continue the process of co-creation, guided by Mulliner’s in-house design team. After the customer specification of the colour and finish of almost every surface of the Batur, each unique car will be handcrafted in the coming months at Mulliner’s workshop in Bentley’s carbon neutral factory in Crewe, England, with each one taking around four months to complete.

Volvo Car India has revealed its Born-Electric SUV – the C40 Recharge. This will be Volvo’s second electric car in their line-up, after the very successful XC40 Recharge which made its India debut last year.

The new C40 Recharge is a bold progression of the compact SUV line-up. It is built on the CMA platform (Compact Modular Architecture).

The C40 Recharge, with a range up to 530 km per charge, has all the benefits of an SUV but with a sleeker and stylish crossover design. One of the standout features of the Volvo C40 Recharge is its 100 per cent leather-free interior.

Introduction of C40 Recharge is in line with company commitment to have 100 percent electrified vehicles in the portfolio by 2030.

The Volvo C40 Recharge aims revolutionize the Indian automotive market, offering consumers a perfect blend of sustainability, style, and cutting-edge technology.

Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director Volvo Car India, “The reveal of the Volvo C40 Recharge marks a significant milestone for Volvo Car India’s commitment to the Indian market. Building on to the success of XC40 Recharge, I am sure C40 Recharge would help us widen our luxury market share. This car represents the future of mobility, combining innovative design, advanced electric technology, and our unwavering dedication to environmental consciousness. We are proud to introduce this 100% leather-free electric crossover, setting a new standard for sustainable luxury.”

With the introduction of the Volvo C40 Recharge, Volvo Car India further consolidates its position as a leading force in the luxury electric vehicle market. In addition to the XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge launch would further strengthen Volvo’s commitment to the electrification of their entire product lineup.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks the 110th anniversary of its success in the Alpine Trial in 1913 – an event whose significance in Rolls-Royce’s legend cannot be overstated. It was this challenge, held over eight days and 2,600km, that established Rolls-Royce’s reputation as ‘the best car in the world’ – a crown it retains to this day. Rolls-Royce looks back on the characters, cars and conditions that helped make automotive history.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “At the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, we design and hand-build what many call ‘the best car in the world’. That title was first bestowed on Rolls-Royce 110 years ago, following the Silver Ghost’s total domination of the daunting Alpine Trial in 1913. As custodians of this unique legacy, we proudly uphold the exceptional design and engineering excellence that made those early Rolls-Royces so successful. These exquisite examples of our founders’ art are a true inspiration; thanks to the skilled care and attention today’s proud owners lavish on these astonishing motor cars, we are still able to experience and enjoy their remarkable attributes. The Silver Ghost’s unequalled marriage of performance, strength, reliability, technological innovation, driver engagement and comfort provides a template for everything we do more than a century later.”

A DAUNTING CHALLENGE – AND UNMISSABLE OPPORTUNITY
From its foundation in 1904, Rolls-Royce immediately earned an enviable reputation for quality and reliability. This was cemented in a faultless performance by the new 40/50 hp, or Silver Ghost as it came to be known, in the 1907 Scottish Reliability Trials, followed by a peerless demonstration at the famous 1911 London to Edinburgh Top Gear Trial and Brooklands 100mph Run.

These endeavours earned Rolls-Royce the soubriquet ‘the best British car’. However, for energetic, ambitious managing director Claude Johnson, who described himself as the hyphen in Rolls-Royce, this was merely the beginning. He wanted to conquer the European market and knew that success in a high-profile continental event was the key. The 1913 Alpine Trial would provide precisely the opportunity he was looking for.

PERFECTLY PREPARED
Johnson personally selected a Rolls-Royce Works Team, with Eric Platford – one of the company’s most trusted employees and former mechanic to Charles Stewart Rolls himself – as manager. The specially prepared Silver Ghosts would be driven by Curt Friese, the marque’s representative in Austria, experienced Alpine driver Jock Sinclair, and EW Hives, a senior member of the Experimental Department at Derby and the first man to drive the Silver Ghost at 101mph.

Johnson also invited an enthusiastic privateer Silver Ghost owner, James Radley, to act as the team’s pacesetter.

The Works cars were meticulously prepared for the hazards of a springtime crossing of the Alps. Then as now, these included extreme temperatures, high altitudes, punishing gradients and vertiginous descents – but all without the benefit of the modern road surfaces of today.

The most significant technical modifications to the Silver Ghosts included a new four-speed gearbox with a special low gear, strengthened chassis and suspension, a larger main fuel tank together with a reserve, and a new starting system that could get the engine running in under a minute even in freezing temperatures.

After a successful reconnaissance mission in May – in which the cars overcame appalling conditions with perfect composure – the team travelled to Vienna for the start of the Alpine Trial on June 22, 1913.

DAY 1 (260 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 4,000 FT)
As the most powerful vehicles taking part, the Silver Ghosts were sent off first, led as planned by James Radley. Starting at 5.00am, Radley crossed the first day’s finish line in a little over eight hours, followed 45 minutes later by the rest of the Works Team. No other cars came near to matching their pace, and even this relatively straightforward stage saw the event’s first retirements.

DAY 2 (262 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 5,700 FT)
The second day saw the competitors tackle the oldest road over the Alps, the Tauren Pass, which rose 2,900 ft in just 12 miles with a maximum gradient of 27.9%. Compounded by atrocious weather and road conditions, the task proved impossible for many. The Silver Ghosts, however, sailed over at half-throttle, with Radley averaging 25mph and never falling below 17mph, even on the steepest slopes.

DAY 3 (246 MILES)
On a much easier, largely level run finishing at the shores of Lake Garda, the Rolls-Royce team led from the start, with Radley complaining about the slow pace set by the officials’ car in front.

DAY 4 (192 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 7,400FT)
Stage four took the teams over the Dolomites and included the Trial’s highest point, the Pordoi Pass. Rain soon turned to heavy snow, but the Rolls-Royce team were undaunted and took the first four places on the day.

DAY 5 (205 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 3,500 FT)
Despite freezing conditions, the Works Team again led from start to finish on a long drive through southern Austria via steep, rugged and copiously hair-pinned roads including the Wurzen and Perdils passes to the port city of Trieste.

DAY 6 (242 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 3,500 FT)
After a rest day in Trieste, the teams took on the steepest pass of the entire event – the Loibl, which gained 2,300 ft in just three miles – en route to the final overnight stop in Klagenfurt, where the Rolls-Royce team completed another clean sweep. Radley reduced the record time for the ascent from six-and-a-half minutes to just five, delighting onlookers by taking a drink as he rounded the final hairpin.

DAY 7 (260 MILES, MAXIMUM ELEVATION 5,000FT)
Between Klagenfurt and the finish in Vienna lay the notorious Stubalpe Pass. The road included 125 gullies that drained water across the road and could only be negotiated at walking pace. As usual, the Silver Ghosts were untroubled and led onto the fast, final stretch to Vienna, where Radley hit 70mph on three occasions.

However, as they passed through the village of Guntramsdorf, Jock Sinclair’s Silver Ghost was struck by a speeding car driven by a non-competitor and forced into a telegraph pole. After repairing the near-side front wheel and tyre, Sinclair limped into Vienna in his one functioning (third) gear. It was the first and only time the team failed to take the first four positions in the event.

UNDISPUTED CHAMPIONS
Of the 46 starters, only 31 reached Vienna. The Rolls-Royce cars’ outstanding speed, strength and reliability made them the event’s unrivalled stars. This earned their drivers the most prestigious individual prizes, presented by Archduke Leopold Salvator of Austria. Radley received a special prize from the city of Trieste.

The marque’s exceptional performance drew universal praise and admiration across the automotive world. Of perhaps even greater importance to Claude Johnson, this success translated into European sales that quickly grew to match those in the UK.

Although the Alpine Trials continued until 1973, Rolls-Royce never again entered a Works Team; there was no need. The title of ‘the best car in the world’ had been won – and would never be relinquished.

A LASTING LEGACY
The Silver Ghost remains arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce ever made. That so many examples remain not only in perfect working order, but able to undertake the same extraordinary endeavours they did over a century ago is a testament to their proud owners’ care and attention. These devoted enthusiasts play a central role in conserving and celebrating this priceless automotive heritage, and are an inspiration to all who know and love historic Rolls-Royce motor cars.

But masterpieces like those participating in the anniversary reenactment also represent part of a larger legacy. Around 80% of all Rolls-Royce motor cars ever made are still in existence and in active service – a lasting, tangible monument to our founders’ skill, vision, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of perfection.

As their successors, the team at the contemporary Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, which marks its own 20th anniversary in 2023, are the fortunate custodians of that indelible legacy. Every motor car hand-built at Goodwood today upholds the standards for performance, strength, reliability, comfort, driver experience and engineering excellence first established by the Silver Ghost, and recognised and respected around the world ever since.