Polestar has inaugurated its new design studio in Gothenburg, Sweden, nestled in a dense forest adjacent to the brand’s global headquarters. The dedicated facility provides a specialist home for up to 120 design team members, led by Maximilian Missoni, in an environment that combines modernist architecture with the brand’s clean, minimalistic Scandinavian aesthetic.

Born out of a historic former Volvo facility completed in 1984 by Italian Romaldo Giurgola and local architect Owe Svärd, the building has been fully upgraded while maintaining its unique architectural character. Here, the Polestar Design team will continue to build on the brand’s new design language, previewed by the Polestar Precept and electric roadster concept cars, and carried into production with Polestar 3 which launched in October 2022.

Prime materials and details from the original 1980s construction sit juxtaposed alongside a high-quality, modern Scandinavian design from plans drawn up by Maximilian Missoni. The new facility includes a specialist showroom area, clay working station, material and colour lab, auditorium and multiple digital studio spaces, management offices, VR rooms and meeting spaces.

Maximilian Missoni, Polestar’s Head of Design, comments: “When such care, attention to detail and material quality was so carefully considered at the point of construction back in 1982, it was important to me that we respected the original intentions when integrating our studio into the building. We deliberately showcase the original structure and detailing, respecting the very fabric that gives it its unique character.

“But while we wanted to respect tradition, we also wanted this to be a state-of-the-art home for our growing Design team. So, alongside the glorious views out west of the Gothenburg archipelago, the studio features the latest equipment on the inside to make our jobs easier and produce better results in the most efficient way.”

The same attention to detail paid to the building runs through Polestar 3. Aerodynamics were key to shaping the SUV for the electric age. The overall design, with its powerful and wide stance, and low, sweeping roofline, is introduced by the SmartZone and front aero wing. Signifying the shift from ‘breathing to seeing’ as the age of electrification intensifies, Polestar 3 also presented designers with a challenge – to impart a sense of intelligence.

Maximilian Missoni continues: “In today’s age of advanced product design it’s quite easy to display emotions like aggression and sportiness in a car. But try conveying intelligence in design – it’s not so easy. This is something we have spent a lot of time considering, to express the leading technology and sophistication of Polestar 3. It is distilled to the essence of an SUV but at the same time clearly shows a step into a new era.”

While exterior proportions are designed to reflect technology and impart a sporty stance, space inside Polestar 3 has been maximised thanks to the long body (4,900 mm) and wheelbase (2,984 mm). Reducing surface volumes around the cabin’s component architecture and increasing occupant space in all positions results in a more spacious and enjoyable interior.

Colours and materials have been carefully selected and combined to express Polestar’s Scandinavian heritage with a premium look and feel, while addressing sustainability and the redefinition of luxury. The full-length glass roof contributes to the airy feel, and Polestar’s signature logo is integrated into the glass roof in a new way – etched between two layers of the laminated glass and only visible when illuminated.

Polestar 3 goes into production in mid-2023 and first deliveries in launch markets1 are expected in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The jury of the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) 2023 has awarded Nissan X-Trail the title of Best Large SUV 2023 for its thirteenth edition.

WWCOTY, the only international award made up exclusively of women automotive journalists, praised the new X-Trail for its spaciousness, effortless driving performance and electrified powertrain, e-POWER.

Speaking about the accolade, Makoto Uchida, Nissan’s CEO, said: “We are delighted that the jury of the Women’s World Car of the Year has awarded the honour of best Large SUV to the Nissan X-Trail. The X-Trail is our family SUV icon, with a heritage of over 20 years. It has remained true to its original recipe: robust SUV looks, advanced and efficient all-wheel drive powertrains and flexible practicality, which come together to enable family adventures. We took the voices of our female customers into consideration throughout the design and development process, so we’re particularly proud that the jury of eminent female automotive journalists from all over the world has recognized the X-Trail’s talents.”

Built on the Alliance CMF-C platform, the new X-Trail boasts of muscular design and advanced technologies offering effortless EV drive feeling thanks to e-POWER technology together with a twin-motor e-4ORCE all-wheel drive system. The new X-Trail is available as a five- or seven-seater, offering a convenient option for days out with extended family or friends. As an electrified seven-seater SUV, it is unique in its segment.

e-POWER is Nissan’s innovative drive system that offers an EV-drive feeling without the need to recharge. The new X-Trail’s e-POWER system is comprised of a high-output battery and powertrain integrated with a variable compression ratio petrol engine, power generator, inverter and 150kW front electric motor. This unique powertrain means that power to the wheels comes only from an electric motor, which results in instant, linear response to the accelerator.

The X-Trail is one of Nissan’s most successful global vehicles, with sales in over 100 markets and has been enabling family adventures for over 20 years. The fourth generation X-Trail draws from a well-established DNA that runs through all three of the previous generations of X-Trail.

As a consequence of it being awarded Best Large SUV, the X-Trail has been shortlisted for the highest award of the WWCOTY, Best Car of the Year 2023, to be announced on March 8.

BMW Motorrad India launched the BMW R nineT 100 Years and the BMW R 18 100 Years limited edition motorcycles in India. These motorcycles can be booked at BMW Motorrad India dealerships from today onwards.

In December 1922, BMW chief designer Max Friz puts the first full-scale BMW motorcycle on the drawing board. At its heart is an air-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke boxer engine. The first BMW motorcycle, the R 32, was presented in September 1923. This heralded the beginning of BMW motorcycle production and launched an unprecedented success story.

To celebrate its 100-year history, BMW Motorrad is now presenting the two protagonists of the Heritage experience world – the R nineT Roadster and the R 18 Cruiser with big boxer – as 100 Years edition models. In keeping with the year in which BMW Motorrad was founded, both models are limited to 1923 units each.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India, said, “One hundred years ago, the R 32 kick-started a unique success story. Today we are celebrating our exciting history with two new icons: the BMW R nineT 100 Years and the BMW R 18 100 Years. Limited to only 1,923 units each, these models are for absolute aficionados and convey a feeling of nostalgia. The iconic design and the unmistakable boxer engine illustrate that it’s about the roots of BMW Motorrad, about historically inspired shapes and details, about an authentic riding experience and about reducing motorbikes to the essentials. In short: The Heritage world of experience is all about a unique attitude to life, shaped by the legendary boxer engine.”

The ex-showroom prices are as follows:

The BMW R nineT 100 Years – INR 24,00,000

The BMW R 18 100 Years – INR 25,90,000

BMW R nineT 100 Years:

The reduced design language of the R nineT is shaped by 100 years of motorcycle construction and BMW Motorrad’s unbroken passion for the boxer engine. Classic roadster design skilfully sets the scene with a compact tank and upright seating position as well as high-quality materials and stylish design elements. The new R nineT 100 Years becomes an exclusive anniversary edition thanks to numerous other special features. The heart is still the air/oil-cooled, 80 kW (109 hp) two-cylinder boxer engine. In the anniversary edition the legendary engine is accompanied by a wide range of options and an elaborate surface concept.

Paint finishes in combination with chrome surfaces also have an almost 100-year tradition in motorcycle construction. Chrome surfaces, usually consisting of a copper, nickel and final chrome layer are characterised by their hardness and resulting high durability, very good protection against corrosion, but above all by a radiant, mirror-like shine. This made chrome a common stylistic device for designers from the late 1920s onwards, in combination with high-quality paint concepts. The BMW R 75/5 with chrome-plated tank sides and side covers, for example, is legendary at BMW Motorrad. With the new BMW R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years and the Classic Chrome surface concept, BMW Motorrad is reviving this incomparably sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome.

The tank is a combination of black with chrome and white double-lining and is complemented by knee pads and a 100 Years badge. Classic chrome is also found on the seat hump. The front wheel cover is also painted in black and features white double lining. The seat bench in two-tone combination black/oxblood rounds off the high-quality look.

Numerous black components such as fork tubes, air intake snorkel and some Option 719 components complement this harmoniously. The R nineT 100 Years includes the 719 Classic wheels option with black anodised rim rings, the Option 719 Shadow milled parts package with milled cylinder head covers, engine housing covers, seat holders, oil filler plug and the Option 719 Shadow II milled parts package, consisting of adjustable hand levers and a footrest system, pillion footrests as well as expansion tank covers and handlebar end mirrors. Adaptive turning light and the Comfort Package with heated grips, cruise control and Driving Modes Pro complete the extensive equipment of the edition model.

BMW R 18 100 Years:

The unmissable centrepiece of the R 18 100 Years is the 67 kW (91 hp) boxer engine with the largest displacement ever installed by BMW Motorrad. Both technically and visually, the BMW R 18 borrows from famous BMW models such as the BMW R 5 and puts the focus back on the essentials of motorcycling: Purist, no-frills technology and the boxer engine as the epicentre of riding pleasure. The big boxer is also complemented by numerous special features as well as a high-grade surface concept in the anniversary edition of the R 18.

The colour scheme of the R 18 100 Years, like that of the anniversary model of the R nineT, is in Classic Chrome and thus combines black paintwork and high-gloss chrome surfaces as well as white double lining and a 100 Years badge. The paint-on-chrome concept in Classic Chrome is also found on the rear wheel cover in combination with white double lining. The front wheel cover and the side covers are painted in black, complemented by white double lining on the front mudguard. The Option 719 seat upholstered in the bicolour combination black/oxblood with high-quality diamond embossing blends in harmoniously.

Black as a symbolic colour scheme of great BMW Motorrad tradition also adorns the engine, transmission housing and rear axle drive. The exact designation is Avus Black – a reminiscence of the legendary high-speed racetrack in Berlin, where BMW Motorrad once celebrated great racing successes and where the Avus monument with BMW Motorrad factory rider Ernst Henne still commemorates it today. Berlin is also home to the BMW Motorrad production plant. The plant located in Berlin-Spandau is not only a production site, it is also the lead plant for the international motorcycle production of BMW Motorrad.

The R 18 100 Years is complemented by numerous chrome parts from the Chrome design option. The high-quality and durable galvanic surface coating can be found on these parts: Handlebar fittings, gearshift and foot brake levers, handlebar clamps, handlebar weights, mirrors, brake master cylinders, brake calipers, engine casing covers, cylinder head covers and intake manifold trims.

Other features of the BMW R 18 100 Years also include chromed Akrapovič rear silencers with perforated tailpipe trims in the “propeller style” of the BMW brand logo. Safety and comfort are ensured by Headlight Pro with adaptive turning light, reversing aid, electronic cruise control and heated grips.

Maserati continues its partnership with The I.C.E. St. Moritz – International Concours of Elegance – hosted in the glamourous setting of the frozen lake of St. Moritz, bringing together the best in classic cars with collectors, car enthusiasts and jet setters from all over the world.

Over the course of the two-day event in the name of elegance and luxury, the lake will be the stage for an open-air exhibition, celebrating the classic cars as true artworks and allowing the public to admire their beauty and history, while collectors will be able to enjoy the unprecedented experience of driving their roaring cars on the snow-covered track carefully assessed by a prestigious jury.

Maserati will bring its passion and strong legacy presenting rare masterpieces from its past, such as the Maserati 420M/58 Eldorado – a one-off single-seater race car purpose-built for the second edition of the 500 Miles of Monza in 1958 – the classy 3500 GT with Touring bodywork as well as the legendary Mistral, that in 1963 inaugurated the brand’ tradition of naming its cars after famous winds.

The house of the Trident will also showcase its contemporary collection of sculptures on wheels designed by Klaus Busse – Maserati’s Head of Design as well as member of The I.C.E. jury – such as the Grecale SUV in its Fuoriserie ‘Mission from Mars’ one-off edition, the one-of-a-kind spyder MC20 Cielo in its Fuoriserie version, the all-new powerful Granturismo Trofeo and the thrilling Granturismo Folgore – the first 100% electric car in Maserati’s history – projecting the Trident forward into the future.

This was no ordinary Sunday in Kolkata as The Lake Club in collaboration with Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) geared up to host a bevy of timeless beauties which set the temperature soaring on the morning of February 12.

After the stupendous success of its inaugural edition held last year, The Lake Club EIMG Concours D’ Elegance – the only Concours ever held in Kolkata – was back and this time is was bigger and grander with as many as 90 exotic and rare vintage and classic vehicles taking part in this annual heritage motoring extravaganza. The icing on the cake was the nine Rolls-Royces which adorned the club lawns like nine grand jewels. Keeping them company was the 1906 Renault Freres – a show stopper – which wears the crown of being the oldest car of Kolkata.

With the Rabindra Sarobar in the backdrop, clear blue sky above, the sprawling green lawn and some of the very best vintage and classic cars & bikes on display, the setting was perfect for The Lake Club EIMG Concours D’ Elegance 2023 – a memorable date with history and legacy.

The Concours was curated and judged by Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria, Founder & President of EIMG who had painstakingly selected the 90 heritage cars and bikes which were invited to participate in the event.

The heritage vehicles were judged on the basis of Authenticity, Restoration, Maintenance, Historical Importance, and Rarity and segmented under the following categories.

1. Vintage Car upto 1930
2. Vintage Cars from 1930 to 1940
3. Vintage Two Door Cars
4. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950
5. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975
6. Classic Two Door Cars
7. Two Wheelers
8. Indian Heritage Cars
9. Off Roaders

Other top honours of the Concours included The Oldest Car Award, The Preservation Cup, The Restoration Cup, The Resurrection Cup, The Admirable Cup, Judges Choice Award, Special Car Award, and Momen Sahab Memorial Best Of Show (instituted in the loving memory of EIMG member and vintage car connoisseur Mr. Golam Momen).

The Lake Club EIMG Concours D’ Elegance 2023 results were as follows:

1. Vintage Cars upto 1930 – 2nd Runners Up – 1926 Studebaker – Kunal Banerjee
2. Vintage Cars upto 1930 – Runners Up – 1930 Plymouth – Purnima Dutta
3. Vintage Cars upto 1930 – Best in Class – 1927 Dodge – Surendra Dugar
4. Vintage Cars from 1931 to 1940 – 2nd Runners Up – 1939 Morris – Gadai Dey
5. Vintage Cars from 1931 to 1940 – Runners Up – 1933 Austin – CP Verma
6. Vintage Cars from 1931 to 1940 – Best in Class – 1932 Ford – Late Sanjay Ghosh
7. Vintage Two Door Cars – 2nd Runners Up – 1935 Ford – Ranajit Gooptu
8. Vintage Two Door Cars – Runners Up – 1929 Rolls-Royce- Jaywardhan Kejriwal
9. Vintage Two Door Cars – Best in Class – 1937 Opel – Rajiv Ghosh
10. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950 – 2nd Runners Up – 1949 Buick – Late Sanjay Ghosh
11. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950 – Runners Up – 1948 Plymouth – SK Lahiri
12. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950 – Best in Class – 1948 Buick – Captain P Naha
13. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975 – 2nd Runners Up – 1951 Morris – Subrata Sarkar
14. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975 – Runners Up – 1968 Mercedes – Sourojit Palchoudhury
15. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975 – Best in Class – 1959 Ford – Sarojesh Mukerjee
16. Classic Two Door Cars – 2nd Runners Up – 1965 Hilman – Sharmistha Hazra
17. Classic Two Door Cars – Runners Up – 1947 MG – Rupak Ghosh
18. Classic Two Door Cars – Best in Class – 1963 Triumph Spitfire – Saikat Dutta
19. Two Wheelers – 2nd Runners Up -1956 Arial – Harjit Dhanjal
20. Two Wheelers – Runners Up – 1940 Triumph – Terence Lobo
21. Two Wheelers – Best in Class – 1923 Panther – Hossain
22. Indian Heritage Cars – 2nd Runners Up – 1961 Ambassador – Baladev Majumdar
23. Indian Heritage Cars – Runners Up -1964 Standard – Subhajit Kumar
24. Indian Heritage Cars – Best in Class – 1957 Fiat – Rajiv Ghosh
25. Off Roaders – 2nd Runners Up – 1957 Land Rover – Sarojesh Mukerjee
26. Off Roaders – Runners Up – 1952 Willys – Saikat Dutta
27. Off Roaders – Best in Class – 1942 Ford – Ravi Khedwal
28. The Oldest Car Award. 1921 Rolls-Royce – Lalit Bagla
29. The Preservation Cup – 1925 Rolls-Royce – Ashok Bubna
30. The Restoration Cup – 1964 Ford Anglia – Amrit Roy
31. The Resurrection Cup – 1958 Mercedes – Prithvi Nath Tagore
32. The Admirable Cup – 1937 Rolls-Royce – SK Karnani HUF
33. Judges Choice Award – 1937 Rolls-Royce – Azam Monem
34. Special Car Award -1931 Lancia – PR Agarwal
35. Overall Third – 1925 Rolls-Royce- Ashok Bubna
36. Overall Second – 1937 Rolls-Royce – SK Karnani HUF
37. Momen Sahab Memorial Best of Show – 1937 Rolls-Royce – Azam Monem

For the past four years, The Lake Club, Kolkata has been successfully hosting ‘The Vintage Car Show’ in collaboration with Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG), for their members and guests.

Each year, this event has witnessed a great turnout of exotic heritage cars, as well as a huge footfall of members and heritage motoring enthusiasts, making this one of the grandest and most popular Vintage Motoring Events of Kolkata.

This endeavour of The Lake Club in collaboration with EIMG has been a big step towards preserving the Motoring Heritage of Eastern India.

Shrivardhan Kanoria, President – EIMG said, “Organising an event of this magnitude is never possible without the support of our patrons and partners. I’m grateful to the entire team of The Lake Club led by Club President Dr. Saibal Chakrabarti, The Joint Secretaries, Mr Subrata Guha & Mr Debabrata Dutta, Mr. Subhajit Kumar and all the Committee Members of the Club, for providing us with the breathtaking venue.

My deep gratitude to Mr. Julia Patnaik (Bhubeneshwar), the leading Vintage and Classic Car collector of Eastern India who has sponsored the beautiful mementos and trophies which has been be handed over to all the participants and winners. Special thanks to EIMG member Mr. Avik Naha who has graciously hosted The Cocktail Dinner for the EIMG Members.”

Images courtesy EIMG photography team – Sourish Meryson, Ranadip Mandal, Deepanjan Sarkar and Kingshuk Sarkar.

Following the positive feedback on the one-off presented in summer 2022, MINI is going ahead with a small series of all-electric MINI Convertible representing another big step in the direction of electric mobility.

“Three years ago, we launched the MINI Electric, and today one in five MINI models sold in Europe is an all-electric MINI. This success has spurred us to implement the small series of the MINI Electric Convertible within only a few months. I’m delighted that we can offer 999 MINI customers an extraordinary and exclusive open-air go-kart feeling,” says Stefanie Wurst, Head of the MINI Brand.

The MINI Electric Convertible is offered with a fixed specification and two exterior paint choices for customers: Enigmatic Black or White Silver. Door handles, side scuttles and the surrounds of the front and rear lights are finished in Resolute Bronze, and the MINI logo and model lettering feature in Piano Black. The E logo – also found on the MINI Electric – is situated on the front apron and on the rear. Edition-specific details are found on the side scuttles and door sill trims, featuring consecutive numbering for each of the 999 units available.

The MINI Electric Convertible also showcases edition-specific 17-inch Electric Power Spoke 2-tone alloy wheels, made from 100 per cent secondary aluminium. The combination of green electricity during production and the use of the secondary raw material, significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to conventional manufacturing processes.

For the interior, MINI Yours sports seats in Leather Lounge design offer seat heating and adjustable thigh support, while the multifunctional sports steering wheel – finished in Nappa leather – is also heated and features the MINI Electric logo. Interior surfaces are finished in Piano Black, while ambient lighting and signature MINI Electric yellow colour accents, such as the start-stop toggle switch, complete the interior design.

Premium interior materials are complemented by eDrive services, providing the driver with current energy consumption, range, and tips for economical driving, all displayed on the MINI Head-Up Display. On longer journeys, the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and MINI Driving Assistant enhance comfort.

The MINI Electric Convertible is powered by a compact, yet powerful 135kW/ 184hp electric motor, enabling harmonious axle load distribution, agility, and controllable handling while delivering 0-62 mph in just 8.2 seconds. Offering a range of 124 miles, the dimensions, including boot space, remain unchanged and provides 160 litres.

The MINI Electric Convertible will be produced in a limited run of 999 units alongside the conventional MINI Convertible in the Netherlands.

Aston Martin’s 110 years of iconic on-track intensity will be celebrated throughout the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship season, with a special anniversary logo revealed to mark the ultra-luxury manufacturer’s milestone.

Unveiled for the very first time on the nose of the new AMR23 challenger to be raced this season by driver Lance Stroll and two-time F1 World Champion Fernando Alonso, the ‘110 Iconic Years’ crest features Aston Martin’s renowned wings marque, which was redesigned in 2022 as part of a bold new creative identity to match the brand’s future direction.

The 110th anniversary will be celebrated throughout 2023, with Aston Martin’s home Grand Prix at Silverstone seeing a special celebration of the British manufacturer’s past, present and future.

2023 promises to be a monumental year for Aston Martin, with the brand embracing its new era of high-performance and ultra-luxury by unleashing the first of its next generation of sports cars.

The year will also see the first phase of construction completed on the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team’s new state of the art 400,000 square feet (37,000m2) F1 campus at Silverstone, which hosted the team launch and will drive further technological collaboration between race and road in the future with the creation of a cutting-edge wind tunnel and simulator facility, set for completion at the end of 2024, that holds the potential to be utilised by Aston Martin Lagonda when developing its high performance products.

The brand’s presence at the pinnacle of motorsport is a key pillar of Aston Martin’s brand and performance product strategy, with new market research revealing that Formula 1 is connecting Aston Martin with an engaged audience and raising consideration in key markets.

With the sport enjoying record popularity worldwide, research indicates more than 89% of Aston Martin customers globally are now interested in Formula 1, whilst in Aston Martin’s largest commercial market of the United States, which will host three Grand Prix for the first time this season, 96% of customers feel Aston Martin’s presence in F1 made them more likely to consider the brand. More than 92% of customers also highlighted that the brand’s high-profile on-track presence is amplifying Aston Martin’s high-performance and technological credentials, as well as making the feeling of driving an Aston Martin even more exciting.

Lawrence Stroll, Executive Chairman of Aston Martin, said: “110 years on from Aston Martin’s foundations on track, 2023 promises to be one of the most exciting years in our rich history, both on the track for the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One™ Team and on the road with Aston Martin’s ever-expanding line-up of stunning high performance models.

“At a time when the sport is enjoying tremendous popularity worldwide, the return of Aston Martin to Formula 1® has been transformative for the brand and our product image, with market research highlighting its impact not just on our awareness, but also our consideration amongst a new generation of customers. F1® is reinjecting performance DNA to Aston Martin, a factor of our strategy that will further increase with the team’s new cutting-edge campus at Silverstone and our desire to compete at the highest level of the sport.”

The 2023 season will continue to see the highly desirable Vantage F1 Edition roar off Gaydon’s sports car production facility. The 535PS performance car, which in 2021 became the first production model to be adorned with the F1 logo, has been a huge success since its introduction as an Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1, a role it will fulfill on the world’s greatest circuits again this season alongside the DBX medical car.

Data shows that 72% of Vantage F1 Edition owners are new to the Aston Martin brand, further demonstrating the positive impact that Aston Martin’s global presence in the sport is having on its brand desirability and appeal to new customers.

The Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team begins the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship season at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on 5 March 2023.

Renault and Nissan have announced a new long-term vision for India, increasing production and R&D activities, introducing electric vehicles, and transitioning to carbon-neutral manufacturing.

From their base in Chennai, the companies will collaborate on six new production vehicles for domestic and international customers, including two new fully electric vehicles, uplifting the Renault-Nissan centre into an international export hub.

An initial investment of around $600m USD / INR 5300 crores is planned to support the new projects, which will see an up to 2,000 additional new jobs created at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre in Chennai. At the same time, the RNAIPL factory will become carbon-neutral with a significant increase in renewable energy generation.

Following last week’s announcement of new high-value-creation operational projects for the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the future for Renault and Nissan’s Indian operations was outlined today at an official ceremony in Chennai by Nissan’s Director, Chief Operating Officer, Representative Executive Officer and member of Alliance Board Ashwani Gupta, in the presence of Thiru M.K. Stalin, the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, and alongside officials from the Tamil Nadu Government.

Guillaume Cartier, Chairperson for Nissan’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, said: “Renault and Nissan are fully committed to the Indian market, committed to electrifying the Indian market and committed to minimising our impact on the environment.

“India was the first Alliance plant and India will be at the centre of this new chapter of the Alliance, with new vehicles, new R&D activities and new export markets taking our joint operations to the next level.

“For the first time, the Nissan line-up in India will reflect our global power in high-quality SUVs and EVs, bringing greater value to our employees, customers and communities.”

François Provost, International Development & Partnerships Renault Group and Managing Director of Alliance Purchasing Organization, said: “India is a key market for Renault Group. Over the past 14 years, we have been developing the Renault Brand with our teams and dealers, up to reaching 100 thousand vehicles sold per year. India has also a key role in our R&D worldwide footprint. This project together with Nissan is a first concrete output of the new Alliance ambition released on February 6th.”

Mr. S Krishnan, Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Government of Tamil Nadu, said: “The Renault-Nissan Alliance in Tamil Nadu has had manufacturing and design facilities operating in the State for more than 15 years now. This is a very valuable and important relationship for the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Alliance. It employs about 15,000 people directly in the State and has been one of the mainstays in ensuring that Tamil Nadu remains the automotive capital of India and an important hub for the manufacture of automobiles and auto components and automobile design as well. We are very excited about this new proposal of modernization and fresh investment by the Renault-Nissan Alliance in Tamil Nadu. This genuinely brings to life ‘Make in Tamil Nadu and Make in India for the World’.”

Introducing new models into new segments

The six new models will comprise of three for each company, engineered and built in Chennai. They will be built on common Alliance platforms while retaining the individual, distinctive styling of the respective brands.

They will include four new C-segment SUVs. Two new A-segment electric vehicles will be the first EVs for both Renault and Nissan in India, building on the heritage and expertise of both brands in mass-market electrification, which began with the Nissan LEAF and Renault Zoe more than a decade ago.

An international Renault and Nissan hub in Chennai

The new models will not only be aimed at Indian customers but will also signal a significant increase in exports from India, boosting plant utilisation to 80% and securing many thousands of jobs at the RNAIPL plant in Chennai for many years to come.

Complementing the additional production will be an increase in R&D and associated activities at the Renault Nissan Technology & Business Centre India, which is expected to create up to 2,000 new jobs at the site near Chennai, focusing on new Indian and international projects.

Roadmap to carbon neutral vehicle manufacturing

The RNAIPL plant, already one of the Alliance’s leading centres for energy and resource reduction, also is announcing its roadmap to carbon neutrality.

This will be achieved by 2045, through an ongoing programme to transition to 100% renewable energy, while reducing energy consumption at the plant by 50% compared to today.

Chennai Plant already sources more than 50% of its electricity from renewables, including solar, biomass and wind. The existing solar plant will become more than six times bigger, expanding to a 14MW plant from 2.2MW today.

Renewed partnership

As a consequence of the renewed commitment of both companies to the Indian market, Renault and Nissan are realigning their shareholding in their joint operations.

Under the new framework agreement, Renault Nissan Automotive India Private Ltd (RNAIPL) will move to an ownership of 51% Nissan – 49% Renault. Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre (RNTBCI) will move to an ownership of 51% Renault -49% Nissan. This reinforces the partnership for the long-term and will empower the joint ventures with more responsibility and more autonomy.

Nissan AMIEO Chairperson Cartier added: “Renault and Nissan have renewed their commitment to India today and we thank the Tamil Nadu Government for their strong partnership and support.”

“I was extremely proud to be in Chennai to share the good news with the team. Their performance and competitiveness have given us the confidence to invest for the long-term.”

On Saturday, the Nissan Formula E Team is set to compete in Round 4 of the 2022/23 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship as it heads to India for the first of four new venues in Season 9.

With 85 years of motor sport history and over a decade of EV expertise, Nissan’s participation in Formula E is the perfect showcase of its commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility. Sustainability is at the core of Nissan’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030 and the company is dedicated to providing innovative and high-performance electric vehicles to promote EV adoption globally. Formula E represents the pinnacle of EV technology and Nissan is driving the road-to-track transfer, bringing the joys of electrification to consumers and sports fanatics worldwide.

As Formula E comes to Hyderabad for the first time, the race marks a transition in the Indian market, showcasing a commitment to electrification and zero-emission vehicles.

Nissan shares the vision of India Government on promotion of electric vehicles and believes in a future of electric mobility for India. Through Ambition 2030, Nissan is working with stakeholders to make electrification a reality in India. The knowledge and insights gained from racing in Season 9 will be invaluable in making electrified mobility more accessible and sustainable in this market and will support Nissan’s track-to-road transfer more broadly.

“Nissan’s participation in Formula E is about electrifying the track and bringing the excitement of electrification to the forefront,” stated Frank Torres, President of Nissan Motors India Pvt Ltd. “In Season 9, we not only aim to compete and excel, but also demonstrate the thrill of electric vehicles to the world. The NISSAN e-4ORCE 04 is our most efficient racing car to date, highlighting the capabilities of our EV powertrain technology and our expertise in electrification.”

This season marks Nissan’s debut competing as a unified team under its new name and sees Nissan take full ownership of all its operations in Formula E. Alongside the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04’s enhanced powertrain capabilities, the team has also elevated the cars design. Unveiling a striking new livery, inspired by its Japanese DNA, the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04, features a cherry blossom pattern, commemorating a new age not only for the championship, but for the team itself.

When the NISSAN e-4ORCE 04 takes to the new street circuit in Hyderabad on Saturday, February 11, the race will present a fresh challenge, as no previous data or experience is available on the 2.83-kilometre track. The track features high-speed corners, intense braking zones, and presents opportunities for overtaking at Turns 1 and 3. Nissan Formula E Team drivers, Sacha Fenestraz and Norman Nato, aim to improve upon their previous round results and target a double-points finish in the upcoming race.

“New circuits offer a whole new training ground,” said Tommaso Volpe, Managing Director, Nissan Formula E Team. “There are many unknowns, so we’ve been working hard in the simulator to know what to expect when we arrive. It’s all about finding the small gains that can help us when it comes to race day. Based on Mexico and Diriyah, we know we have a good car, and we can see where we need to improve. It’s clear that qualifying is extremely tight, so we’ll be aiming for strong lap times to give us more chance of scoring points with both cars.”

Through Formula E, Nissan is bringing the best of Global Nissan to India and reinforcing its commitment to provide sustainable and authentic technologies for its customers. Nissan is taking steps towards this goal, recently showcasing its global premium vehicles – JUKE Hybrid, Qashqai e-POWER, and X-Trail e-POWER – as a demonstration of its electrification ambitions.

Season 9 marks a new era for Nissan’s participation in the championship and the team is putting its expertise to the test, daring to do what others don’t. The upcoming race in Hyderabad, India will deliver innovation and excitement both on and off the track as the thrill of electrification is celebrated on a global platform.

Sacha Fenestraz, Nissan Formula E driver, said, “I’m excited about racing in Hyderabad. The new circuit levels the playing field for me as a rookie. I’m looking forward to improving and learning at every race and getting used to the energy and tire management. I hope to keep progressing and finding the consistency needed to succeed in this championship.”

Norman Nato, Nissan Formula E driver, added, “I’m eager to discover the new track in Hyderabad. We made progress in the previous round, and now we need to build on that to compete at the front of the field. The competition is tight this year, but we know where we need to improve. The hot and humid conditions will be a physical challenge, but we know our targets and will work to achieve them.”

With its top three-star rating in the Environmental Accreditation Programme, a sustainability certification by the FIA, Formula E is the first carbon neutral sport in the world since its inception, and Nissan races in this all-electric world championship to bring the excitement and fun of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience.

For the past four years, The Lake Club, Kolkata has been successfully hosting ‘The Vintage Car Show’ in collaboration with Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG), for their members and guests. Each year, this event has witnessed a great turnout of exotic heritage cars, as well as a huge footfall of members and heritage motoring enthusiasts, making this one of the grandest and most popular Vintage Motoring Events of Kolkata.

EIMG is a group of heritage vehicle owners founded by well known vintage car collector and restorer Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria who is also the present President of EIMG. He is ably supported by EIMG Secretary Mr. Subhajit Kumar, a veteran motor sports enthusiast & classic car collector. This endeavour of The Lake Club in collaboration with EIMG has been a big step towards preserving the Motoring Heritage of Eastern India. Similar to the previous editions, this year too promises to be a stellar show with the participation of around 90 heritage vehicles of Kolkata, including nine vintage Rolls-Royces, among other exotic & rare cars have been selected for this Concours by the event curator Mr. Shrivardhan Kanoria. The cars will be judged on the basis of Authenticity, Restoration, Maintenance, Historical Importance, and Rarity.

The cars will be judged under the following categories:

1. Vintage Car upto 1930

2. Vintage Cars from 1930 to 1940

3. Vintage Two Door Cars

4. Classic Cars from 1941 to 1950

5. Classic Cars from 1951 to 1975

6. Classic Two Door Cars

7. Two Wheelers

8. Indian Heritage Cars

9. Off Roaders

Other honours include The Oldest Car Award, The Preservation Cup, The Restoration Cup, The Resurrection Cup, The Admirable Cup, Judges Choice Award, Special Car Award, and Momen Sahab Memorial Best Of Show (instituted in the loving memory of EIMG member and vintage car connoisseur Mr. Golam Momen).

Shrivardhan Kanoria, President – EIMG said, “Organising an event of this magnitude is never possible without the support of our patrons and partners. I’m grateful to the entire team of The Lake Club led by Club President Dr. Saibal Chakrabarti, The Joint Secretaries, Mr Subrata Guha & Mr Debabrata Dutta, and all the Committee Members of the Club, for providing us with the breathtaking venue. My deep gratitude to Mr. Julia Patnaik (Bhubeneshwar), the leading Vintage and Classic Car collector of Eastern India who has sponsored the beautiful mementos and trophies which will be handed over to all the participants and winners. Special thanks to EIMG member Mr. Avik Naha who has graciously agreed to host The Cocktail Dinner for the EIMG Members.”