As Volvo Cars globally celebrates its 96th anniversary, Volvo Car India and its business partners are also taking part in the celebrations. The employees of Volvo Car India drove a fleet of Volvo cars on the roads of Delhi NCR celebrating their brand and its heritage. Led by Managing Director Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, driving their all electric model XC40 Recharge. Business partners are using the occasion to celebrate by strengthening their connect with customers.

“We today mark 96 years of technical excellence and globally benchmarked safety standards and what better way to celebrate it than showcasing your product. This is the inspiration behind our drive today. 96 years has been a long journey and today as we stand on the cusp of becoming an all-electric company by 2030 we in India commit ourselves to even higher levels of customer satisfaction” said Mr Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director Volvo Car India.

One of Volvo Car’s greatest contribution to the global automobile industry has been the invention of the three point seat belt that has saved millions of lives. The three-point seatbelt as we know it today was created by Volvo in 1959 and in the greater interest all, the company made the patent available for other manufacturers, to benefit from. Volvo was also the first manufacturer to fit three-point safety belts as standard equipment in its cars, from 1963. Volvo envisions next-generation software developed in-house as its “three-point digital seatbelt” in driving cutting edge state of the art safety features in the company’s future products.

When Volvo Car entered India it brought with it over 80 years of global expertise and technological excellence. Ever since then has continued to resonate with Indian consumers with cutting innovation.

Last year, Volvo launched their first all-electric vehicle, the XC40 Recharge in India and planned to unveil their second electric vehicle, the C40 Recharge, this year. Volvo Car India is committed to introduce a new all-electric model every year commenced from XC40 Recharge. Globally the company has announced that by 2030 Volvo will produce only electric cars.

Volvo is committed to the safety of both people and the environment. The goal is to establish the highest safety standard for all future models. Volvo Cars is looking forward to using advanced features such as LiDar sensors, radar, cameras, and other sensors to improve until there are no more accidents or collisions. Volvo upcoming models will be linked to human conduct and will focus on unexpected collisions, driver’s behaviour and speeding.

Also, the brand emphasises reduced carbon emissions from all their cars. This is made feasible by the use of a catalytic converter in future cars, which converts the carbon monoxide produced by the combustion process into carbon dioxide. To be more environmentally friendly, Volvo is using recycled ocean waste plastic in their cars.

BMW India has announced the opening of bookings for the first-ever BMW X3 M40i xDrive. The car will be available in limited units and can be exclusively booked at the BMW Online Shop for INR 5,00,000. The car is scheduled to be launched in India in May 2023.

Engineered by M, the car elevates the sporty, modern BMW X3 to the realm of M. Numerous distinct M elements in the exterior and interior give birth to a commanding personality suited for high-performance circles. Under the hood, the M40i 3-litre engine, a powerhouse charged with M genes, is raring for unadulterated sheer driving pleasure. An outstanding driving experience is guaranteed together with Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport differential, M Sport brakes and the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive. To further enhance the sporty appearance, customers can personalise their car with special M alloys.

Introduction of the first-ever BMW X3 M40i xDrive builds on the enormous success of M powered BMW M340i sedan and the growing popularity of exclusive M Editions in India. This new M interpretation of the BMW X3 takes the excitement a notch higher into the Sports Activity Vehicle range.

Customers can visit https://www.bmw.in/X3M40i and explore a 360° view of the car’s exterior and interior. They will be directed to a bookings page where booking can be done through a secure online payment mechanism. Deliveries will be done on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Volvo Car India recorded an impressive 38 per cent growth in the first quarter of 2023. The company sold 544 cars during the January to March period as compared to 393 units sold in the corresponding period of last year. The growth was led by the XC60 which registered a 27 per cent growth. The locally assembled all-electric XC40 Recharge saw 138 units being delivered during this period thereby contributing 25 per cent of the total volume.

“It has been a good first quarter with the XC40 Recharge accounting for 25 per cent of the total volumes. A 38 per cent growth confirms positive customer sentiments in our luxury mobility offerings and their firm belief in our Volvo brand. The first quarter performance is a good indicator and we are confident that the coming quarters will show better results. We remain committed to introducing a new electric model every year and we are on a good trajectory of achieving our aim of going all electric by 2030 ” said Mr Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India.

The Company has recently delivered its 200th XC40 Recharge all electric car. Post the commencement of bookings in 2022, the company had booked 500 XC40 Recharge cars. In line with its commitment to introduce a new EV model every year, the Company has already announced that the C40 all electric model will be introduced in India this year.

To mark 20 years since Bentley’s sixth victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and 100 years since the first running of the legendary race, Bentley is creating a limited edition of Continental GT Coupés and Continental GTC’s. Each will be powered by the Bentley W12 engine, the most successful 12-cylinder engine of the modern era. The Le Mans Collection includes unique exterior and interior details that echo the design of the Le Mans winning Speed 8 #7.

All Le Mans Collection models are specified with the three-way Bentley Rotating Display, offering a choice of touchscreen, dual veneer or analogue dials – but with a twist; In place of the standard central dial is a Vitrine displaying an engine valve from the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 of the 2003 Le Mans winning Bentley Speed 8. The engine was removed after the contest and preserved, and now 24 of the 32 valves from the engine have been bisected to create 48 artefacts for this exclusive collection of ultimate Grand Tourers.

In another thoughtful touch, the standard 12-hour analogue clock is replaced by a digital clock with a bespoke dial design – a 24 hour one, naturally.

Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division, has taken inspiration from the dark green Speed 8 racing cars that swept all before them at Le Mans in 2003. From the Verdant green exterior to the sliver of Speed 8 engine displayed in the fascia, the Le Mans Collection is a heartfelt tribute to a long and glorious shared history between Bentley and the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Tribute to Speed 8 #7
Mulliner’s designers closely studied the winning Speed 8 of 2003, surely one of the most beautiful racing cars ever to triumph at Le Mans. The limited number of Continental GT’s and Continental GTC’s in the Le Mans Collection are finished in Verdant green, with a Moonbeam racing stripe across the bonnet (and Coupé roof). The Blackline specification nods to the black and green livery of the Speed 8, while the carbon-fibre Styling specification body components are finished in black with a subtle pinstripe in Moonbeam. Beluga black is also chosen for the lower front bumper, wing mirror caps and rear ‘horseshoe’ area beneath the bootlid spoiler, while black 22-inch ten-spoke wheels shroud powerful carbon ceramic brakes and red brake calipers.

Meanwhile, the distinctive Bentley matrix grille (originally developed to protect the radiator on the unpaved Le Mans racetrack of the 1920s) features a painted #7 in Arctica white, combining the race-winning number of 2003 with the painted radiators of the Bentleys that won Le Mans five times between 1924 and 1930.

Bespoke details
The interiors of the Le Mans Collection Continental GT and Continental GTC are far more luxurious than those of the Bentley Speed 8s – but there’s the same sense of sporting purpose. A bespoke 2003 wreath welcome lamp ushers you into a cockpit trimmed in Beluga hide. Performance-bred napped Dynamica fabric covers the seat faces, while the interior’s monochrome colour scheme is relieved by contrast seat stitching and seatbelts in Hotspur. The steering wheel, trimmed in hide and Dynamica, also features Hotspur contrast stitching and six o’clock accent tab.

The dual-finish veneer on fascia and door waist rails is executed in Piano Black and high gloss carbon fibre, with a fine chrome pinstripe separating the two. Matching doors to fascia so the pinstripe flows seamlessly from one side to the other is a mark of the exceptional craftsmanship in every Bentley.

The Le Mans Collection Bentleys feature many bespoke details, beginning with the Speed 8 sill plates and six-wreath treadplates that greet occupants on entering the interior. The fascia displays the six-wreath emblem inlaid into high-gloss carbon fibre, marking each of the six outright victories recorded by Bentley at Le Mans between 1924 and 2003.

Race inspired performance
The Le Mans Collection Continental GT and GTC are equipped with Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) and an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque.

With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 kmph in 3.6 seconds). A combination of four chassis technologies give the new limited edition a level of agility, performance and ride quality as expected of a car with this heritage.

Bentley Dynamic Ride and three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping play a key role in the balance of the car and provide a formidable foundation to build upon. The optional and newly-developed Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Variable Electronic Stability Control, All Wheel Steering, and an Electronic Limited Slip Differential bolster the agility and performance even further.

Bentley and Le Mans
Bentley’s long association with Le Mans didn’t get off to the smoothest of starts. “I think the whole thing’s crazy. Nobody’ll finish. Cars aren’t designed to take that sort of strain for 24 hours.” Such was W.O. Bentley’s reaction in 1923, on hearing that private entrant John Duff planned to contest the first-ever Le Mans 24 Hour race in a Bentley 3 Litre. But the competitive fire in W.O’s soul saw him make a last-minute dash to the La Sarthe circuit nonetheless. Inspired by Duff’s 4th place (despite a lengthy stop to repair a holed petrol tank) and fastest lap, W.O and Bentley Motors returned in 1924 with a works entry – and won. It was the start of a glorious decade that saw five wins in seven years.

Bentley was back in 2001 with the EXP Speed 8, the start of a three-year programme targeting a sixth outright victory. And on Sunday, June 15th, 2003, Bentley’s two works Speed 8s finished first and second in this most gruelling of endurance races. Car #7 of Guy Smith, Tom Kristensen and Rinaldo Capello covered 377 laps at an average speed of 214.33km/h, followed by the #8 Speed 8 of Johnny Herbert, Mark Blundell and David Brabham.

Volvo Car India today announced delivery of its two hundredth all electric XC40 Recharge. The Volvo XC40 Recharge is India’s first locally assembled luxury electric SUV, assembled in Volvo’s Bangalore, Karnataka Facility. The first XC40 Recharge was delivered in November 2022 and has garnered multiple honours in a variety of categories for its great design, innovative technology, and environmental efficiency.

“Delivery of the two hundredth XC40 Recharge is indeed a milestone. Even after Global supply chain disruptions had impacted deliveries our customers patiently waited for their cars which reflects their confidence in Volvo brand. This milestone further strengthens our resolute towards becoming an all-electric company by 2030” said Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director Volvo Car India.

By 2030, the company wants to offer only pure electric vehicles and phase out all internal combustion engine vehicles, including hybrids. This is consistent with the Company’s worldwide climate plan, which aims to minimise the life cycle carbon footprint per car by continuous practical action.

The new Jeep Meridian gets enhanced style and a host of functional equipment based on customer demand. The premium SUV brand is introducing two limited special editions; the Meridian X and Meridian Upland highlighting the duality of sophistication and adventure.

The special editions deliver Jeep brands’ legendary 4×4 capability with new styling and equipment to further accentuate the true SUV design cues of the Jeep Meridian. The Special Editions will sport two additional colours Silvery Moon and Galaxy Blue that offers a unique visual appeal to the range. The special edition offers unique and distinctive looks to offer customers option to select a variant based on their style and personality.

The sophisticated Jeep Meridian X is designed to suit urban lifestyle where customers are looking for elegance and a premium drive experience. The Meridian X offers stylish body colour lowers, grey roof, and alloy wheels with grey pocket. Furthermore, it provides exterior additions such as side moulding, puddle lamps, and interior modifications such as ambient lighting giving the premium interiors a lounge like makeover.

The Jeep Meridian Upland has enhanced adventure elements suited for customers who would like to ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’. This special edition is targeted at those who want to drive through different terrains and have a thrilling experience while following their passion. It includes functional equipment such as a roof carrier and side steps in addition to splash guards, boot organizer, sunshades, special cabin, cargo mats, tyre inflator and a specially designed unique hood decal.

In addition, buyers of both the variants will be offered the rear entertainment package with a Wi-Fi enabled 11.6-inch screen to play their favourite apps and content; at 50 per cent of the selling price.

Commemorating the launch of the Jeep Meridian’s special edition in India, Mr. Nipun J Mahajan, Head of Jeep Brand India, said, “We are very excited to launch the special edition of the Jeep® Meridian highlighting the duality of the SUV in distinct styling. We’re taking the Jeep® Meridian to another level with the new Special Editions, which adds a distinctive look that will stand out on both the off-road trails and on the streets. The additional equipment makes these special editions unique, appealing to a wider customer base.”

The Jeep Meridian leverages its globally proven engineering prowess coupled with Indian insights to deliver an authentic SUV experience with high level of sophistication. This SUV redefined the premium SUV segment with its many best-in-class features, including the fastest acceleration and highest power-to-weight ratio. The highly capable and agile SUV can go from 0-100 kmph in just 10.8 seconds and can attain a top speed of 198 kmph.

The new special edition offers a significantly attractive proposition coupled with the Jeep Wave Exclusive Program that is available to the entire Jeep line-up. The premium customer care program entails 3 years of Jeep Comprehensive Warranty, Jeep Express Service packages starting in 90 mins, Jeep Courtesy Edge and Segment First Customer Contact Programs – Jeep Genius and Jeep Adventure Concierge to help customers gain unparalleled ownership experience.

Bookings for the Jeep Meridian’s Special Edition are now open at Jeep Dealerships and on the Jeep India website (jeep-india.com) with immediate deliveries. The Jeep Meridian range starts at INR 32.95 lakhs, ex-showroom.

Jeep India has introduced Jeep Wave Exclusive, a premium customer experience program that ensures a hassle-free and enhanced ownership experience by offering a range of services. The new program comes with the introduction of the new BS6 phase II compliant range and promises to offer a unique and premium experience beyond the showroom and through the customers’ ownership journey.

Jeep Wave Exclusive Program is available to the entire Jeep line-up, and is filled with exclusive benefits to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The premium customer care program entails 3 years of Jeep Comprehensive Warranty, Jeep Express Service packages starting in 90 mins, Jeep Courtesy Edge & Segment First Customer Contact Programs – Jeep Genius and Jeep Adventure Concierge to help customers gain unparalleled ownership experience.

Commenting on the launch of this premium service program, Mr Nipun J Mahajan, Head of Jeep Brand India, said, “Jeep® Wave Exclusive is our commitment to an excellent and enhanced ownership experience for our Jeep customers. Jeep is a global premium brand, and we want our customers to experience the premium Jeeplife throughout their ownership journey. With the high-quality aggregates and uncompromised build, the Jeep Wave® Exclusive offerings will provide our customers with the peace of mind they expect from the brand.”

Listed below are the details of the Jeep Wave Exclusive initiative:

· 3 years Jeep Comprehensive Warranty that provides hassle-free customer experience covering all the parts with exclusions limited to consumables and wear & tear. This class-leading warranty across the range highlights the confidence Jeep India has in its products and service offerings.

· Jeep Express Service starting at 90 minutes offered for swift action on customer support. The same also assures quality service with time-saving benefits. As an added convenience, customers can also avail pick-up and drop-off services.

· Jeep Courtesy Edge offers a loaner Jeep SUV / mobility solution if mechanical repairs take longer than 96 hours.

· Jeep Genius Segment first exclusive online service for customers to explore full potential of their Jeep, Brand Capability & Product Features.

· Jeep Adventure Concierge Segment first exclusive offering for Jeep customers for their curated offroad Adventures

Jeep Wave Exclusive program will apply to all existing purchased or leased Jeep Brand vehicles except for the Jeep Comprehensive Warranty which will be available for vehicles purchased from April 1, 2023 onwards.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) has announced the imminent launch of an all-new SUV for the Indian market that is coming soon.

Speaking on the announcement, Mr. Tarun Garg, COO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Today, when you think outside, when you think of exploration and travel, you think of an SUV. Hyundai has been one of the forerunners to induce new mobility experiences and we are all set to once again excite customers with an all-new SUV that is coming soon to take you places. As India’s leading smart mobility solutions provider, we are aiming to elevate the wanderlust in customers and democratize the Hyundai SUV life for our most loved customers.”

Built to bring out the explorer in you, this all-new SUV will evoke unfiltered experiences with advanced technology, superior safety & strong performance. This all-new SUV will enable customers with smart mobility experiences that exemplify the pulse of Gen MZ. Think outside is a true characterization of Hyundai’s all-new SUV as it reflects freedom of movement, a theme that is central to Hyundai’s global vision.

Volkswagen Passenger Cars India has announced five-star crash test results for the Virtus under the updated and more stringent Global NCAP testing protocols. The carline has received this safety rating for both adult- and child-occupant protection. The Volkswagen Virtus is now among a handful of cars in India to score a full five-star safety rating for both adult- and child-occupants under GNCAP’s updated crash test protocols. It now proudly joins the Volkswagen Taigun which was the Brand’s first India 2.0 project vehicle to achieve this coveted safety rating.

Commenting on the latest honour for the Volkswagen Virtus, Ashish Gupta, Brand Director, Volkswagen Passenger Cars India, said, “Safety, superior build quality, and performance constitute the Volkswagen DNA globally. It is a matter of great pride for the Brand that after the Taigun, the Virtus too has scored a five-star safety rating from Global NCAP. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest milestones for Volkswagen and the rating serves as a remarkable testimony of the Brand’s unwavering commitment to safety and quality standards. With the Taigun as well as the Virtus being awarded five-star ratings for both adult- and child-occupant safety, Volkswagen now offers the safest range of cars, including the global best-seller Tiguan, in the country.”

The Volkswagen Virtus offers 40+ safety features, including up to six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Park Distance Control, Multi-Collision Brakes, Hill Hold Control, rear-view camera, rear fog lamp, tyre pressure deflation warning, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, and brake disc wiping. This range of safety features is complemented by a robust body which is built on the MQB A0 IN platform.

In July 2022 Global NCAP introduced new testing protocols wherein cars are mandatorily subjected to frontal offset, side mobile barrier, and pole side impact tests. Furthermore, all variants of the car being tested must come equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and pedestrian protection equipment, according to UN requirements, in order to be eligible for a five-star safety rating.

Hyundai Motor Company’s acclaimed IONIQ 6 Electrified Streamliner has won the prestigious World Car of the Year, World Electric Vehicle, and World Car Design of the Year, lauded by an international jury for its unique aerodynamic design and outstanding all-electric range. World Car Awards revealed the results at a ceremony held at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).

A jury of 100 automotive journalists from 32 countries chose IONIQ 6 from the top three finalists, all launched in 2022. This is Hyundai’s second straight triple honors at the World Car Awards. Last year, the jury named IONIQ 5 the winner in the same categories.

“We are thrilled to receive this prestigious honor two years in a row, which recognizes the tremendous talents and unrelenting efforts of everyone at Hyundai Motor Company to bring EVs like IONIQ 6 to market,” said Jaehoon Chang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Company. “This honor reinforces our commitment to be a global leader in vehicle electrification and will serve to embolden our efforts as a smart mobility solutions provider.”

“We always want to connect with customers on an emotional level and with the design of the IONIQ 6 we have created truly one of a kind. The daring streamliner styling combines strong emotional appeal with aerodynamic efficiency to give exceptional range,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “Inside, we set-out to create a personal studio which offers the mindful space and calm functionality which, we believe, elevates EV design.”

IONIQ 6 is the second model in Hyundai’s dedicated all-electric lineup brand, IONIQ. It takes full advantage of a bespoke Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) architecture to offer 800-V, ultra-fast charging capabilities for a 10 to 80 percent charge in just 18 minutes and a spacious interior.

With an ultra-low drag coefficient of just 0.21, IONIQ 6 is one of the most aerodynamic and energy efficient EVs on the market. The Electrified Streamliner’s WLTP rated range on a single charge is 614 km.The standard 2WD model with 18-inch tire achieves WLTP-rated energy consumption of 13.9 kWh/100km.

IONIQ 6’s many features include Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, driver assistance systems and advanced connectivity with over-the-air (OTA) software updates that offer the ultimate in-car experience. The spacious and ergonomic interior takes full advantage of the elongated 2,950 mm wheelbase to provide an array of empowering features, such as Dual Colour Ambient Lighting, Speed Sync Lighting, EV Performance Tune-up and Electric Active Sound Design (e-ASD), to enhance the electric mobility experience.

This year, the World Car Awards jury also named SangYup Lee as the 2023 World Car Person of the Year for his vital contribution to the most stunning and innovative concept and production cars unveiled in 2022, including Hyundai IONIQ 6, the All-new KONA and the N Vision 74 rolling lab.

In addition, IONIQ 6 has won prestigious awards during the past few months as it’s been named ‘Saloon of the Year’ at the 2023 GQ Car Awards and ‘New Car of the Year’ hosted by Le Guide de l’auto. Plus, it achieved a five-star safety rating and ‘Best in Class’ selection in the ‘Large Family Car’ category from Euro NCAP.

The IONIQ brand’s winning this year will help to energize Hyundai Motor’s efforts to accelerate its electrification strategy and become the world’s leading EV maker. Hyundai Motor plans to introduce 17 new BEV models by 2030, including Genesis luxury brand models, and aims to boost annual global BEV sales to 1.87 million units by 2030.