Bosch is a leading supplier of technology and services in the areas of mobility solutions, industrial technology, consumer goods, and energy and building technology. With its state-of-the-art customized products and solutions, it has been at the forefront of the transformation in India’s mobility and ‘beyond-mobility’ landscape.

From helping to mechanise Indian agriculture in the wake of independence to nurturing the development of the nation’s tech industry, be it the green revolution, the software revolution, liberalisation, or the mobility revolution, Bosch India has unceasingly played a role in the country’s progress.

“Bosch India has brought together the best of German engineering and Indian entrepreneurship to develop innovative products across all segments,” says Dr. Stefan Hartung, chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH. “I wholeheartedly congratulate the management and associates of Bosch India on reaching this milestone without compromising on performance and consumer trust.”

“Bosch’s 100-year journey in India is a testament to the passion, hard work, and dedication of our associates. I sincerely thank our associates for the part they have played in this,” says Mr. Soumitra Bhattacharya, the managing director of Bosch Limited and president of the Bosch Group in India. “Bosch India will remain true to its roots and evolve, innovate, and spark the next wave of big-ticket products and services. We will continue to pursue this vision for a digital, sustainable, efficient, self-reliant, and future-ready India.” he further added.

Bosch opened its first sales agency in Kolkata in 1922. From these beginnings, it now encompasses 18 manufacturing sites and seven development and application centres, employing close to 31,500 associates. Its century-long journey, rooted in a legacy of excellence, has always been about moving into new business areas. Over the next five years, Bosch India will invest more than INR 1000 crores in the localisation of advanced automotive technologies, and in this way support Atmanirbhar Bharat, the vision of making India self-reliant.

Built on the philosophy of “Make in India, Make for the World” Nissan has expanded the number of export markets for its highly popular Magnite compact SUV to 15 in total, following an incredibly successful first year on sale.

Magnite, produced at Nissan’s Chennai plant in Tamil Nadu, was launched in December 2020 and has since gone on to achieve 78,000 cumulative customer bookings in India alone, with a further 6,344 shipped overseas.

Following the successful introduction of Magnite in South Africa and Indonesia last year, the award-winning car is now also available to customers in Nepal; Bhutan; Bangladesh; Sri Lanka; Brunei; Uganda; Kenya; Seychelles; Mozambique; Zambia; Mauritius, Tanzania and Malawi.

Magnite was the first global product to launch under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, shifting the company’s focus towards high-demand products that deliver lasting value to the business and to customers.

Since launching, more than 42,000 Magnites have been produced in Chennai, despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing semiconductor shortage. This achievement earned Nissan India Operations the company’s Global President’s Award.

Nissan chairperson for the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, Guillaume Cartier said: “Magnite is an exceptional car and a fantastic showcase for Nissan design and engineering, as well as the strength and expertise of Indian manufacturing.

“I’m excited that customers in many more markets will be able to experience Magnite. It is a great example of Nissan’s innovative approach in bringing engaging products, with a strong and uniquely ‘Nissan’ identity, to our customers.

Sinan Ozkok, President, Nissan Motor India, said: “Nissan Magnite is a true reflection of Nissan’s philosophy of ‘Make in India, Make for the World”. We are proud to export the ‘Big, Bold and Beautiful’ Nissan Magnite to 15 markets across the globe. It demonstrates the universal appeal of great design, performance and value.”

Biju Balendran, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Renault Nissan Automotive Private Ltd, (RNAIPL) said: It’s a great testament – both to the car itself as well as our India team – that within just a year of launch, we are now exporting Magnite to an increasing number of overseas markets.”

Continental Tires has appointed Samir Gupta, who has over three decades of experience in varied industries, as the new Managing Director, India. Samir will also continue as the Head of Central Asia Region (India, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia) Passenger & Light Truck Tires Replacement Business (PLT RE), which he has been leading for the past three years.

Samir has a rich experience of more than 30 years in sales and marketing and has been associated with Continental Tires for almost a decade. During his earlier role as Continental Tires Malaysia MD, he led an organizational transformation project to build a highly-effective technical sales force. He has been instrumental in developing efficient processes and building a resilient team that helped increase the company’s profitability. Prior to this, as the Market Manager, Truck Tires (TT) India, he has played an instrumental role in shaping the TT business in India in its early phases.

Continental Tires India is currently focusing on expanding its footprint across the subcontinent, and Samir’s appointment is crucial in bringing this plan to fruition. His Customer-Centric approach, which leverages Continental’s strengths of a superior manufacturing plant in India, country-specific focused product portfolio, and digital solutions expertise will be critical to the company’s expansion in the country.

Congratulating Samir on the appointment, Dalibor Kalina, head of BA replacement Tires APAC, said, “Samir will play a very critical role in driving Continental Tires’ growth in the Indian market. His extensive leadership experience spanning across various markets will help build and maintain agile and robust teams to improve the operational efficiency for current and future continental’s success in the Indian markets.”

On his appointment, Samir Gupta said, “Continental Tires is synonymous with quality, innovation and agility worldwide. Being one of the largest automotive industries, India is an important market for Continental Tires. We are committed to develop and manufacture quality and innovative products that befit the Indian market requirements. I am excited for my second stint with Continental Tires India and lead the team in its growth and expansion.”

As India continues to move towards a sustainable and resilient future, over 70 corporate partners from e-commerce, ride-hailing, logistics and manufacturing ecosystems have joined Shoonya, a NITI Aayog, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and RMI India initiative, to promote zero-pollution mobility across the nation. The campaign aims to promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs) for deliveries and rides through a corporate branding program and EV awareness drive.

As part of the awareness drive, the Shoonya coalition launched an ad campaign on January 25, 2022, to highlight the air quality, environmental and cost benefits of EVs. The brand film is available on all digital-led platforms. Conceptualised by Edelman India and RMI, the new ad film uses the analogy of the number Shoonya (Zero) to draw parallels between Aryabhatta’s gift to the world of mathematics and the ‘Shoonya’ initiative, which aims to accelerate adoption of electric vehicles.

In addition to the consumer awareness drive, the Shoonya campaign also incorporates a corporate branding program, through which deliveries, rides, associated vehicles, and infrastructure are branded with the Shoonya logo. The branding program has 72 corporate partners including leading e-commerce companies, ride-hailing companies, vehicle manufacturers, fleet aggregators, and charging infrastructure providers. The Shoonya website will soon host a resource toolkit that will guide potential EV customers with impact of their EVs and provides information required to procure electric vehicles, including a cost comparison calculator, India’s policy map and list of financing options.

Sharing the idea behind the campaign, Randheer Singh, Director of Electric Mobility, NITI Aayog, said, “We are thrilled to announce the release of the Shoonya ad campaign. Our goal through this initiative is to promote awareness around the environmental, health, and economic benefits of electric vehicles. With this campaign, we are confident that corporates as well as consumers will rise to the challenge of pollution and take necessary steps to eliminate emissions from urban freight and passenger mobility.”

Commenting on the ad campaign launch, Clay Stranger, Managing Director, RMI, said, “Rapid adoption of clean energy technologies will unlock a host of benefits in India. We are pleased to work with NITI Aayog on the Shoonya campaign that encourages each of us to do our part to eliminate pollution from urban mobility solutions. If all of India’s rides and deliveries are served by zero pollution Shoonya vehicles, it will avoid 1.2 Giga tons of carbon dioxide emissions, 230 kilo tons of particulate matter, and INR 60 lakh crore of fuel over the lifetime of vehicles sold until 2035.”

Akshima Ghate, Senior Principal, RMI India, said, “Electric vehicles have zero tailpipe emissions and thus contribute towards reducing air pollution in our cities. The Shoonya initiative seeks to eliminate air pollution from commercial transportation in India and build demand for zero-emission vehicles. This campaign will enable notable reduction in emissions from the transport sector and accelerate country’s progress towards its net zero goal.”

Toyota’s self-charging hybrid electric vehicle, Vellfire has steadily gained the reputation of being a masterpiece of luxury and craftsmanship. The spacious interiors of the Vellfire boasts of affluence while its big and bold exterior makes a lasting impression. So when Power Drive was invited for an exclusive chauffeur-driven experience, we were naturally excited. Join us as you take you for the ride on the Toyota Vellfire.

Design and Engineering

The big and bold Vellfire boasts of dynamic new exteriors designed to emulate a majestic and imposing on-road presence. The boldness is characterised by single ingot-shaped front grille design, aggressively shaped triangular fog lamp bezels, upper headlamps with two square projectors with blue accents extension and chiseled body structure. The power sliding doors, two-part rear combination lamps, twin moon roofs makes this executive-lounge-on-wheels stand out in the crowd. The Vellfire is vailable in four colour options: Burning Black, White Pearl, Graphite and Black.

Interior and Comfort

The Vellfire comes with sleek and contemporary new advanced interiors which redefines spaciousness, prestige and comfort. The cabin resembles that of a private enclosed suite and is accentuated with a range of advanced features which include leather upholstery, memory setting of seats, 17-speaker JBL premium audio system, power adjustable seats with Ottoman function, 16 colours ambient light and super long seat sliding function to ensure ultimate comfort.

Performance and Handling

The spacious and modern interior is infused with quality and glamour to provide pride and lounge class travel wherever you go. The Vellfire possess a striking presence with a comfortable ride and handling stability with an emphasis on boldness on the exterior. In addition to high body rigidity, a newly developed ‘VIP tuned’ suspension has been adopted for the rear to achieve an impressive ride, while maintaining stability.

Engine and Fuel Efficiency

At the heart of the Toyota Vellfire is the 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder, Gasoline Hybrid engine. It produces 117 PS of maximum power at 4,700 rpm and churns out 198 Nm of peak torque between 2,800-4,000 rpm. Backed by the hybrid system, the powertrain provides enhanced fuel efficiency and acceleration. This advanced technology bumped-up by the hybrid synergy has also contributed to an ARAI-ratified fuel efficiency of 16.35 kmpl. These numbers, however, have been achieved under test conditions and real life figure could be lower.

Safety

Safety is a high priority at Toyota and a host of active and passive state-of-the-art safety systems and technologies will ensure safety for all passengers as well as pedestrians. The New Vellfire is equipped with 7 SRS Airbags and VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) which is a proactive safety feature which provides stability to the vehicle based on vehicle performance control technology. Other safety features in the Vellfire come along with Emergency Brake Signal, Hill start assist control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

Verdict

The automotive industry in India is undergoing a profound technology-driven transformation with innovation and creativity defining the overall customer experience. The New Vellfire truly encapsulates Toyota’s class defining technology, comfort, elegance and sustainability that ultimately offers an excellent driving experience for the customers. Globally, they have a caravan of luxury offerings, and the launch of the Toyota Vellfire in India marks a significant moment in their journey. The Vellfire is an icon of ultimate luxury whilst envisaging a greener future.

The new BMW X3 has been launched in India today. The successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), BMW X3 is now sportier and more modern with its comprehensive refreshed look, premium interior with new equipment features and updated infotainment. Available in locally produced two petrol variants, the new BMW X3 is now available at BMW dealerships from today onwards. The diesel variant will be launched later.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “The new evolved third generation BMW X3 is here to continue the model’s trailblazing success in the premium mid-size SAV segment. Refreshed design and driving performance make BMW X3 a luxurious and practical car that is agile on and off-road. You will experience the unbeatable thrill and joy of a distinctive combination of powerful drive, sporty dynamics and comfort. With its independence and individuality, the new X3 packs in unlimited action and is meant for Everything x Everywhere.”

The new BMW X3 is available in two petrol variants at an introductory price (ex-showroom) as follows-

BMW X3 xDrive30i SportX Plus : INR 59,90,000

BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport : INR 65,90,000

The new BMW X3 is available in the following metallic paintworks: Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Brooklyn Grey, Sophisto Grey, Black Sapphire and Carbon Black. The new BMW X3 features Sensatec Perforated Upholstery as standard with the following combinations – Canberra Beige and Cognac.

The new BMW X3 emphasis on classic X-elements as standard. It has a more modern look with a more powerful presence, plenty of space and driving dynamics. SportX Plus variant ensures a greater focus on sportiness and “X-ness”. The M Sport variant is enriched with high-quality X elements.

The design of the new BMW X3 makes a sportier orientation. With the redesigned BMW kidney grille, flatter headlights and the new front apron, the new BMW X3 flaunts an absolutely refreshed design appearance. More strikingly shaped and larger BMW kidney grille now comprising of a single-piece frame. The front feature adaptive LED headlights with Matrix function. A black border gives the full LED rear lights a more precise appearance, while the narrower light graphic now includes a three-dimensionally modelled pincer contour and horizontal turn signals integrated in filigree style. The new, flush-fitting free-form tailpipe trims are larger and sportier, conveying a more powerful presence. In the M Sport package, front apron features larger air inlets finished in high-gloss black and air curtains. The sportier rear bumper includes a diffuser finished in Dark Shadow. The M Sport trim includes the new 19-inch Y-Spoke 887M alloy wheels. However, 20-inch M alloy wheels are also available as an early bird offer.

The interior boasts an exceptional level of comfort and functionality in an extremely modern ambience. Exclusive functions such as Multi-function Sport Steering Wheel, electrical seat adjustment with memory function, exterior mirror package add to the comfort. Driver and front passenger enjoy the superior sporty flair of a premium SAV. M Sport has an exclusive set interior package like Sport seats, Sensatec perforated upholstery, M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons, M interior trim adding the performance-oriented ambience. Panoramic glass roof and Welcome Light Carpet are few among the long list of features that create the perfect ambience. New electroplated trim elements on the air vents add a touch of elegance while emphasising the horizontal lines in the interior. Ambient Lighting with six dimmable designs creates an atmosphere for every mood. Features such as electroplated controls and 3-zone automatic climate control with extended options add to the overall luxurious feel. The boot has a capacity of 550 litres and can be expanded further to 1600 litres by folding down the 40/20/40 split rear seat backrest.

Thanks to the unrivalled BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, the petrol engine melds maximum power with exemplary efficiency and offers spontaneous responsiveness even at low engine speeds. The two-litre four-cylinder petrol engine of the BMW X3 xDrive30i produces an output of 185 kW / 252 hp and a maximum torque of 350 Nm at 1,450 – 4,800 rpm. The car accelerates from 0 -100 kmph in just 6.6 seconds with a top speed of 235 kmph.

The eight-speed automatic Steptronic sport transmission performs smooth, almost imperceptible gear shifts. At any time, in any gear, the transmission collaborates perfectly with the engine, enabling it to develop its full power and efficiency. Adaptive Suspension with its individual electronically controlled dampers adapts to both road conditions & individual driving style thereby offering exceptional precision and improves the drive and handling dynamics. For even greater driving pleasure, it is available with steering wheel paddle shifters, cruise control with braking function and Automatic differential brakes (ADB) with electronic differential locks as standard. The BMW Performance Control system increases the stability of the car by targeted braking of the wheels.

BMW xDrive, an intelligent all-wheel-drive system, monitors the driving situation constantly and is quick to respond. Electronically controlled ‘Automatic Differential Brakes/Locks’ (ADB-X), extended ‘Dynamic Traction Control’ (DTC), Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control help to conquer every terrain.

A host of BMW ConnectedDrive technologies continues to break the innovation barrier in automotive industry – BMW Gesture Control and Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto. The modern cockpit concept BMW Live Cockpit Professional running on latest BMW Operating System 7.0 includes 3D Navigation, with a high-resolution 12.3-inch screen instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a control display. The spread of driver assistance systems is more extensive than ever. Parking Assistant Plus with 360 camera makes parking in tight spots easier by taking over acceleration, braking as well as steering. The car features a 464W Harman Kardon Surround Sound system 16 speaker with individually adjustable equalizing.

BMW EfficientDynamics include features such as 8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission, Auto Start-Stop, Brake-Energy Regeneration, Electronic Power Steering, 50:50 Weight Distribution, Driving Experience Control switch with different driving modes such as COMFORT/ECO PRO/SPORT/SPORT+ and many other innovative technologies.

BMW Safety technologies includes six airbags, Attentiveness Assistance, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Cornering Brake Control (CBC), electric parking brake with auto hold, side-impact protection, electronic vehicle immobilizer and crash sensor, ISOFIX child seat mounting and integrated emergency spare wheel under the load floor.

BMW Motorrad India has recorded the highest ever annual sales by a premium motorcycle brand in India. In 2021, BMW Motorrad India sold 5,191 motorcycles, posting a remarkable growth of 102.5 per cent as compared to 2020.

Mr. Vikram Pawah, President, BMW Group India said, “Since entering the Indian market five years ago, BMW Motorrad has outperformed itself every year and consistently raised the bar for the premium segment. In 2021, BMW Motorrad has recorded the highest annual sales by a premium motorcycle brand in India. We are proud of this feat! The main factor behind this overwhelming success is the unmatched emotional experience which is unique to the brand. BMW Motorrad has shaped a world of pure motorcycling that thrives on the thrill of riding, being one with the road and creating priceless memories with fellow comrades. We will continue to serve our customers with the same passion and keep on growing the BMW Motorrad family.”

Throughout 2021, BMW Motorrad India kept up the pace with a strong product offensive. A slew of new launches such as the all-new BMW C 400 GT, the BMW R 1250 GS and BMW R 1250 GS Adventure, the BMW R nine T and BMW R nine T Scrambler, the BMW S 1000 R, the all-new BMW M 1000 RR and the BMW R 18 Classic excited the motorcycling community with feature-rich, performance driven bikes with best-in-class riding dynamics.

The BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS were important drivers of sales along with other popular models such as BMW S 1000 RR, BMW R 1250 GS / GSA, BMW F 900 R / XR and BMW R 18. The BMW C 400 GT scooter launched in last quarter was also in great demand.

In 2021, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars delivered the highest-ever annual sales results in the marque’s 117-year history.

The company delivered 5,586 motor cars to clients around the world, up 49 per cent on the same period in 2020. This overall figure includes all-time record sales in most regions, including Greater China, the Americas and Asia-Pacific, and in multiple countries across the globe.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “2021 was a phenomenal year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We delivered more cars than at any time in the marque’s 117-year history with unprecedented demand for all products in every global market. Our extremely strong product portfolio, an exceptional Bespoke offering, together with the first full year of availability of Ghost, the launch of Black Badge Ghost in October and the continuing record demand for Bespoke personalisation, has contributed meaningfully to our extremely strong performance. This is hugely encouraging as we prepare for the historic launch of Spectre, our first all-electric car. Building on this year’s success, we will continue to evolve as a true luxury brand, beyond the realms of automotive manufacturing.”

All Rolls-Royce models performed extremely strongly. Growth has been driven principally by Ghost, with demand surging further, following the launch of Black Badge Ghost in October 2021. This, together with the continuing pre-eminence of Cullinan and the marque’s pinnacle product, Phantom, has ensured order books are full well into the third quarter of 2022. The company’s Provenance (pre-owned) programme also enjoyed exceptional sales results in 2021, achieving an all-time record.

Bespoke commissions remain at record levels, with magnificent individual examples including the spectacular Phantom Oribe co-created with Hermès, alongside the Phantom Tempus, and Black Badge Wraith and Black Badge Dawn Landspeed Collection cars. The company signalled its commitment to leading a new contemporary coachbuilding movement with Rolls‑Royce Coachbuild becoming a permanent fixture in its future portfolio, and with it the unveiling of its latest coachbuilt masterpiece, Boat Tail.

Rolls-Royce also announced its first all-electric car, Spectre, during 2021. The extraordinary undertaking of bringing Spectre to market by the fourth quarter of 2023 has now begun, and the most punishing testing protocol ever conceived for a Rolls‑Royce is underway. This 2.5‑million-kilometre journey, which extends to all four corners of the world, will simulate more than 400 years of use for a Rolls‑Royce.

While preparations are made for the marque’s all-electric future, Rolls-Royce continues to meet the surge in demand for its current portfolio through a flexible manufacturing process and the dedication of the over 2,000 people who work at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex and around the world. The Rolls-Royce factory at Goodwood is currently running at near-maximum capacity, on a two-shift pattern to fulfil orders from clients around the world.

Rolls-Royce will continue to invest in its manufacturing plant in readiness for electrification, and in future talent, with a record 37 new apprentices set to join the company in September 2022.

Reflecting on the results, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “This has been a truly historic year for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. In the past 12 months, we have recorded our highest-ever annual sales, launched the latest addition to our Black Badge family, stunned the world with our coachbuilding capabilities and made huge strides into our all-electric future.

As always, it has been made possible by the dedication and commitment of the extraordinary people at the Home of Rolls-Royce, our international team and our global dealer network. I wish to extend my thanks and congratulations to each and every one of them: it is my privilege and pleasure to work alongside them every day.”

In September 2021, TVS Motor Company announced the launch of a new offering in the 125cc segment – the TVS Raider – aimed at the aspirational, young customers in India and abroad. The arrival of this new-kid-in-the-block stirred up the 125cc motorcycle segment in India and made everyone take notice of its presence, whether on the road or in the digital space.

TVS Raider embodies a unique and bold design theme. The motorcycle has a distinctive macho personality and a special logo to symbolise this theme. The strong and sculpted tank profile lends TVS Raider muscular, solid appeal. At the same time, it is a sporty, compact and agile motorcycle for your everyday ride.

Signature design elements of the TVS Raider are its distinctive and aggressive looking headlamp and tail-lamp that also provides excellent visibility. The youthful colour schemes with specially designed textures and finishes accentuates its sporty and energetic design.

A reverse LCD digital speedometer with ride modes is an advanced hi-tech gadget with accurate and easy to read details. TVS Raider also comes with an optional 5-inch TFT cluster with TVS SMARTXONNECTTM variant, which offers Bluetooth connectivity and voice assist. The switch cluster, foot pegs, and mechanical details are designed in harmony with the motorcycle for functional benefits.

TVS Raider is powered by an advanced 124.8 cc air and oil-cooled 3V engine which churns a 8.37 kW (11.38 PS) of maximum power at 7,500 rpm and 11.2 Nm of peak torque at 6,000 rpm. The motorcycle can sprint from 0-60 kmph in 5.9 secs and attain a top speed of 99 kmph. The comfort and handling can be attributed to the gas-charged 5-step adjustable mono-shock suspension, low friction front suspension and split seat, 5-speed gearbox and 17-inch alloy chunky wide tyres.

The ergonomics of the TVS Raider is developed with focus on the comfort and convenience of the rider. The configuration of low seat height balanced on a long wheelbase, perfect ergonomics triangle, and a mono-shock delivers engaging ride and handling.

The exhaust design, with its distinct note, is tuned to perfection as it reverberates the spirit of the motorcycle. Features such as first-in-segment easy access under-seat storage for all your essential belongings, side stand indicator with engine inhibitor, helmet reminder, and the optional USB charger are focused on creating a fulfilling ride experience.

The Raider 125 is a well engineered and packaged product from TVS Motor Company. Its spirited performance, impressive fuel efficiency and dynamic design come together to make the Raider a more youthful, trendier, engaging and fun to ride motorcycle than any of the competitors in its segment. With the Raider 125, TVS has come up with a clear winner.

All photographs by Sourish Meryson

On December 12, Kolkata woke up to a very special Sunday as a convoy of historic cars drove across the city leaving the onlookers completely bewildered. Organised by the Eastern India Motoring Group (EIMG) – an active body of historic car enthusiasts – the EIMG Goodbye 2021 Breakfast Meet was an absolute visual treat for automobile aficionados as a bevy of vintage and classic four & two wheelers traversed the length of the city.

This fabulous drive of historic vehicles was flagged off from the iconic Town Hall in Kolkata and culminated at the Eco Park Golf Course Café in New Town. The non-competitive event witnessed participation spanning several decades of automotive history.

More than 50 historic four and two wheelers were in attendance on this December winter morning among which were Ananda Chowdhury’s 1913 Gebruder Stoewer, Shrivardhan Kanoria’s 1931 Chevrolet Big 6, Pradeep Gooptu’s 1931 Austin 7, Rajiv Ghosh’s 1932 Ford V8, Aninda Sardar’s 1938 Austin 7 Tourer, Avik Naha’s 1947 Rover 12, S.K. Lahiri’s 1948 Plymouth, Rupak Ghosh’s 1948 MG TC, Darshan Sanghvi’s 1955 MG ZA Magnette, Saikat Dutta’s 1963 Triumph Spitfire and Amritendu Roy’s 1964 Ford Anglia just to name a few.

It was pretty impressive to see the lineup of HM Ambassadors along with some really well restored Fiats being represented by members of the Fiat Users Club of Calcutta (FUCC) – a sister club of EIMG. In fact, there was a special corner earmarked for the FUCC entrants specially acknowledging their presence.

The two-wheeler participation was also praiseworthy and included a rare 1965 Gilera Guibileo, a BSA Bantam and a Triumph among others.

The cars were flagged off from Town Hall and drove past the Raj Bhavan before hitting the majestic Red Road. The convoy continued straight before turning left onto Hospital Road and then embarking on the AJC Bose Road flyover.

The convoy traversed the entire stretch of the Maa flyover before alighting just ahead of the JW Marriot. After a quick regrouping, the convoy continued ahead embarking onto the Chingrihata flyover and then onward towards Nicco Park.

The historic vehicles drove past Wipro, Technopolis and Fairfield by Marriot before making the left turn from Biswa Bangla Gate. A short drive from there saw the convoy arriving at the picturesque Eco Park where the drive culminated at the Eco Park Golf Course Café. All the participants and officials later joined for breakfast and shared a great camaraderie over tales and laughter.

Eager onlookers were spotted catching a glimpse of these timeless beauties. And as each car, with considerable historic importance, toured the city and completed the route, you could see how the time gap between history and modernity was bridged in style and elegance.

“I started EIMG at the beginning of 2020. The objective was to create a group like-minded individuals and work towards a common cause of creating awareness about these historic cars and encouraging more vintage and classic car owners to restore and preserve their vehicles. Two years later, we have over 150 members and have successfully organised six events under the EIMG banner.

“The year-end Goodbye Drive has become one of our signature events and is eagerly awaited by our members. In the coming year, EIMG will be organising several other events including a Concours which has never been organised in Kolkata before. Through these events and activities EIMG hope bring back the glory days when Calcutta was looked upon as the mine of the best vintage and classics cars of the country”, said Shrivardhan Kanoria, President, Eastern India Motoring Group.

All photographs by Deepanjan Sarkar