Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL), today announced its roadmap to drive the electric mobility revolution in India with the expansion of its line-up to six Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) for the Indian market by 2028. Further, Hyundai will also introduce its dedicated BEV Platform – E-GMP in India, showcasing its commitment towards smart Indian customers.

Commenting on the corporate announcement, Mr. S S Kim, MD & CEO, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said, “Hyundai has been at the forefront of the electric mobility revolution in India, with the introduction of India’s 1st Electric SUV – KONA Electric in 2019. Hyundai Motor India has been delighting customers with the most innovative and technologically advanced mobility solutions over the last two and a half decades. As we continue to redefine the mobility space, today we are yet again showcasing our commitment towards Indian customers with the announcement of expanding our BEV line-up to 6 vehicles for the Indian Market by 2028. At Hyundai, we are taking experiences Beyond Mobility and are strongly focusing on Intelligent Technology, Sustainability and Innovation. Keeping in line with this thought, we will introduce our dedicated BEV Platform – E-GMP as well as modified platforms for battery electric vehicles in India. By driving the adoption of electric mobility at scale in India, Hyundai will become the fulcrum for transformation of a brighter and better tomorrow.”

ELECTRIC GLOBAL MODULAR PLATFORM (E-GMP)

Hyundai Motor Group globally showcased its E-GMP dedicated BEV platform for future electric vehicles, marking a new era for the brand. Driving the pump-to-plug revolution, Hyundai will pioneer the development of future electric vehicles with this dedicated BEV platform that comprises of vehicle chassis that includes the battery, motor and power electric system. With scalable dimensions, this platform will form the backbone of different types of vehicles. With an innovative interior packaging vehicles developed on E-GMP will feature a flat floor, slim cockpit and a flexible & spacious cabin.

E-GMP has been developed on 4 Key Pillars of:

· Modularity – With one platform that can facilitate many body types, feature a modularised battery system and create greater synergies with BEV component sharing.

· Reliability – Featuring a low centre of gravity, use of Ultra High Strength Steel and 8-point battery mounting, E-GMP will pave the way to highly reliable BEVs of the future.

· Usability – With a flat floor and flexible seating layout as well as an innovative interior space that offers sliding console and sliding 2nd row seats, E-GMP will usher in a new dimension of usability.

· Performance – Featuring a large battery capacity up to 77.4 kWh, 2WD/ 4WD capabilities, improved handling and capability to achieve a top speed of 260 km/h, E-GMP will drive in a new age of fun-to-drive electric vehicles.

LINE-UP OF 6 BEVs BY 2028

Catering to the diversity of the Indian market, Hyundai’s line-up of six Battery Electric Vehicles will cater to multiple segments including Mass market and Mass Premium segments in India. To further delight customers, Hyundai will introduce these BEVs in different body styles including SUV body shape by 2028, thereby offering a wide range of models for customers to choose from.

25 YEARS OF COMMITMENT TO MAKE-IN-INDIA

Over the last two and a half decades, Hyundai Motor India has been fueling the Make-in-India movement by leading the automotive industry with excellence in manufacturing. Aligning with the Government’s vision of Electrification, Hyundai has worked towards the development of a concrete BEV roadmap that will breathe life into the Electrification ecosystem in India, focusing on localization of manufacturing synergies for Battery Electric Vehicles.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE

Hyundai Motor India to work towards the development of BEV infrastructure in India with strategic collaborations to drive a widespread adoption of BEVs in India. Hyundai Motor India will work towards the development of a customer centric BEV charging solutions with a focus on:

· Home Charging

· Public Charging station

· Charging Facility at HMIL Dealer Network

· Peace of Mind with 24 X 7 road side assistance

Audi today announced a new variant of the Audi A4 – the Audi A4 Premium to celebrate a successful 2021. The Audi A4, in its fifth generation, boasts a new design and a powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine that generates 140 kW (190 hp) of power and 320 Nm of torque.

The Audi A4 Premium is an addition to the existing line up – including the A4 Premium Plus and A4 Technology variants. The Audi A4 Premium is priced at INR 39,99,000 ex-showroom.

Commenting on the introduction, Mr. Balbir Singh Dhillon, Head of Audi India, said, “The Audi A4 since its launch in January has garnered great response – this is a car that has historically been a volume seller for the brand. Today, we are happy to introduce a new variant – the Audi A4 Premium to mark the success of our brand in 2021. This is a time to celebrate and we couldn’t be happier that we are able to give our customers a choice of three trim levels to choose from. I am confident this will bring in more customers to the ever-growing Audi family.”

The Audi A4 Premium with its multi-dimensional design is perfect for both everyday driving and a thrilling, fun drive. Built for comfort, safety, and practicality, the car is equipped with multiple state-of-the-art features that make it a combination of power, technology, and efficiency.

The Audi A4 is now on offer in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and Technology, and customers can choose from five exterior colours and two interior colours.

The All-New Royal Enfield Classic 350 continues to embody the traditions and craftsmanship of the past as it is reborn. Inspired by the post war G2 model, first born in 1950’s, the all new Classic 350 continues to be a testament to the timeless design which took the motorcycling world with an awe back in the heydays of British motorcycling.

The Classic teardrop fuel tank, the distinctive thump and the hallmark casquette headlamp – all harmonise as one, rejoicing in the masterpiece that is the timeless Royal Enfield Classic.

At the heart of the All-New Royal Enfield Classic is a 350 cc, single cylinder, fuel injected, air cooled engine that offers a responsive ride experience. The engine delivers 20.2 hp of maximum power at 6100 rpm and churns out 27 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The the twin downtube spine frame ensures that the ride on the Royal Enfield Classic 350 is comfortable, stable and coupled with the almost vibe-free engine that makes for a very relaxed yet engaging ride.

The Royal Enfield Classic 350 comes with a fuel tank capacity of 13 litres which ensures that you can enjoy peaceful long rides. The 170 mm ground clearance results in a comfortable ride across terrains. The single & dual channel ABS assures reliable and confident braking on your rides.

The All-New Royal Enfield Classic 350 is available in 11 attractive colour schemes which is sure to turn heads while on the move -Chrome Bronze, Gunmetal Grey, Dark Stealth Black, Halcyon Black, Halcyon Green, Halcyon Grey, Signals Marsh Grey, Signals Desert Sand, Redditch Sage Green, Redditch Grey and Redditch Red.

It is no mean job to take an iconic bike like the Classic 350 and try to make it better without losing any of its timeless charm which forms the very basis of it global fan following. Kudos to Royal Enfield for finding that fine balance in retaining everything that was fabulous about the Classic 350, but at the same time upgrading the bike with modern levels of engineering and design enhancements which has significantly improved the riding experience.

The all new Royal Enfield Classic 350 is now better in all aspects- more refined performance, better dynamics, a myriad of attractive colour options and looks solidly built as well. This new Classic 350 is all set to spearhead the segment of single cylinder modern classics.

Few cult classics can retain their timeless appeal like this Royal Enfield has. The Classic 350 has been the top-selling retro-styled motorcycle not just in our country but across the world. So if you aspire to own an easy to ride, comfortable, affordable, solidly-built and pure modern retro motorcycle, then your quest ends here. Look no further than the All-New Royal Enfield Classic 350 – a legend is truly reborn. Whether parked in your garage or on the move, it is bound to make a strong statement.

Photographs by Sourish Meryson

Polestar, the pure play, premium electric car company, has released a second teaser image of the forthcoming Polestar 3 electric performance SUV, which is set to launch in 2022. Polestar 3 is the company’s first SUV and will be its first vehicle to be built in the US, with production set to take place in Charleston, South Carolina.

This news follows the September announcement of Polestar’s intention to list on Nasdaq in connection with its proposed business combination with Gores Guggenheim, Inc. (Nasdaq: GGPI, GGPIW, and GGPIU), which is expected to close in the first half of 2022.

“We will build in America for Americans,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO. “Polestar 3 is planned to be launched in 2022 as a premium electric performance SUV that will define the look of SUVs in the electric age. It will also be the first Polestar vehicle to be built in America.”

Thomas Ingenlath hosted investors and press at a series of events in New York to discuss the company’s vision, brand and growth plans. The audience learned that Polestar 3 is intended to be one of the most climate-responsible cars ever made and will in time offer autonomous highway piloting powered by the best-in-class LiDAR sensor from Luminar and centralized NVIDIA computing power.

The premium SUV market is the fastest growing segment in the US automotive industry and is expected to be one of the most rapid to adopt fully electric vehicles.

Polestar Precept, the company’s manifesto concept car that previews the future of its design, technology and sustainability, also made its US debut in New York City. Precept now embarks on a national tour, visiting Polestar retail locations throughout the US into the new year.

Thomas Ingenlath told audiences he believes there is a fundamental difference between Polestar and many other electric car companies. “We are not a virtual company waiting to build factories and sell cars; we are an actual company already building and selling cars around the world. Our two award-winning cars are on the road in 14 markets globally and we expect our global sales volume to reach around 29,000 vehicles this year.”

Thomas Ingenlath also underlined the company’s established manufacturing and sales capability, expressing that Polestar is planning to launch a new car every year for the next three years, starting with Polestar 3, and plans to increase its presence to at least 30 global markets by the end of 2023.

Expanding presence in these new markets, the arrival of three new cars, and further advances in its existing markets, mean that Polestar plans to grow ten-fold from global sales of around 29,000 in 2021 to 290,000 by 2025. “From here on in, Polestar is all about growth,” concludes Thomas Ingenlath.

Polestar 3 will be built at the Volvo Cars plant in Charleston, South Carolina. Volvo Cars is a large shareholder in Polestar, allowing Polestar to benefit from the Swedish company’s world leading safety technologies, but also generate cost efficiencies through financial and industrial synergies.

Bridgestone has been chosen as tyre supplier for the Audi Q4 e-tron – Audi’s first compact, fully-electric SUV. To meet Audi’s demanding technical requirements for the Q4 e-tron, Bridgestone developed custom-engineered ultra-low rolling resistance summer tyres with ENLITEN Technology. Sustainable and lightweight, ENLITEN Technology reduces tyre rolling resistance by up to 30 per cent and weight by up to 20 per cent to extend EV driving range and reduce environmental impact thanks to improved resource productivity.

The bespoke summer tyres offer a rolling resistance performance that betters the European A label grade threshold, and make no compromises when it comes to on-road stability, which is crucial for the heavy load on a rear traction vehicle.

Bridgestone sees electric mobility as a huge opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions and make mobility more environmentally sustainable, and is proud to be collaborating with Audi in helping to accelerate the electric future.

The Audi Q4 e-tron with bespoke Bridgestone Turanza ECO summer and Blizzak LM005 winter tyres, developed and produced in Europe, is now available on the European market.

BMW India held its exclusive driving program – BMW Joyfest 2021 – in ‘The City of Joy’ – Kolkata on 27 – 28 November 2021. The much-awaited event was held at Aquatica water theme park in Kouchpukur, near Rajarhat township. Hundreds of customers and prospects got the first-hand experience of BMW’s ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ and MINI’s ‘Go-Kart Feeling’.

The two-day event showcased the driving dynamics, modern functionality and high performance of the fascinating range of BMW and MINI product portfolio. The multi-city BMW Joyfest is being held in 13 cities across India.

The platform offered customers and prospects the experience of BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad brands under a single roof. They test drove the latest vehicles under expert supervision and interacted with product experts. BMW certified trainers offered valuable advice on driving etiquette and techniques like slalom, fast laps, corner braking and emergency braking. The latest range of BMW sedans, sports activity vehicles (SAVs) and MINI cars were available for test drives. The BMW M340i xDrive and BMW Motorrad motorcycles were on special display at the event.

A dedicated lifestyle zone showcased merchandise and accessories from all three exciting brands that were available on special offers.

Based on premium international standards, the BMW Joyfest features a one-of-its-kind immersive set-up with an observation deck. A special gaming zone ensures all round entertainment for the entire family. Participants can play games such as air hockey, foosball and exciting simulator-based racing games along with an opportunity to win lots of prizes.

The team of Sandip Mukherjee and Prakash Muthusamy emerged victorious at the Elegant Steel Monsoon Drive 10, held on Sunday, November 28 making this their second consecutive win in INRRC qualifying rounds in as many weeks.

Monsoon Drive 10 was the third East Zone qualifying round of the JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Regulatory Run Championship (INRRC) organised by Just Sportz, a Kolkata based sports management company.

Mukherjee, 69, along with his co-driver Muthusamy, maintained a consistent performance in both the legs of the rally to incur only 174 penalty points. The team of Subir Roy and Nirav Mehta took the first runner-up position with 284 penalty points.

Favourites Ajgar Ali and Mohammed Musthafa, who have together won previous editions of Monsoon Drive, emerged the second runner-up with 396 points. The team of Deep Dutta and Chandan Sen, a reputable navigator, came a close fourth with 404 penalty points. The duo of Soumyadeb Shaw and co-driver Souvick De Sarkar finished in the fifth position with 461 penalty points.

The first leg of the rally was flagged off from Country Roads Resorts at Panchla in Howrah at 8.30 am Sunday. The competitors navigated through rural roads and dirt tracks to reach the Haldia Helipad Ground by early afternoon.

The second leg of the rally was flagged off from Haldia Helipad Ground, and culminated at the Haldia Mela grounds. It was a short but tricky leg which saw the teams put on their thinking cap even while putting the pedal to the metal.

In the Open Category, the team of Sk. Aniruddha and Barun Chowdhury took the top step of the podium with 681 penalty points, followed by veteran rallyist Ratan Kumar Paul and co-driver Debashish Ghosh in the second position with 846 penalty points. Toushik Ghosh and Debargha Mukherjee finished third with 1184 penalty points.

This year saw the introduction of a new ‘Ladies Cup’ category to encourage participation of women in motorsports. The mother-daughter duo of Nilasha Das and co-driver Ipshita Das took the first position in this category with 1390 penalty points.

The sister-in-law pair of Alivia Sheikh and Sunita Prasad finished first runner-up in this category with 3226 penalty points. Out-of-towners Jasmeet Kaur (from Gurugram) and Jyoti Iyengar (Mumbai) sealed the second runner-up position with 3374 penalty points.

The INRRC will have 16 Qualifying rounds across six zones, with the top Five competitors from each zone qualifying for the finals.

Himalayan Drive 9, the marquee motorsports event in this part of India, will form the final round of INRRC and will be held in North Bengal & Sikkim in March 2021. The winners of the Finals will thus become National Champions & will be called the Indian National Regularity Run Champion 2021.

Kolkata based sport management company Just Sportz is back with the 10th edition of Monsoon Drive, a signature event in the motorsports calendar of Eastern India. This year’s Monsoon Drive forms the third round of the East Zone Qualifying Rounds of the JK Tyre FMSCI Indian National Regulatory Run Championship (INRRC).

The rally will be flagged off ceremonially from one of Kolkata’s iconic landmarks – South City Mall at 4 pm on Saturday, November 27. Around 28 competitors, many of whom are vying for top step of the podium at this year’s INRRC trophy are participating in the Monsoon Drive. They will be flagged off for the main event from Country Roads Resort in Panchla, Howrah, at 8.30 am on Sunday, November 28.

The first leg of the rally will witness the competitors navigate through rural roads and dirt tracks for a distance of 125 kms before the leg culminates at Haldia Helipad Ground at 1 pm. The second leg stretching for a mere 25 kms holds the promise for being both thrilling and tricky. The leg will be flagged off at 1.30 pm from the Haldia Helipad Ground and conclude at Haldia Mela Ground around 3 pm. The prize distribution ceremony will be held on the same day at Country Roads Resort from 7 pm.

The INRRC will have 16 qualifying rounds in six zones, with the top five competitors from each zone qualifying for the finals. The INRRC, which encourages participation of women in motorsports, has instituted a ‘Ladies Class’ in which entry fees are not charged. The top three competitors from each zone in this category will also participate in the INRRC National Finals.

Himalayan Drive 9, the marquee motorsports event in this part of India, will form the final round of INRRC and will be held in North Bengal & Sikkim in March 2022. The winners of the Finals will thus become National Champions and will be called the Indian National Regularity Run Champion.

Nissan Magnite was the first global product to launch under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan, representing the company’s shift towards quality products that deliver higher value to customers.

Mr Guillaume Cartier, Nissan AMIEO Chairperson, for Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region in his visit to India, handed over the keys of the 30,000th Nissan Magnite to the customer in a ceremony at a Dealership in Gurgaon. The chairperson also presented Nissan Global President’s Award to the Nissan India team for the launch of Nissan Magnite, a first for Nissan India operations.

Mr Guillaume Cartier said “I am pleased to handover the Nissan Global President Award to the Nissan India Operations for the successful launch of Nissan Magnite under the Nissan NEXT transformation plan. With this car we wanted to shake up the highly competitive compact SUV segment in India. The Nissan Magnite symbolizes Nissan’s commitment to driving innovation in India through daring design, technology and world class Indian manufacturing.”

Sinan Ozkok, President, Nissan Motor India, commented: “Nissan Magnite is a core model under the company’s global transformation strategy, and is playing a key role in strengthening Nissan’s presence in India and overseas under ‘Make in India, Make for the world’. We thank our customers, business partners and employees for making Nissan Magnite’s first year in the market such an overwhelming success.”

Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, added: “Launch of the all-new Nissan Magnite has proven itself to be a game-changer, redefining value in the SUV segment. Multiple awards from media and now this very special recognition of Global Nissan President Award is a proud moment for the Nissan India family. We thank the teams for their innovation, efforts and dedicate this award to the Customers for their love for Nissan Magnite making it a Big Bold Beautiful success. Cumulative bookings stand at over 72,000, a testament to the car’s popularity amongst the discerning Indian customer.”

Biju Balendran, MD & CEO, RNAIPL, said “We are glad to have rolled-out 30,000th Nissan Magnite. We have been able to achieve this milestone with the help and support from all our supplier partners. We are now excited and working round-the-clock to deliver high-quality cars at the earliest to our discerning customers. And the GNPA award is another feather in the cap for the Nissan Magnite.”

The Nissan Magnite comes with the best, lowest-in-class maintenance cost of 30 paise/km (for 50,000 kms). Peace of mind comes with a warranty of 2 years (50,000kms) which can be extended for up to 5 years (100,000 kms) at a nominal cost.

Nissan India also launched a first-in-industry innovative Virtual Sales Advisor for Nissan Magnite customers as part of its digital platform Shop@home, to enhance customers’ car buying experience.

Nissan India offers a subscription plan that enables customers to own a vehicle with a ‘White Plate’ and a “Buy Back Option” in Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, and Chennai. The plan comes with Zero Down Payment, Zero Insurance Cost, Zero Maintenance Cost.

Nissan India also has its entire range of Nissan and Datsun products in Canteen Store Departments (CSD). Defence personnel can now avail all CSD approved applicable discounts and offers through CSD Depots across the country.

Kia Corporation has revealed the all-new Niro today for the first time at the 2021 Seoul Mobility Show, which aims to make sustainable mobility accessible for everyone.

The all-new Niro embodies Kia’s commitment to building a more sustainable future. As an integral part of Kia’s growing eco-friendly line up, the new model will appeal to the complex needs of sustainability-conscious consumers.

“Kia continues to take steps towards a more sustainable future, inviting everyone to join the movement into the new mobility era,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. “The all-new Kia Niro makes it simple to practice a sustainable lifestyle with its eco-friendly materials, advanced technology and electric powertrains while it also fulfills the practical needs of customers.”

Completely redesigned from the ground up, the all-new Niro has been developed under the company’s Opposites United design philosophy, fulfilling ‘Joy for Reason’ ethos. It takes inspiration from nature in design and the choice of colour, material, and finish to strike a perfect balance between an environmentally responsible approach and a future-oriented outlook.

The strong influence of the 2019 Habaniro concept is evident in Niro’s exterior design with its stylish and bold crossover looks and high-tech two tone body. A wide pillar at the rear enhances air flow to improve aerodynamics and blends into the boomerang-shaped rear taillights.

Kia’s signature ‘tiger face’ has been transformed for the all-new Niro and now extends from the hood, right through to the rugged fender below. The contemporary front design is finished with striking ‘heartbeat’ LED DRL (daytime running lights) which create confidence and a striking look on the road.

The unique vertical taillight design highlights aerodynamics and technology. It traces the vehicle’s wide and stable stance with its strong shoulders and upright windows. The rear design of Niro blends simple surface treatments with dynamic sections to emphasise modernity and provide another point of attraction for consumers.

Efficient aerodynamics and sustainable materials are united through the cohesive design. This perfect combination offers roominess and a SUV look. Furthermore, Kia introduces the ‘Greenzone Drive Mode’ which automatically transfers the (P)HEV into EV drive mode to meet the demand for sustainable mobility solutions. When driving in green zones such as residential areas, or nearby schools and hospitals, the vehicle automatically uses electric power based on navigation cues and driving history data. It also recognises a driver’s favourite places, including home and office registered in the navigation system as a green zone.

As a clear statement of Kia’s commitment to sustainability and an indication of future model development, the all-new Kia Niro showcases new recycled materials inside the cabin. The headlining is made from recycled wallpaper, the seats are made from Bio PU with Tencel from eucalyptus leaves, and BTX free paint is used on the door panels to minimise the impact on the environment and reduce waste.

The off-centre dash curves around the front occupants with horizontal and diagonal lines opposing each other to create a calming, yet irregular aesthetic. The stylish center-console is easy to operate and features the electronic dial-type shift lever. It is positioned on the wide high-gloss black surface for a simple and modern look. The audio-visual screen and air vents are incorporated within the diagonal gaps of the modern dash design, while ambient mood lighting heightens the senses and creates a welcoming interior.

The slim, contemporary seats enhance roominess, comfort and style by applying a high-tech lightweight seat mechanism. The headrests’ back cover incorporates a convenient coat hanger, while the slim dimensions of the headrest helps to increase the feeling of space.

The all-new Niro will be on display at the Seoul Mobility Show from November 25 to December 5. It will be available with HEV, PHEV and EV powertrains starting from next year.