Future Volvo customers will need to answer one fundamental question: do you want a new Volvo with a cord or without one? Volvo Cars has introduced the XC40 Recharge, the company’s first ever fully electric car and the first model to appear in its brand new Recharge car line concept.

The XC40 Recharge, based on the XC40 is the first of a family of fully electric Volvos. It represents a true milestone for Volvo Cars: the company’s first electric car and the first Volvo with a brand new infotainment system powered by Google’s Android operating system.

Over the next five years, Volvo Cars will launch a fully electric car every year, as it seeks to make all-electric cars 50 per cent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain.

From early 2020 customers entering the Volvo Cars website will first be asked whether they want a Volvo Recharge car or not. To further encourage electric driving, every Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid model will come with free electricity for a year, provided through a refund for the average electricity cost during that period.

“We have said this several times before: for Volvo Cars, the future is electric,” said Håkan Samuelsson, Chief Executive. “Today we take a major new step in that direction with the launch of our fully electric XC40 and the Recharge car line.”

The XC40 Recharge is everything customers expect from a Volvo, with the addition of a state-of-the-art, fully electric all-wheel drive powertrain that offers a range of over 400 kilometres on a single charge and output of 408 hp (414 PS). The battery charges to 80 per cent of its capacity in 40 minutes on a fast-charger system.

The Android-powered infotainment system is fully integrated with Volvo On Call, the company’s digital connected services platform. Via Volvo On Call plug-in hybrid drivers can track how much time they spend driving on electric power.

To meet the anticipated growth in demand for its Recharge cars, Volvo Cars will triple production capacity for electrified cars and will as of next year prepare a Designer’s Choice selection of popular Recharge models, offering the potential for radically reduced delivery times. Volvo Cars aims for plug-in hybrid cars to make up 20 per cent of total sales in 2020.

Every Volvo model in the range includes a Recharge option, from the small XC40 SUV via the 60 Series cars to the company’s flagship, the large XC90 SUV. Volvo Cars is the only car maker to offer a plug-in variant on every model in its line-up.

The XC40 Recharge and the Recharge car line are also tangible proof points of the company’s ambitious new action plan, also launched today, which represents concrete actions in line with the Paris climate agreement and supports Volvo Cars’ ambition to become a climate-neutral company by 2040.

MG (Morris Garages) Motor India today announced Benedict Cumberbatch as the face and ambassador for their upcoming Electric Car ‘MG ZS EV’ in India. The announcement comes as a further extension of the ongoing association between two British icons.

The MG ZS EV, which is slated to be unveiled in India in December 2019, is a testimony to the carmaker’s long-term commitment towards environment friendly mobility in India. Benedict, who was recently announced as MG India’s Brand Ambassador as well as roped in for the brand campaign and seen in the launch commercial for MG in India sporting the Hector Hybrid; will now don a new avatar for the MG ZS EV.

Benedict Cumberbatch on his association with MG said, “Since my childhood, I have grown up seeing and reading about MG’s. With the iconic MG brand set to drive into the future, I am delighted to be part of the brand’s journey in India. The ZS EV – India’s first connected electric SUV focuses on and furthers the required change in the environment which is the need of the hour. It is a start in India and am glad to be part of this start.”

MG India’s association with the acclaimed British actor also builds from the shared values and beliefs where both endorse community-led causes like diversity. Benedict Cumberbatch has been known for promoting gender equality and ‘diversity across the board’ within the global entertainment industry. Benedict has also many a times demonstrated his focus on the humanitarian crisis and is known for adopting cruelty free fashion.

“We are extremely charged up and excited to extend our association with Benedict for the MG ZS EV in India. The pure electric SUV from MG’s global stable has seen robust demand from customers in the UK, Thailand and other markets. It is part of our commitment to promote environmentally friendly mobility in India. We realize there is a need to become a catalyst for change and we are happy to do so with the MG ZS EV,” said Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director, MG Motor India.

MG Motor India, on its part, has been driving its vision of facilitating the creation of a more equal and diverse society with various in-house and on-ground initiatives. Women professionals currently account for 31 per cent of the organisation’s workforce – the highest in the industry. MG Motor India has also associated with organisations such as IIMPACT an NGO engaged in providing quality education to the girl child through its learning centres in remote villages across the country. TRAX India to raise awareness on road safety across 200 schools and The Better India to raise awareness about community building through initiatives such as ‘MG Changemakers’.

Nissan today unveiled the Ariya Concept, a crossover EV with twin electric motors, powerful acceleration, driver assistance technology and a look that signals a complete reinvention of the brand’s design.

The new Nissan Ariya Concept, introduced today at the 46^th Tokyo Motor Show, signals the dawn of a new era for Nissan as the company embarks to redefine its brand philosophy for the next evolutionary phase of the automobile.

The Ariya Concept features a spacious, premium cabin with high-tech features and a body that conveys the pure, clean nature of electric cars. It embodies the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision of personal transportation – one where electrification and vehicle intelligence will offer seamless and adaptive travel experiences free of accidents or harmful emissions.

The Ariya Concept expands on design elements first hinted at by the Nissan IMx Concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. They include the bold electrified V-motion signature “shield” and striking rear light blade, short overhangs, and an interior that feels more like a lounge than a conventional vehicle.

Although it’s a concept vehicle, the crossover EV’s bold styling and unconventional interior and exterior elements could make it into production in the near future.

“The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering,” said Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “It is the next stage of Nissan’s future design language as we embark on a new era for the company – the next stage in our evolution.”

Over 35 million Golf in various versions have been produced worldwide since the first generation, 26 million of them at the Wolfsburg plant. Production of the new Golf at the main plant began in the summer and is currently in the run-up phase. The first vehicles will be in the showrooms at dealers in Germany and Austria in early December. To prepare for production, approximately 700 work steps were analysed at over 400 workshops to leverage existing efficiency reserves. Numerous process improvements have been implemented to make sure the eighth generation of the bestseller can be built more efficiently than its predecessor.

In Wolfsburg, 8,400 employees work exclusively on the Golf. The Golf 8 has over 2,700 individual parts and components. There are 962 wiring systems with 1,340 metres of cable in the fully-connected Golf. That is 31 wiring systems and just under 100 metres of cable more than in the Golf 7. Starting with delivery of the steel sheet, the Golf travels 69 kilometres on production lines until the finished vehicle leaves the factory.

Dr. Andreas Tostmann, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Production, said: “The Golf 8 is much more complex than its predecessor. Nevertheless, we have cut average manufacturing time by about one hour. Because the Golf 8 belongs to the second-generation of MQB products, we achieved a significant reduction in production investments. Our platform strategy is delivering. The team in Wolfsburg have given their all for the Golf 8. Production processes have become more efficient overall. That is a great achievement and I would like to say a big thank you to all employees.”

Due to greater standardisation of plant and processes for the Golf 8, ramp-up investments for a successful start of production have been cut by more than half compared with the model’s predecessor. Total investments for the new Golf are in the mid three-digit million euro range. Given the current platform strategy, 80 per cent of existing body shop plant and equipment can be used. Like its predecessor, the Golf 8 is based on the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB). New equipment has been installed for the side panels of the Golf 8 with their striking tornado line. This new plant is not only much more flexible, it is also 40 per cent more productive that the equipment used for the Golf 7.

Commissioning the Golf 8, i.e. installing all data, is fully automated and carried out via a fast WLAN network while the vehicle is still on the production line. As a result, manufacturing time for this process step remains unchanged even though the volume of data is higher. From next year, a new fully-automated generation of driverless transport systems will ensure the faster supply of material, a key factor in efficient factory processes. Body shop logistics will see a seven percent improvement in productivity through the use of 23 transport robots.

The oldest Fiat in the UK, the 1899 Fiat 3½hp, is set to mark the 120th anniversary of the brand by taking to the road as a sponsor of the Bonham’s London to Brighton Veteran Car Run.

The 1899 Fiat 3½hp will take part in the 60-mile drive from Hyde Park in London down to Madeira Drive in Brighton as part of the world’s oldest annual motorsport events, which will run on 3rd November.

Owned by FCA UK Ltd, and on permanent display at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, the Fiat 3½hp can seat two adults in comfort with two children facing the driver, in a vis-à-vis layout. With a horizontal two-cylinder engine displacing 697cc and a three-speed (no reverse) gearbox, it can reach a top speed of 21mph while returning a very respectable 35mpg. The National Motor Museum collaborated with Fiat to return the car to the road ready for the iconic event.

The London to Brighton run celebrates the passing of the Locomotives on the Highways Act, which saw the abolition of the need for a motorised vehicle to be led by a red flag carrying man and raised the speed limit from 4mph to 14mph.

Fabbrica Italiana Automobili Torino (FIAT) was founded by a group of Turin investors in July 1899 and began assembling cars in a temporary factory. The newly founded company absorbed two smaller businesses, including a bicycle manufacturer which had a prototype car, called the ‘Welleyes’. The first dozen or so cars manufactured by Fiat in 1899 were derived from this prototype. A new purpose built factory started producing cars from March 1900 and from this Fiat grew to be an industrial giant and one of the world’s largest motor manufacturers.

Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director, Benelli India with the Imperiale 400

Betting big on the Classic bike segment, the Italian superbike manufacturer Benelli, has launched one of its most awaited model – Imperiale 400 in the Indian market for Rs. 1.69 Lakhs (Ex-showroom, India).

The Classic bike strongly recalls the Pesaro based brand’s heritage. The Benelli Imperiale 400 is a reinterpretation of a historical model of the Benelli-MotoBi range produced in the 1950s. An authentic bike with a pure spirit that today finds its essence in an elegant and retro motorcycle.

Commenting on the launch of the Benelli Imperiale 400, Vikas Jhabakh, Managing Director, Benelli India, said, “We are delighted to launch a series of exciting models in the last two months in the Indian market and this clearly proves Benelli’s commitment to India. We are betting big on the segment, with the launch of the Imperiale 400 and are confident of capturing a significant market share with a number of dealership launches set to take place, to ensure that our services and the Imperiale 400 is within reach for every rider out there.”

The Imperiale 400 gets an all new SOHC, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled BS4 engine with electronic fuel injection. The maximum power produced is 21 PS at 5500 rpm, with a torque output of 29 Nm at 4500 rpm.

Extremely easy to ride and handle, the Imperiale 400 has a compact and durable double cradle frame. The front gets a 41 mm telescopic fork while the rear gets pre-load adjustable dual shock absorbers. The design of the exhaust, finished in black with chrome inserts, accentuate the vintage style of this new Benelli motorcycle, reinforced by the round front headlight – typically retro – and the teardrop tank, which bring out the motorcycle’s true essence.

The classic bike features a 300 mm disc on the front with a two-piston floating caliper and a 240 mm disc with single-piston caliper at the rear, with dual-channel ABS, thus ensuring an effective and balanced braking system. The spoked rims have different diameters: 19-inch on the front end, 18-inch at the back, respectively mounting 110/90 and 130/80 section tubed tyres.

Benelli India is also offering the Imperiale 400 with the ‘3-Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty as Standard’. The Benelli Imperiale 400 is introduced with complimentary service for the first 2-years. The company has also introduced an Annual Maintenance Contract for the Imperiale 400 for hassle free customer experience, which can be availed after the completion of the first 2-years.

The Benelli Imperiale 400 is available in three colour options – Red, Silver and Black.

Volvo Cars has launched one of the most ambitious plans in the automotive industry, aiming to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025. This is the first, tangible step towards Volvo Cars’ ambition of becoming a climate neutral company by 2040.

The plan represents concrete actions in line with the global Paris climate agreement of 2015, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Volvo Cars’ 2040 ambitions go beyond addressing tailpipe emissions through all-out electrification, another area in which the company is at the forefront. It will also tackle carbon emissions in its manufacturing network, its wider operations, its supply chain and through recycling and reuse of materials.

As a near term step towards its 2040 ambition, Volvo Cars is implementing a set of ambitious, immediate measures in its efforts to reduce the company’s lifecycle CO2 footprint per car by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025. At that point in time, the company also aims for its global manufacturing network to be fully climate neutral.

“We are transforming our company through concrete actions, not symbolic pledges,” said Håkan Samuelsson, CEO. “So at Volvo Cars we will address what we control, which is both our operations and the tailpipe emissions of our cars. And we will address what we can influence, by calling on our suppliers and the energy sector to join us in aiming for a climate neutral future.”

To realise the significant 40 per cent reduction of its CO2 footprint per car by 2025, the company has devised a number of ambitions for different parts of its operations. The previously communicated goal of generating 50 per cent of global sales from fully electric cars by 2025 is a prominent one, which would result in a 50 per cent reduction in tailpipe carbon emissions per car between 2018 and 2025.

Other short-term ambitions include a 25 per cent reduction of CO2 emissions related to its global supply chain by 2025, a 25 per cent share of recycled plastics in new Volvo cars by 2025 and a 25 per cent reduction of carbon emissions generated by the company’s overall operations, including manufacturing and logistics.

Volvo Cars was the first conventional car maker to commit to all-out electrification and phasing out cars powered only by an internal combustion engine. As of this year, every new Volvo launched will be electrified and the company today also launches its first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge. Starting with the XC40 Recharge, Volvo Cars will disclose the average lifecycle carbon footprint of each new model.

The XC40 Recharge is the first car in Volvo Cars’ new Recharge car line. Recharge will be the overarching name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Recharge car line aims to further boost sales of Volvo Cars’ electrified cars and encourage plug-in hybrid drivers via incentives to use Pure mode as much as possible.

Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India launched the new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d in Mumbai.

German luxury car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz has further bolstered its strong SUV portfolio by adding the power of diesel to its iconic G-Class. The G-Class is a cult performance off-roader, which has set high benchmark for many vehicles. With the introduction of the new G 350 d, the off-roader becomes the most efficient “G” ever.

“The G-Class has been unparalleled and unrivalled around the world, since its inception in 1979. It is the benchmark amongst luxury off-road vehicles. Today, Mercedes-Benz offers the fans and customers in India the first ever diesel G-Class, the Mercedes-Benz G 350 d. The G 350 d with limitless customization possibilities is positioned as a lifestyle vehicle for aficionados, who want a highly personalized vehicle, which is an expression of their dynamic personality. The famed off-roading capabilities of the G-Class adds to the dynamic appeal of the vehicle. With a rich history of over 40 years, the G-Class has carved a niche for itself in a rather competitive market segment. We are sure the zealous fans of the G-Class will welcome their favourite luxury off roader in its new guise.” Martin Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said at the much-awaited launch.

He added, “We start our product offensive for 2019 today, and there cannot be a better vehicle to make an impression other than with the iconic G-Class. With the new G 350 d, we are glad to offer over 15 specialty and AMG cars for our discerning customers. The G-Class is an outstanding vehicle that combines serious off-roading capabilities combined with daily driving pleasures. The launch of this vehicle further cement our ‘Top of pyramid’ product strategy for India. We have an exciting product offensive lined up for Q4 and we are confident of maintaining our leadership position in the luxury segment.” he added.

Over a million possible combinations of G-Class can be created by combining the series and G maufaktur options, resulting in a G-Class, which could be the only one of its kind. The G-Class’ individuality is reflected in the G manufaktur philosophy. The G manufaktur uses only the finest materials: care, craftsmanship and time. The design gene is particularly prominent in the DNA of the G-Class. Equipment varies exclusively for the new G-Class, in which everything is perfectly matched and tailored to the highest level. Over a million possible combinations of the G-Class can be created by combining the series and G maufaktur options.

• The G 350 d comes with special Nappa Leather

• Be it the exterior or interior, many details of the new G-Class are hand-crafted

• A total of at least 100 hours is required to build the G-Class

• Experienced artisans pay attention to every detail when making the seats. The result is highly exclusive collector’s items fashioned by the hands of craft masters

The G-Class is not the only passenger car model series with the longest production run in the history of Mercedes-Benz, but also the forefather of all SUVs bearing the three-pointed star. A torsional rigid ladder-type frame of high-strength steel and a mounted body of composite construction provides the basis for the enormous off-road capabilities of the new G 350 d. This design is considerably more robust and suitable for off-road operations than a uni-body construction. The body shell consists of various grades of steel while the wings, bonnet and doors are made of aluminium.

The new Mercedes-Benz G 350 d is priced starting at Rs 1.5 crores ex-showroom, India.

Nissan India has launched the CVT version of its Datsun GO and GO+ at an introductory price of Rs 5.94 lakh and Rs 6.58 lakh respectively. Datsun GO and GO+ are the first models in their respective segments introduced with CVT (continuously variable transmission) – Nissan’s globally acclaimed transmission technology. Deliveries to new owners will commence immediately at all Nissan and Datsun dealerships across the country.

“In line with our mission of progressive mobility, we are introducing Nissan’s proven CVT technology in Datsun GO and GO+ to cater to the demand of the customers looking for stress free drive experience. With host of first-in-class and best-in-class features, Datsun GO & GO+ offer the best value proposition in its segment”, said Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd.

The new CVT in GO and GO+, offers smoother shifting of gears and better city, highway and hill driving. Unlike other automatic transmission technologies, there is no lag while accelerating providing better control. With improved insulation, the Datsun GO CVT and GO+ CVT give out low engine noise in the cabin, even during high acceleration.

The Sports Mode is yet another first for an automatic transmission in this segment. This mode enhances the overall driving experience with more power specially during overtaking.

Datsun GO CVT and GO+ CVT now come with enhanced crash performance with front and pedestrian protection reinforcement, side crash performance and roof reinforcement. First in segment Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC), dual bags, anti-lock braking system with EBD and BA, reverse parking sensors and follow-me-home headlamps make GO and GO+ one of the safest cars in the segment. An automatic speed sensing door lock has also been added, which is applicable to all variants.

The Datsun GO CVT and GO+ CVT models come in six colour schemes: Ruby Red, Vivid Blue, Bronze Grey, Amber Orange, Crystal Silver and Opal White.

Additionally, both Datsun GO CVT and GO+ CVT models will be available with a standard two-year warranty package. Datsun customers will have an option to extend the package up to five years with a nominal fee.

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Bridgestone India in conjunction with Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR) Pune concluded the 13^th residential programme to train Heavy Motor Vehicle Drivers. Ajay Sevekari – Member of the Board of Directors joined the ceremony on Bridgestone India’s behalf. The 45 day, fully sponsored training by Bridgestone India, is called Sarthi.

Sarthi is focused on giving better employment opportunities to drivers, enhancing their driving as well as soft skills and also educating them about safe driving practices while on the road. The program includes classroom and on track training, experience simulators and is designed to enhance driving skills and technical orientation. The program also coaches on first aid, road safety, meditation, financial literacy, and HIV/AIDS awareness. As of date Sarthi has trained over 308 drivers.

“India produced one million commercial vehicles in 2018-19. There is a growing demand for trained drivers who not only have proper driving skills but also the right attitude, while operating heavy vehicles on the highways. Through this initiative, we are able to create skilled workforce which will bridge the gap between demand and supply of skilled drivers and enable safer mobility on Indian roads. This is ‘Our Way to Serve’ our people and communities. We are glad to have a dedicated partner like Institute of Driver Training & Research working with us to contribute on this front”, commented Parag Satpute, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.

The training also includes two days session on tyre maintenance and safety at Bridgestone India Chakan campus, facilitated by subject expert employee volunteers of the company. Most of the successful trainees have been placed with renowned fleet owners and also with MSRTC.

This training program is fast gaining popularity amongst rural youth from some of the most under served and distant areas. Initially, most of the enrollments were from Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra, however, the recent batches have enrollments from UP and Rajasthan.

Congratulating the trainees Mukund Deo, Secretary IDTR said, “I am totally convinced, going by the records of skills developed and jobs provided to the needy that this CSR project has 100% acted consistent with the aim with which the government made this provision for corporates. This is really a great achievement, because, generally there is initial enthusiasm while starting any new project but it diminishes over a period of time, however, this partnership has been steady and consistent, Bridgestone and IDTR remain committed to work together in this partnership and increase our outreach.”