TVS Motor Company today announced the launch of ‘Commuter of the Year’ celebratory special edition of TVS Radeon. The special edition comes in two colours Chrome-Black and Chrome-Brown.

The edition, with its chrome accent, gives a bold new elegant look to TVS Radeon. It comes with range of features such front disc brake, new robust thigh pad design, new petrol tank cushion with emblematic ‘R’, new metallic levels, chrome rear view mirrors and chrome carburetor cover. The refreshed graphics further accentuate its stylish look.

A unique blend of sturdy metal build, robust style and plush comfort, TVS Radeon is targeted at the discerning progressive middle India millennials. Launched in August 2018, TVS Radeon has upped the choice for everyday commuters and boasts of a customer base of over 2 lakh customers.

Commenting on the launch, Aniruddha Haldar, Vice President (Marketing) – Commuter Motorcycles, Scooters & Corporate Brand, TVS Motor Company, said, “TVS Radeon has generated unprecedented love from experts and consumers alike. Within its first year of launch over 2 lakh proud consumers are overjoyed with their Buland choice. The trust and love of such consumers only reaffirms our commitment to them. TVS Radeon, having won the appreciation of experts, became the most awarded motorcycle of the year. The special edition stays true to the TVS Radeon Buland DNA and celebrates its spirit. It adds comfort and premium distinctiveness with an unwavering eye on practicality, I am sure TVS Radeon and its consumers will continue to live true to its promise of Live Strong Ride Strong (JIYO BULAND BADHO BULAND).”

TVS Radeon is powered by a 109.7cc Dura-Life engine, which is aims to offer a combination of power and fuel economy. The motorcycle churns out 8.4 PS of power at 7000 rpm with a torque of 8.7 Nm at 5000 rpm. TVS Radeon is equipped with a 10-litre tank and delivers an ARAI-ratified fuel economy of 69.3 kmpl.

TVS Radeon ‘Commuter of the Year’ celebratory special edition comes in both Disc and Drum variants and is priced at:

Drum: Rs. 52,720 (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Disc: Rs. 54,820 (Ex-showroom Delhi)

Maruti Suzuki India Limited announced that it has received enthusiastic response, from its customers, for the BS6 range of vehicles. The BS6 models offered by the Company currently constitute around 70% of the total petrol vehicles sold.  Continuing with its commitment to launch environment friendly vehicles, Maruti Suzuki introduced its first BS6 compliant petrol car, a Baleno in April 2019. This was followed by launch of BS6 compliant petrol variants of Alto 800, WagonR (1.2 L), Swift, Dzire and Ertiga much before the government stipulated date of implementation of the regulations. The recently launched XL6, Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) is also BS6 compliant. All these vehicles are amongst the top selling models in the industry.

Kenichi Ayukawa, Managing Director & CEO, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “As a responsible and environment conscious brand, Maruti Suzuki is aligned with Government of India’s vision to introduce BS6 compliant vehicles before April 2020. Seven of our top selling models are BS6 compliant much before the deadline. We are committed to progressively upgrade our entire range of petrol cars to BS6 technology before stipulated timelines. The BS6 vehicles use Suzuki’s proven technology that helps to substantially reduce the emissions thus contributing to a cleaner and greener environment.”

He added, “We extend our gratitude to our customers who are early adopters of environment friendly BS6 technology in our vehicles.”

The BS6 compliant petrol vehicles will lead to a substantial reduction of nearly 25 per cent in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions. The BS6 compliant petrol vehicles can run on BS4 petrol also. The BS6 petrol cars from Maruti Suzuki have been extensively tested with BS4 fuel and there is no operational concern.

Volkswagen presented the pioneering ID.3 on the evening before the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt. This vehicle is the symbol of a new era for the brand. The ID.3 extends the Volkswagen offering as the first model of a completely new generation of pure electric vehicles – featuring zero local emissions, outstanding efficiency, and full connectivity. At the same time, the ID.3 reflects the realignment of the Volkswagen brand, and is also the first model with the new Volkswagen logo.

“The ID.3 is an all-rounder that is suitable for everyday use. It is compact, as such offering the manoeuvrability of a small car with the interior space of a mid-range vehicle. It combines exciting design with innovative technology and significant range,” outlines Silke Bagschik, Head of Sales and Marketing for the ID. family, on the evening before the IAA.

The ID.3 from Volkswagen opens a new era of climate-friendly mobility. This first model from the ID. series features carbon-neutrality, the impressive driving dynamics that are characteristic of electric cars, and full connectivity. Like all future ID. models, the ID.3 is based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB), which has been designed for an electric drive system without compromise.

The ID.3 flaunts the newly developed design DNA that makes it immediately identifiable as a zero emission vehicle. Designed for an electrifying future, it brings a new level of design quality to the compact vehicle category. “With the ID.3, Volkswagen is heading towards the future,” explains Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design of the Volkswagen brand, going on to emphasise: “The natural style and absolutely intuitive driver experience demonstrate a new, electric way of thinking.”

The interior is also revolutionary. The long wheelbase of the MEB layout, combined with very short overhangs, results in an expansive vehicle interior: the Open Space. With the room and spaciousness this creates, the five-seater ID.3 sets new standards in the compact class.

Digital, entirely newly designed display elements and controls ensure that every driver will intuitively find their way in the ID.3. Apart from the display in the cockpit, a newly developed, centrally positioned, ten-inch touch display provides drivers with all key information.

The ID. light, which is also new, supports drivers with an LED strip during navigation and can, for instance, prompt them to brake in the event of any dangers. All controls – including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel – are operated using touch functions featuring touch-sensitive buttons. Only the electric windows and hazard warning lights are still operated using tactile switches. This is supplemented by intelligent natural voice control. Thanks to App Connect, the ID.3 can be connected with your smartphone within seconds.

At series production launch, the ID.3 will be available with three battery size options. The basic variant has a usable energy content of 45 kWh and enables an electrically powered range of up to 330 kilometres. Alongside this is a battery variant with 58 kW, which enables the ID.3 to achieve a range of up to 420 km. The energy content of the largest battery is 77 kWh, and its electric range is up to 550 kilometres. Thanks to its fast charging capability, it is possible to charge the ID.3 sufficiently for a range of around 290 kilometres within 30 minutes, using a charging output of 100 kW.

The batteries themselves are integrated into the underbody. This positioning has a positive effect on driving dynamics, as it moves the centre of gravity in the ID.3 significantly lower. The ID.3 is also characterised by optimum weight distribution between front axle and rear axle.

German luxury carmaker Mercedes-Benz India had unveiled ‘Luxe Drive Live 2019’, in Kolkata.

The fifth edition of this unique experiential drive camp was based on three exciting pillars — Adrenaline, Gourmet and Music — and offered a holistic brand experience. The fun-filled evening provided both existing and potential customers an opportunity to test-drive a range of Mercedes-Benz cars, enjoy live musical performances with MTV, and savour the culinary delights of celebrity chef Ranveer Brar.

Martin Schwenk, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, said, “We see immense potential in the east and Kolkata is one of the key hubs to drive growth across the region. It gives me immense pleasure to reach out to our customers and prospects in these cities through this medium. We recently conducted a Luxe Drive Live event in Guwahati and inaugurated a new dealership in Cuttack. As we celebrate 25 years in India with our brand motto ‘Best Never Rest’, we bring a lot of excitement to our unique experiential programme, Luxe Drive Live 2019. As part of the celebrations, 25 special attendees will have an opportunity to win Mercedes-Benz merchandise in a special contest at the venue. The fifth edition of Luxe Drive Live in India, with Adrenaline, Gourmet and Music as the key pillars, will help us strengthen our brand reach and provide our customers with an immersive experience.”

The three pillars of experience are:

Adrenaline: Adrenaline is designed to give a holistic product and brand experience to our prospective customers. With this key principle, Luxe Drive Live 2019 enhances the drive experience by adding a more thrilling off-road track. To increase the drive experience and product exposure for all our SUVs, Mercedes-Benz also has a specially designed self-drive zone with extended drive duration.

Highlights

• Self-drive experience of new-generation Mercedes-Benz cars such as CLA and GLA
• Self-drive experience on a specially designed off-road track for GLA, GLC and GLE 250
• Demonstration of GLE 350 and GLS
• Pre-safe demonstration in the C-Class and E- Class
• Innovative car displays comprising a range of new product launches

Gourmet: Gourmet has been the most successful engagement pillar for Luxe Drive over the years, as it presents a perfect blend of luxury and lifestyle. Mercedes-Benz continues its association with celebrity chef Ranveer Brar who will travel to all the Luxe Drive Live events and cook up a delectable spread of dishes. He will conduct an exclusive workshop on gourmet and food photography. Chef Brar will also introduce the industry-first Luxe Drive Culinary Academy to bring in more exclusivity to the gourmet pillar. Entry to the Academy is through participation in social media contests and the winner will get an exclusive hamper, while all other participants will receive certificates.

Music: Music is a high-attention grabber and is capable of enhancing brand reach across the country. Keeping this in mind, Mercedes-Benz created the extra ‘Music’ pillar at Luxe Drive Live to offer participants an electrifying and a memorable weekend. In an industry-first initiative, Mercedes-Benz India has associated with MTV for musical events that include a series of live musical gigs showcasing the works of reigning musicians as well as some of India’s highly-talented artistes and bands.

Guenter Butschek, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Motors Ltd, Pawan Goenka, Managing Director, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company Ltd with the Moderator.

The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), organised its 59^th Annual Convention titled “Moving into A New Era of Auto Industry”.

During the convention, the speakers highlighted how innovation, technological breakthroughs and automation are set to change the future of mobility globally. They deliberated on viable pathways which will lay the ground work for future mobility and smart manufacturing.

Talking about the future of mobility, John Moavenzadeh, Executive Director – Urban Mobility Professional Education, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Senior Advisor, Deloitte & Founder and Managing Partner, Mobility Nexus LLC, stated, “Digitization and new business model would shift mobility focus from products to service. Consumer behaviour today has shifted from vehicle ownership to pay-per-use models. Shared mobility will dominate the future, while traditional mobility will continue to remain relevant.” He also said “In the future, mobility will get more integrated– with data at the core of mobility integration powering by mobility data and advanced technologies.”

Vinod Aggarwal, Treasurer, SIAM and MD & CEO, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, highlighted that the Automobile Mission Plan aimed to propel the auto industry as the primary engine of growth for the ‘Make in India’ program. He also said that in Indian context CASE can have a different connotation which is Clean, Affordable, Safe and Efficient. Rahul Jain, MD & Senior Partner, The Boston Consulting Group, drew a comparison between global perspectives and Indian context saying that current challenges will lead to increased partnerships across government, infrastructure and overall industry. Martin Peter Schwenk, MD and CEO, Mercedes Benz India Pvt Ltd, spoke on how emerging new trends will impact revenues of companies.

Gurpratap Boparai, MD, Volkswagen India Pvt Ltd & Skoda Auto India Pvt Ltd opened the floor for discussions around Industry 4.0 by mentioning that this revolution would help bring smart manufacturing. However there has to be a roadmap which will allow a smooth transition. Prof. B Gurumoorthy, Professor, Indian Institute of Science & Chief Executive, Society for Innovation and Development, said, “Industry 4.0 is about taking digital world with human element into manufacturing in a more autonomous manner where decisions would be taken by machines based on artificial intelligence.”

Prof. Dr Detlef Zühlke, Executive Chairman, smartfactoryKL e.V. commented that  mass customization, regional production, online drivers and immediate delivery system will change the market scenario, “We need a stack of standards which includes interoperability, communication and electromechanical standards. Data is generated in huge amounts today for which AI-driven data analytics is necessary. Today we have comparable products, standards, market pressure and knowledge. We are also dealing with a variety of workforce issues, cybersecurity and legal framework.”

Talking in the “CEOs’ Panel – Revival of Automotive Industry”, Guenter Butschek, CEO & MD, Tata Motors Ltd, reiterated that government must support the industry by lowering the GST before 20^th September so that nobody misses out on potential sales expected during the festive season. Clearing the air around EVs, Venu Srinivasan, Chairman, TVS Motor Company Ltd, said that EVs would not replace combustion vehicles and all kinds of technologies will continue to co-exist – electric, petrol, diesel fuel and others. Dr Pawan Goenka, MD, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, mentioned that auto OEMs should work cohesively in this testing times and urged that govt. and industry should come together to beat this downturn.

Concluding the day long convention, Dr A R Sihag, Secretary, Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, Government of India, commented, “New auto policies are engineered keeping in mind demands of various stakeholders. Extensive discussion on the economic slowdown is impacting consumer sentiments. Even the talk around GST rate reduction will make the customers wait indefinitely which would impact sales.” He further said, “As far as the scrappage policy is concerned, it is under review and the government is laying down the way forward.”

Concluding the 59^th SIAM Annual Convention, Rajan Wadhera, President, SIAM and President (Automotive Sector), Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd said, “Department of Heavy Industry needs to anchor the auto sector at present. A single decision making body should be formed for the auto sector on the lines of NAB.” He thanked the Secretary that Government is actively considering scrappage policy. Summarising the key highlights by the speakers today, he said, “Automation and innovative solutions will result in smart manufacturing. We should also be mindful that the 4^th revolution of the industry shouldn’t reduce jobs. Industry needs to recover faster before BSVI kicks in which will have its own challenges on sales. Further, we will continue the dialogue with the government on GST reduction.”

Mercedes-Benz India’s luxurious experiential event — Luxe Drive Live — is all set to delight patrons and potential customers in Kolkata, on September 7-8, 2019.

The event has been planned in light of the grand success of the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Luxe Drive Live in Coimbatore and Guwahati.

Built on three exciting pillars — Adrenaline, Gourmet and Music — #LuxeDriveLive is a unique customer engagement initiative that offers participants a holistic brand experience.

Luxe Drive and MTV will share the stage to present an impressive musical extravaganza with electrifying performances from some of the most talented voices in the industry. Popular bands like Serenade, The Yellow Diary, Fame The Band and Gingerfeet would be performing for the audiences in Kolkata. After the soul-stirring music, patrons can go on a culinary trip and relish mouthwatering cuisine prepared exclusively by celebrity chef Ranveer Brar.

Luxe Drive Live will provide a complementary car evaluation experience and special trade-in with personalised finance and an opportunity to pick up exclusive Mercedes-Benz merchandise. It will also have a special zone for patrons’ children, Daimler Financial Services, and an advisory facility for potential consumers.

Highlights

The event consists of the following three pillars of experience:

Adrenaline: Designed to heighten driving experience at the Luxe Drive Live event, Mercedes-Benz has divided the product engagement into five zones, offering guests a range of vehicles to choose from. The driving experience is also enhanced by the availability of more self-drive zones with extended duration. Automobile enthusiasts can witness the technical expertise and superior performance of Mercedes-Benz products through hands-on driving on custom-designed test tracks. To increase the drive experience and product exposure for all its SUVs, Mercedes-Benz also has a specially designed self-drive zone for the GLA and GLC. Patrons can be a part of the SUV demonstration drives that showcase the off-road capabilities of the GLE and GLS models, along with a pre-safe demonstration in the C-Class and E-Class.

Gourmet: This has been the most successful engagement pillar for Luxe Drive Live over the years. Mercedes-Benz continues its association with Chef Ranveer Brar to provide guests with a delectable culinary experience. The renowned chef will also interact with participants in an exclusive workshop on gourmet and food photography.

Luxe Drive Live and MTV sessions: Mercedes-Benz has created an extra pillar for the extravagant evening to provide participants with an electrifying experience and a memorable weekend. Mercedes-Benz India is associating with MTV for a series of live music gigs that showcase the work of today’s leading singers and present some of the most talented artists across genres.

Nissan today announced the appointment of Rakesh Srivastava as Managing Director, Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd (NMIPL), reporting to Sinan Ozkok, President of Nissan India Operations.

Sinan Ozkok commented: “I am pleased to welcome Rakesh to the Nissan India team. With his rich experience and deep understanding of the Indian market, I am confident he will strengthen our sales and marketing functions and successfully deliver our customer-centric strategy.”

Rakesh has a proven track record in achieving growth and transformation in the Indian automotive sector and brings with him 30 years’ of successful leadership. He joins Nissan from one of India’s largest conglomerates, the JSW Group, where he worked as Director in charge of electric vehicle development. Prior to that, Rakesh has held senior management positions at Hyundai Motor India and Maruti Suzuki.

Rakesh Srivastava said: “I am excited by the opportunity to build and strengthen Nissan operations for our customers, partners and employees in India. Nissan is an iconic global brand and its leadership in technology and innovation will be a key driver and differentiator towards delivering value and aspiration to our customers in this competitive market.”

French carmaker Renault has launched its compact MPV Triber in India, priced between Rs 4.95 lakh and Rs 6.49 lakh (ex-showroom). The seven-seater Triber, which is less than 4 metres in length and is the second model from the company after Kwid which has been specifically designed and developed for the Indian market.

Venkatram Mamillapallehe, Country CEO and MD, Renault India Operations, said: “Triber aims to bridge the gap between Kwid and company’s other SUV offerings like Duster and Captur.”

Renault Triber is powered by 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine generating 72 PS of maximum power and 96 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine currently complies with BS4 emission norms.

The biggest selling point of the Renault Triber is its modular seating. The Triber offers the flexibility of different seating layouts, depending on the needs of the customer. The third-row seats can be clicked in or out, transforming the Triber into a 6-seater or a 7-seater depending upon requirement. With its third row folded down, the Triber can take in 625 litres of cargo in the boot, more than that of the Maruti Suzuki Ertiga. Triber also comes with functional roof rails with a load carrying capacity of 50 kg.

Renault Triber comes equipped 8-inch multimedia touch screen features the MediaNav Evolution connected multimedia system. It is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. The multimedia system also allows videos to be played through USB plug.

Safety features include four airbags on the top-spec variant. ABS with EBD, front seat belt reminder and a speed alert system make up the rest of the safety net.

Renault is aiming to launch more products in Indian markets with an objective to double sales volume to two lakh units annually in the country within three years.

A new Golf is rolling up to the starting grid, marking the eighth generation. The design and digital innovations launch this bestseller – of which more than 35 million have been built – into a new age: the era of electrified drives, a digitalised and connected interior world, assisted driving and online-based functions and services. The next generation of the Golf will shape the era with new impulses.

The camouflage lets onlookers identify that the black and white lines are disguising a five-door vehicle with powerful proportions. And it makes no secret out of the fact that it is a Golf – because its visual DNA is unmistakable. Anyone taking a closer look will also see that the “Golf” designation has been integrated into the camouflage. However, the camouflage does not reveal one element: the finer details of the new design.

Klaus Bischoff, Head of Volkswagen Design, said: “At this time, we will not disclose all details of the new Golf, but you can already perceive its elegant proportions.” The head designer continues: “The next generation will be a genuine eye-catcher!” The countdown to the debut of number eight has already begun: the new Golf will be celebrating its world premiere in autumn 2019.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki has launched the XL6 premium MPV. The Zeta manual is priced at Rs 9.79 lakh, while the AT bears a price tag of Rs 10.89 lakh. The Alpha manual sells at Rs 10.36 lakh while the AT sets you back by Rs 11.46 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom.

The Maruti Suzuki XL6 is a premium MPV based on the Ertiga and will be sold exclusively through Maruti’s Nexa outlets. The XL6  gets its name by the virtue of being bigger than the Ertiga and comes with a six seat configuration with captain seats for the middle row occupants.

The Maruti XL6 is powered by a sole BS6-compliant 1.5-litre K15B engine that develops 105 PS of power and 138 Nm of torque. It will be available in two trim levels – Zeta and Alpha. Both variants will be available with a choice of manual and automatic transmissions, taking the total variant count to four.

To my surprise, the fuel efficiency figures remain the same as the Ertiga, despite the XL6 being very slightly heavier (by 20 kilograms) and longer. ARAI-ratified mileage figures stand at 19.01 kmpl for the manual and 17.99 kmpl for the AT. However, there isn’t a diesel powertrain on offer as of yet.

When viewed from the outside, the Maruti Suzuki XL6 looks completely different. In fact Maruti claims that only the side panels and the tailgate is common with the Ertiga. The rest of the exterior is completely new. The hood has been raised by 95 mm higher, and there is a broader, black and chrome finish grille. The headlamps get quad LED treatment and the LED daytime running light or DRL.

There is a lot more body cladding running through the bumpers and along the sides into the wheel arches. The bumpers are wider and protrude more making the car marginally longer than the Ertiga. The tailgate is new too as are the vertical-stack LED taillights. Black alloy wheels and black mirror housings are another new design element. The taller roof rails and stance of the car do make it appear to be higher riding than the Ertiga for sure. However, what was a bit of a disappointment though is given the premium positioning, neither does the XL6 get larger wheels nor higher ground clearance than the Ertiga. The 185/65 R15 tyres are the same that are used on the Ertiga; as is the 180 mm ground clearance.

Step inside the Maruti Suzuki XL6 and you will be welcomed by an all-black interior in comparison to the Ertiga’s two tone beige. The dashboard gets what Maruti is referring to as a stone-finish garnish unlike the faux wood on the Ertiga. Barring this it’s the same touchscreen, instrument cluster with TFT info screen and climate control system. The front central cup holders have an air vent each for air-cooling your choice of beverage. The seats are more bolstered and the steering is finished in black leatherette. However, the plastic quality and the other materials used in the passenger cabin feels similar to what has been used in the Ertiga. Considering that Maruti Suzuki is positioning the XL6 as a premium MPV, they ought to have used better quality materials.

Having said that, the XL6 still appears to be a good addition to Maruti Suzuki’s product portfolio and has the potential to garner good sales numbers.