For more than a century, Rolls-Royce motor cars have been graced by the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot, one of the most recognisable emblems ever created. Yet, remarkably, given her immense fame and global reach, aspects of her story remain open to speculation, confusion and no little controversy.

As the marque embarks on a new era of electrification, we revisit the legend to separate established fact and documentary evidence from speculation and hearsay. It is a tale of four people from different backgrounds, whose individual personalities and intertwined, sometimes complex relationships were the genesis for the world’s most famous and desirable icon.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said, “Our Spirit of Ecstasy mascot is the most recognisable automotive emblem in the world. Like our company and our motor cars, she has changed constantly over time, yet remains true to her origins and inspiration. As we enter a new era with Spectre, we have taken the opportunity to revisit our treasured icon and her story, which remains endlessly fascinating, eye-opening and intriguing after more than 100 years. It is both a significant chapter in the brand’s memory, and a rich human drama that, though the product of a bygone age, still resonates with us and our clients today.”

The Spirit of Ecstasy story is a very human drama, in which fact and fiction often become blurred. What is undoubtedly true is that in 1902, freelance journalist and motoring enthusiast John Montagu – richly titled but perennially short of cash – set up Britain’s first motoring magazine, The Car Illustrated, and hired Charles Sykes as his chief illustrator. It is also certain that around the same time, Montagu’s friend, Claude Johnson, employed a young woman named Eleanor Thornton as his assistant at The Automobile Club, where he was General Secretary.

When Montagu met Eleanor, who was both highly intelligent and famed for her beauty, he was instantly smitten and offered her the job of Office Manager at his magazine. She accepted, and the aristocratic publisher and his new colleague – 14 years his junior and from humble origins in south London – soon embarked on a 13-year affair that was as passionate and sincere as it was inevitable and clandestine.

During 1903, Eleanor became pregnant. She and Montagu decided it would be best for the baby to be adopted at birth. For a few seconds, Eleanor held the infant Joan before handing her to Montagu, instructing him “never again to mention the name of the baby”. Eleanor never saw her again; but her father did. He arranged (and paid) for Joan to be initially brought up by an ex‑sergeant from his regiment and his wife, and latterly a doctor and his wife. Over the years that followed he visited his daughter, who knew him only as Uncle John, and did what he could to support her, within the bounds of propriety and secrecy.

It is here that the various strands of the story start to draw together. Sykes and Eleanor would, of course, have met through their work at The Car Illustrated; but intriguingly, they knew one another already. A few years earlier, Eleanor had taken rooms at The Pheasantry, an artists’ colony in the Kings Road, Chelsea. Here, she lived a secret double life: demure, respectable, professional assistant to Johnson at The Automobile Club by day; sensuous exotic dancer and life-model by night. One of the artists for whom she regularly posed was Charles Sykes.

Although Sykes was employed by Montagu as an illustrator, he was also a talented sculptor, having studied under the eminent Professor Edouard Lanteri at the Royal College of Art. In 1903, he sculpted a trophy, modelled on Eleanor, for Montagu to present at the Gordon Bennett race. Another of Sykes’ works, entitled Bacchante, was shown at the Royal Academy and the Paris Salon. Her face and figure are also strikingly similar to those of his long-time muse.

During this period (the precise date is unknown) Sykes produced a mascot for Montagu’s Rolls‑Royce Silver Ghost. Called ‘The Whisper’, it was a small aluminium statuette of a young woman in fluttering robes with a forefinger to her lips. It has been confirmed that Eleanor was the model: whether the mascot was a token of appreciation from Sykes to his friend and employer, or made at Eleanor’s instigation as a gift for her lover, remains a mystery. Whatever the truth, Montagu displayed it on every Rolls-Royce car he owned until his death in 1929; perhaps as a discreet acknowledgment of his love for Eleanor, which he kept secret for so long.

The conventional wisdom is that ‘The Whisper’ was the inspiration for the Spirit of Ecstasy; and that the mascot, therefore, is modelled on Eleanor Thornton. It is an appealing and logical notion, and there are enough similarities to support it. But once again, the story is not as clear-cut as it first appears.

In 1910, Eleanor’s erstwhile employer, Claude Johnson, re-enters the narrative. No longer at The Automobile Club, he was now Managing Director of Rolls-Royce, the company co-founded by his former business partner, The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls, and the brilliant engineer Henry Royce.

Royce was already becoming irritated by what he felt were tasteless mascots adorning radiator caps atop Rolls-Royce motor cars, including black cats, devils and a jovial policeman. Claude Johnson, however, spotted an opening, and argued that they should produce their own mascot that would enhance a Rolls-Royce rather than demean it. Eventually, Royce grudgingly agreed; and through his friend Montagu, Johnson commissioned Charles Sykes to create it.

Johnson already had a mental picture of the kind of adornment he wanted. On a trip to Paris, he had been impressed by the artistry of the Grecian marble statue of ‘Nike of Samothrace’, Goddess of Victory, sculpted in 190 BC and exhibited in the Palais du Louvre since 1883. Standing nine feet (2.75 m) tall, she is depicted as a winged deity descending from the heavens, draped in a flowing tunic and mantle. Sadly, the vicissitudes of time and fortune have deprived her of both arms and her head.

“I want something beautiful, like Nike,” Johnson said to Sykes. “Go and have a look at it.” Sykes did so, but quickly decided Nike was too martial and domineering to be a suitable Rolls-Royce mascot. Having often travelled in Montagu’s Silver Ghosts, he believed a more delicate, ethereal figure would better express the marque’s grace, silence and subtle power. Once again, his muse was almost certainly Eleanor Thornton.

But even here, doubt remains. While it seems highly probable that Eleanor was the model for the Spirit of Ecstasy’s overall form, the face could be that of another as it is an excellent likeness of a woman with whom Sykes had a close and adoring relationship – his mother, Hannah Robinson Sykes. Some have speculated that Sykes used his imagination to create a female physique that satisfied his artistic eye and vision of the ideal of womanhood.

Sykes’ new mascot was initially called ‘The Spirit of Speed’. The title that would make her immortal appears in a letter from Rolls-Royce to John Montagu. In it, the Company describes its search for a mascot that would convey “the spirit of the Rolls-Royce – namely, speed with silence, absence of vibration, the mysterious harnessing of great energy, a beautiful living organism of superb grace like a sailing yacht”.

The letter adds that when Sykes designed his “graceful little goddess”, he had in mind “the Spirit of Ecstasy, who has selected road travel as her supreme delight and alighted on the prow of a Rolls-Royce car to revel in the freshness of the air, and the musical sound of her fluttering draperies”.

Rolls-Royce registered the Spirit of Ecstasy as its intellectual property in 1911. However, it is noteworthy that she did not receive the unreserved blessing of either of its founders. Sir Henry Royce disliked mascots of any kind; and The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls never set eyes on her, since she was created after his death in a flying accident in June 1910. It is due almost entirely to the vision, acumen and sheer force of character of Claude Johnson that she exists.

His instincts were proved correct when, in 1920, Rolls-Royce entered the Spirit of Ecstasy in a competition in Paris to find the world’s best motor car mascot. She won, of course, and Sykes received a gold medal.

It is also not often appreciated that the Spirit of Ecstasy was an ‘Optional Extra’ right up until 1939. Perhaps reflecting Sir Henry’s undimmed antipathy, mascots graced only about 40% of the 20,000 or so cars delivered during this period, though many were later retrofitted.

The Spirit of Ecstasy has been a defining feature of the Rolls-Royce brand since 1911. But just as the marque and its motor cars have constantly evolved and changed with the times, so she herself has undergone her own periodic transformations.

In her original 1911 form, she was a statuesque 6 7/8 inches (~18cm) in her bare feet; by the 1960s, she had passed through eight iterations and stood a more petite 4 5/16 inches tall (~11cm). The distance from her nose to the tip of her outstretched robes had also shrunk proportionally, from five inches to three. There have also been subtle variations in her base shape, stance and precise inclination of her ‘wings’ over the decades.

More radically, clients buying models from 1934 until 1959 had the option of a kneeling figure, which some considered better suited to the coachwork designs of the period.

In the 1970s, some countries tried to ban the mascot on safety grounds. In Switzerland, for example, clients weren’t allowed to display her at all, and on receiving their cars found her languishing in the glove compartment. Rolls-Royce’s typically elegant and ingenious solution was to mount the mascot on a spring-loaded base, allowing her to sink into the radiator out of harm’s way at the merest touch. This retraction mechanism has evolved into a smooth, graceful movement known as ‘the rise’ and is a standard feature on every Rolls-Royce motor car hand-built at Goodwood.

One of the many remarkable aspects of the Spirit of Ecstasy’s story is that from 1911, every figurine was personally cast, inscribed and hand-finished by Charles Sykes himself. His daughter, Josephine, took over in 1928 and continued until manufacture was interrupted by the outbreak of war in 1939. Each Spirit of Ecstasy from this period is therefore minutely different from every other.

Today, they are made by specialists in Southampton, England, using a wax casting process combining methods and materials dating back over 5,000 years with 21st Century technology.

Each figurine is based on a three-dimensional computer-generated image, digitally mapped from the original Spirit of Ecstasy. Using this image, skilled craftspeople created a solid cast tool, made by hand using cutters measuring just 0.2mm in size to ensure even the finest details were precisely replicated. From this cast tool, they produced a highly accurate wax model of the figurine, which was then coated in ceramic. After this coating had dried, the wax was melted away, leaving a perfect mould from which the new cast would be taken.

Each figurine is made by filling the mould with molten stainless steel, at a temperature of 1600°C. Once the steel has cooled, the mould is opened to reveal the Spirit of Ecstasy in all her glory. The final transformation takes place in the Finishing Department, using a process called peening. The casting is blasted by millions of stainless-steel balls, just 17 thousandths of an inch (0.04mm) in diameter, which help to polish the surface without being abrasive. After machining, a final mirror polish and stringent quality assurance checks, the completed figurine takes her rightful place above the iconic Rolls-Royce grille.

In 2020, Rolls-Royce unveiled The Spirit of Ecstasy Expression. For this wholly new visual treatment, designers redrew her in a simplified, modern form to be used as a graphic symbol as part of the marque’s updated corporate identity. The computer-generated, online-friendly illustration translates the figurine’s curves into a ribbon of parallel lines that undulates and changes according to its setting. It is designed to evoke movement; a silky, fluid form that appears to drape and flow over physical and digital surfaces.

Today, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced that the Spirit of Ecstasy would take a new form for her adornment on Spectre, the marque’s first electric motor car. She is more streamlined and graceful than ever before – the perfect emblem for the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created, and for gracing the prow of our bold electric future.

The earliest Spectre prototypes have a drag coefficient (cd) of just 0.26, making it the most aerodynamic Rolls-Royce ever created. The figure is expected to improve during the product’s exhaustive testing protocols undertaken in 2022.

On 30 December 1915, Montagu and Eleanor Thornton were enjoying lunch in the first-class saloon of the P&O passenger ship SS Persia. They were sailing through the Mediterranean en route to India, where Montagu had been made Chief of Mechanical Transport for the British army. Eleanor was to disembark at Port Said and return to England for the duration.

The ship was struck by a torpedo and sank in less than five minutes. Eleanor Thornton, together with hundreds of other passengers, was never seen again.

Montagu, however, was lucky. After 38 hours adrift in a lifeboat, suffering with a broken shoulder and a damaged lung, he and a handful of other survivors were picked up by a passing liner. While recovering in Malta as a guest of the Governor, he enjoyed the bittersweet pleasure of reading his own obituaries in the London newspapers.

Montagu never got over the loss of Eleanor, which of course he could never mention publicly. But for the rest of his life, she was with him in spirit wherever he travelled in his Rolls-Royce motor car.

Bosch has always focused on technologies for a mobility experience that is economical and sustainable, safe and secure, convenient and exciting in the future. This will be accomplished via new platforms to meet changing requirements of legislations and user experience. Bosch is taking further strategic steps towards a leading position in the software-dominated future of mobility by combining its‘ automotive know-how, wide-ranging electronics and software expertise. In mobility hardware and software development, BGSW is the largest R&D centre outside Germany with 20,000+ engineers.

Bosch is the market leader in the powertrain business. They have a technology neutral approach with regards to powertrain, be it gasoline, diesel or electrification. Considering the ever-changing needs of mobility Bosch provides more than one powertrain technology to make mobility more sustainable.

Bosch is the global leader in electric powertrain solutions. The company estimates that by 2030, every third new vehicle in India will be an EV. At the same time, dependent on use case / customer strategy, the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) could also be electrified with mild and strong hybrids. The ICE remains an important part of the powertrain mix especially in commercial vehicles and off highway segments.

Bosch supports govt. vision to reduce road accidents by over 50 percent by 2025. Bosch’s expertise in assisted and automated mobility ranges across passenger and commercial vehicle driver assistance with India-specific object identification technology, motorcycle safety and rider assistance, and braking and occupant safety (4W and 2W). Bosch India has invested INR 380 crores over the last 10 years and an additional INR 238 crores is planned over the next 5 years in safety domain.

As an AIoT company, Bosch India is leveraging AI, IoT, automation, and digitalization to develop smart, secure, efficient, and sustainable smart products of the future. Sales of connected power tools, household appliances, and heating systems alone have grown by 50 percent within one year – from four million units in 2020 to more than six million in 2021 globally. With the Bosch Center for Artificial Intelligence (BCAI), the company has established a strong unit in the field of AI that has already contributed some 300 million euros to result.

Bosch will continue to invest heavily in India to expand its portfolio close to 7 percent of total net sales. Backed by the biggest R&D team outside Germany – Bosch’s Beyond Mobility business works to the highest international standards of manufacturing, product, and service quality to formulate indigenous, affordable, and India-specific innovations.

Bosch remains committed to improving quality of life through advanced technology. Having aided the construction of “modern India” over the past 26 years, Bosch Power Tools aims to increase its localisation share by more than 10 percent by 2025. And BSH Home Appliances recently expanded its production capacity at its Chennai factory for manufacturing refrigerators towards an ambition to achieve up to 75 percent of localisation by 2025.

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.”