As India leads global fight against COVID-19, April 1, 2020 gets recorded as a defining moment in Indian automotive industry journey as it transits today nation-wide to BS VI emission norms, from BS IV, by skipping BS V emission norms, altogether. This transition has been four year ahead of the first plan of Government of India in 2014, wherein it was proposed to move to BS VI in the year 2024. While the resolve of our mighty nation is currently under test, unflinching commitment and combined efforts of Indian auto industry only has made BS VI migration a reality against all odds.

Emission norms of these new vehicles are now at par with Europe, meeting one of the most stringent emission norms globally. In fact, the emission norms of all models of two-wheelers in India is ahead of Europe (2021) and Japan (2022), and India is the first country across the world, to adopt this level of emission norms. More than 1,000 models and variants of BS IV were to be developed to BS VI emission norms in just three years, and the industry in the process is investing to the tune of Rs 70,000 crore for this achievement.

Rajan Wadhera, President SIAM said, “It is unprecedented anywhere in the world to switch to such stringent emission regime on one single day, for all categories of vehicles including, Two-Wheelers, Three-Wheelers, Passenger Vehicles, Trucks and Buses. I do compliment my fellow industry colleagues for this outstanding achievement in meeting BS VI emission norms despite facing huge challenges of technology, time and resources.”

Nissan has appointed Guillaume Cartier as Senior Vice President and Chairman for its Africa, Middle East, and India region (AMI) and Head of the Global Datsun Business Unit, effective from April 1, 2020.

In this role, he will lead the regional management committee and be responsible for business strategy and performance with all functional heads for the Nissan brand as well as assume the role of Head of Datsun globally.

Cartier, 51, re-joins Nissan from its Alliance partner Mitsubishi, where he served as Executive Officer and Senior Vice President, Mitsubishi Motors. Prior to that, he has held several senior positons with Nissan, which he first joined in 1995, including SVP Sales & Marketing for Nissan Europe in 2013. With over 25 years serving at Nissan and Mitsubishi across multiple roles covering global and regional operations, Cartier brings a wealth of experience across marketing and sales and a keen focus on business transformation.

Nissan’s global Chief Operating Officer, Ashwini Gupta commented on the appointment of Cartier saying: “The Africa, Middle East and India region continues to be significant for Nissan in terms of long-term growth and potential market share. Cartier brings in a wealth of senior experience from this part of the world, having over 25 years at Nissan, and our alliance partner Mitsubishi, which will be vital in continuing to drive our business forward by meeting the needs of an expanding and evolving customer base.”

Commenting on his appointment, Cartier said: “I am delighted to take on the role of chairman for Africa, Middle East and India region and I look forward to working with our regional leadership to continue growing our presence across our markets. We have a strong positioning in terms of products, services and industrial foot print, as well as an opportunity to expand our Nissan Intelligent Mobility (NIM) platform and innovative approach to mobility solutions across the region.”

“My appointment comes at a time of unprecedented change in our world today. We know these are challenging times for our industry as well as other sectors. This is when we must focus on what matters for us as a global company with a commitment to enrich people’s lives and ensure the health and wellbeing of our customers, business partners and employees.”

Cartier has an MBA form ESSEC Graduate School of Economics and Commerce University. He replaces Peyman Kargar who is taking up a strategic corporate role at Nissan following three years as AMI Chairman and global head of Datsun.

Kia Motors Corporation has announced that Ho-sung Song, Head of Global Operations Division, has been promoted to President.

In his new capacity, Mr. Song will spearhead the advancement of ‘Plan S’, the company’s mid- to long-term strategy aimed at progressively establishing a leadership position in the future automotive industry.

Mr. Song’s extensive experience across the automotive value chain as well as his expertise in overseas operations will be a tremendous assets in the company’s transition to future businesses, which will encompass electric vehicles and mobility solutions.

Prior to his current position as Head of Global Operations, Mr. Song has been successful in a wide array of leadership roles, ranging from President of Kia Motors Europe and Head of Kia Motors Corporation Export Planning Group.

Kia’s Plan S strategy targets a shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles from a business system focused on internal combustion engine vehicles. By the end of 2025, the company plans to offer a full line-up of 11 battery electric vehicles. With these models, Kia is looking to achieve a 6.6 per cent share of the global EV market (excluding China), while also attaining a 25 per cent share of its sales from its eco-friendly cars.

Han-woo Park will move on to an advisory role and continue to support the company’s business objectives.

Ho-sung Song Career Highlights:

Head of Global Operations, Kia Motors Corporation (Executive Vice President)
President of Kia Motors Europe (Senior Vice President)
Head of Export Planning Group, Kia Motors Corporation (Vice President)
President of Kia Motors France (Vice President)

Kia Motors Corporation has appointed Jochen Paesen as Vice President of its Interior Design Group. Taking up his new post this March, Mr. Paesen will be based at the Kia Design Center in Namyang, Korea and report to Karim Habib, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia Design Center.

Mr. Paesen will oversee the development of the brand’s future interior design. In particular, his presence will strengthen the brand’s capabilities in interior design for a range of future electric and electrified vehicles. The appointment is part of Kia’s wider efforts to capitalise on the design opportunities presented by electrification.

He brings with him almost two decades of experience leading major interior design projects across volume, premium and start-up brands. His most recent role was Senior Design Director for Interior Design at NIO, where he led a global team of designers in Munich, Germany, and established an interior identity for the brand prior to its market entry. He previously spent much of his career at BMW Group, and was credited with designing the 2009 BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics concept car and the BMW i8 Roadster. He also worked alongside Mr. Habib on a number of design projects in the early stages of his career.

“It is a great honor to be part of Kia’s global design team during a time of enormous change in the automotive industry,” said Paesen. “I look forward to contributing to Kia’s ambitious plans for the future with exciting and innovative products that will strengthen its position on the market. Kia has a very talented design and development team and I cannot wait to combine our efforts to strengthen the brand further, and pave a new direction full of innovation and class-leading designs.”

“Jochen is not only a talented designer with a great track record, but he also has a deep understanding of the synergy between brand and design,” said Habib. “At a time when Kia has announced its Plan S strategy to tackle the changing environment of the automotive world, Jochen will strengthen our design team and help us create great opportunities for the company. I look forward to welcoming him to our young and creative Kia’s design team in Korea.”

The Kia Design Center in Namyang, Korea is at the heart of Kia’s global design network. Overseeing all aspects of the brand’s designs, from conceptualisation and modelling to styling and development of colour and materials, the design headquarters works closely with the company’s regional design centers in China, Europe and the U.S.

Jochen Paesen career highlights:

2016 – 2019: (Senior) / Design Director Interior Design, NIO
2014 – 2015: Head of Interior Design, BMW i
2012 – 2014: Project Leader Interior Design, BMW Group
2010 – 2012: Creative Director Interior Design, BMW Group
2006 – 2010: Interior Designer, BMW Group
2002 – 2006: Interior Designer, Volkswagen AG

For six generations, globetrotters have travelled the world in it, businesses have relied on it and families have driven it every single day. The future is bright for the icon, with the latest iteration, T6.1, launched in 2019, showcasing a new dashboard and greater connectivity.

To celebrate the landmark, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has collated this ultimate guide to the historic vehicle.

T1: 1950 to 1967
Revealed as a hand-built panel van prototype in 1949, the T1 eventually launched as a rear-engined panel van, passenger van and eight-seat bus. The engine and gearbox came from the Volkswagen Beetle and it offered a maximum payload of 750kg. In 1951, the iconic “Samba” model was revealed with all-round windows and folding sunroof, and a year later a pick-up version was unveiled. Production moved from Wolfsburg to Hannover in 1956 while some were even produced in Brazil. By 1967, around 1.9 million people had purchased the T1 with its “splittie” windscreen, making it a global success.

T2: 1967 to 1979
With the T1 forging its name as something of a cultural icon in the “flower power” era, the successor had a lot to live up to. The T2 took the utility of the van on a step further with a new front end and air intake grille. A sliding door was now standard, and the pop-up roof camper version became an instant hit with globetrotters. In 1972, the T2 went electric with a zero-emission version available to buy. During its run, 2.14 million vehicles were built at the Hannover plant although production continued until 2013 at the Volkswagen plant in Sao Paulo, breaking the record for longest production period.

T3: 1979 to 1992
The T3 took the famous vehicle into the modern era with a wider body offering, more passenger and cargo space and improved safety. A flat engine, available in diesel, was introduced adding to the spaciousness while a new chassis offered car-like handling. In 1985, a raft of innovations were added: catalytic converters, turbochargers and all-wheel drive, while the California and Caravelle became popular. In total, 1.3 million T3s were made in Hannover.

T4: 1990 to 2003
This generation marked a technical revolution with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles making the T4 front-engined and front-wheel drive for the first time. With this came a new design, longer front end, new suspension, more varied engine choice and even better handling. The Transporter was also available in two wheelbases for the first time. Following a 1996 mid-model refresh, the T4 was phased out in 2003 having sold 1.9 million models across the range, which had grown to feature the panel van, kombi, double cab, pickup and chassis with single and double cab, Caravelle, Multivan and California.

T5: 2003 to 2015
The T5 was an evolution of exterior design with greater focus placed on the interior and the driver’s workplace as well as a variety of petrol and diesel engines and an all-wheel drive system. The California was built in Hannover for the first time, while Caravelle and Multivan continued to be popular choices alongside a number of limited-edition models. In total, 1.65 million T5s were produced.

T6 / T6.1: 2015 to 2019 / 2019-
New engines, intelligent driver assistance systems, new infotainment and a front-end redesign have defined the modern T6 era – while the two-tone paint scheme serves as a nod to the original model. In 2019, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brought the iconic van into the digital age with a new dashboard design, a raft of technology and connectivity updates as well as a new power steering system and additional efficient, clean turbo-diesels.

Synergies Casting Limited, a leading aluminium alloy wheel manufacturer announced the production and launch of black chrome plated wheels – Magic Black manufactured at its Visakhapatnam plant.

‘Magic Black’ – a black premium chrome plated wheels is manufactured using the chrome plating system that has been introduced by Synergies. The Magic Black chrome finished wheels offer quality, precision engineering, advanced materials and impressive manufacturing processes which results in their finish and looks.

The new technology combines the best of traditional electroplating, and new age requirement for environmentally safe and compliant ‘black’ colour. The Magic Black premium electroplating system is a full-fledged chrome plating process that guarantees a rich, lustrous, silky smooth chrome plated ‘blackness’. It follows the entire Copper-Nickel-Special-Chrome plating, which ensures better corrosion resistance due to even deposition and performs better in all quality aspects, meets demand to eliminate Cr(VI), has unique warm dark homogeneous look, increases longevity, has excellent durability and resistance to abrasion and protects the metal from corrosion, chemical damage, and wear. Alloy wheels are not just functional but have a dramatic aesthetic impact / appeal on cars, apart from safety . Car aficionados have long used alloy wheels to differentiate their vehicle.

Shekhar Movva, President, Synergies Casting Limited, said: “At Synergies we always endeavoured to be amongst the best in the alloy wheel business. Innovation has been the hallmark of our progress and growth as a world class wheel manufacturer. Necessity breeds invention, and innovation. The needs and aspirations of the customers with the existing black chrome finish options presented both an opportunity and a motivation for our innovative minds. More than 2 years of intense research, development of several custom processes, creation of new rinses, have finally yielded success. Impeccable finish, terrific functional performance, and stunning looks were the result of this work – Black Magic. We are proud to bring out the first Magic Black in the world from our Visakhapatnam plant ”

“These wheels are meant for the ultra-premium segment of the car market, with an overall market share of 3 – 5% and most suited to the luxury and ultra-luxury segment. The technology used for making these wheels combines the best of traditional electroplating, and new age requirement for environmentally safe and compliant ‘black’ colour. These wheels are manufactured at our state-of-the-art fully automated chrome plating plant in Vizag ” Shekhar Movva added

Technically, Black Magic wheels exceeds all OEM requirements comfortably, including the CASS, thermal, micro porous requirements which guarantee resistance to corrosion, pelleting, pitting, waviness, sputtering and looks stunning. Finally, a no compromise solution to give your wheels that cool, rich, black chrome finish.

BMW India has launched the new updated version of second-generation BMW X1. The new BMW X1 features refreshed design, attractive features and an impressive balance between driving dynamics and comfort. Locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai, the car is available in BS VI diesel and petrol variants at all BMW dealerships across India.

Rudratej Singh, President and Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group India said, “The BMW X1 has established and owned the dominant position in the premium compact sports activity vehicle (SAV) segment. This is also the trend worldwide – it reflects the global need the X1 serves. The X1 fits in perfectly with the attitude and lifestyle of modern ambitious future leaders who are redefining success – personally and professionally. They don’t hold back and live in the present, enjoying the thrill of success, celebrating each moment of their performance, here and now. They are fearless in playing the big game. The X1 is their ally in this thrilling journey of smashing status quo and setting new benchmarks. With the new 2020 BMW X1, we welcome them into the BMW world to experience the thrill of the ultimate driving machine which will add more thrill to their lives.”

The new BMW X1 is available in three variants – the new SportX, xLine and M Sport. Each variant has distinguished exterior and interior design features that lend an individual personality to the car. SportX reflects the perfect combination of sporty and ‘X’ elements. xLine puts on a powerful character enhancing the car’s off-road looks. M Sport bestows a masculine character distinguishing itself as an elite sports model.

The new BMW X1 is available in two BS VI petrol and two BS VI diesel variants which are locally produced. The ex-showroom prices are as follows –

BMW X1 sDrive20i SportX (petrol) : INR 35,90,000

BMW X1 sDrive20i xLine (petrol) : INR 38,70,000

BMW X1 sDrive20d xLine (diesel) : INR 39,90,000

BMW X1 sDrive20d M Sport (diesel) : INR 42,90,000

The new BMW X1 is truly an all-rounder. It is not just a vehicle offer but a comprehensive package that addresses every need from accessibility and cost of ownership perspective. A novel introduction in the segment is a 5 years / 60,000 kilometres service and warranty package for the new BMW X1. The comprehensive solution includes the protective cover of BMW Service Inclusive and BMW Repair Inclusive. Together, they take care of Condition Based Service (CBS), maintenance work and warranty, allowing customers to focus on the one thing that matters – sheer driving pleasure. For customers booking the new BMW X1 in March, the package is available at a special price of just INR 15,000 per year for petrol variants and INR 20,000 per year for diesel variants. BMW India offers a variety of service plans, so customers also have the freedom to choose one according to duration and mileage of their preference.

BMW India Financial Services has introduced an unparalleled 5 year BMW 360˚ financial plan exclusively for customers booking the new BMW X1 in March. The extremely attractive plan includes low monthly payments starting INR 49,999, assured 5 year buy-back value of INR 15,00,000 and flexible end of term options. Customised and flexible financial solutions can be further designed as per individual requirements.

As the official global car partner of the Liverpool Football Club (LFC), MG Motor India had organised a meet and greet event with celebrated player Emile Heskey.

Bringing two British icons under one roof, the marquee carmaker allowed VIP access for fans, enabling them to interact with the LFC star, receive autographed merchandise, view training sessions and matches, and much more. The event took place at Select City Walk, Saket, New Delhi.

“As the official global car partner of the historic British Football Club – Liverpool, our objective is to provide MG Motor India and the country’s passionate Liverpool supporters an opportunity to create delightful memories together. The coming together of two iconic British brands with global fan following is a collective attempt to offer exciting experiences for the Indian football community and fans. Moreover, MG Motor’s brand heritage truly resonates with the club’s rich history, making this a very special event for us,” said Gaurav Gupta, Chief Commercial Officer, MG Motor India.

Through this partnership, MG Motor India aims to leverage the growing popularity of football across the globe to strengthen the brand’s presence among its target audience of young, sporty and passionate customers. The association with LFC further aims to accelerate MG Motor’s brand awareness across global markets such as Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia, South America, North Africa and more.

Bentley Mulliner has revealed the all-new Bacalar at the home of Bentley in Crewe, England. The rarest two-door Bentley of the modern era, and the ultimate expression of two-seat, open-air luxury, this definitive Grand Tourer spearheads a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner – the oldest coachbuilder in the world.

Just 12 examples of this striking, limited edition model are being created, guaranteeing rarity and exclusivity, and offering supreme luxury and breath-taking performance. Bacalar looks to the future of bespoke luxury motoring – each model will be handcrafted in Bentley Mulliner’s workshop in Crewe, according to the individual customer’s personal tastes.

This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.

Bacalar has been brought to life by Bentley Mulliner, reviving its specialism in providing rare coach-built cars to only a few discerning customers. A roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork, embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar will be truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and the individual customer.

The most exclusive two-door Bentley of the modern era launches a new Bentley Mulliner operation, and forms part of a new strategy for the world’s oldest coachbuilder that will see the division offer three different portfolios: Classic, Collections and Coachbuilt.

Bentley Mulliner has an illustrious history and can proudly trace its roots back to the 1500s when the company’s original focus was customising luxurious, horse-drawn carriages. The remarkable Bacalar is therefore the culmination of almost 500 years of expertise and heritage in the art of vehicle design.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:
“The Bentley Mulliner Bacalar is our ultimate expression of an open-top, luxury grand tourer, and of the immense capabilities of our team in Crewe.

“In Bacalar, we have created a fully bespoke Bentley, orientated towards a two seat open top experience, and carrying a number of the forward thinking elements of future luxury, first heralded in our EXP100GT as part of our Centenary celebrations last year.

“Bacalar is a rare and remarkable Bentley, and whilst clearly defined, will be an extraordinary and collaborative experience for just twelve discerning people who will now co-create, collect, drive and treasure one of twelve being built.

“Our customers are as excited as we are about Bacalar, as it brings our team and discerning enthusiasts together, to create the finest bespoke, hand-built cars, and push the boundaries of our imagination and capabilities.”

A masterpiece of craftsmanship, the Bacalar is a seamless fusion of materials with an intelligent curation of technology. It draws on design DNA from the beautifully sculpted, award-winning EXP 100 GT which was recently crowned ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ at the prestigious French Festival Automobile International and ‘Concept Car of the Year’ by GQ magazine.

A statement of purpose for the future, Bacalar now propels Bentley into a new century of extraordinary, as the design team has envisaged the most dynamically sculpted model to date. The dramatic, tapered cowls at the rear hark back to the Barchetta sports cars of old, whilst underlining the promise of a dynamic, driver-focussed adventure in a cosseting, cocooned environment.

Pure in line and execution, the distinctive, wraparound cockpit flows from a new, steeply angled centre console seamlessly into the dashboard and doors. These then wrap rearwards towards the semi-enclosed luggage compartment behind the two seats.

Sustainable, ethically-sourced materials previewed in the EXP 100 GT concept car last year have now become reality in the Bacalar – just eight months after first being previewed. These include paint containing ash from rice husks, which provides a sustainable way of delivering a rich metallic finish, natural British wool and 5,000-year-old Riverwood sourced from the ancient Fenlands of East Anglia.

The Bacalar features an enhanced version of Bentley’s peerless 6.0-litre, W12 TSI engine. The most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 PS (650 bhp) and 900 Nm (667 lb.ft) of torque.

An advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System varies the torque split between front and rear wheels. It allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance. The drivetrain is at the heart of the Bacalar, creating the ultimate open-air, two-seat luxury Grand Tourer available in the world today.

All examples of the exquisite Bentley Mulliner Bacalar have already been allocated to customers from around the world.

Jaguar Land Rover India, today announced that it has opened bookings of the New Land Rover Defender in India. Offered with a 2.0 l, 221 kW (300PS) petrol powertrain with 400 Nm of torque, the New Defender will be available in two distinct body styles, the elegant 90 (3 door) and the versatile 110 (5 door) as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) and is priced from Rs 69.99 Lakh (ex-showroom India).

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd. (JLRIL), said:
“The New Defender embraces its rich lineage in a modern, 21st century package that makes it extremely capable, on and off-road. With the entry of this icon to India, we are extremely proud to offer to our customers, the most capable and durable product in the Land Rover portfolio, while still retaining the authenticity and character of the original.”

The New Defender will be offered in five different variants across both 90 and 110; Base, S, SE, HSE and First Edition. Built for adventurous hearts and curious minds, the New Land Rover Defender is highly customisable with a multitude of seating options, accessory packs and features to choose from.

For India, the New Defender will come with 360° Surround Camera, Wade Sensing, Electronic Air Suspension (Standard on 110), Smartphone Pack, Connected Navigation Pro, Off-Road tyres, Centre Console with refrigerated compartment (optional) and more.