Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the bold new concept vehicle, Project Vector, as part of the company’s Destination Zero journey, offering its vision of an autonomous, electric, connected future for urban mobility.

Jaguar Land Rover’s Destination Zero mission is an ambition to make societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner. Delivered through relentless innovation, the company’s focus is on achieving a future of zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion – through its products, services and across its facilities.

As the next stage of that journey, the Project Vector concept showcases an advanced, flexible, multi-use electric vehicle that is ‘autonomy-ready’.

At the reveal, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, Prof Sir Ralf Speth, commented: “Jaguar Land Rover understands the trends shaping modern societies. Project Vector shows Jaguar Land Rover as a leader in innovation to make our societies safer and healthier, and the environment cleaner. Through this project, we are collaborating with the brightest minds in academia, supply chain and digital services, to create connected, integrated mobility systems – the fundamental building blocks for Destination Zero. Project Vector is precisely the brave and innovative leap forward needed to deliver on our mission.”

The compact, flexible vehicle concept measures just four metres in length and is designed for the city, packaging all its battery and drivetrain components into a flat floor, to allow a variety of uses. The revolutionary interior cabin space allows seating configurations for private, or shared use and even the opportunity for commercial applications, such as last mile deliveries.

Project Vector concept has been created with the mission to raise the quality of future urban living. It has been developed at the National Automotive Innovation Centre to gain the advantages of working with agility and close collaboration with academic and external partners.

It will also address the wider landscape of mobility, from how customers connect with mobility services, to the infrastructure required to enable fully integrated, autonomous vehicles in our cities.

Dr. Tim Leverton, Project Director said: “The megatrends of urbanisation and digitalisation make connected urban mobility systems necessary and inevitable. Shared and private vehicles will share spaces with and be connected to public transit networks, so you can travel on demand and autonomously. That is a complex task, best achieved by working together with partners across the spectrum of vehicles, infrastructure and the digital world.

“With the technology and engineering power of Jaguar Land Rover, we can provide a unique opportunity for innovators to develop highly-functional urban mobility services, seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

“Future urban travel will be a composite of owned and shared vehicles, access to ride hailing and on-demand services as well as public transport. Our vision shows the vehicle as a flexible part of the urban mobility network that can be adapted for different purposes.”

The intention is to collaborate with Coventry City Council and the West Midlands Combined Authority to plan a mobility service from late 2021, as a living laboratory for future mobility on the streets of Coventry.

Professor Dr Gero Kempf, Chief Engineer said: “It’s also a unique opportunity – a concept platform designed and engineered around urban centric use cases by a major car maker as a blank canvas, for developing tailored services and apps in the ecosystem of a smart city.”

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp

At the recently held Hero World 2020, the Company reiterated its commitment to remain at the forefront of mass mobility, by showcasing to the media three new products, a world-class product accessory, and a display of the entire global product portfolio of Hero MotoCorp – the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters.

This was followed by the showcasing of several product concepts and business initiatives that showcase the seeds of its vision for the future of mass mobility, and provided a glimpse into the universe of Hero MotoCorp including the R&D labs, test-tracks, and technology.

Dr. Pawan Munjal, Chairman, Hero MotoCorp said: “Sustainability and responsible growth remain at the core of Hero MotoCorp’s technology, innovation and global expansion plans. With Hero World 2020,we have curated a novel and unique approach to showcase our future technologies, products and services.

“Over the next 5-7 years, we are aiming to create the next generation of mobility solutions that are relevant to customers across the world. To this end, we have earmarked an investment of Rs. 10,000 Crore along with our ecosystem, which will be utilized towards research and development of alternative mobility solutions, modern, state-of-the-art, sustainable manufacturing facilities, network expansion, and brand building across the globe.

“We are an ever-evolving, youth-centric, innovation led brand, that has remained the market-leader for nearly two-decades now, and yet we are not resting on our laurels. As we enter a new decade, we are aiming at ushering in the next wave of mass mobility that is accessible, convenient and environment-friendly, which is aligned with our rejuvenated Vision of ‘Be The Future of Mobility’.

The showstopper among the new products unveiled was the new Hero Xtreme 160R, which further strengthens the Company’s fast-growing presence in the premium motorcycle segment. TheXtreme 160R– that marks Hero MotoCorp’s entry into the popular 160cc motorcycle category – is an attractive product for youth, with its Xtreme performance, head turning aesthetics and agile handling.

Giving a complete makeover to the Passion brand, the company also launched the new modern and vibrant Hero Passion Pro. Packed with a 110cc BS-VI engine, the Passion Pro is attractively priced at Rs.64,990 (Self-drum Alloy) and Rs. 67,190 (Self-disc Alloy), ex-showroom Delhi.

The third product to be launched was the Hero Glamour 125cc, marking the generational upgrade of the motorcycle. The new Hero Glamour now comes equipped with a more efficient and sturdier BS-VI engine and will be available at Rs.68,900 (Self-drum Alloy) and Rs. 72,400 (Self-disc Alloy), ex-showroom Delhi.

Providing even more excitement for enthusiast and building on the cult of XPulse 200, Hero MotoCorp also launched the Hero XPulse 200 Rally Kit. Available as a complete kit for aspiring racers at Rs 38,000, the Rally Kit will be retailed at selected dealership from March onward. The Rally Kit adds to the XPulse 200’s supreme off-road capability and makes it the ideal motorcycle for amateurs and enthusiast to take-up off-roading.

Malo Le Masson, Head – Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Constant innovation and cutting-edge technologies remain the hallmark of Hero MotoCorp. The new products and technologies showcased today display our pursuit to offer the most exciting, innovative and efficient products and technologies to our customers in markets across the world. The journey doesn’t stop, here we plan to strengthen our portfolio further and expect more exciting surprises in the future.”

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), at the launch of the Land Rover Discovery Sport

Jaguar Land Rover India, has announced the launch of the New Model Year 2020 Discovery Sport SUV. Available in the S and R-Dynamic SE derivatives, the New Discovery Sport is offered with BS-VI compliant 183 kW (249 PS) Ingenium Turbocharged Petrol powertrain and 132 kW (180 PS) Ingenium Turbocharged Diesel powertrain options.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), said:
The New Discovery Sport is a bold evolution of the original design, incorporating the latest in technological advancements. Fuelling the spirit of adventure, the vehicle consists of improved features that not only enhance the capability of the vehicle but also elevate the complete driving experience. It further strengthens the distinctive design and versatility that has made the Discovery Sport one of the leading models in the Land Rover portfolio.”

The new Discovery Sport features transformed interior, bold new exteriors and new enabling technologies that increases its overall appeal. Elevating the bold exterior design, the New Discovery Sport, now includes the all-new premium LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights, rear LED lights and Animated Directional Indicators.

New Discovery Sport comes with its 5+2 seating and an advanced 26.08 cm (10.2-inch) Touch Pro screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Technology highlights include Clear Sight Interior Rear View Mirror as well as the Terrain Response 2 technology to automatically detect and adjust as per the surface being driven on, a 31.24 cm (12.3) Interactive Driver Display, wireless charging, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot and more

Powered by BS-VI compliant Ingenium powertrains, the New Discovery Sport is available with a choice of 2.0-litre Turbocharged Petrol with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 249 PS and 365 Nm of torque or a 2.0-litre Turbocharged Diesel producing 180 PS and 430 Nm of torque

Delivery of the diesel powered New Land Rover Discovery Sport has now begun, and is priced at Rs 57.06 Lakh for the S derivative and Rs 60.89 Lakh for the R-Dynamic SE trim. Start of deliveries of petrol powered Discovery Sport will be subsequent to start of diesel and will be announced separately.

Volvo Car India has successfully introduced BS VI Certified cars across its range from February 2020. All cars assembled at the plant or imported are now BS VI Certified. This comes from Volvo Car India’s commitment towards providing more and more sustainable products to its esteemed customers. There will be no price increase till 31st March, 2020

“The transition from BS IV to BS VI has been challenging, especially keeping in mind the industry’s performance in 2019. I am extremely proud of my team and our partners who have been relentless in making sure a smooth shift to BS VI well before the deadline. As a gesture to our customers owning an environment friendly BS VI Volvo Car this financial year, we do not have any price increase for our BS VI certified cars till 31st March 2020” said Charles Frump – Managing Director, Volvo Car India.

Hyundai Motor Company will unveil its new concept EV, ‘Prophecy’, expressing the company’s latest design language, at the upcoming Geneva International Motor Show, on March 3, 2020. The concept will remain on display until March 15.

In line with Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design philosophy, the new concept embodies a beautiful silhouette accentuated by graceful curves flowing over broad rear flanks that provide excellent aerodynamics. The boat-tail line created by the rear quarter panels are complemented by the integrated spoiler and pixel lamp taillights.

“Prophecy does not follow trends. It accentuates timeless beauty that will stand the test of time,” said SangYup Lee, Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “Its iconic design stands to expand Hyundai’s design spectrum toward even broader horizons.”

The name ‘Prophecy’ reflects the concept’s purpose, defining the direction of future Hyundai designs, while establishing itself as a design icon for Hyundai’s EV lineup.

 

Hero MotoCorp, has introduced ‘Hero Connect’, a cloud-based solution bringing smart riding experience for customers. Hero Connect, the app for connected mobility will be offered across segments with initial readiness in four models, including XPulse 200, Pleasure+, Passion XPRO and HF Deluxe.

Offering security and safety through features like Live Tracking,Topple Alerts, Tow Away Alert, Geo Fence Alert, Speed Alert, etc; Hero Connect ensures safety when on the move or while parked. Driving insights based on the riders’ behavioural patterns is another core feature of this technology, thus helping in accessing logs and trip analysis for an enhanced and safe riding experience.

Launched at an introductory price of Rs 4,999/ (inclusive of taxes), Hero Connect is available at select dealerships in Noida, Delhi and Pune, with a one-year subscription. The technology will be made available across more models and expanded to other cities in a phased manner.

Malo Le Masson, Head of Global Product Planning, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Following the XPulse 200, the first motorcycle to offer connectivity through mobile phone to riders, Hero Connect offers the next level of connectivity. With this new cloud-enabled servicewe aim toenhance the riding experience of our customers,at the same time making their overall experience safer and smarter.

Hero Connect uses the Telematics Hardware with a built-in SIM that is securely fitted in the Vehicle. It uses the cellular network to provide a gateway for communication between the application and device. While the cloud will store the data, the App will receive the information from the cloud and display it on the mobile. Wherever you are and wherever your two-wheeler is, you are always connected.

Key Features:

Added Security
Hero Connect empowers the rider with added security benefits for the vehicle. Designed to relay real-time information, the app will track the current location of the vehicle, along with its speed and accurate drive path. It will also detect unauthorized movement and send tow away alert as well as Geo-Fence alerts if the vehicle crosses the pre-configured circular area set by the user.

Propagating Rider Safety
Hero Connect is enabled with an alert mechanism, which sends a notification and SMS to the user and emergency contacts in case of vehicle topple or accident,ensuring quick action during rider distress.

Driving Insights
Hero Connect also features access to a detailed log of the trip and reports the analysis based on riding and behavioral patterns of the rider. The app scores the rider and gives feedback, using parameters such as hard acceleration, hard brakes, speeding and idling. Users will be able to review all the past trips, up to past six months, with details such as starting point and end location, total distance, total time taken, routes driven and speed alerts, if the two-wheeler crosses the user-defined speed limit.

In order to highlight and emphasize the need for safer roads, Bridgestone India commemorated the National Road Safety Week. Bridgestone believes in a holistic 360 degree road safety which includes driver health, driving skills and pedestrian knowledge. With this in mind and keeping in view its CSR philosophy of ‘Our Way to Serve’ Bridgestone India conducted more than 12 camps, benefiting 500 drivers and creating awareness among students in more than 200 schools.

“As a mobility solutions provider, we have a responsibility towards better road safety. Road Safety is a combination of man and machine and it is with this that we primarily focus on upgrading driving skills, ensuring good health of drivers and catching them young by imparting road safety awareness to more than one lakh students.” said Parag Satpute, Managing Director, Bridgestone India

As part of its various initiatives, 200 rural schools were approached as a platform to create awareness to around 1,50,000 students and nurtured over 600 road safety champions in collaboration with the Traffic police and education departments. To cater to the healthcare needs of drivers of 10 fleets across India, Health Camps were organized wherein more than 500 drivers benefitted. First Aid Pouches were also distributed amongst the fleet drivers.

Under Bridgestone’s flagship initiative, Project Sarthi, which focuses on skilling the Heavy Motor Vehicle Drivers in conjunction with the Institute of Driver Training & Research (IDTR), 70 trainee drivers underwent extensive training on enhancing driving skills and safety. They were awarded certificates after completing the 45 days training period. In addition, these drivers took a pledge towards safe driving practices.

All the Bridgestone India employees participated with full fervour and commitment during the Road Safety Week and undertook a pledge to reinforce road safety practices.

Nissan India today showcased second teaser of its first compact B-SUV for the Indian market scheduled to be introduced in the first half of 2020-21.

Nissan will launch its first made for India compact SUV on the philosophy of “Make in India, Make for the World”.

Building on Nissan’s global SUV heritage and technology, the new compact SUV is designed as a feature-rich premium offering with stylish design for a dynamic road presence. Nissan’s new SUV features the latest technology as a part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s vision as to how vehicles are powered, driven and integrated into society.

The compact SUV is a testimony to Nissan’s global SUV DNA spirit of relentless innovation and Japanese engineering, building on Nissan’s iconic models such as the Patrol, Pathfinder, Armada, X-Trail, Juke, Qashqai and Kicks.

Introduction

In April 2017, Kia Motors signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the State Government of Andhra Pradesh in India, to build a new manufacturing facility in Anantapur District. With a capital investment of 2 billion USD by Kia and its affiliates, the manufacturing facility began production in the second half of 2019 with a production capacity of approximately 300,000 units per year.

In August 2019, the Korean carmaker launched its first product for the Indian market – the Kia Seltos compact SUV. The Seltos took the market by storm. The introduction of Seltos not only marked Kia’s foray into India, but also affirmed their stand that they are here to play hard and win. Since then, the Kia Seltos gone on to become a runaway success, sweeping innumerable awards.

Earlier this year when Kia announced that it will be launching the Carnival MPV at the Auto Expo, quite naturally, the expectations from all quarters were sky high. But will the Carnival be able to deliver on the expectations? Is it worth the price tag it bears? Last month, we were invited to the City of Pearls – Hyderabad, to find out the answers to all the questions that’s reeling on your mind. So buckle up for the ride, because its Carnival time.

Design and Engineering

Standing at 5,115 mm in length and 1985 mm in width, the Kia Carnival is a big car with an imposing road presence. It has a stately appearance that exudes class and is sure to turn heads on the go. The quality of steel, paintwork and other material used on the exterior are impressive which results in this MPV being solidly built. When viewed from the front, the signature tiger nose grille ensures that the Carnival wouldn’t be mistaken for anything other than a Kia. The aesthetically crafted LED headlamp cluster gives the Carnival a distinctive character.

The one-touch power sliding doors and dual panel electric sunroof are absolute delights and will evoke envy from onlookers. The 18-inch sputtering alloy wheels adds to the panache of the Kia Carnival.

Other exterior features include body colour bumper and ORVM, front and rear skid plates, black surround DLO, chrome rear garnish, LED turn signal on ORVM, chrome outside door handle, rear spoiler with LED HMSL, projector bulb type headlamps with escort and anti-fog function, door step plate and the shark fin antenna.

The NVH levels are very well contained with neither the vibration of the diesel pot nor the exterior noise invading the privacy of the passenger cabin. The Kia Carnival is available in three exterior colour options – Aurora Black Pearl, Glacier White Pearl and Steel Silver.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the Kia Carnival and you will be welcomed by a very tastefully crafted dual-tone black and beige interior. Right from the first glance, the passenger cabin comes across as luxurious, classy and extremely spacious. Be it driving your colleagues for a team brunch, getting away with your family over the weekend or setting out on an adventure with your friends, Kia Carnival comes with versatile seating combinations to make room for everyone and almost everything you need.

The seat are well bolstered with excellent lumbar support. There is adequate head, shoulder and leg room for passenger of the first and second row. The third row is best suited for kids or small built adults. The one-touch powered sliding doors enables effortless ingress and egress for second and third row passengers.

The luxury second row VIP seats are truly indulgent with comfortable leg rest and 10.1-inch touchscreen rear entertainment system. The seat upholstery has been done up with premium Nappa leather that add a touch of class. To maximize comfort, the tri-zone temperature control system enables the driver, front and rear passengers to adjust the temperature and air flow setting as per their preference.

Other create comforts which makes the Kia Carnival a convenient package comprise of the steering mounted audio control, smart pure air purifier, smart power tailgate, power windows with driver one-touch auto down, rear view camera, front armrest with storage box, coat hook, front console and luggage power outlet and USB charging ports, smart key with push start/stop button, day/night rear view mirror, electrically adjustable outside mirror, auto cruise control, auto defogger and diffused rear air conditioner vents.

The Carnival also comes with UVO. With 37 unique features, UVO is the latest evolution in connected car technology and infotainment. It lets you seamlessly connect your smartphone or smartwatch with the Kia Carnival.

Performance and Handling

Doing duty in the Kia Carnival is a 2.2-litre diesel engine mated to 8-speed sportsmatic transmission. The diesel pot responds well to throttle inputs and has a flat torque curve delivering linear power across rev range. Despite the Carnival being a large car, the lightweight BS6 compliant engine seemed adequately powerful churning out 200 PS maximum power and 440 Nm maximum torque. Even while overtaking cars within the city and on the highways, the Carnival chugged along effortlessly leaving the others behind.

The ride quality is impressive owning to an intelligently engineered suspension set up. Even while navigating through the congested and potholed thoroughfares of old Hyderabad, not once was the ride quality compromised with the Kia Carnival absorbing all the undulation of the road with relative ease.

The handling is also commendable with the Kia Carnival inspiring confidence with great traction. Even while cutting corners at relatively high speed, the Carnival remained well planted to the ground with negligible body roll. Kudos to the engineers at Kia for achieving the right balance between handling and ride quality.

Safety

To ensure a high level of safety, the Kia Carnival’s structure is made of high-strength steel and adhesives to provide comprehensive safety, by reducing the impact in the unfortunate event of a crash. The carnival also comes equipped with driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags. In addition to this, it features Electronic Stability Control that helps in controlling brake pressure in changing driving situations like sudden turns, acceleration and braking. Front and rear parking sensors aid to safely manoeuvre and park in peculiar conditions. The Carnival also features the hill start assist control that prevents the vehicle from rolling back during an uphill climb from a static position.

Verdict

The Carnival sits in the pinnacle of Kia’s product portfolio in India. It is stately in appearance, with a classy and spacious interior, and powered by a responsive diesel powertrain which boasts of excellent drivability. The handling and ride quality is brilliant. The one-touch power sliding doors, dual panel electric sunroof, rear VIP seats with leg rest and 10.1-inch touchscreen rear entertainment system puts the Carnival in a league of its own. It is fair to say that the Kia Carnival is presently India’s most luxurious MPV. Quite obviously, all of this luxury comes at a price, which starts at Rs 24.95 lakhs and goes up to Rs 33.95 lakhs (ex-showroom). Anyone who has experienced the comfort of travelling in a Kia Carnival will tell you that it’s worth every penny.

 

MG Motor India today unveiled its luxury SUV Gloster and the luxury MPV G10 at the Auto Expo 2020. Both these cars are headed to the Indian market. Through the showcase, the brand has aimed to highlight how its strong British heritage and rich legacy of innovation provide the perfect platform to deliver future-ready automotive products.

The name ‘Gloster’ pays homage to MG’s British genes. Gloster was a British jet-engine aircraft prototype and the name is a nod to great British engineering. With impressive features, a towering road presence, powerful capability, and luxurious interiors, the Gloster aims to set new benchmarks in the Indian automotive space.

Speaking about the Auto Expo participation, Rajeev Chaba, President & Managing Director – MG Motor India, said, “Auto Expo is the perfect platform for us to unveil our products under consideration for India and also highlight our technology prowess across connected, electric and autonomous. The launch of GLOSTER and G10 will mark our entry in the luxury SUV and MPV segments respectively. We are confident that, with its best-in-class features, specifications and performance, the GLOSTER will be a benchmark for luxury SUVs in India with its launch later this year and G10 will also follow soon”

The luxury full sized MPV G10 is sold globally in markets such as Australia, New Zealand, Middle-East, South American countries including Chile, Peru and ASEAN such as Malaysia. It comes with various seating configurations, panoramic sunroof, touch-free smart sensing rear door and smart automatic sliding doors that deliver a more convenient experience for passengers. With no compromise on comfort, safety and in-cabin space, the G10 will redefine segment benchmarks.