Tag: electric-vehicles

From Supercars To SUVs: BYD Inspires Through Technology At Beijing Auto Show

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BYD has unveiled a host of exciting new-model launches at the Beijing Auto Show, showcasing its latest technological advances across its brands, BYD, DENZA, FANGCHENGBAO and YANGWANG.

The rich lineup of new vehicles fully demonstrates BYD’s product diversity. The showcased models span a wide spectrum, including the OCEAN-V family mobility concept cube, the flagship SEALION 08 SUV, FORMULA X — a road-legal sports concept car — and the all-new FORMULA S and FORMULA SL sedan series from BYD’s personalized brand FANGCHENGBAO. Also unveiled are a 1,000+ PS supercar, the DENZA Z, as well as the first production-ready version of the world’s fastest production car, the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme. This comprehensive portfolio reflects how BYD delivers technological innovations to consumers across mainstream, high-end and ultra-luxury market segments.

FLASH Charging and the 2nd Generation Blade Battery both feature prominently across the show stands, as BYD continues to roll out these groundbreaking features and remove the last major barrier to new-energy vehicle adoption by customers in China and overseas.

BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li said: “The Beijing Auto Show is the perfect moment for BYD to demonstrate our innovative technologies and the difference they can make to our vehicles and our customers. On all our brands’ show stands, from BYD itself to FANGCHENGBAO, DENZA and YANGWANG, we have a line-up that shows how our commitment to research and development is leading the way not just in China, but globally. Breakthroughs like FLASH Charging will overcome the final barriers to the adoption of truly sustainable mobility, while exciting new models like our DENZA Z are ready to inspire fresh waves of customers around the world.”

DENZA ENTERS BOLD NEW ARENA WITH GROUND-BREAKING Z SUPERCAR
DENZA, BYD’s premium technology-oriented brand, chooses the Beijing Auto Show for a significant global debut that takes it into an exciting segment: the DENZA Z, the world’s first intelligent electric supercar.

Displayed in production convertible form in Beijing, complete with a soft-top retractable roof, the DENZA Z is a masterpiece meticulously crafted by a global team led by BYD’s Global Design Director Wolfgang Egger. It represents the fusion of technology and perfection in design, featuring supremely pure aesthetics underpinned by a world-leading technical architecture.

The Z embraces the “Pure Emotion” design philosophy, seamlessly blending carbon fibre with aerodynamic performance to create an elegant and dynamic silhouette. Its form is led by function too, with ducts that on the bonnet that act as air channels to help boost levels of downforce at high speeds.

The revolutionary body architecture achieves a world-leading balance of rigidity, lightweight construction and packaging. And the chassis features DiSus-M, an intelligent magnetorheological (electro-magnetic) body-control system engineered specifically to cope with shattering high performance – more than 1000 horsepower and a 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than two seconds. Rewarding long drives are made possible by the 2nd Generation Blade Battery and FLASH Charging.

The Z has already commenced testing and lap-record runs at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife, and it will have its full global launch this summer at the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. DENZA has launched a public competition to name each of the three specific editions of Z that will ultimately reach customers: Standard, Convertible and Track.

The arrival of the DENZA Z marks a watershed moment for the global auto industry, as the world’s first premium brand with a uniquely new-energy approach breaks into the core territory of million-dollar luxury supercars, a segment traditionally dominated by legacy European manufacturers.

With its globally inspired original design and disruptive technological innovations, the DENZA Z will inspire and thrill customers ready for the next-generation smart electric supercar. Further technical specifications and a comprehensive sales-rollout schedule will be issued in due course.

SEAL 08 AND SEALION 08: NEW FLAGSHIPS FOR THE OCEAN SERIES
BYD’s is known for building quality cars that customers truly love, with substance and attitude – moving in sync with the younger generation. Having refreshed the entire ‘567 series’ – SEALION 05, SEAL 06, SEALION 06 and SEAL 07 – in recent months, OCEAN brings two more exciting production debuts to Beijing: the SEAL 08 and SEALION 08.

Described as ‘dual flagships’, these two models bring together BYD’s leading technologies and represent a brand-new answer to the next generation of premium family cars. The SEAL 08 sedan’s sleek exterior is now matched by a cabin that looks even better on the Beijing stand than it did in preview images released during the build-up to Beijing.

The first thing you feel is premium quality, with an iconic horizon design and no unnecessary clutter; the SEAL 08’s interior is like living in a high-end ocean-view apartment – bright, open and spacious. One example of the astounding attention to detail is the luminous mother-of-pearl inlays – a feature normally reserved for million-dollar luxury cars or the finest jewellery and watches.

The front occupants get dual zero-gravity seats with one-button recline, while in the back, there are electric leg rests, multi-angle seatback adjustment, and a centre-armrest touchscreen. All the seats come with ventilation, heating, and massage, making you feel like a VIP on every journey. And there are practical touches to accompany the refined environment, including eight magnetic mounting points where you can affix a range of items to customise the interior.

The SEALION 08 SUV is the result of more than a dozen clay design models and hundreds of revisions as the design team honed OCEAN Aesthetics 2.0 into a taller vehicle. It stands grand, solid, premium, and incredibly stylish. It measures 5115mm long, 1999mm wide and 1800mm high, with a 3003 mm wheelbase; these dimensions allow true ‘grand apartment’ accommodation, with six independent seats over three rows.

Design touches include ‘floating’ centre caps in the 21-inch ‘light-trace wave’ wheels, and the longest tail-light motif in the industry – a ‘tide gradient’ design that measures almost two metres in length.

Both new models feature BYD’s latest 2nd Generation Blade Battery, complete with FLASH Charging that can be ‘ready in 5, full in 9’, and Disus-A dual-chamber air suspension for supreme composure and comfort. The SEAL 08 and SEALION 08 are true flagships for the OCEAN Series generation – unforgettable when you’re seated, addictive when driven.

OCEAN-V CONCEPT SHOWS BYD’S VISION FOR FUTURE MOBILITY
Joining the SEAL 08 and SEALION 08 at the Beijing Auto Show is the OCEAN-V, a radical exploration of the future of mobility. It’s a ‘family mobile life cube’ that breaks boundaries and refuses to fall into the usual categories of sedan, SUV or MPV.

OCEAN-V takes next gen OCEAN Aesthetics as its core philosophy, breaking free from conventional vehicle design constraints. It has both the warm, flowing nature of the ocean and the avant-garde, pioneering presence of future mobility.

Within its form lies the freedom to have multiple cabin environments focused on fun, engagement and practicality. These include:
Driving mode – spacious and comfortable, with a steering wheel but no physical buttons for a futuristic experience.
Cinema mode – press just one button and the seats adjust, the steering wheel retracts, the dashboard flips, and a screen rises to turn the OCEAN-V into a private movie theatre.
Camping mode – the seats fold and rotate, allowing quality face-to-face time between parents and child, a picnic or even a three-person bed.

The interior is further enhanced by the ‘Glowing jellyfish kit’ – jellyfish-shaped speakers and lights, magnetically detachable and usable everywhere from the roof to a tent or on the grass. They bring atmosphere, a sense of fun, and usability, all in one.

OCEAN-V represents OCEAN Series’s original aspiration: to understand the new generation and build dreams for young families. The concept’s innovations will gradually make their way into mass-production vehicles, enhancing everyone’s future mobility.

FASTEST CAR ON THE PLANET ENTERS PRODUCTION WITH ‘THE DAWN’ EDITION
YANGWANG’s U9 Xtreme hypercar made headlines globally last autumn when it became the fastest car on the planet – a benchmark of 496.22km/h that was soon followed by a record lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife in just 6 minutes and 59 seconds. Now the U9 Xtreme – already known by car enthusiasts worldwide as the U9X – makes its production debut at the Beijing Auto Show as the Yangwang U9 Xtreme “The Dawn”.

The first production-spec U9X, “The Dawn” draws inspiration from golden rays of sunlight piercing through the clouds on the morning the vehicle broke the world production-car speed record – Yangwang’s own ‘dawn moment’.

Specific “Dawn Moment” body paint incorporates an ultra-fine gold powder, sealed by multiple layers of clear coat. Under varying light conditions, the paint surface perfectly replicates the radiant glow of the rising sun breaking through the clouds.

Matte-gold sections use a traditional Chinese lacquer-polishing technique to imprint a unique, warm texture onto every inch of the body’s surface. This heritage craftsmanship embodies the Chinese pursuit of supreme aesthetics and meticulous detail. By delving into these millennia-old traditions, YANGWANG aims to find a resonance of values between Eastern artistic craftsmanship and the discerning tastes of 30 of the world’s top collectors. The U9X “The Dawn” at Beijing Auto Show is designed to demonstrate how this approach can be explored and enjoyed by every customer.

Each example of the YANGWANG U9 Xtreme will feature a unique, fully customised design – everything from exterior paint finishes and carbon-fibre patterns to the infotainment UI, welcome-light messages, and door-closing chimes. Some owners have already finalised their personalisation plans and are beginning to enter the contract-signing and production-scheduling phases.

Every YANGWANG U9X will be a one-of-a-kind work of art, representing the R&D team’s ultimate pursuit of the ultimate dream car, as well as being a gift from YANGWANG to every car enthusiast around the world.

YANGWANG U8L RAISES THE BAR AGAIN WITH FOUR-SEAT DINGZANG EDITION
The Beijing Auto Show also witnesses a new member of YANGWANG’s U8L model line-up: the YANGWANG U8L Four-Seater Dingzang Edition, featuring a spacious four-seat layout. Building on the U8L Dingshi Edition, the new model retains groundbreaking technologies such as the e4 quad-motor platform, FLASH Charging technology and the 2nd Generation Blade Battery, while delivering comprehensive upgrades in design aesthetics, cabin layout and material craftsmanship.

The YANGWANG U8L Dingzang Edition introduces an exclusive paint colour, “Ink Jade Blue,” which blends the lustre of jade with the profound depth of ink jade. The paint formula, refined through hundreds of adjustments, incorporates micron-sized aluminium-powder crystals that create a rich gradient effect as light shifts. It’s paired with 22-inch eight-spoke forged-aluminium alloy wheels, while there’s also a new colour for the interior: “Mingsha Gold”. Inspired by nature, this bright yellow and white combination is accompanied by specially customised mountain-pattern embroidery on the seats, drawing inspiration from the contours of the Qilian Mountains and infusing the design with the artistic essence of calligraphic brushwork.

The all-new four-seat layout incorporates dual zero-gravity seats – exclusive in its class – and a second-row peninsula-style centre console that offers up to seven independent storage compartments, perfectly accommodating personal valuables and creating an exclusive, supremely private and luxurious mobile lounge. The trunk offers a generous 512-litre capacity, meanwhile, easily accommodating three 47-inch golf bags.

The intricate mix of nature-inspired colours and textures reflects the fact that while YANGWANG enters its fourth year supported by a solid foundation of cutting-edge technology, it is the companions who drive its vehicles who truly bring soul and warmth to the brand.

Pioneering a “One Car, Multiple Forms” Model, the Formula S Creates a New Category of Personalized Sedan–FANGCHENGBAO
BYD’s personalisation-focused brand FANGCHENGBAO has quickly established itself in the market and gained a significant following since its introduction in 2023. Now, with strong sales of the SUVs like the BAO 5 and BAO 8 secured (over 50,000 units per month by the end of 2025), FANGCHENGBAO is moving to its next phase with its first new-energy personalised sedans – the “Formula S” series and the production sports car – the “FORMULA X”.

The Formula S is positioned as a “multi-form personalized sedan for all scenarios,” creating a new category of personalized sedans. It represents FANGCHENGBAO’s “all-scenario personalized sedan solution” for users, pioneering the industry’s “one car, multiple forms” model. It offers three versions: the three-box sedan “Formula S”, the shooting brake “Formula S GT”, and the larger three-box sedan “Formula SL”. All three models boast a large presence with a length exceeding 5 meters, a wheelbase of 3 meters, and a width of 2 meters. The golden ratio body, combined with a low-slung and wide-body dynamic stance, exudes the poised stance of a cheetah. The “Cheetah Eyes” headlights and “Infinity Ring” taillights maximize recognizability, making the Formula S series stand out in terms of design.

The dynamic and sporty “Formula S” and the wildly stylish “Formula S GT” boast a dynamic and expansive stance, equipped with a front splitter, wide wheel arches, and a rear diffuser. The latter’s 21° hunting angle evokes the image of a cheetah on a long-distance sprint, leaping across the wilderness. The sexy and elegant “Formula SL” features clean, flowing side lines, a long and sharp profile, and is equipped with a horizontally integrated metal grille and an electric rear wing. All three models are expected to launch in the third quarter of this year.

The production sports car concept car “FORMULA X” is said to be over 80% identical to the real car, and is in line with the sedan series. It represents the ultimate totem of the “Formula” series in terms of aesthetics, performance and experience, and is expected to be launched next year.

THIRD-GENERATION YUAN PLUS BRINGS FLASH CHARGING & GOD’S EYE B
With more than 1.1 million units sold in 116 markets around the world, the Yuan PLUS (ATTO 3) is one of BYD’s most popular global models. Beijing Auto Show sees the debut of the third generation of Yuan PLUS, with a sharp design, FLASH Charging technology, God’s Eye B and LiDAR-assisted automated driving systems, and an intelligent cabin.

The new design incorporates a longer wheelbase than the second-generation model, complete with a ‘golden ratio’ between bodywork and glass area. A character line, inspired by a city skyline, runs along with flanks, while the D-pillar creates a ‘floating roof’ effect. There are semi-concealed door handles, and the tail-lights feature a new LED design that gives a three-dimensional effect. The rear logo is also illuminated to resemble an energy emblem formed of converging starbursts.

Inside, the design mixes the strong treatment of sports equipment with a softer approach of home furnishings. A new two-spoke steering wheel design incorporates buttons with a concave profile, enhancing tactile quality and usability; it’s now possible to select gears without taking your hands off the wheel. The cabin is bathed in natural light, thanks to a huge panoramic glass roof.

There’s a total of 39 storage areas throughout the vehicle, including a 750-litre trunk and a 180-litre powered front trunk that can be opened with a simple tap when your hands are full of shopping.

The feature list includes a 16-speaker audio system, a special front passenger seat with extra reclining function for relaxing on longer journeys, an air-conditioner-powered refrigerator that can heat and cool items, 50W wireless phone charging, 60W USB Type-C charging and 256-colour ambient lighting.

Nissan Unveils All-New, All-Electric Juke

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Nissan has unveiled the all-new, all-electric Juke at its Vision event at the company’s global headquarters in Japan, marking a major step forward in its electrification strategy in Europe. As the region’s electric vehicle (EV) market continues to grow, Nissan is building on its 15 years of EV leadership to meet an array of customer needs while navigating a complex and competitive market environment.

Agile, compact, and unmistakably Nissan, this first-ever EV Juke carries personality and emotion into the EV era, reimagining one of Europe’s most distinctive compact crossovers. It forms part of Nissan’s broader strategy to offer an electrified powertrain for every type of customer today.

Since its original launch in 2010, Juke has captured the imagination of 1.5M customers across Europe, reshaping the compact crossover segment with its daring and unconventional design. The new Juke retains that character while introducing a fully electric powertrain, supporting Nissan’s journey towards to zero-emission mobility.

The all-electric Juke joins a growing European EV line-up including the new Micra, third-generation Leaf, Ariya crossover and Townstar LCV, as well as a new A-segment EV to come. The Juke EV will join the third-generation Leaf in offering Vehicle-to-Grid technology, supporting the integration of EVs into the wider energy ecosystem.

Alongside its expanding EV line-up, Nissan continues to offer its e‑POWER hybrid technology, delivering an EV-like driving experience without the need to plug in. Hybrid models such as Qashqai e‑POWER and Juke HEV will remain an important part of the line-up, ensuring customers have access to technologies that suit their needs today.

“Europe is central to Nissan’s electrification strategy, and we remain firmly committed to a fully electric future,” said Massimiliano Messina, Chairman, Nissan AMIEO. “With a rapidly expanding EV line-up, we are bringing greater choice and innovation to every segment, powered by our strong design, engineering and manufacturing footprint in the region. Together, this next generation of vehicles will accelerate our transition to zero-emission mobility.”

The all-new, all-electric Juke will be built at Nissan’s Sunderland Plant in the UK, reinforcing the site’s central role in the company’s global EV strategy. Already home to Leaf and with the first trial phase of Juke production starting in the coming weeks, Sunderland Plant remains the cornerstone of Nissan’s electrified manufacturing footprint in Europe.

The commitment is supported by Nissan’s broader regional capabilities, including its design, engineering and development network across the UK, Spain and Germany. Together, these operations underline Nissan’s long-term investment in Europe as both a production and innovation hub – designing, engineering and manufacturing vehicles in Europe, for European customers.

“JUKE has always stood for bold design and a willingness to challenge convention. With this third generation, we are bringing that spirit into the electric age,” said Clíodhna Lyons, Region Vice President, Product, Brand & Marketing Strategy, Nissan AMIEO. “As our first fully electric JUKE, it will help us reach new customers while expanding choice across our electrified range.”

Volkswagen Group Delivers Four Million All-Electric Vehicles

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With the delivery of four million all-electric vehicles, the Volkswagen Group has reached another milestone in its successful electrification strategy. In 2025, the Group was one of the top five BEV manufacturers worldwide and was the clear BEV market leader in its home market of Europe with a market share of around 27 per cent. The Group’s first all-electric series production vehicle, the VW e-up!, was launched back in 2013, followed by the VW e-Golf in 2014. From 2019 on, a cross-brand product offensive based on the new Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) drove significant volume growth. To date, around three million Group vehicles based on the MEB have been delivered, making it the Group’s leading electric platform.

With its product offensive across all brands over the past two years, the Volkswagen Group has comprehensively renewed its portfolio and launched around 60 new models. Around one-third of these have an all-electric drive. The Group brands currently offer their customers more than 30 all-electric vehicles in the passenger car segment alone, from compact cars to luxury SUVs. In addition, there are all-electric trucks and buses from the TRATON brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus. This gives the Volkswagen Group one of the most comprehensive BEV portfolios in the automotive industry.

In the current year, the Group is consistently expanding its range and once again bringing more than 20 new models onto the road, around half of which are all-electric. These include pioneering new electric models in China and the Electric Urban Car Family in Europe, consisting of four all-electric vehicles in the entry-level segment.

Global BEV production network comprises more than 20 locations
The Volkswagen Group manufactures its all-electric vehicles in several European markets, in China, in the USA and in Brazil. At around 77 per cent, the majority of the four million BEVs were produced in the home market of Europe. There are 11 BEV production sites here, located in Emden, Zwickau, Hanover, Bratislava, Mlada Boleslav, Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm, Leipzig, Zuffenhausen, Munich and Södertälje. With Pamplona and Martorell, two further locations are in the starting blocks, where the models of the Electric Urban Car Family from the Brand Group Core will roll off the production line in future. Preparations for the start of BEV production are also underway at the Volkswagen brand’s main plant in Wolfsburg, as well as at the Bentley plant in Crewe, England.

One in five of the Group’s BEVs was built in China, the world’s largest electric vehicle market. There are four production sites there: Anting, Foshan, Hefei and Changchun. Around three per cent of the BEVs delivered to date were produced at the Chattanooga and Tulsa plants in the USA. In Brazil, production of all-electric commercial vehicles recently started at the Sao Paulo plant.

95 per cent of BEVs were delivered in the core markets of Europe, China and the US
The three core BEV markets also clearly dominate deliveries, accounting for around 95 per cent. More than two out of three all-electric vehicles were delivered to customers in Europe (68 per cent). As with production, China accounted for 20 per cent of deliveries. Around eight per cent of vehicles went to the USA. All other markets combined accounted for five per cent.

Clear brand focus in the volume segment
At around 72 per cent, the clear majority of BEVs were accounted for by the Brand Group Core, which serves the volume segment. With around two million vehicles, around half came from the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand. This was followed by Škoda with 480,000 units, SEAT/CUPRA with 230,000 units, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with 140,000 units.

The Brand Group Progressive contributed around 22 per cent of all BEVs. This comprises 870,000 Audi models in the premium segment.

Around six per cent of all-electric vehicles were delivered in the Brand Group Sport Luxury. This amounted to 250,000 Porsche vehicles that the sports car brand handed over to its customers.

The Brand Group Trucks accounted for a total of around 0.3 per cent of BEV deliveries, corresponding to around 11,000 vehicles.

Compact class and SUV/crossover models most popular with customers
The most popular vehicle segment for BEVs was the compact class, accounting for around 70 per cent of deliveries. This includes vehicles the size of the VW ID.3 and ID.4 models, the Škoda Enyaq, the CUPRA Born, and the Audi Q4 e-tron.

In terms of body types, vehicles with an SUV or crossover silhouette were the most popular among buyers. More than half of all BEVs fell into this category.

The following list shows an overview of the 10 most popular BEVs from the Volkswagen Group, which together accounted for more than 80 per cent of deliveries to date (in thousand vehicles):

VW ID.4/ID.5901
VW ID.3628
Audi Q4 e-tron (incl. Sportback)387
Škoda Enyaq (incl. Coupé)352
Audi e-tron/Q8 e-tron (incl. Sportback)255
Porsche Taycan (incl. Turismo)177
CUPRA Born172
VW e-Golf152
VW ID. Buzz (incl. Cargo)132
VW ID.7 (incl. Tourer)132

Volvo Car India And ChargeZone® Launch Ultra-Fast EV Charging Station

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Swedish luxury car brand, Volvo Car India and ChargeZone®, India’s largest EV charging network, has inaugurated an ultra-fast charging station on the Mumbai-Nashik Highway that features a 360kW star charge power unit with two dynamic load balancing dispensers. This station is located at Food Hills, Mumbai-Nashik Highway, Near Igatpuri. This marks a significant milestone in their collaboration to build a premium nationwide supercharging network.

This intelligent configuration enables optimal power distribution, reduced waiting times and faster real-world charging experience for Volvo customers and other EV users. Strategically positioned on one of Maharashtra’s busiest intercity routes, the charging station offers dedicated bays for Volvo EVs, seamless app-based access for navigation and payments, and an elevated customer experience designed for convenience and reliability.

Jyoti Malhotra, MD, Volvo Car India, spoke during the ribbon cutting ceremony organized at the charging station today, “As a legacy brand, Volvo Cars is committed to driving the transition towards sustainable mobility, and this partnership with ChargeZone® is a testament to that vision. Together, we are ensuring that our customers not only enjoy the luxury and performance of Volvo EVs but also have access to a dependable and hassle-free charging infrastructure. The new 360kW station on the Mumbai-Nashik highway is the first step in delivering a world-class charging experience across India.”

Present at the event and speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kartikey Hariyani, Founder & CEO, ChargeZone®, said, “The launch of our first co-branded 360 kW ultra-fast charging station with Volvo Car India represents an important milestone in building a premium, future ready charging network for the country. The Mumbai Nashik hub showcases our focus on high speed, technology enabled infrastructure supported by intelligent features such as dynamic power loading that significantly improve the customer experience. As EV adoption accelerates, our priority is to ensure that long-distance travel becomes fast, predictable and seamless. We look forward to supporting India’s shift toward a cleaner and more sustainable mobility landscape.”

This installation follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 between ChargeZone® and Volvo Car India to expand access to high-speed EV charging across key national corridors, and the plan is to get a few more charging stations added in 2026. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving long distance EV travel, strengthening charging availability, and advancing India’s transition to sustainable mobility, while encouraging the adoption of luxury and performance EVs across the country.

BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase Now Available In New Colour And Upholstery Options

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BMW India’s premium electric Sports Activity Vehicle – the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase – now features a new colour and additional choices for luxurious upholstery options.

The car is locally produced and can be booked at all BMW India dealerships in the country from today onwards.

The striking Night Dusk Blue metallic paint option joins the existing palette, adding a deep, sophisticated aesthetic to the iX1 Long Wheelbase’s commanding presence. In all, the model is now available in four colours – Night Dusk Blue, Carbon Black, Mineral White and Skyscraper Grey.

The interior receives a luxurious refresh with the introduction of high-quality Veganza Smoke White + Atlas Grey Dual Tone and Veganza Castanea upholstery choices, crafted from sustainably sourced vegan leather. Furthermore, the distinctive 3D stitching pattern on the upholstery elevates the premium feel inside the cabin. These new options imply a high level of craftsmanship and provide exceptional comfort, contributing to a sense of modern, eco-conscious luxury.

A defining ‘Cocooning Effect’ philosophy seamlessly extends the chosen upholstery colour beyond the seats to other key interior elements, creating a harmonious and immersive cabin environment. The effect wraps the interior, including the door panels, dashboard, and even the speaker mesh in upholstery color, providing a continuous and plush feel throughout the vehicle.

The BMW iX1 has achieved significant success in the Indian market, becoming the brand’s top-selling electric model and a key driver of BMW’s leadership in the luxury EV segment. BMW India has constantly focused on enhancing the value offered by BMW iX1 LWB to the customers by adapting the product to the market needs such as introducing features like Surround View Camera and now coming up with a refreshed paint and upholstery palette. In less than a year of its introduction, BMW iX1 LWB is already the highest sold electric vehicle in premium segment.

The BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase is a premium offering that offers practicality and sustainability, all in one package. With a length of 4,616 mm and wheelbase of 2,800 mm, it is not just the biggest car in its segment, but also one of the longest 5-seater SUVs offered in India. Its modern design and bold, dominant stance highlight the SUV character. In the interior, a large and open feeling of space meets modern design, superior craftsmanship and innovative functionality. At the heart of the iX1 LWB lies fifth‑generation BMW eDrive technology, with its compact, integrated drive unit engineered for maximum efficiency, agile driving dynamics, and dependable reliability. It produces an output of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 250 Nm. The compact high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated in the floor has a gross capacity of 66.4 kWh providing an attractive driving range of up to 531 kms (MIDC). The adaptive recuperation and one-pedal driving enhance the driving convenience and recover kinetic energy and feed it into the high-voltage battery, resulting in even higher efficiency.

Markus Haupt confirmed as Chief Executive Officer of SEAT and CUPRA

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The Supervisory Board of SEAT and CUPRA, chaired by Thomas Schäfer – Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Core, and CEO of the Volkswagen brand – has appointed Markus Haupt as the new Chief Executive Officer of SEAT and CUPRA, effective immediately. Haupt has been serving as interim CEO since April 1, and now, with the full support of the company’s Executive Committee, formally assumes the position on a permanent basis.

“Markus brings over two decades of experience across multiple brands and countries within the Group,” said Thomas Schäfer, Chair of the SEAT and CUPRA Supervisory Board. “His deep expertise in production, logistics, and strategic planning makes him the ideal leader to drive the company’s electrification strategy and CUPRA’s continued growth. Having successfully led the transformation of SEAT and CUPRA’s facilities in preparation for the Electric Urban Car family, he is perfectly positioned to shape the brands’ future,” he added.

Markus Haupt takes the helm at a crucial juncture as the company accelerates its electrification. Since joining as Executive Vice-President for Production and Logistics in 2022, Haupt has driven a transformative shift, including a €3 billion investment to electrify the Martorell plant. Guided by his vision and expertise, the company has led the groundbreaking Electric Urban Car family project with four models from three brands in two plants on behalf of the Brand Group Core. This initiative is set to make electromobility more accessible, with the highly anticipated CUPRA Raval -the first model to roll off the production line- launching in March 2026 and paving the way for a new era of urban electric mobility.

“My passion for cars began early and has guided my career, from working on prototypes at the Volkswagen Group to now leading SEAT and CUPRA as CEO. I am honoured to steer the company through its most significant transformation, including the launch of groundbreaking models like the CUPRA Raval and our shift toward electrification. Together with the Executive Committee and our teams, I am confident we will write a new chapter of growth in the company’s history,” said Markus Haupt upon his new appointment. “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Oliver Blume, Thomas Schäfer, and the Board of the Volkswagen Group for placing their trust in me with this exciting challenge. I’m equally grateful to SEAT and CUPRA’s Executive Committee for being exceptional teammates and constant sources of inspiration. Together, I’m confident we will achieve remarkable things,” he added.

With over 20 years of experience within the Volkswagen Group, Markus Haupt has held leadership roles across multiple brands and countries. After studying and graduating in Barcelona, he began his career in 2001 in SEAT and quickly advanced, playing a key role in the launch of the Audi Q3 at the Martorell plant. He later led major production projects, including the Volkswagen Group’s A0 platform in Wolfsburg and the launch of the T-Roc in Palmela, actively contributing to the Group’s transition toward electric mobility.

A passionate racing enthusiast, Haupt is German with Spanish descent and has deep personal and professional ties to Spain. He previously served as President of Volkswagen Navarra and General Manager of the Landaben plant in Pamplona, where he successfully introduced a third model for the first time in the factory’s history, before returning to Barcelona in 2022.

Positioning the company for long-term success
As one of the company’s key strategic pillars, the company remains firmly focused on CUPRA’s growth, now with a fully-fledged portfolio and a growing global fanbase. CUPRA has already sold over 950,000 cars globally and is on track to reach one million total deliveries in the coming weeks. As CEO, Haupt now leads the company at a time when the sales continue to gain momentum. SEAT S.A. sales grew in the first 8 months of 2025, driven by CUPRA’s success. The brand continues to break boundaries, and between January and August 2025, CUPRA delivered 216,000 vehicles, marking a 36% increase compared to the same period last year.

This momentum comes amid a complex industry landscape. “There will be challenges ahead, but I’m sure that with a shared vision, a commitment to transformation and a unified team going in the same direction, we will be successful. We are on the cusp of exciting changes, as we transition towards electrification. That’s a future I’ve always believed in, and it’s one that we will work harder than ever to achieve.” Haupt said.

CUPRA is now preparing to take bold steps beyond its current boundaries. This announcement comes at a key moment for the company, as CUPRA builds on growth momentum -volume, markets and portfolio- ahead of the launch of the CUPRA Raval. Following its ambition to become one of Spain’s truly global brands,​ CUPRA will build on the strong success it has achieved in existing key territories and will soon expand into new high-potential markets to broaden its global footprint. The brand is investigating new growth opportunities in the Middle East, a region that offers CUPRA a unique opportunity as it is quite close to Europe and it’s one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Along with CUPRA, the SEAT brand remains a cornerstone of the company’s present and future strategy. As one of the most recognised Spanish brands, with over 21 million vehicles produced since 1950 and more than 172,700 units sold in 2025 (January-August), SEAT has been instrumental in shaping the company into the economic and automotive powerhouse that it is today. Now, it is poised to enter a new era in its history with the upcoming World Premiere of its bestselling models, the SEAT Ibiza and Arona.

“We stand at the beginning of an exciting new chapter for SEAT S.A. As one company with two complementary brands, we are better prepared than ever to lead the future of mobility, continuing to inspire through innovation and the passion that has always defined us,” Haupt said.

Change needs drivers and SEAT S.A. is steering the future of mobility. As the only company in Spain that designs, develops, manufactures, and markets cars, SEAT S.A. is a cornerstone of the nation’s automotive industry and the driving force behind its electrification.

As the company undertakes the biggest transformation in its 75-year history, SEAT S.A. is turning Spain into a European hub for electric vehicles. Through the Future: Fast Forward project, and in collaboration with the Volkswagen Group, PowerCo, and other partners, the company has invested €10 billion into the country’s electrification. The company is also leading the Electric Urban Car project for the Volkswagen Group’s Brand Group Core and will begin producing 100% electric vehicles, including the CUPRA Raval, at its Martorell plant from 2026.

A member of the Volkswagen Group, SEAT S.A. sells vehicles under the SEAT and CUPRA brands including the iconic SEAT Ibiza and the company’s bestselling model, the CUPRA Formentor. With 14,000 professionals and three production centres in Martorell, El Prat de Llobregat, and Barcelona, the company exports over 80% of its vehicles to more than 70 countries.

Volvo EX30 Arrives in Style: Pre-Reserve At INR 39,99,000

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The wait is finally over. Volvo Car India has announced the much-anticipated price of the Volvo EX30, the brand’s most sustainable and stylish electric car. With an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹41,00,000, the EX30 is set to make luxury electric mobility more accessible than ever before.

This festive season, Volvo Car India, together with its dealers, is bringing extra delight by offering the EX30 at INR 39,99,000 for those who pre-reserve the car before October 19, 2025. This special pre-reserve price is for a limited time, and customers can reach out to their nearest dealership for further details. The car will be available in five colours, and deliveries are scheduled to begin in the first week of November 2025.

This marks the third EV model from Volvo Cars to be locally assembled at the company’s plant in Hosakote, Bengaluru. Each EX30 comes with an 11-kW charger as a standard offer. The EX30 embodies Volvo’s commitment to sustainable mobility, innovative technology, futuristic design, and uncompromising safety.

“We are thrilled to introduce the Volvo EX30 to the Indian market at such an exciting price point, with special benefits for those who pre-reserve,” said Mr. Jyoti Malhotra, Managing Director, Volvo Car India. “We believe this model will play a significant role in making luxury electric vehicles appeal to a new segment of innovators and achievers, those who appreciate power, design and sustainable luxury. With its impressive performance, extended range, sophisticated look, and the convenience of a hassle-free ownership package*, the EX30 is set to redefine the EV experience for our discerning customers.”

As the most sustainable car in Volvo’s lineup, the EX30 has the lowest carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo to date. Its attractive interiors are made from recycled materials, including denim, PET bottles, aluminium, and PVC pipes. Incorporating Scandinavian design and cutting-edge technology, EX30 has achieved a five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test. The EX30 also features active safety tools such as an intersection auto-brake to mitigate collisions, a door-opening alert to prevent ‘dooring’ accidents, and the advanced Safe Space Technology, which boasts 5 cameras, 5 radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

The cabin offers an immersive experience with five ambient lighting themes and sounds inspired by Scandinavian seasons. The new Harman Kardon soundbar concept, featuring a 1040W amplifier and nine high-performance speakers, delivers state-of-the-art surround sound. The intuitive 12.3-inch high-resolution center display includes Google Built-in, 5G connectivity, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates. This head-turning design has also earned international accolades, including the prestigious Red Dot award: Best of the Best Product Design 2024 and the World Urban Car of the Year 2024.

The EX30 comes with an 8-year battery warranty and a wall box charger. The car reimagines convenience with its digital key functionality. Using NFC, one can simply tap a card to unlock the car, and with Digital Key Plus on the Volvo Car App, your phone acts as the key, providing a seamless and smarter experience.

New Naming Strategy At Volkswagen

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Volkswagen is also setting the course for the future when it comes to model names: with a new naming strategy that also transfers the familiar designations of combustion-engine models to its all-electric ID. family. The first model to be launched will be the ID. Polo1 from 2026. The concept car is known as the ID. 2all.

Thomas Schäfer, CEO of the Volkswagen brand, Head of the Brand Group Core and member of the Group Board of Management: “Our model names are firmly anchored in people’s minds. They stand for a strong brand and embody characteristics such as quality, timeless design and technologies for all. That’s why we’re moving our well-known names into the future. The ID. Polo is just the beginning.”

Volkswagen will transfer more established names to the electric portfolio with each new model generation. At the same time, all vehicles with conventional drives will continue to run under their previous names. With this strategy, Volkswagen is bringing together the electric and combustion engine worlds, helping customers navigate the brand’s product range more easily in the future.

The designation ID. stands for advanced technologies and electric mobility. The Polo has always stood for quality, safety and democratisation of innovations. The new ID. Polo combines these characteristics and will be launched with its new name in the Polo’s 50th anniversary year as the first model of this strategy.

Martin Sander, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales: “Our cars often accompany people for many years – they shape memories and stages of life. A model like the Polo shows just how powerful a name can be: it stands for reliability, personality and history. That’s precisely why we are again giving our ID. models names that arouse emotions and are anchored in people’s everyday lives. Electric mobility should not only be progressive, but also accessible and personal.”

The second future ID. model for the small car segment will evoke special emotions. Martin Sander: “We are bringing one of our strongest brands, the GTI, into the electric world. Also launching in 2026, the ID. GTI Concept2 model will go into production as the ID. Polo GTI. It will offer outstanding dynamics and plenty of driving pleasure.”

The still-camouflaged ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI will make their first public appearance worldwide at the IAA MOBILITY in Munich (8 to 14 September). The day before, on 7 September, Volkswagen will unveil the concept vehicle for an electric compact SUV, the new ID. CROSS Concept, in a world premiere. The production version of this concept vehicle – the ID. Cross1 – will be launched at the end of 2026 as the electric counterpart to the T-Cross.

For Volkswagen, the premiere of the smaller and more compact vehicles in its electric family marks the start of a new era – it will make electric driving more affordable than ever, thanks to new models such as the ID. Polo and ID. Cross. These new models show clearly that Volkswagen is responding closely to customer feedback. This is evident, among other things, in the high level of quality with soft materials, the intelligent combination of digital and physical controls such as buttons and knobs in the steering wheel and cockpit, as well as the intuitive operating concept.

Volkswagen introduced the naming of the ID. family in 2018. It designates the stand-alone all-electric product range in the Volkswagen brand portfolio. The first model to be launched was the ID.3. Further models followed, which are also differentiated by model numbers depending on the vehicle segment. The largest model is the ID.7, available as a saloon and estate. This is currently the market leader in Germany and Europe.

Volvo Car India’s Latest BEV The All-Electric Volvo EX30 Unveiled In Kolkata

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Volvo Car India has unveiled its latest BEV –the EX30, at SPL Volvo dealership in Kolkata, setting an innovative benchmark for all electric SUVs. The much-awaited all electric SUV will be officially launched, with price details, during end of September and customer deliveries will begin from October 2025. The EX30 is being assembled at the Company’s plant at Hosakote in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

The EX30 is Volvo’s most sustainable car having the lowest carbon footprint of any fully electric Volvo to date, and its attractive interiors are made from recycled denim, PET bottles, aluminium, PVC pipes etc. Incorporating Scandinavian design and cutting-edge technology, the EX30 has achieved five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test. The EX30 also features active safety tools like an intersection auto brake to lessen collisions, a door-opening alert to prevent “dooring” accidents, and the much-advanced Safe Space Technology that boasts of 5 cameras, 5 radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

The five ambient lighting themes and sounds, inspired by Scandinavian seasons and sights, give a full immersive experience. With the new Harman Kardon soundbar concept, a 1040W amplifier and nine high-performance speakers, this state-of-the-art system delivers immersive surround sound for everyone. The 12.3-inch high-res centre display is intuitive and adaptable, with Google built in, 5G connectivity, OTA updates and much more. This head-turner has a new sleek design as well and has won many international awards. These include the prestigious Red Dot award: Best of the Best Product Design 2024, and the World Urban Car of the Year 2024.

The EX30 comes with an 8-year battery warranty and includes a wall box charger as a standard fitment. The car also reimagines how one interacts with it. With the NFC (Near Frequency Card), one can just tap onto the sensor and unlock the car. Additionally, with Digital Key Plus in the Volvo Car App, the phone itself acts as a key. It’s not just convenient; it’s smarter, safer, and surprisingly seamless.

With its advanced electric drivetrain and innovative features, this model offers an unparalleled driving experience while contributing to a sustainable environment.

Kia Launches EV Production In Europe With The EV4

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The five-door Kia EV4 is the brand’s first fully electric vehicle to be manufactured in Europe, as Kia begins series production of the new model. The start of production follows extensive updates to Kia’s sole European manufacturing facility in Slovakia and represents a major step forward in Kia’s electrification strategy for the region.

An electric hatchback designed specifically for the European market, the EV4 is assembled exclusively at Kia AutoLand Slovakia.

“The start of EV4 production is a huge milestone for us. It demonstrates the technical capability and flexibility of our European operations,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “From 20 August, Slovakia will build fully electric cars alongside models with hybrid and internal combustion powertrains. Through the expansion of our production capabilities, we are supporting our diverse European customer base even more.”

“We have been preparing for the EV4’s production launch for a long time,” said Tomáš Potoček, spokesperson for Kia Slovakia. “By combining advanced manufacturing technology with the dedication of our skilled workforce, we have successfully begun mass production of this model.”

Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 delivers a balance of performance and efficiency. It is available with two battery options: a 58.3kWh battery and a larger 81.4kWh variant, offering a range of up to 391 miles on a single charge. The EV4 boasts advanced energy innovations, such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities*. The model features an aluminium bonnet to reduce weight and enhance handling, as well as the choice of five eye-catching exterior paint finishes.

The EV4’s design combines bold, sharp lines with Kia’s award-winning ‘Opposites United’ philosophy. It was first unveiled globally in February 2025 and is tailored to meet the needs of customers seeking innovation, performance, and electric mobility.

Kia’s manufacturing facility in Žilina, Slovakia, is a cornerstone of the company’s European operations. Opened in 2004, the two-square-kilometre plant is strategically located for serving key European markets. It employs around 3,700 people and operates with more than 600 advanced robots. The plant is capable of producing multiple model variants simultaneously across five main production areas: press, body, paint, engine, and assembly.

Following a €108-million investment, the production lines have been modernised with new technologies, including an EV battery conveyor at the chassis line in the assembly shop.

The Žilina plant produces other models such as the Kia XCeed and Kia Sportage. This includes hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which have accounted for 25% of the facility’s total annual output as of 2024.

With an annual capacity of 3,50,000 vehicles and 5,40,000 engines, the facility has produced more than five million units since opening, which are exported to 83 countries. These figures account for approximately 11% of the company’s global vehicle output.

Kia has integrated sustainability measures into the plant’s operations. Since 2014, Kia Slovakia has reduced electricity consumption per vehicle by 11%, water usage by 28%, and CO2 emissions by 13%. The factory currently runs entirely on renewable electricity and plans to meet approximately 1.5% of its total energy needs with a new photovoltaic power plant by the end of this year.

While the five-door EV4 will be manufactured at Kia’s European plant in Slovakia, its saloon-bodied sibling, the EV4 Fastback, will be manufactured in Kia’s homeland of Korea at the brand’s Autoland Gwangmyeong EVO plant.