Tag: india

JSW MG Motor India Launches Multiple Industry-First EV Ecosystem Initiatives At DriEV.Bharat

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JSW MG Motor India launched a series of pioneering electric vehicle (EV) innovations at DriEV.Bharat. This event was organiszed by the company at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, in partnership with leading industry players from diverse automotive and EV ecosystem domains. This first-of-its-kind event reflects the unwavering commitment of the manufacturer to advancing EV technology and the faster adoption of electric vehicles along with building a robust EV infrastructure for a hassle-free ownership experience. The event featured the launch of–eHUB by MG, the Industry’s first and largest charging platform by an OEM; of Project REVIVE, focused on repurposing EV batteries beyond cars; of EVPEDIA, India’s first dedicated educational and knowledge platform for electric car users; the MG-Jio Innovative Connectivity Platform (MG-Jio ICP), which will be standard in all upcoming MG vehicles.

Underscoring the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, the industry’s first charging platform, eHUB by MG was introduced at the event. This is intended to simplify the EV charging experience for customers nationwide by providing them with a single platform. The company also introduced Project REVIVE, an initiative in partnership with TERI, Lohum and BatX, aimed at repurposing EV batteries beyond cars to provide a second life as renewable energy storage systems for sustainable community applications. This initiative promotes a circular economy, a system aimed at eliminating waste and the continual use of resources through principles of reuse, repair, and recycling, and supports India’s clean energy goals. Reinforcing its commitment to enhancing consumer awareness and addressing their queries, JSW MG Motor India launched EVPEDIA—an industry-first dedicated EV education platform. This initiative provides reliable, accurate, and engaging information on EV technology, benefits, costs, and maintenance. By debunking myths and fostering informed decisions, EVPEDIA builds EV advocacy and promotes broader EV adoption.

The carmaker also announced that all upcoming MG cars will feature the MG-Jio Innovative Connectivity Platform (MG-Jio ICP) as a standard inclusion. This is a technology stack which introduces several firsts, including the MG App Store for in-car gaming, entertainment, and learning, superior voice capability in six Indian languages, and a groundbreaking Home-to-Car functionality. At the event, a panel discussion amongst industry experts, such as EY and IIT was held about the long-term benefits of EVs.

Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer at JSW MG Motor India, highlighted the company’s vision to redefine the future of electric mobility in India, stating, “DriEV.Bharat reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing EV technology and enhancing the user experience to accelerate EV adoption. With initiatives such as our unified charging platform, battery second-life project, EV education, and the MG-Jio ICP, we are empowering the industry as well as our customers with smarter, more sustainable choices.”

A pioneer in India’s electric vehicle landscape, JSW MG Motor has successfully launched the country’s first internet electric SUV, the MG ZS EV, and the innovative Street-Smart urban mobility solution, the MG Comet EV. Committed to fostering a comprehensive EV ecosystem, the brand offers 6-way charging solutions and aims to install 1,000 community chargers nationwide. Through strategic partnerships with key industry players and initiatives like the MGDP and MG Nurture, JSW MG Motor has engaged with over 1,500 startups and collaborated with more than 50 colleges to drive EV education and skill development.

eHUB by MG

eHUB by MG is a one-stop solution for EV charging, simplifying the process of locating, reserving, and paying for charging stations. With access to the almost entire charging network of the country through partnerships with leading providers like Adani Total Energies Limited (ATEL), BPCL, Chargezone, Glida, HPCL, Jio-BP, Shell, Statiq, Zeon, and many others who shall be on-boarded soon, eHUB offers a seamless charging experience. Available in 11 languages and equipped with trip-planning features, the app provides a hassle free EV charging experience.

Project REVIVE

Project REVIVE is a pioneering initiative to repurpose used EV batteries in partnership with TERI and Lohum. The project extracts healthy battery components and builds energy solutions for use in schools and community centres. By extending the lifespan of EV batteries, Project REVIVE reduces waste and provides reliable power to underserved communities. The pilot at a Mukteshwar school demonstrates the practical impact of this innovative approach to environmental sustainability.

EVPEDIA

EVPEDIA is an industry-first initiative that provides relevant information on electric cars. This innovative platform goes beyond just explaining electric vehicle technology—it offers practical tools like the cost of ownership tools and calculators, a repository of government policies, and a collection of publications and research papers. Through interactive displays, educational videos, and live demonstrations, users can explore the benefits of electric vehicles. Additionally, users can interact with our EV expert ‘eVir,’ an AI-powered chatbot embedded in the site, for quick and easy answers to all their questions, making the EV adoption journey smoother and more accessible.

MG-Jio Innovative Connectivity Platform (MG-Jio ICP)

MG-Jio ICP is a unique collaboration between MG Motor India and Jio that redefines the in-car experience. This platform introduces industry-first features like the MG Store, transforming the vehicle into a hub for gaming, entertainment, and learning, voice commands in six Indian languages, and, for the first time in the automotive landscape, a Home-to-Car functionality. The superior MG-Jio ICP offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility.

Kia India Surpasses 250,000 Vehicle Exports Milestone

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Kia India has announced the achievement of a significant milestone of surpassing 250,000 vehicle exports. Since 2019, the company has shipped 255,133 units internationally to over 100 markets from its Anantapur manufacturing facility. The Seltos has been the major contributor, accounting for 59% of the company’s overall overseas dispatches. Kia’s other innovations – Sonet and Carens follow in second and third places, contributing 34% and 7%, respectively.

Kia India is one of the key export hubs for the Kia corporation. However, in recent years, the company has focused more on selling its cars in the domestic markets and is now going to make 90% of products for India from this year. At present Kia India exports to over 100 international markets from its Anantapur facility. A few of the major markets for Kia India exports include South Africa, Chile, Paraguay and Latin America. Kia’s dedication to innovation and excellence has secured its place as a global leader in the automotive industry, both in India and globally.

Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales Officer, Kia India said, “Our dedication to quality and innovation has driven us to this milestone. The success of our Made in India vehicles internationally shows our commitment to quality. We’ve quickly become a major market for Kia Corporation and aim to maintain this momentum. While our focus is on the domestic market, we plan to keep our exports steady this year.”

Kia’s Anantapur plant, which commenced production around five years ago, has quickly become a crucial export hub within the company’s global network. The facility’s advanced production capabilities and adherence to the highest quality standards have enabled Kia to meet the demand for RVs worldwide.

EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally 2024: Unadulterated Nostalgia

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Kolkata has been facing its most cruel summer in the past many decades. Never before has city witnessed the kind of heat wave that befell upon us in the past few weeks. The scorching sun and absence of rain had sent the temperatures through the roof. But it wasn’t only these factors which sent the mercury soaring, as a bevy of Indian Heritage Cars turned up the heat by several notches on Sunday, April 28 as Eastern India Motoring Group organized the inaugural edition of the EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally.

Time stood still as the immaculately restored Contessa, Hindustan Land Master, Fiat 1100, Standard Vanguard, Fiat Select, Standard 10, Fiat Super Select, Hindustan Ambassador Mark 3, Fiat Millecento, Contessa Classic and Maruti 800 among several other notable Indian heritage cars participated in what was eastern India’s first Indian Heritage Car Rally in the Time-Speed-Distance (TSD) format organized under the guidance of the Federation of Motor Sports Clubs of India (FMSCI) – the apex body of motor sports in the country.

This rally was the brainchild of EIMG Secretary Shubhajit Kumar and was specifically conceived to address the general apathy displayed by other motoring organizations towards the Indian Heritage Cars. This unique initiative was strongly supported by EIMG President Shrivardhan Kanoria and part sponsored by Rajiv Auto Care along with other patrons.

Organized in collaboration with the Kolkata Automotive Sports Association (KASA) and the Automobile Association of Eastern India (AAEI), the EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally 2024 was a testament to the enduring charm of Indian heritage automobiles and unfolded as a grand showcase of automotive history & passion.

The rally brought together 24 teams, who participated in well turned out Indian heritage cars, each boasting a legacy of over 35 years. The flag-off ceremony was held at Automobile Association of Eastern India (AAEI) in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including the Consul General of Italy Mr. Ricardo, KASA Secretary Mr. Debashish Bhattacharjee, and AAEI Hony. Secretary Mr. Prabir Roy.

Against the backdrop of roaring engines, the rally commenced sharp at 9 AM marking the beginning of an unforgettable journey through time and tradition. Despite the challenging conditions, with unforgiving heat prevailing, both man & machine showcased immense resilience as they traversed a maximum distance of 35 kilometres passing by some of the most beautiful heritage locations like Princep Ghat, Raj Bhavan, Akashbani Bhavan, General Post Office, Calcutta High Court, Writers’ Buildings, KC Das and Oberoi Grand.

Out of the 24 participating teams who embarked on this nostalgic voyage, 15 teams successfully completed the challenging course, a testament to their grit and determination. Along the route, participants encountered 10 time control points – a signature hallmark of a TSD Rally.

The team of Pushpak Ghosh & Rudrangsho Dey participating in a 1959 Fiat emerged victorious with 01 minute 06 seconds penalty. Closely following them on the second position was the duo of Vikramjit Kumar & Souradeep Dutta driving a Fiat 1100D finishing with 01 minute and 14 seconds penalty. The team of Sudip Kumar Ghosh & Soham Pal participating in a 1957 Fiat secured the third position of the podium with 04 minutes 12 seconds penalty.

The pair of Jubonashya Dutta & Nisan Chowdhury driving a Fiat 1100 recorded a penalty of 04 minutes 25 seconds while the team of Vivekanda Taanti & Ayan Das participating in a 1968 Fiat finished with 25 minutes 30 seconds penalty securing the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Notably, an all-ladies team comprising of Anuja Kumar, Sreerupa Sirkar and Dipasree Ganguly who participated in a Contessa successfully completed the rally route breaking gender stereotypes and embodying the spirit of inclusivity in motorsport. The 1955 Standard owned by IK Ghosh emerged as the oldest Indian heritage car to successfully complete the rally route.

The EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally 2024 not only celebrated the timeless charm of Indian heritage automobiles but also paid homage to the enduring spirit of Indian motoring culture. As participants navigated through the scenic route, they not only reminisced about the glory days of automotive design but also embraced the camaraderie that unites enthusiasts of all generations.

In essence, the rally was more than just a showcase of Indian heritage cars; it was a tribute to passion, perseverance, and the enduring bond between man and machine. As the engines roared and the wheels turned, the EIMG Indian Heritage Car Rally 2024 left an indelible mark on the annals of Kolkata’s motoring history, reminding us all of the timeless allure of Indian heritage automobiles and the joy of the open road.

Photographs courtesy: Kingshuk Sarkar