Tag: news

Volkswagen Provides Preview Of Entry-Level Electric Model

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Since the Beetle, Volkswagen has been enabling affordable mobility for millions of people with compact and likeable cars. Now, with the world premiere of the ID. EVERY11 show car, the German car manufacturer is presenting an entry-level all-electric model. Volkswagen will launch the production version in 2027 – with a starting price of around 20,000 euros. The ID. 2all1 will be launched in the 25,000 euro class as early as in 2026. Both models are part of the new Electric Urban Car Family with front-wheel drive, which is being developed under the umbrella of the Core brand group in the Volkswagen Group. They are based on Volkswagen’s new modular electric drive platform: the MEB with front-wheel drive.

Maximum variety

Attractive mobility in the electric era from Europe for Europe is one of the central pillars of the brand’s plan for the future. With the European launch of the all-electric Urban Car Family from 2026, Volkswagen will offer the most diverse portfolio in the high-volume segment – from efficient combustion-engine models and advanced hybrids to future-oriented all-electric vehicles. Thomas Schäfer: “The ID. EVERY1 represents the last piece of the puzzle on our way to the widest model selection in the volume segment. We will then offer every customer the right car with the right drive system – including affordable all-electric entry-level mobility,” says Schäfer. “Our goal is to be the world’s technologically leading high-volume manufacturer by 2030. And as a brand for everyone – just as you would expect from Volkswagen.”

Focus on people

“In the future model, we talk about Customer Defined Vehicles. The ID. EVERY1 shows that we are putting our customers, their wishes, interests and preferences at the centre of vehicle development more consistently than ever,” says Kai Grünitz, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for Development. The production version of the ID. EVERY1 will be the first model in the entire Group to use a fundamentally new, particularly powerful software architecture. This means that the future entry-level Volkswagen can be equipped with new functions throughout its entire life cycle if its users so wish. Even after purchase of a new car, the vehicle can still be individually adapted to their needs.

Characteristic design with charisma and identity

The up! – the immediate predecessor of the ID. EVERY1 – built until 2023 still impresses today with its clear, unmistakable design. The new Volkswagen design language also picks up on characteristic elements in the EVERY1. Volkswagen Head of Design Andreas Mindt: “Our ambition was to create something bold yet accessible. The ID. EVERY1 has a self-assured appearance but remains likeable – thanks to details such as the dynamic front lights and the ‘smiling’ rear. These design elements make it more than just a car: they give it character and an identity that people can relate to.”

New MEB with electric front-wheel drive

Following the ID. 2all and the sport version ID. Concept GTI, the ID. EVERY1 belongs to the Electric Urban Car Family and is based on the new modular electric drive platform. Thanks to the electric front-wheel drive, the MEB platform offers revolutionary space utilisation and maximum efficiency. The concept vehicle reaches a top speed of 130 km/h and is powered by a newly developed electric drive motor with 70 kW (95 PS). The range is at least 250 kilometres. With a length of 3,880 mm, the ID. EVERY1 is positioned between the former up! (3,600 mm), the ID. 2all (4,050 mm) and the current Polo (4,074 mm). Inside, it offers space for four people and a luggage compartment volume of 305 litres.

The future plan of the Volkswagen brand

With the “Future Volkswagen” agreement, Volkswagen AG agreed with the employee side at the end of December 2024 on a vision that combines economic stability, employment and technological leadership in the field of sustainable mobility. Binding targets and the measures agreed for them form the foundation for key future projects. The Volkswagen brand is pursuing a clearly defined three-phase plan for this:

Catch up

Strengthen competitiveness and expand the existing model range in a targeted manner. Coming next, the Volkswagen brand will give a further preview of the new Electric Urban Car Family in autumn 2025. There will be nine new models by 2027 including the production version of the ID.2all for less than €25,000 and the ID. EVERY1 for about €20,000. Volkswagen aims to become the technologically leading high-volume manufacturer with the safest, most innovative and best-selling cars by 2030.

The New Volvo ES90 Adds 300km In 10 Minutes And Goes 700km On One Charge

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Volvo ES90 teaser image

How about a new, fully electric Volvo car that can go just that little bit farther with less charging time? The upcoming Volvo ES90 does exactly that, thanks to the new 800V technology, which makes its debut in their latest fully electric model.

The benefits of an 800-volt electric system are numerous: your battery gets charged faster, your electric car gets an improved overall performance, and the electric system is more efficient compared with a 400-volt system.

Combine this with completely new battery management software and hardware, as well as a progressive design, and you get a car that goes farther and charges faster than any electric Volvo before. The ES90 can add 300 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes at 350kW fast-charging stations and offers a driving range of up to 700 kilometres under the WLTP testing cycle.

The ES90 is designed to be a premium Volvo car that gives you quality time with the people you love, providing you with peace of mind and balance, as well as a sense of convenience and control. A state-of-the-art electric system that enables faster charging and longer range is key to achieving that ambition. No matter where or how far your trip goes, the ES90 is designed to get you there reliably and comfortably.

“Our 800V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move towards full electrification,” says Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. “It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster and go farther on a single charge.”

To create the new 800-volt system, every component in the electric system has been upgraded to be compatible with 800 volts, including the battery cells, e-motors, inverter, charging as well as the climate and thermal systems. That creates benefits in terms of charging, efficiency and performance.

A higher-voltage system means that it can deliver more power (in kilowatts, or kW) and range with the same current as a 400-volt system. This approach generates less heat, meaning your battery can be charged faster up to 350kW without overloading the electric system.

The 800-volt system also contains lighter e-motors and other components, which reduces the car’s overall weight. This also improves the system’s efficiency, while boosting the car’s acceleration and driving range.

The brand-new in-house-developed battery management software creates a more robust charging experience. Compared to other electric Volvo cars, our new software cuts the time it takes to charge your ES90 from 10 to 80 per cent by as much as 30 per cent, down to 20 minutes. This is partly thanks to the integration of adaptive charging software from Breathe Battery Technologies, a company Volvo has invested in last year via the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, our corporate venture capital arm.

However, battery technology is not the only area in which the ES90 is a star performer. It also helps Volvo make progress in other sustainability-related areas. For example, the ES90 is packed with recycled and natural materials that contribute to lower CO2 emissions in production. 29 per cent of all aluminum and 18 per cent of all steel used in the ES90 is recycled, while the ES90 also contains 16 per cent recycled polymers and bio-based materials. The wood panels inside the ES90 are made from FSC-certified wood.

The ES90 also comes with Volvo’s battery passport. Based on blockchain technology, this allows the company to track raw materials. The passport tells you where the lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite used in the battery originate from. It also highlights the CO2 footprint of the full battery pack and other relevant information. For customers, this provides transparency about how Volvo sources raw battery material in a responsible way.

Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz Holds Town Hall With Employees At Namyang R&D Center

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Hyundai Motor Company President and CEO José Muñoz held a town hall meeting with employees at the company’s Namyang R&D Center, his first such meeting since assuming the role of Hyundai Motor CEO. At the event, Muñoz underscored his commitment to direct communication with employees and that engineers share the common language of data and statistics.

Beginning the town hall, President Muñoz spoke directly about future business plans, emphasizing the importance of Hyundai Motor’s customer-centric philosophy and achieving the highest quality standards to ensure sustainable success amid the rapidly changing business environment.

“As an engineer myself, I have been looking forward to spending time with the outstanding team here at Namyang. I tend to challenge engineers, because I have high expectations for people I care about, like my family,” said President Muñoz.

President Muñoz shared his reflections on his first two months as CEO and outlined Hyundai Motor’s management strategy, future vision, and approach to overcoming key challenges. In relation to electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous driving technology, Muñoz emphasized that Hyundai and its employees can achieve greater success together through advanced technology development and strategic partnerships.

“We will succeed by continuing to deliver beautifully designed, high-quality vehicles with technology that customers want. We must treat our customers as honored guests and provide exceptional service,” he said.

Muñoz also shared his leadership approach, offering insights from his extensive global automotive and mobility industry experience. Since joining Hyundai Motor Company in 2019, he has driven significant growth and profitability, solidifying his leadership in the global mobility industry.

Speaking at the town hall, President and CEO Muñoz said, “It’s an honor to serve our customers, employees, dealers, suppliers and other stakeholders in this new capacity. I’m excited and motivated by the tremendous opportunities for Hyundai around the world.”

Attended by more than 800 employees – including President and Head of Research and Development Division, Heui Won Yang, and Executive Vice President and Hyundai Motor Company Chief HR Officer, Hae In Kim – the hour-long session reinforced the pivotal role the Namyang R&D Center has played in Hyundai Motor’s position as a top three global mobility brand, as well as its importance in the company’s future. The Center plays a key function in leading Hyundai Motor’s differentiated product strategies tailored to the needs of local markets, as well as delivering industry-leading quality, safety and technology innovations.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the 3.47 million-square-meter facility is a comprehensive research and development hub, with world-class capabilities in software development, design and engineering, and vehicle testing and evaluation.

“Namyang, our global center for R&D, has a phenomenal track record of delivering beautifully designed, high-quality, safety-focused vehicles with technology and features that our customers value,” Muñoz commented.

“This is evidenced through Hyundai’s increasing sales, market share, profitability, and industry accolades around the world. I don’t think any brand has won more World Car of the Year Awards than Hyundai in the last few years, and we can trace this back to all the excellent work happening here in Namyang. This is where the magic happens!” he added.

Joining those at Namyang digitally, the town hall was also livestreamed globally to Hyundai Motor colleagues across the world, including at headquarters in Seoul and operations in China, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, India, and the Asia-Pacific regional offices in Indonesia and Australia.

The session included an open Q&A, encouraging direct dialogue between leadership and employees. Asked about overcoming the challenge of global EV adoption, Muñoz highlighted the company’s strategic approach:

“We continue to lead the transition to electrification. We understand that this business is based on consumer demand, which is why we continue to invest in hybrid electric vehicles, extended range electric vehicles (EREV), hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, and vehicles powered by internal combustion. More powertrain choices across our lineup are emblematic of our flexible approach.”

Muñoz took questions on other areas of Hyundai Motor’s global business, including autonomous driving technology, outlining that, “Autonomous driving has incredible potential to make driving safer by drastically reducing accidents, as well as being more convenient and efficient. We are making long-term investments with autonomous driving. Our Advanced Vehicle Platform division is doing a great job leading this internally here in Namyang.”

Closing the event, Muñoz called on all Hyundai Motor employees worldwide to continue striving for excellence, encouraging them to “Stay humble, stay hungry, work hard and always have a customer service mindset – I am here to serve you so we can serve our customers together.”

Kia To Present Global EV Leadership Strategy And Key Models At 2025 Kia EV Day

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Kia Corporation’s 2025 Kia EV Day will take place later this month at Tarraco Arena in Tarragona, Spain. The event follows the first Kia EV Day in Korea in 2023 and will showcase the brand’s latest electric models, concepts, and technologies to advance Kia’s global EV leadership in sustainable mobility.

The second Kia EV day will also underscore Kia’s role as a Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) first mover. It presents a vision of a new paradigm in EV usability with vehicles that offer users exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.

Kia’s 2025 EV Day will mark the global debut of the Kia EV4, unveiled in concept form at the brand’s first EV Day, and the Kia PV5, the first of Kia’s dedicated PBV model, displayed as a concept at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia will also present the Concept EV2, a compact EV and the newest member of its dedicated EV model family.

Teaser images and video footage that hint at the concept’s styling, along with close-ups of the new models, offer a preview of Kia’s innovative design approach. Each vehicle showcases aesthetics inspired by Kia’s Opposites United design philosophy, with the visual assets offering a glimpse into the unique characteristics of the Kia EV4, PV5, and Concept EV2.

These three models represent Kia’s bold new electric vehicle strategy. The Kia EV4, Kia PV5, and Kia Concept EV2 feature the brand’s cutting-edge electric platform technology and demonstrate Kia’s clear determination to lead global sustainable mobility in the passenger and business sectors to satisfy customers’ diverse needs everywhere.

Kia will share its overall PBV strategy, providing full details of the business, vision, product line-up, and launch to support the roll-out of the PV5. In addition, the company will also display its game-changing PBV platform. This dedicated battery electric skateboard architecture underpins the brand’s new PBV business by enabling the flexible combination of various types of vehicle bodies.

Key members of Kia’s senior leadership team will take to the stage throughout Kia EV Day. In addition to presenting the EV4, PV5 and Concept EV2, the leadership team will also reveal Kia’s expanded electrification strategy, which is set to transform the global EV market. The event video will be released on the Kia Worldwide YouTube channel in March.

Goodwood Revival To Celebrate Alfa Romeo

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The Goodwood Revival will bring together a collection of cars from Alfa Romeo’s competitive history to celebrate the centenary of the marque’s victory in the inaugural Manufacturer’s World Championship.

Taking place across the weekend, the demonstration will feature Grand Prix cars, sports cars, touring cars and prototypes, including the machines that became renowned for competing at races including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. Visitors can expect to see the likes of the first Formula 1 Championship-winning car, the 158 ‘Alfetta’, Tipo 308C, TZ2 and Tipo 33 prototypes – each telling a story of bold innovation and mechanical artistry from 1925 through to 1975.

The celebration will reflect on Alfa Romeo’s domination of motorsport – including celebrating the 50th anniversary of the marque’s victory at the 1975 World Sportscar Championship. The Revival will remember the legendary drivers who piloted these machines, including four-time Grand Prix winner Antonio Ascari; five-time World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio; five-time Grand Prix winner and first World Drivers’ Champion Giuseppe Farina; and Alfa Romeo’s most famous and celebrated pre-war driver Tazio Nuvolari.

Earlier in the year, the Festival of Speed will also recognise the centenary of the Manufacturers’ World Championship. The Prologue class, which forms part of the F1 75 celebrations at the event, will showcase the cars that predate the World Championship, with examples from Alfa Romeo.

The New Volvo EX30 Cross Country

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Volvo EX30 Cross Country with Swedish winter cabin

Sweden is home to deep lakes, endless forests, great mountain ranges, some of the harshest winters on the planet – and some of the best and most enjoyable cars ever made. So today Volvo unveils not only the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country, but a whole new experience to go with it.

Revealed today as part of a literal fireside chat including outdoors equipment brand Fjällräven at a secluded winter cabin in the north of Sweden, the EX30 Cross Country is designed for people who want big experiences from their small, fully electric SUV.

It takes the successful recipe of the EX30 and adds rugged ingredients, making it perfect for the growing number of people who want to explore beyond their crowded cities – come rain, come shine, or when everything is covered in snow and ice.

We think that ‘Cross Country’ should be an experience, not just a car, so alongside the EX30 Cross Country we’re also launching a new experience package for customers who buy the car, with access to accessories, gear and information aimed at giving you the full potential to explore the great outdoors.

“We launched our first Cross Country car more than 25 years ago, and this concept of durable and all-weather cars is core to the Volvo brand,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. “In Sweden we face harsh winters, but we also like to make the most of them by getting out and exploring our amazing nature, even when it’s minus 20 Celsius outside. That’s why we want to deliver a fully rounded experience, not simply a car, to our EX30 Cross Country customers.”

From city to trail
As a small SUV, the EX30 Cross Country is perfect for the city. It is fully electric, with a range of up to 427 kilometres and zero tailpipe emissions, and can be charged from 10-80 per cent in as little as 26 minutes. But it also has several extra features that enable a seamless switch from one natural EX30 habitat to another.

For example, we’ve raised the car higher off the ground compared with the standard EX30, to help you navigate rough terrain more easily. It also has special, bigger wheels, with the option of an 18-inch all-terrain accessory tyre to make those regular countryside outings even easier.

Naturally, the EX30 Cross Country also comes with all-wheel drive, making it more than capable of handling the tough and slippery conditions that are part and parcel of life outside the city.

A style to match ability
The first model in our Cross Country range was introduced in 1997. Designed to cope with the demanding Scandinavian climate, Volvo’s Cross Country cars perform in a wide variety of road conditions – from muddy tracks and ankle-deep snow to highway driving – with the comfort and convenience elements that Volvo drivers have come to expect.

While its real-world capabilities come first, the EX30 Cross Country is also designed to excel in more diverse conditions – and to look good while doing so.

The front shield of the car and the boot lid get a special dark colour, with the front featuring a unique piece of artwork showing the topography of the Kebnekaise mountain range in Arctic Sweden – an inspiration for many of our designers. Chunky front and rear skidplates as well as wheelarch extensions complete the more rugged look and underline that this car is ready to get out into the wild.

Functional and as safe as you’d expect from a Volvo car
Inside, the EX30 Cross Country is highly functional and contains all the clever tech, storage and design that made the original EX30 such a hit from the moment Volvo revealed it. The doors contain large storage compartments, because the company removed the speakers and incorporated them into the soundbar on the dashboard.

A versatile central storage tunnel between driver and passenger can be slid out as a cupholder for your morning coffee or your travel mug, or back if you need to store more things. There’s also a big storage compartment on the floor between driver and passenger. The glove compartment has been placed beneath the centre console, providing easy access for both driver and passenger.

Rear passengers get a neat storage box that slides out from beneath the central tunnel. This box is also removable and washable, so can double up as a waste bin. At the rear, on the boot lid, we included a handy ‘Will it fit?’ guide, so you know exactly how much of your gear you can get in.

Like every new Volvo car, the EX30 Cross Country has Google built in. That means you get a variety of Google products as standard – including Google Maps, one of the best mapping systems in the world. Finding your way to the most remote nature locations was never easier. To make sure you can get straight into a nice warm car, the Volvo EX30 app allows you to precondition your car while you’re still exploring nature.

And naturally, the EX30 Cross Country is as safe as you’d expect a Volvo car to be. Volvo have applied their high standards of protective safety should you need it, but aim to help prevent you getting into a collision in the first place with some clever tech. Braking and steering support will help you avoid collisions with oncoming vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, while a driver-monitoring sensor will give you a nudge if it seems like you are distracted or tired.

Embrace the experience
To further bring the Cross Country concept to life, Volvo is also launching a Cross Country Experience, to create concrete, tangible benefits that will help you to embrace your inner explorer even more. This means that EX30 Cross Country owners will benefit from an array of bespoke offers. Think of a dedicated, discounted ‘Cross Country Experience’ package of accessories for your car, which includes a load carrier, a roof basket, 18-inch all-terrain tyres and mudflaps.

“We know that more and more people are seeking ways to get closer to nature,” says Jim Rowan. “This is why with our new Cross Country Experience, we aim to create an entire ecosystem around those models, supporting our customers as they embrace adventure.”

In short, the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country is an all-road car that delivers safety, comfort and performance in a capable and adventurous package. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is available to order now in selected markets, with deliveries starting later this spring.

A Very Special Bentley Speed Six

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Many a Bentley owner’s love of the marque begins in childhood, and the owner of the third of twelve Speed Six Continuation Series is no exception. In his case, it was a ‘Models of Yesteryear’ scale model Blower Bentley, given to him by his uncle, that sparked a lifelong fascination with the pre-war Bentley racing cars.

The owner and his wife enjoy a stable of Crewe-built Bentleys, including a first-generation Continental GT, a motorsports-inspired Continental GT3R, second-generation Continental Supersports and First Edition Bentayga. Pride of place however goes to his Continuation Series ‘Blower’ 4½ Litre Supercharged and the latest addition, a Continuation Series Speed Six. Not only has he kept that cherished scale model ‘Blower’ to this day, but it also provided the visual inspiration for his two Bentley Continuation Series cars.    

At the workshops of Mulliner Classic, realising a customer’s dreams is both their calling and their pride. Continuation Speed Six #3 (of 12) is a case in point; created with meticulous attention to detail to be identical in every respect to the original 1930s works racer, it also features several personal touches in its specification that make it truly individual, from the one-off paint finish to the racing number 3 that it carries on its flank and radiator.

Personal memories and family associations
Both the Continuation Series Speed Six and the Continuation Series Blower are the third of twelve in their series, and the Speed Six also carries the racing number 3. The number that has fond associations for the owner, who played rugby to semi-pro standard as a tighthead prop, wearing the number 3 jersey, for many years.

Both the Blower and the Speed Six are finished in the same specially blended shade of green, chosen after careful consideration to be mid-way between the light green of the owner’s scale model and traditional British Racing Green. The shade was christened ‘Embelo Green’, taking the first letters of the couple’s three daughters. Like the owner’s scale model Bentley, his Speed Six Continuation Series’ interior is upholstered in red, though the couple chose a more muted shade than that of the toy.

As with all this owner’s Bentleys, the Speed Six will be regularly and enthusiastically driven. Accordingly, another special request was for the Mulliner team to provide two exhaust systems with the Speed Six: one unsilenced as the original Speed Six specification, and the other with a silencer for circuits where noise restrictions are required.  Bentley Mulliner engineering developed this silencer specifically for the Speed Six Continuation series. Finishing touches include a white patch on the leading edge of the nearside front fender for easier identification when coming into the pits and a hand-painted Union Flag on the driver’s side of the car. 

A hands-on experience
Commissioning a Continuation Series Bentley is a highly personal process and, like many Mulliner Classic customers, the owner of the #3 Speed Six became a familiar figure in the Crewe workshops. A highly capable craftsman in his own right, he even spent a day working as part of the Mulliner team to fit the period-correct Rexine fabric of his Blower’s Weymann-style bodywork. While work commitments meant he was unable to do the same for his Speed Six, he fully intends to use it as W.O. Bentley intended – fast, reliable and capable of impressive performance.

The legendary Speed Six
The Speed Six was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the Bentley 6½ Litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft.

182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930. Two wins at the Le Mans 24 Hour race, in 1929 and 1930, cemented the Speed Six’s pre-eminent place in Bentley racing history.

For the Continuation Series Speed Six, Mulliner Classic took two original Speed Sixes as its template: the company’s own Speed Six, GU409, and ‘Old Number 3’, a works Speed Six driven in the 1930 Le Mans 24 Hour race by Sammy Davis and Clive Dunfee. The latter was generously loaned by its owner and gave the Mulliner team invaluable data on dimensions, materials, and components. The Mulliner Classic team is also indebted to the W.O. Bentley Memorial Foundation, which provided 80% of the original drawings and notes used by the team.  

Maserati At The I.C.E. St. Moritz

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At the traditional and exclusive “The I.C.E.” event, to be held in St. Moritz, Switzerland on Friday, February 21 and Saturday, February 22, Maserati is ready to “break the ice” and play a leading role with its range and two exclusive world premieres, in the spirit of the “Italian grand touring” and the Trident’s performance.

Maserati is synonymous with Italian luxury all over the world: its iconic heritage and its cars’ performance will be standing out at one of the most glamorous events in the winter season, a showcase amidst the magnificent scenery of the famous frozen lake in the Swiss region of the Engadin, where collectors and enthusiasts come together from all over the world.

The I.C.E. St. Moritz is not only a competition, it is a unique event of its kind, combining culture, entertainment and driving in extreme conditions, serving as an unmissable opportunity for car enthusiasts, collectors and mere fans of the automotive world.

Maserati will be there at the 2025 event, accompanied by the Fuoriserie customisation programme, with two world premieres. All the spotlights will be on the GranTurismo and GranCabrio ranges, available with both an internal combustion engine and a 100% electric motor, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard and air suspension, to ensure the utmost performance without sacrificing comfort in full “granturismo” spirit, even in the open air.

The all-wheel drive will excel in driving activities on snowy and icy roads, demonstrating the technological excellence, great dynamic qualities and uncompromising driving pleasure typical of the House of the Trident, even in difficult conditions.

The Grecale range will also be invading the Swiss town, whereas the MCXtrema and the new Maserati GT2 Stradale will emphasise the brand’s racing and competitive DNA to complete Maserati’s inclusion in the event.

In terms of participation in the Concours d’Élégance, some of the brand’s iconic models – sporty and luxurious classics – will go down onto the frozen lake: a Maserati 6CM and Maserati 200 SI will bring out their iconic design amidst the reflections in the snow and ice.

The abbreviation “I.C.E.” indeed refers to the winter magic and the surface of the snow-covered lake where the event takes place, but is also an acronym for “International Concours of Elegance”, where classic Maserati cars will tell the Trident’s story.

TVS Motor Company Appoints Gaurav Gupta As President – India, Two Wheeler Business

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TVS Motor Company (TVSM) has announced the appointment of Gaurav Gupta as President – India Two Wheeler Business. He will be based out of Bengaluru and report to K N Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company. Gaurav will head the India Two Wheeler Business, both ICE and EV. He has over three decades of experience and has worked in multiple geographies including India, China, Dubai, Indonesia, Vietnam, and ASEAN markets.

Announcing the appointment, K. N. Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO, TVS Motor Company said, “Gaurav has rich experience and expertise that will add significant value to the company. The company has been on a steady growth trajectory, delivering results well ahead of the industry. We are confident that under his leadership, we will further strengthen our market position and continue to set benchmarks. We wish him the very best and welcome him to the TVSM family.”

Prior to joining TVSM, Gaurav served at JSW MG Motor India (until recently as MG Motor India) in assignments as an Executive Committee member, Deputy Managing Director and Chief Growth Officer. During his tenure of 6.5 years, he played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the commercial operations for MG Motor India from the ground up, significantly impacting the Indian automotive industry.

In his previous role as Managing Director of Bridgestone Tire Indonesia, Gaurav led the company’s operations including both domestic and exports. Earlier, for two decades, he worked for General Motors in various roles across Asia Pacific operations including as Managing Director of General Motors Indonesia, General Motors Vietnam. Gaurav has also served the American Chamber of Commerce in the roles of Chair and board member. 

Gaurav is a Physics graduate and an MBA. His interests include travelling, technology, philanthropy and an occasional round of golf.

Nissan Motor India Commences Exports Of Over 10,000 Units Of The Left-Hand Drive (LHD) New Nissan Magnite

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The New Nissan Magnite, launched in October 2024, is now making its way to customers in global Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. Nissan Motor India flagged off the first shipment of close to 2,900 units of the LHD variant of the New Nissan Magnite from Chennai from the Kamarajar Port (KPL – Ennore), India in late January 2025 to select markets in the LATAM region. This underscores Nissan’s ‘One Car One World’ strategy and highlights the Nissan Motor India’s commitment towards expanding its global footprint and transforming India into a global hub for exports.

In February 2025, Nissan Motor India will export over 7,100 units of the New Nissan Magnite in the second wave in February 2025 to markets in the Middle East, North Africa, select markets in LATAM & Asia Pacific region. By end of February, the company will have exported a total of over 10,000 units of the LHD version of the New Nissan Magnite.

Frank Torres, Divisional Vice President of AMIEO Region Business Transformation & President of Nissan India Operations, commented on the milestone, saying, “Nissan Motor India has been diligently working towards expanding its operations and reach, not just within the domestic market but also focusing on exports. In line with our export plans announced last year, we are delighted to begin exports of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive (LHD) markets. This is a significant achievement, and we look forward to serving new customers in these regions. The Nissan Magnite has been the cornerstone of our success in both India and global markets, and we are confident that this India-made vehicle will drive our export growth further.”

Saurabh Vatsa, Managing Director of Nissan Motor India, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “The commencement of exports of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite is a proud moment for us, as it aligns with our ‘One Car, One World’ philosophy. The Magnite showcases the best of Japanese engineering combined with local expertise. It reinforces our ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, delivering world-class innovation, safety, and value to customers globally. This also highlights India’s increasing importance as a key manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. Nissan remains committed to its operations in India, as well as to our dealers, partners, and customers. We are on track with the plans we laid out during the launches of the 4th Generation Nissan X-TRAIL and New Nissan Magnite last year.”

Keerthi Prakash, Managing Director, Renault Nissan Automotive India Pvt. Ltd., said: “The successful production and export of the New Nissan Magnite to Left-Hand Drive markets is a testament to the exceptional capabilities of our team and the world-class manufacturing standards at our Chennai plant. This achievement underscores India’s significant role in driving Nissan’s global success and further elevates the reputation of the New Nissan Magnite as a truly global vehicle.”

Manufactured at Nissan’s Alliance JV plant (RNAIPL) in Chennai, the roll-out of the Left-Hand Drive New Nissan Magnite to global markets underscores India’s crucial role as a global manufacturing and export hub for Nissan. The New Nissan Magnite will now be available in over 65+ global markets, including most LHD markets.

This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, high-quality products tailored to meet global customer needs. With a growing demand for the ‘Made in India’ New Nissan Magnite, Nissan has showcased its technological innovation and manufacturing prowess to the world once again.

Recently, Nissan Motor India began exporting its recently launched New Nissan Magnite (RHD), to South Africa. In line with the announcement made during the New Nissan Magnite launch, the company rolled out this latest offering from Nissan’s Alliance JV plant in Chennai to global markets, with South Africa becoming the first country to receive the popular SUV from Nissan.

Over 2,700 units of the RHD New Nissan Magnite were shipped from the Chennai port to South Africa market within a month after its global launch in India last year. The New Nissan Magnite remains a testament to Nissan’s ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision, surpassing cumulative sales of 1,70,000 units till date, making a powerful impact in both Indian and global markets since its December 2020 debut.