Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India (HMSI) on Wednesday announced that it has sold a total of 4,92,884 units last month, registering a growth of 10% over corresponding month a year ago. The company recorded 9% growth in the domestic market with 4,62,747 units while its exports grew by 29% with sales of 30,137 units last month.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 01 Nov 2023, 17:50 PM
File photo of the 2023 Honda Shine 125.
October also saw various other milestones for the company such as achieving the feat of crossing 30 lakh customer milestone in Kerala. The company’s Shine brand in the125cc motorcycle segment crossed over 30 lakh customers in western India.
In terms of new launches, the company introduced the OBD2A compliant 2023 CB300R at a starting price of ₹2.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Neo Sports Café Roadster can be booked at the nearest BigWing dealerships.
It also introduced the new avatars of H’ness CB350 & CB350RS in Legacy Edition and New Hue Edition, respectively. The new special editions only get cosmetic changes over the standard models. They are priced at ₹2,16,356 and ₹2,19,357 respectively (ex-showroom, Delhi).
Customers can now book these motorcycles at BigWing dealerships and deliveries will commence soon across the country. The H’ness CB350 Legacy Edition comes in a new Pearl Siren Blue colour scheme. The latter features a new Sports Red and Athletic Blue Metalic paint scheme with attractive tank graphics and stripes on both wheels and fenders.
Recently, the company also launched the all-new adventure tourer XL750 Transalp and opened its bookings for the first 100 customers in select cities. The cities include Gurugram, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Indore, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. Deliveries will begin from November. The motorcycle has been introduced in the country at an introductory price of ₹10,99,990 (ex-showroom, Gurugram). The premium adventure tourer is being brought into the country via the completely built-up (CBU) route from Japan and will be exclusively sold via the BigWing dealerships.
Data reveals that 33.8 percent of all road accidents resulted in fatalities last year.
Road accidents claimed around 19 lives every hour in the country last year. Total accidents last year were 4,61,312, with fatal accidents amounting to 33.8 percent of that (1,55,781) and 4,43,366 injuries, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Tamil Nadu recorded highest number of accidents
Uttar Pradesh tops list of fatal accidents
Compared to the previous year, the number of road accidents in 2022 increased by 11.9 percent. Similarly, the number of deaths and injuries also saw a rise of 9.4 percent and 15.3 percent, respectively. These figures highlight the growing concern and urgency to address road safety issues in the country.
Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, emphasised the wider implications of road accidents, stating, “Let us remember that the cost of road accidents is borne not only by the victims and their families but also by the economy as a whole, in terms of untimely deaths, injuries, disabilities and loss of potential income.”
State-wise accidents
Among the states, Tamil Nadu, with 64,105 accidents, recorded the highest number of road accidents in 2022 and accounts for 13.9 percent of the total. Madhya Pradesh followed closely behind with 54,432 accidents, representing 11.8 percent. In terms of fatalities, Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 22,595 deaths (13.4 percent of the total), followed by Tamil Nadu with 17,884 deaths, or around 10 percent of the total fatalities.
The category-wise distribution of accidents and fatalities reveals that the highways, with around 5 percent of total road network in the country, accounted for over 55 percent of total accidents and more than 60 percent of fatalities. Highways accounted for 36.2 percent of total persons killed in National Highways.
The worrying fact is that even with proactive steps taken by the government in the form of implementation of the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019, which came into effect from September 1, 2019, has not helped in bringing down the accident rates. The MVA Act 2019 included provisions like a stiff hike in penalties for traffic violations, electronic monitoring of the same and enhanced penalties for juvenile driving, among others.
Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer Maserati has displayed the Quattroporte at the 45th Turin Motor Show, one of the biggest motoring events in the world. The luxury saloon completes its 60 years of existence this year, across six generations and more than 75,000 models produced. The car that debuted in the early 1960s, garnered acclaim and inspired successive generations.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 31 Oct 2023, 16:38 PM
Over the years, the Maserati Quattroporte has been known as a living room on the move with extremely welcoming spaces.
Over the years, the car has been known as a living room on the move with extremely welcoming spaces, regal allure and an official car. The initial version was able to reach 230 kmph thanks to its eight-cylinder racing-derived engine. In its latest and highest-spec version, the model can reach 0-100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds at a top speed of 366 kmph.
The Quattroporte has made its way to the garages of some thrill-seekers, of kings and princes, and found a limelight in the background of many memorable films. It has been featured in more than 60 productions, to be precise. The saloon has also been photographed on red carpets or while accompanying the highest-ranking officials at solemn events and the significant VIPs in industry.
A mainstay of the automotive landscape in the 20th century, the Quattroporte still remains relevant in the new millennium sixty years later. “Quattroporte is Maserati’s history. A car that tells our story and has prestigiously represented us in the world of saloon cars, for over half a century,” said CEO of Maserati, Davide Grasso.
The latest Quattroporte has taken the stage once again after many years, in its most modern version. It incorporates all the restyling, progress in engineering, changes in corporate structure and yet retains the exclusivity. “A source of pride for us and an acknowledgement of that distinctively Italian character that Maserati has always aimed to export around the world with its creations,” Grasso added.
As the iconic kaali peeli Padmini bids Mumbai farewell, we look back at what it was like to drive one.
Published On Oct 31, 2023 04:48:00 PM
Think Bombay and the first image that pops up is that of Victorian buildings, red double-decker buses, and a compact Italian sedan from the ‘50s painted in yellow and black. The taxi, of course, is the Fiat 1100 D. A well-rounded family car in its time, later sold here as the Premier Padmini, it was enjoyable to drive in the right conditions, compact in dimension and reasonably practical.
This is probably why it made for such a successful taxi – first with a petrol engine, then a diesel, and finally running on CNG. Produced all the way from 1964 to 2001 (due to the licence raj), it was a car preferred by those who drove themselves and was only outlived by its compatriot, the even longer-running Hindustan Ambassador.
CNG feeder pipe to the carburettor and loose electric wires live in perfect harmony, radiator cap removed to reduce pressure.
Truth be told, it shouldn’t have been very successful as a taxi. It wasn’t as spacious or as comfortable as an HM Ambassador; it couldn’t carry as much luggage; and it didn’t ride quite as well either. Taxi drivers, however, loved it. It was ‘zippy’, compact, and agile and would make most gaps in traffic easily. What really set it apart, especially later in its extended life, was that it cost almost nothing to fix.
While the Fiat 1100 was pretty accomplished in its time and reasonably comfortable to ride in, the taxi fleet got tattier and rattier as the years went by. Soon, most were upwards of 20 years old, and that’s when we at Autocar India decided to drive one.
Steering wheel cover was a standard feature on the taxis.
But why test a 20-or-so-year-old taxi? The need to test the car came about from an argument with one of Mumbai’s finest practitioners of the art of ‘restrained aggression’ – a cab driver. He had tried his best to rear-end me as I stopped for a traffic signal and, to put it mildly, we exchanged a few words. “When have you last driven one of these?” he’d queried, pointing to his bedraggled Padmini. So, in the name of science, humanity and rank stupidity, we got ourselves behind the wheel of an old cab, testing equipment in hand.
Testing Mumbai’s iconic Premier Padmini kaali peeli
Having owned and driven three Fiat 1100s in the past, I thought I would be familiar with the car. Hah, what arrogance! Nothing, not even several taxi rides, with blown tyres, free-floating rear seats or severe alignment problems could have adequately prepared me. It’s no small exaggeration to state that none of the mechanical bits functioned as they should have. None. Okay, maybe the horn worked perfectly, but that was about it.
Start-up is a wheezy crrrrr, crrrr, crrr; hopeless, almost no sign of life. Finally, it starts. Then comes the difficult job of selecting first gear. The gear slots in, but only after grating severely, even with the clutch fully depressed. There was no turbo but, boy-oh-boy, is there lag. The delay can be counted in seconds.
Once the engine begins to rev, it’s maximum noise and no performance. We timed the car from 0-60kph; any more would have been too ambitious. It is slower than we even expect. So we tested it again. And it was slower still; overheating, stuttering and threatening to shut down. Tata Sumos and Mahindra Armadas back in the day were among the slowest cars we’d tested. They took between 11 and 12 seconds to do 0-60kph. This taxi took more than twice that time – 25.23sec.
All tyres have to be bald retreads.
What of stability, grip and braking you ask? Almost all cabs even back in the day ran an assortment of clapped-out tyres, many on their third or fourth retread. A large percentage are slicks, you regularly see others with the ply peeking through and punctures were common. Many cabs were also rotten to the core, their chassis bent and their floor pans drooping.
Once on the move, we discover there’s around 30deg of play on either side when you steer and you need to constantly correct to keep the taxi going straight. We conducted a full brake test – yes, we really were nuts. And here too the distance travelled is twice the worst braking figure we’ve ever recorded.
This taxi is so slow it takes 25sec to go from 0-60kph, twice as slow as the slowest car we’d tested then!
Though Fiat 1100s were accomplished cars in their prime, in the ’60s and ’70s, and performed all manner of roles well when maintained well in private hands, most Padmini taxis even over a decade ago were only fit for the junk heap. Devoid of any directional stability, and in possession of ineffective brakes, they were simply unfit for the road. No ifs, no buts. Just how badly would these cars have fared in a Global NCAP crash test? And how roadworthy or safe are some of our older taxis today? Does anyone care?
Forgetting to retract the side stand of a motorcycle or a scooter is one of the major reasons for road crashes involving two-wheelers. Leading automotive component manufacturer Uno Minda has introduced a new range of side stand sensors and switches that can mitigate this problem and make riding safer for motorcyclists. The auto component supplier has revealed in an official statement that this range of side stand sensors and switches will be available for motorcyclists as an aftermarket accessory across India.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 30 Oct 2023, 17:17 PM
Uno Minda’s new side stand sensors are powered by magnetic sensor technology and ensure enhanced riding safety. (Representational image)
Uno Minda has claimed that the new side stand sensors and switches use advanced magnetic sensor technology. This technology disengages the engine circuit unit when the side stand is in an unsafe position, resulting in no propulsion for the motorcycle. The company claims that this technology ensures that bike riders ride safely. With the magnetic sensor-powered technology, the instrument cluster of the motorcycle gets an LED light indicator, which lights up when the side stand is in an unfavourable position, alerting the rider.
Several two-wheelers in India have been launched already with this technology. However, in those cases, the two-wheelers come equipped with the technology from the manufacturer. Uno Minda’s new range of side stand sensors will enable motorcyclists who have older models to get the same technology, enhancing their safety while riding.
Speaking about the launch, Anand Kumar, Head of Product & Strategy, Aftermarket Domain at Uno Minda Ltd., said that the side stand sensors are important because getting to a corner and having the side stand hit the road can lead to a crash. “We know that bikes generally come with a pre-installed side stand sensor. Side stand sensors are important because getting to a corner and having the side stand hit the road can lead to a crash. Uno Minda side stand sensors have been manufactured to cater to the durability requirements on India’s rocky trails,” he added.
The company has further claimed that the side stand sensor and switches are available across India at leading online and offline retail stores, at a price starting at ₹172. Also, the side stand sensors and switches come with a two-year warranty from the manufacturing date.
Users of the Honda UNI-ONE can steer this concept vehicle simply by shifting their body weight while sitting without using hands.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 29 Oct 2023, 17:56 PM
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Honda Motor has displayed the UNI-ONE personal mobility concept at the ongoing Japan Auto Show, Users can steer this concept vehicle simply by shifting their body weight while sitting without using hands and thus perform certain tasks while moving. It has been designed to expand opportunities for users with mobility challenges.
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One of the unique features of the Honda UNI-ONE is that it changes its height. It takes the low position for more stability while the user is getting on, and shifts to the high position once moving, so that the user will have an eye level close to that of people who are standing.
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A Honda UNI-ONE user can move in all directions just by shifting their body weight, thus using both hands freely. The idea is that having an eye level close to that of standing people enables natural communications while moving.
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By using data such as inclination angle and angular velocity, the intension estimation controller performs calculations to estimate the user’s intentions, such as whether the user wants to stay in place, or to move toward which direction and at what speed. Based on the results of the estimate, the stabilization controller performs calculations to control the wheels so that the UNI-ONE does not lean too far and applies feedback control to achieve natural behavior that is neither too fast nor too slow.
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UNI-ONE will be in Low Position Mode while the user is getting on, and in High Position Mode while the user is moving around with the balance control.
Bagnaia promoted to second after Binder was handed a penalty for exceeding track limits.
Just a week after he missed out on the podium in Australia, Jorge Martin took a hard-fought victory in the 2023 Thai GP. Red Bull KTM’s Brad Binder finished second on road, but he exceeded lap limits which meant he had to drop down to third. Factory Ducati rider and reigning world champion Francesco Bagnaia was promoted to second.
Just thirteen points separate Martin and Bagnaia
Martin won both Sprint and main races this weekend
Battle for the podium
Martin led for much of the Thai GP, but on a few occasions Binder was able to overtake him, although he couldn’t make it stick. Bagnaia had a poor start and at one point during the race was in eighth place. However, he was able to make his way through the field in due course and was running fourth behind Alex Marquez, when the Gresini Ducati rider crashed out.
Quartararo, Marquez finish in the top 7
Factory Yamaha rider Fabio Quartararo, who qualified tenth, claimed he had a “good feeling” on the bike this weekend and was able to replicate this success out on the track. He finished the main race in sixth place. Repsol Honda rider Marc Marquez (who is moving to Gresini Ducati next year) took the chequered flag in seventh place, after battling with Quartararo for much of the race. In 2019,Marquez took his eighth world title while battling with Fabio at this very circuit.
2023 MotoGP world championship standings
Despite wins in both the Sprint and feature-length races Jorge Martin is still thirteen points adrift of championship leader, Francesco Bagnaia. Bagnaia’s VR46 academy stablemate Marco Bezzecchi is third in the overall standings.
MotoGP heads to Malaysia in two weeks’ time, so keep watching this space for the latest developments.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 28 Oct 2023, 16:00 PM
Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India have announced special offers for the festive season. The brand is offering cashback of up to ₹5,000, zero down payment, no cost EMI, low rate of interest at 6.99 per cent and no hypothecation. With the Shine 100, the brand is giving a ‘100 pe 100’ offer. It is important to note that these offers are available only for limited and there are terms and conditions applied.
Image of Honda Activa Limited Edition in Matte Steel Black Metallic colour used for representational purposes only.
Honda recently launched the OBD2-compliant version of the CB300R in the Indian market. It is priced at ₹2.40 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which is ₹37,000 less than what it was priced before. It competes against the Bajaj Dominar 400, TVS Apache RTR 310, KTM 390 Duke and BMW G 310 R.
Powering the CB300R is a 286 cc, single-cylinder engine that uses a DOHC setup and liquid cooling. It puts out 29.98 bhp of max power at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque output of 27.5 Nm at 7,500 rpm. It comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch.
The manufacturer also launched a new limited edition model of the Activa. It is priced at ₹80,734 and ₹82,734 for the Standard and Smart variant respectively. Both prices are ex-showroom. The limited edition model only comes with cosmetic changes.
The Limited Edition will be sold in two new colour schemes. There is Pearl Siren Blue and Matte Steel Black Metallic. Honda has added black chrome accents and stripes to the body panels. The Activa 3D emblem gets premium black chrome garnish while the rear grab rail also gets a body color dark finish. Apart from this, Honda has added a set of alloy wheels to the DLX variant which means that the scooter comes with peace of mind of having tubeless tyres.
Triumph has unveiled a new Stealth Edition for its range of motorcycles. Motorcycles like the Scrambler 900, Bobber, Speed Twin 900, Speed Twin 1200, Speedmaster, Bonneville T120 and Bonneville T100 will be getting the new special edition. It is important to note that the Stealth Edition will go on sale only for one year and as of now, Triumph has revealed whether it is coming to the Indian market or not.
By: Paarth Khatri | Updated on: 27 Oct 2023, 18:04 PM
Triumph Stealth Editions only come with cosmetic upgrades over the standard versions of the motorcycles.
The eight motorcycles are finished in unique paint colours on the fuel tank. The Bobber gets purple, the Scrambler 900 gets orange, the Speed Twin 900 gets green, the Speed Twin 1200 and Speedmaster gets red, the Bonneville T120 gets black and blue whereas the Bonneville T100 gets only blue.
Triumph Motorcycles’ Chief Commercial Officer Paul Stroud said: “The Stealth Editions are simply stunning, and a brilliant demonstration of the skill and innovation of our paint team. It is a challenging, hand-crafted technique that gives each motorcycle a sophisticated and unique finish. For fans of our Bonnevilles, these Stealth Editions will be hard to resist.”
The Stealth Edition motorcycle range will reach the dealerships in February 2024. It will be priced slightly higher than the standard motorcycles. 2024 is also the year when Triumph will be discontinuing the Thruxton cafe racer motorcycle with a Final Edition. The Thruxton Final Edition is based on the Thruxton RS and it will arrive at dealers in Spring 2024.
Triumph Thruxton Final Edition is finished in an exclusive Competition Green paint scheme, with hand-painted gold lining and signed by the artist. Triumph says that the motorcycle is expected to become a collector’s item so they are offering a certificate of authenticity featuring the bike’s unique VIN number. Each of these special documents is signed by members of the Thruxton 1200 design team and Triumph’s CEO, Nick Bloor. A unique Final Edition engine badge will also be supplied with each motorcycle, with a gold-finished surround and a ‘Final Edition’ graphic infill.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 26 Oct 2023, 16:20 PM
Delhi is all set to see the return of ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign this season as pollution level in the national capital continues to increase ahead of Diwali festival. Gopal Rai, Environment Minister of Delhi said that the state government is planning to bring back the campaign that aims to reduce vehicular pollution in the national capital region. Delhi and the neighbouring region have already implemented the Graded Response Action Plan or GRAP to reduce polluting vehicles from plying in the city. The government plans stricter action in coming days to keep pollution under check.
Volunteers hold placards at a traffic point as part of the Delhi government’s Red Light On, Gaadi Off campaign to reduce pollution level in the national capital, at ITO. (File photo) (ANI)
The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign was first launched in 2020 to reduce vehicular pollution as part of the15-point action plan to curb air pollution in Delhi. Earlier, before Covid years, Delhi government resorted to odd-even scheme under which private vehicles with registration plates ending in odd and even numbers were allowed to ply on every alternate days to reduce pollution.
Speaking on bringing back the ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign, Gopal Rai said, “One of the major causes of pollution in the national capital is traffic. To reduce the overall pollution in Delhi, we’ve had to decrease the vehicle pollution. Thus, we are introducing a ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign to create awareness among the public to curb vehicle pollution. In the next phase of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), eco-friendly bus service will be started. The work to introduce this bus service has already begun.”
The ‘Red Light on, Gaadi Off’ campaign promotes saving precious fuel as well as keep pollution levels in check. Drivers are encouraged to turn off their engines while waiting at traffic signals.
The national capital recorded ‘poor’ air quality on Thursday with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 256. According to SAFAR-India, the air quality around Delhi University recorded ‘very poor’ clocking 316 AQI in the morning. Noida, Delhi’s neighbouring satellite city, recorded ‘poor’ air quality with AQI hovering at 269 while Gurugram was ‘moderate’ at 176 AQI.
360hp, coupe-SUV will be brought in as a CBU in limited numbers.
BMW has launched the X4 xDrive M40i in India at Rs 96.20 lakh, and the coupe-SUV, which will be brought in as a CBU, will be available in a single trim and sold in limited units.
Gets two paint options
20-inch wheels with run-flat tyres
Equipped with a 48V mild-hybrid system
BMW X4 M40i design
The BMW X4 M40i retains its sloping rear roofline, but is styled like the X3 SUV that it’s based on. The coupe gets a gloss matte black treatment on the kidney grille, grille surround, exhaust pipe, window surround and roof rails. The SUV is available in two metallic colours – Black Sapphire and Brooklyn Grey.
The X4 gets a staggered tyre setup – 245/45-R20 at the front and 275/40-R20 at the rear – with run-flats. The double-spoke alloy wheels are also finished in black and brake pads get red calipers.
BMW X4 M40i interior and features
On the inside, the X4 M40i gets BMW’s Vernasca Leather dashboard in black or tarcora red with carbon-fibre trim pieces. This model comes equipped with the M package, which includes unique pedals, a leather steering wheel and a M-specific display on the digital information cluster.
Other notable features on the X4 M40i include a 12.3-inch infotainment unit, ADAS, a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, 3-zone climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, park assist, 360-deg camera, wireless charging and more.
BMW X4 M40i engine and performance
The BMW X4 M40i is powered by a 360hp, 500Nm, 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, with power going to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW claims that the X4 M40i can accelerate from 0-100kph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed of 250kph.
BMW X4 M40i rivals
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 is a direct rival to the BMW X4 M40i, but it’s not on sale in India currently. Globally, the GLC 43 recently underwent a model update last month and it could come to India in the near future.
Interestingly, BMW also offers the X3 SUV in the M40i guise. And, at Rs 87.7 lakh, it is not only more affordable by Rs 8.5 lakh but also offers more headroom and boot space.
The KTM RC 125 is the brand’s most affordable full-faired offering in India and the motorcycle is one of the sharpest tools you get if you want to hone your riding skills. The 125 cc motorcycle borrows heavily from its older siblings right from the top-tier hardware, sharp design language and even the colour options. Does the KTM RC 125 make sense for you to buy this festive season? Let’s take a look at what the bike has to offer.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 25 Oct 2023, 20:18 PM
The KTM RC 125 is the brand’s most affordable fully-faired offering on sale
KTM is retailing the updated RC 125 that arrived last year. The motorcycle gets a single halogen unit with integrated turn signals that replace the previously found twin-projector headlamps. The Austrian bike maker has also used a tweaked the rear sub-frame on the motorcycle for a more spacious and flat pillion seat. The changes bring down the overall weight of the motorcycle by 3.4 kg, while the fuel carrying capacity has gone up to 13.7 litres.
The KTM RC 125 also gets a TFT instrument console with an ambient light sensor that adjusts to changing light conditions automatically. The handlebar also gets height adjustability up to 10 mm, to toggle between race and everyday riding.
Power on the 2023 KTM RC 125 comes from the tried and tested 124 cc, single-cylinder engine. The motor gets a larger airbox and offers better lower-end performance. The liquid-cooled motor is tuned to produce 14.7 bhp, which makes it one of the most powerful 125 cc offerings on sale in India. The motor is paired with a 6-speed gearbox.
With respect to the hardware, the RC 125 packs USD forks at the front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are handled by a 320 mm disc at the front and a 230 mm unit at the rear. The motorcycle gets dual-channel ABS as standard with the Supermoto mode, sourced from Bosch. The KTM RC 125 takes on the Yamaha R15 V4 in the segment and both motorcycles are excellent machines to learn the track skills on. The RC 125 is priced at ₹1.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
New modular platform will underpin five new models that will be produced from four production hubs, including India.
At the presentation of its ‘New International Gameplan 2027’ in Brazil, Renault announced two platforms that it says will form the basis of its new plan for regions outside Europe. Speaking at the event, Fabrice Cambolive, global CEO of Renault said that the platforms will underpin eight new models. All these models will be produced and launched outside Europe, with the last one scheduled to arrive no later than 2027.
Fully Flexible Platform
Curiously, Renault refrained from labelling the platform headed to India, with Renault brand product performance VP, Bruno Vanel, only describing it as “a fully new Renault group modular platform that will be used in four hubs beyond Europe.” The first market would be Latin America, followed by Turkey, Morocco and India.
Speaking about this platform, Vanel said, “It is scalable and flexible and capable of accommodating vehicles with a length between 4-5 metres, with four possible wheelbases from 2.6-3 metres. The platform is also capable of accepting a wide range of powertrains, including ICE (gasoline and diesel), flex-fuel, LPG, 48V hybrid and full-hybrid too. It would also offer two- and four-wheel-drive capability.”
CMA platform
The second platform is the Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform, which will be localised in South Korea in partnership with Geely and will be used to develop D- and E-segment vehicles. Renault also used the event to showcase two vehicles based on the new flexible platform; the Niagara Concept pickup and the Kardian SUV.
Niagara Concept Pickup
The Niagara concept pickup is scheduled to go into production ‘no later than 2027’. It is 4.9 metres in length, powered by a new E-tech hybrid 4X4 powertrain, comprising of a 48V mild-hybrid engine that powers the front axle, with an extra electric motor on the rear axle.
Renault Kardian SUV
The Renault Kardian SUV is the first of the eight new models announced and will debut a new 3-cylinder, 1.0-litre turbocharged gasoline direct injection motor that’s derived from the brand’s larger 1.3 litre unit.
‘New International Gameplan 2027’
Renault’s new international gameplan will see the French carmaker invest 3 billion Euros in the next four to five years. This is a part of what the brand is calling its ‘Renaulution’, where it aims to double its net revenue per unit sold outside Europe in 2027, when compared with 2019. It also says that one out of every three Renault cars sold outside Europe will either be hybrid or electric. Renault is currently present in 80 countries with 40 percent of its sales coming from outside of Europe.
Car production in Thailand dropped 8.45 per cent in September from a year earlier to 164,093 units, as domestic sales slumped, the Federation of Thai Industries said on Tuesday.
By: Reuters | Updated on: 24 Oct 2023, 14:53 PM
Image used for representational purpose (REUTERS)
Thailand’s domestic car sales in September contracted 16.27 per cent year-on-year following a revised 11.7 per cent decline in August, as banks tighten auto lending, said Surapong Paisitpattanapong, a spokesperson for the Federation of Thai Industries’ automotive industry division.
The country’s September car production declined compared with a 12.27 per cent contraction in August.
Thailand is a regional vehicle production and export base for some of the world’s top carmakers, including Toyota and Honda.
Maini moves a step closer to his F1 aspirations, joining the Alpine driver development academy.
Indian Formula 2 rookie Kush Maini is the latest addition to the Alpine Academy – the F1 team’s young driver development programme. As part of the programme, Maini will benefit from the guidance of the Alpine F1 team as well as the wider Alpine Academy staff, along with access to the team’s state-of-the-art facilities at its Enstone base.
Maini currently 11th in the F2 championship
Being mentored by Mika Hakkinen
Piastri, Zhou former graduates of Alpine Academy
Maini made his single-seater debut in 2016, racing in the Italian F4 Championship. Since then, he’s gone on to race in Formula Renault Eurocup, British Formula 3 and FIA F3. He’s currently competing in his rookie season in FIA F2 with Campos Racing and is being mentored by none other than two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen.
The 23-year-old currently sits 11th in the drivers’ standings. He scored his first-ever F2 podium at the Australian GP Sprint Race. “I am super excited to be joining the Alpine Academy. It’s a dream come true to be associated with a team like BWT Alpine F1 Team, where I can learn and grow to hopefully one day be ready to take the step into Formula 1. A massive thank you to Alpine for believing in me and giving me this opportunity,” said Maini.
Maini joins his F2 rivals Jack Doohan (who is currently reserve driver for the Alpine F1 team) and Victor Martins at the Alpine Academy. From the current crop of F1 drivers, both Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) are graduates of the programme.
“We are happy to welcome Kush into the Alpine Academy. He is a young talent who we believe has strong potential and will be a great asset to our driver development programme,”said Julian Rouse, BWT Alpine F1 Team Interim Sporting Director.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 23 Oct 2023, 17:40 PM
As the overall air quality index of the national capital deteriorates, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has announced that the ‘Red Light On, Gaadi Off’ campaign will make a comeback from October 26. Like the previous editions, the campaign aims to reduce air pollution in the city by encouraging commuters to turn off their engines when waiting at red lights.
A picture from previous edition of the anti-pollution campaign in Delhi. (ANI)
The campaign was first launched in 2020 to reduce vehicular pollution as part of the15-point action plan to curb air pollution in the winter season across the city. A PTI report earlier informed that based on government estimates, the transport sector is responsible for 28 per cent of the PM2.5 emissions in the city. The vehicular contribution also makes up 80 per cent of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide in Delhi’s air.
The report also quoted data from the Petroleum Conservation Research Association (PCRA), which shows that if people switch off engines at traffic signals, pollution can be cut down by 13 to 20 per cent.
Rai also informed that the odd-even vehicle rationing system is not being considered at the moment. Under the scheme, private vehicles with registration plates ending in odd numbers ply in the capital on odd dates while those with even numbers ply on even dates.
The Environment ministry has put into force the phase two of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) to tackle “very poor” air quality of the city. Special teams will be deputed to identify and inspect local sources of pollution to that the government can work on the root cause of the issue.
The overall air quality in the national capital on Monday morning was recorded in the ‘Very Poor category’, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) at 306 against 302 recorded on Sunday afternoon, as per SAFAR-India.
Called Neo Steer by Toyota, this tech facilitates hand-operated driving and negates the need of foot-operated pedals.
Toyota will have an army of concept and production cars at the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, also known as Tokyo Motor Show 2023. The brand will also showcase NEO Steer – a yoke-style steering device instead of the traditional round steering wheel. This tech will be seen on the recently unveiled Toyota Land Cruiser Prado SUV that will be on display at the event.
Neo Steer by Toyota to debut at Tokyo Motor Show
Will be displayed on the new Land Cruiser Prado SUV
Lexus RZ SUV gets yoke-like steering by wire tech
Neo Steer by Toyota: what is it?
The Neo Steer takes inspiration from motorcycle handlebars by integrating the controls for acceleration and braking into the steering wheel, which eliminates the need for pedals as well. This yoke-style steering facilitates hand-operating driving, which means the SUV can also be driven by drivers with lower limb impairments.
On the yoke, the newly gained controls are mounted on the right side. They replace the acceleration and brake pedals, thus allowing drivers to enter/exit the vehicle with ease.
This is not the first time Toyota has equipped its vehicle from the factory with a yoke-like setup. Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has introduced the ‘Steer by wire’ tech in the RZ EV SUV, which is essentially a Lexus version of the popular Toyota bZ4X SUV. The steer-by-wire tech on the Lexus RZ is offered as an alternative to the traditional steering wheel and has a similar yoke-style device.
What else is Toyota showing at the event?
Toyota will bring a fresh concept previewing an all-electric Land Cruiser Se SUV. Additionally, there will be the Toyota FT-3E, another born-EV SUV concept, as well as a born-EV sportscar called the Toyota FT-Se. More production vehicles and concepts will be on display at Tokyo Motor Show 2023, which starts later this week.
EV charging solutions provider Tata Power is powering electric vehicles of fans who are pulling up to the 2023 Cricket World Cup venues in their battery-powered models. The company has listed out its EV charging stations closest to all the World Cup venues across India. Thanks to the company’s extensive EV charging network, cricket fans are being encouraged to use green mobility.
By: HT Auto Desk | Updated on: 22 Oct 2023, 17:33 PM
A Mercedes EQC electric SUV charges at a Tata Power EZ EV charging station.
Tata Power’s nation-wide EV charging network is spread over 420 cities with more than 59,000 home chargers, 4,900 public and semi-public charging points, and 430 bus charging stations. These charging solutions are present at diverse and strategic locations across the country, providing easy accessibility to those in need.
ATata Power charging facility is located at The Oberoi Mumbai at Nariman Point, which is just 1.6 kilometres far from the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Similarly, a charging station is located two kilometres away from the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, 450 m away from the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and 1.1 kilometres away from the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, 2.5 kilometres away from the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, 1.5 kilometres away from the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, to name a few.
The company says that it has been strategically installing EV charging points at diverse locations across the country to build an extensive and reliable network. All these charging stations are open 24 X 7 and monitored real-time by the Network Operation Centre located in Mumbai.
EV drivers can also navigate to their closest charging point using the EZ Charge app, book their charging slots in advance and pay with the EZ Charge card. “The hassle-free EZ Charge experience will ensure that fans can make the journey to witness their favourite teams play, knowing that their EVs will have the swift and EZ Charge they need,” said the company.
CNG feeder pipe to the carburettor and loose electric wires live in perfect harmony, radiator cap removed to reduce pressure. 
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